To Know Thy Enemy... (open/Wu)

[Jia Nanfeng]

Ah, Jian Ye...

The capital of Wu and the homebase of the Sun Family... well whatevers left of it. Nanfeng never actually saw Sun Ce or Sun Jian in action. They were before her time... Quan however did strike quite the blow to Cao Mengde's forces. Whether it was actually his plan or not was another story.

Jia Nanfeng had so much to learn, so much to see. She had ridiculous dreams, unreal ambitions. Her father was still a no name general yet to become prestigious. She only got by in Wei with constant meddling and manipulation to keep herself important in politcal matters. However it still wasn't enough. Cao Pi had still not warmed up to her enough. Sima Yi was certainly going to keep her on his radar just as much as he was on hers... and Cao Cao still sat on his throne doing nothing in hee opinion. So... she decided to take a short trip. Nanfeng was young, and while she wasn't fond of the bright outdoors (she was far more at home in a large luxurious palace... even if it's not hers), she every now and then went on trips to see how things were going. A hobby of hers was to dress as a traveling entertainer and see what tidbits she could discover, or what talents she could get on good terms with. Everything for her future plans of course.

Today she was dressed rather comically. Her hair was kept under a tall hat and her ankles and wrists had bells jingling from them. Her face was thick with white makeup and she painted red swirls on her cheeks. Her stomach was bare and white as well. Indeed, she was like a chinese clown of sorts. The rest of her outfit was as colorful as a circus tent. Her pointed shoes had thick enough soles to increase her height slightly. Still, Nanfeng would not pass as anyone of import today. Sadly she wasn't anyone of import in reality either... something she planned to change soon enough.

She held a flute and some small bags wrapped around her waist. The powder in the bags would be useful for more than just tricks but for a quick escape as well, since it was a strong eye irratent.
Skipping along in her perfectly crafted disgiuse of the day, Nanfeng wandered the city and began one of her usual meddling routines... namely spying for both fun and profit.

[Li Ying]

Outfit of the day

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

It would only be fair to say that Jian Ye was no idealistic paradise. Like every city in this world it had its good and bad places, its kind and generous lords and those who were only in the business for them selves. In Jian Ye, much of the underworld was controlled by one such cruel man, one of Wu's chief minister called Li Yang. Around the docks of the city, everyone knew that very little happened without his blessing, not that the common thugs knew who their employer really was, he went by the alias...The Black Falcon. In Jian Ye, the Black Falcon controlled, gambling houses, smuggling, extortion and murder. Most of the criminal element in the city, answered to him in one way or the other. He used his influence in the Wu court to protect his investment in the underworld which generated him quite a bit of coin which he used for...political advantage. Having control of crime also allowed him ways to blackmail his political enemies, if that failed he had...other ways to deal with his problems. In fact Li Yang's chief problem solver was his own daughter, the lady Li Yang, also one of the most lethal assassins in the land. No one knew more about poison and its applications than Li Ying. Today she was ridding in one of her family carriages toward the city docks, on business for her father as usual.

It had been just a few weeks ago, that Li Ying had helped Xing Cai shut down the criminal elements in Wu Ling. It was rather ironic that she was now getting involved with such men in the employ of her own family. It was not something she was proud of...but for her family, their was nothing she would not do. Everyone loved there family didn't they? What should she not do for her father, their was nothing. Yet she could not help but feel a little shame...if she was in charge of the family she would do it differently. At least she liked to think she would. Haha...maybe she was picking up bad habits from meeting Xing Cai, in her profession one could not afford a sense of honour. She smiled as she thought about her new sister...she already missed her. Li Ying had very few real friends....

"Driver, stop here." Li Ying commanded as they drove down a market street on the way to the docks. It was a busy place, with traders from down river buying and selling. It was also a place where many of her fathers informants worked. Information after all they said was power, Li Yang tended to agree with that. So he spent an inordinate amount on hired eyes and ears. He had men watch his rivals and allies as well, Li Ying was here to pick up the latest report. She was dress well as a lady of the court might, but she would not attract undue attention. The drop of place was in a flower shop down this street. She jumped nimbly out of her carriage, a slight give away as no noble lady was so athletic, as she waved to the driver. He would pull away and meet her later on, when her duties for the day were complete. She really did not need anyway, he was just for appearances. As she was about to head into the shop however she spotted a curious sight. A women who seemed to be dress like a clown or at least a performer. Her father often hired such talents for entertainment when he throw fancy parties for the minister of Wu and Sun Quan. "What a fancy outfit, i love your bells. You must tell me who made it for you?" She gasped, playing the stupid young court lady she always pretended to be. She would have to tell her father the circus was around, he might want to hire them for another party.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

Sometimes being a complete psycho was a good thing. Nanfeng could change her personality on the fly. She often became almost lost in her acts of deceit. Prancing about the crowded streets she noticed many children laughing and pointing. She offered them a crazy grin and played her flute to a merry tune as she passed. The question was, where should she go? Perhaps the center of the city? No, a lone entertainer peeforming in central Jian Ye would be suspicious. Perhaps rhe docks? Yes... a few sailors may be tired and willing to watch her show while they... talk among themselves.

Nanfeng was making her way there when she was spotted by a what looked like a petty noble woman. The lady was just like the majority of Wei's upper class women... A utter baffoon. Altough, as Nanfeng learned from her peers and goof of a little sister. Girls talk, they talk too much. Fufufufu...

Clown Nanfeng made a deep floppy bow her hat bending like rubber as she bent down. Her bells jingled as she stood back up and did a little twirl. Many others were looking at her now. She loved being the center of attention, although center of worship was more appropriate.

"You honour me mistress. I am but a simple traveler." She mimiced a strange accent she practiced just for this guise.

"My outfit is made by my mum. She would be very grateful to her your praise mistress. Alas, she has passed. Forgive me but are you a noble lady? I was seeking to perform for this fine cities sailors, but would love to entertain your house?"

Nanfeng acted as ignorant as possible, anyone with half s brain could tell this woman was a noble. But Nanfeng played dumb and asked anyway. She then made a wide eyed look and giggled thrilly.

"Oh, oh, yes, yes! I forgot mistress. I am Ji Naji. My life is to travel and spread happiness to all!"

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Li Ying giggled at the young clown girl tried to bow, she was really quite amusing for a street performer of course. Most of them just juggled apples or some such, it was pathetic not really comedy at all. Li Ying liked things to be a little more...unexpected it kept things interesting. After living the last few years as an assassin, she was very hung strung when it came to...excitement. She needed it all the time, like a drug almost flowing threw her system. If she went without it too long, well bad things started to happen to bad people around her. "Your a cute little one, arn't you and feisty too." Li Ying said reaching out to touch the clown girls funny hat. "My condolences, my mother died young as well." Li Ying said, just for a moment looking sad, living with just her father...and his ambitions could be difficult.

She should be going into the flower shop to pick up this weeks information, but she was too distracted by this little girl. At least she liked to think of her as being a little girl, she looked a little younger than herself and her comedic attitude helped with that illusion of youth too. Yes it would not be right to let her go down to the docks. "No, no you should defiantly not do that. Those sailors can be grabby you know, especially with young girls." She warned Nanfeng. She had experienced that herself when she was younger, before her elder brother boxed the man's ears. Just every now and then men could be useful, but she was capable of looking out for herself these days.

"Yes my father is Li Yang, a very important man. What is the name of your preforming troup? Perhaps i could hire you?" Li Ying asked, expecting that someone so charming must be working with a group of performers. Li Yang preferred to hire such people in groups to entertain his guests. Around here it was quite rare for performers to work solo, it was more dangerous and paid worse generally as well, as they got worse venues.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

Fufufu... Such fun this was! This woman already was pleasing Nanfeng. She was a Li? Not too bad.. She encountered that family name every now and then while handling her daily record keeping tasks. According to Wei infornants the Li were well known in Wu. Which means they likely had alot of private info on the Sun family as well. Nanfeng would one up that pesky Sima Yi and get the princes attention yet!

"Oh mistress, worry not for me! I have many more tricks than simply ones fer fun you see?" She patted her bags and winked.

"I have ta protect myself on many a occasion. As for a troupe you say mistress? Ah, no. I travel alone."

She leaned forward and whispered. "More money fer me, you see?"

Nanfeng laughed thrilly as she backed off. She faked a moments thoughts and then said "If it would be no trouble fer you... I would be glateful to perform for you! Oh, yes, yes, but only temporarily. I must travel or I'll lose my edge you see."

Nanfeng smiled sweetly when she said 'edge'. She couldn't help but imagine taking that 'edge' turning it into a blade and slitting every single person who stood in the way of her goals.

And that... was ALOT of people.

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

'Aww what an adorable little girl' Li Ying thought as she looked at her, she wondered exactly what surprises she had in her bag to deal with trouble. She doubted she be too impressed thought, in her profession she had seen more hidden weapons than seemed possible. Just at the moment she was carrying 2 poisoned daggers, a set of throwing needles coated in cobra venom, a blow gun as well as her speciality black eggs and a few other...toys. She was fully prepared for when ever she was asked by her father to murder someone, always ready to deliver a fatal dose of poison. No other weapon was so insidious and hard to defend against, even information.

"Ooow arn't you just the cutest little thing." Li Ying said, as Nanfeng mentioned it meant more money for her to work solo. An unusual reaction perhaps but Li Ying was more than a little odd herself. She liked the idea though of a women taking care of herself and facing the world alone. Of course as the daughter of Li Yang she really had no concept what money meant to the lower classes. To her it was an endless commodity, as was her fathers bank account. He could never deny her anything she had ever wanted. Their were defiantly advantages to being born super rich and powerful...no one doubted that.

"Alright then tell me your name, maybe my father will want to hire you." She said, offering to make the introduction. Despite the girls confidence she really didnt want to see her preforming down at the docks. She knew the type of the men down their, after all half of them were on his fathers pay roll.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

(OOC: Short post to clarify a silly oops on Ying's part.)


As people watched a few kids giggled at Li Ying's question. Nanfeng had a moment of doubt... was this airhead so stupid she forgets something said a few minutes ago? Urh... never mind. Perhaps Nanfeng's disguise was too good.

"Ji Naji... my mistress. That is my name."

She laughed again to stay in character.

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Humm Li Ying tried to remember if she had heard that name before but decided she had not, so this girl probably wasn't one of more famous performers in these parts. Which explained why she was looking for work at the docks. Of course her memory when it came to well...servants names, was not very good. Mostly because she did not care to remember the names of people who were...lets face it unimportant. It was something on which she and her brother had very different opinions. He went out of his way to learn the names of every man that served with him, Li Ying did not even know the names of any of his family servants, besides her personal maids. She wondered if Ji Naji might do well as a maid, she was the right age but she looked a little bit too...crazy, to say the least. "I see, all right my little lady, have you ever preformed for nobility before? Perhaps you could give me a little demonstration of your skills. You look just darling in your get up i will admit, but my father has certain standards." Li Ying said wanting to pet Ji Niji like a cute rabbit some noble girls kept as pets. She was in part an act of her own, she was no sweet innocent herself. Yet she did have a soft side for...well some people. Her sister Xing Cai for example could bring out that side of her nature. On the other hand she was just as happy murdering people in the middle of the night. 

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

Nanfeng was many things, many nasty, bad things. Unfortunately, she was not always a master of her own ideas. Perhaps it was her age, or maybe her own ego caused her to get into things beyond her ability. For example... here she was acting like a cIown. When in truth she wasn't a trained acrobat, nor was she funny in the least bit. Her idea of amusement was far too morbid to use for this guise. Luckily she waa forced by her father to learn various instruments. So she would have to run with that. She also knew dances of course, etiquette and other boring things Li Ying herself likely knew. Jia Nanfeng would have to improvise...

Skipping back a few more spaces. She raised her arms and twirled a few times. The crowd began to back away as they watched. Nanfeng spun her flute around, under her arm, under her leg, and over her head. She may not be athletic, but she was flexible. Taking a bag and giving a gesture of warning to the crowd. She drew a invincible circle in the ground around with her toe. She threw the bag in the air causing a purple splarking dust to surround her. She began to play the a Wu musical number (OOC: Lol... I know right?). Her eyes remained closed as to avoid blinding herself. However she hid that, making it appear she was simply focusing on playing. She added a silly dance to the mix and kept the dust afloat with her movements. Luckily she ensured it wasn't so much as to blow past her 'circle' and cause problems.

After the dust settled and she finished. Nanfeng gave another floppy bow.

"My mistress, my speciality is music and dance. I can create a wonderfully colorful, fantastical experience for you. Will that suffice?"

She would be sure to bring a skin melting powder next time she did something like this. She could easily protect her skin with proper makeup. This 'closing eyes' thing would cause problems in certain situations.

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Li Ying giggled and clapped appropriately as Ji Naji did a strange little dance and song number, still in her adorable clown get up. She was not the best danger, or musician that Li Ying had seen, which was still being polite. However her act was far more amusing, in a cute sort of way. Yes her father might like this girl, he had strange tastes as well...he might find a use for her al-right. What was her name again....Ji Naji...or something, she was having a really hard time remembering the girls strange name. Not that it mattered right, she was after all just a servant even if she was amusing. "You have won me over dear, you shall have your audience with my father. If you will come with me, my business here wont take more than a moment."Li Ying said leading the way toward the flower shop. A man guarding the door opened it wide for her, looking away. He knew well enough to fear her, not because of her father but what she herself could do. A few of these men had seen her in action, it was not something a man forgot quickly. The man looked down and away and quickly moved to the side as Li Ying swept into the flower shop. The shop owner...rapidly hurried to get behind his desk.

"Ive come for the documents you are keep on behalf of our client." She told the man, being careful to use the phrases she had been given. Some men here knew who they really worked for but most only knew her father as the Black Falcon. The man nodded, his eyes also filled with fear. He handed over a half dozen sealed documents which Li Ying places into a pocket of her dress. He said nothing, and looked away as Li Ying turned, her task here finished. She could return to her father now and deliver both the documents and her new...discovery as well. "Come then, you can join me in my carriage." She said to Ji Naji.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

Nanfeng grinned merrily as Li Ying finally said what she needed her to say. She continued to smile as she followed Ying. When Ying wasn't looking her smile became demonic and she started to twitch a little. The psycho quickly resumed a more normal smile as Ying entered the flower shop.

Hmmm... the guard's reaction to this Li was rather interesting. Nanfeng did not want to seem too curious, so she stayed at the door gazing at the guard in her blank like look (the look she had in the Cao Pi meeting). She did however, note to send a few disguised Wei inspectors to ask some questions here later. The Li's were well known, but feared? Fear in the safe and united home of the Sun's? Fufufu...

As Ying exited, Clown Nanfeng obediently followed her to her carriage while resuming her smile.

Entering it, she made a attempt to save some time and trouble asking for spies from that Sima.

"Mistress, you like flowers yes? I wish I had bought some for my show. May I have a few?"

She again played the fool. Ying had no flowers on her... so why did she go to a flower shop? Nanfeng could smell a scheme and while she didn't want to give herself away... she loved meddiling too much. Surely Ying would offer some excuse, but she just loved creating that... pressure and anxiety caused by covering up secrets.

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Li Ying wondered how she intended to use flowers in her act? Still it was an easy enough request to grant after all. She had not come here to get some the place was just a front but...it did not hurt. The only times she used plants herself, was to adorn her hair or....to mix to make her poisons. Even the most innocuous plant could be deadly, her favourite was a species known as aconite. Still she could not get that in a simple place like this. She had a private garden at her family's estate where she grew her own herbs, it went without saying that most of them had...unusual and deadly properties. "Humm, i dont see why not." Li Ying said clicking her fingers, a servant went off to grab some from the flower shop. Li Ying clearly didn't see any reason to pretend she had been their to get flowers in the first place. A moment later the man came back with 3 bocays of flowers which he handed to Li Ying. She set them down on the seat next to Ji Naji in the carriage before closing the door. The driver began to set off, for the rich quarter of the city, where most of the nobles lived. It was of course far more secure, with armed patrols seen at most intersections. Such was the extravagance of the rich, it was no different here than anywhere else.

Up ahead was the large estate owned by Li Yang. He also owned a summer mansion in Chai Sang and Wu Cheng but this was where his family lived for most of the year. The large gate was protected by 4 guards, when they saw the carriage they quickly threw open the gate, which closes behind them with a heavy clang. This place was not exactly a fortress but it was clear Li Yang wanted to keep out uninvited quests. His huge amount of wealth was also highly evident just by the well tended gardens he kept in the middle of the city.

"Do you need long to prepare to see my father. You may bath first if you wish." She suggested trying to hint just a little that her father might be offended by the smell of the streets. Li Ying also needed to present her father with the documents she had acquired at the flower shop. As for the flowers she picked out a yellow lilly and placed it in her hair.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE

[Jia Nanfeng]

Nanfeng watched the rather haphazard way Li Ying covered her actions. No excuses? Such confidence... It was too bad she was such a unimportant Wu noble. Otherwise Nanfeng could have got a free easy kill from such a bumbling lady. Wu themselves must feel very safe in their beds at night... foolishlt safe. She would add this to her list of notes.

As she smiled and took the newly bought fkowers, Nanfeng felt the sudden urge to pick all their pedals off. She slowly absent mindedly did so as they rode on. By the time they arrived the flowers were oicked clean.

"Oh my, my! I did it again! So very sorry mistress. I suppose no flowers for the show."

Clown Nanfeng exited with Ying. When asked about bathing, she replied simply... "Oh why certainly I would mistress. I do only bathe in privacy though... I am very shy around others without my clothes."

Nanfeng was indeed very interested to be allowed alone within this place. Snooping about and eavesdropping or snapping up this or that was the whole point of her trips. She did however have concern for any chance of someone seeing her scarred face. She didn't allow most of Wei too see it, let alone these people. It was more her vain pride than fear of being recognised. After all, only her closest family knows what her true face is like.

[Li Ying]

+ A choice of arms

Li Ying Jia Nanfeng OPEN
Words : "The deadliest blade is the one that goes unseen."

Li Ying wondered what performer tore up her props before a performance. Well perhaps the girl was nervous that would explain the flowers. As they rode into the estate, she just kept smiling. She did not herself need a mask, she was used to changing her expression and attitude at the drop of a pin. The carriage soon stopped and a guardsmen threw open the door, offering his hand to help her get down. Not that she needed any help but keeping up appearances was...slightly, important. The girl asked to bath alone but that not unusual, in the south women often bathed together but...not everyone was so open. Those from the north even less so of course. She really did not mind, she needed time to report to her father anyway. Having the girl out of the way for a little while would be useful.

"Of course my dear, go right ahead. My father's steward can show you the way." She said yelling at a rather old looking gentleman. Who eyes Nanfeng carefully, looking her up and down. The elderly man asked her to follow him so he could show her to the bath's. Li Ying meanwhile headed inside. "I will see you later, take as long as you need." Li Ying yelled to her as she headed inside. The guards at the door opening it for her. Their were in fact a very large number of guards, far more than most lords retained. Li Yang was a very paranoid man, as well he might be given some of the ambitions he himself held. He did not trust others but he was very eager to use them for his own benefit. Even his own son and daughter if he needed too. Li Yang was sitting in a large dinning room, where a comfortable couch had been set along with wine and ample food. Li Ying ignored these and bowed to her father. Who was standing over a map of the city. It showed area's where his gangs had taken over and places of resistance. As well as the mansions and estates of his allies and rivals. Li Ying smiled, her father was always plotting something it seemed. "Father?" She announced herself.

"Ah your back my girl, good sit down and have something to drink. General Huang Gai and some of his men have become something of a thorn in my side of late. I am starting to regret not sending you to kill him after the battle at Chi Bi." Li Yang admitted, having missed his chance while the general was recovering from his wounds.

"He is just a brute father, what can he do to someone like you. Dont fret about him, i could kill him as easily as i could drink this wine. Now please relax i brought you a present." She said winking, she was sure her father was going to like this one.

CODED BY ELECTRIC OF GANGNAM STYLE