Allright...so

Wu Zhe was on his way to ask for a personal audience with the emperor

No big deal...taking a few more breaths and things would be okay.

Damn I hate court

He bowed the the Imperial servant

''I am Wu Zhe of the Dragon. I would humbly ask for an audience with his Imperial highness...''

How does one address an Emperor?

He is allowed inside to see Shiba, sitting serenely, seeming to be waiting for him. "Welcome, Wu Zhe of the Dragon. Would you like a cup of tea?"

The dragon farmer bowed low to the Emperor as he entered the chamber, clearly not in his element

''Your highness...thank you for receiving me on such short notice''

His throat was indeed dry

''That would be lovely your highness but...I...do not wish to impose''

"Of course. It is no imposition," he said, and soon a cup of steaming, heavenly-smelling was placed in front of him.

"What brings you here?"

''Erm...thank you your Highness'' the Wu representative took a seat where indicated ''I am here to talk to you about a project Lord Togashi tasked our delegation to accomplish: build four temples in the cardinal directions around Shinomen Mori who must follow precisely certain practises.''

He mulled his words to express things as clearly he could

''I am no closer to understand why your esteemed brother wants this done but I know it is probably quite important. Also, the more I talk with parties that might be concerned the more I get the feeling that the least amount of people know about the better...it might be presumptuous or foolish of me but that is why I did not approach you at court today''

"I see... I don't underestimate my brother's wisdom, even if his reasoning is sometimes known only to himself," he replied with a nod. "I believe I understand why you would be hesitant. Even if not a potential need for discretion, it can be difficult for others to understand."

He sighed and nodded

''We have begun speaking with the parties who are likely to be interested. I spoke with Nozomi of the Order of Heroes and Bayushi Kogi while Togashi Satsuki-sama spoke with Chai Kotsune.''

He sipped his tea his tea and...was surprised by how good it was. Better then any tea had any right to be

''Well...hum. Nozomi is interested as this seems to coincide with the Order's need to grow. Bayushi-san will transmit the information to Lord Bayushi but she seemed doubtful help of such magnitude would be granted.''

"Hmm... My brother grants some leeway in the administration of their lands to his family daimyo. I believe the Shosuro lands are the closest to the Shinomen around the middle," he replied, rubbing the bottom of his chin. "You may wish to speak to Shosuro herself on the subject, if you are concerned."

''If she is present then I surely will'' he said gratefully ''But even if all the clans agree to chip in for the temples near their borders, that still leaves us with the western most temple. The location is remote and difficult to access, even more so for our clan.''

He paused and sipped more tea

''Would it be possible to ask for Imperial help in this case?''

Shiba nodded. "Yes. It will be difficult to access and maintain, but I don't doubt my brother's wisdom, even if it is mysterious at times. We will contribute to the building and maintenance of the western temple."

''Thank you your highness. I am sure that knowing your majesty approves of the endeavor may influence those who doubt.''

"Of course. Good luck in your endeavors, Wu-san."

The dragon bowed and thanked the Emperor once more

/scene?

/scene