jiangshan | Imperial Camping Trip

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 his ~~lover~~ 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.]

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[ The arrival of Zhuiying shortly on his heels startles Langfei, as he usually has more warning when his other half is hunting him. They are opposites in that way, Langfei's flight a silent mercy and Zhuiying's chase a relentless forward march. But then the man within the tent addresses them, and the lack of resistance from the encampment starts to take on some form of sense. Eyebrows lifting in interest, Langfei takes a seat as asked of him, flipping it around to straddle so that he can flop himself over the chair's back. ]

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.

[ He doesn’t take a seat. Instead, he stands behind the lounging Langfei, gently putting a hand on the man’s shoulder as if to solidify a point of contact between them, though his eyes don’t leave Moran.

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. ]

I was expecting someone. I only knew your faces.

[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?

[ Being corrected makes Langfei pout, melting a little into his seat as he feels what little intrigue he had claim to evaporate. ...still, it's a trade he's willing to make for Zhuiying's claim on him, and he sighs in acceptance as their surprise host begins to talk.

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?

Edited 2020-01-18 04:22 (UTC)

[ His brows furrow a little at the mention of Lan Xichen having been here. So there was something major going on. Something to make the emperor send someone to try to call the sects to heel...

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... ]

Edited 2020-01-18 04:41 (UTC)

[Moran, is, thankfully, used to being stared at by people who wish to eviscerate him, so he simply finishes serving the tea. And shoots a smile at Yi Zhuiying.]

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.

[ The claim that he needs 'all the protection he can get' gets a profound pout out of Langfei because you just don't understand, Moran! He's the cautious one!! That's why he avoided the guards when he came in, unlike some people present!! The pair of them reunited while Zhuiying was on a suicide mission!!!!

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?

[ Look, now his recklessness is 100% devoted to taking every possible wound that Langfei might accidentally incur. It's fine, this is fine.

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. ]

Oh, I am very much planning to cause undue burden, but not to the civilian population. It is to talk on their behalf that I am here, after all.

[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?

[ The reassurance that Moran is here as a show of power to the sects and not cause issue to the common folk allows Langfei to relax a fraction, though he'll believe such a thing from someone as far removed from the lives of those who struggle to feed their families as an imperial regent when he sees it.

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. ]

[ He didn’t fully expect an answer to his question so he’s not surprised when he doesn’t get it, and he didn’t press the matter further. It didn’t settle his curiousity, however - he just pushed it to the side for now.

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?

I... don't know exactly if this is a rescue mission. But the lack of communication points to yes.

[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.]

[ He can't be a bandit, he can't be a mercenary, he can't be a petty thief. Langfei is rapidly running out of things to be, and he's beginning to suspect the Lan sect as a whole is allergic to fun. He doesn't love Zhuiying any less for it, but he does shoot back a profuse pout at the admonishment. No wonder the sect's food is so terrible. They probably can't afford spices.

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. ]

[Oh, there will be money, fear not. Money offered at the very least, he can't force anyone to accept it. But he will offer pay for work.

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?

[ Zhuiying's face kept the same practised calm that all Lan disciples were taught, though some were more affective at it than others. He was no Lan Wangji, that was certain. But he still looked fairly calm on the outside.

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.

[ For that revelation, Langfei sat up straighter as well. He drew in a slow breath, expression sobering as he glanced Zhuiying's way, took in that response like a knife to the chest. ]

...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.

[the string between the other two men is barely a surprise given how they're been moving around one another. Maybe this is why he got the vision, too.]

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?

[ Letting out a breath of a laugh, Langfei stands and produces a fan he definitely did not come in with as though from thin air, handing it back to Moran without the slightest hint of shame. Mostly he just looks impressed at being caught, beaming at the imperial regent's unnaturally sharp eye. ]

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...

[ Zhuiying gave Langfei a long-suffering, side-eye glance. He'd been about to tell Langfei the same thing - to leave the stolen goods behind - but the man beat him to it. At least he didn't take offence. Instead he just rose, offering Moran a deep bow, and held his hand out to Langfei if he required it. ]

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.

[Moran takes the fan back, his elegant fingers tracing the length of it with a bit of wistfulness.]

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.

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Imperial Camping Trip

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