Yuan Shu's Estate

[Zhang Zhao]

In Shouchun, Yuan Shu had a sprawling estate which stood as a testament to his wealth, influence, and his branch of the Yuan clan. There were two guards stationed at every entrance, as well as guards patrolling the perimeter. Yuan Shu was fearful of assassination attempts and went to great lengths to protect himself and his family. The people were welcome to stroll through the Outer Courtyard, however only those cleared by the guards would be welcome into the Inner Courtyard.

Those who seek anything of Yuan Shu please post here.

[Shi Xiang]

The wind ripped through an open field, influencing the torrent of rain into a macabre styled dance. Loose pieces of hide could be heard flapping in wild motions and the laughter of men hidden beneath them. A makeshift village was constructed in less than an hour; beating the storm barely. In the center of all of it was a much larger tent than the rest. Three men stood at its entrance armed with hand axes and each adorned in tiger-fox hide armor.

Within the tent was a female in white-black striped hide. Two others flanked her, one on each side. The trio's history went back to a time when they were children just learning how to fight, hunt and survive off of the land. That is another story though. The sound of tapping rain pellets created a quiet and soothing sound as they struck the animal-skin tents. The air smelled of rain, it reminded her of home and its varying rains that would come and go day in and day out. But again, that was not to be thought of at a time like this.

Her finger slid across a large piece of parchment. She traced a road that was almost too faded to be seen, it led them to a city. However, they should of been there yesterday. Which meant she either misjudged the distance, or took a wrong path. Both options were viable. To make matters worse they were running low on rations, despite being capable hunters and gatherers - it would just occupy too much time to gather enough food for all the troops she had.

Her finger then slid down to another road realizing a landmark was drawn, one she had recently seen. She smiled lightly to herself, a smile that could barely be seen in the dark one candle lit tent. Her soft voice spoke up, barely capable of being heard. "I seem to have misjudged. Here, not here. send a pair of scouts, use the draft horses." She looked to her friend, Ru Shou, he nodded and exited the tent.

--

The sun had finally set completely, signifying the death of the day. The rain continued as it did along with the howling gale. The laughter had died down as the men found rest in their alcohol and straw padding. The aroma of freshly cooked meat just outside the tent told her that the men continued to honor their previous life as hunter-gatherers. It was most likely rabbit, maybe a chicken. It definitely was not enough to feed all the men, but maybe a handful - and that was a handful of rations able to be kept on reserve.

Shi Xiang was slowly drifting off, her eyes fighting to stay open. She was exhausted from the past four day march from Fancheng where they shut down a bandit operation and last supplied for their journey to Xiangcheng. Even though she was tired, she knew her troops were ever more so. She could see the fatigue in their bodies but for some reason they would continue on with pride. Aside from the men of the Han, they were quite the Prima Donna's and complained far too often.

As ordered, four men entered into the tent with news of their upcoming journey."Lady Shi." a deep, soft, voice spoke out. Shi Xiang bounced up from her straw and grass padded bedding and made a return to her feet. The four men bowed their heads respectively before walking further into the tent and arriving before the map that had been laid out hours before.

"The scouts have reported a city ahead, at a medium paced march we should be able to reach it in a half day." Ru Shou bowed his head to indicate he was finished. Shi Xiang gave a faint smile to the scouts and nodded to them, dismissing them. She then looked to Ji Xun. "see to it they are to receive double rations tonight." She herself received a respectful nod and he exited. Ru Shou remained and looked at the map with his General, or at least that was what the Han called her. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath pressing her lips tightly together before speaking "shou chun. wealth, nobleman. we must seek assistance from--permission to rest." she exhaled the remainder of her breath before returning to her normal breathing. "Get rest. I will see to it that the men a prepared to march on your awakening." A soft short laugh escaped her mouth before nodding. Ru Shou dismissed himself.

--

The storm had finally passed, a calm soothing breeze followed in its wake. The troops had already broke down and repacked the makeshift barracks back into the draft carts. Their own equipment gathered and ready for the march ahead. Shi Xiang, Ru Shou and Ji Xun all sat atop their horses. With her men called to attention and having recieved the signal to form up, they were ready to march. Xiang right hand, palm up, raised. Slowly, the men started to move forward at a steady brisk pace. Ji Xun pulled off to the side of the muddied road and slid into the rear of the column while Ru Shou moved off just to the right side of Shi Xiang who remained ahead of the column.

Sure enough, just as the scouts reported, the city was in view. It appeared to be larger than what she would of imagined it to be. Getting closer she could see that the gates were still open and a crowd had gathered before it. She couldn't tell what was going on. The sound of ringing bells could be heard echoing - the civilians that were outside of the gate were ushered in quickly as the gates closed behind them, silhouettes began appearing on the walls.

"Mm-Crap" Lady Shi thought to herself as her right hand raised in a fist. The troops came to a complete halt and remained at attention. Ji Xun rode up next to his General looking to her as did Ru Shou. Licking her lips she thought for a moment. "Xun, with me. Shou, stay." her soft voice spoke under the mumbling of troops. Xiang and Xun rode the remainder of the distance to the gate, the silhouettes becoming people clad in light armor and wielding bows. City guards. The gate opened slight allowing two men quickly come out, the gate was then sealed again. The better dressed man ordered the two barbarians to identify themselves, Xiang looked to Xun to answer.

"Valiants." Ji Xun spoke up with command of his own,

"I am Ji Xun, Lieutenant to the honorable Han General Lady Shi Xiang, Princess to the Nan-Man nations. Her Father, King Shi." His focus was speaking to the man in robes, the one who demanded for who they were. Shi Xiang rolled her eyes at the way Ji Xun had introduced themselves and making her out to be more than what was necessary. Typical of him. And typical to receive slander by peasants, soldiers, and nobles alike. It seemed very few had respect for her people. There had been many times where Shi Xiang had to be held back in spite of the mocking Imperialist ways. If it didn't happen then, it was bound to happen sooner or later during their stay.

"We come to speak with the Lord of Shouchun." He concluded. The two men before them had an inaudible conversation that lasted several minutes. Finally the larger, of the two representatives ordered the gates opened for their re-entry. The two disappeared behind the closing gates without saying a single word. The two Southerners looked to one another in confusion. The two Nan-man decided on leaving if they were not to be received in the next few moments. However, Shi Xiang could not allow that to happen. They desperately were in need of being resupplied and getting rested up for their next journey.

[Zhang Zhao]

Inside Yuan Shu's personal chambers...

Yuan Shu was a man of taste, there would be no denying this fact. He enjoyed collecting valuable objects, especially if they were old and could speak the cultured air he so often presented. He jealously counted among his possessions such items as pottery from the Early Han, aged weapons of the bygone Warring States era, and a set of armor which he claimed was worn during the Battle of Gaixia by a Yuan ancestor. In his personal library Yuan Shu kept on a variety of topics, however those concerning strategy and statecraft were his favorites, including history.

Yuan Shu is seated at a desk, writing a personal letter; an attendant rushes in.

"My lord, there are two city guards within the Inner Courtyard who seek to meet with you."

"What is their business?" asked Yuan Shu, concentrating on his writing and not looking at the attendant.

"It seems there are two Southerners outside the city gates. They asked to speak with you specifically, and the guard is unsure as to whether they should admit them. The people are becoming nervous."

Yuan Shu looks up from his work, his eyebrow is slightly raised.

"Are they from the Wuyue region?" Yuan Shu asked in a pressing manner, more curious than he had been, yet also growing uncertain of the situation. As the attendant made no response, Yuan Shu stood up at once and made swiftly for the Audience Chamber.

The Audience Chamber was a large hall with impressive carved columns. Such was its grandeur, many whispered that Yuan Shu thought himself an emperor. Yuan Shu's personal chamber was accessible by passageway behind his chair. As he hurried his way towards the Inner Courtyard to meet the city guards, his mind began to race as he wondered what type of people were trying to enter his city. He was nobility and he had a duty to protect the people. At the same time, the chaos was toppling many noble houses, and Yuan Shu felt he should also look to his other duty—preserving the Yuan name for posterity. It would be a tragedy if he was slain by barbarians and such an obligation fell to Yuan Shao.

The Inner Courtyard...

The city guards saluted Yuan Shu on bended knee. He told them to arise and give him a full report on the matter.

"These people are dressed quite strangely. The men who spoke with us seemed to be envoys."

"Envoys, you say?"

"Yes. One said he was Ji Xun, lieutenant to a Lady Shi Xiang. Her father, he said, is known as King Shi."

"I have not heard of such a family before," Yuan Shu replied, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "Where are they from?"

"He said the Nanman nations."

The Nanman—they were aboriginal tribes who lived in southwestern parts of the land, and Yuan Shu had heard that Liu Yan of Yizhou may of had dealings with them. Yuan Shu considered the notion of forming ties with the Nanman, for it could be useful in the long run.

At last, Yuan Shu turned to guards.

"I have made a decision. Tell them that the Lord of Shouchun shall meet with the Lady Shi Xiang. However, only she and two other officers may enter the city itself; all others must camp outside the city walls, lest her troops arouse fear amongst the people."

The guards gesture respectfully and then depart for the walls.

[Shi Xiang]

"Imperials." Ji Xun scoffed to his leader. She in return gave a slight nod and remained unwavering in her battle. It was a standoff between her and her Lieutenant. Against them the city guards leaning over the walls, each one making an attempt to examine them. Shi Xiang's lips curved just enough to make a smirk as she observed multiple emotions from the city guard; Fear was a major one, as was Curiosity.

A mechanism broke the stern silence between the two forces, the gates opening in a more invitational manner. The Nan-man duo stared at only one of the representatives from before, though he stood with armed men. He informed them of the conditions required to meet with the Lord of Shouchun. Shi Xiang agreed with a nod of her head and gestured for Ji Xun to report back to Ru Shou. She would hold off the march to the Lord's chambers until Ji Xun made his return. The Guard clearly aggravated by this motion.

Soon enough the two had departed from their horses. The escort brought the pair before a large structure, it was awe inspiring to both Shi Xiang and Ji Xun as to how beautifully managed it was. The outer courtyard abuzz with gossip by the many onlookers. Shi Xiang looked to Ji Xun and raised her brow as they entered through the inner courtyard and finally just before the Audience Hall. They were approached by two young men who requested their weapons. Reluctantly, and for good reason, Shi Xiang passed over her sword - that alone signified her position in the Han Military. Ji Xun did as her, passing his sword to the other.

The two were finally allowed entry without escort. Their steps were soft as they looked around the Audience Hall. It was lavishly decorated and almost over the top.

"compensating?" Shi Xiang offered in her native tongue to Ji Xun who in turn gave a light chuckle.

Their attention moved forward where a man sat within a large chair; it looked really close as to what her Father would sit in. The man had a strange, yet commonly noble, look about him. He was more lavishly designed than the building he made rest in. The pair arrived before the man. Ji Xun bowed his head to the man through respect and the fact his own position in society was leagues lower than the two nobles of the room. Shi Xiang offered no such thing to the man. She did not know who he was, only rumor and speculation. She did not believe, as the Han did very much so, that she was to bow to a mere city Lord. They would not speak rather offer him the first words.

[Zhang Zhao]

Yuan Shu leans forward in his chair, so that he may get a closer look at the two exotic individuals before him.

"I welcome you to my city of Shouchun. Please forgive the trouble earlier, however, this has all come as quite a surprise. Had you sent word, I would of prepared a more fitting welcome." Yuan Shu said, fanning himself casually with a fan. He studied them intently as one would study a rare specimen. The tall one seemed simple enough, but the girl intrigued him.

Yuan Shu motions to an attendant on the far side of the chamber. A few moments later, two servants arrive with cups of wine and fine mats for the two guests.

"Please, please...sit."

[Shi Xiang]

Shi Xiang and Ji Xun watched as the man leaned forward. The Lord's interest apparently growing. Ji Xun wondered to himself if he was supposed to bow again. His attempts at picking up on Han culture was coming slowly. Unlike Shi Xiang who could care less to participate in the culture and only do what was necessary for her and the survival of her men. Her mind trailing off for just a moment thinking back to just seconds ago when she had not bowed to the man.

She figured the Lord, as well-dressed as he was, to be of higher nobility than what they had last been around. He didn't seem completely bothered by their presence as others did. Perhaps he had encountered people such as her in his past. Or maybe he was just venerable. She would had to treat him as such due to this. "As long as you keep that way." her mind spoke.

"I welcome you to my city of Shouchun. Please forgive the trouble earlier, however, this has all come as quite a surprise. Had you sent word, I would of prepared a more fitting welcome." Yuan Shu said, fanning himself casually with a fan.

"Please, please...sit."

"Thank you Lord-?" Ji Xun spoke as both he and Shi Xiang found rest on the seats provided by the servants. Ji Xun sat in a respectable manner. This is the exact reason Shi Xiang always picked him over Ru Shou when it came to dealings. He seemed to always be far more dignified, whereas Ru Shou was more of brute. Both had their pros and cons.

A gentle smile curved Xiang's lips as Xun requested the name of their host. Her hands rested upon her lap and she sat straight looking to the yet-named. Her cup had yet to be drunk from as it sat just before her. Xun dignified as he may be, he was still a Nanman and he found solace in the cup that was presented to him as soon as he finished his question for the Lord. He eventually sat the cup off to his right side.

Meanwhile...

The troops had exited from the road and went into a pasture that flanked and kept them in sight of the City Gate. Their hide tents popped and firewood had been gathered. Ru Shou had commanded as ordered. He figured it would be a day or possibly two before they would head out again. Resupplying took time and quite a bit of resources to do. Hundreds of barbarian soldiers were standing around the perimeter closest to the castle staring down the Shouchun Guard on the wall. It appeared they had become more relaxed in their defense but they still had quite the number of troops standing watch on the side facing the encampment.

[Zhang Zhao]

"Yuan Shu..." Yuan Shu replied as an attendant brought him his own cup of wine. He found it a curious thing that the girl did not drink from her cup. He wondered if she thought his wine beneath what she was accustomed, but considering that Han society was far more civilized, Yuan Shu found that to be most unlikely.

"Does the lady not find my wine acceptable to her tastes?" Yuan Shu asked, eyeing the pair. "I assure you, it is quite safe."

Yuan Shu takes a drink from his own cup.

"Now then—Lady Shi Xiang was it? I understand that your father sent you here to meet with me. I must say, I am rather surprised, although it is not entirely unexpected. I am a member of the Yuan after all, one of the oldest families of the realm. What can I do for you?"

[Shi Xiang]

"Does the lady not find my wine acceptable to her tastes?" Yuan Shu asked, eying the pair. "I assure you, it is quite safe."

Yuan Shu takes a drink from his own cup.

"Now then—Lady Shi Xiang was it? I understand that your father sent you here to meet with me. I must say, I am rather surprised, although it is not entirely unexpected. I am a member of the Yuan after all, one of the oldest families of the realm. What can I do for you?"

Shi Xiang looked to Ji Xun who returned the gaze. What appeared to be nothing more than a simple exchange in eye contact was in fact more. Xun understood what he was to say next in order to prepare the floor for his friend. Ji Xun looked back to the now named.

"Before my Lady speaks; we wish to make it clear, and make you aware, that she was born a mute. She has learned speech but it is faint - we hope you understand." Ji Xun finished and Shi Xiang allowed just enough space between his words and her own for Yuan Shu to make a short response if he so wanted to, be it words or gesture.

Shi Xiang inclined her eyes to meet his. She offered a smile before allowing it to fade into her soft words. She was doubly glad that the room had grown silent. It was going to be hard to not insult the man.

"That is incorrect Lord Yuan Shu. All due respect I, nor my father, have never heard of the Yuan family. Nor any other noble houses of the Han. So please, do not find insult in these words. As for your offering." Her eyes glanced to the cup sitting before her to indicate what exactly she meant.

"I fear if I try the flavor I may not like it, which could possibly insult you. However, if I do not give it the chance, again you could become insulted. It is a lose-lose situation for me. Unless of course, I do like it." her slight smile returned in a short pause before vanishing into a more serious face.

"Allow me to explain from the beginning. As stated earlier by my Lieutenant Ji Xun; I am Shi Xiang of the Nanman. I am currently employed by your Emperor under conditions required of me through treaty. It is my agreed duty to come at the beck and call of the Han. They assign me with missions, the most recent being the Yellow Turban rebellion." Her hand raised as she grew silent. It was to indicate she had yet to finish and was just allowing her throat to rest some.

"We had just dissolved a small uprising of the Yellow Turban's in Fancheng. Since then we have been in route to Xiangchang in order to resupply for our journey North. However. A small miscalculation, fault of my own, we were two days late as of today. And that would explain our presence now."

She let out a soft sigh as she recollected her situation. Thinking what there was to gain if he would help them. Nothing.

"I beg of you. Please offer us assistance. We are in desperate need of rations. Though...we do not have anything to offer you in return. So I understand if you do not wish to waste your resources on us. If you won't consider it now will you please sleep on the matter?" - "Or we could always just take it from you." she thought annoyed at herself for acting in such a pathetic way. And to make matters worse her throat was beginning to feel sore. Saying so much in such a little frame of time always had this effect on her.

She understood his reasoning if he denied the request. It could of been one of many things from the fact she had nothing of value to offer him or possibly turn them down because they were not of the civilized Han. Shi Xiang and Ji Xun looked on the Lord as he held their fate in his hands.

[Zhang Zhao]

Yuan Shu found himself rather incredulous of the fact that Shi Xiang and her father were not familiar with the Yuans or any of the Han’s noble houses. If they were going to serve such a great dynasty, the least they could do is learn the pillars of society---the nobility being the most important pillar at that. Not only did these people come up out of the mountains from nowhere, but they had a lot of nerve, Yuan Shu thought, in asking someone as important as himself for help as though he were a religious sect, obligated by a sacred vow to help the poor. His interest in them began to wane, and if not that it was slowing transitioning to annoyance.

"You ask for much and yet you offer me very little in return. I must be frank and say that there is not much incentive to help you at all." Yuan Shu said brusquely, finsihing his wine.

An attendant moves forward and takes the cup from his lord. Yuan Shu than directs his full attention upon his guests, particularly Lady Shi Xiang.

"And further still, I do not find your story believable. How is it that a force as large as yours was able to move so freely without any sort of detection? Perhaps you intend to take me for a fool. now that it is only by my good graces that you are able to keep your heads upon your shoulders without fear, but a single word from me could easily correct that situation.” Yuan Shu said, looking upon them with sense of superiority. “However, I realize that you come from an uncivilized people and to be in my presence is to witness the virtues and splendor of the nobility. That is also why I have decided to be magnanimous and help you—on one condition.”

Yuan Shu slowly rises from his chair and walks down the steps. Standing before the pair he begins to pace.

“You say you were conscripted by the Han into service to fight the Yellow rebels. The emperor has been surrounded by ignoble men and intriguers, therefore your services most likely will no longer be required. That is why I am going to offer you the deal of conscription for my forces in exchange for the provision you request."

Yuan Shu stops his pacing movements.

"Do we have an understanding?”

[Shi Xiang]

"You ask for much and yet you offer me very little in return. I must be frank and say that there is not much incentive to help you at all." Yuan Shu said brusquely, finishing his wine.

At this point Shi Xiang lowered her head as to avoid the gaze of the man much like she would avoid the one of her Father when ever she had angered him. She couldn't help but roll her eyes to what was just said. She already knew that there was no incentive to assist her and he had no reason to reply back that knowledge. Her head raised again to meet his at the sound of a servant moving.

A glare shot out from her eyes and she sensed that he was all to well-aware that he had the upper hand by the way he stared at the two, accompanied by the tone of arrogance. "Prick. My men would see you drawn and quartered." she wished the Lord could of heard her thoughts as he continued to speak against her people and mock her culture. Shi Xiang gritted her teeth in order to hold back any outburst she might let fly. Ji Xun had raised his head higher to the words, defying them. "You don't realize how lucky you are." She thought as she wished Ru Shou was with her rather than Ji Xun.

Her gaze remained the same as he stood up and approached. He was so conceited in his speech and stature. The way he walked alone irritated Shi Xiang to no end. How she would love to pull her dagger and slice the throat of the nobleman. She could feel the sheathed blade pushing against her bust. Unnoticeable by others due to the thickness of the fur hide she wore. Oh how tempting it was to make the hands reach for it and strike.

“You say you were conscripted by the Han into service to fight the Yellow rebels. The emperor has been surrounded by ignoble men and intriguers, therefore your services most likely will no longer be required. That is why I am going to offer you the deal of conscription for my forces in exchange for the provision you request."


Yuan Shu stops his pacing movements.

The thought of even serving this man made Shi Xiang's skin crawl. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath as she thought long and hard over her options once more. She was able to track his position through his footsteps and figured he stopped just in front of her. She could feel his piercing eyes.

"Do we have an understanding?”

"For how long?" She growled under her breath. Ji Xun's head flinched at the sound of her voice; he had never heard her voice louder nor deeper than what was just spoken. It caught him off-guard somewhat. She had one more question before she would give him the chance to speak.

"And what of my people? Will they be received by your barracks in the same treatment as my men of the Han?" She was curious as to how Yuan Shu would treat her Nanman soldiers. Would he allow them in the city en masse and equip them just as the Imperial's were or would he deny them entry and keep them outside of the walls like rabid dogs. She expected their denial which would have little consequence to her decision. It was the duration she was more concerned of.

[Zhang Zhao]

“I will put it this way—your men will be accepted into the barracks as long you ensure that they will not misbehave. Furthermore, so you may not think you shall be at a disadvantage, I give you the rank of Lieutenant for the duration of your stay here, and I expect you to perform the same as any of my other generals.” Yuan Shu said, stroking his beard. “As to your other question, let us not restrict ourselves to a time frame.”

Yuan Shu ascends the steps once again and seats himself in the chair.

“It will take…some time to gather together your provisions, and certainly nothing can be accomplished tonight. You are dismissed—take your forces to the barracks and settle in.”

Yuan Shu waves them off with his hand.

In the end, Yuan Shu could not help but smile at his own genius. He would provide Shi Xiang with her provisions, but not before manipulating her for his own gain.

[Shi Xiang]

Her jaws had clinched tight causing a slight headache to plague her. He had just made an attempt to demote her and gave the idea he would have her for as long as he wanted. Ji Xun had already took to his feet and stepped away, though stopped to wait for his leader. Finally, Shi Xiang's eyes opened to look upon the one she would have to call Lord - at least for now.

"Oh. And I will retain full control of my troops. Every last one of them will remain under my command. If you or one of your so called Generals thinks otherwise...it will be the last mistake any of you make." She stood up proudly and kept her gaze locked to him for a moment longer, a smirk striking her lips just before turning about and joining up with Ji Xun to make their way out of the Audience Hall. She did not fear this man for he was nothing but a coward who hid behind his nobility. She had hoped that the others in the the Hall had heard the threat and would begin to spread it throughout the city. This, hopefully, would cause discontent between the people of Shouchun and her tribesmen.

The two managed to escape the courtyard without rousing any of the guards and possibly escaping an angered Yuan Shu for just being talked back to by his newest Lieutenant. "I do not like this." Ji Xun spoke in their native tongue as to avoid detection by any onlookers. "Neither do I; I will see to it that it is short-lived." Xiang replied in the same tongue as the two arrived at their horses. Both mounted up and rode out to the encampment which flanked the city in a field.

The pair received greetings as they arrived back to their men. It was nice to be amongst friends again. Having arrived at the command tent Shi Xiang and Ji Xun found their third, Ru Shou. He took to his feet with eagerness. The three exchanged their greetings.

"So what of the man?" His voice was most curious, specially as to how fast it went down.

Xiang offered a sigh before speaking "We are to serve the Lord for the time being. Since we have little to offer but our blades it is the only option as of right now. Be warned that he is an arrogant nobleman of the Han who thinks highly of his name and believes we are simple people. He has already disgraced himself by making attempts to offend us." - "He also has made an attempt to demote our Lady Shi Xiang, calling her a Lieutenant rather than General. However the men must be told that this is nothing but disrespect to our people and no matter what they should only be following Shi Xiang's or our orders." Ji Xun added on.

"Yes. This Lord or his Generals are not to command any of my troops. I made that quite clear before we left. We are to repack camp sometime today or tomorrow and make for the barracks inside of the city. From there, well...I guess we just see how it unfolds."

"Shall I inform the troops?" Shi Xiang gave a nod. "Please. Both of you gather them and inform them. The Lord's name is Yuan Shu. The Han soldiers may know of him and could possibly want to join him ever more so. But that is something we will prevent. Whether through loyalty, or persuasion." The two men gave a slight chuckle at the thought of abusing the Han boys. After speaking for several more minutes the two Lieutenants of Shi Xiang exited the tent to give their speech to the men while she herself made an attempt to find rest for her head and her throat.

[Sanzang]

186AD

A small group of silver clad soldiers arrived at the gates of Yuan Shu's home. They surrounded a small carriage. Within, was the very much loved 'Blessed Governess', Wei Sun. It had been a year since the disaster at Chang Sha. She had failed her adoring pupil Dang An, and the people that were counting on her. Now they likely feared for their lives.

As she exited the carriage, a soldier announced her to Yuan's men. She had come hoping to learn more about how Emperor Ling died. She also wanted to see the man who could not make it to that horrible conference, Yuan Shu. Sun heard he knew Liu Xing, the orchestrator of the chaos at Chang Sha. Maybe she could further understand why he had ordered such a terrible act in these times.

"The Blessed Governess is here to see Lord Yuan Shu!" A soldier said...

[Zhang Zhao]

"Lord Yuan Shu has been expecting you, Lady Wei Sun! He is awaiting you in the 'Island Pavilion' in the garden," one of the guards replied, saluting. "He has asked me to escort you, however, there is one condition---you are allowed two guards only! The rest must wait here!"

The guards await the response of Wei Sun and her entourage. Meanwhile...

Yuan Shu stands in the Island Pavilion, awaiting Wei Sun. He paces about slightly; gazes into the water, taking note of the water lilies or the movements of the fish. There were a few servants about; they would attend upon Yuan Shu and Wei Sun for the duration of their meeting.

The pavilion was an elegant structure, standing alone in a lake. It was attached to the rest of the estate by a small bridge. Yuan Shu had his own reasons for wishing to meet the Lady of Chaisang. Wei Sun's father had been the physician to the late emperor and an intimate friend. The capital had lost much of its former glory, especially the court itself, and that was long before the arrival of Dong Zhuo. Yet Yuan Shu still envisioned possible avenues by which he could gain influence for himself and his family.

[Sanzang]

The pavilion was truly beautiful. Easily matching the flower garden in Chaisang's courtyard. Yet it may have held a fair bit more majesty. Yuan Shu obviously spent a great deal of money on himself. The actual city of Shou Chun had nowhere near such beauty.

Wei Sun walked along the bridge accompanied by two guards. She bowed in deep respect to the rich looking man, Yuan Shu. "Thank you for having me in your home. I see your doing well. I certainly hope your people are as happy. These furnishings are so very high quality... I feel almost like I've returned to Luo Yang. The past one of course. Things have changed haven't they...."

At last she hoped to speak with a man that would have some courtesy. Unlike the insanity of one year ago.