况乃未休兵

Fifth Prince Jingyan of China Points Character Stats

[lichcng]

Celestials | Xuanji & Jingyan

[princejingyan]

lichcng‌:

Wars were honourable - dying in them even more so. There was no poisoning, no backstabbing, no razor sharp smiles hidden behind painted lips. Wars were honest in the most profound and basic of ways - one knew that the person in front of them could - and would - kill them; and they knew it was not personal, it was not murder. Two strangers, fighting for a singular goal, but on opposing sides - it was almost poetic. Humming lightly in agreement, the crown princess nodded at the general’s words. “If our children are raised properly, they might even learn from our paths - though, our paths are not for them to walk on; they will make their own choices and mistakes, and in the end, it will be what is right for them.”

Xuanji listened, softly nodding as the general spoke. “Yes, the distance does benefit us, at least in this matter.” It did not benefit them when it came to trade - the distance was a problem when it came to establishing new trade routes and connections, but she had been working hard to make the most of it. “That is smart. It is best to not reveal all of our cards immediately, and to strive to keep our own borders safe. If we wage war against Poland and move our armies to help Russia, we are allowing those Tumed dogs to sniff too close to our borders - I am not keen on being vulnerable to them.” She added with a soft sigh, but his following words made her chuckle quietly. “You might be the smartest of us all, general. Politics tend to overexert and, unfortunately, corrupt a person’s mind and ambition. But, sometimes, politics are necessary.” The question was expected, and Xuanji pursed her lips as she thought about her husband. “Both and neither. Yang is crafty. She keeps him blind to her faults and to all the important things and, whenever I tell him the truth and full extent of her deceit, she quickly turns it against me. He is blinded by his affections for her; he trust me, but he trusts her more. I would quite like to put an end to it.” Yu was not a fool, but he was so easily manipulated by his mother. It enraged her.

“Of course, all children will make their own mistakes,” he agreed. “Though I would hope those that I may father will learn from mine, and choose to make better ones.” His words were teasing, and he cracked a grin in her direction. Their conversation had gotten so very philosophical, and whilst he enjoyed it, he thought he would offer her a reprieve, a chance to rest a mind that was undoubtedly working overtime. 

“It is our traders who need to fear the Holy Roman Empire, not our warriors. Though I hope one day, no citizen of China will need travel West with the idea that they may never return.” For too long, Ming merchants had faced a perilous journey, but doing so was as essential to China as their soldiers, their politicians, their farmers and their servants. They were now established on a global stage, and the presence of their family in Swiitzerland only furthered this. “I will meet with the Russians. You would be welcome to join me, but such things are a man’s game. I am not certain how well your presence would be received.” Keeping Russia on side was valuable, though Jingyan knew that he would feel far more comfortable with someone more politically aligned to accompany him. “We would be fools to give to Russia the full might of China. We would of course be careful not to leave our home undefended.” The very thought was appalling to Jingyan, and it was disheartening that Xuanji would think he would consider such a thing. Politics were necessary, but were definitely not in his remit. He would leave it to others as long as he was able to do so. The situation with Yang was a delicate balancing act, but he did not see the best way to rectify it whilst keeping his family safe. “Tell me what you would have me do, and I will do it. We are on the same side.” 

[princejingyan]

infantateresa‌:

Teresa smiled warmly at the stranger. Though she wasn’t sure who exactly he was, she found him to have a calming and good energy. She knew from the moment he opened his mouth she would like him. “Yes please, I would love the company if you can spare the time.” She didn’t want to intrude on his evening, especially since she didn’t know him. 

It was then when she noticed the bow slung over his shoulder and her smile grew. How she missed hunting on the Spanish country side. It wasn’t a particularly femenine activity, her mother was quite appalled the first time she convinced her father to bring her along, but she had amazing horsemanship her whole life and eyes like a hawk. Her skill and passion for horseman ship and riding almost convinced her to try to become caballerizo mayor but before she even could duty here in switzerland called.  

“Were you hunting?” She asked politely as she gestured to the bow. She would do anything to discuss any topic that involved the outdoors and adventure, in her humble opinion those were the two best topics after all. 

“Of course,” his smile did not falter. If there was anything Jingyan was, it was amiable to a fault, unwavering in his easy-going attitude to the world. It did not matter who he spoke to. Off of the battlefield, this was who he was, the reputation of the General-Prince long forgotten, for it was not necessary here. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Li Jingyan, the fifth prince of China,” he offered her a bow, then settled beside her, ready to walk her back to where she needed to be. 

He shot her a curious glance at her question, followed by a nod of his head. “I was. We caught a stag,” pride rolled off him in waves. He had not hunted in a long time, not since it was necessary, long nights in the military with limited rations and hungry mouths.  His thumb went over the carvings on the bow, intricate detailing telling of Chinese myths of old. 

“May I ask what you were doing so close to the forest?” 

[princejingyan]

margvrets‌:

    🌹 margot understood perfectly what he was saying. bessie was more than a horse to her — she was a friend, a family member. she was aware that he and mazu had another kind of bond — almost every men had gone to at least one battle to defend their countries on the war, and the princess royal found glorious the bond a soldier and a war horse. meanwhile, her bond with bessie was a soft one, like everything she did. they explored london’s forests together and saw magnificent landscapes that margot never knew existed on her dear city. and also, they experienced together the feeling of being invincible. she missed that. ❝  yes.❞ she agreed, a soft smile gracing her lips. ❝ although neither me or bessie experience battlefields, we have seen so much wonders together. ❞

a giggle escaped her lips. she knew bessie was too much an english name — being a common nickname of elizabeth, also a common back on her homeland — and not so strong for a horse, but was the best she could think at the time. ❝ i almost needed her after my mother, but her name fits much more in a war ship than on a horse. ❞ she listened carefully to his words. margaret was curiuos about the religions out of the spectrum of christianity. ❝ it’s a beautiful name. what faith do you profess ? ❞

a chinese ! that least she was right that he was asian, after all. margaret didn’t know much of the chinese empire besides of what side they were allied to. ❝ it is a pleasure to meet you, your imperial highness. it’s settled, then. ❞ margot smiled, making preparations to leave with bessie. being on her horse’s back was a feeling that nothing could compared. meeting the fifith prince outside, she gave him an excited smile. ❝ shall we go ? it’s a beautiful day and i’m excited to explore. ❞

“I am a Buddhist,” Jingyan answered. “Have you heard of it?” He knew the majority of Europeans were devoted to Catholicism, so much so that they barely comprehended that there were other teachings to follow. It made little sense, to him. For most of his life, Buddhism had shaped the man that he was and helped him to make sense of the world around him. From the little he had learned of Catholicism since he had been here, it was far more convoluted. He understood very little of it. 

“The pleasure is mine, Your Grace,” he nodded politely. Once they were outside, he turned his face to the sky, letting the light warm his skin and making note of the position of the sun and clouds, trying to determine how long they had to simply enjoy their ride. “There won’t be rain today,” he said, decidedly. “Would you like to lead the way? Do you have a favoured path?”

[princejingyan]

post count this week : n. of threads (6)

points gained : + 6 points for threads + 1 bonus points

Total: 7 Points

Points Allocations : +2 intelligence, +5 wealth

Updated Stats

Total: 142/150

Influence: 30 Intelligence: 24 Wealth: 30 Luck: 30 Physical: 30

[lichcng]

Celestials | Xuanji & Jingyan

[princejingyan]

lichcng‌:

The princess pursed her lips in thought at the general’s words. It was a large misconception that only evil men and unscrupulous men felt no remorse, or had a clear conscience after returning from battle - she was not of such thought. “Battlefields have nothing to do with conscience, not really. In battle, one must kill and order to kill, because if they do not, then they will be the ones getting killed. It is all about preserving one’s life. Murder is another thing, entirely, as it is usually borne out of selfish reasons, and so it should weigh down a person’s conscience - wars are made for a, supposedly and with a right purpose for it, higher good, a general benefit.” She replied, but at the following words she nodded. “Of course. Even the wrong path can be right - for us, for that moment. Every choice, no matter how atrocious, or how good, or selfish, is right for us in the moment we make the decision.”

Xuanji listened as Jingyan explained the plan to her, lips pursed as she pondered the deal. Poland for Mongolia. It seemed reasonable enough. “Poland appears weak enough, but the Holy Roman empire is right behind them. We should tread carefully, or there might be an open war upon us, sooner than we are ready for.” She hummed as she spoke, eyes narrowing as the plans formed in her mind. “The situation with a newly discovered princess certainly bodes well with us. What does the Tzar plan? Have someone loyal to him in charge of Poland, or annexing it completely to the tzardom of Russia?” She questioned, dark gaze fixing upon the general. “I am sure you will get a hold of politics soon. It is a lot like the battlefield, but all the killing happens behind the curtains.” She added the latter with a chuckle. When it came to driving a wedge between a mother and a son, Xuanji had no problem in doing it - so long as the mother was the Empress Yang. Her husband could be so much more, if only that… power hungry hag did not have her claws deep into Yu’s flesh. “I am also not the one to cause a rift between mother and son, but the way she deliberately chokes his spirit makes me deeply resentful of her.” The princess found herself more honest than she had intended to be, but in that moment she did not find the will to care about it. “No, they should not. I am sure Yu would not oppose to have them liberated, but the empress keeps vetoing it, each new excuse more idiotic than the last.”

It was strange how he took a sense of comfort from her words. She was clearly a thoughtful sort, able to see things that he could not. It was a useful trait, he thought. “I had never quite considered that,” he admitted. “Though I suppose that is true, everyone on a battlefield knows they may be killed. It is a more honourable sort of killing, in a way. If there is such a thing.” In Jingyan’s opinion, there was, but he was the first to admit the likelihood of being wrong. “I can only hope that when our children look back at all that we have done, they will think the same of the paths we chose.” Had he made the right choice? Had coming here been more of a mistake than they realised? Time was only thing that would truly tell. 

“i believe China is relatively protected by distance. To reach us, the Holy Roman Empire would have to cross through too much enemy territory.” Russia, Hindustan, The Ottoman Empire... all lay on the path to China, and it would not be easy for the Holy Roman Empire to march on them - if it was even feasible to make such a journey at all. “But we are exercising caution. I plan to meet with the generals of Russia and China to formulate a proper plan.” Whatever the Tsar wanted to do with Poland, Jignyan didn’t care. However, for men like him, there was only one option. “Annexation.” He shook his head a little, a half-smile forming on his lips. “In all honesty, I am not certain I want to get a hold of politics. I decided a long time ago that was not the type of man I wanted to be.” And yet here he was, playing games he had no business playing regardless. Thoughts one more turned to his brother, the fifth prince cocked his head in thought. “Does Yu realise what his mother is doing? Is he blind, or simply happy to allow her her way?”

[princejingyan]

inconnuis‌:

it was still fascinating to louis, to see two branches of the same tree growing into such different directions: for one son to be a soldier while another pursued the arts. it wasn’t quite as unfamiliar an idea as he would have liked it to be and though he didn’t fancy himself an art connoisseur by any means, he figured he was better at it than charles or francis. unfortunately, the thought didn’t hold the same amount of pride one could see on the chinese prince’s features.

it was almost something to envy, to see so many people with intact families gathered in one place. he shook the thought off, unwilling to tap into such a poisonous mindset for now.

“forgive me, that remark was unnecessary.” although the words were said earnestly, louis was quick to mirror the other man’s smile. making him, a trained diplomat, feel at ease was something not everyone managed to do with such ease and grace though he silently commended the chinese prince for his easygoing attitude. it was something louis was interested to see more of, if only because it seemingly made for nicer company than most other nobles in this place did what with their disputes and uncomfortable quirks.

“have you not yet seen the forest? it’s magnificent, i assure you.”

Jingyan had long ago made the choice to remove himself from politics. He had seen the damage it had done to the world, and to China, and would not succumb to the need for it. There was no notion of power or greed in his approach to the world, just a simple yearning for the best for China, no matter who the best was. 

If Louis had come to seek political discussion, even dressed as something more casual, he would be sorely disappointed. However, if it was friendship he sought, Jingyan could offer that in spades. In any case, the Frenchman was proving to be pleasurable company, and he would be remiss to not take him up on his offer. 

“I’ve not yet had the pleasure, here or in any European woodland. Perhaps it will not be so different.” 

[princejingyan]

@gcngjumama​

If there was one thing Jingyan was certain of, it was that he should not have allowed his family to come here. He had arrived with high hopes for what Switzerland may bring them. That small measure of freedom for his mother and sister was too much of an opportunity to pass up, after all, but now he found himself wanting to take the lot of them back home, where things were safer, where the dangers were far more predictable for a man such as him, who had grown from boy to man in the Forbidden City and knew it well. 

More than the imperial concubine and Princess Jingmei, he regretted bringing Seonhwa here. Of course, there was a reason for it, a show of unity for China’s future, and perhaps the potential of a wedding that would put these foreign courts to shame. It seemed so trivial now.  A member of her own family had been lost, and the longer they lingered here, the more of a risk she was in. It bothered him to his core, but if there was one thing Jingyan was born to do, it was to protect those he had tasked himself with the care of. She was one of those numbers now, and he hoped that was enough to keep her away from harm. 

It had been a while since they last spoke, but such things could not be helped when chaos rained. Still, he was here now, striding alone to her room to check up on her state of mind. Perhaps she would find the action too forward, or perhaps she would appreciate his approach. He would soon find out. 

He rapped smartly on her door to announce himself, his fist clutching a gift for his fiancee. It was no great present, nor anything particularly expensive. A simple jade pendant, carved into the shape of a dragon and hanging from a leather strap, it was a token he had taken into battle since he had first begun his military training. He hoped she would find it as much of a comfort as he had in his times far from home. 

“It is Jingyan,” he called out softly, spare hand coming to rest on the doorknob. “May I enter?”

[princejingyan]

gcngjumama‌:

    “my mother…” as much as seonhwa would like to say that they were close, any sort of affections seemed to have been reserved for her brother. that did not mean there was no love between them, or that she never enjoyed a mother’s embrace, but their ‘closeness’ seemed to fizzle out as seonhwa grew older. perhaps it was to prepare her for leaving home, to save her the heartache of missing her mother. in the end, it only made her miss her more, even while she was still in joseon. she yearned for the way her mother used to caress her hair, chase her around their private gardens, & tell her the stories of her clan. and when she had troubles, her mother always had the answers she sought. “we were, when i was a child. she was very dedicated to all of my siblings, ensuring we all felt equally loved. regretfully, we were not so close when i left,” she paused, a warmer smile forming at her next thought. “however, your mother reminds me a great deal of how she used to be. it is a comfort.”

she felt strangely gladdened & disheartened at the same time. the later reading as though she wished to be rid of the formalities an un-wed lady followed ( despite how despicable that felt to every instinct in her body ). she must be giving her mother terrible headaches with all of the unseemly thoughts running through her own head. “tomorrow would be excellent. i will have some materials prepared by then, as well as a lunch…if you would like to dine with me.” 

He could not imagine the relationship between himself and his own mother deteriorating. Jing was all he had ever known, and Jingyan would likely spend his life seeking to make her proud, to do the right thing, in her name. It troubled him that Seonhwa had experienced such a mental separation, even before the physical took place. “My mother is a very special woman.” He nodded, his pride rolling from him in fierce and glorious waves. “It gladdens me that you find comfort in her, for I imagine she will continue to play a large role in our lives.” He wanted to tell her that he hopes the only family they start together will share such relationships as he does with his mother, that they can raise them as he himself has been raised, but there’s something about the words that do not feel quite appropriate. 

“Of course I would,” Jingyan didn’t hesitate before responding. “In fact, I look forward to it. Very much.” They were to be wed, but Jingyan could not deny that he enjoyed her company in so many ways. He liked to look at her, to speak with her, to get to know who she was and find ways in which they could relate to one another. He would bask in any opportunity to continue his conversations with her, even if they must do so surrounded by her attendants. Jingyan paused, weighing up his next move. In China, it would not be done, but he had seen far more casual displays of affection here. In Europe, it seemed, nobody would bat an eyelid. And so, he leaned forward, pressing his lips gently to her cheek, and withdrawing just as quickly. “I will see you tomorrow.” 

[princejingyan]

infantateresa‌:

Location: Common Grounds 

With: @princejingyan

Teresa was desperately lost. She generally had a decent sense of direction at the least, but her mind had been else where as she walked. Now the sun was beginning to set and she was beginning to realize she would need to swallow what little pride she had and ask for directions. 

So she began to search for a familiar face, but as the sun only began to set more she quickly began to realize she was not likely to spot a familiar face. So, her task changed and she decided to look for at least a friendly face. So as she continued to walk, she continued to get more lost until finally she spotted someone who she prayed would be as nice as they appeared from her quick assumption. 

“Excuse me, would you be able to help me?” She asked walking over towards the stranger. She could tell from his appearance he was aligned with the other side of the war, but she had no bad blood personally with any country and hopefully this stranger felt the same way. “I have managed to get myself hopelessly lost, would you be able to point me in the right direction?” She certainly did not want to be lost out here when the sun went down.

Bow slung over his shoulder, Jingyan emerged from the Bellinzona forest. It had been a successful hunt, with a deer being felled by his arrows. His muscles ached, but it was satisfyingly so. Though he had set out with a party in tow, he emerged alone. His men were under instructions to prepare the beast, and distribute the meat amongst the town’s poor. 

He had expected to return to his chambers and sleep the evening away. He had earned it, her reasoned. It had been a hard day’s work. However, he had barely cut across the lawn when the words of the woman reached him. Jingyan turned to her, one delicate brow arching politely as he listened to her request. 

She was clearly European, though he would not be able to place her if he tried. He found it more difficult than he would care to admit to tell them apart, even those aligned with China. Instead, he shot her a warm smile, shifting his bow from one shoulder to the other. “Are you looking for Castelgrande?” he asked, with genuine warmth in his words. “It will soon be dark. Would you mind if I escorted you back?” 

[princejingyan]

@ferdinandlorraine​

There was only one place in Switzerland that made the Fifth Prince feel somewhat at home, and that was the stables. Since he was a boy, he had nursed an affection for horses. He could still remember his first pony, a chubby little thing shaped like a barrel, but full of mischief. How he had loved that horse. It was nothing like the bond he had with his current favourite steed - after all, he had ridden her to war countless times, unlike his childhood mount.

It was not unlike Jingyan to turn his back on more political matters. There was simply too much going on for his to comprehend, and when that happened, he withdrew. He was not built for such discussions. He was a soldier, and had been for all of his adult life. That was where he excelled, and so, he decided to leave discussions he was not suited for to those who knew far better than he, and indulge himself where he could. 

The stables were deserted. That suited Jingyan well. Hands behind his back, he made his way slowly from box to box, peering in at each horse in turn. When they turned their attentions to him, he offered them a pat on the neck, or blew a gentle stream of air on their face. When they did not, he simply admired and moved on. Just as he was debating grabbing some tack and borrowing a pretty chestnut mare for a short while, the stable door swung open. Jingyan glanced over his shoulder, greeting the newcomer with a welcoming smile. 

“Come to admire King Diebold’s horses?” He asked, amiably. “I warn you now, if you plan to pick a favourite, it is quite  impossible.” 

[princejingyan]

why do you rely so heavily on your mother?

If there was one thing Jingyan had never lacked in his life, it was affection for his parents. His mother and father had made him all that he was, and for that, he remained humbly loyal to the one parent he had left. He did not see it as reliance, but gratitude - though he had to admit, she was proficient where he was not. He would be a fool not to listen to her. “She has never steered me wrong,” he spoke softly, but there was a steel in his voice, a firmness that belied the fact that his position on the matter was unwavering. “Perhaps you could learn something from listening to your own mother.” 

[princejingyan]

what is your worst nightmare?

+  What are you most afraid of? To many, Jingyan was utterly fearless. A Warrior, a general, and a leader of men. In some ways, they were right. The Fifth Prince did not fear the physical. He would throw himself into the path of danger without a second thought if it came to it. But that did not mean he was without fear. 

Since his mother had been imprisoned, Jingyan had been plagued with sleepless nights, with a sense of worry like he had never known. He had never thought too much about doing the right thing, and just trusted that he would know what it was when it came to it. But the stakes had never been this high. One wrong move from him could condemn her and Jingmei, and if that happened, he would never be able to forgive himself. 

Despite all this, only one word fell from his lips. “Failure.” 

[princejingyan]

WEEKLY TRACKER 10/05/20 - 16/05/20

post count this week : n. of threads (10) + n. of tasks (2)

points gained : + 10 points for threads + 2 bonus points

Total: 12 Points

Points Allocations : +6 luck, +3 intelligence, +3 wealth

Updated Stats

Total: 135/150

Influence: 30 Intelligence: 22 Wealth: 25 Luck: 30 Physical: 30

[tudorsphillipa]

open to those in sasso corbaro castle

i t was, perhaps, as important to see as it was to be seen, especially since her illness had recently passed. the european counterparts of her empire’s alliance might not have cared if she lived or died, but there were still the sideways glances xinning caught out of the corner of her eye. 

in the late afternoon, she had taken to walking the castle grounds, accompanied by both maids and eunuch, with her guide hovering by her elbow. xinning had taken care with her appearance, pinning up her jet-black hair with gold and carnelian, pearls at her ears and temples. she wanders, a bit aimlessly, more worried than her serene appearance would suggest.

she slows, noting the roundness of the buds on a  spindly-looking tree. a morbid thought rises, and  she chuckles. « perhaps, » she notes, « the magnolia is afraid to bloom for fear that it too will lose its head. »

[princejingyan]

Now that the weather was beginning to improve with the first flushes of Summer, Jingyan was spending as much time as he could out of doors. It was the same every year, and had been since he was a boy. At the first hint of the sun in the sky, he raced straight for the gardens, ready to shake off the effects of Winter. The climate of Switzerland was not much like that which he was used to back home, but it was pleasant enough this time of year. 

What was more than pleasant, however, was seeing his mother walking through the grounds, out of her apartments. He is no longer used to seeing her walking so freely, no longer trapped in her confinement. His task, now, was to ensure she did not return her captivity- if they all survived long enough to return in the first place. 

He isn’t sure that she has noticed him approaching, and clears his throat to announce himself, the smile on his face one of genuine amusement. “I don’t think I can blame it,” he responded. “Though I don’t think a magnolia has much more purpose in life than decapitation.” 

[lichcng]

Celestials | Xuanji & Jingyan

[princejingyan]

lichcng‌:

She hummed in reply, softly nodding at the general’s words. It was comforting to learn that their minds worked in a similar way - to find that sort of connection with someone, perhaps even a friendship in future, was a very comforting thought indeed. “To have a clear conscience is the most powerful thing in the world and it is… unfortunate how many people fail to live by their own rules, their own souls and purpose they have chosen for themselves. If more us had such a conscience, then perhaps the world itself would have been a much better place to live in. I cannot speak for the Europeans; they battle among themselves in the name of one religion conquering another, but if our people abide by their own rules then perhaps we would not be facing such trying times.” She replied, lips pursed in thought as she pondered the latter. “Indeed. Yet, the choice itself can be a dangerous thing sometimes. How do we choose what is best for us, what goes in accordance to our true selves and our souls?” It was more of a thought, rather than an actual question directed to the general.

The princess had heard the rumours about it herself, but she did not know for certainty if they were true. Honestly speaking, she would not be surprised to learn that the empress poisoned her husband in order to seize power for herself ( the greed and lust for power that others felt had long ceased to surprise her ). Humming in agreement, Xuanji nodded once more. Indeed, if she were that altruistic and working for the general betterment of China, rather than herself, the people would have been much more amicable and content with her rule. The general kept speaking and the crown princess could really imagine how he could achieve that. The Empress was… paranoid, in a way all monarchs clinging to power were, and perhaps his feat to make her trust him would be achieved much easier than she had originally thought. His following words, however, piqued her interest again, and her eyebrow rose in question. “Oh? The tsar strikes me as a wise political. Perhaps it would benefit us to strengthen our bonds with Russia.” Xuanji approved with another nod, and then her lips curved in a smile. “Now that is most wise of you. If you, as both his brother and his trusted general delivered Mongolia to him, the Empress would certainly lose her footing with him, and it might… sober him up, make him lose his trust in her and shift it to us, instead.” Indeed, that was the most alluring idea so far - and quite achievable, if they play their hands right. She heard the quiet request in his voice, and nodded again. “It has long been my intention to grant them both freedom. I admit I feel rather protective of your little sister and the Empress’ treatment of both of them deeply annoys me.”

It surprised Jingyan how comfortable he was discussing such philosophical topics with her. He was firm in his beliefs, but it was rarely something he spoke of with others. It was private and personal, but he did not mind sharing it with Xuanji. “Somehow I wonder how my conscience can be so clear,” he confessed to her. “I have led men to battle. I have killed and asked others to kill. An yet I do not doubt that I did what was right for China. Funny, isn’t it?” He looked to her for a reaction, but said nothing else on the matter. He had been fighting since he was sixteen. He could not imagine life any other way. “Choice can be dangerous, but there is power in it. Liberation, too. We must trust that even the wrong choice will aid us on the path to enlightenment, and help us to grow and improve.” 

“He claimed that strengthening our bonds was one of his goals,” he confirmed with a nod of his head. “Though I am not certain how true that is. I am not so well-versed in politics, now am I interested in being so.” He spoke the truth aloud, perhaps for the first time. “But I like to think I have good instincts about people. I do not think he would betray us if we were to help him, and so I made a promise. Poland for Mongolia. In the name of the Crown Prince and you.” He bowed his head in acknowledgement of her. He was glad that she did not strike his plan down, for it was the only one he had. “Either way, I have no interest in going against my brother, or the dowager empress. I need only an opportunity to prove that. I do not wish to drive a wedge between mother and son, but neither will I shy away from it if necessary.” He knew that he would not be content without his mother’s guidance in his life, but it was not the same thing. He had proven himself on his own merit, too. “I appreciate your support in that matter,” he was glad that she was somebody she could trust with this. She was his best chance of securing their freedom, but it was still a relief to know that he was not alone in his attempts. “They never should have been confined.” 

[princejingyan]

giovannamedici‌:

“That would be nice, tell her I’d like to share dinner with her sometime…” Giovanna mused, looking ahead before she felt the usual bout of sickness stir within. With a grimace, she turned to face the Prince - replacing her features quickly with a smile, a smile well worn by the Italian noble lady. “Your grace, I find myself lucky to spend some time with you. I hope to get to know you more, to hear your story! Perhaps we could arrange a meeting in the near future.” 

“I shall,” Jingyan declared. He did not miss the shift in the expression of her face, and dropped her arm swiftly, taking a smart step away from the lady. “I would like that to, but for now, I will bid you farewell, my lady. I hope our paths will cross once more.” 

[princejingyan]

vzrahmad‌:

he understood — in truth, he understood more than he could say. ahmad’s viewpoint was simple, and he had little room for the twists and turns politics could so often take. but this was akbar’s wish, akbar’s plan, and ahmad would not question it. ( china was their ally, but akbar wanted more. he always wanted more. ) yet he knew, had the situations been reversed, he would find it difficult to trust those harboring hindustan’s enemies. he let out a sigh. all he could do was defend his sultan. “and the tumed warriors have offered ours much protection. they have died protecting our people. there is more to this story than war and loss.” 

the fifth prince of china… ahmad made a mental note of what he knew of the princes and princesses of china — theirs was a court as complex as hindustan’s own, but it interested ahmad far more than the european courts. ( and how many rumors came drifting from the court these days! ) “it is good to finally meet you. i feel this topic is only one of many that we will discuss in the coming days.”  

He wanted to point out that China would have helped, but Jingyan was not in the habit of telling untruths. It was why he would make a poor politician. He would like to think that his country would have aided their allies in defending their people, but the truth was it was not his choice to make. Would Yang sacrifice China’s warriors to defend the borders of a country she cared little for? “Then I warn you now. This will cause more trouble for all of us before it is over.” There would come a time when the Chinese and the Tumeds would once more come to blows, and Hindustan would be forced to choose who they offered their aid to. He hoped that the Sultan would choose wisely. 

He bowed his head as a sign of respect and raised it once more to meet the other man’s eyes. “There is much to discuss between our countries,” he acknowledged. “Though not before I speak to the crown prince, and our dowager empress.” Not before he had explicit instructions on how far they could trust Hindustan. “And not until China is assured that the Mongolians will not catch wind of our conversations.”