Cai Xingzhe's Audience Hall - Donga

Wokimo · Post by **Wokimo** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:04 am

@Gally-wag
"Quite. Our relations are cordial and as vassals of Wu Chen we have come to an agreement that will maintain peace and prosperity in Jibei. If Tian Dan wishes to wage war against my King, then I suppose that makes us enemies." Haoqi said flatly.

The guards in the room suddenly looked poised to swoop down on the envoy and make him a prisoner or murder him on the spot, whichever their lord commanded. Although Cai could not see the men behind him, he could feel the sudden tension fill the air and he held up his hand. If there was to be a war here, he wouldn't be the one initiating it. The guards relaxed slightly once more.

"Please inform Tian Dan that I intend to defend this city to the last and that he will receive no mercy should he attack Donga and be captured. If you have anything else you wish to say, speak now. If not, then you are free to return to Qi, for I am not in the habit of executing envoys."

Galagros · Post by **Galagros** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 10:35 am

The envoy shook his head. "I do not understand why you bow to a man whose reach falls short of your own lands, but your decision has been made. Goodbye." This time the man was less cordial in paying his respects. If Cai Xingzhe said nothing further, he moved towards the exit and awaited an escort out of the hall.

Wokimo · Post by **Wokimo** » Sun Sep 14, 2008 11:01 am

Cai noted the absence of the respect that had previously been manifest in the envoys words and actions but made nothing of it. As Haoqi had previously promised, Yun was escorted out of the palace and back to his escort at the city gates without incident.

Gailyn · Post by **Gailyn** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 12:03 pm

Wokimo wrote:Something in the words that Huang Wei spoke penetrated Cai Xingzhe and he smiled, believing that he understood something of the 'crocodile's' beliefs.

"To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders." he said cryptically and awaited Huang's response.

(sorry for the wait)

Wei's scowl turned into a slight grin. Was this man a philospher? Nodding at Cai, he replied, "Your words are well spoken, tell me, do you have any written words on the work of Master Kung?" Wei reached within his shirt and pulled out a book. It was in rough shape, much of it blackened from the fire Wei retrieved it from years ago. The usual menace that filled his eye had disappeared, replaced by a certain eagerness.

Wokimo · Post by **Wokimo** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 3:46 pm

"Alas, I have not been able to procure a copy of his works for myself, but I have the works of one of the other proponents of confucianist teachings. Mengzi's writings are most enlightening I have found." he replied. "What do you have there, Master Huang?"

Cai Xingzhe was pleasantly surprised to find that this fearsome character had a thirst for learning that was rare in men like Huang. The daily struggle for survival was often enough to be getting on with and so few who lived outside civilised society had the time or desire to enlighten themselves. Haoqi began to wonder whether his interest in philosophy was a case of nature or nurture.

((Post Count: Madness!?! This is Dongaaaaaaaaa!!!))

Gailyn · Post by **Gailyn** » Mon Sep 15, 2008 5:54 pm

Quickly realizing he had inadvertantly taken out his greatest treasure, Wei swiftly puts it back into its hiding spot, as he suspiciously watches Cai. The words the governor spoke were familiar to Wei, and he took his time letting them sink in. He seemed to remember Shuzhi mentioning this Mengzi before, in one of their many discussions. Returning his attention to the conversation, he replied to Cai Xingzhe's question. "This...is something I found, a long time ago. It has great power, and is what started me on my hunt. Much of it is impossible to read, as I retrieved it from a fire as it burned."

Thinking of the world decribed in the writings always brought joy to Wei. A world of peace and prosperity, and a world where no one would even think of teasing him or excluding him. He knew it was a world he would never see...his crimes were irreversible...but that didn't mean he couldn't try to achieve it none the less. Achieve it for those that were worthy, anyways. Those that weren't worthy...well their destiny was the receiving end of Wei's axe.

Wokimo · Post by **Wokimo** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 5:17 am

Cai Xingzhe was an avid reader himself and so he empathised with Huang's protectiveness of the partially charred book that he had once again secreted in his clothing. Although it was unlikely that the District Administrator and Huang Wei valued the wisdom contained in such tomes for the same reason, their mutual appreciation of philosophy might prove a valuable bridge between them.

"Have you been able to discern who wrote it? I see you are quite attached to that particular copy, but perhaps if an undamaged copy could be found that would at least allow you to read the volume in its entirety." Haoqi suggested.

Gailyn · Post by **Gailyn** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:57 am

"The author is unknown to me," Wei replied cooly, "but enough of this talk. Did you invite me here merely to satisfy a curiosity, or do you have some purpose you believe I may aid you with. You are wise in pursuing knowledge, which is why I have spoken to you at all, however I grow restless." Wei was fidgeting now, not used to speaking to others except when within the protection of his river. The sounds and smells of Donga, even here at a distance, were unnerving.

Wokimo · Post by **Wokimo** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 12:24 pm

@Gailyn
"Prefect Lu Ying and I will split Jibei between us for the time being and act in concert to ensure stability in the region. However, Tian Dan and I are now officially at war with one another and it is only a matter of time before he launches an invasion." Haoqi pointed roughly to the south. "I have received a report that he moves to build a fort on the border and that can only mean he intends to march sooner rather than later. I can evolve stratagems, employ ruses and give orders but I need captains to lead my men into battle, as well. It is for that reason that I have sought you out master Huang. In the coming month I will declare myself Magistrate of Donga and appoint one of my subordinates to be my General... I would like it to be you."

Gailyn · Post by **Gailyn** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:40 pm

Despite Jibei being his home, Wei showed little concern at the thought of it being invaded. The weak gave way to the strong, that was the rule of the universe. The weak were unable to carry out the reform needed to bring tranquility, and the world was better off without them. "War culls the weak from the field." Wei replies. "If Tian Dan wishes to bring war to Jibei, I will aid you. If you wish me to lead your men, I will lead them. If I must rip, tear, and slash my way through your enemies I will do it. If I must slaughter an army of men to prove your strength I will not hesitate to let my axe fly. If, however, you prove unworthy, I will not hesitate to kill you. That is the risk you must take and the deal you must make." Wei's tone was laced with no small amount of menace. He was serious when he called himself a tool, but it was a philosophy that wielded him. No man alive would be called master by this monster. "I will not lie to you, you will have no fear of betrayal from me while on the battlefield, but if Tian Dan defeats you, I would gladly remove your head and return to the river with it. It would serve as a reminder that those who fail my trust are not worthy of life."

Ning Shuzhi once again shifted uncomfortably, wondering if Cai Xingzhe would react favorably or unfavorably to Wei's edged proposal. He also wondered if Cai knew the risk hiring a man of Wei's temperament posed. He sighed, suddenly finding himself desperately hoping for a chance to enter Donga and have a bath.