Lao Yongrui's Audience Hall - Qufu

[Xiang Zhuang]

Yongrui had forgotten his tea as he listened to his godfather's account of Lu Ying. After taking a minute to collect his thoughts, he finally said "I see what you're saying, father. It seems I should find myself in Zhao soon, speaking with Lu Ying personally. Perhaps she will not be my target, but perhaps I shall still march north to Zhao. As ludicrous as it might sound, if we can arrange a plan to strike at the king of the region, I will not only gain her favor, but perhaps Tian Dan's as well. What do you think of this?"

"Like I said, Lu Ying is an exceptional woman," he replied, sipping at his own tea. "Be careful. She has a lot invested in the King of Zhao's survival, at least, for now. If you went to her with a deal to turn against him, she might likely take you hostage to both earn more favor in the sight of her king, as well as trying to prevent the King of Qi from invading. I don't think that'll stop old Tian Dan, of course." He let out a small laugh. "He is short-sighted, isn't he? He attacks the largest power near him, instead of attempting to consolidate all of the true state of Qi under him. It might be wise to keep an ear to the ground here. I don't imagine that, before long, there will be others wishing to dethrone the King. Perhaps even members of his own family, should he proceed upon this line of thinking.

"King of Qi, indeed." He sipped some more of the tea. "Zhao is a poor target for him. The King there has already made many, many enemies that do not even count the King of Qi. His victory might be simple, but what he gains is likely to be little. Who knows? Maybe even your godfather might find himself in Zhao soon, if Qin or Chu has their way."

[Vhalander]

Yongrui nodded, and remained standing as Gongxi did. "Certainly. You might have noticed how plain this city of Qufu is when you passed through with the guards. I've been trying to remedy this situation, but it turns out none of my advisers know of masonry, let alone architecture. I'm also hoping to establish my home village of Shantian as a more visible center of trade and culture throughout Qi, yet I still have no one of considerable knowledge to make my dreams true.

I was told by a friend's friend or something along those lines, that you could take a pile of stone, and a pile of wood, and turn it into a beautiful home. Is this a fable or are you the person I have heard so highly of?"

"It is true that I have some small talent in architecture. I must confess that it is by no means my primary focus. I have only learned most of what I know as a by-product of my research of calligraphy and its structure. There is quite a parallel between the two, you see.

Literature rests on the atomic structures, strokes, of each individual character in it. If there is a critical error in the composition of a character, there is likewise a critical error in the passage, and this will be reflected in the overall quality. Similarly, if a single stone in a building is out of place, or of poor quality, the structure has no hope of ever lasting longer than the mason who built it."

[Lao Kong]

"It is true that I have some small talent in architecture. I must confess that it is by no means my primary focus. I have only learned most of what I know as a by-product of my research of calligraphy and its structure. There is quite a parallel between the two, you see.

Literature rests on the atomic structures, strokes, of each individual character in it. If there is a critical error in the composition of a character, there is likewise a critical error in the passage, and this will be reflected in the overall quality. Similarly, if a single stone in a building is out of place, or of poor quality, the structure has no hope of ever lasting longer than the mason who built it."

Yongrui looked surprised. "Calligraphy? I once attempted to learn. I daresay I was not excellent at it. My instructor said I had potential, but my other studies interfered with this class." At this Yongrui realized he was getting off-topic. "Ahh yes, this brings me to a question I wish to ask you, Master Gongxi. Would you help me here in Qufu? I feel that with someone like you at my side, the city will be strong and prosperous.

Also, if you remember the letter I had sent you, my skill is nowhere near your own. Now that I know of your talent with ink, I am truly surprised you answered my request. Perhaps if other talented peoples among the land read your letters, they would be more willing to visit Qufu?"

[Vhalander]

Gongxi shifted uncomfortably from his position. Indeed, this was not something he felt overly excited to discuss, but it was necessary. Zhen Ci, noticing his master's unease, furrowed his brow but otherwise remained silent. With a small bow, the scholar spoke

"You must forgive my indignity, Master Lao. As you might have assumed, I have received other letters similar to yours. In fact, according to my estimates I have one from almost half of the lords in the realm. What I ask you, Master Lao, is how you are unique from the other lords, and what you can offer me that no one else can."

Again, Gongxi bowed, slightly flustered at being so rude to his otherwise gracious host. He even kept his head lowered as he waited for the reply, ready to be shamed.

[Lao Kong]

Gongxi shifted uncomfortably from his position. Indeed, this was not something he felt overly excited to discuss, but it was necessary. Zhen Ci, noticing his master's unease, furrowed his brow but otherwise remained silent. With a small bow, the scholar spoke

"You must forgive my indignity, Master Lao. As you might have assumed, I have received other letters similar to yours. In fact, according to my estimates I have one from almost half of the lords in the realm. What I ask you, Master Lao, is how you are unique from the other lords, and what you can offer me that no one else can."

Again, Gongxi bowed, slightly flustered at being so rude to his otherwise gracious host. He even kept his head lowered as he waited for the reply, ready to be shamed.

Yongrui smiled, although his eyes looked downcast. After a moment, he spoke. "Unique from everyone else in the land? I'm uncertain of my future in this land. I am not the only person with ambition, but it seems I'm the last to stand on my own two feet. I suppose that's somewhat unique.

I also know what I can offer you. If you would wish it so, you would be my chief civil adviser, and after progress on Shantian is finished, I would wish for you to govern Qufu. I have very few people around me who are capable of doing this job, so I suppose I am the only one who can offer you such a position."

[Vhalander]

Gongxi quirked the side of his mouth slightly at this response. Sure, he had some understanding of this man's position, but to speak so plainly surprised the scholar. Again shifting on his feet, he replied.

"You must pardon me again, Master Lao. You seem to think your position here is not very strong, and that another lord may soon replace you. I beg of you to enlighten me as to the political situation. You do not appear very comfortable with your station."

[Lao Kong]

Gongxi quirked the side of his mouth slightly at this response. Sure, he had some understanding of this man's position, but to speak so plainly surprised the scholar. Again shifting on his feet, he replied.

"You must pardon me again, Master Lao. You seem to think your position here is not very strong, and that another lord may soon replace you. I beg of you to enlighten me as to the political situation. You do not appear very comfortable with your station."

Yongrui mused at the question a bit before answering. "My current political situation is unsure. I've enlightened Tian Dan of my 'loyalty' to him," Yongrui said with an ironic tone, "and my other neighbor Xiang Kai is a good friend, and I can trust him with my life. The northern front is unknown, however. I know not whether I can count Lu Ying and the king of Zhao among my allies. Currently, my military is well equipped and trained, but small and lacking capable leaders. The same can be said about Qufu. My current prefect is a knowledgeable man, but I am sure someone with your talents would be more suited to the position.

And please excuse any discomfort you see in me. I have not held my station for long, so I'm still adjusting to the burden. I feel that if I can survive for the next few months, Qufu and whatever land my army claims will prosper. What do you think of this, Master Gongxi?"

[Vhalander]

"Ah, I was unaware you were new to your position. Please forgive me, then. I shall trust your judgment and do the best I can to help. I only hope that my student Zhen Ci may still accompany me. He is quite skilled with a sword."

[Lao Kong]

"Ah, I was unaware you were new to your position. Please forgive me, then. I shall trust your judgment and do the best I can to help. I only hope that my student Zhen Ci may still accompany me. He is quite skilled with a sword."

Yongrui appeared quite joyed at Gouzi's decision, and clapped the man on the shoulder. "Of course, Zhen Ci will be welcomed among my ranks as well. If you wish it so, I can have quarters arranged for you in the palace itself."

Shoop da woop, post your OI in my OI!

[Galagros]

A disgruntled looking man made his way to Qufu, guarded by a small escort. He was dressed only in a robe, but seemed as though he wished he was wearing armor. The constant frown of despair mixed with the sneer of contempt seemed to contort his face into a very disagreeable expression. He spoke quickly to the first guard that he saw and demanded to be heard. "Find your master and tell him that An, of the Tian family, has come to issue orders from his King."