北堂墨染 || Beitang Moran (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
beitangmoran) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
jiangshan2020-01-09 12:39 pm
beitangmoran) wrote in jiangshan2020-01-09 12:39 pm
Imperial Camping Trip
WHO: Beitang Moran, OPEN
WHERE: The Imperial Army Camp that materialized in the plains between the main Sects' headquarters.
WHEN: About a month after last contact with Su XunXian
WHAT: Beitang Moran, Imperial Regent, has lost all contact with hislover best spy, and also the Sects are starting to make a mess of regular people's lives. It's time for someone to remind them (nicely) of the law of the land in the Emperor's stead.
WARNINGS: Some violence probably, NSFW will be marked appropriately.
[The huge, sprawling military camp that materialized in the middle of the plain would be hard to miss. Especially since it's not trying to be inconspicuous at all. No, there have been temporary wooden halls erected, the tents are all brightly colorful, there are Imperial Standards and flags planted all around the perimeters. There is no attempt to be discreet at all.
Normally, the Imperial Court does not meddle in Sect affairs. They govern themselves, and the Emperor governs the country and everyone gets along. Except it's been more than a month since Su XunXian's last communication. That coupled with a growing number of complaints from common people getting embroiled in conflicts between Sects has spurred the Imperial Regent into action.
At first, he had been thinking of sending a strong-worded letter to remind them that any conflicts between them is supposed to only involve them and to stop catching innocent bystanders in it. But then, Su XunXian's communications stopped. And not even Zong RiYue managed to find enough information to locate him.
Even undercover, Su XunXian is not a cultivator, so there is no reason for him to have been taken by a Sect. But apart from a Sect, there is no other suspect for who might have taken him. And with no tangible leads to act covertly or send Zong RiYue on a potential secret rescue mission, Beitang Moran decided to do the exact opposite of that instead. Be conspicuous. Parade. Remind the Immortals that there are others in their midst who do not take kindly to their squabbles involving them.
The camp is huge, the army taken along sizable. Intimidating enough to turn off simple bandits at least. And there was no warning sent. Beitang Moran is eagerly awaiting to see which Sect Leaders are going to protest, and who might be the first to, while he elaborates plans of action depending on who ends up being the target of his ire for abducting Su XunXian.]
WHERE: The Imperial Army Camp that materialized in the plains between the main Sects' headquarters.
WHEN: About a month after last contact with Su XunXian
WHAT: Beitang Moran, Imperial Regent, has lost all contact with his
WARNINGS: Some violence probably, NSFW will be marked appropriately.
[The huge, sprawling military camp that materialized in the middle of the plain would be hard to miss. Especially since it's not trying to be inconspicuous at all. No, there have been temporary wooden halls erected, the tents are all brightly colorful, there are Imperial Standards and flags planted all around the perimeters. There is no attempt to be discreet at all.
Normally, the Imperial Court does not meddle in Sect affairs. They govern themselves, and the Emperor governs the country and everyone gets along. Except it's been more than a month since Su XunXian's last communication. That coupled with a growing number of complaints from common people getting embroiled in conflicts between Sects has spurred the Imperial Regent into action.
At first, he had been thinking of sending a strong-worded letter to remind them that any conflicts between them is supposed to only involve them and to stop catching innocent bystanders in it. But then, Su XunXian's communications stopped. And not even Zong RiYue managed to find enough information to locate him.
Even undercover, Su XunXian is not a cultivator, so there is no reason for him to have been taken by a Sect. But apart from a Sect, there is no other suspect for who might have taken him. And with no tangible leads to act covertly or send Zong RiYue on a potential secret rescue mission, Beitang Moran decided to do the exact opposite of that instead. Be conspicuous. Parade. Remind the Immortals that there are others in their midst who do not take kindly to their squabbles involving them.
The camp is huge, the army taken along sizable. Intimidating enough to turn off simple bandits at least. And there was no warning sent. Beitang Moran is eagerly awaiting to see which Sect Leaders are going to protest, and who might be the first to, while he elaborates plans of action depending on who ends up being the target of his ire for abducting Su XunXian.]
like civilized air signs
He comes alone, in the middle of the day, walking calmly to the guards. ]
Could you please tell your general that the Lan Sect Leader is here, to talk at his convenience?
of course
The people who work under Moran have thankfully been told what to expect; Moran himself is way more appraised of Sect politics than most people of the Imperial court would be, beyond the simple fact pf their existence. So having the Lan Sect Leader come forward is not that surprising. The ones he suspects the most - and who probably won't show up - are the Wens.
So the guards can easily identify the Lan colors, and they bow respectfully.]
'Just a moment, please, Sect Leader Lan.'
[One of the guards quickly goes inside, to the main wooden structures, and stays away for about five minutes before coming back.]
'His Imperial Highness will see you now. This way, please.'
/chinhands
His Imperial Highness. From what Xichen knows, that would be Beitang Moran, Imperial regent and general. For him to come...
Xichen knows that efforts have been made to limit the damage to civilian population, in this conflict. But that has been on their side, and if mistakes have been made, adding to whatever it may be that Sect Leader Wen might have done... he sighs to himself before stepping into the tent where he is led to and announced, cupping his hands and bowing in greeting. ]
Your Imperial Highness. This Lan Xichen salutes you.
no subject
He still knows their names and positions, though, and while he does not have to, he also rises from his seat when the other man comes in and bows.]
Sect Leader Lan. To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?
[He asks, as if he doesn't know planting an Imperial camp right in the middle of this place won't provoke exactly that. As if it hadn't been the point all along, although to be fair, he rarely has heard of anything bad concerning the Lan sect in the reports he had received.]
Please have a seat.
[A small gesture summons a servant with tea, who pours and then leaves the tent, leaving both men alone with only Moran's gray cat lounging on a chair nearby.]
no subject
Besides, adding intrigue to curiosity is the fact that this is an imperial encampment. Langfei doesn't remember the last time the Emperor did anything resembling action against the cultivation sects. This war thing must really be getting out of hand.
So he throws on his favorite dark cloak, kisses Zhuiying mid-protest, and vanishes into the brush.
He counts the steps of the guard patrols, closes his eyes to listen to the ambient chatter, gauging the amount of background noise that will be tolerated before someone takes notice. Then he ducks in, weaving between the tents, making his way to the camp's center to see what the fuss is all about.
Before long he makes it to a tent larger than all the others, emblazoned with the imperial seal on all sides. Langfei gives a snort, glad to know the Emperor's men are still the show animals they've always been.
He ducks inside the tent, then... just straightens. Throws off his hood. Looks around like he was invited in. ]
Well, you're not the Emperor, [ he observes at the man he finds in the tent, head tilting curiously. ] What brings you so far from the Imperial City?
no subject
[ He gets half the word out before he is silenced, and then watches his partner disappear into the brush quicker than a rabbit spotting a fox. He glares for a couple of seconds, then starts muttering to himself as he pulls out his sword. Yeah. No. He's not waiting. Not for this. Who knows what they would do to him, if they caught him sneaking into a camp this size?
He takes off after him, his white robes a stark contrast from Langei's dark cloak. He is not built for stealth, though he's light on his feet and pretty much silent, he's still easy to spot against the dark sky.
Thing is, he just doesn't really care. His blade wuqing has tasted far less blood lately than it was used to, but it would taste it again if anyone dared to hurt Langfei during his idiotic decision.
Weirdly, despite being sure that a couple of the guards he passes as he leaps over tents should have seen him, no one tries to stop him. And he just makes out the form of Langfei duck into a tent, giving him a destination.
Not even thirty seconds after Langfei enters, Zhuiying has burst in behind him, the tent flap waving wildly as he comes to a stop behind his soulmate, his face set in an icy jagged glare.
Langfei seems fine, though, so he sheathes his sword again, happy to let the other man talk now that he hasn't just gone and left him behind. ]
no subject
The inside of the tent is as richly adorned as the outside, one side partitioned of with what appears to be a bed behind the screen, and then a spattering of low tables and cushions, some shelves with books. One one cushion, a grey cat is lounging about and watching the proceedings dispassionately, raising its head as the newcomers enter and then going back to licking a paw lazily.
On the slightly elevated estrade at the back is a desk covered in paperwork, and a man in rich blue robes reading though them who also barely glances up from his reading at first before putting the papers down.]
... It took you longer than I expected to arrive. Have a seat, please.
[He stands up and walks around the desk, opening a fan with a snap of his wrists.]
May I have your names, esteemed guests?
[One glance in the white-clad man's direction gives him enough information to at least place him, but the one before him is an unknown entity for now. The only thing he has to go on si the face he saw in his vision, that one corresponds.]
no subject
I'm the Iron Wolf, Bandit King of Snowshade Peak. [ Flashing a broad grin, the kind with teeth, he then immediately casts his partner a nervous glance, knowing he's not supposed to go around introducing himself like that anymore. But the imperial entourage is so cool. He just wants to sound a little cool too. He never gets to have any fun. ]
—But you can call me Langfei. And this is my greatest treasure, Yi Zhuiying. You can probably tell he's a Lan, but try not to hold that against him.
no subject
Mine, the gesture says, in case that wasn’t already abundantly clear. He only removes the hand briefly to do the traditional swept arm bow, and then returns it to Langfei’s shoulder. ]
Ex Bandit King. [ Flatly. Sorry Langfei. Better find a different way to sound cool.
A small frown pulled at his lips. ]
You were expecting us?
[ News to him, since he hadn’t even known they were going to be here ten minutes ago. ]
no subject
[He gives the white robes another once over.]
GusuLan Sect? Your Sect Leader was here yesterday.
[he is familiar enough with the name, and probably more familiar with a few more things about it than most people not of the cultivation world should be. one thing he knows for sure is that this is a rather... unorthodox association. But it's not his place to comment on that. Surely, Lan XiChen is aware anyway. Still, it's a useful bit of information to file away.]
And you are correct, I am not the Emperor, but I am entitled to act in his stead. Beitang Moran, Imperial Regent of HuangDao.
[Even to cultivators removed from the world, the name of the Beitang Dynasty should at least be known, even if they are not aware of the intricacies of the politics involved or the details of life at court.
Moran gives a small incline of his head and steps down from the estrade going to one of the lower tables and petting the cat as he kneels there and starts to make tea from the set there. And then inviting his guests to come join him.]
What brings you here, then? Thieving?
no subject
There's an exceedingly dog-like tilt to Langfei's head at that long introduction, lips quirking to one side at how self-important people get. The Emperor's men, the sect leaders... They lift themselves so high they forget they're just people.
When summoned for tea, Langfei gives a blink and then obligingly relocates himself, this time tugging Zhuiying along with him. Don't be rude and creepy, babe. You gotta pick one. Langfei has picked rude. ]
Curiosity, really.
[ The answer is simple and straightforward, just like Langfei, who gives a shrug as he plops down for tea, dragging Zhuiying down with him. ]
Figured something was up if the imperial army has set up this far in sect territory.
[ He pauses, expression thoughtful. ]
How did you know our faces?
no subject
He lets Langfei answer for them - the man was better at it, anyway, and this means he can devote all his energy to watching Beitang Moran, to analyzing every mannerism and quirk and gesture. He still isn't convinced they aren't in danger, here, and he wants to be able to react instantly if the calm politeness passes into hostility.
Zhuiying had decided to make up the creepy part of this diptych, but indeed seems determined to stay polite. So he lets Langfei lead him with little complaint. He sits, as he is bade, with a perfect, elegant sweep of his robes up under his knees, taking his place next to his better half.
He's still staring down Moran like he's trying to figure out the best way to eviscerate him.
Look, he had to be creepy somehow. ]
Protecting him.
[ Is why he's here. His own curiosity is not nearly as great, though if pressed he would admit he's curious too. He just doesn't need this man to know that.
But Langfei's last question is one he wants the answer to, as well... ]
no subject
He looks like he needs all the protection he can get.
And yes, I do have business with your sect leaders in general, but that is something for them and I to discuss.
[And not an unnamed disciple accompanied by an unsavory character.
Langfei's question is met with a smile and another sip of tea.]
I have my ways of getting information. But now that you are here, what do you intend to do exactly?
[Because you made it to the center of the camp, but apparently not to attack, which is interesting.]
Your skill in getting in was impressive, even if I had my men stand down. I might have a need for someone with your kind of talent.
no subject
But it's not the time or place to make those protests so he merely sulks, a little restless in his seat as he picks up his tea and blows on it. ]
Have tea? Chat up the nice Imperial Regent? [ Langfei shrugs, slouching a little against Zhuiying in an effort to get him to ease up a bit.
But then Langfei's eyes narrow, mild expression taking on an edge of something sharper, more shrewd. ]
Make sure the Emperor's men have an understanding of what civilian life is like among the sects and not to cause the locals any undue burden with their presence?
no subject
He does relax a little as Langfei leans on him, and even quietly moves his closest arm enough that he can place a hand on Langfei's back, palm warm against the man's spine. He's still not used to just getting to do that, and he's discrete enough about it.
His eyes narrow slightly at Moran, a little confusion lacing his brows. ]
Information that gives our faces but not our names?
[ He's finding that hard to believe. He glances at Langfei, feeling the man tense a little, before looking back at Moran. ]
What need?
[ He's fine being the more direct one. Leave the shrewdness to his soulmate. ]
no subject
[The soft interactions between the two men in front of him do not escape Moran's sharp eyes. It's almost unconscious, the way they lean into each other, gravitate towards one another as if drawn together... the Imperial Regent smiles to himself, sparing a moment to scritch the cat's head again. Destined, probably. That's good. A strong bond to the world is always good.
He ignores Yi Zhuiying's probing question about how he gets his information. Just like the Imperial Court does not normally meddle with the Sects, the Sects are forbidden to meddle with the Imperial Court. There is no reason to give out that type of information, and again, if there was, it would probably go to a Sect Leader, not these two characters.
In any case, his vision was right, and he does, indeed, have a need for people who can be fearless, have an in with the Sects and can move quickly and independently. Someone that is not Zong RiYue. That man has many uses, but being sneaky is not one of them.]
I'm looking for someone. He disappeared a month ago and I am pretty sure one of the Sects has him. I want him back, and I can't just go in and demand that.
Are you looking for a job?
no subject
The offer of a job makes him lean in, though, always ready and willing to lighten the purses of those with more than is their due. ]
What sect? What kind of pay?
[ As long as the compensation's good, Langfei's all for whatever job this is regardless of the specifics. Some people would balk at the idea of traversing through sect territory during the war, but war is precisely what makes searching for one person sound more feasible. The sects themselves are occupied with their tactics, their squabbles, their politics. Slipping in and out in search of one man will never be easier than it is now. ]
no subject
At the mention of a job, his brows furrowed slightly, and then he gave a small sideways glance at Langfei. ]
We aren’t mercenaries.
[ Firm. Hard. And more towards Langfei than the regent. He turned his eyes back to Moran. ]
But we won’t say no if someone is in need. A rescue mission?
no subject
[Moran sighs a little and puts his cup down, staring at it a little unhappily.]
You probably know Sects and the Imperial Court are not supposed to meddle. You rules yourselves, and we rule ourselves. But just because we are not supposed to doesn't mean we don't.
[He's not exactly revealing deep secrets here. It's juts common sense, really.]
We keep tabs on one another. Sects send undercover operatives to the Imperial Court and we make a show of being very cross when we find them out. And we send our own people to roam around here. Some official envoys, and some.... less so.
[Mostly to collect intelligence that may or may not need to be acted upon.]
Something is happening right now that necessitated action on our side, but as I said, this is something for your Sect leaders to discuss. However, in preparation for that, I sent my most trusted man on an intelligence gathering mission. Everything was going fine until we lost contact abruptly a month ago.
I don't know who has him, but based on the current situation, my bet is either the Jins, or the Wens. I cannot break down their door and demand answers, but I know he's out there somewhere. Alive.
And I want him back.
[he might sounding a little too intense for someone who is basically trying to find his own spy that he has misplaced.]
no subject
Anyway, Zhuiying's apparently made the decision for them and Langfei will just have to whine at him about it later. Possibly while picking a few pockets to make up for the lack of earning spending money. For now, he just listens to the problem at hand because, well. Zhuiying's not wrong that they wouldn't say no to someone in need, money or no money.
Langfei would just prefer there to be money, that's all. Especially from really rich folk, and you don't get much richer than an imperial regent. Like, come on. ]
If it's been a month without word, how are you sure he's still alive?
[ A lot of things can happen to a man in a month, after all. Even if he'd been captured initially, which isn't a given as Langfei isn't ruling out the guy simply falling down a ravine or getting eaten by ghosts, there's no guarantee the Jins or the Wens would've kept him alive this long. ]
no subject
The question brings a pinched smile to his lips, and he holds up his right hand.
On his brow, briefly, his constellation sign, two wavy lines, glow bright white for a few seconds. And just after that, around his finger, the red thread materializes.
It sort of fades into the air a few feet away from him, but it's here. And it's clearly intact. Not even a little damaged.]
That's how I'm sure.
Given this, I know he is alive. But the lack of messages means he is otherwise detained or prevented from communicating.
[Of course, it doesn't mean XunXian is unhurt. Moran isn't counting on that. But alive is all he needs to keep going right now. He'll deal with the rest when he has the appropriate data to take action.
I can pay for all expenses plus a reward if you return him to me. Interested?
no subject
The hand at Langfei's back, however, suddenly pulled tight, fingers fisting into fabric and gripping hard, as if the mere thought of having someone pull Langfei away from him again was enough to send him into a tight defensive state.
His expression was even, but it intensified, his gaze as sharp and clear as a hawk's, talon's sunk into the love of his life. ]
We'll find him.
[ Sharp, hard, not a trace of doubt or debate. ]
I don't want your money.
[ Though he had switched from 'we' to 'I', apparently. As much as he disliked it, he'd let Langfei make that decision for himself. ]
But we will find him.
no subject
...we'll take expenses. It'll make things go faster at the very least.
[ He wants the reward, but even he isn't tactless enough to negotiate that right now, right here, in the face of this revelation. To barter money over someone's soulmate's life was no better than holding the man hostage themselves.
Looking between his own soulmate and the imperial regent come all this way for his missing half, Langfei focuses in on his own core and summons their string for Moran in solidarity, to show him they understand what is at stake. ]
We'll find him.
no subject
Excellent. I leave the method entirely to you. I don't need to know the details. If you need any material assistance, send a message here and I'll make it happen.
[He breathes a little easier now that this particular concern is eased from his mind. There's nothing he can do now but wait until news come.
He finishes his cup of tea, and then holds out his hand towards Langfei.]
Can I have that back before you leave, please?
no subject
You're sharper than you look, Highness. But I suppose that's by design...?
[ Looking all the fonder of Moran for it, Langfei grins and folds his hands behind his head, casting a playfully apologetic look Zhuiying's way. ]
Just old habits. Anyway, we better get going if we're going to cover any decent ground before dark.
[ At this, he turns to his soulmate again. ]
Qishan first, maybe...? It's closer, we can do a sweep. There's probably other people there who need rescuing besides. If it's Lanling Jin that's... actually worse. We'll have to head back to Gusu to talk things through with Zewu-jun for sure...
no subject
I will send a message to Zewu-jun to expect us. [ Murmured lowly. ] Qishan first. Jin peacocks less likely to keep a prize a secret, and Wen movements growing secretive. More information won't go a miss, either way.
no subject
Old habits, as you say. I've been playing these games too long. It rubs off on you after a while.
[Well, he did get a bit of extra help with his visions, like in this case, but still. His hand closes around the fan a bit tighter.]
This was a gift from him, and I would be very loath to be parted with it.
[He listens in to that little conversation with interest, and is glad to see they seem to be ont he same wavelengths.]
I also believe the Wens are the more likely culprits... which is all the more reason why I can't go.
[He could, in fact, probably walk to LanLing and asked to be let in. The Jins would actually see an Imperial visit as something to rub the other sects' noses in, most probably. It is telling that they have yet to send an envoy to the camp. If they were guilty, they would have been the first to send someone to save off suspicion, most probably, but they haven't.]
You'll excuse me for not walking you back. I believe you can find your own way out. The guards won't stop you.