Threads 471-Glass 1

The days following were a whirlwind of activity, leading into the year’s end, which would mark the beginning of the lengthy ceremonies and preparations for the wedding day. Ling Qi lost count of the theater managers and troupe speakers she met alongside Meng Dan, hearing their proposals for shows written about their triumph at the Southern Summit. At this stage, it was only drafting and putting forward basic sketches for costuming and scene setting, but she could already tell that her correspondence was going to grow an order of magnitude from her time here in Xiangmen.

It wasn’t bad, of course. She even enjoyed the little insights she gleaned into others, discovering who was genuine in their desire to portray their success and who was angling for favors in connection to their main patron and where those lines changed throughout an interview, but she was still glad to finish her work the day before the new year when the great procession of scale-armored warriors and attendants climbed the great tree, heralding the arrival of the Bai delegation.

The entourage was extremely ostentatious, but she supposed that was only to be expected, the way the carriages and wagons laden with cultivation reagents and other wending gifts took over the main thoroughfare leading to the palace for hours and hours on end. In the tumult of it all, she hadn’t been able to sense Meizhen among the Bai delegation. The aura of the Bai ambassador, the simulacrum of Bai Suzhen, and all of their guards was simply too overwhelming, making the procession seem to her senses as if a vast white serpent was climbing Xiangmen.

Cai Renxiang was in the palace, receiving them, but despite her own accomplishments, Ling Qi was only a baroness. She had no business in a meeting like that. Yet.

She was happy to prepare for a less formal visit.

“Ling Qi, it is excellent to see you in good health again.”

She grinned at her friend, stopping just short of embracing the other girl. Even if the other girl might be okay with that now, Bai Meizhen would probably be overwhelmed. Also, Xiao Fen might actually attack her for the breach in propriety, and that would just be awkward for everyone involved.

It was well into the night. The scattered lights of Xiangmen hung above and below. It was quieter tonight, or at least felt like it, here in the garden of the Cai guest house, surrounded by its privacy wardings, They sat together in the stone pavilion beside the center pond, an array of drinks set out before them, from the steaming tea Renxiang was pouring to the faintly bubbling black wine in Meizhen and Xiao Fen’s cup, to the softly crackling crystalline blue cider in hers.

“It’s excellent to be healthy. I thought I might crawl out of my own skin, those months I was healing.”

“That would be quite a feat. I would surely be under suspicion for releasing clan secrets if you had, so let us be glad it did not come to that,” Bai Meizhen replied dryly.

“I am told the greater danger was the stoking of the embers in her dantian back to flame after the third time she attempted to ‘do just a bit of cultivation.’ I was sorely tempted to grant her physicians even more authority, but Madam Ling’s scolding was sufficient,” Cai Renxiang commented, adding a careful few drops of milk to her tea.

“A mother’s scolding can be more effective than any number of other voices. Even for one so reckless,” Bai Meizhen scolded.

“Foolish, indeed.” Xiao Fen agreed haughtily, managing to look down her nose in a way few could manage against Ling Qi.

“I recovered more quickly than any of the doctors anticipated, so who was really wrong here?” Ling Qi tilted her chin defiantly.

“You.”

“You.”

She sagged under her friends’ withering glares. Why was she under attack here?!

Bad girl gets scolded? Ling Qi bad. Get scolded. Be good! Let Qiyi make more pretty. They will forgive!

Even Qiyi had turned on her!

“And who is this, then?” Bai Meizhen glanced down at her gown, having likely sensed the fluctuation caused by the dress’ communication.

“Ah, this is Qiyi. She awoke not too long ago,” Ling Qi introduced, brushing her hand over the fabric.

Bai Meizhen’s expression scrunched up. Ling Qi snickered. She did love the first time telling people her names for her companions.

“I am told Sir Lin’s reaction was similar.”

“I would think so.” Bai Meizhen pinched her nose. “Honestly, Ling Qi.”

“Qiyi likes her name just fine.”

“Of course she does. Such a spirit is essentially a child.”

“Zhengui likes his name, too,” Ling Qi argued. She wouldn’t back down on this!

Her friend sighed. “… This is not a battle I am equipped to win.”

“My, one of the great Bai clan, refusing battle?” Ling Qi teased.

“My mistress knows when a conflict is beneath her,” Xiao Fen retorted.

“Indeed. Regardless, I greet Miss… Qiyi.”

Hi! Qiyi hopes other pretty sister wakes up soon!

Bai Meizhen glanced down at her own gown curiously. “I suspect it may be some time, but thank you.”

“We’ll have to have another reunion when they do.” Ling Qi took a long drink. The feeling of frost forming along her throat was pleasant. “You have to tell us how you fared back home. All I’ve heard were some rumors about the heir to the Bai clan.”

Bai Meizhen smiled thinly. “I am officially the daughter of Bai Suzhen. My new mother has performed all the adoption rites, and legally, I am now no different than a child of her body. It has been… nice.”

Ling Qi grinned happily for her friend. The small smile on Bai Meizhen’s lips was practically an expression of giddiness for the taciturn girl.

“I am pleased for you. That is a great honor,” Cai Renxiang congratulated her.

“It is.” Bai Meizhen fought down her smile. “I will say, despite some of my misgivings, it was good to return home for a time. I greatly enjoy the Emerald Seas, but I think it is important to return to your roots and re-establish some facts from time to time.”

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

“Oh, now you’re just being mysterious on purpose,” Ling Qi complained. “Just what did you get up to in Zhenjian?”

“That would be telling. I merely spent the time reacquainting myself with my many cousins.”

Ling Qi narrowed her eyes. “I know you’re just baiting my curiosity on purpose.”

“Regardless, it is rude to press a guest too hard, Ling Qi,” Cai Renxiang chided before sipping calmly from her cup. She let out a small pleased sigh.

Ling Qi’s eyes narrowed further. “You already know more than me, don’t you? Something that came up during the official ceremonies?”

A long sip. No response.

“I will not be stymied. Your secrets cannot hide from me,” Ling Qi crossed her arms irritably. Bullying. This was bullying. Even Xiao Fen looked smug. Unacceptable.

“I’m sure your eyes will pierce the shadows ere long.” Bai Meizhen laughed quietly. “Allow me to divert your attention then?”

“Do you think me so easily distracted?”

“I brought you a gift.”

Ling Qi paused, raised a finger, and then lowered it. She fought back a smile. Honestly, even if it was only for a little bit, it felt like a carefree day at the sect again. She put on a serious expression. “I shall allow it.”

“How kind of you, Baroness,” Bai Meizhen said dryly. “I only hope that my small gift does not offend.”

Now, Xiao Fen looked properly constipated again.