NationStates Jolt Archive

The Emperor looked as if existence was slipping away from him and he could do nothing but sit idle.

"Your Majesty?" the Court Minister looked concerned at him. "Are you all right?"

"I am fine..." the elderly Emperor gave a heavy sigh. "Just tired..." he seemed exhausted, despite that he hadn't done anything and was sitting down.

"Yes, well, I'll let to rest..." the Court Minister waved for an attendant to get a blanket, after it was brought to him he draped it across the Emperor's legs. The Court Minister walked to the room's door, before closing it he said "I'll be back in several minutes so you can decide upon... you know..." He bowed and closed the door.


"How is he?" an anxious General Gao Xiao, commander of the Chuang Armed Forces practically lunged at the minister when he came out of the room. "Is he all right? What did he say?"

"Calm down, General!" the minister shushed him. "He's fine... a little sad, and tired... But he should be fine. I'm letting him rest before he names his heir..."

The General gave a groan is discomfort. "The last male heir of the Wu family dies... There's only one person he can name."

"I know that General... But he could still hang on a few years until another boy is born."

"He's Eighty-seven!" The General shouted, but was quickly hushed by the minister.

"Don't let him hear you!"

"He's going to die any day now, and we're going to be without an heir."

"What's wrong with Princess Huan Yue?"

"You answered your own question: Princess! A woman cannot be Emperor... er, Empress." The General started to pace.

"Why not? We're living in a modern era, it's not like the Monarch's power is all that essential anyway."

"Because it's not traditional!"

"Oh, and leaving the throne vacant is traditional!? He has no male relatives. The Emperor only had one son, who just died, leaving behind only one daughter!"

"His cousin's son!" The General stopped pacing

"His cousin is a-a Chinese Han, Who lives in Sino! I'd rather see a monkey on the throne then that man!"

The Minister was about to continue, but a voice from behind him said quietly "I agree."

The Minister and General Gao turned around to see the Emperor in his power wheel chair smiling. "There is no other choice," the Emperor said "Princess Huan Yue is the only possible heir... The only other candidate would destroy us. However, I should like that she marries before she becomes Empress..."

"I'm so sorry you overheard our conversation, your majesty!" The Minister and General bowed.

"Stop, stop! Bring me the papers to make Princess Huan Yue the heir to the Chuang Throne..." The Emperor sighed. "My father is spinning like a Tornado in his grave..." He rolled back into his office, the minister ran off to get the required papers.

Sometime later, at the Palace at Er Hai Lake, high up in the Qinghuilan Shan (Mountains), Princess Huan Yue, nineteen years of age, walked along the lake in a somber way. Her father had just died, and she was trying to cope with the tragedy. Her Grandfather, the Emperor, sent her to the Palace here at Er Hai to cheer her up. It was her favorite place on earth, but it did nothing to calm the feelings of sadness. Every waking moment these past three days was filled with the fact that she was now parent-less, her mother dying long ago in an airplane accident. "Why me?" She kept asking herself, to no reply.

"Your Highness!" The voice of the Palace's orchestrator, Liu Xia, yelled while running towards her.

"Your Highness?" The Princess thought for a second. "My title isn't 'your highness', no one but the heir to the thrown is called 'your highness' " Her eyes widened and she turned to hear Liu Xia as she yelled again.

"The Emperor... He designated you his heir!" The old woman bellowed.

Huan Yue's heart sank, the question of 'Why me?' only became more prevalent in her thought. She couldn't run a country... Or could she?

"But..." Liu Xia finally caught up with her. "He said you must find a suitor before you are allowed to become heir." Again 'Why me?' ran through Huan Yue's head again. "He has already sent out letters to the other three Chinas, and to various other Asian Nations to see who is interested!" Liu Xia said excitedly, catching her breath after the run.

"What!? I'm supposed to marry someone of his choice?" Huan Yue felt her blood boil.

"No! It's your choice, but you will only be able to choose from the prominent suitors the other Governments send." Liu Xia seemed to not notice Huan Yue's disgust, because she continued with excitement. "His Majesty has been most lenient. You don't have to marry a member of another royal family, just someone of notability... That means anyone! A General, a Businessman, or, of course another Royal! Isn't it wonderful?"

"Yeah... wonderful..." Huan Yue lowered her head, not hearing as Liu Xia elaborated. This was by far the worse day of her life, ever.


~~~
Telegram sent out to several Nation States within the Orient;


Cordial Royal Telegram to (you) of (your nation)

Dear friend, I have named, due to the lack of male relatives, Princess Huan Yue of the Chuang Wu Dynasty, heir apparent to my Imperial throne. But, it pains me to think of such a young woman leading the Chuang people without a man by her side. Therefor, I have invited your Government to nominate a suitor for Princess Huan Yue. Aware that this is twenty-first century, I do not require Huan Yue's suitor to be the member of another Royal Family - although if he is, that may help in the decision - but he must be a name of note, and possibly able to run a country in a time of crisis. A Landowner, a General, even a Business Tycoon, whomever you believe is worthy. If I find him unworthy I shall deny his request. Of the men I deem fit to court my Granddaughter, she will chose from. I await your speedy reply.

Sincerely,
Your Friend and 'colleague' as it were,
The Imperial Chuang Warlord, Autocrat of the Chuang People, Protector of the Han within the Chuang borders, the Emperor of Chuang-Han.


OOC: Some notes on Chuang-Han China;
Chuang-Han was founded by some greedy warlords and the French in 1911. It is in the extreme south of China, it's territories are the provinces of Guangxi (Kwangsi), Yunnan, and Hainan. It is controlled by the Chuang People, a people of Thai origin who migrated to the area roughly 3000 years ago. They are a minority in the country, outnumbered about 3:1 by Chinese Hans, who have minimal self government within the state. The Chuang people are also known as the 'Zhuang'. Chuang-Han recently reentered the fabric of Chinese affairs by conceiving with Xiaguo, Sino and __Taiwan a Quad Alliance between the "four china's", but the Chuang's control over the Han within the country earns it great scrutiny from Xiaguo and Sino.

Sinoese Lt. Col. Huang Li Ke of the ARSMC has decided to be her suitor, despite all the controversy.

http://english.pladaily.com.cn/special/uniforms/content/image/xcf-7.jpg

In 2011, Huang was one of the few that had managed to convince his superiors not to attack Chaung-Han and seek reunification through peaceful means. Huang, although not of Zhuang descent has great respect for these people, as after all, he grew up in Guangxi and was saddened that his home province did not come under the fold of Sino. At 30 years of age, his service to the Sinoese Marines show no sign of ending. Standing prodly at 1.74m, he represents the fineness of Sinoese officers.

Oddly enough, few from Guangxi would join the Navy or Marines but Huang had made his choices clear and has become a decorated Marine officer. Hobbies of this man includes board sailing, leisure boating, swimming and deer hunting.

Huang would like to see the beautiful landscape of Guilin as a part of China again.

High in the Forbidden City at Paegam the exertions of a man consumed in the taxing demands of his land's specifically evolved martial arts training echoed from the ancient stone facades. Three niggling bullet wounds and the early signs of middle age had slowed the artist from his peak performance when, just a few years ago, he was able to slay three armed western attackers, but the various training aids and indeed his sparring partners were barely able to appreciate the decline.

In the courtyard below, a couple of moderately influential Party members turned from their momentary regard of the paneless window through which the sounds rang.

"Had we not been already discounted from proceedings we should have already received a communiqué ourselves. Why risk humiliating the Director?"
"Perhaps he has received word without our knowledge."
"I do not think so. And it is time for him to stand less...alone. It is...contrary to the mass line!"

The second figure grunted, unimpressed by the notion.

"...and besides, who can really believe that one must be married only to the revolution when The Greatest Leader himself took a wife...and more?"

Said the first, half turning to the tower in which Madam Kurosian resided. He was met by another none vocal sigh as both men thought on the future of the Kurosite Directorship and the place that a post-unification Korea might find in the world.

((Heh, I...couldn't...could I? Nah...surely...))

I demand a military base in your nations.

I demand a military base in your nations.

OOC: Get f*cked! Only the Sinoese have rights to garrisson in there. If you ain't participating in this RP then you can just get out!

"It appears a Sino Lt. Col. applied to be one of Huan Yue's suitors, your majesty..." The Court Minister snickered.

"That's very interesting!" The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "And so soon, too..."

"He is a Han, but was born here in Guangxi... Quite notable. Meets our requirements..."

"Well, then, I suppose we'll allow him to try to court her."

"What!?" The Minister gasped. "Surely, your majesty, it is a Sino plot!"

"Of course it is, but I would like to see it unravel. She isn't going to choose a Sino Military man, my dear Minister. Send this Lt. Col. my approval."

"Yes, your Majesty..."

~~~
To Lt. Col. Huang Li Ke of the ARSMC

Your request to court the Princess Huan Yue has been excepted, you shall be flown via Royal Chuang Air to the town of Dali on Lake Er Hai in Yunnan, then be driven to the North Shore of the lake to the Palace at Er Hai. May you have luck in your Venture.

Sincerely,
Minister of the Imperial Chuang Court.

OOC: If Dra-Pol applies, you will be accepted, just for the sheer shock that will caue to the situation!

Nevermind, pc is acting slow and wacky.

Nevermind, pc is acting slow and wacky.

OOC: A war over this?! You clearly have nothing better to do. *Preps the ignore artillery and fires*

Prominent members of Taiwanese society was notified of the courtship. Although hundreds of memos were sent out, only one was returned. Jackson Chen's.

Jackson Chen
http://www.hongkongvideos.net/jackie.jpg
Born Chen Li Peng in Hong Kong, Li Peng studied Kung Fu at an early age and became the under 18s champion in 2004. When an advertiser asked him to star in a commerical for kickboxing, Li Peng shot to stardom, mainly due to his looks which were very similar to another HK movie star's, Jackie Chen.

He moved to Taiwan the following year to star in the comedy 'Rumbles in the Bonks' which was a tongue-in-cheek film aimed at Jackie Chan and took on the alias 'Jackson Chen'. He is currently working on a movie based on Buffy the Vampire Slayer with Sarah Michelle Gellar.

"He accepted? But rejection will... it will be a matter of honour! No! Don't give me you, 'nobody rejects the Directorature'! Aie!"

"We shall not be announcing it, of course. So far as the people are aware, the comrade Director is travelling between Da'Khiem, Paegam, Seoul, and Kanggye, working for the reunification."

Comrade Director Secretary Hotan was known by no other name, but his interest in courtship of the princess was officially tendered as that of the most influential man in Korea.

As Secretary of the Communist Party of Dra-pol he was head of government from Andong to Sinuiju, from Najin to Suwon, and as Director of the Choson People's Republic he was head of state claiming right to the entire peninsula.

Author of Student of the Kuro Revolution (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=345905) and devastating but merciful soldier and general, Hotan is thought probably to be in his late thirties, although nobody is entirely sure and he could be several years older. The Director is in excellent physical condition after a lifetime dedicated to traditional pursuits and moderation. His health is only now damaged by the assassination attempt levelled against him by western agents believed to have been working for a Christian fundamentalist government while he was still only Secretary and not yet Director. Hotan has rarely been seen by foreign eyes, and the only known published portrait of the man appears in the background of a Unified People’s Army parade (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v148/Chivtv/NS1/parade1.jpg) after the liberation of Seoul. Hotan’s head is shaved and his dress is extremely plain in the traditional manner of the Drapoel peasantry he represents.

Hotan remains of course a figure largely mysterious to the outside world. He is known as a traditionalist but a revolutionary, a politician but a soldier, and an accomplished killer prone to acts of moderation and mercy, such as the release of POWs who would under any other Drapoel leader have been tortured and executed.

"At least this ain't an English test." Huang joked to his adjutant. "Mine's passable. I can speak fluent Mandarin and Cantonese and that should be enough."

"For your information, sir. You seem happier than a pig in sh*t!" His adjutant replied, noticing that his superior is unusually happy, with a spring in his step and combing his hair by the mirror overlooking the bathroom sink in the office.

"Major, that sort of language ain't nice and won't be tolerated for the Zhaung Court." Huang tried to smile off the disrespect.

"Yeah well, I've known you for years and you never been this cheerful. Tuck in that shirt, pretty boy!" The major was trying his luck, antagonizing the overnight Romeo.

"Look, this is the summer service shirt, you don't tuck it in or wear a tie. It has four pockets and a straight hem."

"Oooh! Somebody's into fashion!"

"Shut up! I've had enough of your shannanigans!"

"I thought that sort of temper's not tolerated at court. Hahaha! Tell ya what, sir. There's rumours that some Dra-poel politician and a Taiwanese celebrity are also involved."

"A Dra-poel, those scum won't even reach up to the Princess' shoulders!"

"What about the Taiwanese celebrity actor, eh? He looks like Jacki Chan."

"Oh not him! But I bet none of the others know the geography or the culture."

To: The Imperial Government of Chuang-Han China
From: The Foreign Ministry of the Dominion of Kashuria

Word of the courtship of Princess Huan Yue has recently been brought to our Middle Capital by our relatives in the east and has come to the attention of the Great Lord Tokutei, who is intrigued and has charged me with procuring more information on this matter.
At this early stage in our contact with your nation we would be particularly interested to know what you define as an 'oriental nation', and would be grateful if you could enlighten us.

In cordial friendship,

Sanka no Gaisho

"Oh my..." The Court Minister laughed.

"More suitors?" The Emperor smiled while drinking his morning tea.

"Indeed. A Taiwanese Celebraty, and a Drapoel politician!"

The Emperor nearly choked on his tea. "Drapoel!? Looks like Sino isn't the only one who wants to sneak into our government... The Princess better get more offers, I wouldn't want her marrying any of those men!"

"It is her choice, remember."

"Yes, yes... Well approve them and send out several small passenger planes to take them to the Palace..." The Emperor snickered. "I'll die of shock if she choses a Drapoel Man!"

~~~

To Jackson Chen, __Taiwan

Your request to court the Princess Huan Yue has been excepted, you shall be flown via Royal Chuang Air to the town of Dali on Lake Er Hai in Yunnan, then be driven to the North Shore of the lake to the Palace at Er Hai. May you have luck in your Venture.

Sincerely,
Minister of the Imperial Chuang Court.

~~~

To Comrade Director Secretary Hotan, Dra-pol

Your request to court the Princess Huan Yue has been excepted, you shall be flown via Royal Chuang Air to the town of Dali on Lake Er Hai in Yunnan, then be driven to the North Shore of the lake to the Palace at Er Hai. May you have luck in your Venture.

P.S. Considering your high ranking status in the Drapoel government, you may choose to use your own government aircraft to travel to Er Hai Lake. However, we will not allow Drapoel escourt aircraft in Chuang-Han airspace, and will supply you with Chuang-Han Air Escourt once you reach our airspace. Please specify if you wish to excersize this option.

Sincerely,
Minister of the Imperial Chuang Court.

~~~

To The Foreign Ministry of the Dominion of Kashuria

The Orient is Indochina (Thailand, Burma, Vietnam, etc.), China, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia, Korea, Japan, the very eastern parts of Russia and various islands in the very western Pacific (Such as the Ryukyu Islands). Indonesia and the Phillippines could also apply in this situation, although we do not consider them part of the Orient.

May your nation flourish,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Dual Regency of Chuang-Han.

~~~

A Royal Chuang small passenger Air Craft landed at the designated Air Port in Sino. A man in a Chuang Army Uniform stepped out onto the deplaning stairs and descended to meet a Sinoese Military Officer. "Good day. I am Staff Sergeant Liang of the Dual Regency's Armed Forces. I will act as Escourt and advisor of Chuang customs to Lt. Co. Huang."

To the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chuang-Han:

Although past events have seen Kashurian rule transplanted from our oriental homeland to distant Persia, we would still ask the Dual Regency to consider the suit of our lord for the hand of Princess Huan Yue in consideration of both our eastern heritage and continued links with this region.

A thousand blessings to your great nation,

Sanka no Gaisho

Some notes on the Town of Dali, Er Hai Lake, and the Palace:

Yes, the names sounds generic, but I took them directly from the real world map. There is an Er Hai Lake, there is a town of Dali on it, there is no Palace, but there is in my alterHistory!


In Chuang-Han, Er Hai is an average rural mountain area. Now, Chuang-Han's rural society has not had any social reform in the history of the country (The country is run by warlords, remember), so going to the town of Dali is like stepping back into 1910, without the poverty or famine. Most citizens of rural communities can go their whole lives without ever seeing an automobile, an aircraft, and they generally feel that their government is nonexistent, as they never seem to hear from it. Everything just seems to run so smoothly, and when it doesn't armed guards seem to clear it up and turn rural society back to it's peaceful normal existence. So they simply don't think about their Government. This strange lack of thinking about what rules over them comes from a very carefully designed educational system that teaches Chuang-Han citizens simply not to ask 'why' and remain quiet, until the Government tells them to do otherwise, or else. The general motto is "Live your life, be happy, and let us worry about everything for you." (But Urban Society is not like this). The town of Dali is slightly different, as it has an Air Port and the large Royal Palace there. It causes the people of Dali to be a little more aware of things, but still stuck in seemingly another period of time.

The Royal Palace is built against the rising mountain in a very traditional style (Remember the main Palace in Lhasa Tibet? It's something like that). Each one of it's rooms is devoted to a hero of the Han or Chuang people from history. It is furnished, depending on the room, in Traditional Manchu style.

OOC: @ Kashuria!: Could you please elaborate on your domestic homeland's location?

OOC: @ Kashuria!: Could you please elaborate on your domestic homeland's location?

Modern Kashuria rules the territory of Iran from its ''Middle Capital'' (Chukyo), the city formerly known as Esfahan. (In NS terms Kashuria can be found in the eastern sub-region of NS Africa).
The ruling Akabana dynasty however originated in Japan, and Kashurian culture is strongly East Asian in flavour: the Kashurians had links with various short-lived kingdoms located in the Izu islands south of Tokyo, and a closely related community (Sangun) still exists in the Japanese islands.

If you need any more information, feel free to ask...

OOC: I suppose I'll allow it, considering the majority of disinterest.


IC:

~~~

To the Kashurian Government (You haven't supplied the name of the suitor yet)

Your request to court the Princess Huan Yue has been excepted, you shall be flown via Royal Chuang Air to the town of Dali on Lake Er Hai in Yunnan, then be driven to the North Shore of the lake to the Palace at Er Hai. May you have luck in your Venture.

Sincerely,
Minister of the Imperial Chuang Court.

OOC: I suppose I'll allow it, considering the majority of disinterest.
Thanks. 'Twas the closest land I could find to the Orient in a region which was both active and reasonably realistic...


~~~

To the Kashurian Government (You haven't supplied the name of the suitor yet)

Your request to court the Princess Huan Yue has been excepted, you shall be flown via Royal Chuang Air to the town of Dali on Lake Er Hai in Yunnan, then be driven to the North Shore of the lake to the Palace at Er Hai. May you have luck in your Venture.

Sincerely,
Minister of the Imperial Chuang Court.

If it is permitted, the Kashurian suitor will be none other than the Great Lord Tokutei. If there is any concern over the suitability of an existing head of state to be the princess's suitor, we hope to allay such fears by revealing that the administration of Kashuria is sufficiently developed so as not to prevent Tokutei-dono residing in Chuang-Han if successful...

In sincere hope of continued friendship,

Sanka no Gaisho

Jackson combed his hair again. It was the 5th time in two hours, but he reasoned that the travel on an aircraft was tough on his looks. He was nervous, like the first time he shot a movie.

Nevermind, he thought. If she doesn't like me for who I am I won't mind. He looked out the aircraft windows to see the terminal staff prepare for alighting. So this was Chuang-Han China.

The Hudecian public has been transfixed by the suitor selection for the Chuang Han Chinese princess. Tabloids about the latest twists and turns have sold out within minutes of hitting the stands.

A Royal Chuang small passenger Air Craft landed at the designated Air Port in Sino. A man in a Chuang Army Uniform stepped out onto the deplaning stairs and descended to meet a Sinoese Military Officer. "Good day. I am Staff Sergeant Liang of the Dual Regency's Armed Forces. I will act as Escourt and advisor of Chuang customs to Lt. Co. Huang."

"At ease, sergeant. As you can tell from the photo, I'm Lt. Col. Huang Li Ke of the ARSMC. Thank you for being on time. My love for the princess grows stronger by the day, absence only makes the heart grow fonder." Huang tried his best to be paternal with a man from a different army. Kindness repays in multitude.

"Hey, sir. You might wanna pick up a few extra clips for your 9mm." His annoying adjutant interrupted. "It's wild country, you're steppin' into."

"Shut it, Major. I ain't goin' hunting." Huang ordered his adjutant, unstrapping his sidearm before tossing it to his adjutant. "Hand it to the armourers for safekeeping until I get back. They are a friendly bunch if you know their ways."

Picking up his luggage, he turned back to SSgt. Liang. "Well, Staff Liang, shall we continue?"

"Hmmm." Staff Sergeant Liang seemed to be considering something. "Right then." He turned around and marched back up the stairs into the air craft. This is ridiculous he thought to himself it's basically like a bad comedy to see who can get their hands on our government! What is his majesty thinking!? I really do not like this man's attitude, he does not seem sincier! The plane was ready to depart immediately.

SSgt. Liang sat down and buckled himself in. The Airplane interior was spacious and luxurious. Royal Chuang Air, as it had such a small clientele (Mainly Chuang-Han Government officials) prided itself on having very, very comfortable passenger liners.

i want to bang the princess first

"Hmmm." Staff Sergeant Liang seemed to be considering something. "Right then." He turned around and marched back up the stairs into the air craft. This is ridiculous he thought to himself it's basically like a bad comedy to see who can get their hands on our government! What is his majesty thinking!? I really do not like this man's attitude, he does not seem sincier! The plane was ready to depart immediately.

SSgt. Liang sat down and buckled himself in. The Airplane interior was spacious and luxurious. Royal Chuang Air, as it had such a small clientele (Mainly Chuang-Han Government officials) prided itself on having very, very comfortable passenger liners.

"Liang, I must congratulate you. This is the most luxurious passenger plane I've ever been in." huang said, buckling himself in.

i want to bang the princess first

OOC: Go home and bang your mom! Ya old woman's got an arse the size of Normandy, just suitable for you!

not cool moms dead

"Liang, I must congratulate you. This is the most luxurious passenger plane I've ever been in." huang said, buckling himself in.

"Royal Chuang Air does not have a large commercial market. They mainly transport businessmen or Chuang Officials, so they can afford to make it as luxurious as possible... That's how many things are in Chuang-Han."

"Good day gentlemen." A steward said dressed in a very utilitarian starch white uniform. "I will be the steward for your flight. The flight will be just over two hours long, and I will serve you a light lunch salad. We will be departing immediately." The jet engines rumbled and it began to Taxi to the landing strip.

"Before you ask, Royal Chuang Air doesn't serve any heavy foods, like meat byproducts or rice. They say it causes fatigue on flights... I hope you have been out of Sino before, do tell me of your history, sir."

not cool moms dead

OOC: Then go f*ck yourself! This is a serious RP and not a thread for druken revelry.

"Royal Chuang Air does not have a large commercial market. They mainly transport businessmen or Chuang Officials, so they can afford to make it as luxurious as possible... That's how many things are in Chuang-Han."

"Good day gentlemen." A steward said dressed in a very utilitarian starch white uniform. "I will be the steward for your flight. The flight will be just over two hours long, and I will serve you a light lunch salad. We will be departing immediately." The jet engines rumbled and it began to Taxi to the landing strip.

"Before you ask, Royal Chuang Air doesn't serve any heavy foods, like meat byproducts or rice. They say it causes fatigue on flights... I hope you have been out of Sino before, do tell me of your history, sir."

"Excellent. Lady, please bring me some traditional Chuang foods." Huang made his order politely, before returning to the SSgt. "I must tell you, the last tiem I ate Chuang food was in a restaurant in Gaungxi, many years ago."

"Excellent. Lady, please bring me some traditional Chuang foods." Huang made his order politely, before returning to the SSgt. "I must tell you, the last tiem I ate Chuang food was in a restaurant in Gaungxi, many years ago."

Liang waved off the Steward, not having an appetite. The plane slowly accelerated "Really? I understand you're a Guilin, er... Guangxi Han. You must excuse me, we call them Guilins in Chuang-Han because that if the main city inhabited by Guangxi Hans. It's a political thing. How did you come to join the Sinoese Military, Huang?"

Prince Nambaryn (http://www.nmgmzbwg.com.cn/images/fz08.jpg)
Telegram to the Chuang Han Government, and to the Father of Princess Chuang Yue.
"The most Honorable Prince Nambaryn ENKHBAYAR, seeks to court, the virtuous Princess Huan Yue.
Prince Nambaryn is born of noble blood, and has restored power to the Temujinni throne.
The Prince is a Decorated Officer and a adept Diplomat. If it is to truly be left to the Heaven's then we eagerly await your permission to court the princess as she should be courted, by one who rules and not one who is ruled."
Emporer ENKHBAYAR.

not cool moms dead

OOC: Warning for future references, hardcore f*cking with the elderly may result in their fatal heart attack!

Liang waved off the Steward, not having an appetite. The plane slowly accelerated "Really? I understand you're a Guilin, er... Guangxi Han. You must excuse me, we call them Guilins in Chuang-Han because that if the main city inhabited by Guangxi Hans. It's a political thing. How did you come to join the Sinoese Military, Huang?"

"I was in the PLA-N since eighteen years of age. Back then there wasn't a Chuang-Han locality. I came from a poor family but I worked hard academically and made it into the Naval Academy in Zhanjiang, I could not afford to go to university. My parents were proud of me." He looked back at his life, reflecting and remembering. His eyes watched as the runway started running like on a treadmill.

"Then came the Marine Corps being established and I decided to join that. I fought against Taiwanese separatists and was wounded twice. That's all. I can say that my life was quite full of pain. Even as an officer, money and power doesn't buy me happiness. I need to have a more complete life." He looked back at Liang, wondering if the SSgt. had shared some of his experiences.

"I was in the PLA-N since eighteen years of age. Back then there wasn't a Chuang-Han locality. I came from a poor family but I worked hard academically and made it into the Naval Academy in Zhanjiang, I could not afford to go to university. My parents were proud of me." He looked back at his life, reflecting and remembering. His eyes watched as the runway started running like on a treadmill.

"Then came the Marine Corps being established and I decided to join that. I fought against Taiwanese separatists and was wounded twice. That's all. I can say that my life was quite full of pain. Even as an officer, money and power doesn't buy me happiness. I need to have a more complete life." He looked back at Liang, wondering if the SSgt. had shared some of his experiences.

"Oh yes, you were born during the occupation... That isn't talked about much in Chuang-Han anymore. The whole period when we were occupied by those..." Liang searched for a word that wasn't offensive. "...people is considered basically a part of our lives we should forget, forever." Liang's eyes seemed to be painful. "But, it is over now, and we have been liberated. I still remember the day the Emperor returned to Nanning..." Liang sighed, and began to whispered to himself "Such hard fighting for so long, to what end..." he realized he was rambling. "Well, you'll truly adore Er Hai, it is a throw back to the days of the Qing. The Palace there was built by the Qing Governor, who acted more like an Emperor of the area, rather then a Governor. It's almost a miniature of the Forbidden City in Beijing!"

The Steward brought Huang his traditional Chuang Salad, which was soaking in a fish-smelling broth. "It was thought to have healing qualities until the 1950s, and some still claim it does, but it has never cured a case of air sickness on one of our flights!" The Steward casually laughed and walked back to her station. Huang probably noticed the cabin didn't shake at all, nor did it have any reference that they should be buckled in or not. Royal Chuang Air spent quite a lot to make these passenger liners as comfortable as possible.

"Oh, I nearly forgot, the Princess. She's about 5'5 (Imperial measurement, I shame myself in not knowing metric!), reddish eyes, rather long hair, she's 19 and has already finished her education. A remarkable woman... But Lt. Co. Huang, how did you secure Sino government's approval to be the nominee from Sino to court her highness?"

"Oh yes, you were born during the occupation... That isn't talked about much in Chuang-Han anymore. The whole period when we were occupied by those..." Liang searched for a word that wasn't offensive. "...people is considered basically a part of our lives we should forget, forever." Liang's eyes seemed to be painful. "But, it is over now, and we have been liberated. I still remember the day the Emperor returned to Nanning..." Liang sighed, and began to whispered to himself "Such hard fighting for so long, to what end..." he realized he was rambling. "Well, you'll truly adore Er Hai, it is a throw back to the days of the Qing. The Palace there was built by the Qing Governor, who acted more like an Emperor of the area, rather then a Governor. It's almost a miniature of the Forbidden City in Beijing!"

The Steward brought Huang his traditional Chuang Salad, which was soaking in a fish-smelling broth. "It was thought to have healing qualities until the 1950s, and some still claim it does, but it has never cured a case of air sickness on one of our flights!" The Steward casually laughed and walked back to her station. Huang probably noticed the cabin didn't shake at all, nor did it have any reference that they should be buckled in or not. Royal Chuang Air spent quite a lot to make these passenger liners as comfortable as possible.

"Oh, I nearly forgot, the Princess. She's about 5'5 (Imperial measurement, I shame myself in not knowing metric!), reddish eyes, rather long hair, she's 19 and has already finished her education. A remarkable woman... But Lt. Co. Huang, how did you secure Sino government's approval to be the nominee from Sino to court her highness?"

"Staff, there was no official governemnt nominee. I was only approved because of my rank and my current service status beari no negative effects for the Marines if I go on approved leave." He clarified the speculation before digging into his meal. "So your palace sounds nice. I wouldn't know. I'm a developed ascetic like the rest of the army and marines."

"I've also taken this opportunity to see my parents, who are still in Guilin." Interrupted by a thought in his meal. "But they can wait. I want to see her beauty first. I've heard that she's quite nubile."

"Staff, there was no official governemnt nominee. I was only approved because of my rank and my current service status beari no negative effects for the Marines if I go on approved leave." He clarified the speculation before digging into his meal. "So your palace sounds nice. I wouldn't know. I'm a developed ascetic like the rest of the army and marines."

"I've also taken this opportunity to see my parents, who are still in Guilin." Interrupted by a thought in his meal. "But they can wait. I want to see her beauty first. I've heard that she's quite nubile."

"Yes... I'll see if I can arrange a visit for you with your parents after the courtship is over."

~~~

Meanwhile, the plane carrying Jackson Chen was flying over the beautiful mountain vistas of western Guangxi. "We will be the first one to arrive Mr. Chen!" Chen's escort, Staff Sergeant Xu seemed nervous around him. "So, um..." SSgt. Xu fumbled over his words. "I've seen all of your movies! Can I get your autograph!?" Xu produced a picture of Chen out of seemingly no where, then a pen. "A couple of your movies were even banned, or edited in Chuang-Han, 'cause of the censorship thing. They recently repealed the censorship laws, but when they were in effect I used to steal original copies from the Government Archives... I was kinda a guard there... But oh my, I'm just doing all the talking, I feel so embarrassed! I'm supposed to be telling you about what's-her-name too!" This SSgt. Xu was so badly coordinated and brain-dead it made you wonder if the Court Minister made him Chen's escort just so Chen would have someone of equal intelligence with him.

"Yes... I'll see if I can arrange a visit for you with your parents after the courtship is over."

"My parents are in good health. I've just sent them a large wad of money. They'll be well. So what's the princess like as a person? Has she received my photograph?"

"My parents are in good health. I've just sent them a large wad of money. They'll be well. So what's the princess like as a person? Has she received my photograph?"

"Yes, I'm told she remarked your face was handsome, but she had a bit of distaste for your uniform." Liang contemplated for a minute. "Her highness is generally upbeat, hardworking and determined. She has trouble expressing herself, and remains quiet and shy in most cases, despite her excellent conversation skills."

"Yes, I'm told she remarked your face was handsome, but she had a bit of distaste for your uniform." Liang contemplated for a minute. "Her highness is generally upbeat, hardworking and determined. She has trouble expressing herself, and remains quiet and shy in most cases, despite her excellent conversation skills."

"I bet the reason you joined was because ladies like men in uniform." He laughed lightly. "I'm a bit of a tree myself. I don't talk much. I don't really like my uniform too, white and blue don't match."

"I bet the reason you joined was because ladies like men in uniform." He laughed lightly. "I'm a bit of a tree myself. I don't talk much. I don't really like my uniform too, white and blue don't match."


Liang sniggered. "You should see Chuang Royal Guard Uniforms! They're almost an atrocity on the eyes... There was a joke once:
The Royal Guard, tried and true
they always win, through thick and thin
It's not their Skills that save the day,
But their uniforms which blind enemies in their way.
"I'm not lying!" Liang held back a laugh. "It's awful, a variety of light blue, green, some red trim and some white thrown in somewhere!" Liang continued sniggering.

Liang sniggered. "You should see Chuang Royal Guard Uniforms! They're almost an atrocity on the eyes... There was a joke once:
The Royal Guard, tried and true
they always win, through thick and thin
It's not their Skills that save the day,
But their uniforms which blind enemies in their way.
"I'm not lying!" Liang held back a laugh. "It's awful, a variety of light blue, green, some red trim and some white thrown in somewhere!" Liang continued sniggering.

"Hmm. Sounds like some odd mix of Qing and Imperial French. The Xiannese have adopted BDUs for their palace guards to increase combat effectiveness. It's the function over fashion that matters." Huang tried to explain, as knowledge is power. "I've got a full set of BDUs in my luggage in case we're goign for a trip to the wilderness."

"There's a saying in the U.S. Marines:

This is my rifle,
This is my gun.
This one's for fighting,
That one's for fun.
I don't about sweet sixteen.
I can't wait for my M14.

This is my rifle,
This is my gun.
This one's for fighting,
That one's for fun.
I don't want no teenage queen
All I want's my M16.

I suggested that for teaching English but it was too rude to be adopted in my Corps."

Meanwhile, the plane carrying Jackson Chen was flying over the beautiful mountain vistas of western Guangxi. "We will be the first one to arrive Mr. Chen!" Chen's escort, Staff Sergeant Xu seemed nervous around him. "So, um..." SSgt. Xu fumbled over his words. "I've seen all of your movies! Can I get your autograph!?" Xu produced a picture of Chen out of seemingly no where, then a pen. "A couple of your movies were even banned, or edited in Chuang-Han, 'cause of the censorship thing. They recently repealed the censorship laws, but when they were in effect I used to steal original copies from the Government Archives... I was kinda a guard there... But oh my, I'm just doing all the talking, I feel so embarrassed! I'm supposed to be telling you about what's-her-name too!" This SSgt. Xu was so badly coordinated and brain-dead it made you wonder if the Court Minister made him Chen's escort just so Chen would have someone of equal intelligence with him.

Jackson Chen took a deep breathe. Xu's constant ranting wasn't helping him keep his cool. He had more important things to think about. Like how to court Huan Yue without a pre-recited script. Hopefully his looks would be good enough to destroy the competition.

"That's great," Chen said unexpressively, visibly bored and annoyed. He signed the photo quickly and handed it back to Xu.

"So tell me a bit about the royal highness."

Hopefully that would get him to stop with the stupid questions.

Jackson Chen took a deep breathe. Xu's constant ranting wasn't helping him keep his cool. He had more important things to think about. Like how to court Huan Yue without a pre-recited script. Hopefully his looks would be good enough to destroy the competition.

"That's great," Chen said unexpressively, visibly bored and annoyed. He signed the photo quickly and handed it back to Xu.

"So tell me a bit about the royal highness."

Hopefully that would get him to stop with the stupid questions.

"Oh yeah, her." Xu seemed in euphoria with having Chen's autograph. "She's an okay person... Boring in comparison to your career Mr. Chen!" Xu continued to be giddy. "She has like red or brown eyes, long hair, somewhere around 5'4, quiet little humble thing from what I've seen. But you know, apposite attract! Tell me about when you were on the set of that one movie, and you had to jump out of that burning building! Was that real!?" Xu was, for lack of any better word, a complete idiot.

OOC: I'm matching up escorts specifically to enphasize the character's traits. I sent a Manic Depressive to escort Huang from Sino, who will enphasize Sino's character very well. I sent an idiot to escort Chen from _Taiwan, to better enphasize the actor.

OOC: Erk, sorry. Big changes in/with/around Dra-pol at the moment... not fully planned... Erm, maybe Hotan will still make an appearance at the last minute, but don't hold up the RP for me or anything because I might take forever and don't entirely know what I'm getting myself into. If so, I shall try at least to read up on what results without Hotan, and you'll just have to assume its just down to those mysterious Drapoel xenophobes getting up to their old vanishing tricks or something.
Down to... getting up to? So I'm overtired, again.

"Oh yeah, her." Xu seemed in euphoria with having Chen's autograph. "She's an okay person... Boring in comparison to your career Mr. Chen!" Xu continued to be giddy. "She has like red or brown eyes, long hair, somewhere around 5'4, quiet little humble thing from what I've seen. But you know, apposite attract! Tell me about when you were on the set of that one movie, and you had to jump out of that burning building! Was that real!?" Xu was, for lack of any better word, a complete idiot.

OOC: I'm matching up escorts specifically to enphasize the character's traits. I sent a Manic Depressive to escort Huang from Sino, who will enphasize Sino's character very well. I sent an idiot to escort Chen from _Taiwan, to better enphasize the actor.

"That was real," Jackson said tersely. He looked at his watch agonisingly. How could they have sent an idiot to escort me? A movie star? Then again perhaps this was a test of some sort.

"Sorry Xu, I'd love to chat, but I'm feeling very tired right now."

Jackson put on a blindfold and pretended to nap. How much longer would it be?

The Conversation seemed to have dried up and silence fell over the cabin Liang and Huang were in. "We'll be there shortly... Though I believe that Chen fellow will land sometime before us..." Liang looked somberly out the cabin window and sighed.

~~~

Xu paced for a while. Then, while Chen 'slept' he grabbed a camera and took a picture of the 'sleeping' Chen. He sniggered and went back to his seat.

OOC: Kashu has another nation which is going to assume a Vietnam role. He wanted to allow that nation to send a suitor to court the princess, rather then Kashu. I will allow him to do this.

And yes Taiwan, you've guessed my evil plan!

OOC: Erk, sorry. Big changes in/with/around Dra-pol at the moment... not fully planned... Erm, maybe Hotan will still make an appearance at the last minute, but don't hold up the RP for me or anything because I might take forever and don't entirely know what I'm getting myself into. If so, I shall try at least to read up on what results without Hotan, and you'll just have to assume its just down to those mysterious Drapoel xenophobes getting up to their old vanishing tricks or something.
Down to... getting up to? So I'm overtired, again.

OOC: Those xenophobic Drapoel must be like the NKs with their party-runned brothels to suit the governing elite and prevent anyone outside wooing their maggot hearts. It is extremely out of character if your Hotan would car for something like this, especially when his failure in courting Huan Yue has significant propaganda value for Dra-pol's enemies.

The Conversation seemed to have dried up and silence fell over the cabin Liang and Huang were in. "We'll be there shortly... Though I believe that Chen fellow will land sometime before us..." Liang looked somberly out the cabin window and sighed.

"Well then, I must change. I need to look good in a better set of service uniform, with a tie. I probably need a close shave as well." He declared, moving off to the aircraft ablutions with a bag of toiletries and two pieces of spare clothing. "I'll be the best dressed suitor for sure."

Liang watched as Huang walked off. The very minute he entered the bathroom Liang rushed to the telephone back by the Steward's station. "Yes, it's me..." He said on the phone. "Yes, he seems like an easy person to get close to... No, he wont be able to hide any secrets from me over the next couple of days... Is her highness ready? ... Good! I'll call you back... Oh, how is Xu doing? Annoying that Chen fellow into frustration... I hope I'm there when he cracks and yells at poor Xu... Okay, I will speak with you later."

Liang walked back to his seat, looking towards the bathroom to make sure the door was shut.


~~~


"Call for you, sir." The Steward on the plane carrying Xu and Chen said to Xu.

He got up and walked back to the phone. "Hello... HI!" Xu yelled in a piercing voice. "YEAH! YOU KNOW WHERE I AM!? ... ON A PLANE! ... YEAH! GUESS WHO I'M WITH! JACKSON CHEN! ... YEAH!" he quieted to a whisper. "I'm annoying him to no end, sir. It'll be less then a day until he hauls off and attacks me at this rate... Okay." He started yelling again, smiling evily towards Chen's seat, whose back was to him. "OKAY! TALK TO YOU LATER! BYE!" He walked back to his seat.

Chen was awoken by Xu's piercing yells.

"How much longer until we land?" he says sleepily and rather angrily. "Actually, who was that phone call from?"

King Andue stood motionless on the balcony and gazed out across the sprawling citadel left by a past Imperial line. Had the builders of the fortress silently contemplated the future as he often did? It was sometimes hard to imagine so from the confident masonry they left behind. Yet their proud line was lost to the winds of time, their nation forgotten, and today the three black bars of the Sangunese people lorded over the ancient city of Hue.

Hue; who still used that name, so reminiscent of a former time? To the Sangunese this was Trung Kinh, the middle capital, from which his line now held sway.

“Your majesty… you asked to be informed when news arrived from the north…”

Andue half turned, unwilling to let the minister scrutinise his face.

“How fares our northern neighbour?”
“The Chuang-Han sovereign’s health continues to fade…but there is news that a decision has been reached as to a successor.”
“The girl.”
“Your majesty.”

The king suppressed a sudden surge of amusement. “No doubt the lack of a male heir will be raising bile amongst the northerners…”
“Their lord has spoken.”

He clasped the balcony rail tightly. Any elation he might have felt at the difficulties of another people was choked by the hidden fear that he might one day understand what it is like to die without the heir you so badly want. At least the Chuang-Han ruler had the girl; he had no one; that made him the poorer monarch.

“And? There is more I hope to your report.” These unwelcome thoughts were making him irritable.

“Yes, your majesty. The Emperor has invited several foreign powers to send…eligible men to make suit for the princess’ hand…”

Andue blinked. The curtains of irritation slowly parted to reveal a chink of light, a solution to his terrible fear that one day his line might join the founders of his capital in the oblivion of history.

“Kindly inform the Chuang-Han court that I wish to pay my respects to the Emperor and his grand daughter in person…oh, and have my council assemble in the moon chamber. There are matters requiring action.”

Chen was awoken by Xu's piercing yells.

"How much longer until we land?" he says sleepily and rather angrily. "Actually, who was that phone call from?"

"Oh, we'll land in twenty-thirty minutes." Xu hesitated. "It was from my cousin!" He smirked. "Never knew you could talk on the phone while flying! I mean, where's the wire!?" Xu chuckled.

~~~

"Your Majesty..." General Gao Xiao said bowing. "It appears our southerly neighbors wish for some sort of summit, or something..."

"The Miramaians?" The Emperor look surprised.

"No, the other southern neighbor..."

"Oh... Well, our foreign minister is away in Beijing at the Zhung Hua Summit... I suppose if King Andue came to Chuang-Han we could arrange something, but I am not able to travel."

"Yes, they know... He also wants to meet the Princess..."

"Oh, how unassuming of him..." The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Fine, fine. But she's all the way on the other side of the country at Er Hai. Ask if he wants to see me first, then the Princess, or just the princess."

"Majesty." The General bowed and left the room.

http://www.bibingka.com/phg/paua/paua.gif
A Picture of General Zhao Jin Zao 'Jo Jin Ju'
(Golden Morning)
Age:25
Occupation:General and Minor Regent of the Royal rounf Forces and regent of Taiping.
Eyes:Brown
Hair:Black
Height:5'10
Weight:170lbs
NOTE:He is the COusin of the Empress, Wang Ya Mei, he is also a great influence in the Xiannese Parliament.

Jo Jin was a wealthy farmer and had attended the New Wupeh Academy. He, a farmer himself works hard on his own as a businessman and a rural farmer which he had enjoyed throughout his life. He had been called on to service begining the Japann War and is still now a Part time general and Politician.

General Jo Jin Ju was named Gneral of Hanhai during the Civil War between the Dao Min Dictatorship regime and the United Chinese Confederation. A Student at the The New Wupeh Academy. He left as a Seargent from service in Japann, Bonstock Wars and came home working as a small bussiness owner. He fled Taiping during the arrest and killings of the recent Chinese Conferderation Party members, which was blamed on the United China Party in Sino.

He, along with the Imperial Family fled to Hanhai, a safe haven for the Chinese Confederation. The family was transported via a Hudecian ship to Japann. Jo Jin Ju however, stayed behind and had been named general under Yeh Zhao feng. His sole purpose was to defend hanhai City, which now was under the defense of Hudecia's ship which have blasted several Xiannese ships attemting to attack hanhai, however, the National Forces(Dao Min Ju's Regime) swept into Hanhai precincts.

Hudecian ships transported thousands of the remaining civilians, and hundreds more followed the soldiers via car, ship, horse, train, jeep toward the Western City, Monggui(Mongut) where the refugees and reservs have retreated, Hanhai was abandoned. General Jo Jin Ju and General Wu Tse Min then headed as the Retreat Generals, Whjile yeh Commanded a retreat to Lishan, a little closer to Taiping. Hudecian SHips then left the harbour to retreat from the possibility of an attack. Wu Tse Min left Monggui toward the Northern City, Bukjin(Harbin).

A Major offensive was planned out by Jo Jin Ju and the three Armies, yeh, Zhao's, and Wu's swept from all sides into taiping, Dao Min Ju retreated to the Mountanious region of Dongguk, which now has been annexed back into Xiaguo after the death of Dao Min Ju.

Jo Jin is praised as the great general of Xiaguo.

He has arrived in Chuang-Han in attempt to meet the Empress.

"So..." Staff Sergeant Yin sighed with boredom. The plane carrying General Zhao Jin Zao 'Jo Jin Ju' was nearing Er Hai, it would be there just about the time the one carrying Huang would. "How is the Xiannese Military? I tell you, the Chuang Armed Forces are just too tiring! I cannot stand it!"

"Excuse me... You have a phone call Sergeant Yin." The Steward said, Yin sighed and walked slowly over to the phone as if it were a hassle. "Would you like anything to eat General?"

"What?" Yin picked up the phone. "Who cares? You called me for that?" He sighed heavily. "I could have gotten some sleep, but I had to answer your call!" Jin started to whisper. "Yes, sir. He is such an orderly man, I'll just break him down with my attitude, sir. Yes, sir." Yin stopped whispering. "Well think about that BEFORE you call me next time!" He hung up the phone and sighed again as he walked back to his seat.

"Ahh, into the millitary aye, The Xiannese Millitary is perhaps the largest in China, but lacks the strategies and weaponsry, believe, however, I am trying to improve that along with my colleages. Haha, Mr Yin, this is my 2nd time to Guangxi only. I've heard Er hai is beautiful." said Jo excitedly.

They were pretty much 3/4's way there. Jo Jin Ju came byhimself, with only a laptop, a briefcase, and a cellphone. He will be determined to marry the princess.

Twenty minutes passed and Lt. Col. emerged again, dressed in a newly pressed white shirt (short-sleeves) of the ARSMC. He had an aiguilette of golden yellow on the right. His face was clean shaven, equally clean were his shoes- polished to perfection and shined like mirrors. His hands now gloved in white cotton, as if attending a formal evening in summer tempurature.

"Well, Staff Liang, how do I look?" A transformation had occurred to him, now a Prince of the South China Seas.

Jo, now tired after ravaging throught the reporters and masses, began to take a nap. His alram watch is to ring in about 40 minutes before the landing so he may dress and prepare.

"Your Majesty..." General Gao Xiao said bowing. "It appears our southerly neighbors wish for some sort of summit, or something..."

"The Miramaians?" The Emperor look surprised.

"No, the other southern neighbor..."

"Oh... Well, our foreign minister is away in Beijing at the Zhung Hua Summit... I suppose if King Andue came to Chuang-Han we could arrange something, but I am not able to travel."

"Yes, they know... He also wants to meet the Princess..."

"Oh, how unassuming of him..." The Emperor raised an eyebrow. "Fine, fine. But she's all the way on the other side of the country at Er Hai. Ask if he wants to see me first, then the Princess, or just the princess."

"Majesty." The General bowed and left the room.

"I should have been informed that the princess was not at the emperor's bedside..." fumed the king, still fumbling with the heavy sash sweeping off his right shoulder. "At best I now look badly served, at worst...incompetent!"

The aide clicked his fingers nervously; his majesty could be so very difficult to deal with when in one of his moods.

"With every respect your majesty, there is no implication of that in the Chuang-Han message."

Andue swivelled round, long fingers still adjusting the ornamental collar.
"Our northern friends may be many things, but tactless is not among them." Having finished arranging the collar, he paused for a moment, contemplating his reflection as he fought down the frustration. This business was too important to fluff, and he needed to be in control. After a short moment he turned back toward the aide.

"So, the princess is at Er Hai; the emperor is not. If I go to the emperor first, as etiquette dictates, my rivals will have stolen a march on me. Yet to go straight to Er Hai would suggest to the world that the King of Sangun is running after a girl." Which wouldn't be far removed from the truth, he mused bitterly. Curse this wretched situation! There really was no choice now. "Inform the Chuang-Han that I shall consult with their Emperor first, and then move on to Er Hai..."

"At once, your majesty."

If any ground was lost, he would just have to catch it up later.

In Jo's mind, he thought Yin was a great man, full of talk, which he likes.

"Urgh!" Chen muttered under his breathe silently. That moron was driving him nuts. His annoyances had prevented him from practicing his 'dramatic speech' script to court Huan Yue.

(When are we landing?)

OOC: Let's RP the landing, when CH gets back.

OOC: Sorry, was gone for a day!

IC:


The plane carrying Chen jolted as it hit the ground. The city of Dali and Lake Er Hai sparkled in the late evening sun. Xu rambled on about something about flying and landing, and the whole mind-blowing idea of it all. He just kept going until he made no sense.

~~~

Several minutes later the plan carrying Huang landed. Liang's attitude seemed to sink as he watched the sunshine reflect off of Er Hai. "Reminds me..." He began to mumble. "Oh, nevermind that, we need to prepare to deplane..."

~~~

Several more minutes later the plane carrying Jo landed. Yin started to laugh "And they say to wear safety belts during landing! I laugh at these worthless rules!" His attitude of breaking simple things in place for his own safety surely must have bothered the General.

~~~

Meanwhile in Nanning the Emperor stood tall and gallantly in a large Western-style Parlor, he was clothed in ceremonial uniform. His court minister approached him. "The Sangun King will be here any minute, just remain standing a little longer, your Majesty!" the Minister smiled. The Emperor could only sigh, he did not have the energy for this visit. Let along to even stand, he couldn't wait to return to a sitting position. "But I must alert you, those three suitors have landed at Dali."

"Fine, fine..." The Emperor had a horrible headache. The Sangun National Anthem began to play in the nearby Great Hall. "Oh, he's here... Alert me to any events at Er Hai."

"Yes, your majesty!" The Court Minister raced out of the room. The Emperor breathed heavily before the Sangun King entered.

~~~

OOC: Okay, sped things up there to make up for my absence. The suitors can go ahead and make your way to the limosines waiting for you, which are right next to each other, so there can be a nice awkward moment.

"Why yes Yin, these belts are worthless, perhaps to you, but I think I rather keep my body snuggled up on one of these rather than shine the pilot seat with my face." well, "Yin, nice meeting you, I will be at Nanning by Tommorow, I have hired a personal guide and a car, so no need worrying about me, please remind the emperor I will be there shortly and thank him by my regards."

"Ahh, Yin, there's my guide, I will see you in Naning. As Jo took his briefcase and his totebag, he walked over to the young tour guide. "Ahh, Li Shan, long time since we've met."said the general while giving her a hug. "haha, Nice to see you again Jin, so, here to court the princess? You ready, haha"laughed Li, she was about Jo's age. Li was a translator for Jo during the Xinjiang War and the Central Chinese revolts. She will accompany Jo along with Jo's secretary who is also the driver.

"Yes, Yes, let us find Xia now, he's always late" said Jo blusshingly, "Mind If I carry that for you sir? asked Li, "Nah Nah, you just carry my binder, its best to keep a woman out of hard duty work."
"Charming, Just chamring" laughed Li, and they walked out the airport to wait for Mr Xia.

BSS communications interception office
Maropian Coast, Bonstocknian Taiwanese Territories

"Lord Harald, it is quite an unexpected pleasure."

"Skip the formalities. I want information."

"Yes, my lord."

"Have we found the interceptions from Sino yet? I want to know the communications going on between the 'Four China.'"

"Well, my lord, there has been a lot of activity in Chung Han China."

"God dammit they didn't find out about our requests to deploy troops to Myanmar, did they?"

"We're not sure, sir."

"Where's the machine?"

"Right here sir. Look into the moniter. There willbe quite alot of messages flying by."

Suddenly a message appeared that caught Harald's eye. He stopped the machine, and read it intently. Something from Chung Han China. But not the anti-Bonstocknian war plans he'd hoped to uncover. Something else. He read on. It was the letter inviting international leaders to court Princess Huan Yue. Suddenly some hidden and suppressed desire appeared in Harald's mind. He sat there for a few moments, the signals officer standing behind him.

"Sir," said the signals officer, "Is something wrong? I don't think..."

"Nothing. Nothing of importance." He picked out a few keywords, memorized them, and deleted the message, moving on to moniter things that he deemed 'important.'

"Goddammit!" Cursed loudly, with luggage in hand, Huang walked to his limousine, only to find that next to his were the ones reserved for Jackson Chen and Gen. Jo Jin Ju of North China.

"Chen's a lousy actor. Good Kung Fu, but bad acting." Huang decides to share his views about the others with Liang. "Jo's the most incompetent general in recent Chinese history. Everytime, the Sinoese have to save his ass. At 25, he's no better than a Capt. Lousy imperial connections!"

"So, let us visit the city first!" said Jo, "Why, of course, we still have some time on our hands before your palace entry."said Xia, while Li was asleep. "Wow, magnificent city," Jo remarked. "::Yawn:: Oh, wow, seems like I wasted a little of our time, ok, Jo, you go change at you hotel room while I go to the Customs office to sign you up a special visitors entry pass. Xia will take you there in about an hour or so, don't be late" and she opened the door, "Zaijian! I will call you on your cell when I am finished" and she walked inside the building.

About 40 mins later, Jo came out dressed in white Zhongshan Suit. Gold linked chains hanged from his left side pocket to his side pockets. He also wor his Family Crsted sword finely polish. The shoes were so clean and white, that it seemed like he was walking on clouds. His chaffeur, now also dressed up with a different car, a Hongqi 90 model with the Xiannese flags attached to the front. Two special police units will acompany him to the Palace.

"Look there, the Sinoese suitor is coming."

Jackson Chen looked at him and took note of his characteristics.

"Ha! A military man from Sino! The Princess will never take to him and if she does, the Emperor won't." he said to Xu, feeling a bit more relaxed after the landing. He decided to have a bit of fun.

"Ahoy there, Mr Huang."

Since I will be a bit busy, I have posted what happened up all the way until he arrived at the palace.

Above Chuang-Han China

Jimmy Xiu strummed the strings of his guitar slowly, bored. A relatively tall, handsome man with a pair of curious eyes and a bright smile, he was descended from the last Imperial Family of Islandia, the Yuehs. Oddly enough, however, he had gone on to defy his family's demands that he become a doctor or a soldier, and had instead gone on to be a musician instead, playing several instruments (the guitar, the traditional Chinese erhu, and Islandian style panpipes among them) and achieving a fair amount of recognition as a cheerful musician.

All around him, the other members of his family chattered as they entered the airspace of Chuang-Han China. Many of them had never been to Guangxi, but all of them were eager to go, eager to see the beautiful karsts, to travel down the Li River, to visit scenic Guilin, and to perhaps make contact with the Zhuang royalty. Although Islandian royalty were no longer enshrined, they were still highly respected by the people, and unlike other royal families (who received annual stipends simply for being royalty), the Imperial Family worked very hard as diplomats, soldiers, scientists, and all the matter of people.

Jimmy was also happy to be in Guangxi and Southeastern China, but nonetheless, he felt somewhat apprehensive. His family had coaxed, cajoled, and threatened him into applying to be a suitor for the Zhuang princess, ignoring the fact that Jimmy was headstrong and damned stubborn. It was only when they held his prized panpipes hostage that he gave in, and boarded the family's Gulfstream V jet.

Jimmy sighed, rolled his eyes, and played a little more on his guitar before switching to the zither, a traditional chinese instrument that looked somewhat like a board with strings strung across its surface. He played "Green River Memories," a popular song with his own family, and soon, he had the rest of his relatives whistling and humming along.

"See?" his uncle, General Xiu Tanming, asked. "That wasnt so bad, was it? Maybe you'll actually like this."

"I would if I werent with my family," Jimmy said. He laughed, and shook his head. "Well, maybe we'll make some friends, and maybe we'll have some fun...."

"That's the spirit!" General Xiu said, clapping him on the back. "Now, as for the girl-"

At that moment, the pilot announced that it was time to land. So everyone buckled in, Jimmy stowed his instruments, and the plane landed smoothly.


ONce on the ground, Jimmy decided to change into Western attire: a polo shirt, dress pants, and dress shoes. He decided to carry his guitar with him, as that was the most romantic instrument (or so he felt) he had on him, and boarded a taxi for the Palace. He also took time to buy some roses, and in addition to this, he brought a small case of fruits, chocolates, and even a small bottle of cognac (nasty stuff which Jimmy hated, but had heard that other people adored).

In spite of himself, Jimmy began to feel a bit nervous. He wondered what the princess looked like, he pondered whether she would like him, and, despite his initial nonchalance, found himself nervous and unsteady.

Jimmy took a deep breath, and sighed. He adjusted the blue tinted glasses, checked once more to make sure his hair was in the right place, sprayed a little more, Islandian cologne onto his lapel, and flicked dust off his dress shoes.

Good, he thought. Not too fragrant, but not pungent; not messy, and...presentable.

he smiled at the guards, and told them he was there as a suitor for the hand of the Princess.

Meanwhile in Nanning the Emperor stood tall and gallantly in a large Western-style Parlor, he was clothed in ceremonial uniform. His court minister approached him. "The Sangun King will be here any minute, just remain standing a little longer, your Majesty!" the Minister smiled. The Emperor could only sigh, he did not have the energy for this visit. Let along to even stand, he couldn't wait to return to a sitting position. "But I must alert you, those three suitors have landed at Dali."

"Fine, fine..." The Emperor had a horrible headache. The Sangun National Anthem began to play in the nearby Great Hall. "Oh, he's here... Alert me to any events at Er Hai."

"Yes, your majesty!" The Court Minister raced out of the room. The Emperor breathed heavily before the Sangun King entered.


King Andue experienced a rather unwelcome shock upon entering the parlour. It had been his experience that rumours of terminal decline among heads of state tended to be somewhat exaggerated, and if the truth be told Andue had privately been dismissive of the stories circulating about the Chuang-Han ruler's fading health. Yet at that moment the King was beginning to understand what it felt like to look death in the face...only willpower it seemed was keeping the emperor upright. Perhaps insisting on an audience hadn't been such a good idea...

"Emperor..." Andue recovered sufficiently to render the appropriate level of greeting to his host. "I do hope my long overdue visit has not come at a difficult time for you, what with the impending marriage of your grand daughter. Such events can be so much work..."

The emperor was heroically managing to maintain the dignity of the occasion, but even so Andue was beginning to grow concerned lest he tire the old man out. Having the emperor collapse from exhaustion following his visit was not the sort of tone he needed to set today, and if the alternative was to be more to the point than he preferred to be, then so be it.

"I must confess that the news concerning your grand daughter is part of the reason I am here..."

"So I guessed." The Emperor smirked. "I presume you came to meet me before going to see Princess Huan Yue purely to be polite, so I wont keep you any longer then necessary." The Emperor walked calmly over to a chair to sit down. Although outside he appeared to be walking fine he could feel pain shooting through his body with every inch he moved. After sitting he gestured for King Andue to seat himself in the chair next to him. "I do however wish to talk to you of something serious; Marimaia... I am quite terrified of their monopolization of Indochina, and I believe once I..." he paused "Pass on, my Granddaughter will be in a predicament. I hardly trust Marimaia, and should something happen after I am gone, I ask you to help my Granddaughter, whether you win her hand over the next weeks, or not."

~~~

At Er Hai Palace the Guards looked at each other rather strangely. One of them went to fetch the Palace Guard Captain. When he finally arrived he looked at the Islandian rather oddly. "You came on your own, I see... That will cost you." He sneered. "You may enter..." he said before walking off.

Immediately greeting the stranger after entering the gates would be the impressive panoramic view of the Er Hai Lake which stretched all along the horizon. The Palace was on a small peninsula that rose drastically up to greet the surrounding mountains. The Palace, red and white, almost blended in with the rocks of the same color as the road wound up towards it. A small island with a little building on it could be seen just off the peninsula.

~~~

Princess Huan Yue sat eating her dinner on that small island retreat. She noticed the movement on the road up towards the main Palace.

"They have started to arrive..." Her chamber maid said.

Huan Yue stood up and clenched her first. She looked solemnly towards the maid then ran into the small building on that tiny island.

"So I guessed." The Emperor smirked. "I presume you came to meet me before going to see Princess Huan Yue purely to be polite, so I wont keep you any longer then necessary." The Emperor walked calmly over to a chair to sit down. Although outside he appeared to be walking fine he could feel pain shooting through his body with every inch he moved. After sitting he gestured for King Andue to seat himself in the chair next to him. "I do however wish to talk to you of something serious; Marimaia... I am quite terrified of their monopolization of Indochina, and I believe once I..." he paused "Pass on, my Granddaughter will be in a predicament. I hardly trust Marimaia, and should something happen after I am gone, I ask you to help my Granddaughter, whether you win her hand over the next weeks, or not."

King Andue's arrogance, though carefully internalised, was such that he rarely thought much of other people; yet even the brief time spent in the company of his host had engendered a curious feeling of respect and admiration toward the older man. With most people he would have smoothly dismissed the suggestion that his visit was simply out of courtesy, but with this man Andue knew any false protest would be wasted. The emperor might be dying but his character and insight was still stronger than most young men.

"Were I the princess, I might have been tempted to accept your judgement on the matter of my spouse...after all, arranging a match seems to me to be merely another instance requiring insight into others." Andue swiftly moved over to the proffered chair and seated himself. "Since we are speaking as plainly as heads of state can be expected to do, I must say that I am impressed with your handling of your grand daughter's eligibility. After all, it seems to me that Marimaia is only one of the potential...problems...facing your state. It can't after all be a pleasant position, bordered to the south by a pair of aggressive nations, and to the north with those desperately keen to reunite a Chinese state under their banner. Truly, if Marimaia was the principal concern for the reign of your grand daughter, I dare say you would be more disposed to see princess Huan Yue on the Sangunese throne..."

Andue paused for a few seconds, just long enough to let his words sink in but without lasting long enough to invite a response.

"However, the solution you have arrived at is remarkable for it's statesmanship. Let it be known that the princess will choose her own husband, and invite all your neighbours to send suitors. Then any emnity encouraged in the disappointed parties will be cleanly channelled away in the direction of foreigners. Added to which, one should not be underestimate the sentimentalist appeal that a young, seemingly vulnerable woman can engender in foreign hearts; with all the publicity surrounding this contest, if I may use so base a word, how many of your neighbours would risk the inevitable international outcry by subsequently challenging your grand daughter's rule?"

Having finished, the king sat back to await the emperor's response, all the while hoping that thsi time he hadn't gone too far.

(Hm, where has Sino gone?)

It looked like the Sinoese suitor was deliberately ignoring him already. Wow, people are so cynical, Chen thought. Moving on.

Chen placed his luggage into the back of the limosine with care. By now Xu's ramblings were like background chatter - annoying yet tolerable.

----------------------------------

Any description of the palace would be an understatement. It looked like the movie set from his Beauty and the Beast remake - only it was real. He hoped that it would turn out like a fairy tale ending as it certainly looked like one.

"Ahoy there, Mr Huang."

"Soldier, stand to attention when you're addressing an officer! Do the C-H. military not call their officers by rank? You should address me as 'Lieutenant Colonel' or just 'Col, sir'! Did I make it clear?" Although the Lt. Col. has never drilled grunts in many months, his techniques and voice showed no hint of any thaw.

He hurriedly gestured Liang to enter the limousine. That was enough idocy for one day.

The limousine moved slowly through the golden gates of the destination. The palace at Er Hai was quite a landmark in China. He had lived on base for so long that Huang had only seen the beauty of China's modern cities in the weekends. It was mix of colonial French and traditional Chuang but with all the modern bells and whistles. He wondered where the princess could be, as absence only makes the heart grow fonder.


OOC: Bah! I was gone studyin'!

"Woah, chill man. Bloody mainlander." Chen said as the limosine drove off.

[Note: Chen is a die-hard separatist]

"Woah, chill man. Bloody mainlander." Chen said as the limosine drove off.

[Note: Chen is a die-hard separatist]

Seeing and hearing the comment from an opened window of the vehicle in front of his. Huang replied, with the usual knowledge and wit of an officer.

"Kung fu came from the Mainland. Anyway, just any of my boys can kill you twice before you hit the ground because their kung fu's real! What are ya gonna do, impress the lady with all your kicking and punching in the air."

[Note: Chen is a die-hard separatist]

"Lousy separatists." Huang said to Liang. "If his penis declares independence, he wouldn't be here today, trying to woo."

"You are the first one to realize that..." The Emperor smiled. "With this open free-for-all for my granddaughter's hand, her young naiveness cannot counter any international pressure that will come upon her when she is crowned. Such a young person on the throne, without a husband, or with a husband born in Chuang-Han, would come under scrutiny and the throne would crumble under inexperience. However, no matter whom my granddaughter choses, she gains the trust, experience and the backing of one of our neighbors or regional neighbors... Even that Jackson Chen fellow; 'Princess marries Action Film Star' they would be the most publicized couple in Asia, thus aligning popular support behind them in our less censored neighbors... It is a win-win situation no matter whom she chooses." He leaned towards King Andue "Promise you wont say anything to the other suitors when you arrive at Er Hai."

~~~

Liang cleared his throat, in hopes to remind Huang that Chuang-Han was in more ways then not, separate from the rest of China. "You must remember the Royal Family does not like Reunification ideas Lt. Co. Huang..."

~~~

Xu just looked a little baffled, or rather looked more baffled then usual "What was that all about? 'Cause I didn't know you knew that guy, let alone didn't like him."

"You are the first one to realize that..." The Emperor smiled. "With this open free-for-all for my granddaughter's hand, her young naiveness cannot counter any international pressure that will come upon her when she is crowned. Such a young person on the throne, without a husband, or with a husband born in Chuang-Han, would come under scrutiny and the throne would crumble under inexperience. However, no matter whom my granddaughter choses, she gains the trust, experience and the backing of one of our neighbors or regional neighbors... Even that Jackson Chen fellow; 'Princess marries Action Film Star' they would be the most publicized couple in Asia, thus aligning popular support behind them in our less censored neighbors... It is a win-win situation no matter whom she chooses." He leaned towards King Andue "Promise you wont say anything to the other suitors when you arrive at Er Hai."

Andue considered the emperor's words, all the while trying to deflate a rising feeling of vindication. "A well crafted scheme to be sure, yet it reminds me of a legend told by the Europeans. If I remember correctly, a certain King of Sparta tried a similar stratagem, and he made it a condition that the suitors for his daughter's hand swear to respect the rights of the victor- to the point of going to war against any who would later seek to otherthrow the result of the contest. But I think you are familiar with this story, for I see similarities in the assurances you wished me to give earlier...at any rate then, you will appreciate how the story ends, with an epic demonstration of the potential for youthful passions to disrupt even the best laid plan. My question to you is this: say Huan Yue weds Jackson Chan, thus endearing the couple to the common folk, or perhaps she chooses the Han colonel- no doubt to the delight of those who favour reunification..." he paused ever so slightly, allowing the emperor a moment to visualise the last unpalatable possibility, "...regardless of which she selects, when another threatens her rule, can you really imagine the disappointed nations launching their thousand ships in support of either husband? I respect your efforts emperor, and truly believe that your solution is ingenious, but for this one aspect: too much depends on the passions of your grand daughter. If as you say I am the first to understand your intentions- and indeed may be the last from the little I know of some of the candidates- then I am also the only one of the suitors to recognise the hypocracy I must indulge in to be succesful. How can I truly claim to be moved by feelings of love when I have never laid eyes on Princess Huan Yue? And if she is as naive as you suggest, will she respect the reality that I seek to win her hand not for my heart, but for my country and my dynasty, and indeed perhaps for your nation as well? As to your last concern emperor, you need have no fear; revealing such truths to my rivals will I fear only serve to demonstrate my own shortcomings as a candidate...no, to have any hope in this enterprise, you have condemned me to play the hypocrite."

Xu just looked a little baffled, or rather looked more baffled then usual "What was that all about? 'Cause I didn't know you knew that guy, let alone didn't like him."

Chen ignored the smart comment from Huang.

"I don't like those Sinoese. Every single one of them is an ultra-nationalist militarist."

Jimmy smiled benignly at the guards, and waved as he left. As he trudged up the long, winding dirt road, conscious that festivities had probably begun before he had arrived, he tugged a little self consciously at his guitar.

Even before he entered the room, Jimmy heard the quarrel. After he had submitted his packages to the guards for inspection (and of course, passed cleanly), he entered quickly, and looked around for the Emperor.

Having spotted the EMperor, he slid up suavely to him and bowed.

"Pleased to meet you," he said in southern-accented Mandarin. "I am Xiu Guowah, and I am here on behalf of the Imperial Family of East Islandia."

After speaking, he slid his hand into a pocket and put down one of the two parcels he carried; in it was one of the finest spidersilk tunics ever made in the kingdom. It had belonged to the redoubtable Emperor Xiung, who had conquered the fifteen states and unified the Islandian nation. That the Imperial Family had allowed Jimmy to present this to the Emperor of Chuang-Han China was a testimony to how seriously they took the nation.

"I present this tunic to you, Imperial Majesty," Jimmy said, his head still bowed. "It belongs to our ancient leader, a man of great courage and vision."

OOC: I think I've made it clear twice now that the Emperor and the Princess are at two different ends of the country. The Emperor in Nanning, the Princess at Er Hai Lake. Sorry Islandia, but choose which one you want to be at right now, then edit your post, then I'll respond to whatever you edit.

"You forget one key factor..." The Emperor said to Andue. "We allow Sinoese troops access through our country, the dubious result of their constant demands upon us. Even if Princess Huan Yue doesn't marry that Sinoese Lt. Co. we still have Sino's protection. War, or even pressure on us from any disputed suitor puts that nation at odds with Sino, which I believe very few nations would like to undertake. I never make a move unless I hold all the trump cards, my dear man." He avoided responding to the other comments, hoping Andue would chalk it up to being slightly senile in his old age.

~~~

Xu kept his dumb look. "But, does that show your general opinion, and a policy you will hold with them?" Xu tried to make his question seem as dumb as possible, but try to get his point across. What Chen answered would show how he, if married to the Princess, would shape Chuang Policy.

"Pretty much. I migrated to Taiwan from Hong Kong because I endorsed a Pro-democracy candidate in the elections and recieved threats for it."

OOC
shit sry... i was a bit hasty in formulating my reply. Ok...hes at Er Hai Lake then.

**********
Er Hai

Jimmy entered the room cautiously, and set down his parcels on a table. He took off his guitar strap, and spotted some men talking together.

Jimmy wondered where the Princess was, but he shrugged and walked to the table.

"I am Xiu Guowah," he said to the men, bowing. "Representing the East Islandian Imperial Family. Pleased to meet you."

Jimmy recognized one of the men in the uniform of a Sinoese general officer. Perhaps his uncle would have liked to meet this man...

Liang cleared his throat, in hopes to remind Huang that Chuang-Han was in more ways then not, separate from the rest of China. "You must remember the Royal Family does not like Reunification ideas Lt. Co. Huang..."

"Which is why good men know how to keep their mouthes shut." As he spoke, Lt. Col. Huang was actually reminding himself. "Who does the tabloids favor, at this moment?"

OOC: I'm sure his limousine's in the palace yard by now.

OOC: Okay, to get things going... Taiwan and Sino's Limousines both pulled up to the Palace and let them out, their luggage quickly carted off to their rooms, and they were then standing in a reception room just off the great hall.

~~~

Staff Sergeant Liang looked at the man who suddenly came up and addressed Lt. Co. Huang. When he announced he was East Islandia's Prince, Liang quickly interrupted the greeting. "You came without your appointed Chuang Escort, Prince Xiu Guowah. Since you did you might be interested in knowing that you should retire to your room within the hour. As should you Lt. Co. Huang." Liang looked over towards Xu who was acting dumb again and cleared his throat.

"Oh yeah!" Xu said "You need to go to room within the hour Mr. Chen!" Xu said to Chen. The three suitors in the same room must have been slightly awkward.

Liang intervened again "And you wont be fed dinner for we arrived to late, and it's customary for Chuang to not eat on days of travel... You will respect our customs while here, wont you?" Liang held back an evil smile, this was going to be some week that they had engineered for these unsuspecting suitors.

Liang intervened again "And you wont be fed dinner for we arrived to late, and it's customary for Chuang to not eat on days of travel... You will respect our customs while here, wont you?" Liang held back an evil smile, this was going to be some week that they had engineered for these unsuspecting suitors.

"I can live with that, SSgt. I used to be smoker. A ciggy always puts hunger off for a while. In a previous war, I did not eat for three days and had only water."

Chen gave a temporary look of shock before he disguised it. His stomach had been rumbling for some hours, as the airliner food was (to him) not suitable for human consumption.

"I can manage." he said unconvincingly. "Now I better get going," he said as he walked briskly into reception room. He glanced at the Sinoese suitor coldy and gave a brief stare towards the guitarist. Not him again, he thought. Ignoring the Sinoese candidate, he gives a wave to the guitarist and a quick "Hi. I'm Jackson Chen."

"Goodbye Mr XIa, Li, I will see you guys later, hopefully some tea next time for you guys, on me!" said Jo, andd they waved him goodbye. Jo now enters the reception, and with his delight finds Huang and Chen, seeing he had already met Huang before, he walks up to them and greets them. He was also looking for Mr Yin.

"Huang, as he salutes him, long time since we've met." greeted the general, now sipping some tea.

"Huang, as he salutes him, long time since we've met." greeted the general, now sipping some tea.

OOC: WTF? You don't salute those lower than you, not ever if they are older by age or of a different army.

IC:

"Lt. Col. Huang, ARSMC 33rd Amphibious Armor." He crisply shot a salute back. The whole experience was weird. Does this so-called general even know the basics of military etiquette? "I remembered, you were accompanying your superiors when you inspected us with one of out Generals."

"I can manage." he said unconvincingly. "Now I better get going," he said as he walked briskly into reception room. He glanced at the Sinoese suitor coldy and gave a brief stare towards the guitarist. Not him again, he thought.

What goes around comes around. Huang gave an even colder stare, as if looking at a buck through the telescopic sights of a hunting rifle, right in the neck and just before he pulls that trigger.

Being surrounded by military men, Chen felt very out of place. The guy, Jimmy, who looked like he actually had a life wasn't very talkative either.

Being surrounded by military men, Chen felt very out of place. The guy, Jimmy, who looked like he actually had a life wasn't very talkative either.

Looking around, sipping the green tea he had ordered from the lounge area, Huang conducted visual memory of the suitors. Pampered actor. He's obviously feeling lonely. He'll probably go to his room and jerk off! Gen. Jo, looks to be a full of enenrgy, and a lot of hot air. The Islandian, not sure of the royalty, but who cares? Modern royals piss around and have f*ckups, in fact greater f*ckups that make it into the news! It was all too much. Huang came here only for her heart. Even if he's not chosen (because he's now Sinoese and an officer), a free vacation should be of no harm.

"SSgt. Liang," he called, "I choose to retire to my room for the evening. Show me the way."

"You forget one key factor..." The Emperor said to Andue. "We allow Sinoese troops access through our country, the dubious result of their constant demands upon us. Even if Princess Huan Yue doesn't marry that Sinoese Lt. Co. we still have Sino's protection. War, or even pressure on us from any disputed suitor puts that nation at odds with Sino, which I believe very few nations would like to undertake. I never make a move unless I hold all the trump cards, my dear man." He avoided responding to the other comments, hoping Andue would chalk it up to being slightly senile in his old age.


Andue bit back the rising tide of annoyance; it wouldn't do to show it. Instead, he sighed and replied in a deliberately resigned tone.
"In which case emperor you have nothing to worry about. Indeed, you have my sincerest apologies for taking up so much of your time." He rose as if about to take his leave, though he had not yet given up hope that something might be salvaged from the meeting. "In the future, if the Sangunese people have need of diplomatic contact with our neighbours then we shall dispatch negotiators direct to Sino...I should add that the Kingdom of Sangun only deals with truly sovereign states..."

Despite the growing respect he had begun to feel fof the aged Chuang-Han ruler, Andue was rapidly sliding toward frustration. Did the emperor really expect to hold the attention of a King of Sangun if he behaved like a glorified Sinoese puppet?

OOC:Oops, sorry, thought Huang was higher ranking than Jo. Anyways, just see it as part of Xiannese tradition to salute all soldiers.

"Ah, Huang, nice to meet you again. I have resigned from my post as General of the Taiping Army. I've now taken the sole role to command the Qingdao port/base as governor. Time like this, we should enjoy."

"Ahh, tea, so, I understand you all came here for, wonderful place, beautiful, just beautiul, changed a lot since the last time I've visited."

"Well, sorry, I will have to find Mr. Yin, *Salutes*, " and he trails back down the room toward Mr. Yin.

"Congratulations." Huang replied with little interest to Jo. No surprises that bullsh*t can get anyone to high places. The Sinoese already promote too fast due to the numerous wars and operations, but this man is even free to jump from army to navy. The Xiannese must be whacked. "As a general, you clearly don't have to salute me."

OOC: WTF?! A salute is reserved for flags, officers and SNCOs only. Now that's just abusing it, if you go around saluting at everybody and his dog!

Being surrounded by military men, Chen felt very out of place. The guy, Jimmy, who looked like he actually had a life wasn't very talkative either.

"I am Xiu Guowah...or Jimmy, if you like English."

Jimmy grinned, and slid his guitar out of his case.

"Is anybody up for a serenade?" he asked. "I dont suppose i can wait for the Princess to get here, so we may as well start. And since we arent going to have dinner..."

He slid several granola bars out of his pocket and passed them around.

"Maybe these will stave off hunger and chaos," he said, somewhat dryly. "Now should we play something? Sing something?"

The Emperor glared at Andue with utmost disdain How dare he! The only reason Sino had military protection because of their stupid theory that they most keep intact the whole of what is China. This fool is beyond contempt!
"Oh, my apologies," The Emperor seemed unfazed by Andue's unlawful remarks. He rose sharply, hiding any pain or discomfort it caused himself. "You may go now, my granddaughter awaits at Er Hai." He extended his hand showing Andue the door to the room, a smile still on his face "I wish you good will, although you are one person I wish to never see again before I die. Good day."

SSgt. Yin stood outside of General Jo's room. "Do you wish to retire now, or later?" He asked opening the door to the moderately sized, moderately furnished room. Nothing extravagant, yet nothing too poor. It was just off the main hall on the second story.

~~~

SSgt. Liang showed Lt. Co. Huang to his room just off the main hall on the second story. They ran into SSgt. Yin and General Jo outside of it. It seemed convenient to all the anxiety that all the suitor's rooms were next to each other in the same hall.

Seeing a guitarist conversing with Jackson Chen, Huang decided to walk over to introduce himself.

"Lt. Col. Huang, ARSMC Amphibious Tank Corps." He introduced himself. "You can call me Huang if you like. Guitarist, eh? I used to play the trumpet. Now all I do is whistle marches."


OOC: EI, I don't think _Taiwan's impressed. His name is Jimmy, and also plays guitar. I hope you had consulted _Taiwan before you created the character.

SSgt. Liang showed Lt. Co. Huang to his room just off the main hall on the second story. They ran into SSgt. Yin and General Jo outside of it. It seemed convenient to all the anxiety that all the suitor's rooms were next to each other in the same hall.

"On second thoughts, I'll fight off the hunger through socializing with the other guests. A booze-free party seems good." Huang declared, before rejoining his competitors in the reception hall.

OOC: ROFL! I don't mind.

Jackson Chen hesitated.
"Are you sure? I mean...they could interpret this as being disrespectful to their customs."

OOC: ROFL! I don't mind.

Jackson Chen hesitated.
"Are you sure? I mean...they could interpret this as being disrespectful to their customs."

"As a Han born here, I rather keep to the customs. Nothing agaisnt smokin', so I guess we're free to light up." Huang suggested. 'But I've abandoned that filthy habit. As grown men, a little starvation does no harm, we're not going to end up like the barcodes from Ehtiopia, just because of one night."

Xu, Liang and Yin quietly slipped away. Liang simply didn't accompany Huang back to the reception room, Xu walked off with a look of dumb-foundedness, to make no one suspicious, and Yin left Jo standing in hall, claiming there was something else he had to attend to.

All three now stood in a secret room which could see into the reception room via two-way mirrors... Liang smirked. "So, Lt. Co. Huang has broken one 'custom' so far. He should have realized I didn't eat anything on the plane, why? I'm a SSgt. I should have been eager to eat gourmet food on a rare occasion like that flight. He should have been more perceptive. He didn't even find it suspicious."

Xu nodded "Chen has yet to... But he's just not too polite, even to those who are, or rather are pretending to be, not too smart." He smirked.

"Well, General Jo came to the Palace without me, his appointed Escort. Big no-no." Yin said.

"Yes, that Islandian Prince did the same." Liang sighed. "I guess it doesn't matter, it's really up to the princess... But we're ordered to deduct points for their behavior, so..."

The three watched on through the two-way mirrors.

OOC: Big brother is watching! lol

OOC: Big brother is watching! lol

OOC: Hey! NO nudity please!

"It's funny tobacco is permitted in Sino. I starred in an anti-Tobacco ad with General Zhang at one time."

Perhaps this Sinoese fellow wasn't as uptight as he previously appeared.

"It's funny tobacco is permitted in Sino. I starred in an anti-Tobacco ad with General Zhang at one time."

"I had to quite because the General said so and the nicotine is affecting my physical well-being." Huang explained. "The rest of 'em smokers are going cold turkey with limited tobacco rations, designed to phase out this evil practice within a decade or two."

"A decade or two? In Taiwan we stamped it out within two years. Of course, the methods used were quite unconventional. We had the air force launch air strikes against a ciggie baron called Lao Long on the Pescadores. Your guys got the medals for capturing him in the end didn't you?"

OOC
sry Taiwan...haha ididnt even notice... if u want, i can change the instrument he plays, and his english name.

*****
Jimmy looked blankly at the men as they debated. To him, the cross-strait crisis was foolishness. On one hand, the Taiwanese really were Chinese. On the other hand, the Taiwanese were.....

Taiwanese...quite confusing. But they should preserve the status quo.

Jimmy shrugged.

He began to play the theme song from Shaolin Soccer (the one sung by Andy Lau...i think) and sung softly in Mandarin. Although it wasnt as catchy as the movie one, it was still fun to listen to and sing along with.

He hoped the others would sing along to...

"Tobacco aye? Currently, you can smoke in Tiananmen square. I at least, have never smoked and have quit drinking." snapped the Jo. "My Sister, the Empress Zhou(Jo) has given me this box of Cigars, fine quality, I thought, since I don't smoke, I should bring it and see who would like one." said Jo, offering them cigars.

"Well, my room looked pretty nice, judging by how the escorts all went off, I believe the party is begining to end." "Well, I better finish my food and go to bed, it has been a tiring day, hope to see you all by morning"

Jo begins to walk toward the stool and begins to eat slowly, and politely, however, ramblings were bouncing in his head.

"That Huang sure has an attitude, and Chen seems to be a little awkward, I better stick to my own plans.." as he sure smiles and greetings with passerbys.

The Emperor glared at Andue with utmost disdain How dare he! The only reason Sino had military protection because of their stupid theory that they most keep intact the whole of what is China. This fool is beyond contempt!
"Oh, my apologies," The Emperor seemed unfazed by Andue's unlawful remarks. He rose sharply, hiding any pain or discomfort it caused himself. "You may go now, my granddaughter awaits at Er Hai." He extended his hand showing Andue the door to the room, a smile still on his face "I wish you good will, although you are one person I wish to never see again before I die. Good day."

So it had come to this.

The meeting, which had started so promisingly, had degenerated to a point where his host was treating him like a minion who one might dismiss. The forced display of good manners wasn't helping either- whatever rapport might have been growing earlier had been abruptly strangled by a combination of Chuang-Han intransigence and Sangunese temper...

If he stormed out now he might as well forget Er Hai and break off all relations with his northern neighbour; added to that Andue wasn't sure if he he would be able to forgive himself for throwing away all chance of cooperation without at least make a parting effort to mend bridges.

At the door he paused, and glanced back at emperor. "After today is there any point for me to continue to Er Hai?" he looked pointedly at the Chuang-Han ruler though without expecting an answer. "If we part on these terms, sir, our nations might as well declare their emnity openly, for it is clear we both consider ourselves insulted in some way."

"Perhaps I was wrong about this nation, and if so you have my sincerest apologies. But I still stand by my logic; if you can afford to act as you will, knowing that Sino will support you, then why bother entertaining the rest of us? If you mean to play your neighbours off each other then I can respect that, even commend it, but you in turn must respect that we need more than threats of Sino domination to encourage us."

"There, I have said my piece and taken up enough of your time; please do not take me as a man who needs to have the last word, but I have no wish to end this meeting on so low a note."

"A decade or two? In Taiwan we stamped it out within two years. Of course, the methods used were quite unconventional. We had the air force launch air strikes against a ciggie baron called Lao Long on the Pescadores. Your guys got the medals for capturing him in the end didn't you?"

"Mr. Chen, I obblige not to comment." Lt. Col. Huangs knows the price of betraying state secrets, but the press is always there snooping.

"Tobacco aye? Currently, you can smoke in Tiananmen square. I at least, have never smoked and have quit drinking." snapped the Jo. "My Sister, the Empress Zhou(Jo) has given me this box of Cigars, fine quality, I thought, since I don't smoke, I should bring it and see who would like one." said Jo, offering them cigars.

"If that was offered to me seven years ago, I would have thanked you and smoked the whole box."

Jimmy shrugged.

He began to play the theme song from Shaolin Soccer (the one sung by Andy Lau...i think) and sung softly in Mandarin. Although it wasnt as catchy as the movie one, it was still fun to listen to and sing along with.

He hoped the others would sing along to...

"Some pop song, eh? As genuine Sinoese soldier, I prefer classical music." After his declaration, Lt. Col. Huang began whistling Strauss' Radetzky March.

http://www.ditm.ru/Fmuzic/Strauss/Radetzky%20March%20Op228%20March.rm

Chen shuddered.

"That song reminds me of the time I broke my shoulder and nearly lost my sight while filming Shaolin Soccer III," Chen muttered to Huang.

[Are we just going to keep talking or will something new happen?]

Chen shuddered.

"That song reminds me of the time I broke my shoulder and nearly lost my sight while filming Shaolin Soccer III," Chen muttered to Huang.

[Are we just going to keep talking or will something new happen?]

"Well, a good marching tune always gets a Chinese soldier back on his feet, even if his guts are fallin' out." Disturbed from his wistling, Huang decided to continue.

Staff Sergeant Liang walked in. "I hate to break up the 'friendly' banter, but I must request you retire to your rooms now, gentlemen." He said with a smile. "Please follow me..." iang walked out into the great hall and up the stairs.


OOC: Sorry, been doing stuff. I'll post a reply to Sangun later.

"Ah, are we going to see our rooms?"

He hoped they would be nice - his body was already feeling the strain of the hunger.

"Note, Jo is already sleeping"

Staff Sergeant Liang walked in. "I hate to break up the 'friendly' banter, but I must request you retire to your rooms now, gentlemen." He said with a smile. "Please follow me..." iang walked out into the great hall and up the stairs.

Huang check his watch. He's not had an early night since the days of the Naval Academy.

Liang waited until they all filed into their rooms one by one. Then he locked the doors, without telling them when they would wake up, when breakfast was, anything. Then he and the other Staff Sergeants walked downed the hall to leave the men alone, locked in their mediocer rooms.

Soon the men would find out that the beds were excruciatingly uncomfortable, and that their luggage had 'accidentally' been mixed up. Huang had Chen's luggage, Chen had Jo's, Jo had Jimmy's, and Jimmy had Huang's.

"This is entertaining, yet I feel almost sorry for them." Liang snickered. "But it is the Emperor's orders, they must be tested." He continued to laugh as he and the other staff Sergeants retired.

OOC: Back from Vacation!

"EHh, Sometimes I wish these guys would stop screwing around with us. Well, hmm, what there's nothing but clothes and a few music sheets. Cd player, oh, better not go into people's things, I guess this is not mine. Must be Jimmy's.

Jo didn't want to sleep in his uniform, so he took it off, leaving him a white tee and a pair of boxers. Finding that the bed was extremely hard, since he was did live in a rather lavish home, he was not use to the bed, so he sat on the chair with the pillow, and then covere dhimself with the blanket, finiding that there was no windows, he took out a night light, as his sight was not at all good int he dark without his glasses.

And he quickly fell asleep since it was a long flight and he had not recieve sleep at all.

So it had come to this.

The meeting, which had started so promisingly, had degenerated to a point where his host was treating him like a minion who one might dismiss. The forced display of good manners wasn't helping either- whatever rapport might have been growing earlier had been abruptly strangled by a combination of Chuang-Han intransigence and Sangunese temper...

If he stormed out now he might as well forget Er Hai and break off all relations with his northern neighbour; added to that Andue wasn't sure if he he would be able to forgive himself for throwing away all chance of cooperation without at least make a parting effort to mend bridges.

At the door he paused, and glanced back at emperor. "After today is there any point for me to continue to Er Hai?" he looked pointedly at the Chuang-Han ruler though without expecting an answer. "If we part on these terms, sir, our nations might as well declare their emnity openly, for it is clear we both consider ourselves insulted in some way."

"Perhaps I was wrong about this nation, and if so you have my sincerest apologies. But I still stand by my logic; if you can afford to act as you will, knowing that Sino will support you, then why bother entertaining the rest of us? If you mean to play your neighbours off each other then I can respect that, even commend it, but you in turn must respect that we need more than threats of Sino domination to encourage us."

"There, I have said my piece and taken up enough of your time; please do not take me as a man who needs to have the last word, but I have no wish to end this meeting on so low a note."

"It is my granddaughter's choice, not mine. You can go on to Er Hai, I wont influence any decision I assure you." The Emperor's headache continued to grow, but he showed no outward sign of it. "I will have you know, I have never threatened to use Sino's protection for Chuang-Han's own advancement. And I am playing my neighbors off on one another, as you so put it, to keep my nation from becoming the puppet of Sino you accused us of being." He suddenly had trouble focusing on his guest, but other then blinking profusely, his face showed no change. "I wont see the Chuang assimilated into a united China ruled from the North. These people are too important to me to let that happen, but if you stand by your position that Chuang-Han is not much more then a satellite of Sino, then you have insulted every person in my country, however..." he felt his headache increase incredibly, he shut his eyes and breathed in to keep composer. "...however, I will not take your comments as your nation's position, and this conversation will be forgotten. I hold no ill will towards Sangun..."

Huang was not exhausted but sleep was essential. In the battlefields, stomachs hunger for food and brains hunger for sleep. He opened his luggage, only to find that it wasn't his.

"What's all this?" He wondered, looking at the multitude of items that did not belong to him. There was a lot of luxury items, many shampoos and perfumes which were of manly but effeminate use. He shouldn't go through another person's belongings, but some items were bizarre, like a pair of underpant briefs that had minimum coverage and purposefully exposes the buttocks and thighs.

"Is there a fabric shortage in Taiwan or what?" Undergarments of such little value was bemusing to his mind. Frustrated that not a single item of toiletry was his, he stripped down to bed in his singlet and boxers. He had not brushed his teeth regularly like many soldier on combat duties. Beneath all the clutter, there was a signed portrait, detailing the owner of the clutter- undoubtedly, it was that actor Chen.


The bed was rock hard. He was used to sleeping on plank beds as the summer of southern China turns mattresses into sweat-mongers, this one was hard as boulder. Huang tossed a little, turned a little before venting all his frustrations of the day in emptying all of Chen's belongings on the bed and made a mattress for makeshift support. It was long for sleep to arrive, he worried about his own belongings. With no iron available, his service uniforms are best left to their folded condition.

"Oh darnit, this isn't my stuff," Jackson muttered to himself. His brief rummage through the luggage in the bags had revealed military uniforms and changes of clothing. The military issued underwear was one of them, so boring and uncomfortable.

There was no night-time skin replenisher, and as he made a brief inspection of his body, he noticed the hairs on his legs were beginning need a shave. Without thinking of anything else, he lay down on the rocky mattress.

This was going to be the longest night of his life.

OOC: We're waiting on EI... I sent him a Telegram two days ago, but no response...

O yea, sorry. Stupid college apps.

where is Er Hai? What sort of temperature and terrain is it?

*******
Jimmy Xiu grinned as he settled into his bed and tucked his instruments away. He put the rose in a corner, covered it with cloth, and kicked his shoes off.

He had brushed his teeth and showered already...the familiarity of his daily routine helped soothe his anxiety somewut.

as he drifted off tos leep, he wondered what the next day would bring.

OOC: Er Hai is a real life lake (You can look it up). It's right north of the Tropic of Cancer, and it's at about 5,000 feet elevation at the base of some mountains.

Also, you may not have read;
Soon the men would find out that the beds were excruciatingly uncomfortable, and that their luggage had 'accidentally' been mixed up. Huang had Chen's luggage, Chen had Jo's, Jo had Jimmy's, and Jimmy had Huang's.

IC:

At around 4:00 AM the peaceful landscape, still shrouded in the night's darkness, with only slight tints of light blue in the sky, was shattered by the ungodly noise of ceremonial drums.

While the drum's startling beat was reverberating through the palace, Princess Huan Yue sat up in bed. Glaring with only one eye open towards her chambermaid who came in that moment.

"Wake up your highness! You are to go riding today."

Huan Yue just fell back over in bed and covered her head with her blanket. Her servant pulled the blanket off. "Come on, get up!"

Huan Yue, half awake, went to get ready, all the while the unrelenting beat of the drums echoed through the palace, disturbing every living thing.


Meanwhile, SSgt. Liang stood dressed and ready at the end of the hall where the suitors were staying, waiting for them to get out of bed.

"Aht eh wake up call!" as Jo yelled in his mind and literally bounced off the chair. He soon got dressed in his uniform, all tidied up. And look as clean as he can, he had washed his hair, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and most importantly, he made sure all the outside apparel was to look as prepared as he can.

His small gift, a beautiful necklace made of white gold, with a small but eye piercing red ruby. The ruby is a jewel worn by Royals and People of Importance to the Imperial Family. He kept it in a red satin box and quickly tucked it in his pocket.

OOC
stupid SATs. Missed my ideal scores by twenty points.

o and sry...i shall rewrite it then

*******
Jimmy grimaced as he found himself with Huang's luggage. He realized it was Huang's as it contained mostly Sinoese military gear.

He tried out one of the uniforms, and found it loose.

Maybe it was because Huang was chubby, Jimmy thought with a snicker. The Sinoese were probably corrupt as hell, and mayb Huang got in because of connections.

Well, that wasnt really fair, Jimmy thought. Huang wasnt really chubby.

Jimmy shrugged, and like a good Islandian, made do with what he had. He washed up with whatever Huang had in the way of toiletries, and then stole a pair of the Colonel's underwear, before proceeding over to Huang's room to knock on the door.

Maybe Huang had his luggage, Jimmy thought. Who knew? If Huang wasnt there, then Jimmy would go back, only to find that the beds (if planks could be called beds) were hard, and his back soft.

If Huang answered, then Jimmy would trade luggage with Huang.

Huang's disturbed sleep was disturbed by a very early wake up call, not of voices or fanfares, but beating drums that reminded him of an artillery barrage. There was still sleep in his eyes but he moved across to the washing basin and cleansed his face afresh. He dressed quickly back into his service uniform. Unpressed and folded, the unnecessary creases will be shown when the sun comes up. Looking at the sty that was his bed he quickly reinstalled Chen's belonging into the suitcases, hoping than memory prior to sleep serves him well. The whole get-your-ass-up procedure was over in 5 minutes.

Checking his watch, 0405 hours. This reminded him of the daily get up time when he was an officer cadet, they would usually go for a very tiring run up the hill, five miles up, five miles down. He opened his door, tucking away his memories, if this is not a run then he wouldn't have a clue what it will be.

"Good morning, SSgt. Liang." Huang greeted, "I'm sure you know what time it is." Instead, it was Jimmy who was at the door with a suitcase that was clearly his. "Oh. Hi, Jimmy."

OOC: Time to make conversation, EI.

Jimmy grinned, somewhat bedraggled.

"GOod morning, Colonel Huang," he said, wearing one of Huang's caps at a rakish angle across his head. "Do i look good in your uniform?"

He handed the suitcase back to him.

"It seems that some idiot has mixed up our luggage," he said. "Would you have my stuff, or happen to have any knowledge of who might have my things? I have an oboe and a small snow leopard figurine inside."

the snow leopard figurine was a symbol of good luck, as snow leopards were rare to most of Islandia (but common in the northern, colder regions). Jimmy hoped Huang wouldnt mind that he wore Huang's peaked cap, so he took it off and handed it back to him.

"Door opening amidst drumming"

Jo, Stepping out in full suit looks around, "Oh, Huang, Jimmy, Oh, by the way, here Jimmy, this is your bags, it seems as thought someone has mistakened our luggage in some sort. I hope you don't mind, I've used some of your soap, if that was ok, I'll make sure I'll get you a new bar before thoday's evening," with a grin, he handed the bag over to Jimmy, as he asked if anyone knew where his was.

"This incessant drumming reminds me of the seige at Dalian, we were trapped in the city for about a week with artillery pounding at the city. WOke me up in a flash.."

Princess Huan Yue emerged from her dressing room, dressed in an black and gray English riding outfit. The drums continued to permeate through the palace. "Why don't we continue this awful drumming all day? Maybe we can kill the mice by making their head's explode!" she sarcastically joked with her maid.

~~~

SSgt Liang watched the men from the end of the hall, silently, waiting for Chen to emerge so they could begin the day's activities.

Jimmy grinned, somewhat bedraggled.

"GOod morning, Colonel Huang," he said, wearing one of Huang's caps at a rakish angle across his head. "Do i look good in your uniform?"

He handed the suitcase back to him.

"It seems that some idiot has mixed up our luggage," he said. "Would you have my stuff, or happen to have any knowledge of who might have my things? I have an oboe and a small snow leopard figurine inside."

the snow leopard figurine was a symbol of good luck, as snow leopards were rare to most of Islandia (but common in the northern, colder regions). Jimmy hoped Huang wouldnt mind that he wore Huang's peaked cap, so he took it off and handed it back to him.

"Soldier. I mean Jimmy, please do not do that again." Lt. Col. Huang explained like lecturing a bunch of grunts, "You are not authorized, nor permitted to wear ARSMC uniform in any fashion. Now, getting back to business, this luggage may be yours."

Huang handed Jimmy Chen's luggage and thus passing the responsibility to someone else.

"Thanks, Jimmy." Huang replied with a smile, before taking hold of his own luggage and moving back into his room for a thorough examination of items. There wouldn't be much time available as they are due to move out and face the new, unpredictable day.

SSgt Liang watched the men from the end of the hall, silently, waiting for Chen to emerge so they could begin the day's activities.

The sight reminded Huang of disciplining some unruly soldiers back in his days as a junior officer, some new recruits never wake up to the trumpet, no matter how. He walked over to Chen's door and knocked.

"You better not be 'enjoying yourself' with the Princess' picture in there?!"

SSgt Liang watched the men from the end of the hall, silently, waiting for Chen to emerge so they could begin the day's activities.

The sight reminded Huang of disciplining some unruly soldiers back in his days as a junior officer, some new recruits never wake up to the trumpet, no matter how. He walked over to Chen's door and knocked.

"You better not be 'enjoying yourself' with the Princess' picture in there?!" Huang's humor was typical of the Sinoese military.

Jimmy laughed as Colonel Huang closed the door. The Sinoese were funny, he thought, though Jimmy realized that Huang would probably beat him in a game of elimination (with simunitions, of course).

As he slid back into his room, he checked to make sure that everything was in place. Most importantly, he looked for the silver wings that his brother had worn.

He fingered his brother's jump wings, which lay in his pocket; his brother had gave jimmy the jump wings, from the Ninth Shock Division, when Jimmy was twelve years old.

Not long after, Jimmy's brother was listed as "missing in action," yet another casualty of the Islandian wars. The elder Xiu had been missing now for quite a few years.

Jimmy shook his head, and slid into a polo shirt, khakis, and dress shoes. He combed his hair, and tucked a flower under his arm and a box of roses. He slung his guitar over his shoulder, and exited.

Chen didn't wake up, since he had never actually gone to sleep in the first place. His makeup was horrible, so he took a few minutes to wipe his face using the sheets.

"You better not be 'enjoying yourself' with the Princess' picture in there?!" Huang's humor was typical of the Sinoese military.

"No, my hands are clean." he said staidly. He emerged from the bedroom carrying Jo's luggage.

"Good morning Huang. You wouldn't have my luggage would you?"

"Thank you sir." said Jo jokingly. Jo then opened the front pocket of the luggage case and took out the ruby necklace, and took out the messenger bag and filled it with 'items'. With his usually gel-ed hair, his slim glasses.

"Huang, Jimmy, Chen, we better get. Seems like Liang over there is waiting for us." said Jo, as he shoved his luggage back into his room, the rest of the group seemed annoyed by the drumming, what a seen it was. One's in a top notch millitary uniform, one's in the latest pop fashion-sensed clothing, one's in the most casual yet handsome looking clothes, and one's fresh in a 1930's Zhongsan suit.

The event seemed more like an addition for a lead part in a movie. The awkward dislike for each other made it seem more like a comedy act than what it really was.

OOC: My nation isn't Asian*, but I would still like to get involved in this (I LOVE RPing, and this is the first one I saw that wasn't way too far into the story). I'd be able to transport myself, in a B-1B Lancer.

* - It's more Western in values and government.

P.S.
I prefer dialogue RPing, or a combonation of dialogue and events (preferably combat, but I'll behave. :D)

OOC: LOL! I just realized the word that I used to describe how I enjoyed RPing (love), normally that wouldn't be funny... But in this thread, it struck me as hilarious :D

"Good morning Huang. You wouldn't have my luggage would you?"

"No, Mr. Chen. I do not have your luggage." Deceiving the enemy/competition is the way of the Sinoese. "I think Jimmy might, though."

OOC: LOL! I just realized the word that I used to describe how I enjoyed RPing (love), normally that wouldn't be funny... But in this thread, it struck me as hilarious :D

OOC: You'll have to talk to Chuang-Han China about joining.

"Huang, Jimmy, Chen, we better get. Seems like Liang over there is waiting for us." said Jo, as he shoved his luggage back into his room, the rest of the group seemed annoyed by the drumming, what a seen it was. One's in a top notch millitary uniform, one's in the latest pop fashion-sensed clothing, one's in the most casual yet handsome looking clothes, and one's fresh in a 1930's Zhongsan suit.

"Very good spotting with your extra set of eyes, General." Huang's humor was not lost despite the loss of sleep. "I'm sure he's not pleased with our efforts."

OOC: You'll have to talk to Chuang-Han China about joining.

OOC: The last time Chuang posted was months ago...

Jimmy didnt really dislike anyone (except that retarded Zhuang sergeant who kept rubbing their noses in the ground with his rules) and he was certain he was the youngest man there.

He grinned. He still didnt know what Huan Yue looked like, but if she was pretty and not one of the bitch princesses, maybe they could hit it off. After all, he was a prince.

Still, it was his family that made him come here in the first place, since he was more or less the last single prince around, so why not?

He whistled a light tune as he walked in step with the other characters.

OOC: The last time Chuang posted was months ago...

OOC: Your request is denied for that very statement. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed I posted last night.

Your request would have been denied anyway, only Oriental nations are allowed, and the requests are pretty much closed at this point.



I'll post later tonight.

Ok, Ill post LATER.

OOC: Your request is denied for that very statement. If you paid any attention, you would have noticed I posted last night.

Your request would have been denied anyway, only Oriental nations are allowed, and the requests are pretty much closed at this point.



I'll post later tonight.


OOC: You're right. I was looking at your join date.
Chuang-Han China
Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 126

LOL! Sorry 'bout that. Well, thanks for your consideration(however short it was). :D

Btw, wouldn't it help you nation Chuang if your princess got married into a western civilization? For starters, the differnet worldveiws would allow one nation/person to notice something where the other missed it... Just a thought. :D

Hmm... Maybe there's another RP thread I can join... ;)

Its like the same thing with European princesses and prince's marrying other princesss and prince's from another european country. Besides, CHuang is a feudal little Chinese region which creeps me out. j/k

OOC: You're right. I was looking at your join date.
Chuang-Han China
Member
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 126

LOL! Sorry 'bout that. Well, thanks for your consideration(however short it was). :D

Btw, wouldn't it help you nation Chuang if your princess got married into a western civilization? For starters, the differnet worldveiws would allow one nation/person to notice something where the other missed it... Just a thought. :D

Hmm... Maybe there's another RP thread I can join... ;)

OOC: Western civilization?! Kiss my yellow ass! The only things Honkies think about are new colonies and sex. If the princess marries a Honky, you'll be guaranteed that it'll end like Diana and Charles. Remember, C-H is a part of China, so ein volk, ein Reich!

The Xiannese Emperor dies in a ca crash. The Princess finds herself suddenly the next Ruler of China, however, a powerful regent in charge of the National Army may try to seek power.
http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthrea...870#post7370870

is this thread still alive?

OOC: Busy with exams.

im busy wit stupid college apps...and simply existing

I was wondering... Is it too late for Shimada Yushiro, retainer of the Shimada clan and technically the "prince" of the Disputed Territories of Samurai Clanlords to become a suitor? (he might help the princess to remain in power... he's got many a talent for that purpose, believe me)

OOC: Busy with exams.

OOC: Ditto.

OOC:Ditto Ditto

OOC: Anyone up to continueing this? I'm aware we're all busy... If no one wants to, I'll just to Any Many Miny Moe to pick which one the Princess will marry.

Actually we would all be happy to continue this thread, but let the others have a say, that's just my opinion.

OOC: Anyone up to continueing this? I'm aware we're all busy... If no one wants to, I'll just to Any Many Miny Moe to pick which one the Princess will marry.

OOC: We should continue this thread. But the present OOC circumstances that Sino and _Taiwan are involved in is rather difficult due to the scarcity of free time.

OOC: Well, I'm free now. This is a good RP, I'd definitely continue it.

OOC: Well, I'm free now. This is a good RP, I'd definitely continue it.

OOC: Won't be free until Tuesday.

OOC: I uh... Hi. Um, I'd be willing to perhaps RP in this, interesting idea, but I really don't have the time for the pages, and, well, I'm simply too lazy. :p If I could join, could someone explain? If I can't join, oh well, thanks anyway.

OOC (to C.H.): Now that we're free, can we get this RP back on track?