Pei Chanti's Audience Hall (Bei Hai)

[JohannXIV]

Liu Jingjing

Noticing that Congling has glanced rather nervously to Zhang Kong from time to time she attempts to soothe him. "I don't seek to intimidate you, Liu Jingjing. This is Zhang Kong, my Champion and protector. Times, as you say, are not safe and my position is ever precarious as ruler and a woman with a shakey sword arm. But he is quick of mind as well as an accomplished warrior, thus his council is as valued as his shield."

Smiling again she nods. "But of course, Master Liu," Pei Chanti nods in agreement, "It would be most unbecoming to break promises given in good faith. Likely the lords of the land will attempt to cajole you into serving their goals. I confess freely that, I too, try to secure your talents. Fulfill your promises, and no ill shall be directed at you from this vantage point. But I hope that when your travels come to a close that your feet carry you back to Bei Hai."

[Jolt]

Liu Jingjing

Noticing that Congling has glanced rather nervously to Zhang Kong from time to time she attempts to soothe him. "I don't seek to intimidate you, Liu Jingjing. This is Zhang Kong, my Champion and protector. Times, as you say, are not safe and my position is ever precarious as ruler and a woman with a shakey sword arm. But he is quick of mind as well as an accomplished warrior, thus his council is as valued as his shield."

Smiling again she nods. "But of course, Master Liu," Pei Chanti nods in agreement, "It would be most unbecoming to break promises given in good faith. Likely the lords of the land will attempt to cajole you into serving their goals. I confess freely that, I too, try to secure your talents. Fulfill your promises, and no ill shall be directed at you from this vantage point. But I hope that when your travels come to a close that your feet carry you back to Bei Hai."

((Sorry had to study hard yesterday for an exam today.))

Congling at once saluted the new fellow as he was introduced. "Greetings, General Zhang. A pleasure to be your acquaintance." After hearing Pei Chanti once again, Congling bowed to the Lady. "Not to worry, Lady Regent, for at the very least you have earned my admiration. That much you have already succeeded." Congling looked for an excuse to speak further with the Lady he had just taken a like into, but unfortunately for Congling, she was dealing with administrative duty which apparently was going to proceed. Lodged at a inn, Jingjing was thus so out of place that he could not invite the Lady for a drink and conversation in a more intimate and informal place than the City Hall.

Grumbling on the inside, Congling thought on how to convince the Lady Regent to invite himself to a tea session later on, where Jingjing could keep in the company of the admired Lady and enjoy of her company as well. Congling knew he couldn't be silent for too long, so after two seconds, he promptly replied. "It would be pleasant talking to the Lady Regent for more time, but it appears the Lady Regent is busy dealing with the bureaucratic affairs of the administration. As I am of no consequence, I certainly do not wish to importunate the Lady Regent with my presence. If your Lady has nothing else that you wish to converse with me, then I might allow you to resume your duties."
As Congling finished saying that, he was unsure whether it had been a good way to trying to get the Pei Chanti to invite him for a more intimate conversation, but he would see soon enough.

[JohannXIV]

Liu Jingjing

"It would be pleasant talking to the Lady Regent for more time, but it appears the Lady Regent is busy dealing with the bureaucratic affairs of the administration. As I am of no consequence, I certainly do not wish to importunate the Lady Regent with my presence. If your Lady has nothing else that you wish to converse with me, then I might allow you to resume your duties."
As Congling finished saying that, he was unsure whether it had been a good way to trying to get the Pei Chanti to invite him for a more intimate conversation, but he would see soon enough.

Pushing a stray lock of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear, Pei nods. "Yes, it appears as though the works of state are never ending. However, if you'd care to return to the Administrative Complex, I usually take a light meal and a few bowls of tea as I retire for the day. If you'd prefer to engage in more pleasant discourse, that's usually the time for it. Of course, the invitation is open, and I won't be upset should you decline in attempts to get an earlier start tomorrow."

She smiles at him. "Good day, Master Liu. I hope to see you soon."

((Feel free to post in my KRP if you want to have a more informal chat))

[Jolt]

Liu Jingjing

"It would be pleasant talking to the Lady Regent for more time, but it appears the Lady Regent is busy dealing with the bureaucratic affairs of the administration. As I am of no consequence, I certainly do not wish to importunate the Lady Regent with my presence. If your Lady has nothing else that you wish to converse with me, then I might allow you to resume your duties."
As Congling finished saying that, he was unsure whether it had been a good way to trying to get the Pei Chanti to invite him for a more intimate conversation, but he would see soon enough.

Pushing a stray lock of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear, Pei nods. "Yes, it appears as though the works of state are never ending. However, if you'd care to return to the Administrative Complex, I usually take a light meal and a few bowls of tea as I retire for the day. If you'd prefer to engage in more pleasant discourse, that's usually the time for it. Of course, the invitation is open, and I won't be upset should you decline in attempts to get an earlier start tomorrow."

She smiles at him. "Good day, Master Liu. I hope to see you soon."

((Feel free to post in my KRP if you want to have a more informal chat))

Congling's smile widened as the Lady spoke of another more secluded encounter. Knowing he had his wish granted, he was still in a formal and quickly checked himself and assumed a more formal expression. Saluting the Lady, he at once offered his thanks "How could I refuse a request from the Lady Regent? It would be most unpolite! It is my honor to spend more time with your Lady discussing the affairs of the day."
With that he looked side-ways to Sergant Zhu's reactions and at once bade his leave "Now, there are some worthy friends of mine form my years of study whom I have not seen for years. Having had this most clearing conversation with the Lady Regent, I shall withdraw and allow the Regent to return to her surely, more important duties, and go seek to visit my friends. I shall then return tomorrow at noon to visit you, Lady Regent." He bowed one final time to the Lady, content that he had gained more time with the interesting woman, and if nothing of relevance was to be said once he at once departed back to the inn until the next day.

((We'll continue in the KRP.))

[Catalyst]

Curiouser and curiouser, Ling Ji had recently been getting a slew of letters from some of the lords of the land, along with their varying retinue of officers. Of course, unbeknownst to him, his agent had put out a job listing on Ye Olde Craigslist (China), but all the same, Ling felt compelled to answer the letters sent to him, if only to find just what exactly high-ranking governors of the lands could want with an investigator like him. "Hmmmm... possible that the lords of China are dealing with an underground cult... look into that...", he thought, as he jotted the brief theory down in his notepad.

He put the notepad away to find himself face to face with the guards of Bei Hai. Looking briefly astounded, having utterly forgotten just what he was doing there in the first place, he checked his notes again, and, remembering his purpose, searched through his pockets. Eventually, he produced a letter, which he hoped look to be of some import (And even more hoped that it was the right one) and shoved it haphazardly in the face of the guard.

"I am Ling Ji. This is a letter. I'm hoping that these two facts will be enough to allow me entry to the palace."

[Ren Zhe]

A lone pedestrian arrives at the gates to Pei Chanti's audience hall, bearing the colors of Shang Dang. He hails a guard immediately.

"Greetings. Please inform your superiors that Ma Su of Shang Dang seeks and audience with your upper command."

[Sun Tang]

Zhang Ru was informed of the arrival of Ma Su and swiftly made his way to meet with him and expedite the audience request.

Ru, "Ma Su, welcome to Bei Hai. I am Zhang Ru and i shall escort you to Lady Pei Chanti right away."

The walk to the audience hall was a brisk pace and without interruption. Upon entering Zhang Ru announced the arrival of the guest. Ru, "Ma Su of Shang Dang has arrived."

Ma Su was lead about 15 feet from Pei Chanti and Ru made his way to her side.

[Ren Zhe]

Ma Su motioned discreetly to the door behind him, wishing it to be closed for discussion if possible, before addressing his hosts with a curt bow.

"Greetings, your grace. I represent the interests of Shang Dang, and the purpose of my visit should be easy to surmise given the recent political climate of the northern plains. My lord Yang wishes to know how you view the actions of the coalition against Chen Liu, and establish diplomatic contact with your administration one way or another."

[JohannXIV]

Ling Ji

The guard raised his eyebrows at the quirky speech used by the man. Looking at the letter, he recognized the seal as that of Pei Chanti. "Yes, Master Ling, this wil gain you admittance to speak with Lady Pei. If you'll follow this man, he'll escort you to the Administrative Complex."

Assuming Ling Ji follows, he is brought to the heart of Bei Hai and into the large, well kept set of building at it's center.

At the entrance the soldier escorting Ling Ji announces him, "Master Ling Ji arrives on summons from Lady Pei." They are shown into the audience chambers where Lady Pei and her usual retuine stand near a warm bazier discussing a series of numbers with apparently no context. Stepping forward the guard introduces their guest, "Lady Pei, this is Ling Ji whom you sent for."

Turning from her discussion, she nods and dismisses the man. "Greetings, Master Ling, I hope your journey to Bei Hai was pleasant."

Ma Su and Zhang Ru

"Greetings, Master Ma, your reputation precedes you, as I'm sure you are aware," Pei Wumudan begins. "I admit, that your visit was unexpected." She says warmly, recognizing his gesture for more privacy as well as holding the note he had delivered the guard. "I suppose we could discuss affairs in a less public setting," Lady Pei says motioning for the guards outside the doorway to close it.

"No doubt you have some wisdom to share impart here."

((we can RP this anywhere you'd like to keep it "private"))

[Catalyst]

Ling, out of custom (and rather odd for him to show such a custom), bowed to the lady, and then answered.

"The journey was pleasant I suppose. One can hardly argue with a ride through the Central Plains. Even still entrenched in winter, one finds that the region is stunning. And since I've evidently had to set aside my normal work in order to meet with people, I suppose I'm on vacation, and I should be enjoying that!"

He thought over this for a second, then took out his notepad and jotted something down. "Agent is conspiring to replace me... sent on vacation..." Putting it away again, he returned his attention to the Lady.

"I don't suppose you could tell me just why everyone in China seems to want a man such as myself? I have some hunches, but, well, 'the hills have eyes', as it were." He looks at the retinue standing about, and casts a suspicious eye upon them. "Wouldn't want to let on that we know what they don't think we know, you know?"

[JohannXIV]

Ling Ji

Returning Ling Ji's bow with a nod of her head, and a slight chuckle while he draws the conclusion that he is on vacation. "I do suppose it is a beautiful slice of the kingdom. Having lived here all my life, the vistas no longer charm me as they did when I was a young girl, but one finds new wonders with every step from home."

Turning herself to the brazier to warm her hands, she exposes her profile to Ling Ji. "The cold isn't as bitter as it was a few weeks ago, but near the end of winter I feel that I may never grow warm again. As for why everyone in the Middle Kingdom has sought you out? Hmmm, I'd have thought it obvious. Rumors abound that you are a private investigator, and looking for work." Rubbing her hands together and turning back from the brazier Pei Wumudan continues, "The Middle Kingdom, and the Northern Plains in particular have exploded in civil unrest of late. War seems everywhere and the safety of the average citizen is at greatest risk. A slew of arsonsists seem to have been dispatched to wreak havoc."

"Bei Hai is not a military power, but we seek to place ourselves as an example of civic prosperity and enlightenment. I am from a peasant family myself, if I can't offer stability to my own People, then all of this is just me wearing expensive robes and playing government. Just a few months back, Bei Hai's port was 'occupied' by a raucus band of singing pirates. Thankfully, they were dealt with. Which brings me back to my reason, just as every ruler who truly cares about his holdings. You are a Private Investigator, you provide the means we all seek to solve the minor crimes and end the sleepness nights of our People."

Pausing she judges the disheveled man with an appraising look. He seems a bit . . . unusual, but as her experiences had taught her, sometimes the gifted hide in awkward packages. "My offer is simple. I would like to put you on retainer, to aid the People I am sworn to serve. I will give you leave to seek out corruption in this government, to root out criminals seeking to make this their home, and, in short, give you freedom to puruse any leads you may uncover which may result in the strengthening of Bei Hai's stability. What I ask in return is that you make this place your home and that you follow certain bureaucratic prodecures when finished with your investigations. I doubt you'll find many better offers."

[Xi Jing]

It was early, only a pair of hours beyond the lambent dawn, and a handful of folks appeared at the gates of Bei Hai. Four armed personnel dressed in the colors of Zhuge Dun's stood statuesque in a crescent formation behind a much more diminutive figure at their forefront. This one sported much more vivid reds and golds, a colorful accent to a treat of the eyes.

"Governess Xi of Nan Pi is here to speak to the lady of Bei Hai," called the petite charmer to what seemed to be the captain at the gates.

[Catalyst]

Pausing she judges the disheveled man with an appraising look. He seems a bit . . . unusual, but as her experiences had taught her, sometimes the gifted hide in awkward packages. "My offer is simple. I would like to put you on retainer, to aid the People I am sworn to serve. I will give you leave to seek out corruption in this government, to root out criminals seeking to make this their home, and, in short, give you freedom to puruse any leads you may uncover which may result in the strengthening of Bei Hai's stability. What I ask in return is that you make this place your home and that you follow certain bureaucratic prodecures when finished with your investigations. I doubt you'll find many better offers."

Ling began pacing about, pondering. He instinctively checked his notes, which didn't really help his situation. "Hmmm... clearly... the people of China are in trouble... but, how can I help them if bound to one place?" he thought to himself.

"I am not greatly accustomed to bureaucracy in my work, however. And I also have rather extravagant needs in my line of work, which might require a large stipend if I am to deny services to other locales in the rest of China. What sort of... payment might I expect?"

[JohannXIV]

Ling began pacing about, pondering. He instinctively checked his notes, which didn't really help his situation. "Hmmm... clearly... the people of China are in trouble... but, how can I help them if bound to one place?" he thought to himself.

"I am not greatly accustomed to bureaucracy in my work, however. And I also have rather extravagant needs in my line of work, which might require a large stipend if I am to deny services to other locales in the rest of China. What sort of... payment might I expect?"

Raising one eyebrow at the query, Lady Pei's smiles fades. "In terms of payment, you'll be granted the rank of Inspector and a seasonal salary of 130 gold taels. Other than that, you'll be allowed to pursue you own ends with little oversight from this administration. We also offer certain," she pauses, "monetary. . . incentives for continuing education and self-improvement. Sadly, our budget is tight and I can't grant you unrestricted access to the funds needed for general civil projects."

It was early, only a pair of hours beyond the lambent dawn, and a handful of folks appeared at the gates of Bei Hai. Four armed personnel dressed in the colors of Zhuge Dun's stood statuesque in a crescent formation behind a much more diminutive figure at their forefront. This one sported much more vivid reds and golds, a colorful accent to a treat of the eyes.

"Governess Xi of Nan Pi is here to speak to the lady of Bei Hai," called the petite charmer to what seemed to be the captain at the gates.

The gate guards were suprised to see an envoy from Chen Liu. Despite their long-sighted treaty, emissaries rarely traveled between the two Eastern regimes. Nodding in respect, the gate captain speaks, "Of course, Governess Xi, Lady Pei is always eager to speak with envoy from our allies, the Administrative Complex is located at the heart of the city. You are free to pass." He steps aside and allows the party of five to procede into Bei Hai without further question.

Assuming the groups makes its way to the Administrative Complex, they meet another group of guards at the stairs leading up into the set of buildings.

"Greetings, Governess Xi, word has proceded you. Lady Pei awaits you in the Audince chamber, however, your guards must remain outside, standard safety protocol, you understand." The unit of guards stationed at the stairs waits patiently for the petite woman to dismiss her guards or offer protest.

[Xi Jing]

"Lady Pei awaits you in the Audince chamber, however, your guards must remain outside, standard safety protocol, you understand."

"Certainly!" rang the visitor in response, a brisk nod of her head accompanying the words. Xizi made a motion toward her entourage with a down-turned palm, shortly after the lady Governor had turning to their attention. A slight moment after they subserviently formed a line into an empty space along the pathway, Mei turned back toward the door guards, beaming a pleasantly cheerful smile toward each of them. "Shall we?"