Chapter 42- Expected Conclusions

Tian had figured it out as soon as Mao had started speaking. The purpose of the meeting wasn’t to reach any agreement, but to have the discussion. It was an efficient, and remarkably comprehensive, way for the Elders to get a grasp on not just what the Outer Court thought, but how they were thinking. After all, there was a great difference between what is said to a peer and what is said to a superior, and an even greater difference from the words locked inside one’s heart. The elders might not reach those inner words, but they were old foxes. This was more than enough.

Well. Maybe they would adopt something from the meeting, but he remembered Grandpa’s rule number one- Most people want things to stay more or less the same, unless their shoes are on fire. Maybe not even then. The Outer Court’s feet were well roasted. He would soon see how the Elders shoes were fairing.

Tian found it pretty interesting to watch that realization spread silently through the room. Not everyone could sense brainpower. Most of them wouldn’t know it even existed, hidden from them for their protection.

On the other hand, people were, when they were thinking properly and not distracted by distressing questions, very aware that Heavenly People had extraordinarily keen senses. You could see exactly when the realization kicked in. The sudden changes in posture, the sudden shifts in language, arguments, positions, often left the people they were talking to gaping with surprise.

Would the meeting be canceled? No, this was information too. The degree of the gap between what was said ‘privately’ and ‘publicly’ also reflected the level of trust and deference in the hall. Or fear.

“Sister Su and Brother Wang must have known from the start. Sister Lin too. It really is just like Windblown Manor, with the Elder listening in and pretending.”

No doubt. Grandpa Jun agreed. Tomorrow morning you should go see the crafters. You are going to want to stock up on some luxuries if you and Liren are headed up the mountain. Even if you are going to stay down here, they are worth collecting.

“It’s a good idea, but I don’t have any money.”

You have a lot of money, it’s just in Liren’s pocket. You also have an awkward number of merits stored on your ring. Awkwardly large. You can pay with those. I can’t tell you what to buy, but I can tell you what’s a rip-off, at least. You two will have a very comfortable, very gaudy, nest.

Tian silently touched his heart, feeling the warmth fill him. “Thanks, Grandpa.”

The conversation dragged on until nearly dinner time, growing progressively more stilted. Eventually, even the most socially unaware figured out that something was wrong and grew silent. Sister Su made eye contact with Brother Wang, and gently rang a small bell to gather everyone’s attention.

“I think that’s all we can usefully do today. If the Elders want to hear more, they will summon us again. In the meantime, dinner should be ready in ten minutes at the dining room. Thank you all for your cooperation.”

That got even more confused looks, but the majority nodded, cupped their hands and started turning for the door. Tian stood from his chair, cupped his hands, and bowed to the room, then silently left. The trio from the Windblown Manor watched him go with thoughtful expressions.

He didn’t go to the dining hall with everyone. He made his way home, feeling empty. Dumping out all those words, those bottled up emotions, had been necessary, but it left a void. There was a feeling of great emptiness in him now. He looked around the expanded pond, his motivation to fill it with plants and water grasses gone. As was the coin he had set in front of the toad. The toad hadn’t moved.

“I guess your feet aren’t on fire, Old Toad. No reason for you to hop. Though where would you even hop to?”

He wanted to run. He wanted to run so much it was making him sick. So why was it that he was sitting down, taking off his shoes and putting his feet in the pond? Why did he feel like he really didn’t want to run at all? He couldn’t desperately want two contradictory things, that didn’t make sense.

Would he run away from West Town Temple, if he still lived there?

“Not even if it was on fire.” Tian muttered. “I’d fight like hell to put the fire out, and die on my feet if I had to. But that was the Temple. This is a mountain, and the Monastery, and people being shown what doesn’t work and still acting like fools.”

The toad didn’t say anything, though it did slide a glance his way.

Tian looked around the little garden, traced the little stream up into the mountainside, and admired the weathered exterior of their cottage. The tiles on the roof were still in good shape, but then, the cavern covered most of it. The rain and winds would have to come through the hole in the ceiling at just the right angle to damage anything. The plaster was still in decent shape, though it could probably use a coat of paint or something.

“Oh. I can run from the Monastery, but I can’t run from the Temple. And… this is my Temple, now. Hah. I can run off into the mountain with Liren and the Crane, go adventuring, cultivate for months and years in some secluded grotto, so long as I have a Temple to come home to. A place with a warm and snug cell, good food and kind people.”

He kicked the water lightly, splashing a little on the toad who briefly glared at him but didn’t move.

“Maybe I should learn sculpture. That’s affordable, all you need is clay, or wood, or rocks. I can get those things. Then I could make Liren a statue, and what’s gaudier than that? Or maybe I should learn jewelry making… nah. I’ll take up tailoring. Cloth costs money, but I can make her fancier and fancier things with time. Embroidery? I already know some stitching from suturing wounds. Hmm.”

The toad was absolutely no help. This time it was Tian’s turn to glare. The least the toad could do would be offer suggestions.

“Blankets? You can get colorful rugs, I bet colorful blankets are a thing. Gaudy and practical, so we both are happy.”

He fiddled with his rosary a bit, then pulled out his flute and fiddled with that too.

This book’s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

“The notes of humanity are courage and grief. We are plucked, pressed, hum a while, then fade away somewhere between heaven and earth. But sometimes, we are happy.”

Yes. Speaking of the unhappy, however, you have company. I’d meet them outside the courtyard, if I were you. You may want witnesses, depending on how this goes.

“Is Brother Tian at home?”

Tian walked out of the cavern, finding Brother Mao standing in the light of the setting sun.

“You have come a long way, Brother Mao.” Tian cupped his hands and bowed politely, as a junior to a senior.

“You aren’t going to invite me in?”

“If we fight, I’d rather not disturb my garden.”

Mao snorted softly. “You are careful about the oddest things.”

Tian nodded. He thought it was pretty normal, but he could be wrong.

“I served my purpose, did I?” Mao’s voice was even, floating over the evening air.