Chen Wei's Audience Hall (Chang An)

[SCZhuge13]

Kang Lun

"As you wish," Chen replied. "Best of luck with Pei Chianti, and may Heaven forever guide your path."

The guards escort Kang out of the city, and provide him a map of the Yong province so he may have an easier journey East.

Taishi Guang

As the rain pelted the outer cloths of the guards - for they wore overcoats to protect against the downpour - one of them stepped forward to speak. "If you would follow me, good sir," he said with a bow, "I can take you to the Commander." Turning about, he processed to lead the way.

They passed through the stone halls of the former Han garrison, and after a few turns one was easily lost of they did not know the way. Braziers and lamps lit the halls, now distantly dank thanks to the rainwater and ambient humidity, but in due time the duo arrived at the Audience Hall. Bowing to the Commander of the Five Posts, the guard announced their visitor, and with a bow once more to Hao Chou, the guard proceeded back down the hallway to return to his post.

"Welcome to Tian Shui, Master Hao," Chen Wei said, offering a bow of his own to his newfound guest. "You say you seek employment, eh? I am indeed looking for men and women of talent; are you such a one?"

AceDragon

Chen Wei regarded the man before him thoughtfully.

"I strive to be a just and honorable man," Chen Wei replied, "but to say that I *am* one would be a mark of pride, and the attainment of virtue is itself a journey, not a destination, so I cannot claim to have mastered or attained virtue, only done my best to practice it."

"Thus, in my service, you would be well rewarded for your efforts - rank worthy of your efforts, equipment to match your endeavors, and a place to call home for you and all those you care for. Your skills are indeed something we are looking for, so do not feel worried about finding a place in this world - we all have something to contribute."

Laanan

Chen Wei nodded as Jin spoke, but shook his head as Jin expressed his foremost worry.

"No," he said, "we are not overextended. Tian Shui, An Ding, and Chang 'An form an overlapping defensive network that allows us to mutually reinforce any given site. Furthermore, only two of our five cities are open to enemy attack at any given time; thus, we are able to consolidate our position even further. Combined with a well-trained army numbering over 100,000 men and a capable intelligence network informing us of possible enemy movements, we in Tian Shui stand in a rather organized and effective position. Still open to enemy intrusions, of course, but capable of putting up a stiff resistance, especially due to the mountainous terrain that surrounds our territories - any enemy intending to invade us would have to scale them, as well as dealing with our superior and native knowledge of the terrain and how to use it to our advantage."

Taking a breath from his short speech, Chen Wei continued.

"As for Xiao Huang, I held an alliance with him from almost a year ago, but that treaty is expires next month, and due to his unforgivable torching of Wan I do not seek to renew that treaty with his government; that is, if he even has one. Word has reached me that a foreigner from the West has taken the helm in Luo Yang - Daqin, was it? In any event, the short answer is that I have no further dealings with the man."

"And of course," Chen Wei finished, "your family and all those you care for will be provided for. Lodgings and support will be afforded them and yourself, as well as employment to whatever capacities they seek to fulfill. We in Tian Shui appreciate service, and seek to return that generosity in kind. You yourself would be provided at minimum 100 golden taels per season, likely higher in light of any ranks you would be awarded due to service. Proper equipment for your service would also be in order, as well as meaningful responsibilities. Specifically, we are indeed in need of able doctors - Fan Xu, my chief strategist, is a doctor as well, but his tactical responsibilities demand much of his time, and thus we stand in need of a dedicated medicinal officer."

"Is this what you are looking for?"

[AceDragon]

AceDragon

Chen Wei regarded the man before him thoughtfully.

"I strive to be a just and honorable man," Chen Wei replied, "but to say that I *am* one would be a mark of pride, and the attainment of virtue is itself a journey, not a destination, so I cannot claim to have mastered or attained virtue, only done my best to practice it."

"Thus, in my service, you would be well rewarded for your efforts - rank worthy of your efforts, equipment to match your endeavors, and a place to call home for you and all those you care for. Your skills are indeed something we are looking for, so do not feel worried about finding a place in this world - we all have something to contribute."

Tensuo paused thoughtfully at the mans reply. He did indeed seem to be one worthy to protect, and his men seemed to respect with loyalty. An unrestfullness still stirred in him as he has only just started his search, however this did seem like a rightful place. " Sir, i must tell you that i am impressed with you and your men here. i beleive i may have found what i search for yet, i must ask for a short pause be fore accepting. i would like to travel and see if any are in dire need of my services. i shall return in one month to you with an answer. i thank you for your time and hope that our time together will not come to an end here." Tensuo then bowed hopeing that the next time he came here that he would be able to call it home.

[AceDragon]

AceDragon

Chen Wei regarded the man before him thoughtfully.

"I strive to be a just and honorable man," Chen Wei replied, "but to say that I *am* one would be a mark of pride, and the attainment of virtue is itself a journey, not a destination, so I cannot claim to have mastered or attained virtue, only done my best to practice it."

"Thus, in my service, you would be well rewarded for your efforts - rank worthy of your efforts, equipment to match your endeavors, and a place to call home for you and all those you care for. Your skills are indeed something we are looking for, so do not feel worried about finding a place in this world - we all have something to contribute."

Tensuo paused thoughtfully at the mans reply. He did indeed seem to be one worthy to protect, and his men seemed to respect with loyalty. An unrestfullness still stirred in him as he has only just started his search, however this did seem like a rightful place. " Sir, i must tell you that i am impressed with you and your men here. i beleive i may have found what i search for yet, i must ask for a short pause be fore accepting. i would like to travel and see if any are in dire need of my services. i shall return in one month to you with an answer. i thank you for your time and hope that our time together will not come to an end here." Tensuo then bowed hopeing that the next time he came here that he would be able to call it home.

[SCZhuge13]

Chen Wei nodded appreciatively at the man's praise and bowed in thanks.

"Of course, Master Tensuo - take all the time you need. I pray that your travels are well, and may Heaven forever guide your path."

On his way out, Tensuo is provided a pack with a map of the surrounding territories to guide him on his way.

[Taishi Guang]

As the rain pelted the outer cloths of the guards - for they wore overcoats to protect against the downpour - one of them stepped forward to speak. "If you would follow me, good sir," he said with a bow, "I can take you to the Commander." Turning about, he processed to lead the way.

They passed through the stone halls of the former Han garrison, and after a few turns one was easily lost of they did not know the way. Braziers and lamps lit the halls, now distantly dank thanks to the rainwater and ambient humidity, but in due time the duo arrived at the Audience Hall. Bowing to the Commander of the Five Posts, the guard announced their visitor, and with a bow once more to Hao Chou, the guard proceeded back down the hallway to return to his post.

"Welcome to Tian Shui, Master Hao," Chen Wei said, offering a bow of his own to his newfound guest. "You say you seek employment, eh? I am indeed looking for men and women of talent; are you such a one?"

Returning the bow offered to him by Chen Wei, the visitor took a moment to look about the man's hall before turning his attention fully onto his host. "Indeed," he began while observing the man's posture and composure, "I have come here in search of employment. I believe that I have talent in areas that you may desire, especially since men who can soldier and dutifully kill your enemies appear to be in high demand here, no? I was once a non-commissioned officer in remnants of the Northern Army, but since then, and more recently, I have earned a living in a less... glorious way. I don't wish to speak in semantics, so I will do without the formalities and say that I am an assassin by trade."

Resting his arms behind his back, he gave pause, awaiting Chen Wei to respond.

[SCZhuge13]

Chen Wei paused for a second at the man's word, but still he nodded his head. Precision strikes had their place on the battlefield as well.

"Indeed we are at war with Li Jun to the south, and its my hope that we complete the conflict with Han Zhong either this month or the next. Is that, however, the only reason you arrive at my gates? Because there is a chance you might visit death upon others? Might you be interested in earning a full commission as opposed to continuing your...current way of life?"

Chen Wei cocked his head as he regarded the man before him. He did not speak derisively of Hou Chou's arrival nor statements, but Chen was cautious about the possibility of the man simply seeking blood. Hou had served in a noble position before, however. Might he do so again? Might the chance of such a more virtuous future tempt him?

[Taishi Guang]

Raising his hand, he rubbed his chin lightly as he listened to the Commander's words. "I merely answered your question and told you of the talents that I possess that you could find use for. I did not come here to seek personal satisfaction in killing others. No, that is not my purpose, nor do I find such satisfaction. I do as all do in troubled times... get by as best they can. But I digress, as I said before, I came only seeking employment."

Giving a moment of pause, he continued. "You take land by killing, no? All self-righteousness aside, it is that simple. You send armies of men to kill other armies of men and take their land. As such you have need of people like me; people who can score you the victories you seek in the field and can also silence your opponents in their beds without risking the loss of your soldiers. I am a practical man, Commander, and I do not pretend situations or people are not what they are. But I do not judge, for each man has his reasons for his own actions or pretenses."

He then thought about what Chen Wei said in regard to obtaining a commission. He had not come seeking to be more than his current status or what he felt would be a fair deal, but the offer did sound tempting. "I would consider accepting a position in your army, Commander, but it appears as though it is something you are a bit reluctant to offer to a man such as myself. I assume this is because of my occupation, which is generally frowned upon by those who do not have a current use for it. But if a commission is what you wish to offer, then you must have some interest in my former service with the Northern Army? Would you like to hear more of it before you extend an offer to me that you may wish to later retract?"

[Laanan]

Jin nodded and smiled.

"I am reassured and eager to start. Can you send some men to collect my wife and daughter from Xin Ye? Otherwise, I will begin service to you once I return with them. In any case, please let me know where to start. "


[OOC: I'm ready to start working for you whenever you are ready. I'm new to this game, but I look forward to helping you win! Just orient me a bit and tell my character what you'd have him do (who to heal, etc.). It might help for you to put me in contact with your other docs so that I can know all of the tasks available to Jin that will help your troops. Don't forget that he can also craft poisons. I'd like to see him climb the ranks of your trusted advisors!]

[Cao Chao]

As the scholar rode his horse towards Tianshui, he personally reflected upon the events of the past year. From a lowly, unknown scholar, he had risen to the position of Directing Instructor and later Inspector of Yizhou. And now, he had returned to a more ignominious existence as a scholar once again. Shaking his head at the rollercoaster of events, Cao Jianhe sighed, remembering both the highs and lows of his administration over Yizhou. As he reflected upon his past, his thoughts turned to the future. Already, he had received numerous offers of employment for his intelligence and skillset, as well as helping to engineer the successful victory over Li Jun at Zitong with the campaign that he had developed. Sighing to himself, the scholar resolved to visit an old friend to inform him of the developments before embarking upon a search for a new lord to serve.

Arriving before the gates of Tianshui, Cao Jianhe dismounted slowly and in an ungainly fashion. Clasping his hands, he greeted the guards with humility and respect. "I am the scholar known as Cao Jianhe," he stated with a weary smile. "I'm here to request an audience with the Lord Chen, Commander of the Five Posts."

[SCZhuge13]

Taishi Guang

"Ah," Chen countered, "but you presume my intent is to take land. I have no interests of a nation-wide conquest. Not even my current conflict with Han Zhong concerns the land itself. Your point about efficiency, however, remains, and indeed I do always require men of such talents."

"As for the commission," Chen continued with a small laugh, "my statement was not intended as an outright offer, but rather to gauge your person, or intent. Such rank & office is available to any and all who would prove themselves in service to Tian Shui, so it is not forward of me to suggest it as any servant is capable of reaching it. That said, I would indeed like to hear your story, if you are so inclined as to tell."

Laanan

Chen Wei clapped his hands and beamed.

"Indeed, I can have that arranged - I am on good terms with the administration there, so your family should be here in short order. As for your first order of business, I would suggest you speak with Fan Xu, my chief strategist. As I mentioned earlier, his is also of the medicinal talents, and you would do well to consult with her on such affairs. Otherwise, you may follow Captain Huang here," Chen said, motioning to a nearby guard, "who will escort you to your temporary quarters before more permanent housing can be arranged for you and your family."

((OOC: Welcome to the team! Post your Officer Information in my Officer Information thread and I'll get you PH access; we have a ton of help there, with various threads tailored to specific needs, so we can help you get settled into the game. And again, welcome!))

Cao Chao

The guards bowed deeply upon recognizing their guest, the very man who had lead the forces of Zi Tong in its rescue of Tian Shui almost a year ago. They quickly arranged a formal escort - almost an honor guard - to the Audience Hall proper, where runners were sent ahead to inform Chen Wei of his guest.

So it was that when Cao Chao arrived in the Audience Hall, not only was Chen Wei present, but various higher-ranking officials of the State. The Commandant's Table, too, was now splayed with various kinds of food and drink, and an open seat was set, obvious to all who it was for.

"Welcome to Tian Shui," Chen Wei said, standing up from his seat at the head of the Commandant's Table to bow respectfully to his guest. "I never quite got to thank you properly for your assistance in the War earlier last year; This," he said, sweeping his hand across the scene, "is but the least I can do."

[Taishi Guang]

Taishi Guang

"Ah," Chen countered, "but you presume my intent is to take land. I have no interests of a nation-wide conquest. Not even my current conflict with Han Zhong concerns the land itself. Your point about efficiency, however, remains, and indeed I do always require men of such talents."

"As for the commission," Chen continued with a small laugh, "my statement was not intended as an outright offer, but rather to gauge your person, or intent. Such rank & office is available to any and all who would prove themselves in service to Tian Shui, so it is not forward of me to suggest it as any servant is capable of reaching it. That said, I would indeed like to hear your story, if you are so inclined as to tell."

The man nodded his head at Chen Wei's words. "I do not presume to understand why you are in conflict with Han Zhong or your intentions, so I will not pursue it further. I will take what you say for face value. But if you wish to hear of my prior military service, then very well..."

Clearing his throat, he took a moment to recall his time as a soldier. "As I said, I fought with the Northern Army... or what remained of them. Well before I joined their ranks, they had been more of a rogue force. In the preceeding years, the government had collapsed and they did not have a purpose in fighting anymore or an empire to defend. However, many of the veterans had nothing else to fall back to except poverty and despair. Others remained because of some sense of duty. Whatever their reasons, a few hundred men continued to campaign in the northern frontier, fending off incursions of barbarian warbands intend on raiding Han settlements."

It was then that he gave out a sigh, but his eyes did not linger from Chen Wei's face. "I was compelled to join them at my father's urging. He was a mid-ranking officer and managed to convince me that it was my duty to follow in the footsteps of my father. You know, filial piety and all. After a year or so, my father was killed by a disgruntled soldier. I personally saw to this man's execution. I remained with the Northern Army for another year before it's leaders finally disbanded. With the chaos in the land, many saw opportunities to join with one of the regional Lords and serve a greater purpose: their personal wealth. But enough about them, I think, they are not the ones here for employment... I fought in many battles and slew many of our land's enemies with my own hand. Because of my father's standing, I was trained and allowed to lead soldiers as a non-commissioned officer, despite my lack of any real combat experience. Although I did quite well, in my humble opinion."

[Cao Chao]

The guards bowed deeply upon recognizing their guest, the very man who had lead the forces of Zi Tong in its rescue of Tian Shui almost a year ago. They quickly arranged a formal escort - almost an honor guard - to the Audience Hall proper, where runners were sent ahead to inform Chen Wei of his guest.

So it was that when Cao Chao arrived in the Audience Hall, not only was Chen Wei present, but various higher-ranking officials of the State. The Commandant's Table, too, was now splayed with various kinds of food and drink, and an open seat was set, obvious to all who it was for.

"Welcome to Tian Shui," Chen Wei said, standing up from his seat at the head of the Commandant's Table to bow respectfully to his guest. "I never quite got to thank you properly for your assistance in the War earlier last year; This," he said, sweeping his hand across the scene, "is but the least I can do."

Without the usual bounce in his step, the scholar entered the halls listlessly and without energy. Though he noticed the honor guard that brought him to the audience hall proper, he made no effort to acknowledge it. Arriving at the main hall where a table had been set with food and drink, Cao Jianhe bowed stiffly in reciprocation at Chen Wei's words and courtesy before plopping down into the offered seat.

He took a drink of water to clear his throat before speaking in a weak voice. "There is no need for such courtesy, Lord Chen," he stated, shaking his head, as his eyes regarded his host and the number of other ranking officials of state that had gathered. "I am no longer the Inspector of Yizhou nor even the Directing Instructor of that administration. I am but a scholar once more." He coughed and patted his chest, trying to smile in what should have been a happier occasion and instead palled by the weak state of the scholar's constitution.

[SCZhuge13]

Taishi Guang

((OOC: Why do I keep thinking of The Last Remnant whenever you say the Northern Army? Images of a last-bastion army in the midst of enemy territory just springs to mind.))

Chen Wei nodded in turn as Hou spoke of his history with the Northern Army. Chen thought that perhaps he had heard of them - the Tian Shui Scouts were very good at what they did - but even if he hadn't, the tale spoke for itself. "You have been through much, then, it seems. Take all the time you need in rest here in Tian Shui," Chen offered. "It is the least I can do for one who has served to protect our lands, even if indirectly or unintentionally."

"Your story, however, still doesn't address the point that both of us have sought to at various points in this conversation: why are you here? What do you fight for? You spoke of duty and filial piety in your time serving with your father, but I get the impression that those do not carry the same weight now as you did then; I similarly don't get the feeling of a bloodthirsty bandit from you, and even your (feigned?) humility towards...efficiency...doesn't reek of pride. What it is it, then, that drives you to seek employment here with me?"

Cao Chao

Chen Wei regarded Cao Jianhe with a concerned look. Though the two had never been anything like friends, there still stood the common decency a man respects in all others, and so it was that he stepped forward to share in what drink it was Cao partook in, as much to cheer him up by participating in things with him as it was an excuse to get closer and perhaps see what it was that bothered him.

Sipping from his own cup - and pausing after to take a bite from a meat bun - Chen said, "I do think you more than a scholar, Master Cao. If anything else, your time in Zi Tong - for better or for worse - speaks towards your abilities in larger worlds than those in a book."

[Taishi Guang]

((OOC: Why do I keep thinking of The Last Remnant whenever you say the Northern Army? Images of a last-bastion army in the midst of enemy territory just springs to mind.))

Chen Wei nodded in turn as Hou spoke of his history with the Northern Army. Chen thought that perhaps he had heard of them - the Tian Shui Scouts were very good at what they did - but even if he hadn't, the tale spoke for itself. "You have been through much, then, it seems. Take all the time you need in rest here in Tian Shui," Chen offered. "It is the least I can do for one who has served to protect our lands, even if indirectly or unintentionally."

"Your story, however, still doesn't address the point that both of us have sought to at various points in this conversation: why are you here? What do you fight for? You spoke of duty and filial piety in your time serving with your father, but I get the impression that those do not carry the same weight now as you did then; I similarly don't get the feeling of a bloodthirsty bandit from you, and even your (feigned?) humility towards...efficiency...doesn't reek of pride. What it is it, then, that drives you to seek employment here with me?"

(LOL, never heard of it actually )

As Chen Wei responded, the man stood still with his hands behind his back, his head nodding at certain points during his speech. When he finished, he cocked his head to the side slightly, his eyes looking up to a spot just above Chen Wei's head as he thought of a proper response. After a moment he lowered his eyes, once again placing his gaze squarely on the Lord's face. "You assume much that is true, Commander Chen, I can assure you of that. But to be more direct as to why I came to seek employment with you, out of all of the other Lords of the land, is because I wish to use my talents for something more than my own survival... and for personal redemption. I have heard that you are a man of great direction and purpose, and that your rise in power in the north-west was not a mistake. As such, you are bound to make many enemies, both internally and externally, before your ambitions are realized. A man of my talents could be very useful to you in the future, but that of course is entirely at your discretion."

[Laanan]

Chen Wei clapped his hands and beamed.

"Indeed, I can have that arranged - I am on good terms with the administration there, so your family should be here in short order. As for your first order of business, I would suggest you speak with Fan Xu, my chief strategist. As I mentioned earlier, his is also of the medicinal talents, and you would do well to consult with her on such affairs. Otherwise, you may follow Captain Huang here," Chen said, motioning to a nearby guard, "who will escort you to your temporary quarters before more permanent housing can be arranged for you and your family."

Jin smiled widely and bowed.

"This pleases me greatly. I am excited to begin service to you, lord. I will move my things to the quarters you so generously supplied, and then I will meet with sir Fan."

((OOC: Thanks, I'm looking forward to working for you and getting established in the game!))