Post by Ma Chao on Apr 7, 2012 18:18:37 GMT -5
The complex that serves as the stronghold of the city and residence of the noble class sits in the midst of Han Zhong. And in its very center lies the government office of the city, its boundaries defined only by a low stone wall. Patrolled by a few dozen guards posted to skirt the inner wall from dusk till dawn, with only the front and southern gate watched regularly and restlessly by a couple of keepers, the security of the office is scarcely considerable.
A long but gentle flight of stairs cuts north through the courtyard's gardens, gradually sloping into a set of wooden double doors. A low ceiling greets those who pass through, a humble structure minimally adorned and luxuriated only by a continual series of supporting pillars, a simple design of entwining dragons inscribed upon their surface.
Behind the main hall, through another pair of smaller doors, is the prefect's audience chamber, the central room of office and where he carries out the majority of his daily work. It is here that the prefect sits upon his humble throne, laboring at one end of a long wooden table seated with two rows of chairs. Visitors deemed appropriate to enter will be accompanied by guards to speak with the prefect in this room.
Through the azure curtains to the throne's rear is the prefect's personal bedroom, serving as a home at work. It is occupied solely by a bed and a small desk, for the dealing of more private works.
Those willing to see Ma Chao, Prefect of Han Zhong, come here.