Threads 438-Green 7

“The governor’s manor?” Ling Qingge asked in disbelief as their household’s items were carried inside by their staff.

“I did say so in my letter,” Ling Qi said. She drew a giggle from Biyu as she rocked the girl in the crook of her arm. She had to give it to Qiyi; her little sister was fascinated by the ribbons.

“I thought you must have been imprecise, referring to a household on the grounds.” Ling Qingge pinched the bridge of her nose. “Oh, by the gods, I am not qualified at all to train staff for a role like this!”

“You are, Mother. Do you think I have not seen what you’ve put your stipend towards,? The books, the scrolls, and observations of modern court fashions and etiquette? You’ve been much more dedicated to learning this than I.”

She lifted Biyu up, grinning at her little sister as she spun a graceful circle, the furred hem of her gown flaring out. Biyu shrieked in delight, kicking her feet.

“And yet,” she continued, “Somehow, I have managed to become a respected diplomat.”

Her mother let out a huff of breath, taking Biyu from her hands. It was a testament to the strength of even a first realm’s cultivation that her mother’s arms didn’t tremble under the growing girl’s weight. Biyu pouted as she was set on the ground.

“There is a great difference between preparations and reality.”

“Mama will be good. Sis says so! Mama no sad,” Biyu announced authoritatively. “New house is pretty.”

“Outnumbered.” Ling Qingge sighed. “I suppose I shall simply have to manage.”

“I trust you to more than manage. Besides, we won’t be getting too many visitors in person yet.” Ling Qi stepped past to show them inside.

“I suppose not, with you all away in the capital soon,” Ling Qingge said. As they entered, she looked around the high entrance hall with a sharp eye, and not a little wonder. “What about security?”

“A small patrol will be up from the summit zone while we are away, in recognition of the heiress’ duty to her mother’s court. It won’t be as strong of a defense as us, but unless it’s a serious attack, the manor will be safe.”

If it were a serious attack, the sect town where her household had previously resided would not be safe either. It tied her stomach into knots, but she knew that having her family with her was a risk.

“We even installed Xuan Shi’s panic room formation,” Ling Qi added.

“There is some comfort in that,” Ling Qingge acknowledged.

They passed through the entrance hall and walked past the offices of clerks and officials that filled out much of the front space for now.

“Oh, look! Mama, look!” Biyu burst out, pointing ahead at the doors opening out to the gardens.

The rippling pond in its center was shrouded by mist stirred up by the falling water that drizzled in from a rooftop spout. The flower beds were black and loamy and mostly empty. It had been decided not to grow any flowers and foliage properly until winter passed.

“The mist is pretty, isn’t it?” Ling Qi asked her little sister. “When the snows melt, you’ll have to help everyone pick out what kind of flowers to plant, okay?”

“Okay.” Biyu nodded seriously, but her eyes were fixed on the falling waters.

Ling Qi firmed up her grip on the little girl’s hand, just in case Biyu got in the mind for a dip.

Her mother gave her an uncertain look. “May I ask after your… fashion choice, Ling Qi?”

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Ling Qi’s hair was curled and looped through a silver circlet, a glittering, pale blue veil hung over her face, and a high collar rose behind her head, black silk stretched between stiffer ribs. Even her hands were covered by soft, silk evening gloves disappearing beneath her silver-chased sleeves, which jangled with metallic icicle charms.

“Just fulfilling a promise to try new styles,” Ling Qi answered.

“I see,” her mother said, clearly not seeing at all.