Year Six of Toturi IV's Reign
Month of the Rooster, Fifth Day (Autumn)
In the end, Kaneka had refused to send a representative, saying instead that when he returned that you and he had something to discuss. That was...ominous, but you trust your uncle; whatever it was that he felt too dangerous to send by a messenger, you would handle it. However, it was too much a part of your nature to not have some part of your mind working at what the problem could be. A dark part of you suspects that he will ask to retire, but you couldn't allow that, could you?
The thoughts are ended as a smoky contra-alto speaks.
"My Emperor, you wished to see me?"
Kowtowed before you, is Shosuro Ayumi, small and seemingly fragile, Ayumi's demeanour was well at odds with her prodigious willpower and strength in the courts. Naturally it was meant to throw people off.
"I did" you say. "Rise Shosuro-san. I like to meet my counsellors one on one before a full cabinet meeting."
"Of course my Emperor" Ayumi rises in a smooth silky motion.
"Speak to me then, of yourself." You say.
A small quirk of her lips, a hidden smile. No doubt meant to make you think she was happy to speak to you, happy to have your attention. Ah the ways of court where even a hidden motion was meant to be seen.
"I am the third daughter of Bayushi Aoshi, a minor lord near Kyuden Bayushi, I seek to serve the clan and my Emperor to the best of my abilities...however they should need me."
The stress on the word need. You don't doubt that in part its just what she does, hint at the seductress rather than rely on her charms alone. Still, you had little patience for that sort of game, not with how your wife is feeling after your row with your mother.
"Please Shosuro-san, enough of that. Those are all things I can read in the report on you. Why volunteer for this position, what do you want?" you say.
Another small hidden smile.
"My Emperor, the Scorpion well know the truth of the world. If there is darkness even in our land, how much deeper is it in others? Who else can go into the shadows to stop them but one born into it? The Unicorn would ignore the shadow, and the Mantis attempt to make use of it...but I would understand it."
"So you don't trust the outsiders." you say. Well to be fair you didn't either really.
"I trust them to act in what they think is their best interests, no more no less. I trust you to do what you think is best for the Empire, it is my duty to make it happen." Ayumi answers.
"The Underhand turns outward?" You ask dryly.
"If you like." Ayumi says.
You raise an eyebrow at that. It wasn't a real answer but it also wasn't something that she had to defend either. A Scorpion is a Scorpion, their words are cloaked, be mindful of that and you will do well. At least that is what sensei said.
"If my Emperor wishes to know something more personal...I simply adore listening to people sing. Its a silly little thing I suppose, but the sounds they make are...so special." Ayumi says.
"Music is a powerful art form, I'm glad to see the culture of the Scorpion has not waned in the slightest." You say.
"Of course not, letting the Kakita rest on their laurels wouldn't do." Ayumi says.
"Indeed, how is the ministry holding up?" you ask.
"Remarkably well my Emperor. I must really thank my colleagues for putting such a splendid group of samurai together." Ayumi says with a nod.
"Then you can brief me on what the latest news on our allies and enemy is."
"Of course my Emperor. The Pelmyrians are currently engaged in a major building project at their capital, a grand city wall that will stop any advance cold, if you pardon the pun. Expect them to be searching for someone to supply food or building materials. The Senpet are still...mildly annoyed over the results of the Conference, but are attempting to out flank us in our control by pouring more resources into rebuilding the city. I have already dealt with this. The Invidi on the other hand are quietly doing something along the Wall of Shiva what it is, I have not yet determined." Ayumi rattles off smoothly.
"Wall of Shiva?" You ask.
"An enormous golden wall coming down from the Heavens, that marks the border between the Ivindi and the Southern Foe. Supposedly their god Shiva placed it after the Day of the Nine Comets, and it has stood ever since, keeping all of the Southern Foe's forces out of the Ivory Kingdoms." She answers.
"Very well, continue." You say.
"Last of course is the Yodotai, they are currently feuding amongst themselves, with the Strategos of Acthynia leading a revolt against the Emperor, but reports seem to indicate that the Emperor is winning handily, expectations are that the revolt will be crushed in a year or two, what they will do then...is unclear, possibly attack the Jewel." Ayumi says.
"We will prepare for such an event...but it seems unlikely." You say.
Ayumi nods.
"Hai, but it is possible. I am still working on getting more information. It will take a year or two to do so. For now my Emperor, is anyone you want us to focus on in particular?"
After a moment's thought you tell her:
[] Focus on the Yodotai, you don't trust them
[] Focus on the Pelmyr, what are they planning to do with those walls?
[] Focus on the Ivindi, you do not like the sound of anyone messing with a heaven wall thing...
[] Focus on the Senpet, those guys have a plan, you probably aren't going to like it.
"Understood, is there anything else I can do to serve you?" She asks.
"No, thank you Shosuro-san." You say dismissing her.
All things considered this had been a quiet year. You hoped this would hold true as you prepared for winter court in....
[] Kyuden Hida (Crab)
[] Kyuden Ikoma (Lion)
[] Kyuden Asako (Phoenix)
[] High House of Light (Dragon)
As for Shosuro Ayumi....
[] You like her well enough
[] You don't particularly care for her.
