Su Barony - Su City.
Nestled below the hill of the Baron's castle layed the city of Su. A staple to the Su family and the entire territory.
The city with over ten thousand residents functioned as the hub for trade, production and possibilities.
It was here the Su Barony's most important income machine stood.
Su City was manned by a garrison of a thousand men. Most having served in earlier years before settling down in the northernmost territory of Qin, that being Su.
The city had towering walls followed by a moat that surrounded it. Initially built to defend against the mountain people's forces prior to the benevolent Qin King all those years ago.
In it's hundreds of years existing, not a single time had it been taken over. This was the city of the north, a place where people flocked to for opportunities.
It's usual tranquility however had been disturbed.
The following morning, the news that Lord Su had fallen to Chu spread. Although a diplomat, this was the same man who fended off bandits, occasional mountain people raids and kept things peaceful.
Dozens who had been impacted by his kind acts cried. The city would prepare for his funeral.
That same morning quite a lot of higher ranking people realized a power vacuum would most likely not come to fruition.
Lord Su's eldest son, Su Yin, swiftly took over. Everyone knew of this esteemed young man who was known for his strong ability in tactics, economy, strategy and leadership.
A year prior he served as the main strategist under Lord Su while suppressing bandits. While not the most incredible feat, it revealed several things towards outsiders who kept the Su's in check.
First, the young master was trusted by Lord Su to direct troops and help in the elimination of bandits.
This said several things.
Lord Su was by no means an ignorant man, he was actually much more direct. To such a level he would directly insult his rivals face to face.
Known for his discipline, wits and quick thinking. No mistakes would fly.
That only meant that the young master had passed his requirements.
Second, the new lord had seemed to inherit his father's trait of being direct. He gave no chance towards Lady Yue to begin a power struggle.
Immediately, messengers with letters were sent to the most powerful people under the Su Family.
Any who aligned with anyone but Lord Su Yin would not only face persecution by the family but also be subjected to treason.
The reason Su Yin could get away with this?
Well it was all a bluff.
***
Earlier.
In the main hall, Su Yin finally sat on the small throne.
In front of him remained Jo and Lu, the left and right hand men of his father.
"Rise." Su Yin spoke aloud, and the two kneeling men stood.
He took one good look into their eyes. It was a gaze of 'let's see'.
"I'll be frank. You two served under my father, from now as your allegiance with him has ended. You may part ways if you want." Su Yin said and leaned forward, hands together.
Lu, the right hand man instantly fell to his knees in a bow.
"Absolutely not! My lord I will live and die serving the Su!" His voice was shaky and taken aback.
How could the young lord say this?
Jo remained standing, his face the regular casual.
But Su Yin could see the man was thinking about what he had said.
A moment later Su Yin stood and helped Lu stand. Then something the two would have never expected occurred.
"Huh?" Lu muttered in astonishment, body frozen.
"I'm grateful for having you Lu. Father would have been proud, extremely happy." Su Yin spoke into his ear.
It was then Lu processed what had happened.
The young lord… had given him a hug…
He almost collapsed again.
Tears ran down his face as he sobbed.
Su Yin chuckled and smiled softly.
He fell to the floor in a deep kneel, head touching the floor.
"My lord! It is a sign of the heavens! This loyal servant will always be at your service, no matter what!" Lu roared between his sobs and bowed three times, a sign that he had pledged allegiance.
Su Yin nodded with satisfaction before looking toward Jo. The man with no emotions stood still, gaze still.
"You're probably wondering. Is this a test? Why am I doing this?" Su Yin said and snapped the man out of his thoughts.
"Jo. You have been a loyal friend to my father for god knows how long. I know you've been involved with my step mother and the city lord." He said and revealed.
The man seemed to open his eyes before he nodded toward Su Yin.
He nodded back. "You must be thinking, am I really the best choice? Can I really inherit my father's mantle and lead this territory to flourish. Jo, you are someone who has the utmost passion and love for this territory. I know that." Su Yin began and explained with a short pause.
"My stepmother, my half brother, the city lord, those are other options you have considered capable to keep the territory alive." He continued. "That's why you have been in contact with them, in the case that I am deemed unfit."
With every sentence, it seemed Jo had his eyes opened even more. Su Yin could tell what the man was thinking.
How was this possible?
He turned and looked behind the throne, a large painting of a white dragon in all it's glory was on the wall.
"That… is the case, my lord." Jo finally spoke before continuing, voice curious. "How did you know? The lord hadn't—"
"Hadn't told me? I am aware." Su Yin said and nodded, turning to face Jo.
"I know my father very well. When he looked at me, I could see it in his eyes. They told me, if you grow to be an idiot… he wouldn't hesitate to disown me." He said with a laugh.
"Nonetheless, enough with so many words. Jo. Pledge your allegiance. Look me in my eyes." Su Yin took a step forward and met the man face to face.
"You see, I believe one's eyes are their soul. What does my soul say Jo?" He asked and smirked.
A full minute passed.
The two seemed to be in a trance according to Lu's later recollection.
"My lord… I do not know." Jo finally answered and broke the eye contact.
Su Yin chuckled and noticed a small drop of sweat run down the man's face.
"It's vast… incredibly vast, my lord. What I see in you, it is something I will never understand. It's as if you're looking over everything, not in a physical way… but as if you're on a higher plane looking at mere cattle… That is my interpretation." Jo gulped and answered with a small bow.
Although not noticeable, Su Yin's eyes widened slightly.
Impressive. I'm not 'Su Yin' after-all, I'm merely a young man from the modern era who somehow ended up here.
Is that what he saw? Maybe my modern knowledge? Or maybe the way I look at everything as if it isn't real.
Su Yin was amused, incredibly so that a wide grin stretched across his face.
I'm not a bum nor a helpless lazy idiot. I arrived here and am blessed to have. I will use my knowledge and wisdom to utterly destroy and conquer those who wish to stop my great life.
Am I arrogant? Yes? But so what, I deserve to be.
I am Su Yin, remember that, damn heavens.
Although Su Yin hadn't realized it at that moment, something had taken notice of him and it was… very interested.