Gu

Gu was an Earth Kingdom official who served in the early era of Yangchen. He was assigned as royal inspector in Bin-Er after the supposed spiritual disturbance in the city.^[1]

History

After the disappearance of Zongdu Henshe, Avatar Yangchen received permission from Earth King Feishan to temporarily administer Bin-Er as a neutral party. However, the Earth King assigned Gu as the city's royal inspector, and had him report back information on the shang city.

Six months after Yangchen took control of Bin-Er, Gu was present at Yangchen's meeting with the shangs in the great hall. He sat behind the central dais at the recorder's desk, and saw Noehi twitch her lips in fear when he made eye contact with her. Yangchen remained mindful of Gu as she made her next phase of proposals to the merchants, continuing to frame everything in terms of wealth lost and gained, in part because she had to deliver on the Szeto-like efficiency she had promised.

During the meeting, the shangs explained that they genuinely did not have the cash to fund new projects in the city, as much of the city's budget was tied up in loans that Henshe had made. When the Avatar asked Shang Teiin to give her his hat, Gu's own brush stopped moving to record the meeting. As she continued to demand Noehi's earrings, she remained mindful that Gu was watching, and that, by extension, the Earth King and the four nations, were also witnesses to the event. As she called on the shangs to donate their own assets to fund the city's public projects, Yangchen did not want to tip off Gu that something suspicious was afoot with an unprecedented display of selflessness. She therefore announced that she was selling her own staff to raise the money. The shocking act prompted a series of donations from the city's wealthy merchants.

When the meeting concluded, Gu walked with Yangchen down the hallway, remarking that he was sure whoever bought her staff would soon gift it back to her. The Avatar told the inspector that she truly meant to go without it. Gu was surprised, asking her if it would not be inconvenient, but Yangchen's voice rang out with vitriol as she told him that the purpose of life was not convenience. She apologized to Gu for the outburst as they reached the exit, telling him that the demands of the city were many. At that moment, Gu and Yangchen were surrounded by a cheering crowd who had been waiting for a glimpse of the Avatar. Gu had to shout as he noted that the city adored Yangchen a great deal, though she tried to say that it was only a mere show of respect. The inspector was unconvinced, saying that he remembered the respect that Szeto received, but this kind of devotion was something else. The Avatar tried to say that it was unwarranted, but Gu went on to say that perhaps it was not, as she had quelled the spiritual unrest, improved the lot of the commonfolk, and increased business in the city by a third. He said that he did not know how she could sustain so many victories, and then had to yell over the crowd that he was staying behind, proceeding to go back inside the building.^[1]

Physical description

Gu was bundled in many layers during his time in Bin-Er.^[1]

Abilities

Gu's writing brush moved "faster than a master musician's fingers". He was able to intimidate the shangs, as it was known that he could quickly produce very detailed reports.^[1]

Appearances

Chronicles of the Avatar

The Legacy of Yangchen

• 202. "Adoration"

References