Threads 485 Market 2

“And what of your explorations?” Xia Lin asked.

“Given how much work is going into our shrine infrastructure…” Ling Qi began

Xia Lin gave her a flat look.

“Which is of utmost importance,” Ling Qi defended.

“We already have multiple major temple sites planned out for a settlement of only a few hundred people, and more government-funded shrines besides that proposed,” Xia Lin protested.

“We are building with an eye to the future,” Ling Qi corrected. “If we had more limited funding, I might agree. But we don’t, do we?”

“We do not,” Xia Lin grumbled. “Go on, then.”

“I found a peak yellow carpenter whose work on an ancestral shrine container caught my eye. Her master works on the gates and doors of shrines in Xiangmen. It might be useful to have some in-house work, if only for the upkeep.”

“True enough. “A skilled carpenter, even one focused on decor is a good investment.”

“I’ll toss a stone Miss Lai’s way as well. I assume you mean to do so, too?”

“Yes, between us, that should be a comfortable support. I truly believe that the clay deposits will be valuable to us. Storage rings are too expensive for most low-level shipping. And food spoilage is always at issue, particularly when damage to infrastructure is likely.”

Ling Qi grimaced. Xia Lin of all people wouldn’t have any illusions that the conflict in the south flaring up into full campaigns would go without damage to the empire’s holdings.

“And what of you, Xia Lin? If I’m sharing, you can at least tell me who you found.”

“A metalworker,” Xia Lin replied. “I noticed the quality of his metals and interrogated him. He crushes and smelts his own ores, as part of his cultivation practices, which seems quite good.”

“Oh, looking into an armorer?”

“No. We will get our arms from the capital for some time. However, small objects, such as fittings, hinges, nails, horseshoes…”

“Not going to stop pushing for a cavalry, are you?”

“Riders are invaluable for a settlement so far from the center,” Xia Lin insisted. “And so? Was the carpenter the only notable you found?”

“No. I’m sure you’ll find it frivolous, but there was also an alchemist who works with dyes and paints. I’m not certain we’ll have an immediate use for him, but he did catch my eye. Shenglu can use some more color.”

“If we are leaning so hard to geomantic correctness, it cannot hurt to have the right colors. Our construction requires a great deal of sealant, too, given the mist.”

“He did mention that as an aside to his talents.” Ling Qi chuckled. “I suppose he won’t be the first crafter to be tasked with creating something dull and practical in bulk in exchange for funding. One stone should be enough there, too, at least for now.”

Of course, she would likely just be receiving samples for some time, if she read the relative wealth right. Two green stones a month would probably entice the carpenter to move, but alchemist Leng Shui struck her as having a wealthier master. Still, it was a foot in the door.

“Shall we move up to the offices then? Get out of the crowd?”

“Please,” Xia Lin grumbled, heading for the exit of the trade floor.

Ling Qi followed her out, only to pause just outside the exit. Someone almost bumped into her from behind, but she let them pass through her without a word. It wasn’t her fault if doing so left frost on their sleeve.

“Ling Qi?” Xia Lin asked, glancing back.

“It looks like we might have another conversation. I doubt it’s a coincidence that she’s here.”

“Who?”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“My contact in the Diao and the Ministry of Law.”

Well, either that or there was something shady about this tradehouse. She’d really prefer the other option though. She didn’t need another adventure right now.

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