Xu Yuan wrote: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.