Wan City Main Hall Roleplay

[Dorin]

Dorin

As Sun Ru spoke a smile returned to the elder's face. "It's as if you have read my mind Master Sun. You have listed the very reasons I gave to a public council on why Captain Liu is the best remaining choice to lead Wan. It's a shame that you were not present here when the Crisis began, had you been you may have stood as a voice of reason in the Civil Officials, aside from my own and Minister Wai Be, assuring that this struggle would have ended shortly after it began, alas."

Cai Bin slowly stroked his beard as he thought upon Sun Ru's specialties and the current situation. "I fear that the Civil Officials are currently a lost cause, they are all too preoccupied with fear to not see that the Merchant does not have their best interests in mind, but seeks to restore his lost estate. As such it is best to appeal to our true allies, the people. You have always done well with the affections of the multitude and this is a task I could entrust to you, knowing full well of its success."

He nodded his head towards the outpost minister. "Was there anything you wished to ask of me regarding the city, the administration, or our military?"

Giving himself a critical thought, he pondered that a moment before he shrugged and shook his head. "No, I shall I see what I might be able to discern from the various ministers, and from the words of the common folk. I shall do my utmost in the endeavor and see if I might ply my skills with any modicum of ability. If I learn anything of use, I shall report back to you quietly, Master Cai."

With a bow, he exchanged the pleasantries of departing in peace with the elderly man and set about on his way. Stroking his chin thoughtfully, before he declared the civil officials a lost cause, he set out to investigate them himself. If what he inferred was true, then Liu Shentong already had a broad power base among the people and the soldiery, so perhaps he might prove himself capable of swaying a few of the more academically minded to their efforts.

[See Wichai]

[Open RP]

"Finally! Wan City!" Bo Liao threw his fists into the air. "No more walking! No more mud sticking to my sandals!"Bo Liao grinned at his younger brother. "Perhaps we can find some inn to have that steam chicken of yours. But...." Bo Liao looked around at the bustling street with many people going about their business.

Nudging at Bo Lai's chest with his elbow. "Lai... do you find the atmosphere is kind of strange. Something unsettling..." Bo Liao can feel that being at Wan city could either make or break for them.

[Xu Yuan]

See Wichai & jiangbao

As they looked around, they may have seen two black robed officials with tiny unique hats closing in on them, but judging by their scholarly pose they meant no threat. The one was a female, no older than sixteen with a sweet smile and the other was an older man with a large bushy beard and a playful smirk. It was the man to address them. His voice was loud, booming, but jovial. "Masters! Yours is an unknown face here in Wan. We can't be too careful these days since the rebels have occupied Xiang Yang. Tell me, where are you fleeing from and may I have some information about your past circumstances?" The young girl held a scroll and an inkbrush at the ready to record their words.

Xe of Greed

"Master! Jia Liang has been found!" The words rung through Cai Bin's office, delivered by a middle aged Aide of unusual gait, which made him ideal for reconnaissance as he was deep in discussion with a lower civil official. The statesman dropped his previous conversation as his brow furrowed. "What?" He rose from his seated position and gave a bow of condolence to the civil official. "Where is he? Have you told his brother?" The Aide shook his head. "I have not Master. Official Jia Chun has not been notified, I suspect he will find out sooner than later." Rumors had begun to swirl in recent days that Jia Liang had taken a stroll into Xiang Yang and nothing more was heard of him. At first Cai Bin had figured that the man may have hated him so much that he would choose to give into the rebels, but this clearly shows that wasn't the case. The two began to walk out of the office as Cai Bin continued to question him. "Where was he? Where was he seen?" The Aide did not miss a beat as well composed as his patron. "He was badly beaten and in such poor condition his life still hangs in jeopardy." Cai Bin gasped. "Was it those bandits who kidnapped Xiaoquan Shen?" The Aide shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know. He appeared at the south gates and quickly drew a crowd due to his renown and his terrible condition."

The pair quickly made their way to the carriage and was off to where Jia Liang had been taken to. As he approached the establishment (or estate) he left his carriage and stood proudly and spoke with authority. "I am Cai Bin, Senior Political Advisor of Wan. I am told that a Senior Minister is within. I wish to speak with him, if he is well enough to speak."

[Rebel]

Sun Xiang smiled inwardly at the words. At your leisure. As if he had important work to do in the city at present. For this occasion he chose to wear a simple, loose-fitting shirt with long-sleeves that covered his hands and trousers that fit snugly to his legs. This attire allowed him ease of performing martial arts. The scribe had been practicing Jujitsu since morning, perhaps taking his military position a bit too seriously, when he received the letter and came to call upon the new Prefect.

He entered the hall bowing here and there to the people going back and forth. Lightly tapping his pockets for the pen and ink he always carried, the man inquired for the offices of Prefect Wai Be.

[LukeYB]

He entered the hall bowing here and there to the people going back and forth. Lightly tapping his pockets for the pen and ink he always carried, the man inquired for the offices of Prefect Wai Be.

Sun Xiang had stopped a young man in his tracks. It (probably) wasn't rudeness though as everyone in the hall was in a hurried state. For the first time in weeks, work was coming thick and fast for all those involved within the administration and the various messengers, clerks and servants were being put through their paces relentlessly. The boy, however, was warm and welcoming.

"The Prefect? Of course, right this way, sir," he replied enthusiastically, and ushered Xiang to follow. Assuming he does, Xiang is taken into a nearby passageway and guided skillfully and rapidly through a sea of bureaucrats. They quickly arrive at a set of large doors and the boy gestures for the guest to wait while he steps discretely through them. A few seconds later, a different male attendant - one with a more distinctive uniform and cleaner skin - emerges from the entrance and greets Xiang with a bow.

"Greetings. I believe you wish to speak with the Prefect? I'd be happy to arrange that but please, if you'd state your business first?"

[Rebel]

LukeYB

"Ofcourse. I am Sun Xiang..err Master of Records for the newly established administration. I work for the military wing under the magistrate Liu Shentong. I thought I would come and introduce myself and congratulate Master Wai Be on his promotion as Prefect."

He bowed courteously and smiled.

[LukeYB]

"Ofcourse. I am Sun Xiang..err Master of Records for the newly established administration. I work for the military wing under the magistrate Liu Shentong. I thought I would come and introduce myself and congratulate Master Wai Be on his promotion as Prefect."

He bowed courteously and smiled.

"Excellent! I will see what I can do, please wait here," the beaming attendant disappeared. This time, a couple of minutes had passed before Sun Xiang was seen to again.

"Thank you very much for your patience," said the re-emerging civil servant, as he began to open the doors fully. "Once it was confirmed to me that you were expected, I sent word to the Prefect and so he should be arriving shortly." Xiang was lead into an antechamber. Inside, the walls were decorated with the colours of the Han and large torches adorned the wall, already alight. There was a large, throne-like seat on the far side of the room (the room, itself, was actually considerably smaller than it's majesty implied). In front of it, a table of fine refreshments had been set up hastily by the various servants now darting out through a discrete door in the corner, and three alluring cushions sat welcoming near it.

Time passed, perhaps twenty minutes, with Xiang allowed to feast and drink to his heart's content. The hosting attendant would periodically check if he was in need of anything. Finally, the attendant announced that Wai Be had arrived. The minister entered from a to-this-point unnoticed door and strode quickly, stopping before the table and his guest. He bowed deeply and looked upon Sun Xiang with warmth in his eyes, though his smile can only be described as stony.

"Lord Sun, I am grateful you have accepted my request for this meeting. It is encouraging to see you in good health."

[jiangbao]

Xu Yuan/ See

Bo Lai was just interested in food and for the longest time since they were at the outskirts of Wan, he was thinking of nothing but food. His brother was quiet, running out of breadth every 100 meters or so. Which meant a journey that could easily be done in a day now took a week. Not that Bo Lai would complain, he was just waiting for his other missing brother to catch up, if that was possible.

His brother's words snapped him back to reality for a moment "Unsettling? Haven't I been saying everyone is running out of this place but we decided to go towards it? Its like running out of a food storage depot when everyone else is running and grabbing whatever they can while we are running out empty handed."

The black robe officials that stood there with their questioning eyes although somewhat friendly, unnerved him a little. He did not particularly like officials since where he came from, they just took his food and made him work harder just to redeem it back. He thought best to let his brother answer.

He looked at the little girl for a moment, probably slightly older than he was, kinda of cute but then scholarly types probably would want to dictate what was left of his own life. He stood behind his brother while he replied, Bo Lai spied around the surroundings, looking for strays......

[See Wichai]

Xu Yuan/ JB

"Tsk."

Bo Liao was about to casually smacked the back of Bo Lai's head, when he heard someone called out to them. He looked at two official dressed old man and young woman. To be sure Bo Liao looked around to that these two officials are addressing to them. Remembering what their adopted father has taught. Bo Liao quickly paid a courtesy bow with out stretched arms and right fingers covering the left fingers.

"Sirs." Using the bow to cover his shock as Bo Liao was a little momentarily caught off his feet. Cos these officials especially the older man was rather friendly. The old man's behavior was contrast to what his adopted father had said about these officials. Cruel, greedy and anything that is against the moral ethnics. Remembering his adopted father's once said, 'If an official never come to you, you will guaranteed ten years of peace. If an official come to you, you will guaranteed endless years of hell.'

Bo Liao has to be careful with his choice of words with this official. Hearing what the old man had said and seeing how the other young official readily to pen down whatever going to be said. Bo Liao's heart beat quicken but he had let nothing to show on his face. With a respectful tone. "Sir, me and my brother were here in Wan city was according to our adopted father's wishes before he passed away. He said that Wan city is a city of opportunities where one who is capable and hardworking are able to make their mark here."

Maintaining his glance on the ground with bent body in form of respect addressing to authority. "There are three of us however we were attacked by bandits from southeast of here. That was already about three weeks ago." Bo Liao was digesting what the older official had said about rebels occupying Xiang Yang. Does this mean the Imperial Court is going to fall soon?

[Rebel]

"Ofcourse. I am Sun Xiang..err Master of Records for the newly established administration. I work for the military wing under the magistrate Liu Shentong. I thought I would come and introduce myself and congratulate Master Wai Be on his promotion as Prefect."

He bowed courteously and smiled.

"Excellent! I will see what I can do, please wait here," the beaming attendant disappeared. This time, a couple of minutes had passed before Sun Xiang was seen to again.

"Thank you very much for your patience," said the re-emerging civil servant, as he began to open the doors fully. "Once it was confirmed to me that you were expected, I sent word to the Prefect and so he should be arriving shortly." Xiang was lead into an antechamber. Inside, the walls were decorated with the colours of the Han and large torches adorned the wall, already alight. There was a large, throne-like seat on the far side of the room (the room, itself, was actually considerably smaller than it's majesty implied). In front of it, a table of fine refreshments had been set up hastily by the various servants now darting out through a discrete door in the corner, and three alluring cushions sat welcoming near it.

Time passed, perhaps twenty minutes, with Xiang allowed to feast and drink to his heart's content. The hosting attendant would periodically check if he was in need of anything.

Sun Xiang nodded appreciatively at the decorations and well lit room. The throne-like seat immediately caught his attention and Xiang happily occupied it, shuffling over the comfortable cushions left and right until he adjusted nicely.

He clapped his hands twice.

"Servants! Bring me my sceptre and my crown."

The attendant left and fetched a feast instead in due time, but no crown or sceptre. He took out his pot of ink and put it on his head. This shall be my crown. He thought happily while waving his pen around like an imaginary sceptre.

The attendants periodically checked on his needs and Xiang beamed happily from ear to ear. He could not remember the last time he was treated this nicely. He picked up two bunches of grapes and pinned them to his hair waving them around as if they were jewellery. Munching at some baozi he looked at the tray of wonderful, delicious fruit in front of him and pointed at an apple with his pen.

"Attendant! This villainous apple! *munch munch* This lowly scum of a Rebel has dared question our mandate of heaven. *munch* OFF WITH HIS HEAD!!"

...and at that moment.

 The minister entered from a to-this-point unnoticed door and strode quickly, stopping before the table and his guest. He bowed deeply and looked upon Sun Xiang with warmth in his eyes, though his smile can only be described as stony.

"Lord Sun, I am grateful you have accepted my request for this meeting. It is encouraging to see you in good health."

Frozen for a moment, he slowly turned to face the Prefect with half a baozi still stuck outside his mouth.

[Xu Yuan]

Seewichai & Jiangbao

The middle-aged man gave the young frail looking fellow a strange look as that smirk continued to show, the young girl dutifully jotted down all that was being said. "Your adopted daddy must have visited Wan before the Yellow Turban Rebellion to have given you such a rosy picture of the state of this city. Had you arrived but a season earlier you would have seen a collapsing land that would not have shown any interest in your plight. The thrice-cursed former Magistrate sapped the very life and drive of this city!" The man's outburst caught his young assistant off-guard before she continued writing down what had been said in more gentle terms than presented,

The brown bearded man's smile quickly returned. "That now is all in the past. We now have a new Magistrate and a new lease on life. Despite Xiang Yang's close proximity we are gathering all talent to us that we can from all across the land in order to challenge the rebels." He laughed loudly and moved to pat the young man on the back, perhaps a breach of decorum which drew a grimace from his assistant. "My young friend, your adopted daddy was a prophet to have told you to come to this city in our hour of need. This is the time where a commoner can rise to the rank of officer without needing to influence any Imperial Courier. We only ask for proof of talent and we have ways to determine that. I am an Aide to Master Cai Bin, you can say he's a bit of a mover-and-shaker of local politics. You two..." He gave the young men a look over, though they looked somewhat ordinary, he seemed to sense something more in them, or maybe he was just drunk. "Look to be something special."

The young man had mentioned that there were three of them before they were attacked by thieves. It drew a remorseful shake of the head from the young girl. Clearly a story she had often heard in recent days. The older man nodded in sympathy. "Every tenth traveler speaks the same sad tale. Bandits on the road, cutthroats on the main paths between cities, robbers in the woods, each seeking to prolong this chaos. If this occurred three weeks ago it was likely far outside our jurisdiction, I am afraid we can offer no support in rescuing your friend." He bowed his head lightly and sadly to the two young men.

[jiangbao]

Xu Yuan/ See

As the aide moved to pat his brother on his back, Bo Lai was about to shout out in shock. Everyone had to be super gentle to his brother especially when it comes to physical contact, a little too hard and his brother might easily dislocate his shoulder. Still, he held his tongue on that. His father and brother had both reminded him that he was to keep quiet when they were present.

As he listened to the sad story about Wan and the outskirts issues, he could not help himself but asked "The former magistrate, what happened to him? It took the city so long to get rid of him?" Bo Lai broke protocol that was set down by his family, simply because he would easily offend anyone and everyone, but he could not help himself. 'Its not wonder everyone wanted to leave this dump.' Bo Lai thought to himself.

As he noticed the girl scribbling away, he asked further "I hope that is not written down, yes?" As he broke protocol twice in a row, he stopped, red faced and hoped his brother would not break a vein in anger.

[Xe of Greed]

Xe of Greed

"Master! Jia Liang has been found!" The words rung through Cai Bin's office, delivered by a middle aged Aide of unusual gait, which made him ideal for reconnaissance as he was deep in discussion with a lower civil official. The statesman dropped his previous conversation as his brow furrowed. "What?" He rose from his seated position and gave a bow of condolence to the civil official. "Where is he? Have you told his brother?" The Aide shook his head. "I have not Master. Official Jia Chun has not been notified, I suspect he will find out sooner than later." Rumors had begun to swirl in recent days that Jia Liang had taken a stroll into Xiang Yang and nothing more was heard of him. At first Cai Bin had figured that the man may have hated him so much that he would choose to give into the rebels, but this clearly shows that wasn't the case. The two began to walk out of the office as Cai Bin continued to question him. "Where was he? Where was he seen?" The Aide did not miss a beat as well composed as his patron. "He was badly beaten and in such poor condition his life still hangs in jeopardy." Cai Bin gasped. "Was it those bandits who kidnapped Xiaoquan Shen?" The Aide shrugged his shoulders. "I do not know. He appeared at the south gates and quickly drew a crowd due to his renown and his terrible condition."

The pair quickly made their way to the carriage and was off to where Jia Liang had been taken to. As he approached the establishment (or estate) he left his carriage and stood proudly and spoke with authority. "I am Cai Bin, Senior Political Advisor of Wan. I am told that a Senior Minister is within. I wish to speak with him, if he is well enough to speak."

The singular teenage guard of the Jia household absentmindedly picked at the recent yet sparse growth on his upper lip as he watched the carriage approach. One day, he thought to himself, he'd have facial hair as glorious as the master's brother. It'd likely take him years, at the rate his came in. Then, he could finally impress... The young man seemed startled when Cai Bin spoke, barely hanging onto the rusty spear he held. "Oh!" He said, loudly, not fully comprehending the ministers request. After a few moments he furiously nodded. "Er, the master is within. I, uh, dunno if he's awake. But, um, I'm sure he'd want you admitted." It took the nervous guard a couple of attempts to undo the latch to the gate, admitting the elderly minister. "It's, em, the third," He cautiously looked down at his hands for a moment, "left when you enter the house, minister."

Once inside the gate, the estate was revealed to be small and austere, unrefined and basic in its design. The only standout of the property was a lush and thriving garden, clearly well cultivated by an experienced hand. Once inside, it was obvious the interior of the estate were as spartan as the exterior, the walls undecorated and furniture sparse. The room prescribed by the guard was open, and inside was Jia Liang, attended to by a young woman, who's face was partially bandaged, and Jia Chun, doing that voodoo that he do. Jia Liang, meanwhile, looked worse than the rumors had said. The man was bloody, mangled, and bore clear signs of both an extreme beating as well as an arduous journey. "Ah. Minister Cai." Liang wheezed out, voice clearly pained. "Thank you for visiting."

[See Wichai]

"Xu Yuan & Jiangbao

Bo Liao remained unmoved when he heard the outburst from the official. His adopted father had trained him to be unmoved in all situation. Any betray of his emotion may give his opponents or anyone a hint of his weakness. 'Hide your expression and thoughts, Liao. Life is just like a chess game where you have to maintain a poker face so that your opponent could not read your mind. But... only uses the expression so to lead them to where you want them to believe.'

When the official gave a generous pat on his back, Bo Liao hold back his gasp. He glances at Bo Lai and gently shakes his head, just to let him know its ok. His brother maybe naïve but his sense of protecting him is unquestionable. Since young Bo Liao's body constitution is very bad and his two younger brothers are the one who did physical stuff. He remembered being beaten up by bullies and it was the two of them who went to seek revenge for him. At the end, he had to put medication and bandages for the two of them. The bullying ends from there too.

"We appreciate the kindness of Master Cai, sir." Bo Liao gave another deep bow again when the official gave the name of someone. He believes this could be someone high up in the top tier of the authority, if not this official will not have mentioned this name. "Sir, we would be grateful and honor to serve the government. We will do our best to help the Wan city in whatever we can."

Bo Liao paused a moment before continuing, "Sir, if I may request. If my other brother is here, may the guards inform me please. He is pretty resourceful, so I like to believe he could be still... alive."

When Bo Lai starting to speak his mind. Bo Liao knitted his eyebrows and gave a stern click of his tongue. "Tsk!" However, inwardly that question Bo Lai asked about the previous magistrate was on his mind as well.

[Vartonn]

Jia Estate, the day Jia Liang returned from Xiang Yang

The singular teenage guard of the Jia household absentmindedly picked at the recent yet sparse growth on his upper lip as he watched the carriage approach. One day, he thought to himself, he'd have facial hair as glorious as the master's brother. It'd likely take him years, at the rate his came in. Then, he could finally impress... The young man seemed startled when Cai Bin spoke, barely hanging onto the rusty spear he held. "Oh!" He said, loudly, not fully comprehending the ministers request. After a few moments he furiously nodded. "Er, the master is within. I, uh, dunno if he's awake. But, um, I'm sure he'd want you admitted." It took the nervous guard a couple of attempts to undo the latch to the gate, admitting the elderly minister. "It's, em, the third," He cautiously looked down at his hands for a moment, "left when you enter the house, minister."

Once inside the gate, the estate was revealed to be small and austere, unrefined and basic in its design. The only standout of the property was a lush and thriving garden, clearly well cultivated by an experienced hand. Once inside, it was obvious the interior of the estate were as spartan as the exterior, the walls undecorated and furniture sparse. The room prescribed by the guard was open, and inside was Jia Liang, attended to by a young woman, who's face was partially bandaged, and Jia Chun, doing that voodoo that he do. Jia Liang, meanwhile, looked worse than the rumors had said. The man was bloody, mangled, and bore clear signs of both an extreme beating as well as an arduous journey. "Ah. Minister Cai." Liang wheezed out, voice clearly pained. "Thank you for visiting."

Jia Chun was uncharacteristically well groomed and wore plain black robes with a plain black cap.The room had been cleaned and the walls featured various paper charms with weird symbols every three feet. Various medical tools, such as bandages, clean water and knives were laid out on a barrel close to the bed. Speaking of barrels, there were about a dozen barrels of various color and sizes all over the room. A quick glance at the character written on them revealed that the Jia Estate had stored twice as many varieties of alcohol in that room as all the taverns in the city. The Team Boulder's report included details about the ritual performed, so word might have reached Cai Bin of how the ex-guard's mystical powers were fueled by alcohol. Also, the trip back from the mountain took twice as long because they were smashed.