Yiye Shan's Audience Hall - Dai

[TGC]

Walking through the wet, muddy streets of Dai, a warrior entirely enclosed in a heavy, brown cloak approached the audience chamber of Yiye Shan. On either side of his waist were two deadly, exotic looking blades attached to a thick leather belt. His hood draped over his forehead, covering his eyes in shadow and leaving all of his features above his nose to the imagination.
As he came upon the guards, he halted his movements, save for one arm that reached out, offering a bamboo scroll. "Please inform Yiye Shan that Master Shi has answered his call and is here for an audience", the man spoke quietly, not revealing any expression to the facial features visable to the guards.

The guards carried their search routine as usual. They told the man that he had to disarm himself and submit to a search to proceed inside. They then looked inside his cloak and carried a quick search of the man's clothes, if he allowed them to. They then took away his weapons, if he allowed them to and told him that he could have them back when he leaves. A blade polishing service was also available for the small price of a gold, they would be polished and taken care of during his stay in the Audience Hall.

If he submitted to the disarm and search procedures, he was then allowed into the hall's waiting room, where he waited for only a few minutes. He was then escorted by two guards further into the building, through a long corridor.

Once he made it tothe audience room, he was greeted by a man in his early twenties, who rose from his humble throne and descended from his slightly elevated position to do so. Speaking on a tone between formal and casual with a warm voice, he introduced himself.

"I am Yiye Shan, welcome to my humble lands. May I ask you about your travels to the mountains of my homeland?"

[Nanjun Tiger]

The guards carried their search routine as usual. They told the man that he had to disarm himself and submit to a search to proceed inside. They then looked inside his cloak and carried a quick search of the man's clothes, if he allowed them to. They then took away his weapons, if he allowed them to and told him that he could have them back when he leaves. A blade polishing service was also available for the small price of a gold, they would be polished and taken care of during his stay in the Audience Hall.

If he submitted to the disarm and search procedures, he was then allowed into the hall's waiting room, where he waited for only a few minutes. He was then escorted by two guards further into the building, through a long corridor.

Once he made it tothe audience room, he was greeted by a man in his early twenties, who rose from his humble throne and descended from his slightly elevated position to do so. Speaking on a tone between formal and casual with a warm voice, he introduced himself.

"I am Yiye Shan, welcome to my humble lands. May I ask you about your travels to the mountains of my homeland?"

Although Shi disliked not only being disarmed, but also being completely defenseless in another's domain, he had been treated to the same treatment by every leader he had met. More than likely it was just the paranoia of the age, handed down by Ying Zheng himself. Even as much as he should have felt uneasy at such proceedings, he resigned himself to the treatment because he knew it was unavoidable if he were to meet each faction's leaders. But to some extent, he couldn't help but feel violated, to the extent that he was being treated like a common thug by those who invited him into their halls. But that was a matter for another time.

When greeted by the leader of Dai, Shi bowed politely, then cocked his head slightly when asked about his travels. "My travels? Well, sir, I was born in Nanyang, but when war erupted my family relocated west to a land called Bactria. I grew up in those lands; learning the arts of warfare and personal combat from the local leaders and Hellenic Lords..."

Pausing, he recalled what had compelled him to return to China. "When news reached me that my homeland was once again in civil war, I gathered my possessions and made my way back. Soon after arriving, I recieved many letters from regional leaders, each seeking my aid. I have traveled this land of ours extensively, as of late, to meet each leader face to face... And now, I come to Dai, to answer the letter sent to me by Your Lordship."

Bowing his head once more, he awaited Yiye Shan's response.

[BobPalindrome]

For Guo Feng, who had spent his entire life in the heartland of the Middle Kingdom, the distant backwater that was Dai was an unusual place. The winter in this region was known for being dry, sunny and cold, and it was strange for the Confucian philosopher to experience all three at once. Hunched over on a rented horse, which was being led by a ruddy-skinned native in odd clothes, Guo Feng pulled the fur cloak tight around himself and peered ahead at the city on the horizon.

Although he had already entered the service of Lord Xiang Kai, the Marquis of Liang, Guo Feng had been invited to Dai by Yiye Shan, the master of this realm. Yiye Shan was apparently not just interested in recruiting officers but in consulting them as well, regardless of their allegiance. This had impressed Guo Feng greatly, for it showed that Yiye Shan was not one to surround himself only with flatterers and friends but was prepared to turn an ear to anyone he wanted to hear from. Guo Feng was unsure of whether he could live up to whatever Yiye Shan had heard about him... But who was he to turn down an invitation from a lord?

Guo Feng had been expecting a rural territory, far removed from the comforts of civilization, and he had not been disappointed. But he did not regret. In his opinion, a man who ruled here would not be a proud and preening peacock, too haughty to pull himself away from hedonism and frivolousness. A man here would be tough, a salt-of-the-earth sort, honest and upright. This was the image he had as he was led on horseback to the guards in front of Yiye Shan's audience hall.

Dismounting, Guo Feng bowed to the native and paid him. He walked up to the guards and produced a small scroll, which he offered to the men-at-arms.

"My name is Guo Kongxiu," he said with formality. "I am a humble scholar from Shangwan in Chu. I have come at the request of Lord Yiye Shan. I will assent to any search for, while I promise I have no weapon on me, I realize that does not go far in this time of chaos and bloodshed."

[TGC]

Although Shi disliked not only being disarmed, but also being completely defenseless in another's domain, he had been treated to the same treatment by every leader he had met. More than likely it was just the paranoia of the age, handed down by Ying Zheng himself. Even as much as he should have felt uneasy at such proceedings, he resigned himself to the treatment because he knew it was unavoidable if he were to meet each faction's leaders. But to some extent, he couldn't help but feel violated, to the extent that he was being treated like a common thug by those who invited him into their halls. But that was a matter for another time.

When greeted by the leader of Dai, Shi bowed politely, then cocked his head slightly when asked about his travels. "My travels? Well, sir, I was born in Nanyang, but when war erupted my family relocated west to a land called Bactria. I grew up in those lands; learning the arts of warfare and personal combat from the local leaders and Hellenic Lords..."

Pausing, he recalled what had compelled him to return to China. "When news reached me that my homeland was once again in civil war, I gathered my possessions and made my way back. Soon after arriving, I recieved many letters from regional leaders, each seeking my aid. I have traveled this land of ours extensively, as of late, to meet each leader face to face... And now, I come to Dai, to answer the letter sent to me by Your Lordship."

Bowing his head once more, he awaited Yiye Shan's response.

Yiye Shan listened carefully to the man's word, but it was obvious that something had caught his attention more than the rest. Bactria, Hellenic, these foreign words had a gentle sound that caressed his ears. His curiosity overcoming his concentration for a moment, he found a way to quench his thirst of knowledge while remaining on topic.

"It is extremely unfortunate to see our people fight among each other and spread blood on the fields that feed us again... Tell me, is it the same in the lands of the west?"

For Guo Feng, who had spent his entire life in the heartland of the Middle Kingdom, the distant backwater that was Dai was an unusual place. The winter in this region was known for being dry, sunny and cold, and it was strange for the Confucian philosopher to experience all three at once. Hunched over on a rented horse, which was being led by a ruddy-skinned native in odd clothes, Guo Feng pulled the fur cloak tight around himself and peered ahead at the city on the horizon.

Although he had already entered the service of Lord Xiang Kai, the Marquis of Liang, Guo Feng had been invited to Dai by Yiye Shan, the master of this realm. Yiye Shan was apparently not just interested in recruiting officers but in consulting them as well, regardless of their allegiance. This had impressed Guo Feng greatly, for it showed that Yiye Shan was not one to surround himself only with flatterers and friends but was prepared to turn an ear to anyone he wanted to hear from. Guo Feng was unsure of whether he could live up to whatever Yiye Shan had heard about him... But who was he to turn down an invitation from a lord?

Guo Feng had been expecting a rural territory, far removed from the comforts of civilization, and he had not been disappointed. But he did not regret. In his opinion, a man who ruled here would not be a proud and preening peacock, too haughty to pull himself away from hedonism and frivolousness. A man here would be tough, a salt-of-the-earth sort, honest and upright. This was the image he had as he was led on horseback to the guards in front of Yiye Shan's audience hall.

Dismounting, Guo Feng bowed to the native and paid him. He walked up to the guards and produced a small scroll, which he offered to the men-at-arms.

"My name is Guo Kongxiu," he said with formality. "I am a humble scholar from Shangwan in Chu. I have come at the request of Lord Yiye Shan. I will assent to any search for, while I promise I have no weapon on me, I realize that does not go far in this time of chaos and bloodshed."

After being searched and disarmed by the guards, Guo Feng was allowed to proceed into the building and was asked to stay in the waiting room for a moment, to allow them to contact the lord of Dai. After a few minutes, a guard came back, apparently feeling a bit awkward.

"Master, I was told by my lord to bring you to the tea pavillion to meet with him, if you wished to. Should you refuse, he'll meet you in a more conventionnal way, in the main audience room."

If he accepted the invitation, he was brought to an humble tea pavillion, where a young man was waiting for him. The youth with a beard bowed before him and introduced himself on a warm tone, before motioning toward a low table next to him.

"I am Yiye Shan, it is a pleasure to meet you, master Guo."

If he refused the inviation to the tea pavillion, the guard bowed and left. After another couple of minutes, he came back to escort him to the audience room, where Yiye Shan was waiting for him, standing casually away from his throne.

"Welcome, master Guo Feng, I am Yiye Shan. It is a pleasure to meet you who is missing on my maids' special tea."

[BobPalindrome]

After being searched and disarmed by the guards, Guo Feng was allowed to proceed into the building and was asked to stay in the waiting room for a moment, to allow them to contact the lord of Dai. After a few minutes, a guard came back, apparently feeling a bit awkward.

"Master, I was told by my lord to bring you to the tea pavillion to meet with him, if you wished to. Should you refuse, he'll meet you in a more conventionnal way, in the main audience room."

If he accepted the invitation, he was brought to an humble tea pavillion, where a young man was waiting for him. The youth with a beard bowed before him and introduced himself on a warm tone, before motioning toward a low table next to him.

"I am Yiye Shan, it is a pleasure to meet you, master Guo."

Guo Feng gave a quick nod to the guard, quickly accepting the invitation. It was yet another reassuring sign, showing that Yiye Shan did not need to show off the splendor of his audience hall or to look down upon others from atop his throne. Meeting in a simple tea pavillion demonstrated that this young lord enjoyed the nice but spartan way to live, not demanding more and more gratification through life's pleasures.

Brought before Yiye Shan, Kongxiu immediately bowed in return and took his seat. He was the picture of respect and obedience, knowing well his place next to this prefect. It did not matter whether his land was grand or small; his title demanded respect and there was no question he was worth more than Kongxiu was. Besides, it would reflect badly upon Xiang Kai and Liang if Kongxiu were to behave poorly now.

"The pleasure is mine," Kongxiu said, inclining his head so far his chin tapped his chest. "You are a man of talent as well as leadership, Lord Yiye. I can see that even someone occupied with the affairs of state finds the time to engage in the peaceful and reflective meditation that comes with drinking good tea."

He looked over the table before him. "There is much ritual involving tea, you know. It is necessary to know and perform the rituals well. To do so shows respect to the tradition that has been handed down to us by our ancestors, but it also shows self-discipline and focus. Without these qualities, even the richest and mightiest ruler is worth nothing."

He turned to Yiye Shan, blushing slightly. "How rude of me to lecture here and now, before you! I do apologize. But the truth is I am quite taken with my first impression of you, Prefect. The very fact that you invited me here to discuss matters intellectual with you is quite remarkable in this day and age, where petty warlords scheme and gamble to carve out their own small pieces of territory."

[Chrs]

((Will reply soon. Apologies! I'm basically in control of the kingdom now.))

[Ni Zan]

The skies were clear, sunlight glistened off the recently-fallen snow, the air was cold and bracing. Ni Zan was barely aware of these things, and they did not improve his mood, as he had much to brood upon. His journey was nearly at and end though, he had that at least to be thankful for.

Entering the city of Dai, he headed for the center of the city, the administrative district, and spoke to the guards at the gate of the Prefect's audience hall.

"Good afternoon. I have come to speak with Prefect Yiye Shan, if that is possible."

[Chrs]

The skies were clear, sunlight glistened off the recently-fallen snow, the air was cold and bracing. Ni Zan was barely aware of these things, and they did not improve his mood, as he had much to brood upon. His journey was nearly at and end though, he had that at least to be thankful for.

Entering the city of Dai, he headed for the center of the city, the administrative district, and spoke to the guards at the gate of the Prefect's audience hall.

"Good afternoon. I have come to speak with Prefect Yiye Shan, if that is possible."

The guard nodded, and explained the disarment process- and that he'd get any weapons that were confiscated back after it. If Ni Zan Consented to these searches, he was escorted through to Yiye Shan's office. Where a man was sitting.

"Good afternoon! Please, take a seat? Would you like tea?"

[Ni Zan]

"Ah, you are most gracious. Tea would be welcome, it is quite cold today."

When the tea was served, Ni Zan wrapped his hands around the cup he was given, taking comfort from its warmth. He sipped, and let the familiar flavor soothe him.

"I will not waste your time, Prefect. You undoubtedly have many calls upon it. I have come to Dai seeking refuge. My home province of Di has been overrun by the Brotherhood of Xiyue, and I allowed myself to be their tool, much to my shame. But the Brotherhood itself is but a tool, a tool of the Qin, of Ying Jianglu, should Meng Tian allow him to procalim himself King of Qin now that Ying Fusu is dead. Need it be said that the Qin have lost the Mandate of Heaven, or the Middle Kingdom whould not find itself in the straights it is in today? An answer for China's troubles must come from elsewhere. Perhaps even from here. Someone else must assume the Mandate, and found a new dynasty before China can grow strong again."

[Chrs]

"Ah, you are most gracious. Tea would be welcome, it is quite cold today."

When the tea was served, Ni Zan wrapped his hands around the cup he was given, taking comfort from its warmth. He sipped, and let the familiar flavor soothe him.

"I will not waste your time, Prefect. You undoubtedly have many calls upon it. I have come to Dai seeking refuge. My home province of Di has been overrun by the Brotherhood of Xiyue, and I allowed myself to be their tool, much to my shame. But the Brotherhood itself is but a tool, a tool of the Qin, of Ying Jianglu, should Meng Tian allow him to procalim himself King of Qin now that Ying Fusu is dead. Need it be said that the Qin have lost the Mandate of Heaven, or the Middle Kingdom whould not find itself in the straights it is in today? An answer for China's troubles must come from elsewhere. Perhaps even from here. Someone else must assume the Mandate, and found a new dynasty before China can grow strong again."

He smiled.


"I will always have time for those who come in peace, Master Zan." he said warmly. Then, he changed his tone... "I understand your woes at the state of the land, after all, that is why I am here. I wish to unite the land- so that the bloodshed will end..."

"If you have come to seek employment- then, Master Zan, you are more than welcome here. it is a pleasure to others that share my vision. Could you outline to me your areas of expertise?"