Threads 481-Xia Lin 1

Out under the sun shining through Xiangmen’s canopy, and after a good rest, the shadows left clinging to Ling Qi’s mind seemed far lighter.

“Does it really count as resting when we just sat on my shore playing weiqi? I didn’t even know you liked weiqi.”

She didn’t have any particular fondness for it, but Cai Renxiang did. Focusing on the patterns of it was a good way of clearing her mind of anything more tangled and complex.

“So, that’s your excuse for why you kept losing?”

It wasn’t about winning or losing, Sixiang. Cai Renxiang always beat her, too. It was a meditative exercise.

“That twitch you got in your eye after the third game says otherwise.”

“Is there something amiss? Your eye just twitched violently,” Xia Lin asked her.

“Just my spirit being cheeky.”

“… I see? Well, please direct your attention outward. We are here.”

Ling Qi huffed. She was perfectly capable of multitasking. She turned her attention to the interior space before them. A knothole nook opened at the base of one of the main branches of the heavenly pillar, wide enough for a dozen horses to enter side by side, but still minuscule compared to the broad base of the branch.

Within the nook were the grounds of the Gold Autumn School. It had a faerielike, dreaming quality to it. Rays of light shone down through pinprick holes in the bark and dimmer lights glowed from lanterns set along the paved stone paths that wound through the gardens. They were well appointed, full of flowers of soothing hues. The school had a two-tiered, peaked roof and sprawled out through its knothole grotto with wings extending into the interior.

In the distance, down the gently sloping path that led into the grotto, on the porch that wrapped around the central building, Ling Qi could see Mei Lanfen, the administrator they had spoken to on their last trip to Xiangmen, waiting for them at the entrance. She felt a brush and pulse of the woman’s light papery qi, and both she and Xia Lin let their own pulse in acknowledgment.

“Let’s not keep her waiting then.”

Xia Lin let out a sigh, and followed her down the path, matching her stride. They soon reached the bottom of the slope and the steps leading up to the porch of the school, offering Mei Lanfen their bows and receiving her own once they were at the proper distance.

“Welcome to the Gold Autumn School, Baroness Ling, Captain Xia,” Mei Lanfen greeted. She wore an austere, earth-toned gown chased with threads of gold embroidery that evoked falling autumn leaves. “I am honored that you accepted my humble invitation.”

“Of course, Madam Mei. Your students have been such a boon to Shenglu that we of Lady Cai’s court are happy to hear what you might have to say, now that circumstances allow it,” Ling Qi said diplomatically.

“And I am interested in why you specifically requested me,” Xia Lin said more bluntly. “I appreciate the skills of your students, but quartermaster aside, I have had little interaction. That is Lady Cai and Baroness Ling’s role.”

“It is, but I have some news and a proposal that may interest you,” Mei Lanfen replied. “Will you follow me inside?”

They both nodded, following as the elderly woman swept open the doors to lead them into the school.

They did not tour the facility yet, but merely passing through it gave some impressions. Ling Qi knew the Gold Autumn School had more than one facility. There was one further down the trunk, a school for smaller children that was meant to teach reading, writing, and basic sums and to channel young minds toward the ministries. This, then, was the main campus where those who showed some ability, common cultivators, and the children of minor court clans were educated and given some basic cultivation resources.

The classes were small with twenty or so students to a teacher, from what Ling Qi could see. What she saw being taught was behind her now, but all of it was useful.

“Not that behind. Pretty sure I see at least five people at a glance with better calligraphy than you,” Sixiang needled playfully.

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Was. Behind. Her.

“Sheeesh. Touchy.”

There were smaller classes, too. She could feel them up on the second floor as Mei Lanfen led them past the classrooms toward the administrative offices in the back. The whole building had the air of cleanliness that Ling Qi knew Cai Renxiang loved. It was no wonder that the graduates had fit in so neatly under her hand.

“I hope what you see is to your satisfaction. I will provide a full tour later, should you wish,” Mei Lanfen offered.

“I would enjoy that,” Ling Qi agreed.

“I am not an academic, but it is pleasant to see a place so dedicated to self-betterment,” Xia Lin added. “I commend the inwardly focused atmosphere you have cultivated here.”