>>539229
>> ... the yearning of ambitions. Your father was a scholar who, despite passing the examinations and having a degree, never became an official.

>>539241

Your father would shake his head and laugh bitterly. 'And so do I, you little wretch. And who cared what I wanted?'

He had reasons to be bitter. As you grew up, you came to understand a little more about him. The fact that he was a degree holder. But that he was never an official, instead feeding the family with his meagre income as a teacher of the Classics and the Books.

You suppose you grew up in an environment of the ink and of books, but how did you deal with that?

> You love reading. The Classics and the Books, of course.
> You love reading. There's a copy of the Art of War and the Six Stratagems and you love those.
> You love reading. There's this... book that your father keeps under his bed, he doesn't know you've read it...
> You don't like reading. Better to keep quiet and work.
> You don't like reading. You prefer to run around!

>>539252
>> You love reading. There's a copy of the Art of War and the Thirty Six Stratagems and you love those.

>>539252
>> You love reading. There's a copy of the Art of War and the Six Stratagems and you love those.

>>539252
> You love reading. There's a copy of the Art of War and the Six Stratagems and you love those.

>>539253
>>539254
>>539255

You loved reading - of course you did. But your choice of reading material was not quite... conventional.

Of course, you did a little of the Classics and the Books, but it was the *other* books that interested you. The books on... war, on the use of soldiers... and...

Suddenly, as if from a great distance, a terrible metallic clanging starts up, and you are shaken from your reminiscing. You start awake, and just then you hear people on your left and right all start awake too. Then another awful sound - a single blast of a horn.

BROOOOMM!

'The Dawn Summons! The Dawn Summons! Awake to your duty!'

You scramble awake, then turn to where the rows of dressing tables and mirrors are. All the girls in the building - there are, apparently, 338 of you this time - are rising together. There aren't 338 tables...

> Quick! Get one now!
> It's all right. Let's wait the rush out.
> Other.

>>539256
>> It's all right. Let's wait the rush out.

>>539256
>> Quick! Get one now!
gimme gimme gimme

>>539261
>>539262

> Tied!

>>539256
>Quick! Get one now!

>>539261
>>539262
>>539269

Well, you know what they say. 'In the military, speed is most precious.' So you quickly get to your feet and scramble for the mirrors...

... and quickly manage to get to one! Settling down, you light the lamp beside it, which casts a glowing light on your face. And you can see it in the mirror. Which feature would you say you're proudest of?

> Your skin. Unblemished and practically glowing in the lamplight.
> Your hair. A cascade of glossy raven strands.
> Your eyes, round and bright.
> Other.

>>539276
>> Your eyes, round and bright.

>>539276
>> Your eyes, round and bright.
Eyes are the key to knawlage

>>539277
>>539278

You look at your eyes, leaning in to the mirror. Hmm. You quite like them - how round they are. But they look a little bloodshot. That's not very good... you'll have to clean them a little. They're dry from the air here, you reckon.

After drying your eyes, you work on the cosmetics provided to you - just a pale powder, really, to be puffed onto your face. So that's not too hard, and-

'Hey, get away!'

'I was here first!'

Two girls are fighting over the mirror right next to you, and you turn to them nudging each other. One of them is taller and prettier, but the other, as far as you know, did come here first. Woah - watch it...!

> Help the pretty one.
> Help the one who's here first.
> Just go. We're done here.
> Other.

super hard decision...great quest

hi victer-kun

>>539283
>> Other.
invite the taller one to our mirror, leave out the fact that we are done.

>>539283
>>539285

>>539284

> ... are you actually admin?

>>539285
>>539286

You ease to one side before they hit you, then reach over to the prettier girl. 'Hey. Hey!'

'What?'

'Use this one,' you say. Her eyes widen.

'B-but-'

'It's fine,' you say, not saying that you're already done. In the darkness they can't really tell, right? 'Come on.'

'Right... thanks!'

After cleaning your face and dressing it, all 338 of you quickly make your way down a wide stairway into the main hall. You are living in what is called the Court of Tender Buds; this is where the girls taken into the Palace are kept, until they are assigned their proper roles. For some, these roles will be drudgery - service in the kitchen, or as palace maids.

For others, the roles will be a bit more prestigious, as ladies in waiting for the many women in the Palace.

But for some, there will be the greatest prize - being part of the entourage of a Prince, or perhaps a senior official as a gift, to serve them... in all ways. That will put you in the company of powerful men - for it is men who have the power, they say.

Well, as the Art of War says - 'when strong, appear weak'... but anyway. Once you are gathered, there is a quick headcount, and then an eunuch, dressed in black and gold brocade with a long flywhisk, appears. He is flanked by four eunuchs and two guards, so he must be really senior... oh. Is that a box of gold? Wrapped in bright yellow silk?

I-is the Emperor, His Majesty, Son of Heaven, Ruler of the Nine Realms, finally-

'We bear with us the Edict!'

Someone cracks a whip, which is the universal signal around here to get on your knees. Well then. You get on your knees, and someone answers for all of you. 'The lowly wenches await the Edict.'

'On the orders of Heaven itself, I hereby transmit my words...'

You listen out, trying to decipher the formalised speech. Um... oh.

'As there is another auspicious day, so it is that the selections are held then. The Buds are to continue their training...'

... hmm. Looks like the Emperor is not seeing anyone today, then...

>>539294

Well, so much for your makeup! You are brought back into the House. That's a shame...

Over the next few days, the Tender Buds are engrossed in mostly menial tasks. The bed sheets, robes and curtains of the House need washing after all, and you people don't get palace maids - you *are* the palace maids.

You don't know when the next 'selection' will be, but you hear that the eunuchs are watching all of you, quietly, making their observations and passing them on into the Palace. Of course, they can do this because they are without... equipment, and that gives them some freedom to mingle with you.

One day - must have been three or four days after the selection that wasn't - you come across a strange sight. You were in the kitchen, the cook ordered you to bring in a basket of carrots, and after you offloaded them you walked round and... is that sobbing you hear?

You glance into the alley between two buildings, and see a junior eunuch. He's not even wearing proper robes - must be a new hand too - and is curled up, sobbing. Eh? But-

'Hey, Linden!'

You turn. Linden is your current given name - you have no right to a name if you're a mere palace maid. You turn to see who's calling you. Can't see her... oh, it's the pretty girl! She's Hawthorn, by the way.

> Wave at Hawthorn, then go talk to the eunuch.
> Ignore the eunuch, go to Hawthorn.
> Get Hawthorn to come over. There's a eunuch sobbing here!
> Other.

>>539301
>> Wave at Hawthorn, then go talk to the eunuch.

>>539301
> Wave at Hawthorn, then go talk to the eunuch.

>>539304
>>539315

You smile and wave to Hawthorn, but you don't want to go talk to her just yet. Instead you go between the houses, and the eunuch starts when he notices you're here.

'Ahh!'

'Woah, woah, it's me. I mean no harm,' you say. But now that he's stood up you do see why he's sobbing. Ugly red lines streak across his hands and upper arms. 'Wh-what happened to you?'

'I... I was beaten...'

Yeah, you can see that.

> What for?
> Who by?
> Other question.

>>539329
> What for?
> Who by?
> Does this happens often?

>>539332

'Who by?'

'The... the Master.'

'You mean... one of the blue robes?'

He nods. You nod too. The eunuchs dress according to rank too - there's the cloth shirts like this guy, then they wear black, then blue, then finally red. There's only two red-wearing eunuchs - they both look fierce, too. But it's the blues who do most of the ordering people about, and that includes you too.

You wonder if they'll beat the Buds? Hmm. 'What for?'

'I... I sneaked out,' he sobs. 'I needed to go to the toilet after the curfew. Then I came back but he caught me...'

'That's not right... you had no choice.'

He sighs. Then he gets up. 'Anyway... I have to go now. My name is Duduan.'

'I'm Linden...'

And with that, he goes off, just as Hawthorn comes around.

'Oi, girl. Why're you here?'

'Hmm? Nothing... what's up?'

Hawthorn sighs and comes over, lowering her voice. 'Just bored. When are the selections happening? We can't just sit here forever.'

'Hey, just be glad we've got food and shelter,' you say.

'Well, if we just sit around, I'm going to be bored out of my wits. We just wash clothes, cook stuff, and... I mean... how is this the Palace? I just thought, well, this is the *Palace*!'

'Shh, shh! Are you out of your mind?'

'Sorry...'

Hawthorn does have a point, though. But you can't do anything... can you?

> No. And let's not try. No undue risks.
> Wonder if we can get Duduan to help us sneak out? Just for a breath of air?
> We should look around the House compound...

>>539347
> No. And let's not try. No undue risks.

>>539347
> No. And let's not try. No undue risks.

>>539349
>>539354

> Really? Is this because we're fearful or...?

>>539349
>>539354

> Day 10 in the Palace

Well... there are options, but it's another matter entirely to *take* those options. If a eunuch - who has some freedom to move around - can get beaten for straying out, who knows what happens to you if you...

...

... well, you don't have to imagine. Two mornings later, you wake up to a strange atmosphere, and then after washing head down to the assembly - only to see a horrifying sight. Two of the girls are wearing the white tunics of criminals, on their knees with their hands tied behind their backs, sobbing uncontrollably. Their faces are already swollen and one of them is dripping blood on the ground from her nose.

And beside them both are two men with cudgels, while behind them the two red eunuchs stand. He doesn't have much to say even as one of the girls screams as she is bent over a block and the lock fastened around her neck. Not words, just *sounds*.

'This, girls,' the eunuch on the left says, 'is what happens if you are caught where you shouldn't be. These two wretches were outside the compound. They are to be given ten strokes, and banished from the Palace.'

'NOO! NOOOO! NO-AAAAAHHH!'

Those screams... after the two are dragged out by their hair, barely having the strength to struggle, you turn to Hawthorn. Yeah. Best not to do anything silly...

> Day 11 in the Palace

The whole place is in a deep funk after witnessing that beating yesterday, but then today drums start sounding and clearly something's happening. As you head out, the same red eunuch who announced the beating is there, and he's smiling.

The smile makes your skin crawl.

'You have been here ten days, girls,' he says. 'I suppose that means most of you here are good, obedient girls. Unlike the two wretches yesterday. Since you are already here, you may as well be employed...'

Employed? You turn to Hawthorn, who blinks. Well, there's something!

'I will read out a list of the offices seeking help. You are to step forward and volunteer yourself if you see fit. If no one steps up, I will choose.' He pauses. 'I advise you all step up eagerly, and not force me to choose. Now...'

> The Imperial Archery Grounds.
> The Imperial Hunting Park.
> The Archive of the Southern Palace.
> The Offices of the Palatial Chancellery.

>>539378
> The Imperial Archery Grounds.

>>539378
> The Imperial Archery Grounds.

>>539378
> The Imperial Archery Grounds.

> The Imperial Archery Grounds

>>539382
>>539391
>>539432
>>540197

Were you a little too eager? When you heard the eunuch say 'Imperial Archery Grounds', you immediately step up - and nearly trip over your own feet. 'Me!'

'Yes?'

O-oh shit. Your face burns up and you look down. 'Um- this commoner wishes to be posted there.'

The eunuch frowns, shit, he's going to- then he chuckles.

'Mm. Then this commoner may go. Anyone else?'

'Thanks...' you mutter, then turn to see Hawthorn. She looks a little confused, but then eventually steps up too.

'This commoner-'

'Yes, yes. Go on.'

You smile as she comes over. Before long, there are a few other girls who have come on to the Archery Grounds side. And as you're travelling light, things are quick - by noon, a large wagon has come over to take all 6 of you to the Archery Grounds.

> Day 12 in the Palace

'I can't sleep,' Hawthorn whispers to you. You turn to look at her face in the moonlight. She's a little long faced, but besides that really quite pretty. 'It's so warm now.'

So it is. The height of summer is humid out here, and while you no longer have 300 other girls to deal with, you are still confined to a single room, all 6 of you, for training. Also, there's the matter of the snoring. The girl down the end is snoring. Loudly.

'Take off your clothes, then.'

'I already have,' Hawthorn says. 'But it's still warm!'

You glance at her.

> Just think about cold water. You'll be fine. *Go to sleep*
> Peek under the blanket.
> Blow air at her face.
> Other.

>>541656
> Peek under the blanket.
> Blow air at her face.

>>541656
>> Blow air at her face.

>>541656
>> Peek under the blanket.
>> Blow air at her face.

>>541676
>>541702
>>541749

'So what do you want me to do?' You purse your lips and blow air at her, and Hawthorn flinches.

'Oi!' But then her little protest becomes a louder cry when you lift the blanket. 'Hey! What are you-mm...'

'Shh,' you shove her back down, and she looks at you with wide eyes. You take another peek beneath the blanket... she's not very well endowed, but hers is a slender, winsome body. And she has long, long legs which- but then Hawthorn shoves you away.

'What are you doing, you!' She sits up, clutching the blanket to her body. You grin.

'Just checking you out.'

'Pervert,' she mutters, but then quickly lies down when she hears footsteps. You turn to look - it's the night watch, one lantern and probably two or three eunuchs, shuffling by. But this time they stop in front of your room. Eh?

'You hear anything?'

'No, why?'

'Wonder if we can take a look at the new girls?'

'I've seen two of them are prettier than the others.'

Hang on. These aren't eunuchs, then. You quickly hide when the sliding door suddenly opens, and then peek out. The lantern... and two guards. Both of them armed.

'Man, they smell good.'

'That's the pretty one.'

'What, this one?'

You think they're going to Hawthorn? But then suddenly someone nudges you through the blanket with his foot, and you curl up by instinct. Your heart pounds in your chest...

'Heh. Wonder if they're dreaming of getting fucked.'

'I thought they're all virgins.'

'Not all, I don't think... let's see this one under the blanket...'

T-that's you!

> Flip the blanket and scream.
> Pretend to be asleep.
> Moan softly and resist their pulling.
> Other.

>>541785
>Moan softly and resist their pulling.

>>541785
>> Flip the blanket and scream.

>>541810
>>541805

Shit, shit, shit- you grip on to the blanket and curl in tighter, trying to make it difficult for them to pull the blanket away, but at the same time you moan softly. When you do that, the tugging suddenly stops for a moment.

'You heard that?'

'Hah. This sound like a virgin to you?'

'Having a good time in your dreams, are you girlie?'

Now! While they're still chuckling, you go 'Buh!' and then kick out. Then you quickly sit up, pulling the blanket away-

-and come face to face with two leering, surprised young men. Their eyes widen into big marbles when they see you, and then you take a deep breath.

'AAAAAAA!'

'Fucking hell!'

You sit up and all the other girls sit up too. 'What was that!?'

'S-someone came in! Someone came into our room!'

'What, really? Where? What?'

'They've run off...' you look around...

[Roll d100. You have a +15 bonus.]

Rolled 64 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>541822

Rolled 7, 15, 8, 4, 12, 2, 3, 15, 5, 14, 5, 1, 14, 7, 1, 14, 1, 3, 12, 10, 6, 14, 3, 14, 11 = 201 (25d15)

>>541822

Rolled 50 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>541822
Think I really boned the last roll, hold on...

Rolled 4 + 15 (1d100 + 15)

>>541822

Rolled 35 (1d100)

>>541822
>Buh
MC likes to scare people. :)

>>541828
>>541877
>>541911
>>542115

> What was that roll about, lol

You look around, and quickly spot something glinting in the dim light and pick it up.

Ah hah. What's this? It's none other than a little container for papers or something, isn't it? A little cylinder of bamboo...

> Open the cylinder.
> Keep it. Report the intrusion with this as proof.
> Keep it. We can blackmail someone...

>>542239
>Keep it. Report the intrusion with this as proof

>>542239
>> Keep it. Report the intrusion with this as proof.
We want our superiors to promote us. Without power, we can't safely blackmail people... We seems to on the bottom rung of the hierarchical ladder...

>>542239
>> Open the cylinder.

Ancient China, girl, concubine trainee... Male protagonist would live a better life...

>>542279
>>542286
>>542289
>>542294

You rather want to open the cylinder, but... better not. Better to use this and report the intrusion...

> Day 14 in the Palace

... today, you are woken up early and told to dress in strange-looking robes. Bright red, for one. Why is that... after dressing up, you are then all taken out into the small courtyard of your small building, where a eunuch in blue is waiting.

'So you've had a good three days to look around and see how things are,' he says. 'Do you know why you're wearing clothes above your station?'

'No, sir.'

'So they will know not to shoot you by accident,' he says. 'But keep your eyes bright, nonetheless!'

By now you know a few things. You know that the Imperial Archery Ground, despite its name, is not *just* for archery. It's more...

> ... the Imperial sports complex, if you will.
> ... a drill ground for the Imperial Guard.
> ... actually, it's just another palace, with an extra archery range. Looks luxurious!
> It's the command centre for the Capital Guard.

>>542319
>> ... a drill ground for the Imperial Guard.

>>542319
> ... a drill ground for the Imperial Guard.

I sense a Chinese Catherine the Great ...get that General on our side before our coup d'etat

>>542375

> Chinese Catherine the Great? You mean, the Russian Wu Zetian?

>>542387
Sacred and Divine Empress, wearing the Imperial yellow robe - sounds good! :)

>>542324
>>542338
>>542375

Well, it's a drill ground as well - specifically, for the elite regiments of the Imperial Guard. This, of course, makes it a place where plenty of generals come and go; under the traditions of the Empire, generals are all officers of the Imperial Guard and are given specific orders to levy and lead troops only when campaigns happen.

An army never has a lasting commander; a commander never has a permanent army.

But nonetheless, because of the presence of a large number of troops here - for guarding both the capital and the Palace - there will almost always be an archery event. There isn't a single range; rather, there are three main ranges.

'Do I make myself clear?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Now. Come forth when I call your names. Linden.'

Woah. First? You step up. 'Linden is here, sir.'

'You are headed to...'

[Roll 1d20.]

Rolled 14 (1d20)

>>542403

Rolled 19 (1d20)

>>542403
Nat 20!

>>542387
And for that we need the military! Muahaha!
Biography of Empress Linden: "Her Holyness rode at the head our her army to vanquish the evil regime of corrupt officials who terrorized the citizens for centuries! All Hail Empress Linden!

>>542403
>'You are headed to...'
1-10 fetching water for thirsty officers
11-20 fetching wine for thirsty generals
:)

Meet current General of the Imperial Guard, impress with knowledge of Art of War... still a woman, can't join army, noooo!

>>542417
Can always go Tang Sai'er.

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>542403

Linden is somewhat educated, is that rare or rather common among the harem girls?

>>542419
Rebel leader, cult leader - perfect, right up our alley!

>>542417
>>542407
>>542406

> A little like that.

'Roselle.'

'Roselle is here, sir.'

'Mm. The two of you are going to the Tiger Hall.'

The what? The what!? The Tiger Hall - isn't that where the commanders go to practice? You shiver slightly, and then bow.

'Yes, sir.'

Quickly, you are ushered there by a eunuch who tells you the rules. Because you don't have passes to go within, you are always to stay around the pavilions and outside the building. If you go in, it can only be with an officer, and for a reason.

'And even if you have an officer, you are *never* to go into the Central Hall. If someone sees you take a step inside, your head is going to be up on a stick somewhere by tomorrow.'

'Y-yes, sir...' but meanwhile, your attention has been diverted momentarily by the sight of someone, a young officer striding past. He's dressed in red vest and blue robes, with a sword on his belt and his helmet under his arm, and... 'sorry, sir?'

'What are you staring at, girl?' The eunuch rolls his eyes. 'Now go stand at your stations. Roselle, you go there. Linden, you go over there near the pavilions...'

You get to stand there just for a short while before another officer walks by. 'You.'

'Y-yes, sir.'

'Go fetch some drinks from the pantry. Bring it to the pavilion over there.'

'That pavilion?'

'Yes. Go on go on.'

... right. It's only when you run on into the pantry, and the old lady gives you a glare, that you realise something.

You didn't ask which drinks to bring! 'Um-'

'What do you want, girl?'

> Chilled rice liquor, please!
> Tea, please!
> Chilled honey water, please!
> Warm honey water, please!
> Chilled plum water, please!

>>542436
>> Chilled plum water, please!

>>542436
> Chilled plum water, please!

>>542447
>>542462
Any reason why plum water is better than tea?

>>542436
>Chilled
Good, because it's damn hot.
>water
Because we don't want the generals to decide strategies while drunk.
>plum/honey
Doesn't matter which imo.

>>542469
I googled "china plum water".

>>542486
>china plum water
Suanmeitang, salty - sounds more like torture drink...

File: Zhou.Yu.full.971025.jpg (94 KB, 572x800)

94 KB JPG

>>542447

> One more post, then I'm going to sleep. Goodnight and thanks for playing, people.

'Um, what's that one?'

'Chilled plum water.'

'That one, please. Sir. Lady.'

The servant shakes her head and ladles it into two flasks, before giving you six porcelain cups on a tray. Woah, better try not to spill this... somehow, you manage to make it to the pavilion, where the officer is standing at the foot of the steps glaring at you.

'What did you get? You fool!'

'S-sorry, sir.'

'Rushing off before I told you. What's this?'

'Chilled plum water, sir. Is that... I'll go and...' but you notice his face change. He seems surprised at first, but then smirks slightly.

'Eh. That's fine. That's good. Come along, then.'

You enter the pavilion and bow, just as they are all laughing. The one sitting in the place of honour beckons you in, and you... o-oh. A finely sculpted face, slightly tanned but still fair. Long hair kept loose, flowing down both shoulders. And those lips... how fine they are when they move...

'Are you bringing the drink, girl, or are you not bringing the drink?'

'A-ah? Oh! I'm sorry, sir!' You come in and put down the cups. 'It's plum water, sirs. Chilled.'

'Mm. Chilled plum water gives me phlegm.'

You look up at the beautiful youth. Hang on. He's in the place of honour... and he's dressed so grandly, too. A flame-red robe with white trim and a white shoulder cape, in the southwestern style. W-who is this? But then you suddenly remember yourself again and back to one corner of the pavilion.

The other three aren't bad looking either - they all have the look of young, trained warriors. But that man... they talk to each other a lot, but you don't hear anyone addressing anyone by title, until suddenly someone turns to the young man.

'So, your Grace, do you think you will ride out then?'

'It depends...'

Your Grace? Grace, Grace, Grace... you learned this only a few days ago! H-hang on. That means... he's a Duke?! How many dukes are there even in the Empire now?

> Only the Imperial House has Dukes nowadays. This man must be royalty!
> Only the Imperial House, or the Six Founding Houses, have Dukes.
> Dukes are bestowed, so they're not super-exclusive. But still, that means his family...

>>542495

Oh don't knock till you try it! There is nothing better than suanmeitang on a hot day. Just so cooling and refreshing.

>>542502
> Only the Imperial House, or the Six Founding Houses, have Dukes.

>>542502
>> Only the Imperial House, or the Six Founding Houses, have Dukes.

>Goodnight
Thank you for writing! Twitter?

>>542502
>back to one corner of the pavilion
Good to be a lowly servant, can listen to all their strategies

>>542502
>> Dukes are bestowed, so they're not super-exclusive. But still, that means his family...

>>542502
>Only the Imperial House, or the Six Founding Houses, have dukes.

>>542537

> Ah I don't have one right now - think I will get one soon, though.
> I will be updating more on Friday, but for now I can probably do sporadic updates.

>>543136
You probably should, knowing when a QM is ready to run or not is invaluable for players.

>>543209

True! Just that I have more than one Twitter account as it is, hah.

>>542533
>>542537
>>542550
>>542624

Well, there's one thing you know about Dukes - that's a rank that can't be bestowed, except within the Imperial House itself. Outside of the Imperial House, you've read before that the Founding Emperor gave the rank of Prince to 11 of his senior advisors and generals, and those people were allowed to retain ducal titles without limit.

Of those 11 houses, 5 have since been destroyed for one reason or another - which leaves the Six Noble Houses. They are:

- Cao 曹
- Yuan 袁
- Jiang 姜
- She 厍
- Linghu 令狐
- Gong 龚

The beautiful youth probably isn't from the Imperial House, so it must be either one of- oh wait, someone is raising his cup. You quickly go over with your flask of plum water, and oh shit oh shit he's looking at you!

'Don't think I've seen you before,' the Duke says.

'It's my first year, sir.' No, you fucking idiot! 'It's Linden's first day, sir. I mean. Linden means.'

'Looks like another girl is stuttering before Lord Linghu!'

Laughter in the pavilion. Your face is on *fire*. You pour plum water for Lord Linghu, who nods. 'Thank you.'

'Thank you. It's nothing. I-'

More laughter, as you realise - of course you're not supposed to reply to that. *No one* says thank you to a servant! They're not supposed to... but how kind of him to say it... or was it a trick...?

> He is kind. It must be so.
> He was playing a trick on you!

>>543543
> He is kind. It must be so.

>>543543
>> He is kind. It must be so.

Good stuff OP. Please get a twitter.

>>543543
> He was playing a trick on you!

>>543590

Here we go:
https://twitter.com/Flower_Linden

>>543543
>He was playing a trick on you!

>>543543
>> He was playing a trick on you!

>>544023
>>543909
>>543603
>>543590
>>543558

Well, it is possible he is that kind but he probably was making fun of you? That... for some reason, it weighs on you. But just for a moment, because you hear sounds and someone else is coming up into the pavilion.

Lord Linghu has taken notice too, and he narrows his eyes. Then quickly he gestures, and all the officers stand up as the guest walks in. Long, green robes, and a quiver with a few arrows still hanging on his belt. Behind him, there's another entourage, including someone holding a decorated bow.

'Lord Linghu! What good cheer!'

'Lord She. It isn't every day we see you here.'

'There are many civil duties in the Palace, Lord Linghu... accept my greetings.'

'I thank you.' They greet each other, as do Linghu's officers. But She's officers are below the pavilion still. 'So you've had a break from your civil duties?'

'I have. A pleasing break. Thought to work on archery. But I hear you are regularly here?'

'Well, Lord She, it is not a bad day when a gentleman's sword stays sleeping in the sheath.'

'Some people might say it's a waste of a good sword.'

'And how was your archery then, Lord She?'

'Poor. Nothing like yours, I bet.'

You glance at Lord She. Mm. He's got a beard, but his face doesn't look that much older than Linghu - just a lot more square, a lot more aggressive looking. And... a lot less pleasant to look at. Linghu chuckles.

'In any case, Lord Linghu, I come because I have news. I figured you would be here.'

'Thank you for giving me news...'

'... you will thank me a lot more once you hear it. Tomorrow's Imperial Audience.' He says. 'Your presence is expected.'

Linghu looks clearly surprised, even though he tries to hide it. 'I see.'

'Mm. Not an official summons. But you are to be there.'

'Yes...'

>>544298

At the end of that day, you head back to your quarters in the Archery Grounds - only to realise that everyone is talking about that! Lord Linghu is being summoned? To the Imperial Audience?

You hear a few other things too.

'His Grace hasn't been summoned even after the mourning period.'

'A whole year after mourning ended, in fact!'

'What could it be?'

'I hope it's not something bad...'

After dinner, a junior eunuch comes to you, and you recognise him. He was attending nearby and must have seen you at the pavilion with Lord Linghu. 'Hey, so did you hear about it?'

'I was there. Of course I heard it.' By now you know that not all eunuchs need to be called 'sir'. He smiles.

'What do you think is going to happen?'

> Probably something good, judging by how his rival spat the news out.
> Could be something worrying. Why get someone's rival to announce his summons...?
> It ain't my business.
> It ain't *your* business!
> Other. (Feel free to add your own responses!)

>>544301
>> Could be something worrying. Why get someone's rival to announce his summons...?

>>544301
> Probably something good, judging by how his rival spat the news out.

>>544301
> It ain't my business.

>>544301
>> It ain't my business.

>>544301
>> Could be something worrying. Why get someone's rival to announce his summons...?
Lord Linghu will be sent to crush a rebel army? The cursed steppe riders' raids start to get too daring and they need to be punished? A diplomatic mission from a foreign land arrived and Lord Linghu was chosen to host them in his manor?

>junior eunuch
We should get him to tell us something too! Create our own network of contacts.

>>544301
> Could be something worrying. Why get someone's rival to announce his summons...?

>>544301
> Could be something worrying. Why get someone's rival to announce his summons...?

> Will be online for a bit! Happy to write.

>>544304
>>544305
>>544319
>>544395
>>544468
>>544673
>>544732

'I don't know,' you shrug. 'Anyway, it's not my business.'

'Oh, it's everyone's business though.'

'Really?'

'Yeah.'

'Why?'

'Because Lord Linghu is...' the eunuch lowers his voice and looks around. 'It has been rumoured, before. That Lord Linghu is not his father's son.'

'Then... wait, what?' And then it hits you. 'Wait, you don't mean...'

'Yes. It is rumoured... that he is in fact a Prince.' The eunuch nods. Then continues. 'Don't tell anyone I told you. Actually don't tell anyone anything at all.'

'I will keep it a secret,' you say. 'But that makes it worrying, then.'

'Oh?'

'Well, if Lord Linghu has been summoned to court for something good, or something safe, why would it be up to his court rival to deliver the news?'

'How did you know that She and Linghu are rivals?'

'I have eyes,' you say. 'And ears.'

'Right, uh, hah...'

'It could be something bad, then, for him...'

'You seem sad at that,' the eunuch says. You look at him. 'Do you like Lord Linghu?'

> Of course! He's so dreamy.
> I bet there are a thousand women who already do, though.
> What does it matter if I do?

>>546197
>Say "No"
>Blush like you just learned about the ancient Chinese version of the birds and the bees
> What does it matter if I do?

>>546217

The Chinese version, or at least in literary Chinese, is called 'matters of clouds and rain'. Not sure why it's called that but...

>>546197
> I bet there are a thousand women who already do, though.

>>546217
So, Linden works, Linghu says something nice, she falls in love? That was fast...

I think, the Jeanne d'Arc route of warrior woman is an interesting route! Less romance, more blood and violence!

>>546197
>> I bet there are a thousand women who already do, though.
>> What does it matter if I do

Combination of both

>>546488
I'd rather become political spy/assassin

>>546488
I was thinking it was more like she suddenly thought of something lewd just after that. Thus the whole "Chinese birds and the bees talk" thing.

>>546217
>>546236
>>546510

'What? No...'

'Uh huh. Your face is all red.'

'In any case, what does it matter if I do?' You snap back at the eunuch. 'There must be a thousand women ready to throw themselves at Lord Linghu any time.'

'Funny you should say that. I mean. I am sure there are. But while many men might take full advantage, Lord Linghu has not.'

'Is that so?'

'Yes. He had a wife. Very beautiful woman, she was... but she died in childbirth.'

'I see.'

'It was three years ago. Lord Linghu dotes on his daughter as a result. But it was all a scandal, see - the late Lady Linghu, if you count the dates, was clearly impregnated not long after Lord Linghu's father passed away. It's hardly his fault - they were married barely a month before the old Lord died.'

'Is that why he has not been at the court for a long time?'

'Partly. People seized on it and had him hounded out of court. To have carnal relations during the period of mourning! And it didn't help that, because of old rumours, Lord Linghu and his father have never been on good terms. People started saying the most awful things - that he had carnal relations to celebrate his father's death, that he even did it at the wake... it's all awful. I'm sure it's all untrue, but...'

'Hang on a minute. How do you know this if you're so junior?'

'We gossip, of course. Aren't we doing it now? Anyway, so that's why it's a big thing. Lord Linghu hasn't been at court since mourning. That's a good four years!'

'So it is... so it is.'

>>546677

> Day 15 in the Palace

Every time there's an Imperial Audience, the Archery Grounds go quiet. Of course it does - the generals are all off to Audience, and the Imperial Guard is stationed heavily around the Palace itself.

The eunuchs and senior maids try to occupy you by making you sweep and clean, but even then, you are mostly done cleaning your apartments - and the senior ladies' apartments - by late afternoon.

And that's when news starts filtering in from the Palace too, as guards change shift. That young eunuch you talked to last night - Beibu is his name - comes over to you during a lull in the cleaning.

'Hey, Linden.'

'Beibu. What's happening?'

'The Duke of Longyang...'

Your ears prick up at the sound of that title. That's Lord Linghu's official title, after all. 'W-what about His Grace? What happened?'

'He's been given command. Of an army!'

'Huh? An army for what?'

'There's apparently been a revolt. A big uprising. Off in the southwest.'

'Southwest?'

'Yes. Apparently, Kuizhou and Yizhou are both in open revolt, and Hanzhong is restive too.'

Y-Yizhou? You blink as spots form across your vision. The name strikes you like a heavy blow on the chest. Your father is there! You're from Yizhou! When you recover, Beibu is holding your arm and you're leaning against the wall.

'Linden, what's wrong? That was scary!'

'Did you say Yizhou? There's a war going on?'

'Yes. The Duke of Qingyang has been appointed to lead the vanguard out in five days, and he's seeking help now. It will be frantic in the Archery Ground - but thankfully it's not really our work...'

> Yes, thankfully. We'll mind our own business.
> For the Duke of Longyang, we should see how we can help.
> For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!
> Other.

>>546737
>> For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!

>>546737
> For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!

>>546737
> Yes, thankfully. We'll mind our own business.

>>546737

Shit, I meant Duke of Longyang. Didn't find and replace the last one after I changed it, hah.

>>546737
> For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!

>>546737
>> For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!
Filial piety and Rebel Queen Quest!

>>546737
>For Yizhou, we should see how we can help!

>>546797
>>546808
>>546849
>>546872
>>546899

'Why are you so shocked, anyway?' Beibu asks, and you sigh.

'I'm from Yizhou. My father is still there.'

'Oh dear.'

'I must find a way to help them back home,' you say.

'What do you mean? You're not going to join the army?'

'No?'

'Well.' Beibu shrugs. 'I guess you *could*. But it'd be dangerous! You mean, as a servant in the camp or something like that?'

'I guess?'

> Day 16 in the Palace

The very next day, all of you are called up early in the morning - but you were already up anyway, because of the incessant drumming as the soldiers are summoned first. This time round, you are not assembled in your apartments, but taken to the Main Building in the Archery Ground Office where hundreds of people - servants, maids, eunuchs and others - are gathered.

And right at one end of the hall, at the Commander's seat, you see... well, you don't see him. But you see a flag with 'By Imperial Command' embroidered on it, a symbol of Linghu's authority. The officer standing beside the seat signals, and someone strikes the drum, shutting everyone up.

'Order! By Imperial Command, Lord Linghu, Duke of Longyang, has been appointed General who Annihilates Bandits. His Grace has been given the order to raise an army and take the Imperial Banner to the southwest, there to crush the traitorous rebels who have arisen!'

He pauses, then continues.

'His Grace seeks talent and people from all quarters to join in this endeavour. Whoever wishes to join, may step up now! While His Grace is stationed in the Archery Grounds, you may also step up to state your wish, and all who are qualified will be accepted.'

You don't know, really, if you meant to step forward. But before you know it, a soldier has come to you, looking a bit surprised.

'Girl, are you stepping up?'

> Uh, yes.
> O-oh. No, no. (Not now.)

>>547154
>> O-oh. No, no. (Not now.)

>>547154
> Uh, yes.

>>547154
Uh, yes

>>547154
"Yes. For the Empire!"
They need servants. And we actually know our province's history and landscape, isn't unhelpful, surely.

>>547172
>>547186
>>547223
>>547226

You hesitate for a moment, but then nod. 'Uh- yes.'

'Yes?'

'What are you going to do, girl?' He snorts.

'Linden is a maidservant, and- what?'

'What are you doing, Linden?' Hawthorn hisses, but you wave her off.

'I am a maidservant.'

'We don't need-'

'-and I am from Yizhou.' You take another step up. The soldier isn't actually that much taller than you. 'I know the locality.'

The soldier stops and his face goes serious. He frowns at you, then steps back. 'Right. Wait here a while...'

... and that's how, half an hour later, you find yourself standing with a line of people. Eunuchs can't join, but there are a few other maidservants who have volunteered - though none as junior as you. Seven people in all - and you recognise just two of them.

'Linden! Who is Linden!'

'Here, sir!'

'Go on in, then.'

'Yes, sir...'

'What's this foolish girl doing?' You hear someone say behind you...

>>547234

You head into the room, thinking it is going to be an officer who will be asking you questions - only to look up and oh by the heavens it's the Duke of Longyang himself. Lord Linghu looks up from his book.

'You,' he says.

'On your knees,' the officer behind you says. Oh yeah, damn! You get on your knees quickly.

'Your servant Linden is reporting.'

'You are not yet my servant. Linden. Get up.'

You scramble to your feet and stand there, waiting for a question. But no question comes. Instead he just carries on writing. Then finally...

'You're from Yizhou?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'Where in Yizhou?'

'Jiangyang, Your Grace.'

'Do you have family there?'

'My father and my siblings are in Jiangyang. As far as I know.'

'Mm.' He looks at you. 'Do you know how to play chess?'

'Uh-' wait, what? You blink. 'I... I'm sorry, Your Grace-'

'You're a new maid, so you're probably no good for cleaning duties. When you pour drinks, you spill them. If I take you along, you had better be good for something.'

Chuckles around the hall, and you look down. Chess... um... well, you know how each piece moves. That counts as knowing how to play, right?

> N-not really, Your Grace.
> I know just a little, Your Grace.
> Yes, Your Grace.

>>547250
> I know just a little, Your Grace.

>>547251
> I know just a little, Your Grace.

>>547250
> Yes, Your Grace.
We know the Art of War, chess is easy... right? right??
And we probably watched our father play, so we know the starting moves.

>>547250
>> Yes, Your Grace.

>>547250
"Linden is good at cleaning and pouring drinks. And knowing where the road is muddiest after it rains and which hill looks good for a battle but isn't. Linden knows how to play chess, with real horses and soldiers."
The Boss is born!

>>547251
>>547252
>>547254
>>547256
>>547258

'L-Linden knows how to play chess, Your Grace.'

'Are you certain?'

... 'I know the moves, Your Grace.'

'Do you know what a drawing play is?'

Oh, oh, you do know that! 'That is when you capture a piece in order to force a check at the same time.'

'Mm.' He nods. Then he goes back to writing again for a bit, before turning to the officer on his left. 'Another robe, then?'

'Yes, sir.'

'Linden, go back. Someone will send you the robe later.'

'Y-yes, Your Grace. Thank you!'

... you're going? Are you seriously going!? Aaaah!

> Day 17 in the Palace

The robe is delivered to your shared apartments, along with another all-important letter. Just last evening you got absolutely chewed out by one of the senior maids.

'Who do you think you are, Linden? How dare you. How dare you stand out like that!'

You didn't say anything, but shit, that was scary! The senior maid threatened to have you caned, then fined, then expelled for insubordination! But now you have a letter, and you can...

'Hang on,' Hawthorn says, coming over to you. 'You can read, Linden?'

'Hmm? Course I can. Wait, you can't?'

'I...' she shakes her head. 'Um... you know, you're really going to that... thing?'

> Yeah. Wanna come along?
> Yeah.
> Other.

>>547268
> Yeah.

>>547268
>> Yeah.

>>547268
> Yeah.

>>547269
>>547273

> Not caring for Hawthorn's company? You do realise that if you go out alone as a junior maid, you may well get bullied by all the others.

>>547268
Yeah

>>547282
I feel that it's her choice and while we would definitely welcome her, going into a warzone has its own risks — and it's a decision best made on her own. Particularly if she seems hesitant already :P

>>547282
Does she really want to go though? I don't want to force her if she dosnt, it also didn't seem like she knows exactly what's going on.

Dragging her into a campaign that could turn into month long sieges covered in mud and rain with the risk of soldiers becoming undisciplined or even captured isn't what I want to do against her will

Ask her and make sure she knows what the 'thing' is and if she's play with that I'll change my vote
>>547286
To wanna come along

>>547282
I was thinking why would be able to take people with us.

>>547290
So true. Junior servants have no say, we can't offer what we don't have control over...

>>547298
>>547290
>>547288
>>547287
>>547286
>>547280
>>547273
>>547269

'Hmm? Yeah. Yeah I'd like to go.'

'You're so brave...'

You look at Hawthorn. 'You sound like you're jealous.'

'Huh? Me?'

'If you want to go, you can still go and ask them you know...'

'But...'

'But I don't think it's going to be easy. Following an army is dangerous stuff. We don't know what might happen. It could end horribly.'

'You might die?'

'It could be worse than that,' you say.

'Then why do you want to go?' Hawthorn says, clutching your sleeve.

> What say?

>>547315
"Because I have to find my father, I need to see what's going on."

>>547315
"It sounds interesting."

>>547315
> "For my father. For my country. And... maybe... just maybe, for my dream."

Relevant: "but it was the *other* books that interested you. The books on... war, on the use of soldiers..."

But we're not telling you our dream because your social link is too low :P

>>547315
Hawthorn Is probably lonely without us there, take her with us, won't be cold at night at least (wink, harem stuff)

>>547315
"Do you want to be the bed warmer of some fat old court official or do you want to go on adventures with me?"

>>547318
>>547324
>>547330

'Me? Well, a few things.'

'Like what?'

'My father is from Yizhou,' you say. 'I have to go and see what's happening.'

'Did... did they say anything about Zizhou?'

You blink. Zizhou is right next to Yizhou. 'I don't know... are you from Zizhou?'

Hawthorn hesitates for a while, and then nods. You blink. 'I didn't know you were also from the southwest. How did you get here anyway, Hawthorn? Never heard you talk about it.'

'My father is a farmer. They... just came and paid him some money. But I don't mind. But...'

> Suggest that she join up.
> Well, best ease her mind. Zizhou is probably fine.

>>547343
>> Suggest that she join up.

>>547343
>> Suggest that she join up.

>>547343
Join

>>547344
>>547349
>>547364

'Well, in this case, why don't you join up with me?'

'But isn't it dangerous?'

'It could be. But we'll take care of each other, right?' You suddenly feel a little bit of tenderness for her - a farmer's daughter. You didn't expect that from her bearing. Hawthorn thinks about it for a moment.

'I... I suppose I could...'

'Then we'd better get you a letter too in case the senior maids or eunuchs complain!'

> Day 19 in the Palace

Once Hawthorn's letter comes as well, the two of you have plenty of work to do. You are all but booted out of the apartments, and now you're living in a long tent pitched in one corner of the Archery Ground.

And for the first time in your life, you see an army gathering. As you are sweeping the area, gathering up sticks for the cooking fires and hauling huge metal pots (four girls to one pot!) out for cooking the vast amounts of rice you need, you see battalions forming up, getting ready for war. Every now and then drums roll, and then there is another wave of cheering.

'Must be a new unit's arrived,' you tell Hawthorn, who winces and rubs her shoulder. 'Is it bad?'

'It's nothing,' she shakes her head. 'Oh look, that's the general!'

You turn. Sure enough! Lord Linghu is riding a white horse, flanked by a whole cadre of bodyguards. Flags - 'Linghu', 'On Imperial Command', and even the yellow standard of the Imperial Guard - fly behind him in the afternoon sun.

'He's so good looking,' you sigh.

'Is he really?'

'Wait, you haven't seen him?'

'Um... no? Should I have?'

'Who interviewed you when you signed up?'

'Oh, it was an officer. Now *he* was good looking.'

'You're sure you didn't just see the Duke of Longyang and miss it?'

'I'm not an idiot!' Hawthorn smacks your arm. 'Oh, sorry.'

'Owwwwwww...'

That evening, to your surprise, an officer comes to the tent. 'Linden. You are summoned.'

'M-me?' You're just chatting to Hawthorn, and now you trot out. 'Yes, sir?'

'His Grace the Duke wants to play chess.'

.........

>>547386
Hawthorn is our first minion.
Chess+learning some battle strategies from a general.

>>547386

Your surprise at the request is only compounded when, instead of going to the great camp where the Commander resides, you are instead taken into the relatively small leisure garden in one side of the Archery Grounds. But the banners there are unmistakeable - His Grace the Duke of Longyang really is here.

And so he is. You quickly head up, and then get on your knees before the steps. 'S-sir. Linden is here.'

'You took your time coming.'

'Linden apologises for her tardiness.' You're getting your language straight now.

'No matter. Come on up.'

... the chess board is already set up, and you sit down uneasily. Are you supposed to sit? What are you supposed to do? But you sit down, anyway. The Duke is looking at you.

'Your move.'

You think about it. Well, this is quite standard... pawn up. He answers. You answer, he answers, you answer. You try not to clack your pieces, but he clacks them loudly. Another five, six, seven moves pass. He moves his chariot up to threaten your horse, so you advance the cannon to cover your horse. But then the Duke moves his flank pawn on the other end of the board...

... hang on a minute. His elephant there is unguarded, the chariot is out of position! You can take it with your horse and threaten his flank pawns, or take it with your other cannon to check him. But... wait, wait. Is this a trap?

> Take it with your cannon. Check!!
> Take it with your horse. You're still well covered.
> No, no, no. It's a trap!

>>547396

> You want to be careful she doesn't turn into a rival instead.

>>547399
>> Take it with your horse. You're still well covered.

>>547399
>Take it with your horse. You're still well covered.

>>547399
Horse. I'll be fuming if word choice fucks us over

>>547410
>>547413
>>547423

Hmm. You know, you'll take it... but you'll take it with your horse instead of your cannon. The Duke frowns.

'Mm. Didn't see that.'

You don't know if he's lying... but a few moves later, it's clear he IS lying. He threatens your cannon, you cover it with the other one, but that blocks your horses from supporting each other! You lose one horse, realise it and try to shift the other - and then his chariot crosses right in, taking your centre-left pawn and threatening your entire formation!

You gasp, and quickly chase the chariot away with your elephant, but you have a bad feeling now. He's leading you on, which means he has the upper hand. You fend off one attack, exchange horses, then exchange cannons, but then lose your second horse for his second elephant. You're at a disadvantage.

'How do you think?'

You look at the board.

'You're putting up a surprisingly good fight,' he continues.

> Oh... th-thank you.
> But I think I will lose, Your Grace.
> But you are so much better than me.
> Other.

>>547430
>Thank you.

>>547430
>Thanks
Fuck I knew it god damnit

>>547438
Actually, add a >but I think I will lose

>>547430
>"I've played my fair share of games before, Your Grace."

>>547430
>> But I think I will lose, Your Grace.

>>547435
>>547438
>>547452

'Oh... thank you, Your Grace...' you look at the board. 'But Linden thinks you will win.'

'I think so too.'

... well. You scratch your head. 'Um... so should I keep playing?'

'I can see some ways to win from your side of the board,' he says. 'Few. But if we switched sides, I'd possibly still win.'

'Your Grace is truly skilled.'

'No, I just play a lot. I like chess. I like that each piece is but one colour. There is no changing of allegiances.' His finger is stroking the general piece, ruminating. 'The same is not true of war.'

'No...'

'How do you know?'

It happens so quickly that you don't know what's happening until it's over. His hand moves from the general, and all of a sudden you catch a glint of something silvery - and then it's right before you and you see that it's a sword! The sword is pointed right at your chest, and you start violently and tumble backwards. 'Y-your Grace? Wha-'

'Is it you?'

'What? No, Your Grace!' The sword is tracking you oh heavens it's tracking it's following you- and then, all of a sudden, the point lifts away and you crawl back a little more. W-what just happened!? Why would he draw his sword on you? You stare at him, standing over you, suddenly terrible and frightening, then suddenly blurry through a haze of tears. Oh yeah, you're crying. 'Please, Your Grace, I haven't done anything... please don't...'

'Mm...'

'I haven't done anything. I'm not... I don't know what Your Grace is talking about...' your arms and legs rearrange themselves quickly into a kneeling stance, curled up at his feet. It's the only way to stay alive... 'I don't know...'

'I thought so. Get up.'

You sit up, then shudder violently as you sob. 'Y-yes...'

'I figured. I thought, for a moment, it might be you,' he says.

'I might be...?' You stare at him and wipe your tears away. He's sitting down again, as if nothing has happened, and this time he's looking at you with those sharp, bright eyes. 'Your Grace?'

'I have been told that some people in my ranks were placed by... certain other people. Or perhaps, perhaps, even by the enemy. The rebels may have allies in court.' He looks at you. 'But no. You would be far too obvious. They'd love for me to kill you right now, because I'd think I got the spy, and they would rest easy.'

'S-spy?'

'I have something I'd like you to do, Linden.'

'Y-yes, Your Grace?'

'Someone among the camp servants - there's about 20 of you, aren't there - at least one of them is a spy. There might be more. But some must be spies.' He narrows his eyes. 'I need help hunting them down.'

...

> I will do it, Your Grace.
> H-how do I know they are spies?
> Other.

>>547484
>How do you know?

>>547487
I*
Whoops

>>547484
>I will do it, Your Grace

>>547484
>> I will do it, Your Grace.

>>547484
>How do you know?

>>547484
> I will do it, Your Grace.
Spy route

>>547487
>>547493
>>547504
>>547510
>>547513
>>547518

'A spy, Your Grace?'

'Yes. At least one.'

'I will do it then. I will find them. B-but... but how do I know if they are spies?'

'You will know. Keep an eye out.' He smiles and puts the sword to one side. 'I trust you. Don't let me and the army down.'

You suddenly feel a terrible weight in your chest, but you fight the urge to just collapse. 'I understand, Your Grace.'

'This will also mean that you will be attending me closely. You and someone else...'

> Recommend Hawthorn.
> Keep quiet.

>>547523
Recommend
Like a huge tool

>>547523
>Recommend Hawthorn.


Atleast living standards are marginally better, and we wont be mistaken as camp prostitutes as often.

>>547523
>> Recommend Hawthorn.

>>547523
>> Keep quiet.

>>547523
> Recommend Hawthorn.
Also explain your reasoning: it's not because she's your friend, it's because it was you who asked her to join, so she's unlikely to be the spy - also you'd be keeping a close eye on her anyway, and you don't know much about anyone else.

This of course unless he already knows a safer move.

>>547531
She is the only person we have around that we could call a friend. I mean she could be the spy, but if that's the case, better gave her close.

Actually considering how the GM insisted that we take her, she is most likely the spy.

>>547578
>Metagaming
Pls

>>547578
she can teach us the ways of a spy then

>>547526
>>547531
>>547532
>>547544
>>547574
>>547578

> Going to bed now. Thanks for playing, guys!

'Um... may Linden recommend someone?'

'Who?'

'My friend, Hawthorn. But it's not because she is a friend. She was unwilling to join the expedition at first, so it's not likely that she is a spy.'

'Mmm. That makes sense. Is she junior like you?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'Then that is good. Summon her.'

> Day 20 in the Palace

Today is the day when you set off. The auspicious hour is determined to be the Wei hour, in the early afternoon, so in the morning - during a short lull in the preparations - you bring Hawthorn in. You've been summoned anyway, to attend to the Duke, and so you bring her along.

'Get me tea,' is the first thing he says when you come in. Then he turns around. 'Who's that?'

'Hawthorn, Your Grace.'

Hawthorn gets on her knees, and then looks up at the Duke.

[Roll d100.]

Rolled 42 (1d100)

>>547588

Rolled 57 (1d100)

>>547588

>>547588
Actually how are you calculating dice?

Best of x?
Average of x?
First x?

Rolled 91 (1d100)

>>547588
Nat 100!

Rolled 97 (1d100)

>>547588

>>547604
>>547602

> Oh, shit.
> Also, best of 5.

>>547588
>Hawthorn
We still have to tell Hawthorn that we accomplished the posting near the Lord only with great effort :) - she should be greatful to us! Minion!

>>547608
He's probably thinking "That Linden girl is quite capable. If she were a man I would promote her." Urg, want to hide our gender like Mulan and fight the good fight!

Rolled 14 (1d100)

>>547588

>>547588
Thanks for running!

Thank you for writing! Looking forward to Spy Linden!

>>547580
When the GM interrupts the story and says "You should do this" to change votes isn't that metagamming too?

> 97, 91
> Oh dear, oh dear.

You haven't been around the Duke for long anyway, but the look of shock on his face shocks you as well. His eyes widen, and it almost looks as if he's been slapped or something.

Just from looking at Hawthorn. He stands there motionless for a few moments, and then you see that the officer next to him also looks shocked. He turns to the Duke.

'Your Grace, this...'

'On your feet. What is your name again?'

'Hawthorn, Your Grace.' Hawthorn looks surprised also. W-what is going on?

'Hawthorn,' the Duke mutters. 'Hawthorn. I see. Mm. Linden, my tea.'

'Yes, Your Grace...'

By the time you come back with his tea, you see the Duke sitting at his table and Hawthorn sitting on his left, facing him. She seems as surprised as you, really.

'So you are from Zizhou, are you?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'So far from someone I knew.'

'You mean...'

'I used to know someone, a dear friend,' the Duke says. 'But she was from elsewhere. From Shandong.'

You think you know what he means by 'dear friend'...

> That's great, though! We'd be friends with the Duke's lover!
> Oh, shit.

>>548734
> Oh, shit.
Oh, so it's the closer we get to 1 out of 100, then?

Well shit.

>>548752

> No, the roll was for similarity. 100 means she looks *exactly* like his dead wife.

> So she looks *pretty much exactly* like her...

>>548804
It's still a "Well, shit" moment, though...

>>548734
>Oh, shit.

>>548734
> That's great, though! We'd be friends with the Duke's lover!

I like the idea of rising above the petty rivalries. Become a spider pulling the strings rather than one of the players.

>>548734

>More tea?

>>548871
She is the Duke's daughter, unless she isn't.

>>548882
Yes she is. Looks like we did the Duke a favor by accident.

>>548734
> That's great, though! We'd be friends with the Duke's lover!

>>548878
>Oh shit
>More tea?

Guys, she is his daughter.

Note, changed from this >>548819
To>>548887

>>548819
changed from the above to this>>548887

What the hell, guys? She's not his daughter.
>>546677

>>548921

Then his wife had another child and abandoned it.

>>548804

What other reason would it be to look so much like his wife?

>>548886
Dude, the Duke's daughter is three years old.

See here? >>546677

>'Yes. He had a wife. Very beautiful woman, she was... but she died in childbirth.'

>'I see.'

>'It was three years ago. Lord Linghu dotes on his daughter as a result.

>>548929
Twin sister then? Most twins are of the non identical kind.

>>548927
The Midddle Kingdom's a big place. It happens.

I think the Duke wondered the same, but as he's found out, his wife and Hawthorn hail from two provinces quite distant from each other.

>>548933
Is quite possible one of the twins was given away. That happened a lot in medieval cultures, feudal Japan and ancient China.

Specially in China, were they see girls as less valuable than boys. Giving away one of the babies is quite possible.

>>548936
The modern-day capitals of the provinces the two are from are ~500 miles apart. I don't feel like looking more closely at a map right now for exact locations, but I'll say that while separated twins isn't impossible, it's highly unlikely.

>>548889

> Guys, she can't be the daughter. The daughter is 3.
> Also, the daughter is with her father, the Duke of Longyang. He knows his daughter. He's close to his daughter. And you, Hawthorn, are no daughter of his.

>>548734
> That's great, though! We'd be friends with the Duke's lover!

>>548734
> Oh, shit.

>>548734
>That's great, though! We'd be friends with the Duke's lover!

That was... unexpected, and you feel a coldness grip your insides, spreading out... but then, at the same time, a thought occurs to you. If Hawthorn looks like the Duke of Longyang's wife - and, and if they should be together - then wouldn't you be the person who brought them together...?

'Your Grace, the tea...'

'Ah, yes. Yes, of course. Here. So, Linden, you and Hawthorn came into the Palace together?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'Linden helped me a lot, Your Grace,' Hawthorn says. 'She's very kind to me.'

Wha- but the Duke smiles and turns to you. 'Keep on being kind.'

'Ah- yes, Your Grace.'

'It may seem strange saying this as we head into a war,' he says, standing up. 'But kindness is even more important in the field. Lest we become beasts.'

'Yes, Your Grace...'

'Your Grace. The Brigades of Bashang have arrived.'

'How about the ones from the Willows?'

'They are en route, sir, the forward scouts have already come to announce it.'

'Good. We best be going then...'

>>549204

> Day 23 in the Palace

The last three days have passed in a flurry of frenetic activity, of which you only remember snippets.

There were the thunderous cheers, the frightening rolling of the drums and the ringing of the great bells in the Bell and Drum Towers of the Imperial Capital, as the Commandant's Gate is opened, and the troops are marched out.

You were far, far behind the elite troops which accompanied the Duke, stuck with his baggage instead. And it was a huge army...

... or so you thought until the army from the Capital linked up with the *actual* expeditionary force, at Fufeng to the west of the Capital. There, you are shocked to see camps pitched for miles and miles. It's a vast army - it is said that there are 15,000 from the Capital, but there are 80,000 here, to make a total of nearly 100,000 men.

And yet... from what you can see, the camps look haphazardly built and arranged, as if each battalion had simply been summoned here and then left to pitch wherever it wanted. Hmm.

Today, the Duke is gathering all the soldiers and preparing the supply train, and the two of you have the humbler task of taking care of all his things. And you can clearly see the Duke's attraction to Hawthorn. When you are alone with him, he talks but is often curt, but with Hawthorn he just seems to loosen up.

'Ah, it's killing me,' he mutters as you hold the tray and Hawthorn undoes his pauldrons in the evening. 'What's for dinner?'

'Duck, Your Grace.'

'Good. Hawthorn, want to try some?'

'M-me? Oh... yes, Your Grace...'

You watch as Hawthorn nibbles on a little, and then her face lights up. 'It's really good.'

'Haha! How intriguing - my wife *hated* duck meat,' he laughs loudly. 'She'd never have let you in the tent, Linden, not with that dish, if she was...'

His voice trails off. Hawthorn turns to you. Hang on, is she only realising this NOW?

> Um, keep quiet.
> Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!
> Come to the Duke and ask after him yourself.

>>549259
>> Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!
Matchmaker 101. Get her used to doing what we want.

>>549259
>100,000 men
>haphazardly built and arranged
Meaning they don't expect to be attacked. Now, if only the rebels had some competent commander...

>>549318

> Granted, you are still about two week's march from the rebels. You'd have to cross the mountains and the Hanzhong basin, then take the eastern route down before crossing more hills and reaching the Zizhou-Yizhou area.

> Still - doesn't bode well, you reckon?

> Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!
Fledgling puppet master is a go!

>>549272
>>549767
This. The dream.

>>549259
>Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!

>>549372
Linden doesn't have practical experience but she studied the Art of War, so she probably has notions how a military camp should look like in theory.

And if an army can't maintain discipline a few days after starting their march, then it will only get worse.

Maybe the General is concentrating more on Hawthorn?

>>549942
It doesn't seem to me that the force was under the Duke's command when they camped that way. You do make a good point, though. There's trouble is the Duke is distracted while the army in such a state.

>>550160
Perhaps we can take Hawthorn aside some time later and talk with her about it? She clearly has influence over the Duke, so if we explain our concerns to her perhaps she can make an effort to convince him to focus on more important things.

>>550168
Sure, sure.

The rest might depend on how closely we want to keep Hawthorn to the Duke's memories of his wife, whatever of them we can learn. Long term, whatever we have Hawthorn do, she needs to be able to do it again without our help, be it observance of strategy or wifeliness.

>>549259
>> Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!

And just because is 500 miles on foot it doesn't mean is that unlikely, if the twins were separated at birth. The baby could have been sold to a merchants caravan, that then took the baby to the other province.

>>550278
That still seems an exceptional occurrence to me. We'll just have to see.

>>550397
Merchant buys daughter. Merchant gets new wife, merchants sells daughter due to new wife.

Way more common than you think

>>549259
> Gesture for Hawthorn to ask after him!

>>550513
Chinese doppelgänger, some kind of reincarnation - other explanations are surely available.

>>550912
Hasn't been much evidence that we can go the folklore route, but who knows?

>>550513
Can you say with certainty how far merchants tended to travel?

>>551294
Looking at the spice road? Way more than just 500 miles back then. Just Chinese merchants? Yeah they traveled to another provinces. Goods like silk were worth the time and effort.

>>551335
Right, so the proposed method wasn't uncommon. It's still a hell of a coincidence.

Consider also that Hawthorn is a farmer's daughter and the Duke's wife was most likely from a family of some means. A twin sister going from either to the other by merchant over 400 miles and turning up right here is a little much for me, even if stranger things have happened. Sometimes people just look the same.

>>551479
We don’t know anything about the Duke's wife. Save that it died, left a daughter and looked a lot like Hawthorn. It could have been from a poor family and it caught the Duke's interest.

>>551537
Could have. As a member of one of the 6 royal houses, he'd have a name to uphold, though. Also, had she been lowborn, that would almost certainly have come up in the scandal with her child. That's good ammunition.

>>551620
On the other hand, since he is suposely the bastard son of the Emperor he might not have cared much. Since he will be in trouble when there is a new Emperor anyway. So marriage to a lowborn might be a way for others to underestimate him

>>549942

Nah it's more that, because these 80,000 are basically regional militias summoned to fight, their discipline and orderliness is in the pits.

The 15,000 that the Duke commanded out of the Capital, as far as you can see, are perfectly fine. Their camp is in order.

>>549259
Gesture for Hawthorne

> Sorry. Have been sick all morning, so I typed up a post and then fucking lost it.

> Also, quite a bit of salt around the deportation of the questers from TG, isn't it?

You gesture to Hawthorn, who blinks and shrugs. Oh seriously, is she *that* stupid? But then eventually she gets it and shuffles up to the Duke.

'Your Grace? Is something wrong?'

Hawthorn, you idiot! But the Duke doesn't seem to mind. He simply shakes his head, then takes the duck dish and moves it out of the tray.

'Do you want it?'

'Um...'

'You can have it if you want,' he says. 'You too, Linden. Come and eat...'

'Y-yes, Your Grace.' You watch, slightly alarmed, as the Duke confines himself to eating rice and vegetables.

'Are you getting used to how life is in the camp?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'The formations of the army here...' his voice trails off. 'Hmm. Well, the less said about that the better.'

> Agree. (Timeskip slightly)
> Say that it looks messy to you.
> Say not just that it looks messy, but use a term from the Art of War - 'muddled and without direction'.

>>554476
> Say not just that it looks messy, but use a term from the Art of War - 'muddled and without direction'.

>>554476
>salt
I'm a bit ambivalent about it myself. I like the IDs to make samefagging a bit more difficult but at the same time there doesn't appear to be much activity on qst for it to be its own board. That and fracturing a community.

Maybe it'll work out [shrug]

>>554540

> One could go to anonkun...
> Not saying this because I write there...

>>554476
Agree

>>554496
This works.