Lady Xianhua | A Spotlight on the Notable

[Lady Xi 18]

 

You do not know me and you won't. You will know my words, my stories of the depths of the Jade State of Yong Ping and of the many lives found within.

And with any story, we shall begin at the top. The notable families of Yong Ping.

 

How notable might they be?

And just who are they?

 

The four founding families of Yong Ping, each notable in their own right and having come into such esteemed status via varying ways.

 

The Lis

The Tianruis

The Watanabes

and

The Chens

 

 

The Lis, known within Ai-zho and Yong Ping alike as the ruling family and yet different in many ways. The Lis are known for their brutal takeover, their family long ago having taken over the varying states and instating their Empire. Though, quite interesting, the Lis found within Yong Ping differ from this greatly. Having rebeled against the rest of their family in Ai-zho, they came to Arcas and soon to Almaris, where they began what would have come to be known as Tai Ping. A relatively small district within Talons Port, they'd boast a teahouse, a few homes and a lovely park and temple above. Their scavenger hunt something often raved about and keeping those there for hours on end. As the attraction of the small district grew ever-popular, it'd seem they'd need to upgrade from a district to a settlement. As the settlement came underway, the people of Tai Ping looked to them ever more, close through their troubles and despite what their family had done back in Ai-zho itself, giving them what is known as the reputation of a notable and high-up family. Difficult to marry into, if one wished to do so and difficult to ally with.

 

 

The Tianruis, a long-standing and long-living family. One might consider it valuable to marry into them if given the chance and with just how big they are, there is many a chance. Soldiers and farmers both, they've steadily worked their way up the totem pole so to speak. A powerful military family and in complete control of the food served within the borders, they are a force to be reckoned with. Not one, but two Tianruis have been a Duhu within the Yong Ping Army. Duhu meaning The General in common for those who might not know. Long being around, even in previous lands, they've long been a military force, many cousins and siblings alike filling the Yong Ping Armies ranks. Loyal and honorable, they'd be a valuable ally whichever way one might look. With the chaos of the Tai Ping massacre, it has been said by many a person, that it was the Tianrui teahouse they turned to, trusting Tianrui Ren even before the Army was in existence to protect those and protect them he did. Highly celebrated and honored, he is a man of high caliber and supremely loyal to his wife, oh how it makes a lady swoon. A mix of both Li-Ren, Oyashiman and something not quite named, they are an eclectic family, one to certainly keep an eye on.

 

 

The Watanabes, cousins of the Tianruis, through a cousin of a cousin having married each other long back, they have made their own name even with the hefty one to find themselves compared to. A majority Oyashiman, some Li-ren will be found in there and they are what would be considered the opposite side of the coin of the Tianruis. With their lengthy trials to get introduced into the family and their rites as to their childhood, they are a proud family with many a tradition. Vibrant, intricately detailed tattoos often cover most of their skin, and with a bit of a brash tone, they are a family that most would look to for protection in the unconventional way. Running the Inn, they keep visitors to the Jade State on their best behavior and on the side, host that of the betting ring during fight nights and that of Geisha dances for the would-be masses. Entirely Matriarchal, it leads to an interesting dynamic, where beauty meets with deadly. Offering protection and a way to prove themselves, they've made quite the name and will continue to do for many years.

 

 

 

Last and certainly not least, we have the Chen family. Insanely rich and known for their beauty and support of the arts, they're a family nigh impossible to take your eyes off of. Having come from Ai-zho and to Tai Ping, they fast made their name known through a series of performances and plays that put their name on the map. Or perhaps it was that of the many a beauty people pined over? Even so, as time went on and Yong Ping was founded, they'd soon prove themselves not only artfully but intellectually as their work allowed for the quick and concise creation of laws and funds for the Jade State. Their work with the arts continued heartily, dances of flame meeting with plays, events hosted and each one becoming flashier then the next. Each with a deep pocket and fingers in many a basket, they have many connections and many a people vying for an alliance, hence the hefty waitlist on those hoping for wardship with the prosperous family. Rumored to be one of the harder ones to marry into, the Patriarch himself is said to have contracted with someone for such a marriage, making one think that perhaps a secret or two is hidden.

 

 

 

Signed,

Lady Xianhua, speaker of truth, gossip and the entertaining.