Chapter 189: Reputation

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In the week leading up to the banquet, all manner of important guests arrive at Rumbling Thunder City, each trying to outdo the other in terms of retinues. It has greatly taxed the city’s ability to house everyone. Not because there are so many of them that the city literally doesn’t have enough space. Rather, housing everyone in accommodations suited to their station without offending one minor lord or another has proven to be an exercise in futility.

Still, it has been worth it for this moment. The day of the banquet has arrived, and all are happy. That is surely what City Lord Chu would say. The stout man is in his element, drinking and laughing with his peers. The grand hall of the mansion has been luxuriously decorated. No matter where Liu Jin looks, something is shining. The people drink, eat, and dance without end.

As for himself…

“Oh, how wonderful it is to meet you, Lord Qing!”

“Tales of the Eternal Flame Clan have reached us all the way in Blackwood City, Lord Qing.”

“Lord Qing! I heard you defeated a hundred of General Nie’s soldiers.”

“Is it true you have been in the Dead Plains, Lord Qing?”

Lord Qing. Lord Qing. Lord Qing. Liu Jin hears it again and again as he greets nobles, government officials, and high-ranking army personnel.

Liu Jin is not particularly worried about people knowing his last name. Lei Kong had assured him the surname Qing was fairly common in the Storm Dragon Empire. During and after the civil war, many people took the name Qing, some out of respect, others for less than reputable motives.

Still, it feels strange to be called lord, even if he understands the reason. To them, a Core Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan is equal and even greater in terms of prestige. The result is a never-ending parade of influential people seeking to exchange platitudes with him. It is a new arena for Liu Jin, and he would be lost if it wasn’t for Lu Mei. She walks at his side, transmitting information through her Qi so he has some idea of who he is talking to.

“Lord Li, I heard your daughter was born last month. Congratulations.”

“You are too humble. Blackwood City’s name is known far and wide.”

“An exaggeration, I assure you. It would have been different if your son had been there, Count Hou. I believe he was recently promoted to a Thousand-Man Commander. Is that right?”

“A boring story. Nothing like how you bravely led your city’s defense against a Many-Headed Sparrow last year.”

Liu Jin has laughed and smiled so much throughout the night it is beginning to hurt his face.

“You truly are amazing, Lord Qing,” one of the City Lords gathered around him says. The man’s name escapes him right now. A pity since he knew it perfectly just a minute ago. “And you even have such a lovely flower at your side. It is true what they say. Great men attract great women.”

“Oh, you are too kind, Lord Nanguo,” Lu Mei says with an elegant laugh. Unlike him, she is completely at home here. She has chosen to forgo her disciple robes in favor of an elegant red dress decorated with emeralds. “But what will your wife think if she hears you paying compliments to a younger woman?”

“Don’t tell me you are going to tell on me?” The City Lord asks, playing up his reaction. They all laugh.

“Please, tell me we’re done,” Liu Jin transmits to Lu Mei once they have moved on.

“Don’t tell me this is too much for you. Just think of these people as poisoned candies.”

“That makes nothing better. I am fairly sure it makes it worse.”

“Colonel Peng did not come, and General Nie Dan declined to attend the banquet as is often the case,” Lu Mei continues. “That leaves one important person we have yet to greet. I am sure you know who I am speaking of.”

“Duke Lai. I see him.” More importantly, Liu Jin sees who the duke is with. “I am surprised we did not greet him sooner.”

“He was surrounded by too many people. There was no sense in approaching him. You will not be seen vying for his attention like some dog,” Lu Mei replies, making Liu Jin smile as they make their way to the duke.

If Liu Jin had to describe Duke Lai in one word, it would be sick. His body is thin and barely has any muscle, something that even his robes cannot hide. His skin is pasty white, and he even has hollow cheeks. It looks as if a stiff breeze could knock him over.

“You must be Lord Qing!” Duke Lai smiles as they make eye contact. The smile does not look good on him. “I have heard much of you already!’

“Is that so?” Liu Jin says, his gaze shifting to the man standing next to Duke Lai. “I hope Yuan Tao only had good things to say about me, Duke Lai.”

Yuan Tao stares back at him without flinching.

“And when would I have had time to say bad things?” Yuan Tao asks, his golden eyes have a dull glow under the lights of the banquet hall. “The duke and I have only just started talking, Brother Qing. I fear you are quite the lengthy subject.”

“How unfortunately true,” Liu Jin says. “Yet, I do not mean to imply you have talked about me in the party but rather during one of the many visits you have paid the duke since he arrived.”

Weeks ago, it was decided that, in the spirit of cooperation, some disciples of the Eternal Flame Clan should help out with the city guard during their stay here. For some reason, Liu Jin was put in charge of this effort, something that greatly hindered his ability to personally observe Yuan Tao. He is stretched so thin he does not even trust himself to create a soul fragment to spy on Yuan Tao.

However, Liu Jin has been able to place several disciples he trusts (the ones he knows from the Dead Plains like Ni Cai and Ten) in the city guard and make it so they’re always in a position to observe Yuan Tao. That is why he knows Yuan Tao visited Duke Lai of Stone River City at least two times last week. Both meetings were quite lengthy.

“Oh, my.” Unlike the glaring Yuan Tao, Duke Lai laughs. “You truly do live up to your reputation, Lord Qing.”

“My reputation is nothing compared to yours, Duke Lai,” Liu Jin says. “Stone River City is famous for its many goods.”

“Quite right,” Lu Mei says. “Your steel reaches our armories, and your herbs fill our apothecary.”

“You flatter me,” Duke Lai says. “I am sure the Eternal Flame Clan has much bigger trading partners than this duke.”

“Perhaps,” Liu Jin admits. “However, as far as the Storm Dragon Empire is concerned, Duke Lai’s name stands out among the rest. Of course, if General Dan were to defeat the other two generals, the rest of the Storm Dragon Empire would open up for us, leading to more competition. I am sure Yuan Tao has already talked about this with you.”

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“Nonsense, Jin,” Lu Mei says, playfully hitting his arm. “I am sure Duke Lai is not worried about a little competition.”

“Oh, my,” Duke Lai says. “You two are so charming. My good friend Yuan Tao, why did you not tell me they were so charming?”

“I thought it best for you to experience it, duke.”

Liu Jin and Lu Mei smile.

~~~

At night, Rumbling Thunder City is filled with lights. Those living on the lower side see a glittering mountain reaching towards the heavens. It is a dazzling sight that invites them to climb. To desire. To have ambition. Meanwhile, those who live on the upper side look down from above and see the mountain draped in warm lights that cool down as one reaches the prairies. It is soothing. Peaceful. Contemplative.

Liu Jin has found himself enjoying both views, though he prefers the latter one. He has often climbed to the top of City Lord Chu’s mansion and just sat there. Lu Mei has joined him a few times, usually bringing some wine for them to share. With everything going on, those have been some of the few quiet moments they have been able to get.

Liu Jin has stepped out to the balcony. Being around so many people for so long is suffocating for someone like him. He’d like to say he has done enough socializing for a night, but he knows that’d be a lie. He’ll have to go back inside eventually.

For now, he’ll just enjoy his temporary solitude.

Or perhaps not. He frowns when he feels someone joining him on the balcony.

“City Lord Chu,” he says, making the man jump in surprise. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Lord Qing! Please, don’t scare me like that. This old man does not want to fall down the mountain,” the City Lord says. He tries to come off as joking, but he is too nervous to do it properly. “I was actually looking for you.”

“I see,” Liu Jin says. “It seems I have made you step outside the party. My apologies.”