You consider the matter for a moment. Much to be gained, it is true... but also much to be risked. It is a weighty decision, and one you would prefer to have more information on before making.
"Do you know this man well, Oak-san?" You ask, looking at the scribe who is almost certainly more than that.
"Quite well, Soshi-dono. We have worked together for two years now." He replies politely, though you sense a bit of resentment in his tone. "He is reliable."
Ah, of course, you don't want Pale Oak thinking you doubt his judgement or the loyalty of those who work for him. Such an impression would do much to sour working relations between the two of you, and if that happens he might not mention the next time something of this nature comes up.
"No doubt - certainly his response after being contacted speaks well of him." You clarify, heading off that potential source of trouble before it starts. "However, infiltrating a hostile organization takes a certain set of skills, a certain mindset. In your best judgement, is he suited to such an assignment?"
Pale Oak pauses here, and you get the impression that he wasn't expecting to be asked this. "If you are asking me for my recommendation, Soshi-dono..."
"I am." You confirm with a nod. "The decision is mine, but the superior perspective is yours. I would be a fool to disregard that."
"You do not strike me as a fool, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says, and it sounds like a genuine compliment. "In my best judgement? I should say no. Infiltrating an organization like this takes one of two things - the time to work at it properly and convince them of your loyalties, or enough valuable information to trade to convince them that you are genuine. Within the scope of Winter Court we lack the former, and the latter... he would have to trade useful, verifiable information on the Scorpion for a decent level of access to their ranks."
"Then have him steer clear. We have an idea of their goals now, and perhaps in time we might be able to arrange a trap for them... but such is talk for another day." You shrug. "In truth, I had intended to speak with you on a matter of commerce. Specifically between ourselves and the Crab."
"The Crab, Soshi-dono? Of course. What do you need to know?" Your servant replies, dropping the whole matter of the potential spy with the air of a man who knows nothing about any such topic.
"What do they have that we want, and likewise what do we have that they need?" You explain, ignoring the momentary twinge of discomfort that comes from thoughts of involving yourself in mercantile concerns.
"I should say stone and allies respectively, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak answers almost instantly. "The former is oft-overlooked, but while the lands of the Scorpion have largely been repaired, we build from wood where possible. Recent events would seem to indicate the potential value of stone and those who can craft it - for roads, walls, border forts and the like."
You nod slowly. There tend to be two schools of thought in the Empire - the Crane champion the use of wood in building everything from houses to castles, while the Crab looks askance at anything not carved from stone. Stone roads and stone fortresses speak to eternity, of a people who have chosen their land and will not yield it to anyone. For the Scorpion to start building from stone would be a powerful statement, especially returning from your effective exile over the last decade, and it would almost by necessity bring closer ties with the Crab.
And, of course, recent history has shown the wisdom in having a fortification which can repel sustained, brutal sieges from overwhelming force.
"I can see that, Pale Oak-san... but allies?" You cannot help but raise an eyebrow. "The Scorpion are not exactly overflowing with them at the present."
"In general, perhaps not, Soshi-dono." Pale Oak says with a smile. "But here and now? The Scorpion have much more influence and respect with the Matsu family than most others present. I do not know what the Crab wish to obtain here, but they will almost certainly find the assistance of the Scorpion of great use in securing it."
An interesting idea. And insightful. Yes... you can use this.
Your next scheduled activity is to arrange a meal with Kaiu Hiraki. Such things are done via letters. How is your invitation composed?
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QM's note - Remember, Hida Kisada chose not to support the Scorpion Coup in large part because he didn't like how Bayushi Shoju asked him for help in the letter he was sent. You should word your invitation carefully.