Threads 329-Dukes 3

Ling Qi and Cai Renxiang had spoken on this issue. Even if the members of the ducal clans had no desire at all to interact with the summit beyond observing, having a system in place, a system for all of them, that could not be seen as pushing one or more out was vital. Even if someone like Meizhen would never undermine her on purpose, they still answered to their clans. To that end…

“It is Lady Cai’s opinion that the most respectful method will be to arrange times after primary negotiation is finished for the day where observers and guests may come to the embassy and speak with the foreign representatives who wish to speak. Amenities and security will be present of course, but Lady Cai asks that you limit your interactions to this time.”

The two of them had hit upon this as the best they could do. This proposal would formalize the interaction, keeping the setting public enough to hopefully avoid giving anyone the opportunity to do something untoward, while not insulting their ducal guests with the implication that they needed minders. Admittedly, troublemaking was only really a concern with certain parties, but it was best to treat all parties equally.

Zheng Fu looked disappointed. “That’s kind of a pain, isn’t it? Doesn’t that mean we gotta wait till things kick off properly?”

“The Cai clan will thank you all for your forbearance,” Ling Qi replied politely but firmly.

“Kinda high-handed,” Sun Liling drawled. “Saying the Cai can tell the rest of us what to do.”

“A captain does not assert his authority on another’s ship. It is only polite to acquiesce to such requests,” Xuan Shi agreed.

“Naturally,” Bai Meizhen said precisely. “The Bai clan will respect our host’s request.”

“Never knew snakes could be housebroken.”

Ling Qi sucked in a breath as she saw Bai Meizhen’s eyes widen, her slit pupils shrinking to barely visible lines. Xiao Fen let out a sharp, keening hiss, and she made as if to rise, only to stop at seeing Meizhen’s raised hand.

“A sharp cut for a blade that I have already left broken in the mud,” Meizhen said softly.

“You wanna try again?” Sun Liling challenged. “I guarantee it won’t go how you like.”

Ling Qi clapped her hands, and the rush of wind was a thunderclap.

“Princess Sun,” Ling Qi said harshly, trying not to feel nerves as every eye went to her. “Everyone. Please reign yourselves in. I do not wish for strife among us, but Lady Cai has been empowered by Her Grace to expel any guests at this summit, if their conduct should be too disruptive. She would greatly regret doing so.”

Sun Liling looked her up and down, and at her side, Ji Rong grimaced. “That so? Not a light threat to throw around.”

“It is not, and I had hoped not to bring it up. Let us all remain civil, so that I do not need to do so again.”

There was silence. Bai Meizhen’s expression was blank, and the other two Bai bristled. Sun Liling’s smirk never went away. Xuan Shi’s shoulders were hunched, and he seemed deeply uncomfortable.

Zheng Fu let out a bellowing laugh. “That’s the stuff! Hah, it’s good for even newbie dukes to stand up for themselves! Gotta know when to cut the shit and lay down your house rules.”

His laugh shattered the tension thoroughly.

“Strange words for a scion of the rivers, whose disrespect is legendary.” Bai Meizhen settled back into her seat.

“You get bad seeds from everywhere, even in the land of heroes.” Zheng Fu shrugged. “Would be less problems if all of you outsiders just said what you meant and treated your kin better too, eh?”

“Aren’t you lot more of a theater troupe?” Sun Liling taunted. “Can’t say I recall a whole lot of heroes named Zheng in the last few thousand years. Maybe I’m just a rural bumpkin though.”

Zheng Fu grinned, stretching the fabric of his mask.“You’re not wrong! We’ve been sitting around growing moss on our asses for a while!”

Ling Qi relaxed marginally. The edge of violence in the air was defused.

Xuan Shi surprised her as he spoke over both. “This one is pleased that Lady Cai is not here to see the disrespect being displayed at her table.”

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Sun Liling snorted. “Tch, you would be. Course that you’re sittin’ here and not the prettier boat boy shows the way this is leaning.”

“If the fine neighbors upon the sand wish to show their disinterest, that is their matter,” Xuan Shi replied.

“Feh, you’ve got bad taste, princess. Those Jin have been warming their throne as long as we’ve been gathering moss, and they still act like a bunch of newbies.” Zheng Fu scoffed. “The Cai and the Guo are already a league or two ahead on attitude alone.”

Sun Liling was unimpressed. “Easy talkin’ shit about someone who isn’t here. Why is that anyway?”

“Jin Tae declined the invitation, citing his role as a ministry apprentice. He is not at the summit as a member of the Jin,” Ling Qi said evenly.