Ok, this was a light chapter because it was mostly a presentation for the vote. But it is a really good vote.
I will try to give my arguments for each of them, but I may be biased as I have already choosen which 2 options I will vote for.
[ ] Notes and Writings from Master musicians of the Meng (New options and projects for creating and modifying arts)
This is the option we got from choosing the Weilu tapestry inside the Hui ring over Grandmistress Lei's works. It isn't the works of Grandmistress Lei herself, but it is second best. That's fair. Besides, I'm pretty sure the Meng would hace been quite a bit more... "insistent" on keeping that for themselves if we had chosen it. Our rep with them would have taken quite a blow if we had kept some for ourselves, which we totally would have.
The lack of Ling Qi's formal musical formation has already been brought up a few times, specially when talking with Bao Qian. I think it's about time Ling Qi learns about others musicians. Ones with a style most similar to her own are a great place to start. It would suck to pass up on chances to improve our music understanding twice in a row.
And strengthening and adding effects to our musical arts can only be beneficial. This vote is a winner for me.
Sidenote: confirmation that Forgotten Vale Melody comes from one of Grandmistress Lei's descendants.
Edit: It could also give bonus when creating our Frozen Soul Serenade succession art?
[ ] Ten years of service from a Meng Geomancer, for construction and tutoring (Opens special options in fief construction. Zhengui gets ideas)
Hah, I had actually suggested to ask for this when we arrived at the Meng manor. It's actually much better than what I had in mind. This would help Zhengui's cultivation with personal tutoring from a geomancer expert. Like us, Zhengui has been doing things by feel and experimentation, having a proper tutor would be a great way to tackle that. I had also thought if we couldn't get Renxiang's father to do it, but this works too.
It would also immensely benefit the security of our settlement. After choosing the High Danger option, I'm all for it. Furthermore, even if it isn't said explicitly, this option should also include the "closer ties with the Meng" benefit. I could say the sama from the previous one. Another keeper for me.
[ ] One hundred year trade agreement for duty free imports from your fief (More options if trade begins with the foreigners, closer ties with the Meng)
This one feels a little too bleak. I understands the objective benefits, but it's too long term to be actually appealing. Even if we start doing some trade with the South Pole, it's going to be a few rare specialties at first, and not all of them will go through Meng lands. it's minimal benefit in the first 30 years or so. In 90 years, when our fief is flourishing, we might lament "Man, I really wish we had that Meng agreement now. It would save us so many taxes"; but I would rather get something that helps us get to that point in the first place.
Also, as Ling QI said, we have an open quest to rebuild the trade route from Black Lotus Mountain. That could be enough help for the nascent commerce we will have for a while. After implying that we were playing to take care of that, the nobles could resent us if we simply jump ship to a better deal. Our reputation isn't still the best, I want to get along with our neighbours at least up to Central Valley.
Sidenote: the Bao won't like this agreement because it will mean that all the South Pole shinies will go through Meng lands first instead of theirs. That won't be enough for them to pull off the project, but they won't like it. Honestly, this is the option that most benefits the Meng instead of being something just for us.
[ ] Access to a Master Craftsmen in constructing a new instrument (Sets down the path to a new weapon talisman, focused on acquiring resonant materials)
This is... interesting. Getting an instrument made by a 6th realm artisan is great, though it's dependent on which materials we get for it. The only reasonable expectation is that the materials we are able to get are 4th grade at most, or not even that if we can't use Shen. So only 3rd grade. 3rd grade materials worked by a 6th grade artisan is still great, but people better not expect a national treasure out of this. Of course, we would still need to spend actions to get those 3rd grade materials anyway.
And that's what worries me. I have already read people saying that we can combine the search for materials with other actions, like the Sect one. I'm not sure i want to dilute the narrative of a bunch of actions by shoehorning adquiring materials in them.
Above all, I'm afraid that this will simply add a new "flute material option" in each reward vote from here on. So we will have to give up in the rewards we would have normally had in order to get them. Because even if we don't and get the normal reward, that's just kicking the problem down the path. It would be awful the read the same discussion every time about if X material is worth it or if we should wait for another one to show up.
I don't know if the Moon Quest will directly gives us a flute, but it will be more likely to do so if we don't choose this option, even if the flute won't be as good. I also see it as a kind of "foundation vs power up" situation, so I would rather get the foundation (aka Music notes).
[ ] One open ended favor from the Meng clan (Gain alternate option in future events which will bypass or greatly decrease costs or difficulty. Once.)
I don't like this option because it's too nebulous. As Ling Qi herself pointed, this could turn out to be great, or a waste. Specially, since the Meng are already likely to support us as long as we don't try anything too crazy. Even more so as we will keep improving our rep with them.
And I'll be honest, I really, really, REALLY don't want an argument to unfold every time the option comes up in a vote and people fight over if that is the "right time" to use it or if we should reserve it for a better opportunity. Just no.
So, as a summary, my picks are
[X] Notes and Writings from Master musicians of the Meng (New options and projects for creating and modifying arts)
[X] Ten years of service from a Meng Geomancer, for construction and tutoring (Opens special options in fief construction. Zhengui gets ideas)