Threads 512-ith 6

There was more to be said, more to be reported, such as questions regarding tactics, capabilities, and more. These, however, did not require the trembling Tcho-Ri to remain interfaced with the physical node of the Mind. Moreover, much of that would be done by Law’s representative and his team in the coming days. That would be beyond Ling Qi’s ability to participate… for now.

She understood the true appeal of being able to form multiple selves as higher realms could, even if it weakened her and slowed her cultivation. Sometimes, being in multiple places at once was just too enticing. In the end, that was also why those who could do so were regarded so much more highly as administrators and rulers.

Either way, she would have a great deal to discuss with Renxiang on the journey home.

They faced a different trial now.

The raucous parties had come and gone, and much of the city had an air of hazy sluggishness over it. Its people were recovering from a month-long celebration in fits and starts. The court, though, and its many cultivators of the higher realms were far different. To indulge in mortal pleasures was a cultivator’s privilege, but ultimately, it was a whim.

The court was shown in resplendence. The Duchess’ throne loomed high above, perched on the gnarled branch that suspended it over the vast slab of marble that made up the floor. The tables, lanterns, and lights had been cleared away.

The courtiers of the many clans of the Emerald Seas and Xiangmen stood divided by the central carpet leading up the base of the branch that held the throne. On that carpet, Ling Qi knelt, forehead pressed to the fabric behind Renxiang and alongside her fellow retainers. Cai Renxiang knelt in front of them, her head higher, hands pressed to the floor, allowed to look straight ahead rather than down.

Above, blinding light, brilliant and shining, silhouetted the figure of the Duchess and the Prime Minister, who rested her hand on the seated Duchess’ shoulder affectionately.

“And so, I conclude my report on the events of the diplomatic summit with the Polar Nation to my Honorable Mother. This humble daughter only hopes that her performance has been satisfactory.”

“Your actions are pleasing to me, daughter, particularly in the case of the unacceptable interference that occurred at its ending.” Cai Shenhua’s words reverberated through the room, sending the backs of the Meng delegation bowing lower still, as well as the backs of a few sections of the court clans, who must provide some of the Duchess’ own personal investigators and spies. There were probably quite some shakeups there as well between the recent attack and the summit.

“I comprehend well your accomplishments and the opportunities your retainer has provided us, but I see that there are some among those of my court who are uncertain.” Cai Shenhua’s tone relaxed, and her hand rose in an errant gesture. “There are questions. Receive them, daughter, and let all be confident that only honest answers and inquiry are had here.”

A bit of theater. In previous sessions, the Duchess had not allowed open queries like this, but it was a way of spreading information. Words spoken here were under her radiance, and so, even if she did not quite flex the complete, stripping, searing pressure of her law, there was a trust in the quality of the questions and answers given at her court.

“Your retainers may speak as well, as their expertise is required.”

“As you say, Mother. If anything in my words has been left unclear to the lords and ladies of the Emerald Seas, allow us to rectify this,” Cai Renxiang vowed.

With that, the rest of them raised their heads, no longer pressed to the floor in full kowtow, but eyes still down in deference.

There was a brief silence, followed by the faint rustle of cloth and low whisper of voices as those observing them decided who among them would raise their voices. As expected, the first to step forward was from among the great comital clans. The man who stepped forward was from the Luo. He wore a thick mantle of silver fur about his shoulders, but his courtly robe beneath was immaculate and cut in modern style.

“Heiress, I have heard much from my uncle and spoken with those among our warriors who have returned. I would hear more regarding your thoughts on the agreements over the watershed of the Jing River, and what we gain by allowing these allied tribes any access at all.”

“Of course, Lord Luo,” Cai Renxiang said. “In this, there is admittedly a risk. However, if we may show that the Polar Nations’ vassal tribes can pass through these unsettled lands in safety for both our people and theirs, this strengthens the hand of the Polar Nation in their integration efforts. We do not have the soldiers to patrol or settle the whole Wall, but the cloud tribes have always fought for grazing and water among themselves. A friendly and vassalized tribe is better than a hostile and unbound one. And should there be indiscretions…”

“There is an authority to be appealed to, and restitution made. This was my thought, but it is good to hear it said in your own words,” the Luo man finished. “There are many voices that say that your negotiations are too soft against the tribes.”

Ling Qi did not quite see it that way herself; throwing the term vassalized was probably incorrect. It was not a lie, but it did not convey the nuance of their agreements with the Polar Nation. Confederation might be the better term.

Or perhaps she was just playing word games herself. In the end, the southern tribes had committed to following White Sky’s authority, even if the mightiest among their number had some voices in that authority.

Another courtier stepped forward as the Luo representative stepped back. A member of the Jia, she wore a cavalrywoman’s dress. “On the matter of the lands claimed and the expansion to patrol routes planned…”

Ling Qi allowed her gaze to wander as the woman spoke of logistical details that, frankly, were beyond Ling Qi. She asked about funding and supply and who would be responsible for supply caches along the new roads being built. Cai Renxiang answered adroitly enough, calling upon Xia Lin to give her expertise on different sections.

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Frankly, this was all information their elders knew or could figure out themselves from their own observations. Still, she made sure to listen enough to remember the details. She knew theater was valuable. They were still being tested, as much as being given the opportunity to show their skill and thoroughness before the court.

Despite their triumph, there was an air of distraction, and not just because of the end of the festivities. The muster of forces was more on everyone’s mind than diplomacy with a distant power. Even the hardest line appreciated securing the southern flank in the short term.

There would still be so much more work to do in the south. She could only hope to get back there sooner rather than later.

“I can see that the heiress has shown a deep understanding of the strategic needs of the southern Emerald Seas. A balance must be made between securing our people from threats while not overextending with frivolous settlements, but there are more concerns than the material at play. Even if the restrictions on sovereign movement can be justified strategically, does this not hamper the spiritual health of the southern mountains?”