Chen Yun's Audience Hall - Gaomi

antlan87 · Post by **antlan87** » Fri Jan 16, 2009 2:27 pm

"Thank you, I am honoured you have chosen me." Replies Chen Yun.

OOC: I take it by your PT that you'll be officially joining us next turn? Put your OI in our thread. PH access coming as soon as I post this.

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 3:15 am

In the afternoon of a midsummer's day, there appeared on the southern horizon of Gaomi a light coastal trade ship, flying the burgundy banner of Wu. It drew closer to the bustling port under a slow wind in the singular stiff sail, coming around the horn of Jiaodong before gliding into the peaceful bay waters. Aboard it, there was a young, fresh-faced scholar in robes befitting a public servant who called out to those on watch at the oceanside landing:

"I am Bing Xiao, District Justiciar of the state of Wu, here on a diplomatic mission on behalf of the Marquess Zhi Cheng, to fellow Marquis Chen Yun. I humbly request permission to dock, that I might parlay with him or his chosen representative and establish formal relations between our nations."

antlan87 · Post by **antlan87** » Thu Jan 22, 2009 10:31 pm

The guards at the docks, on patrol in case of a naval attack or pirates, send word to their lord within the city. Upon receiving a reply, they shout out, "You have permission to dock. Once you have done so, we shall take you into town."

(OOC: Sorry for the short reply. I had a longer one written up awhile ago, but I seem to have accidentally deleted it, and I have to get ready for work. Also, is this taking place in June, or July? I only ask, cause it mean the difference between me being a Marquis or a Duke.)

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Fri Jan 23, 2009 12:07 am

(ah well it is more in July, and being that I did not know you had proclaimed Duke when I sent the envoy, such a realization is perfectly IC.

)

Seeing they had the all clear, the craft was moored and the diplomat debarked with a slight smile. Sailing around the hostile lands of Xiang Kai to this meeting had made him a bit nervous, and it was good to be on land safely once more. Of course Bing stepped off alone and unarmed and bowed to his hosts, as the handful of stalwart sailors remained onboard.

"You have my thanks. If you would escort me to the palace I would be most grateful. I also assure you I bear no weapons, merely a message of goodwill for your master from the southern coasts."

antlan87 · Post by **antlan87** » Sat Jan 24, 2009 12:33 pm

After confirming he had no weapons, a few of the guards lead the envoy into the city, and to the administrative heart of Gaomi. From there they proceeded the the audience chamber where the Duke awaited. "Greetings, I am Duke Chen Yun. Welcome to my land. Tell me, what brings you so far from your home?"

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 3:19 am

The public servant bowed low to the ruler of Gaomi, and did not expect the announcement of the rank as it must have happened only recently during the trip. "Ah, Duke Chen Yun," enunciated Bing Xiao with a goodly emphasis on the new title to stroke his host's ego, "I and my Lady Zhi Cheng offer congratulations to you on your ascendancy, and the success of your campaign against Tian Dan's failed administration. The rule of law now once again flourishes in both Jiaodong & Qi, as it does in Wu, and the Marquess is most pleased at these developments."

Straightening up, the young man then spoke briskly. "Of course, after watching your regime grow at a steady pace, Lady Zhi felt that it was the proper moment to contact you and establish formal relations & proper discourse. For example, Wu is quite interested in hearing your views on foreign affairs; most specifically your disposition to the mighty King Xiang Kai of Liang that you now share a very large border with, and that of Marquis Jiang Sei of Huainan with whom we are closely allied."

antlan87 · Post by **antlan87** » Mon Jan 26, 2009 10:01 am

"There seems to be some confusion," says Chen Yun, "As I have only begun my campaign against Tian Dan, by first liberating his hold on Jiaodong. I have yet to enter Qi, and that may wind up on hold now that Liu Bang has moved against me with his raid on my provinces villages in June. However to do that, I'd need try and avoid going to war with King Xiang Kai, at least until I have dealt with Tian Dan, for other then Tian Dan and Liu Bang, I have no desire to fight the other lords, as I have no real reason to. I never desired to rule Jiaodong myself, as I wished only to serve my friend Tian Loc and his brother Tian Gong. Sadly, Gong got ill before we even took Gaomi, and a few months ago Loc became ill as well and stepped down and had me take over. However, should I be attacked, I won't hold back driving them off and taking the fight to them."

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 1:16 am

The diplomat bowed. "Ah, I beg your forgiveness for my oversight... though I am confidant that you will succeed Tian Dan's rule proper eventually. The region requires a guiding hand, and it would seem that the brothers have entrusted that dream to you with the foresight that you will accomplish great things in spite of the difficulties, Lord Chen."

Bing Xiao then arose and continued in a serious voice. "The Marquess of Wu shares your apprehension of the King of Liang's sizeable armies, her northern neighbor having already suffered and repelled their advance once. However, should you find yourself in a position where conflict is unavoidable with Xiang Kai, the noble Lady Zhi is prepared to offer you a generous degree of material support -- a gesture of friendship and wishes for your prosperity. In return, we ask that you remain vigilant in Jiaodong... most notably, against his military movements, that you may pass on critical intelligence which would greatly increase the security of the southern regions against another surprise strike."

The young scholar then stroked his chin once. "Although, there is the matter of this upstart warlord Liu Bang. What is the reasoning behind his recent raids into your territory, if you do not mind my asking? I am concerned he is a vassal hunting dog of King Xiang in some way... or merely another opportunistic wolf among many hunting for scraps?"

antlan87 · Post by **antlan87** » Fri Jan 30, 2009 2:45 pm

"Your lady's offer is indeed tempting, and I will think about. As for Liu Bang, I have no idea, for I have made no move against him, though I suspect he was testing the waters so to speak, as he is indeed likely an ambitious fellow, as I heard he would constantly urge Governor Yi to attack, before he went independant and attacked Governor Yi." Replies Chen Yun

Numinous · Post by **Numinous** » Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:09 pm

Bing Xiao nodded carefully and remarked quietly,"Perhaps such an ambitious man could be turned into an ally of yours rather than an enemy in the future, if you can discover his motives more clearly... but this is a task moreso for your kingdom's ministers to solve rather than my humble self."

Bowing to his host, the envoy's business seemed concluded for now with that subject. "With that in mind, I will waste no more of your precious planning time, Duke Chen. If there is no further issues, I shall take my leave back to my homelands across the southern coasts. Although, the offer of the Marquess still stands -- should Xiang Kai become your enemy, know that you have allies on your side in the river lands ready to aid your plight. Barring that event, the Lady Zhi would still most appreciate your visit in the future to discuss current affairs, and your officers are always welcome in Wu."