Threads 308-Traditions 2

Ling Qi’s suggestion was a gamble, but a gamble she thought she knew the odds on. Better for the general to be a looming threat, but one step in the background, than a threat immediately on stage. And for the White Sky, it would hopefully be a step toward safer familiarity. Even if Imperial high realms were terribly mobile and active, they could still be approached and appeased through intermediaries.

This hinged on the general not immediately shooting her down though.

Also…

She glanced at Xia Lin, apologizing with her eyes for throwing the girl under the proverbial wagon. Xia Lin looked back, not seeming particularly enthused, but she lowered her chin a little in understanding. Thank the moons. She understood.

“It would be my honor to provide what small wisdom I have in ensuring that there are no misunderstandings,” Xia Lin said aloud.

A finger tapped the hilt of a silvery sword, a distinct clink echoing like the report of a firework in the clearing. “I will observe at all times. Direct interaction may be handled through Xia Lin and my White Plumes.”

“In that case,” Jin Tae said smoothly, “the ministry would like to assign a junior agent for the sake of observing technical matters.”

“The fellow you have assigned to me and my crew will do, won’t he?”

“Ah, Lady Wang, Agent Li is for your protection…”

Wang Lian raised an eyebrow. “He knows his formation work.”

Jin Tae, stymied, frowned. “… I will convey your thoughts to Senior Agent Cao.”

“If I am to understand correctly, your companion will serve our role to your…” Emissary Dzintara glanced at the general. “General.”

“That is my proposal.”

Dzintara glanced at the Crow, who furrowed his brow.

“I will fetch one of those who speaks to the Voice of Weeping Haven. They will observe for us as well,” the old man said.

Ling Qi waited a beat for anyone else to raise an objection, and when none came, she breathed out. She felt a twinge of anxiety still. There was danger in this proposal. But spurring acclimation between the two sides would be vital for the endeavor going forward. And if this went… acceptably, it would be a good symbolic achievement to raise in her own favor.

“Then I believe we may consider that motion passed,” Ling Qi said. “Are there any further objections?”

Wang Lian shook her head, and the general just continued to stand there, a silent pillar of articulated metal. Across the table, Dzintara met her eyes. There was both consideration and calculation there, and the sparks of pride. Ling Qi wondered if that was why she was the one here. She wondered if this was a test to see what could be pushed and how they would be treated with an emissary who was more assertive at their helm.

“The White Sky has nothing further to raise on this matter.”

Ling Qi held her gaze respectfully. She then glanced to the side.

“As no security formations will be placed upon the site, the ministry will not strenuously object, although Lady Ling should know that we do not believe this is the best course of action.” Jin Tae did not drop his smile, but she did recognize the warning. The Ministry of Integrity was a serious power. She could not ignore and upset them at will. She would need to pick and choose her battles with them in the coming days.

And there would be battles.

Ling Qi inclined her head to Jin Tae briefly in acknowledgment of the warning. “With the arrangements for the work crews made, we must turn to the soldiery. It is my hope that we are able to bring the same goodwill and coordination to this subject as well.”

“I will share our route and schedule.” The harsh metallic buzz of Xia Ren’s voice reverberated across the table. “You, our guests, may observe these and match your own to it.”

Xia Lin gave her an encouraging look. That was… downright accommodating, Ling Qi had to admit, even with the implication of the imperials’ primacy.

“We hope that by allowing our soldiers to patrol together, they may learn one another’s appearances and movements well,” Ling Qi said. “The better we recognize each other, the less chance there is for false strife.”

“I agree with that. However, I object to the routes which continue to come so close to our stronghold. Your men are unnecessary there,” Dzintara said.

Ling Qi pulled in a breath. “Unfortunately, I must disagree.”

She could not be too soft and accommodating. If her own side saw her as weak and overly generous, it would undermine her own position.

“I hope that it may one day be different, but we are still new neighbors. It is sensible for everyone to keep a close eye. I will ask that you be satisfied with joint patrols in the area. And this is not without accommodation. Your men may join the patrols which cross over the embassy and observatory as well.”

Stolen novel; please report.

She spoke firmly, and to her relief, the General did not feel the need to add anything.

Dzintara said grudgingly, “This is… fair.”

“It is quite generous,” Jin Tae lightly contradicted. “How do you intend these joint patrols to be commanded, Lady Ling?”

“Equal officers,” Ling Qi replied. “That is, each patrol shall have a leader of equivalent rank from each party, commanding their own contingent, as was done in days when the Imperial Peace of past dynasties was shaken.”

Best not to imply anything about the current dynasty, even if her study to find any precedent for this solution implied that leftover strife from the second extended well into the early establishment of the current third.