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| Tweet Topic Started: May 23 2013, 10:34 PM (731 Views) | |
| NPC | May 23 2013, 10:34 PM Post #1 |
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This is where the liege or prefect of the city conducts business. |
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| ZhangGao | Sep 10 2013, 11:14 PM Post #31 |
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He joined her for a chuckle when she requested they hold off on having her govern a city. As she moved on to speak of the ruling class, a derisive snort was Zhang Gao's immediate response. "A bunch of self important braggards who's only real accomplishment is the unique ability to stick their head up their own asses. I've seen better sense from a half witted child. There is a reason our once proud and mighty land has fallen to such a lowly state. And if you wish to know that reason, look no further than the fools who led us here." There was little doubt Zhang Gao had no use for what remained of the Imperial Han and its officials. And the man sitting next to him nodded as well and in a harsh voice barely above a whisper he added, "Their time is coming, cousin." "Yes it is!" Zhang Gao turned to the one who had called him cousin for a moment, but then turned back to Xie Lan. "I intend to clean up the mess we call the Han and sweep the fools and synophants away like dust from a shanty. Then a new order will be established. An order you, Xie Lan, could help shape if you would join me." |
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| Xie Lan - Topaz | Sep 11 2013, 12:18 AM Post #32 |
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”I shall keep it in mind,” Xie Lan spoke while nodding. ”However, I’m afraid I shall not be g-giving my answer this visit. As you know, it was requested of me to also pay a v-visit to Bei Ping. I am in no way displeased with my visit here. I mean no dis-disrespect to you either. However, I am not one to break my word.” Hopefully her statement wouldn’t offend anyone. At the very least she seemed a little less uncomfortable while they were speaking. He stutter sounded like it was slowly starting to dissipate. Neither Zhang Gao or his cousin seemed too pleased with how the land was being run. It was admirable that they would take such big steps to change the way things were for what they believed to be something better. As much as Xie Lan would have liked to add to that bit of conversation, she had no experience with the current corruption that ran rampant they spoke of. ”You do not appear to be the only person who seeks to change this land. What is your opinion on the other lords who seem to be rising up to do the same?” Xie Lan had no intention of joining any other forces aside from either of the ones that had approached her unless she uncovered some sort of truly horrific thing about them that she couldn’t bring herself to stand behind. However, if she was going to come into one of their services, it couldn’t help to get an opinion about future opponents they could possibly be facing. |
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| ZhangGao | Sep 11 2013, 01:32 AM Post #33 |
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"I understand your commitments and admire your determination to see them through. I merely wished for you to understand, that here you will have an opportunity to be more than a hired hand. If you prove capable, you may help shape policy." "As for the other lords, I must confess I have not had many dealings with them. Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shu are merely names on a map to me. What I know of their domains seems to tell me they are not the most capable administrators. They have ruled their respective cities longer than I have overseen Gui Yang, but I am told Gui Yang is far more prosperous." "Zhang Xing I only met briefly once. There is not much else I can say. He seemed to have some quarrel with another man, but they settled it. He seemed quick to anger, but equally quick to come to reason. Though as I said, that is only my impressions after one brief meeting." "Chung Mon I have met several times. He came to Gui Yang when I ascended to authority. He seemed friendly enough. Competent. He is the chief lord of the north and has few near him to oppose his expansion. Anyone who can read a map can tell he will become a man to be reckoned with." "Though our more immediate concern in Zhang Xing's force. They are far closer to us. It is my hope to forge a peaceful understanding with him, allowing us both to expand away from each other. If we fight, the winner would only gain the honor of being devoured by Chung Mon's hordes." |
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| Xie Lan - Topaz | Sep 11 2013, 02:25 AM Post #34 |
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The young woman nodded thoughtfully at Zhang Bao’s answer. He didn’t have much information on the other lords out there. It was still far more information than Xie Lan had though. She might have to do a bit of research herself. However, now was not the time to focus on such things. She would cross that bridge when she came to it. ”I see… Thank you very much for your time, Lord Zhang Gao. You have g-given me much to think about,” Xie Lan replied. She had gathered all of the information she could think to gather at this point. If any more questions came up, she would be sure to ask them while she had the chance. For now, everything else she wanted to know about what kind of ruler Zhang Gao was, she wished to see with her own eyes once the banquet had concluded. Unless either of the men she was sitting with had anything to ask her in return, all she could see that was left to do was to wait for the festivities to begin. |
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| ZhangGao | Sep 11 2013, 03:53 PM Post #35 |
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Fortunately, the banquet was about to begin. Guests began to file in and fill the great hall. The tantalizing aroma that drifted from the kitchen left no doubt that Zhang Gao employed the finest chefs he could find. One of the first to arrive was a tall slender man with absolutely rigid posture. His features were tight and pinched, almost giving the impression he was constantly had caught a wiff of some foul smell. "Another banquet, father?" His tone made it clear the son did not approve of the festivities. "Yes, another banquet. And I may have another one next week to celebrate .... I don't know yet, but I'll think of something. Stop complaining and sit down. Our guest doesn't need to hear your penny pinching complaints. Besides, you always eat your share of the satay." Zhang Gao shifted back towards Xie Lan. "Allow me to introduce my eldest son, Zhang Shi." Zhang Shi give a slight nod to Xie Lan. "And Shi, this is our gest of honor, Xie Lan. I'm hoping we can make a favorable impression on her so that she joins us." "Well please make sure she can justify whatever extravegant salary you decide to bestow upon her." Zhang Gao just waved his son's concern away. "So, tell us a bit more about yourself. Your life, your hobbies, your deepest darkest secrets." The portly prefect laughed loudly at that last part, clearly it was a jest. And just then the first course arrived. |
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| Xie Lan - Topaz | Sep 12 2013, 03:06 AM Post #36 |
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”Pleasure to m-make your acquaintance,” Xie Lan replied, dipping her head courteously. Zhang Shi didn’t seem to approve of the banquet. He made it seem like these sort of functions happened quite often, and Zhang Gao somewhat confirmed it. Xie Lan somewhat agreed with the frugal young man’s distaste in such expenditures, though that might have just been her background speaking. Was money being spent left and right like nobody’s business? Was this the same type of corruption that they claimed to dislike so much? Perhaps there was something there that the young woman simply wasn’t seeing. For now she would give them the benefit of the doubt and enjoy the festivities. After all, none of the commoners she had seen in so far seemed to be starving or miserable. ”Honestly, there’s not much to say,” Xie Lan explained, ocassionally taking nibbles at the food that had just been served. ”I grew up in an orphanage in Xiao Pei after a fire took my parents when I was young. All of the orphanage children were expected to learn a wide variety of skills since taking odd jobs around the city was what k-kept us all fed and clothed. As I got older, I went from being taken care of to taking care of the younger orphans, and then eventually moved out on my own once others grew old enough to take my p-p-place.” The young woman paused to catch her breath. Hopefully she wouldn’t seem too long-winded. ”As far as hobbies go, I suppose embroidery would be the only one I have. I also enjoy burning incense whenever I have the money.” |
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| ZhangGao | Sep 14 2013, 09:45 PM Post #37 |
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OOC: Sorry for the delay in reply. Been having computer problems. Zhang Shi ate his food with ruthless efficiency, though without any hint of enjoyment or pleasure. Eating was just another task to be completed for him it seemed. Zhang Gao however, ate with gusto and passion, sampling large amounts of everything the servants brought forth. His cousin ate in a similar fashion, though with smaller portions. As Xie Lan described her background and hobbies, Zhang Gao nodded and wiped his mouth. "If it is incense you enjoy, incense you shall have." He clapped his hands and a servant arrived quickly. Zhang Gao ordered him to light some incense and the man scurried off to comply. "I treat those who serve me well, Xie Lan. If you do right by me and the people of Gui Yang, then you will prosper under me. Despite what my tight fisted son might prefer." He chuckled and cast a glance at Zhang Shi, who merely scrunched up his face in displeasure. |
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| Xie Lan - Topaz | Sep 14 2013, 10:32 PM Post #38 |
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”No, wait, you don’t have to-“ Xie Lan started to say. However, before she could finish her sentence, rich, earthy smells began wafting through the banquet hall. The sight of the billowing smoke was an elegant one as it twirled and twisted slowly through the air. The scent was even better than the sight. There was just something about it that didn’t feel right though… From early childhood, she was always taught that if you wanted anything in life, it had to be earned through toil and sweat. So far Xie Lan had barely even lifted a finger. And yet, so many extravagant things had been or were to be bestowed upon her. Wonderful food, incense, and, if Zhang Shi was to be believed, a hefty sum of money. On the surface it seemed like a dream come true In reality, it all just left her feeling empty and even more uncomfortable than before. ”I b-beg your pardon Lord Zhang Gao,“ Xia Lan spoke up. ”Please forgive me if I sound ungrateful, but doesn’t this seem like a bit much? It is my understanding that you haven’t even seen what I am capable of. You are so willing to shower me with wonderful things and kind words, but how can you be so sure that I have the skills you are l-l-looking for? I know I am surely repeating myself, but I am not even positive myself.“ If this was the lifestyle those of high social status were accustomed to, the young woman doubted she could ever live like that. |
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| ZhangGao | Sep 14 2013, 11:33 PM Post #39 |
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"I have confidence in your abilities. And the reason why is I have confidence in my own instincts. One of the keys to being a successful lord is the ability to spot talent and to put the talent to good use. Besides, I'm not the only one who sees your potential. Two of Chung Mon's officers came calling upon you as well. You're services are in demand, and I'm willing to do what I must to secure them." "And as far as earning your keep, I fully expect you to do that and then some. I've said I reward good service. Mediocre service is another thing, but I don't think you are the type to settle for being mediocre." With that, Zhang Gao turned towards Zhang Shi. "Speaking of mediocre, where is your lay about brother?" Shi only offered a small indifferent shrug. |
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| Cai Wengi - Simon | Sep 19 2013, 09:57 PM Post #40 |
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Hu Tu remained behind the messenger as he guided him into the city of Gui Yang. As he walked through the streets, Hu Tu took note mentally of what he had seen, specifically to the work being done. Lord Zhang was certainly not slack in his goals having his flag and his influence extend into Chang Sha, which certainly made a person curious as to what he intends. What was also interesting was the reasons behind this banquet that Lord Zhang was holding, but for whatever reason which he assumed was his recent victory in Chang Sha from what his information gathering had brought to light, he was certainly thankful that he wished to see him. However, it would mean that Hu Tu would not only be speaking directly to the Lord of this growing power, but no doubt be faced with his officers also. Nevertheless, this did not discourage Hu Tu, for the only one he truly feared was his Queen who does not take failure and certainly not betrayal very lightly. It was such fear that was installed in the hearts of men in the lands of the once-divided Fu, only to be brought together by the strength and courage that his Queen possessed. Would Cai Wengi enter one of these Lords' service in their rise to power, or would she continue her rampage, he cannot be sure, but soon, all would be revealed. Nearing the banquet hall, Hu Tu prepared himself mentally since he and the other attendants were instructed to be brutal in their questioning should the need arise in order to evaluate their character. Entering the hall, the messenger made his presence known before Hu Tu gave a gesture of respect in the form of a bow to the Lord of Gui Yang, "I thank you for agreeing to meet with me Lord Zhang, my name is Hu Tu and must first congratulate you on your victory in Chang Sha....", seeing such would probably confirm his assumption that this banquet was for such a victory or not... |
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2:35 PM Jul 11