Zhi Cheng's Audience Hall - Jiangcheng

[sylthia]

An elder warrior arrived at the gates of Jiangcheng, the clothes he wore reminiscent of a formerly glorious Qin commander now driven into exile by the collapse of the empire.

Hail to you, soldiers of the Prefect Zhi! I am Zhang Zaidao, once honorable servant of the dynasty\'s armies. I have journeyed far to meet the young woman who rules these lands. Tell her my name, and I am sure the memory evoked will be an adequate calling card.

[Numinous]

The guards were of course courteous to the visitor, as was Zhi Cheng to all former Qin dignitaries. Though they did not recognize the name and sent a runner into the mansion grounds to inform the pale-faced ruler of just who was requesting an audience, and seemed to know of their mistress from the past. It was not long before the young soldier came dashing back, panting and out of breath. "Sir! The Prefect has instructed us to let the great Inspector-General Zhang Zaidao in without further delay. No searches will be necessary for an old friend."

The nearest guard captain bowed, and beckoned for the commander to follow him deeper into the somber mansion. It was was not long before he was led into the audience chamber, where the frail woman sat upon a wood and bronze chair. Despite her obviously ill-health, Zhi Cheng managed a very broad smile when she saw him come through the door, and gave him a very respectful nod of her white-haired head.

"Sir Zhang... I welcome you to Wu! I have not seen you in many months, and had surely thought you dead in the burning of Xiangyang... have you been wandering all this time, seeking solace?"

[sylthia]

The elder man of war bowed his head and gave a slightly wrinkled smile to the young woman.

Yes it certainly has been awhile, little Cheng... it is good to see that you made it out safely as well with the survivors of house Zhi. Even as I wandered, I still remembered your father wishes that I help watch over you if his fears of the fall of the Qin came to fruition. Now that we have come to that point, it seems you have taken it upon yourself to create a new nation from the ashes here in the river provinces... if that is so, then it would do me no greater honor than to serve under you in my old capacity, to grow the army of the state into a force that all will respect.

[Numinous]

Zhi Cheng smiled from her seat and bowed her head in thanks. "To have have you by my side, General Zhang, would be sincerely appreciated. Though I have brought stability to this area, I have yet one who I can trust the command of my legions to; to lead them through the coming battles that are looming with the wisdom and tenacity that only experience can bring. From this point forward I will entrust this most honored position to you, my friend. I pray that one day we may yet recapture the ancient glory of the Empire together."

Zhang Zaidao has been accepted into the force! PH access forthcoming.

[Lin Xin]

A delegate from Yue approached the Audience Hall of Zhi Cheng with an escort of 50 spearmen. Stopping in front of the guards, the man bowed and said, "I am Ro Aoi, servant of Duke Lin Xin, and I request an audience with Lady Zhi. You may search me for I carry no hidden weapons."

[Numinous]

A delegate from Yue approached the Audience Hall of Zhi Cheng with an escort of 50 spearmen. Stopping in front of the guards, the man bowed and said, "I am Ro Aoi, servant of Duke Lin Xin, and I request an audience with Lady Zhi. You may search me for I carry no hidden weapons."

The middle-aged guard captain on duty bowed his head, as the banners of Jiangcheng flew in the breezy air. "I am Colonel Ka Zhong. Visitors from Yue are of course always welcome here, but I must ask that your escort remains outside until your business is done. We will gladly ensure your personal protection for the duration of your audience with the Prefect, but in this environment security must come first."

With that he gave a quick nod of his helmeted head for two younger troopers to respectfully search the envoy, since he had already given his consent.

[Lin Xin]

The middle-aged guard captain on duty bowed his head, as the banners of Jiangcheng flew in the breezy air. "I am Colonel Ka Zhong. Visitors from Yue are of course always welcome here, but I must ask that your escort remains outside until your business is done. We will gladly ensure your personal protection for the duration of your audience with the Prefect, but in this environment security must come first."

With that he gave a quick nod of his helmeted head for two younger troopers to respectfully search the envoy, since he had already given his consent.

Aoi smiled. "Of course, Colonel," he replied heartily as he held his arms out to faciliate their search. "I will see your Lady unaccompanied."

[Numinous]

With his assent, the process was conducted speedily, and the diplomat was soon free to continue on into the mansion of the prefect without further hindrances. Though abuzz with activity of administrative functionaries in the offices he passed, the inner sanctums of the sparsely furnished building were comparatively quiet. In this silence and the long shadows of the windows that late afternoon sun cast sat Zhi Cheng in her antique chair, the white cloaked magistrate living up to her reputation somewhat with a face and hair as pale as the moonlight. A well-read manual was resting on her lap, seemingly one of an endless array of classic Qin titles that filled the rear wall of what was now her personal library.. all of course under the watchful eyes of a few armed guards.

When Aoi arrived with the escort assigned to him, Ka Zhong bowed and headed back to watch the gates, while the lady upon the seat closed the volume and met the diplomats eyes with a pair of unusual burgundy ones. Her voice, while quiet, was not harsh nor unnatural. "Ah, Ro Aoi... the ambassador of Yue. I would inquire as to what business you have from the Duke today... but after reading the report from my aide Bian, I am fairly certain I know what it is you are seeking. An answer? Or something more?"

[Lin Xin]

With his assent, the process was conducted speedily, and the diplomat was soon free to continue on into the mansion of the prefect without further hindrances. Though abuzz with activity of administrative functionaries in the offices he passed, the inner sanctums of the sparsely furnished building were comparatively quiet. In this silence and the long shadows of the windows that late afternoon sun cast sat Zhi Cheng in her antique chair, the white cloaked magistrate living up to her reputation somewhat with a face and hair as pale as the moonlight. A well-read manual was resting on her lap, seemingly one of an endless array of classic Qin titles that filled the rear wall of what was now her personal library.. all of course under the watchful eyes of a few armed guards.

When Aoi arrived with the escort assigned to him, Ka Zhong bowed and headed back to watch the gates, while the lady upon the seat closed the volume and met the diplomats eyes with a pair of unusual burgundy ones. Her voice, while quiet, was not harsh nor unnatural. "Ah, Ro Aoi... the ambassador of Yue. I would inquire as to what business you have from the Duke today... but after reading the report from my aide Bian, I am fairly certain I know what it is you are seeking. An answer? Or something more?"

With a bow, Aoi replied, "Lady Zhi, it is a pleasure to see you again. I have, uh, come to talk about how we can help protect Huainan from future attacks. You see, Wu sits between Huainan and Yue, any movement between the two provinces will require your permission and support. Should Jiang Sei ask us, we wish to be able to march our soldiers through Wu to assist in Huainan if possible."

The big man stood there uncomfortably. He was a bodyguard, not politician. However, since they had previously met back when Zhi Cheng was a district manager in Jiujiang, he got chosen for this mission.

[Numinous]

With a bow, Aoi replied, "Lady Zhi, it is a pleasure to see you again. I have, uh, come to talk about how we can help protect Huainan from future attacks. You see, Wu sits between Huainan and Yue, any movement between the two provinces will require your permission and support. Should Jiang Sei ask us, we wish to be able to march our soldiers through Wu to assist in Huainan if possible."

The big man stood there uncomfortably. He was a bodyguard, not politician. However, since they had previously met back when Zhi Cheng was a district manager in Jiujiang, he got chosen for this mission.

Zhi took a labored breath for a moment, before giving a thin smile in return to his bow. "I see... If that is the nature of your master's request then I wouldn't think of denying it," returned her firm answer to the diplomat. "It is no accident that the former Marquis Yi Lian entrusted this area to me... as it is a key strategic point, the southern gateway to the flank of Huainan. And I still remain bound to that mission to ensure the safety of the province, even if my friend has since passed from this mortal coil. It seems as though your master also feels likewise... and so should the orders for reinforcements be given once again by Jiang Sei -- as I am certain they will before the leaves have fallen from the trees -- I would be honored to have the Duke Lin's substantial forces march alongside my own. And if Yue is ever threatened... I would gladly offer my aid to you in return."

The woman sighed deeply a moment, before continuing: "Though I grant you this luxury... I do have some lingering questions of my own concerning the Duke's recent activities which impact our security situation, specifically those involving the remnants of the Qin..." The way Lady Zhi said the name was with both a reverence and a deep sadness apparent.