Threads 389-Making Good 2

Ling Qi didn’t miss the slightly uncertain look on Xia Anxi’s face as he glanced at her. She really was going to have to thank Meizhen. She suspected her friend had made significant work for herself in accepting just one prisoner for the Bai.

The air was no less tense through the rest of the negotiations. Every word felt measured and strained, but eventually, eventually, it ended.

The Bai were given the honor of standing first, and being seen off. She shared a shallow nod of understanding with Bai Meizhen as she swept out, leaving only the Meng and them.

“It is my hope that you understand that the Cai could not—would not—alienate our friendship with the Bai and cast aside the province’s interests solely for the clean death of treasonous criminals,” Cai Renxiang said.

“I understand this. It will be a bitter pill to surrender any of our blood to the Lakes.” Meng Deming shook his head. “But it is only good fortune that spares us at all. I, Meng Deming, at least, will remember your mercy.”

Meng Dan chuckled weakly. “It is a terrible feeling to have your fate decided so far over your head. I suppose Miss Ling is well aware of such.”

“Yes.” Ling Qi inclined her head. “Like myself, though, you moved the mountains, Meng Dan.”

“Your loyalty to the Emerald Seas will not be forgotten,” Cai Renxiang cut in. “Although my mother is not merciful, she is exact. Yet all the same, should those of you who stood by us in this incident require aid or support, I will hear your request.”

It was a small boon to offer now, though not as small as it would have been a month ago. Whatever might be said of them in court, their cohort had made a real achievement. Cai Renxiang would not be without power herself anymore, whatever her cultivation.

“I will carry these words to grandmother.” Meng Dan bowed low. “I am requested at home, and I do not begrudge it. What has been wrought there, I should see.”

His uncle looked at him with pity. “You are a fine archivist indeed, nephew. Write your chronicle and experience. I will remain here to fulfill the Meng clan’s duties in this place. If this one has Lady Cai’s leave?”

“You do,” Cai Renxiang replied. “There are some small topics I would discuss with you yet regarding the observatory and its staffing due to casualties.”

Meng Deming bowed his head in acknowledgement, and Ling Qi accepted Cai Renxiang’s glance as the dismissal it was. “Come, Hanyi, let’s go back outside. I would like to see the sun set.”

“Okay, big sis!” Hanyi chirped. The tension of the room and the negotiations seemed to have left her unphased, but Ling Qi could see that she was troubled. Hanyi didn’t like seeing what she probably saw as “big sis and her friend” at odds.

“A fine idea! I think we could all use a breath of clear air,” Gan Guangli said.

“Allow me to accompany you then,” Meng Dan said.

They took their leave from Cai Renxiang and Meng Deming, leaving the conference room behind.

“I wish you good fortune, my friend. I know you did no easy thing,” Gan Guangli said.

“It was hardly anything,” Meng Dan dismissed lightly. It was painfully false.

“That doesn’t suit you well, Meng Dan,” Ling Qi observed. “I will say it again, I would not have moved this mountain so ably without you.”

They passed through the embassy entrance and came out onto the porch which overlooked the front garden. The sun was setting.

Eventually, he sighed. “I do hate to be the student who asks for repetition. Ling Qi, though my heart is heavy, I do not regret my actions. I will be back. It will be important for the Meng to show our allegiance in ways large and small in the coming future.”

“You better.” Hanyi huffed. “I don’t get all this complicated stuff, but big sis would miss you.”

“Hanyi,” Ling Qi warned.

“My, such an encouragement,” Meng Dan said.

“Should I take my leave?” Gan Guangli mused.

“Probably,” Hanyi said.

“No,” Ling Qi groused.

It was all a little forced, but she appreciated what her junior sister was trying to do in her own way.

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“All of this, what has been accomplished here, needed all of our efforts,” Ling Qi said. “We have succeeded beyond anyone’s expectations, beyond opposition, and beyond sabotage. That is worthwhile.”

“It is,” Meng Dan said. “I suppose I have received my wish to be a primary source for a momentous occasion. More than I would have liked.”

“Our accomplishments are nothing to scoff at, Miss Ling’s, perhaps most of all,” Gan Guangli praised brightly.