>>565050
>none of them. There's just not enough information to make an informed decision.

>>565068

> Hey, good to see you!
> Also, don't worry too much about it - this is just initial suspicion. But your answer's fair too.

>>565050
>> The one who asked about the scar. A scar might require medical attention - an assassin could slip in there.

>>565050
>The one who asked about his looks. It's a subtle way of fishing more about his routine.

>>565084
>>565077
>>565068

Well, there's not much to go on, but why ask about a scar specifically?

Then again, for that matter, it could also be the one who asked about the Duke's looks specifically. Hrm. You can't be very sure. But you can continue.

'Oi, Linden.'

'Huh?'

'So what about what Porin asked?'

'Oh, His Grace's looks? Well. If I had to name something I like...'

> His neck. Long and graceful.
> His shoulders. Broad and even. Imagine resting on them!
> His face. Especially his eyes. So dreamy and yet so focused.
> I... I can't tell you! (Try to get them to ask lewd stuff.)

>>565113
His shoulders.

>>565113
>> His neck. Long and graceful.

>>565113
>His face. Especially his eyes. So dreamy and yet so focused.

>>565120
I'll support this.

Now, if I were a spy, what would I want...

>>565125
Good point. Supporting.

>>565125
>>565124
>>565120
>>565119

'Wow, that's hard to say.'

'It's not because you can't name the body part, right?'

You blink. What was that? The quiet girl looks at you, deadpan, and the others burst into laughter.

'Pahahahaha, oh Horsey does it again!'

'I, uh, no, it's got nothing to do with that!' You roll your eyes. 'No!'

'So which is it?'

'It's... I would say... his neck,' you say. Then the laughter dies down a bit and they look at you.

'Is it long?'

'Long and graceful. And straight. His Grace carries himself with such poise. Though of course it's hard to see anything under that armour...'

'It is true. But his armour, though!'

The Prince is known, after all, for wearing a suit of...

> Bright red.
> Night black.
> Snow white.

>>565140
Quick gekko at chinease culture:
Well white is mourning
Black is usually for younger men
Red is for weddings and joy and happiness.

So ide go for:
> Snow white.

He seems to remember his dead wife allot.

>>565143
Black is also usually associated with evil.

>>565140
Black with a red cape. To soak up the blood and stick out in the dark. A good target for an assassin.

>>565151
Assassins are probably more interested in the guards dress and routines.

>>565151

I think his armour is a matter of public record. He wears it in public anyway.

>>565152
>>565154
Just black with a white dash then

> I'm heading off to bed now, thanks for playing people!

>>565176
Thanks for running.
Might want to join up on the major quest twitter feed if you can, makes life simpler for your players to follow you.

>>565180

Ooh, how do I join?

>>565143
Seconding white.

>>565183
This works.

>>565140
> Snow white.

>>565140
> Snow white.
Knight in shiny armour!

>>565143
Isn't known to bed women after wife died, is fascinated by Hawthorn for looking like dead wife, wears white mourning armour - emo, world-is-cruel type?

>>565437
Actually, white is mourning in Chinese culture.

>>565143
this, but starts wearing red when Hawthorne is around

>>565477
Lewd and cute.

>>565477
We are going to ship those two so hard. It'll be great.

>>565563
>>565566
>yfw clueless Hawthorne asks us what's up with that

>>565477
Perfect.

>>565143
>>565146
>>565151
>>565152
>>565158
>>565183
>>565338
>>565409
>>565437

> I think the whites have it, then!

Well, as an already renowned general, it's no secret that the Duke likes wearing white armour. Part of it is mourning too - an unseemly thing given it's for his wife, but... you find that sweet.

'That suit of snow white armour. Must be really difficult to clean!'

'Oh man it really is,' you say, and then you have an idea. 'You know what, it's mostly done by Hawthorn, but I bet she could use some help. Maybe His Grace will allow another servant to help her with that.'

'Oh really!'

'Well, I'll happily do it,' says the quiet one.

'I'll do it too,' says Porin.

Hmm.

> Really ask the Duke. We need to make it serious if we want to know who it was.
> Report it to the Duke and arrest the both of them now. We are on the march, no time for too much figuring out!

>>568347
>> Really ask the Duke. We need to make it serious if we want to know who it was.

>>568347
>> Really ask the Duke. We need to make it serious if we want to know who it was.

>>568347
>> Really ask the Duke. We need to make it serious if we want to know who it was.

I assume we're going to inform him of what we're trying here?

>>568676

> I should think so! For obvious reasons.

>>568347
Ask the duke.

I'd like to ask if you were the guy who did this quest

http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive.html?tags=Nobleman%20Quest

because I loved the hardcore politics of that quest.

> Damn. How is it I've forgotten about this?
> Writing!

>>569950

Yes, I did that. Bloody hell, people here have long memories!

I'm also Altocumulus at Akun. Go hang around if you have the time :D

>>568365
>>568509
>>568676
>>568726

> Day 29 in the Palace

You know, you want to make that request - you *wish* you had the time to make that request. But all of a sudden, things have become really busy.

In the classic way of things, things are starting to go wrong. While the initial gathering of armies has apparently brought you up to 70,000 men, there has been a delay in the remaining soldiers coming in - and then, today, news arrives from the Capital.

You were just grinding ink, and Hawthorn bringing out the brush rack, when the messenger comes. 'Your Grace, in His Majesty the Emperor's name...'

The Duke's eyes widen. But he quickly reacts, coming round his table and getting on his knees. 'His servant Linghu Yuantai listens.'

... well, now you know his full name! You quickly kneel too. Hawthorn kneels, still holding the brush rack until you nod at her to put it aside. Then the messenger begins reading... what?

'Owing to the dangerous situation on the northern frontier, and heavy raiding around the Taiyuan area, His Majesty decrees that the garrisons of Fengxiang, Jin, Hu Guan and Taiyuan South are to be diverted from the army heading to the rebellion...'

What the-

'... you are given authority to seek reinforcements from the Hanzhong, the two prefectures of Ba and Mianyang.'

-well, if there were reinforcements there, we wouldn't be having the bloody rebellion would we!? Those garrisons must have either been destroyed, or defected!

'Your servant receives the edict gratefully...'

The Duke doesn't speak for a very long time after this. He has the edict on his table, but he's just staring out. Over the afternoon, a stream of officers come in to say that word of the orders has gotten out, and that people are beginning to leave the army of their own accord!

'They are not to do so,' he orders. 'Round them up. They are to march in proper order to their new assignments, not flee into the wilderness!'

'Yes, general.'

'Also, call the war council,' the Duke says. 'Bring in the remaining commanders. We need to plan this. We have been sitting here, eating through our supplies, for four days. But now at least, with word from His Majesty, we can take action...'

Hmm. You won't be allowed in anyway, of course. But then...

> Try to listen in.
> Nah. Let's not.

>>570080
>> Try to listen in.
Noone notices servants anyway.
And they might need someone to pour their drinks or get another chair.
And we can check how the newly reduced army will continue - maybe it's not even so bad, as the militias are quite disorderly compared to the elite troops...

>>570080
Try to listen

>>570110

Well... there's no harm listening in, right? But before that, you better get rid of Hawthorn. By this point, she's looking to you as some sort of a sister, really - and you have no problem in asserting the older sister role.

Even though you think you might actually be younger than her by a year. She's currently grinding ink. The Duke seems to prefer having you outside the study, and he does discuss certain matters with you. But in the study, Hawthorn is key. You suspect it might be because she can't read. 'Hey, Hawthorn.'

'Yeah, Linden?'

'Better clean up the study a bit.'

'Is the meeting happening now? Wait, where are you going?'

'Don't tell anyone, okay?' You then make a gesture that you're eavesdropping. Hawthorn's eyes widen, but she nods and covers her mouth. 'Thanks, Hawthorn. I'll get you back something later.'

'Mmhm.'

And now... even before you reach the long tent you can hear voices from within already. And they don't sound too happy...

[Roll d100.]

Rolled 10 (1d100)

>inb4 I screw up the dice code

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>570151

>>570165
>>570167
Rip

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>570038
Though so, that's why I asked about the quest you unpublished.
>>570151

>>570165
>>570167
>>570194
Framed for espionage let's goooooooo

>>570194

Oh, it's you! You're also from both sides, huh!

>>570200
Save us with your dice roll you mad man

>>570203
Best of 5, right?

>>570213

Yup.

We're gonna diiiiie

>>570223
Damn, fucked up

Rolled 13 (1d100)

>>570209
5, eh? Sorry, I've been following a lot of quests.

Rolled 32 (1d100)

>>570151

F R A M E D
R
A
M
E
D

It was nice knowing you

>>570253
Oh my god these rolls are so fucking ass

> Wow, this has gone badly. But don't worry - it's not about you.
> Actually quite glad it's gone like this. Tension!

A sudden fear overtakes you and you squat down, inching your way up to the tent while trying to hide yourself behind some flaps and a few big water jars. Right. Now you can listen...

'Your Grace, this cannot be done.'

'Your Grace, I don't like to say this, but I must agree with General Du.'

'Generals Du and Yao have a point, Your Grace.'

'We have been commanded to take the fight to the bandits. This is not something you or I can decide upon. What would you like me to do by stating your opposition to continuing the campaign? Should I turn home and tell His Majesty that I don't feel up to it, and so we should just let Sichuan fall?'

'We do not mean that, Your Grace. Certainly, we will follow you and fight our way into Sichuan. But changed circumstances behoove caution.'

'You sound like you have plans, then.'

'Your Grace, the plan to march through Hanzhong and turn south immediately, attempting to take Eastern Ba Prefecture, would be good if we also had a diversion force to strike west towards Mianyang. That was why we made up this plan. But now that we only have 50,000 men - if that - we no longer have the armies to strike in both directions. We cannot spare a diversion force.'

'No. In which case, we will rely on greater speed. Strike south into Eastern Ba, and then strike farther south into Yizhou itself, and cut the rebel forces in two.'

'But Your Grace, this is an exceedingly dangerous gamble. Without men to contain the rebels in Mianyang, they could strike north - or east - and cut *us* off. On the other hand - if we focus our energies on Mianyang fully, we could easily capture it. There we have a defensive position, surrounded by mountains at a good distance, and can seize the initiative.'

'And how long will the campaign then take?'

'The morale of the rebels will not outlast a defeat.'

'If Mianyang is easy to take, it wasn't important...'

You frown, then - shit, is that someone? You glance out, but there's no one around in the darkness. Oh phew. Hmm... what do you believe about this?

> The generals are right. Mianyang is a better bet.
> The Duke is right. Strike aggressively and seek a big victory.
> The generals are right, but... you wouldn't speak against the Duke, would you?

>>570291
Generals are right, but shut your mouth

>>570291
The generals are right but don't speak out.

>>570291
>> The generals are right. Mianyang is a better bet.

>>570291
> The generals are right. Mianyang is a better bet.

> Okay I'm going to bed now - really hammered from last night. Questing in Akun till about 2.45 am.

> Thanks for playing, people. Will see you in the morning for a post or two.

> Incidentally, it's Mid-Autumn tomorrow, which is nice!

>>570291
>> The generals are right. Mianyang is a better bet.

>>570291
>> The Duke is right. Strike aggressively and seek a big victory.
The Empire can't afford a long campaign, the people will lose faith and come to accept the rebels more every day.

And the Duke probably can't afford it either, because of his rivals that will whisper into the Emperor's ears constantly, if he doesn't show successes soon.

>>570332
Thank you for running this quest! Much appreciated!

Looking forward to Spy Linden going into the rebel camp :).

>>570340
>Take Mianyang, but make an example of the rebel leaders by executing them in public. Then offer a monetary rewards to informants, but only as a rumor. Not officially, but if the Duke gets informamants thrn pay them once the information is confirmed to be true. Just keep them hostage meanwhile in case is a trap


Better to be loved than to be feared, but if we cannot be loved, then let's them fear us so much they won't dare opose us.

>>570757
This works, we are suposed to be educated and well read. A show of force will go a long way to make rebels desert the cause.

>>570767
Why are we against the rebels? Our family might be involved

>>570777
this honestly, and I suppose the general's idea might buy us some time to try to reach them and bring them to safety

>>570757
Amendum: If you win a good victory it might be worth it to offer a pardon to every rebel soldier captured or who comes to us who will fight for us.

Sure they are rebels, but treated right and then split up amoung exisitng units, should be a simple and easy way to gather more men from the victorys gained, and to convert small forces without having to lose men killing them.

>>570777

Because you're a servant, your side is against the rebels, and it's not your say at all about what to do. Sad but true.

Why are we doing this when we're just a servant? Don't you figure that any of the generals will be pissed off that A: we were clearly eavesdropping, which A SPY would do, and B: trying to inject our lowly servant opinion into things? It doesn't matter how good the advice is, I think- we're still a servant, so they'll be insulted by default, even if they USE said advice.

>>570777
We might get an opportunity to change sides, who knows.

> I see some of you are speaking as if you are actually the commander. Ambitious and good - but, unfortunately, irrelevant for now. You're not even a man, so you have no say whatsoever.

> Hope you understand if I discount your other arguments therefore.

Well, you think the Mianyang option is good too... but you are worried about your family. Then again, nobody knows you're on the government side, right? So they won't do anything bad to your family.

Tsk tsk. It's difficult to have to worry about such things... oh hang on, the Duke is talking now.

'Our real objective is not Mianyang. It is Chengdu. That said - you generals have a point. It is better to preserve the army and use time, than to save time and risk the army. But if we take Mianyang, it will have to be by storm.'

Murmuring from the generals.

'Mianyang is not a small fort. It has been refortified twice during the previous dynasty, to serve as the northern bulwark of the Sichuan prefectures. Even with 100,000, we risk a bloody battle if we try to surround it. And with 50,000, our chances are even slimmer.

'The only advantage we have is that the rebels are not concentrated therein. And so, there is a chance - a small chance - we could take the city by storm. And if Mianyang is taken by storm, the morale of the rebels will crumble. We can take advantage of that, and drive down to Chengdu. At the very least, we can force their men out into open battle...'

>>573200

That evening, surprisingly, the Duke gets Hawthorn to prepare his bath. 'Hawthorn will boil the water now, Your Grace.'

'No need for that. Cold water will do.'

'Oh... yes, Your Grace.'

'Shall I help as well, Your Grace?'

'No, Linden. Fetch me the Art of War.'

... oh dear. 'Yes, Your Grace.'

You bring the book over - it's a slim volume anyway - and the Duke turns over to one page and starts reading aloud. 'One does not assault a city except in dire circumstances. It will take three months to prepare the fences, three months to prepare the equipment. And it could end in disaster, when the walls swarm with soldiers and you lose a third of your army...'

You keep quiet.

'So what do you think about Mianyang?'

You shudder violently. W-what? You look up at him, in shock.

'You need to be better at hiding yourself,' he says, nonchalantly. 'There was a torch behind you. You were silhouetted in the light. It was dim, but I could see the silhouette behind the generals.'

'I- I beg your mercy. I have committed a capital crime!'

'You have gone some way towards offsetting it by identifying the two possible spies,' he says.

'Th-thank you, Your Grace.'

'But not wholly. How do you propose to offset the rest of it?'

'I... I can help you, in any small way, to capture Mianyang!' You only realise what you say, a second after you blurt it out. 'Uh-'

'Good. You are quite a woman, Linden.'

'Thank you, Your Grace.' Shit, what did you just say!?

'Do you have a plan in mind, then?'

> Infiltrate and try to open the gates.
> Infiltrate and try to raise a rebellion.
> Infiltrate and try to get the generals to defect.
> Other.

>>573289
Infiltrate and try to meet the rebel leaders?

>>573289
>>573338
But don't tell the duke you'll meet the rebel leaders.

>>573350
I guess that counts as trying to get the generals to defect.

>>573557
It might be smart to see why the rebels do what they do, then move from there

>>573557
>>573338
We can say we'll infiltrate and try to get the generals to defect, but not actually do it. After we meet them we can decide which side we'll take and whose assholes we can destroy.

>>573289
> Infiltrate and try to get the generals to defect.

>>573612
Fair enough

Why are people suddenly wanting to switch sides? Much less consider it? Linden has given exactly zero thought to this and there's no real reason to leave a life of comfort to what's going to amount to a short-lived rebellion.

>>573651
Our family's at the same place as the rebellion, which is questionable stuff.

>>573289
Opening the gates is suicidal, they will be well guarded.

We are just a woman and a servant to that, so enemy generals would at best ignore us and at worst... kill us.

So...

> Infiltrate and try to raise a rebellion.

We are a local somewhat, so people are more likely to listen to us than generals.

Considering the time we are in, is a rebellion of nobles against the Emperor. So farmers and commoners were probably dragged into it against their will.

Fear is a good motivation, if we convince them that the only way to avoid the Emperor ordering to massacre the whole city is to defeat the traitors... it might work.

Changing from this>>573625
to
> Infiltrate and try to raise a rebellion.

>>573338
>>573350
>>573557
>>573567
>>573612
>>573625
>>573645

'Your Grace, I think...' you frown, trying to consider your options. 'As I am a local, I will be able to blend in easily and enter Mianyang unnoticed.'

'The good old gate-opening trick?'

'A-actually, I was thinking - if I could find the garrison officers, and get them to defect... or at least get some of them to defect...'

'Mm. Now.' The Duke considers it. 'That could be an option, too.'

'If it is possible to take the city without losing any soldier, would that not be best?'

'Certainly. Certainly it would be best.' He stares out past you for a while and sighs. 'Currently we are caught in a dangerous place. His Majesty has not withdrawn troops merely for military necessities, I suspect. But... but needs must. One cannot go against Imperial command. We will march now to Hanzhong, and then you can set off for your task.'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

>>573684

> Day 31

The crossing from Fufeng to Hanzhong - across a great, forested mountain range - turns out to be pretty difficult, actually. Even though you are in the Duke's entourage and therefore get to ride on a wagon at least, there are still many parts of the path where the road won't let a wagon pass.

'What do we do then?' You ask the officer escorting your section of the baggage train, and he laughs.

'What do you mean? That's what the mules are for, right? In fact, that's what *you* are for too.'

Y-you? You soon find out what that means when you and Hawthorn are both piled with stuff to carry on your back. Hawthorn does it very well, but owww- you've carried a shoulder load before, but nothing as heavy as- as this...

'Everyone good?'

'I'm good!' Hawthorn says along with the others. Your shoulder is about to break...!

> Grit teeth and bear it!
> Ask Hawthorn for help.
> Ask a soldier for help.

>>573698
>Grit teeth and bear it!
We're about to eat dirt, boys.

>>573698
Ask a soldier for help

>>573702
This.

>>573698
>Grit teeth and bear it!

>>573698
>Grit teeth and bear it!
ITS TIME TO GET SWOLE
SWOOOOOOOOOOOOLE

>>573698
>Ask Hawthorn for help.

Yeah, we'll be called names, but if we break our shoulder or something, we're not as useful in the long run.

>>573698
>> Grit teeth and bear it!

>>573698
> Switch to the other shoulder, dumbass.

>>573862
I know I voted already, but I'll change and back this if it's plausible. If not, stick with my original vote.

>>573862
Changing vote to this.

>>573862
>>573893
>>573908

> Wait, but your other shoulder is not likely to be stronger. Are you suggesting to constantly stop and switch between shoulders?

>>573933
Just bear it silly

>>573933
Well, I guess that's one way to guilt someone into offering help.

>>573933
Well, just how much is she carrying that she can't shift shoulders? Genuine question. Like, it'd take her more than 2-3 seconds to do it? Because if we HAVE to take one of your three options, then stick with my original vote >>573739 there.

>>573946

I'd say a good 20-25 kg?

>>573933
Once every two minutes, yes.

>>573933
You're the only one suggesting to stop while switching.

>>574020

> I'm interested in knowing how you propose to shift a 20 kg load, on both ends of a long stick balanced on your shoulder, from one shoulder to another without stopping.

>>574099
gitting gud for a start

'Linden, you all right?' Hawthorn comes over when you sag a little, but you hold out your hand to stop her.

'It's good, it's fine...'

Well, once your shoulders get used to it... it should be fine... unngh! Oh shit we're going uphill!? You grit your teeth and wave Hawthorn on ahead.

'You sure you're okay?'

'I'll be fine! Carry on, catch up!'

Putting one foot ahead of the other, and then again, and then again, you manage to make it up the slope, though you are aching everywhere by then. Your legs burn, but you try to stand straight, feeling the load press on your back.

Hngh. You can do this! You... oh fuck, now you're going downhill! The first few steps you're okay, but then suddenly- you put your foot down, and it *slips*, and-

[Roll d100!]

Rolled 99 (1d100)

>>574128

>>574130

> *Gasp*

>>574132
What? We win a handsome helper?

>>574137
We awaken Chinese novel character powers.

>>574130
Power up! Linden gains Supernatural Strength!

>>574147
we could be wang yi in disguise but then again wang yi is a noble.

Perfect. Right on the track to becoming an assassin.

File: Lu Meng.jpg (108 KB, 1000x1000)

108 KB JPG

>>574130

> Well, well!

SHIT! Your foot slips, you lose your balance-

-but just before you completely fall, a hand suddenly grips you by the shoulder, and is strong enough to quickly steady you. The rod on your shoulder crashes onto the ground, and you are quickly turned around-

-into his arms! You give a little squeak and look up, and he looks at you, seemingly concerned.

'Are you well, girl?'

... well, thanks to his quick action, yes.

> I'm fine! And that's 'maid' to you. Let me go.
> I'm fine. If you please...
> M-my ankle! It hurts...
> Other.

>>574243
>> I'm fine! And that's 'maid' to you. Let me go.

>>574243
> I'm fine. If you please...

>>574243
> I'm fine! And that's 'maid' to you. Let me go.

> I'm fine. If you please...

>>574243
>> I'm fine. If you please...

>>574243
> Aaaaaaaggghhhh!

> I'm fine! And that's 'maid' to you. Let me go.

No need to get romantically involved, nothing says a soldier can't be a spy. In fact since this is a noble rebellion, is way more likely than one of the maids. After all a soldier needs to hear the orders to execute them, right?

>>574243
> I'm fine. If you please...

>>574520
I don't think the option necessarily involves romance, but even if it does it could be helpful. A spy might loosen his lips if he thinks he's whispering sweet nothings in to his lover's ear.

>>574243
>I'm fine. If you please...

'Ah, I-I'm fine. Now, if you please...'

'Oh yes. I beg your pardon. I was rude.' He turns you around and lets go of your shoulders. Good, you- but the very next step, with that same foot, quickly ends with you staring at the ground. Your face would be right in it, if not for him gripping your arm and pulling you back up.

'Ah! I...' right, shit. You may have been saved from a bad fall but your foot is sprained.

'You might need a physician, maid,' he says.

'Well but this...' you gesture to the stuff. 'And also, they've gone on ahead...'

'The baggage trail goes for a mile. I'm not too worried. Sit down then, maid.'

'No, no...' you help as much as you can, to load some of the spilled items into the baskets. And then you realise, to your horror, that you've been entrusted to carry some of the Duke's books! And he's holding one of them! 'Wait, no! This one-'

'Eh?' He blinks when you snatch the volume from him. How dare he! He must be- 'So you are one of the new girls, are you? Attending His Grace?'

'Uh, yes.'

'I see. I am Zhao Xin. The Colonel of the Light Cavalry.'

... oh! The Light Cavalry detachment is the Duke's field bodyguard- so that means he's the commander of the bodyguard!? Shit, you thought he was- he takes the book from you, gently this time, and puts it into the basket.

'Don't worry, maid. I will not read His Grace's books.'

'Sir!'

You turn around to see two soldiers riding up on horses, holding another horse by the reins. And that horse... it's so... black. It's beautiful. Zhao Xin takes the reins and points at the other guy.

'You. Off the horse. We have a casualty.'

'Yes sir.' He gets off. 'Do I carry that?'

'Don't touch it. I'll carry it myself. Help her up the horse.'

'What, but, I... oww!'

'Be careful, you dolt!' Zhao Xin yells at the soldier, then detaches the pole from the baskets and starts securing them to his black steed. 'Carry on then.'

'Yes, sir!'

>>577098

Damn, this is so embarrassing - the soldier is holding the reins of his horse, which is now your horse, while the Colonel of the Light Cavalry himself is riding beside you. 'Going to need to get that fixed.'

'I... Linden is fine, sir.' Yeah, you've also forgotten all your honorifics.

'We are going to be scaling lots of mountains, maid. You had better get it properly fixed...'

'Yes, sir.' Let's not argue anymore. You've made enough of an ass of yourself.

Eventually, as late afternoon wears on into evening, camp is getting pitched, and Zhao Xin leads your horse to the central tent. The Duke is surprised to see his bodyguard commander helping his attendant in, and she's limping too.

'What's happened?'

'Your Grace, you should really be letting a horse carry your stuff. Her foot is sprained trying to carry that stuff downhill.'

'I told them to- Hawthorn?'

'Yes, Your Grace?'

'Did you carry any stuff?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'Those soldiers are just trying to skive, Zhao Xin!' the Duke says, an edge of anger in his voice. 'By the way, did you find out about those people who were making that ruckus the other day? Drinking by the campfire and all?'

'Yes, sir. We have arrested them. 8 of them in all.'

'Which garrisons?'

'The Maoling one, sir.'

The Duke closes his eyes and takes a deep breath. 'We can't deal with them properly, then. 20 lashes each, tomorrow morning.'

'Yes, sir.' Zhao Xin helps you onto a cushion. 'I'll be off then.'

'Post a heavy guard tonight, within the camp. We are not far from Hanzhong. You have free rein to execute deserters and interlopers.'

'Yes, sir.'

'Linden.'

'Y-yes, Your Grace.'

'Come over.' He watches you crawl over. 'The mission to Mianyang will have to be delayed for the moment.'

'Yes?'

'The cavalry scouts have been coming in throughout the afternoon. The rebels are currently besieging Jiange pass. They've gotten in ahead of us.'

Oh... well, Jiange is the main route between Hanzhong and Mianyang, yes. But it is not the only route. Then again, with this threat...

> Suggest that there are other routes you know of.
> Ask if the Duke will reinforce Jiange, then.
> Keep quiet.

>>577188
Suggest other routes?

>>577188
"There are other routes, but most of them are not fit for an army and the few that are should be guarded. Do you still want me to try to infiltrate the city sir?"

>>577188
> Suggest that there are other routes you know of.

>>577188
>> Ask if the Duke will reinforce Jiange, then.

>>577188
>Suggest that there are other routes you know of.

> Just saying something as a bump, as we're nearing the limit. Try to start dropping from as high up as possible!

>>577188
>Suggest that there are other routes you know of.

>>578852
Bump

>>578054
Also this.

You think this through. 'That sounds bad, Your Grace.'

'I think we will have to reinforce Jiange as our first step.'

'Your Grace, if it's any help... there are other roads through the hills that are not through Jiange. The pass is really three passes, but there are plenty of other routes.'

'Is that so?'

'Yes, Your Grace. Of course, the problem is... some of them are small trails, while the bigger trails will probably be guarded too. I don't think I could move along the paths easily-'

'Yes. But you can gather information on them?'

'Yes, Your Grace.'

'Excellent.' He nods. 'Guarded paths are not a problem. A guarded path can be stormed. If we can reinforce Jiange and send a light force around the back of the rebel positions, that will be enough to force them back from the pass. Even if it means they will then be alarmed into reinforcing Mianyang...'

Oh yeah. That... does sound like a plan. 'Your Grace, I will be happy to do this. So I shall scout out rebel positions and report them to you?'

'Yes, yes. But not for now.' He frowns. 'Reinforcing Jiange is the top priority, and we will not be there for another 3 days yet, even with forced marches. Also, you are injured.'

'It is all my fault, Your Grace...'

'You'll have to be careful.'

>>588180

> Day 32

It is afternoon when you reach Hanzhong, a city which has long since spilled out of its city walls. Not that it mattered, you suppose - the hills and mountains around make a formidable wall that no human can match. Before long, the City Magistrate sends an envoy out to meet the Duke.

'His Excellency would like to ask if Your Grace is living within Hanzhong. Apartments have been prepared.'

'I thank him for his goodwill and hospitality. But I will stay with the army.'

The envoy looks a little surprised. 'As you wish, Your Grace. The granaries have been assigned.'

'Very good. I will send someone with you to audit and receive the granaries.'

Later that evening, you are assigned to scrubbing duty - cleaning the Duke's armour and clothes - but while you are scrubbing his saddle, you hear someone behind you and turn around. 'Ah, Colonel Zhao...'

'Come. Steamed buns from the commissary.'

'Oh! You shouldn't have-'

'Go on, go on.' He sits down next to you and you nibble on a bun. Oh, there's filling! It's... bamboo shoots? You love bamboo shoots. 'Good?'

'Very good. Thank you so much, sir. Is His Grace back in the tent now?'

'Yes. Long meeting. But we are set. Those rebels...' Zhao Xin shakes his head. 'I'm just giving the Duke some privacy. With Hawthorn.'

'Oh-' you turn to look at the tent. C-could it be? 'Does Hawthorn really look like His Grace's late wife?'

'Hawthorn has a mole on her cheek that the late Duchess didn't. Besides that - well, I don't know as much about the Duchess. But their face is the same.' Zhao Xin shrugs. 'Not much else is the same, though. The late Duchess likes chess, loves music and poetry. I don't think Hawthorn is the same in those respects...'

> That's probably true...
> Well, she can learn, right?
> Does Colonel Zhao have a wife?

>>588883
> That's probably true...
Don't show even a trace of our plan to be the best friend of Duke's lover.

>>588883
>> That's probably true...

>>588883
>> That's probably true...

>>588883
>That's probably true...

>>590061
>That's probably true...
>Teach her as soon as you have some time.

>>590133
Yeah, why not? Let's do this.

>>590133
I second this.
We'll make a real lady out of her!

You frown. 'I guess that's probably true, Colonel Zhao.'

'I just fear His Grace will be disappointed in her. Which would be unpleasant, for everyone.'

'Do you go back a long way with His Grace?'

'We've saved each other's lives before,' he says. 'His Grace shot a wild boar in the Upper Hunting Park, several years ago. The boar came at him and I just managed to kill it before it killed either of us.'

'I see... and what did His Grace save you from? Another beast? Or... an army?'

'Nah.' Zhao Xin chuckles. 'The worst enemy. Our own people. I don't suppose you know anything about the parties within court, so I'm not going to trouble you with it. Suffice to say, I fell afoul of one faction. The lightest penalty was probably several years in prison. Alternatively I might have been executed. But His Grace personally recommended me, and requested an Edict that I be allowed to fight in battle to absolve myself.'

'I see... when... when was it?'

'Just last year. And that's why, when I die this campaign... well, I hope it is a good one.'

> Please, don't speak of death like that!
> Do you mind... troubling me a little with court politics?
> Other (feel free to add stuff!)

>>590750
>> Please, don't speak of death like that!

>>590750
>Please, don't speak of death like that!
> Do you mind... troubling me a little with court politics?

>>590750
> Please, don't speak of death like that!
> Do you mind... troubling me a little with court politics?

>>590750
>Please, don't speak of death like that!
>Do you mind... troubling me a little with court politics?

>>590750
> Please, don't speak of death like that! If you die, who will make sure I don't crack my head on a rock when I trip?
> Do you mind... troubling me a little with court politics?
> Other (feel free to add stuff!)

>>592867
> Please, don't speak of death like that!
>Remenber to help Hawthorn become a lady.

>>590771
>>590780
>>591147
>>591609
>>592867
>>595002

'Please, Colonel, don't speak of death like that!'

'Hmm? Well, we're in a war though. Not speaking of it doesn't mean it won't happen.'

'I... I suppose. But still.'

'What comes will,' he says. 'I take it you've never been on a campaign before. You're *very* brave. His Grace told me you apparently volunteered?'

'Hawthorn volunteered too...'

'Well, she has courage too, then. I'm guessing more courage than some of the men around here.' He gestures around, lowering his voice. 'Many of these, I suspect, are peasants paid by their wealthy landlords to fight on their behalf.'

'R-really?'

'Yes. The levies do not differentiate between rich and poor. But we are a long way from the courage and daring of the early nobility. Nowadays, the landed gentry... well, if they don't have to fight, they won't. If that means forcing or paying peasants to do it for them, that's what they'll do.'

'That's... very worrying for the army.'

'What would you know about that?'

You clear your throat. 'When the army's morale is low, it has no will to fight, and the general's commands are not received and carried out with discipline, the army is 'hesitant'.'

Zhao Xin's eyes widen. 'Fuck,' he mutters. 'Well, I'll be. I wouldn't quote from that book if I were you though.'

'Oh... why?'

'Those books are banned from non-officials. And you, I'm guessing, are not from an official family.'

'Really?!'

'Yes... it's crazy. But such are the struggles.'

>>597441

> Day 33

Zhao Xin approaches you again as you are by the fire outside the tent, this time scrubbing pots. You look up at him. 'Colonel Zhao...'

'Linden,' he sits down. 'Burned rice is a bitch, isn't it?'

'It's... it's difficult to clean.'

'Leave it aside. Fill it with water, put it on the fire and let it boil. Wash the other things while you're at it.' He smiles, then looks at you. 'What?'

'I... I didn't think a Colonel would know how to cook.'

'I was always designated the cook when we went hunting. His Grace, and his father the late Duke, and their retinues.'

'So... you've always been in the Linghu family's service?'

'Yes, of course. Since I was 8. My father too. You ask a lot of questions.'

'I was just about to ask about the court politics, actually,' you say softly.

'Hmm. You might want to know, huh?'

According to Zhao Xin, the main cleavage within the Court currently is a matter of...

> Nobility vs. Scholars.
> Outer court officials vs. Inner court officials and eunuchs.
> Censors and Investigative officials vs. Administrative officials.
> Succession problems.
> Personality-based cliques.
> Other.

Rolled 3 (1d5)

>>597500
>1 Nobility vs. Scholars.
>2 Outer court officials vs. Inner court officials and eunuchs.
>3 Censors and Investigative officials vs. Administrative officials.
>4 Succession problems.
>5 Personality-based cliques.

>>597500
> Censors and Investigative officials vs. Administrative officials.

"That's a way to do politics, to accuse your enemies of being traitors to the Emperor. Even if the oficial investigation clears them of any wrong doing, they are still suspect and so their standing with the Emperor is lowered. The big problem is that if those who serve the Empire fight amongst themselves, then they are left as easier pickings for the enemy. And this isn't a quote from any book, at least not with these exact words."

>>597500
>> Outer court officials vs. Inner court officials and eunuchs.

>>597595
seconding this

>>597582
This.

>>597582
This works.

> It seems like both Censors/Admin and Outer/Inner are up. Putting the two together would be a fun nightmare.

> Y/N?

>>598905
Yes

>>598905
Those about to die salute you
>Y

>>598905
Yes, please.

>>598905
>Y
Lets do it.

>>598905
>Y

> Eunuchs vs. officials
> One branch of officials vs. another
> Oh shit, we Wanli now.

'Oh, who isn't fighting whom? I guess, as you are a palace servant, the side you'll probably see the most of are the eunuchs.'

'Actually, when I was a kid, I've always been taught that the eunuchs are untrustworthy...'

'Well, some are. And some are monstrous. But many are decent. And in any case, His Majesty is attended by them, and that is key. There may be many in the court who despise them, but since His Majesty trusts them...'

... well, let's not go into that. 'I see...'

'But it's not like the court is united, in any case. There are some who are pragmatic, and see the functioning of the Court and administration as the primary goal. They are willing to work with the eunuchs.'

'But some aren't.'

'Some are, well, more upright. Or they would say they are more upright.' Zhao Xin chuckles, but there's an edge of bitterness to that. 'They are the sort of people who think nothing of blocking all actions of the Court, obstructing its functions and diminishing its power, simply because they disagree with a few eunuchs in the Palace. But don't tell anyone I told you that.'

'No, Colonel.'

'In fact, don't say anything about it. Just remember it. That is why I think I'd rather die out in the battlefield here.'

'Colonel!'

'If I die in battle, Linden, holding my sword to the last, I at least die like a man. And there would be little doubt as to whom and what I serve, even if there are many others who say they serve it while trying their best to wreck it.'

> You are a true hero, Colonel Zhao.
> If only I could do what you do too. But I am but a woman...
> There's no need to die over a court like this...
> Other.

>>605443
>You are a true hero.

>>605443
"Don't die as long as you can still win instead."

>>605921
Seconding

>>605443
>> If only I could do what you do too. But I am but a woman...

>>605443
>You are a true hero, Colonel Zhao.

>>605443
>You are a true hero, Colonel Zhao.
> If only I could do what you do too. But I am but a woman.
Also, supporting
>>605921