Threads 248-Journey 5

Then, very slowly, the woman cracked a smile. “I see. That is generous.”

“It is my hope that our relations can be friendly in the future, and if I may do an ally a favor while forestalling further tragedy, that can only be good,” Ling Qi replied. It was easier than ever to allow her own thoughts and Sixiang to operate in parallel, shaping her words for maximum effect. Diao Hualing was, in her estimation, a mostly mercenary figure so framing their relationship in terms of favors given and owed was best.

“It is reaching to ask another party to do your work and call it a favor,” said Diao Hualing lightly.

“Lady Diao, my friends are candid with me. I know what you offered to Su Ling. If you have an interest in that bloodline, I have very much given you an excuse to get it. Moreover, it is a rationale that your opponents might be hard pressed to fight. As long as the children are well cared for and not dying in the cold, I am pleased enough.” Ling Qi held her gaze. “Though, I will admit ignorance as to what your goals are.”

Her probe was a bit of a risk, but she felt that Diao Hualing’s mood was good enough to try it.

“Spirit blood is valuable, and though the methods of astrological divination are in vogue, the old methods are not worthless,” offered Diao Hualing. “I will commend you on your words. Your eyes are sharp for one so young. I believe we may have an accord here.”

“Thank you. But you did not answer me.”

“I did not,” said Diao Hualing thoughtfully. “The Diao are strong, and our foundations solid. Are we not the ones others should emulate?”

“Perhaps, but I imagine the other counts would put forth an equal claim,” said Ling Qi cautiously.

“They would. An equal claim,” said Diao Hualing with some satisfaction. “It will take some weeks to assemble trustworthy agents and diviners for this.”

“I only ask that you be thorough and as quick as you are able. And… if possible, could it be left open for Su Ling to have access?”

“To an extent.” Diao Hualing offered an eloquent shrug. “If families are found for these children, then those households would be responsible.”

Ling Qi furrowed her brow. That was a fair point, but…

“But some surveillance can be arranged, as the spirit may escalate if its cultivation is disrupted,” Diao Hualing continued blithely.

“That would be well,” said Ling Qi, understanding the implication clearly enough. “Do we have an accord then?”

“We do. You are wise to allow the Diao to handle this matter, and I believe our partnership will be fruitful.”

“You are very reasonable,” Ling Qi agreed. “To future success then.”

“To future success,” echoed Diao Hualing.

They chatted a few moments longer. Diao Hualing would supply her with an introduction and credentials to the district ministry when it was time for her involvement, and she would remain on correspondence for the other matter. Ling Qi also agreed to speak with Diao Hualing first if her “divination” turned up anything else on the matter of Madam Gray.

She had avoided making the extent of her knowledge obvious, but she was sure the Diao investigator was thinking of what else she might be aware of.

By every measure, she had succeeded at all of her goals coming here. Ling Qi wondered why she felt so relieved as she left the ministry grounds, allowing herself a moment to slump against the side of the carriage. She had rehearsed so long as to what she would say if she had to push. She had thought up oblique threats and practiced statements standing her ground, and yet, Diao Hualing had simply been so reasonable about the whole thing that none of it had been necessary.

“Hey, hey, you had some pretty good one liners-lined up. We’ll save them for another time, yeah?” Sixiang gave her the feeling of being patted on the shoulder.

“You’ll have to remember them all.” She squeezed her eyes shut. After a moment, she straightened. “Okay. Okay. Everything went well. We have until sundown now. So, let’s find Shu Yue, and…”

Ling Qi felt the hairs on her neck rise, and a crawling sensation skittered up her spine.

She kept her gaze straight ahead for a few long seconds, then turned and bowed to the looming figure standing behind her. Shu Yue looked much as they had last time, their androgynous face gazing down impassively from the shadows that gathered about them like a cloak. They were deeply unsettling still, limbs too long, fingers too long, and posture subtly wrong as if their bones were not all in the right places.

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But by now, she had dealt with many inhuman figures. Ling Qi bowed her head. “Master Shu is prompt.”

How long had Shu Yue been with her? She didn’t know.

“Whence this title?” they asked curiously.

“You have said you would teach me. I only wished to be polite.”

Tap-tap-tap went too-long fingers, nails a polished black and glinting despite the lack of light.

“No.”

“No?” Ling Qi echoed.

“To be a master… This is an intimate relationship. Neither I nor you have arrived at this,” said Shu Yue.