So far you have mentioned switching out Xiulan for Wen Cao twice now in this conversation. Both times the tone and context of your writing made it clear to me that you were trying to establish a discussion about the virtues of Xiulan compared to Wen Cao and who would be better for Ling Qi to spend time with. This conversation appears to be happening in the broader discussion of Ling Qi social abilities. You have stated that Wen Cao and Ling Qi share a common enemy. This is very fertile ground for a positive relationship. You have also compared the social status of Wen Cao and Xiulan. It seems clear to me that you are attempting to seed the idea that it would be better for us to acquire Wen Cao as an ally and set Xiulan aside. So lets have a conversation about the virtues and vices of Xiulan and Wen Cao.
First lets go over Xiulan's personality. She is very much a person where emotion is the driving engine of her decisions. In the very beginning of FOD it seems like her dislike of Fan Yu is more tied to her crush on Hang Jian. It is only when Fan Yu begins to fall behind that Xiulan turns cruel and abusive towards him. Her emotional abuse of Fan Yu is seen in Xiulan's interlude.
Here she is making Fan Yu feel worthless. He is trying everything he can think of to help Xiulan and she is stabbing him with knifes. However, there is a large caveat here. I do not think Xiulan is abusing Fan Yu out of malice. She is trying to get Fan Yu to show her some spine. This doesn't excuse the abuse she gives Fan Yu but I believe it is important when comparing Xiulan and Wen Cao.
Now let's talk about the incident where Xiulan crippled a poor girl. The only concrete reference I could find about Xiulan crippling someone was a s result of Zhou's test. This makes the analysis of the situation much more difficult. It was a simulated combat exercise and accidents happen. I very much doubt that Xiulan intended to cripple the girl and perhaps thought the Elders would prevent or heal such a horrific injury. This however leads to another vice of Xiulan. She does not accept blame. It is the family's fault that they can't heal the girl's injury. It is Fan Yu's fault that she hates him so much. It is Han Jian's fault for not accepting her feelings. She has other faults as well but I feel like these faults are a good starting point for this discussion. If you have more feel free to add them.
Now lets talk about virtues Xiulan. Xiulan seems deeply loyal to her friends. Time and time again she is the first to join us in a fight. She acts in ways that she feels would benefit us. Like that time she tried to drive away the 'rats hanging on you.' We can trust her to fight with us when we get in a fight. She can also endure. She took immense punishment in both her trial and during her tournament arc and managed to endure to the end. It takes a great deal of mental fortitude to have your arm reduce to the bone and still rise it one last time. We can count on Xuilan not to mental freeze when the pain train comes her way. The final virute that comes to mind at this late hour is the fact that Xiulan cares deeply. Just as the people that Xiulan hates she hates with a burning passion those she cares about she deeply cares about. I feel this is shown in her interlude as well.
Now lets talk about Wen Cao personality. As you have so equolently put it,
And he is. Here is the first real conversation we had with him.
He is pretty clearly trying to get us against Yan Renshu again. He is not even being super subtle about it. Which is good since the voices in Ling Qi's head have a terrible time correctly reading politics. However the key thing in this conversation is that he offers nothing that is not helpful to him. He wants us to accept challenges so he can get a better gauge of our ability. He does not suggest giving out challenges because that would mean the new class is moving up the ranks. He also clearly only offers to give advice on the matter of Yan Renshu a mutual enemy.
And funny enough this seems to be the only conversation that YRS has written between Wen Cao and Ling Qi. A quick search of the thread revels the rest are in the sidestories and since last time I use sidestories to try and prove a point some people got pretty upset so I will refrain from doing that again.
So this conversation is all we have to really go on. Well we do have that quote from Yan Ranshu that likely talks about Wen Cao.
If we take this quote to be true then Wen Cao broke what he wanted. Took what he wanted and felt good about leaving something behind. Wen Cao devastated Yan Renshu. We don't know what Yan Renshu was doing before Wen Cao broke him but I don't think Yan was the social puppeteer we found him as. Wen Cao didn't just cripple a man he forced a man to find a new path up the mountain of cultivation. This shows me a calculated cruelty. Of purposeful malice. You don't just accidental ruin a person so completely as Wen Cao ruined Yan Renshu. It was on purpose. This I think is a big difference between Xiulan and Wen Cao. Xiulan is cruel but is not the planned and calculated cruelty of Wen Cao. Her cruelty is more from her immense range of emotions. Wen Cao is cruel and chooses to be cruel. I believe that we can act as a calming influence on Xiulan and mitigate her more extreme choices. I don't know if we would be able to do that with Wen Cao.
As for the virtues of Wen Cao there is honestly not a lot to go on. The one conversation we have had with him paints him as a empathetic person who wants whats best for those around him. However the wording that Yrs picked throws red flags and doubt all over that. At the very least he is capable socially and seems charming to Ling Qi.
However we still have to talk about the politic side of things!
So Xiulan is from the Golden Fields. According to the wonderful map that was made the golden fields borders both Alabaster sands and the Emerald Sea. Xiulan is specifically from a viscount clan that is gaining closer ties to the Luo clan. A count level clan loyal to Cai. The Wen are a count level clan from Ebony rivers. So they don't really matter to the Emerald Seas. The Ebony rivers does not border the Emerald Sea and according to Big Cai will likely stay out of or even support the Emerald Sea and 1000 Lake tussle with the Sun clan. I honestly don't believe the Wen clan has any real way or reason to interfere in the Emerald Sea. They just seem too far away removed both physically and politically to be a big deal right now. On the other hand the Gu clan is trying to tie deeper ties with the Emerald Sea. By keeping Xiulan in our close circle of friends we are seen as supporting that kind of behavior. Sure the Golden Fields has most of their strength tied up in the land but at the very least good relationships with the Golden Fields makes all the harder for Alabaster Sands to send trouble down to the Emerald sea through the Golden Fields.
It is for the reasons I have stated above and the fact that I like Xiulan as character that I feel we should stick with Xiulan and not try to replace her with Wen Cao as some people have suggested.
I'm vaguely impressed(I don't fully agree with all the analysis, but that's besides the point), but it really was a joke and rhetorical device to covertly poke fun at other positions in the thread.
The stand alone portion of the joke is just that I like being a jerk and reminding people that (some of) our friends are objectively morally bad people. The bits related to the actual discussion are mainly me co-opting arguments towards a broadly reviled objective. "Replacing" Xiulan doesn't make any kind of sense, it's a ridiculous suggestion. I made it to undermine the argument that Ling Qi must be extremely judicious with her social energy. Likewise with emphasizing that Wen Cao outranks Gu Xiulan in social status, and the argument that only the big and/or biggest people matter and are worth pursuing any kind of rapport with.
Now let's talk about the incident where Xiulan crippled a poor girl. The only concrete reference I could find about Xiulan crippling someone was a s result of Zhou's test. This makes the analysis of the situation much more difficult. It was a simulated combat exercise and accidents happen. I very much doubt that Xiulan intended to cripple the girl and perhaps thought the Elders would prevent or heal such a horrific injury. This however leads to another vice of Xiulan. She does not accept blame. It is the family's fault that they can't heal the girl's injury. It is Fan Yu's fault that she hates him so much. It is Han Jian's fault for not accepting her feelings. She has other faults as well but I feel like these faults are a good starting point for this discussion. If you have more feel free to add them.
Reading the event itself I don't think it was a deliberate maiming. Xiulan used too much fire, trusting that they could soak it with qi and defensive arts like everyone she knows could. They couldn't, it burned through their qi, burned past superficial wounds and did some serious scarring.
Noting that this was back at Red, aside from Liling, nobody was swinging aggravated damage, some expensive medicine(which again, most people Xiulan knows could afford trivially) would fix it without a trace.
And this being Xiulan, of course she would act like she was in control and intended it all and/or blame the victim for weakness, because she can't possibly make a mistake can she?
However we still have to talk about the politic side of things!
So Xiulan is from the Golden Fields. According to the wonderful map that was made the golden fields borders both Alabaster sands and the Emerald Sea. Xiulan is specifically from a viscount clan that is gaining closer ties to the Luo clan. A count level clan loyal to Cai. The Wen are a count level clan from Ebony rivers. So they don't really matter to the Emerald Seas. The Ebony rivers does not border the Emerald Sea and according to Big Cai will likely stay out of or even support the Emerald Sea and 1000 Lake tussle with the Sun clan. I honestly don't believe the Wen clan has any real way or reason to interfere in the Emerald Sea. They just seem too far away removed both physically and politically to be a big deal right now. On the other hand the Gu clan is trying to tie deeper ties with the Emerald Sea. By keeping Xiulan in our close circle of friends we are seen as supporting that kind of behavior. Sure the Golden Fields has most of their strength tied up in the land but at the very least good relationships with the Golden Fields makes all the harder for Alabaster Sands to send trouble down to the Emerald sea through the Golden Fields.
Also important part of why Golden Fields makes good neighbors: They're too busy pacifying their own land from Fallout Zombies to invade anyone, and nobody wants to invade a nuclear wasteland, which is a very good way to maintain generational good relations, for the next thousand years neither side expects a border dispute beyond regular banditry or undead slipping through.
Reading the event itself I don't think it was a deliberate maiming. Xiulan used too much fire, trusting that they could soak it with qi and defensive arts like everyone she knows could. They couldn't, it burned through their qi, burned past superficial wounds and did some serious scarring.
Noting that this was back at Red, aside from Liling, nobody was swinging aggravated damage, some expensive medicine(which again, most people Xiulan knows could afford trivially) would fix it without a trace.
And this being Xiulan, of course she would act like she was in control and intended it all and/or blame the victim for weakness, because she can't possibly make a mistake can she?
Also important part of why Golden Fields makes good neighbors: They're too busy pacifying their own land from Fallout Zombies to invade anyone, and nobody wants to invade a nuclear wasteland, which is a very good way to maintain generational good relations, for the next thousand years neither side expects a border dispute beyond regular banditry or undead slipping through.
"Who knew that you and your family were so popular," Ling Qi murmured in amusement as they exited the archive. After a night and morning spent amidst whispering shelves, the warmth of the noon time sun felt good. Being able to tease Sixiang back for once, on the other hand, was the best.
"...I still don't know why you took that thing," Sixiang grumbled, making the wind kick up around Ling Qi. "I never thought I'd see someone deconstruct the idea of having a good time like it was some complicated idea."
"I don't know, it seemed like a useful area of study to me," Ling Qi replied, looking out over the landscape from the top of the carven cliff the archive occupied. It had surprised her just how many arts there were that studied the nature of moon spirits as a social tool.
"Of course you would need step by step instructions and exercises for loosening up," Sixiang huffed. "At least we're done, right?"
Ling Qi hummed in agreement, she had found several likely arts which could improve her socializing ability. She would decide which of them to start cultivating later. She had already planned out her cultivation for the weeks immediately ahead, until then, she would just have to consider which of them fit her needs.
Moon Sprite's Inquiry:
The minor spirits of the deep, impenetrable glades within the Emerald Seas are infamously inquisitive; many are the folk tales of the tiny sprites of moonlight flitting out from trees and passing into the homes of the unwary to play their games of idle curiosity. "Tell me a tale" They ask, one and all, for it is said that their greatest prize is a story worth offering to the moons above. And in that pursuit they are relentless, ever prying, ever cajoling, seeking that precious secret memory at a person's core which defines their life forever afterwards.
Potency: Green 3
Potency Growth: Green 4(3), Green 5 (5)
Max level: 5
Keywords: Composure, Empathy, Manipulation, Speech
-Curiosity, Exchange, Moon, Secrets, Wind, Yin
Needed Meridians: Head x4(1), Head (3), Head (5)
XP: 200, 400, 700, 1000, 1300
Passives
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
+10 to Speech
+10 to Academics
Relentless Fairy's Curiosity: C
Duration: Short
Badgering for one's host or a fellow guest for secrets can be considered uncouth, a violation of hospitality that would see an unworthy guest ejected. But the flitting fairies of the Emerald Seas are a flattering sort, ever able to convince their host that there is always something greater hidden behind their next word. For the sharing of stories is a trade, you see. Secrets exchanged for secrets, a grand game between speakers. While active the user receives a bonus to social perception and speech tests to more ably cajole and flatter their conversation partner into sharing seemingly harmless information which the wise listener might make use of to deepen their understanding.
Moonlit Chattering: C
Duration: Long
There is never one single conversation. Never one story. Always in the telling, always in the asking, the inquisitive fairy is always abuzz with the wheeling and dealing of tales to barter and trade. To those who are not the subject of conversation, it is inevitable that the quick pace of the exchange of words leaves them behind. For like any other storm, the only calm is to be found in its center. When this technique is active, the words of the user echo back to this inevitability, the sounds of the conversation looped back and forth so that those not a part of it can only hear the individual words, only understandable as a vaguely unintelligible babbling of echoed conversation, layered hundreds of times over.
Playful Muse's Rapport
The children of the Dreaming Moon, are endless in number, variation and curiosity. Playful and carefree, unafraid and unconcerned with consequence, many dismiss these creatures of dream as an ephemeral annoyance, the companions of feckless hedonists and unserious artisans. However, there are many lessons to learn from the children of dream, the playful nature of these muses belies their utmost honesty of intent, for no muse has any reason to lie or trick, and few beings are more capable of conveying their thoughts more clearly than a creature whose whole being is such.
Potency: Green 3
Potency growth: Green 4(3), Green 5(5)
Max Level: 5
Keywords: Composure, Empathy, Manipulation, Presence, Speech, Wits
-Curiosity, Expression, Mischief, Moon, Sincerity, Wind, Yang
Needed Meridians: Head x4(1), Head (3), Head (5)
XP: 200, 400, 700, 1000, 1300
Passives
+10 to Initiative
+10 to Social Perception
+10 to Speech
+10 to Empathy
Carefree Mantle: C
Duration: Long
It is not enough to merely follow the basic exercises of this art, to learn tricks of speaking and the use of humor as a smoothing and contrasting element in their rhetoric. To truly emulate the muse, one must defy certain ingrained social behaviors and learn to wear their emotion, their intent, their very self as a cloak. Though such openness can seem frightening to the neophyte, few methods are superior in conveying the sincerity of your intent. While active, the user receives a large bonus to speech tests when speaking honestly or attempting to convince others of their sincerity, and a smaller bonus to poise.
Deceiver's Foil: C
Duration: Short
The muse is a creature of pure expression, and many tales speak of the humorous humiliations which they sometimes heap on the dishonest and insincere. Though this art does not teach such excessive methods, through this technique, one may indeed suss out those who lie to the users face and find the inspiration to trip up and foil those with dishonest intent. The user receives a bonus to Social Perception when attempting to detect lies and a bonus to speech when attempting to counter lies and misinformation
Moonless Saboteur's Smile
Each momentous shift in court, each great change in the status quo arises from ten thousand lesser actions, each innocuous on their own. The spirits of the shadowed, hidden moon know this better than any mortal. Seeking no glory, they arrange matters to the benefit of those mortals which have caught their fancy. Long did the courts of the Weilu prosper with the hidden work of theses spirits, and swift did their order crumble in their absence.
Potency: Green 3
Potency Growth: Green 4(3), Green 5(5)
Max Level: 5
Needed Meridians: Head x3, Heart x1(1), Heart(3), Head (5)
Keywords: Composure, Manipulation, Politics, Speech
Connection, Dark, Mischief, Moon, Mystery, Stealth, Yin
XP: 200, 400, 700, 1000, 1300
Passives
+10 to Poise for user and allies in the same social engagement
+10 to Speech+Manipulation tests
+10 to Government
+10 to Social Perception
Mirthful Sabotage: C
Duration: Long
Plots and schemes form a tangled and often fragile web. A practitioner of this art learns to see the threads which connect their foes and inform their plots and see the ways in which they may be brought embarrassing failure or revelation. While active the user receives a large bonus to social perception and tests which use the manipulation attribute as a component.
Timely Misdirection: C
Duration: Immediate
For the user, it is not enough to trick and sabotage their foes, ones allies must be protected from similar efforts. When engaged in a social encounter, the user may activate this art when an ally fails a test. Using a bit of wordplay or wit, the user draws attention from their allies mistake, allowing them to retry the test with a +20 bonus.
Melodies of the Spirit Seekers
Long out of fashion among the nobility of the empire, arts such as this nonetheless remain valuable for cultivators who must deal with matters of spirits in a less high handed fashion. Developed in the late days of the Xi from the collected practices and rituals of many clans. Conflict between man and spirit often stems from misunderstanding. To a spirit meaning is constant, but to human folk, the meaning in words is a fluid thing, changing from generation to generation. Thus, in seeking accord with wild spirits words are as often a hindrance as they are a help.
Potency: Green 3
Potency Growth: Green 4(3), Green 5(5)
Max Level: 5
Needed Meridians: Head x3, Heart x1(1), Heart(3), Head (5)
Keywords: Beast Handling, Composure, Manipulation, Spirit Ken
Balanced, Bargaining, Beasts, Music, Spirits, Sincerity, Understanding
XP: 200, 400, 700, 1000, 1300
Passives
+10 to Beast Handling
+10 to Spirit Ken
+10 to Poise
+10 to Social Perception
Mediators Swift Composition: C
Duration: Immediate
This technique allows the user to swiftly comprehend the ways in which a beast or spirit thinks, and how it differs from the ways of humankind, allowing them to compose a short piece which correctly conveys their intentions to a single spirit. This understanding gives the user a bonus to spirit ken and beast handling tests when seeking to improve a targets disposition, based on their skill in music or a derived skill thereof. This bonus extends to all allies engaged with the social encounter.
Rhythm of Exchange: C
Duration: Long
To a practitioner of the musical arts, rhythm, metere and tone are more than simple notation, they are the underpinning of all thought, emotion and expression. In immersing oneself in the melody of a spirits self, one can divine the most effective methods of persuasion and form lasting agreements without giving offense or mistaking a spirits meaning. The user receives a bonus to social perception while bargaining with intelligent spirits or beasts while this technique is active. In addition they receive a bonus based on musical skill to Spirit Ken when seeking to make exchanges or agreements.
Roaming Moon's Eye
Potency: Green 2(1) Green 3(3), Green 4(5)
Max Level: 5
Required Meridians: Head x3, Lung x2, Lung(3), Head (5)
Keywords: Academics, Clairvoyance, Intelligence, Perceptiveness, Projection, Moon, Secrets, Water, Yin
XP: 200, 400, 600, 900, 1200
The arts of the great diviner have spread far and wide with time, their secrets no longer held in trust. This art has been said to be a descendant of the impeccable arts of the great horned sages. With the first lessons mastered, the student is able to choose a branch of divination to develop their paths along. This art is the path of the scholar and the seeker of secrets, who casts their eyes wide and far in search of knowledge.
Passives
+10 to Combat Perception
+10 to Social Perception
+5 to both Perceptions when using remote viewing techniques
+10 to Spiritual Avoid
+10 to Formations when deciphering arrays
+15 to Academics
Inquisitive Study: D
Duration: Persistent or Upkeep 2
The user's eyes gleam briefly with a silver sheen as they study the object of their curiosity. The users perception increases greatly for up to two tests in a single scene, allowing them to discern many details that they might otherwise miss.
Seeking Moon's Eyes: C
Duration: Persistent
Conjures three reflective silver wisps the size of a coin. Expressions of the Diviner's curiosity, these wisps seek their parents interest eagerly. The wisps ignore wholly physical obstacles but cannot travel further than Far distance from their creator. The creator may see from the wisp's position as if they stood there themselves, though only in one direction at a time. This greatly increases their combat perception in the areas within which this sight overlaps.
Statblock
Health: G
Speed: B, Initiative: C
Avoid: B, Armor H
Watchful Moon Analysis: C
Duration: Immediate
Used in tandem with an damaging art, allows the users thoughts to far outspeed their limbs, greatly slowing their perception of the world, and allowing the user to pick out minute details that might otherwise be missed in the flows of an enemy or obstacles qi, and adjust the course of their blow. Through this the user ignores the effects of a single defensive technique of C rank or lower, or if none are active, penalizes the targets armor or avoid at the users discretion.
Initiate's Viewing Pool: B
[Non-Combat]
Requiring a surface of calm water at least two handspans wide, the user concentrates on a familiar person or place within ten kilometers of their current position. The user is able to view the person or location in clear detail with both sight and hearing with perception equivalent to their own base Perception. This viewing may be opposed by arts or talismans of various types, in which case the users combat perception is used to determine success. With sufficient surfaces, the use may view up to three targets with a single use of this technique.
Casual Diviner's Poise
Potency: Green 2(1), Green 3 (3), Green 4(5)
Max Level: 5
Required Meridians:Head x3, Lung x2, Head(3), Head(5)
Keywords: Academics, Intelligence, Precognition, Perceptiveness, Projection, Moon, Secrets, Water, Yin
XP: 200, 400, 600, 900, 1200
The arts of the great diviner have spread far and wide with time, their secrets no longer held in trust. This art has been said to be a descendant of the impeccable arts of the great horned sages. This art focuses upon precognition, the ability to divine the actions of the immediate future in great detail.
Passives
+20 to Combat Perception
+10 to Spiritual Avoid
+10 to Physical Avoid
+10 to Formations when deciphering arrays
+10 to Initiative
Inquisitive Study: D
Duration: Persistent or Upkeep 2
The user's eyes gleam briefly with a silver sheen as they study the object of their curiosity. The users perception increases greatly for up to two tests in a single scene, allowing them to discern many details that they might otherwise miss.
Seeking Moon's Eyes: C
Duration: Persistent
Conjures three reflective silver wisps the size of a coin. Expressions of the Diviner's curiosity, these wisps seek their parents interest eagerly. The wisps ignore wholly physical obstacles but cannot travel further than Close distance from their creator. The creator may see from the wisp's position as if they stood there themselves, though only in one direction at a time. This greatly increases their combat perception in the areas within which this sight overlaps. For each line of site beyond the first the user has on an opponent, they receive a small bonus to physical hit and avoid.
Statblock
Health: E
Speed: C, Initiative: D
Avoid: C, Armor D
Watchful Moon Analysis: B
Duration: Immediate
Used in tandem with an damaging art or in response to an attack, allows the users thoughts to far outspeed their limbs, greatly slowing their perception of the world, and allowing the user to pick out minute details that might otherwise be missed in the flows of an enemy or obstacles qi, and adjust the course of their blow. Through this the user ignores the effects of a single defensive technique of C rank or lower, or if none are active, penalizes the targets armor or avoid at the users discretion. Used defensively, it allows the user to ignore the effects of one single target attack of C rank or lower, or significantly increase their own avoid against a higher ranked technique
Initiate's Viewing Pool: C
[Non-Combat]
Requiring a surface of calm water at least two handspans wide, the user concentrates on a familiar person or place within five kilometers of their current position. The user is able to view the person or location in clear detail with both sight and hearing with perception equivalent to their own at a one rank reduction. This viewing may be opposed by arts or talismans of various types, in which case the users combat perception is used to determine success.
"I suppose I should be getting down to the Sect town," Ling Qi sighed, looking down from the clear blue sky to the green landscape below. Hopefully she things would not be too awkward.
"Just relax," Sixiang said, and Ling Qi felt the phantom sensation of fingers jabbing her side. "Remember not to wind yourself up. Go meet the guy and let yourself have fun for goodness sake."
Ling Qi irritably swatted at the air, dispersing the fragile constructs of wind Sixiang was poking her with. She knew what she had to do, that didn't make it easier. She wished that she had time to practice one of the arts she had procured, but there just wasn't time. "I know, I know," she grumbled aloud. "Now quit it."
Sixiang huffed, but was silent, letting her words echo in Ling Qi's thoughts rather than her ears. "If you know, then quit stalling," they challenged.
Sixiang wasn't wrong, Ling Qi knew. Taking only a moment to breathe, cycle her qi and still her thoughts. Ling Qi stepped off the cliff and allowed the rush of wind past her ears to settle her nerves. A moment before she would have struck earth and branch, her winged cloak flared, and Ling Qi swooped back up soaring toward the town. She didn't want to be late.
***
Landing outside the town's walls, Ling Qi took a moment to smooth her gown, and then entered town, briskly moving through the outermost sections. It was a little ironic, Ling Qi could admit to herself, but she wasn't doing it out of disdain, but rather because she did not want to hold on to her qi suppression so tightly for long. Regardless of her musings, she soon reached the inner town, where cultivators were in greater number. She took only a moment to recall the location of her meeting, and find her way to the right square. In the midst of the towns bustle, Ling Qi saw them before she felt them.
She spied Li Suyin first, wearing that new gown of hers. The pale lilac and purple silk looked good on her, though the effect was a little lessened by the clawed chitin contraption she wore on her right hand. She wondered how long it would take Xiulan to pester the other girl into adding some gemstone settings and filigree to the thing to brighten it up. Beside Suyin, standing a little closer than Ling Qi would call polite was a tall, thin boy. He had a handsome face and neatly kept hair bound in a top knot. That was probably this 'Du Feng' she had heard about from time to time. Another friend of Suyin's.
Ling Qi found her eyes only briefly touching on him however. She found her attention drawn to the much louder figure standing nearby. The young man was quite large, top quite as tall as her, but very broad shouldered. He wore a robe of crimson and gold bound at the waist by a thick jeweled sash. His fingers glittered with rings of jade, set with precious gems that gleamed mesmerizingly in the sun. Two bands of white jade encircled his upper arms, cinching his flowing robe around thick biceps.
He had a broad face with pleasant, jovial features and dark brown hair, bound in a simple top knot by another jeweled clasp. Really, he looked quite a lot like a more youthful version of the Bao lord she had met at the end of last year… if one who indulged much less in food and drink. She really did wonder what had happened to Bao Qingling, to differentiate herself so much from her family.
"Ah, and our last member has arrived, welcome Miss Ling, welcome," she was shaken from her thoughts as the young man turned from his conversation with Li Suyin and Du Feng to raise a jeweled hand and greet her. She met his eyes and found them sharp and appraising beneath the cheer. He was at the formation stage of the Green Soul realm though he felt close to the next stage in spirit.
"My apologies for being late," Ling Qi said politely as she approached, dipping her head in a small bow of contrition.
"You are nothing of the sort," he dismissed cheerfully. "I simply arrived early."
"Yes, I had only happened to be in town regardless, so I was early as well," Li Suyin added politely. "Ah, Ling Qi, I do not think you have been introduced. This is Du Feng, my work partner."
The boy sketched a polite bow as one would to a superior. "A pleasure Miss Ling."
"And if cousin's Quan and Qingling have not deigned share it, you may have my name as well. I am Bao Qian," the Bao scion introduced himself with a minor bow, as given between equals. "I have already heard much of you, and the tales Miss Li has told have only embellished on them."
Ling Qi glanced to Li Suyin, who gave her a sheepish smile. "It is a pleasure to meet you both, though I have to admit, you have me at a disadvantage. The letter Bao Qingling gave to me was somewhat light on details."
"No offense is taken," Bao Qian replied with a smile. "We Bao are a competitive sort, the matter of who would take up the opportunity was still contested at that time."
Ling Qi felt a little disconcerted at the idea that there was any competition for… whatever this was, not quite even a betrothal offer but just…
"Of course you're worth it. Most talented musician in the South, luminous fairy of the winter moon, black left hand of the Cai, Best Big Sis! The name of Ling Qi rings from the mountaintops!" Sixiang announced grandly in her head.
It was a testament to her will and experience with Sixiang that her eyebrow did not so much as twitch, nor her polite smile falter. "I am flattered to be so well thought of among the Bao," she replied instead.
"There is no flattery to it, only honest praise," he replied.
"Miss Ling is a great talent," Du Feng agreed with a smile. "You often say such, do you not Li Suyin?"
"She is, I could not have achieved what I have without her," Li Suyin replied, toying with her sleeve nervously.
"...I will have to accept your praise I suppose," Ling Qi said reluctantly, feeling a bit uncomfortable. "But please, do not let me interrupt your conversation. You were speaking before I arrived, weren't you?"
"It was only a small matter," Li Suyin demurred.
"You are too humble Miss Li. The joint work of you and sir Du in refining and treating silk is a valuable enterprise. The capital is always eager for new strains. Helps them keep up the churn of fashionable one upmanship, you know?" Bao Qian said with a chuckle
"Oh, you're working on silk now? I had not heard about that Li Suyin," Ling Qi said, happy to move to herself out of the spotlight of attention.
"It is as much Du Feng's effort as mine," Li Suyin deflected. "I only had some small insights to give on influencing the development of the worms. It is he who turns the resulting silk into something of value."
"You are too kind Li Suyin," Du Feng said. "I have never had the opportunity to work with silk as naturally impermeable and light. I feel as if I am spinning strands of air at times."
Li Suyin flushed and fidgeted a little. "I am sure it is nothing that other silk making families have not achieved already."
"Perhaps, but another supplier is always good for the market," Bao Qian said cheerfully. "I will be happy to do a little sellers work for the two of you, if you would permit it."
Li Suyin and Du Feng shared a brief look, and Li Suyin dipped her head, giving deference to him. Ling Qi might have found that bothersome, but she knew her friend well enough to know that she really did consider it more his project than hers. So she did not say anything as Du Feng bowed low and accepted the offer.
With only a small mental nudge from Sixiang, Ling Qi made herself continue the conversation. "Is that what you will be spending your time in the south on then Sir Bao? Seeking out opportunities like this?" She had to start being a more active participant in conversations, and she would never do so if she didn't start somewhere.
She saw a flicker of appraisal in his warm green eyes as he turned to look at her. "After a fashion, and there is no need for a Sir, Miss Ling, my name will do." He gave her a thoughtful look. "I am only one of many sons, so I am always on the lookout for opportunity, I shall certainly wish to speak with you at some point about what might be done with that unique Xuan Wu of yours."
Her eyebrows rose, but she forced herself not to give his words an uncharitable interpretation. "If you do not object, my name is fine as well," she said slowly, it was a minor concession and one she didn't really mind giving. "Zhengui is precious to me, so I have to ask that you clarify your intent Bao Qian."
She caught a brief flicker of genuine amusement at her little wordplay. "Nothing invasive of course, shed scales, claw clippings, venom, waste product. A Spirit of such potency can produce many useful things. It helps to offset their substantial upkeep."
Ling Qi thought of the expense documentation Cai Renxiang had been teaching her to make use of. It might be nice to be less reliant on her largesse. If nothing else it might mean further resources for her to cultivate with. "I see, I have no complaints then," she replied.
"Perhaps you should seek his services in recording your music Miss Ling. I have heard that it is incomparable for your age and talent," Du Feng added. "Though you will only improve in the future I am sure."
"He's trying to be helpful, you know," Sixiang whispered soothingly. "I think he really doesn't want to be on your bad side. Guy has it bad."
Ling Qi did not reply, she certainly noticed the minute changes in expression from the young man. He really wanted Suyin's approval. Her friend of course, was all to happy to go along with over praising her. "Your songs really are lovely, I would not mind being able to play them in my workshop."
"I would never be so forward as to request something so personal at a first meeting," Bao Qian said, dipping his head. "I know many musicians mislike such things. Though, on my pride as a jade carver, I would put my utmost into such a project, to ensure quality."
"...Something for the future, perhaps," Ling Qi replied. She felt deeply uncomfortable with the idea of recording her music. Her understanding of the topic meant that every piece she played reflected some facet of herself. Having such a thing stored in jade to be viewed whenever was… strange to her. "You are a jade carver then?" She asked changing the subject.
"I have some skills in the field, the Bao families resources are plentiful in that regard," Bao Qian agreed. "I will be using my eye for such materials during my stay. I have a few expeditions lined up to prospect unsettled lands for jade, spirit stones and less valuable minerals. A man must keep busy after all. No good comes from standing still."
That was a good attitude to take. Though she could not really judge off one meeting, her initial impression of Bao Qian was good. However… the real purpose of all this still ate at her thoughts. She had been praised and praised, and while she was certain that Li Suyin was sincere, it was wholly possible that he was just using her friend to be able to flatter her without seemingly coming on too strong.
That was one trouble with studying social arts, it put her in the mind to scrutinize things over and over again. How much of this impression was a well arranged mask? Then again, you could drive yourself mad nitpicking the meaning behind every action and choice of presentation. "That is an admirable attitude," she said instead of voicing any of her thoughts. "I wish you luck in your pursuits."
"In truth," the young man said more slowly. "I am looking into such a matter nearby, I have made a contract with the Sect to investigate whether the quarries of an abandoned clanhold in the east is worth further prospecting. I have heard that you favor an adventure or two yourself, Ling Qi. Should I request you as my liaison with the Sect for this matter?" He glanced at the others. "You are invited as well of course, friends."
"I am afraid I am unsuited for such matters," Du Feng replied swiftly, only to shoot a worried look to Li Suyin. "Ah, but if you wish to go…"
Li Suyin looked uncertain, looking to Ling Qi.
Ling Qi considered, between her cultivation, her family, and her other obligations, her time was limited. Had she been asked a week or two ago, she might have considered begging off, but given her recent resolution to improve her interactions with the rest of the nobility, it seemed foolish to refuse. However... she still was not wholly sure she liked the idea of going off alone with a man she had just met, and he had given her an opportunnity to make it a group affair...
[] Convince Li Suyin to come along. It would ease things along a good deal.
[] No, she did not want to use her friend as a crutch or a shield.
AN: Arts need a little more time in the oven guys, but I thought you'd like the update today. I will add the new arts tomorrow. Until then enjoy.
This will give us a good chance to see what our potential fiancé is like when he is put under pressure, while also giving Li Suyin a bit more time in the spotlight (and showcasing her worth to the Bao who are probably going to be her patrons given Suyin's mentorship by Bao Quingling). Much and all though I would like to go dragon cave hunting with Shen Hu, I think we need to start progressing this immediately since this is either going to be a major ongoing character arc for Ling Qi, or else nip it in the bud early.
heh, the Bao sent a fun guy. Though it remains to see if it is genuine.
Gotta laugh at Du Feng wanting LQ's approval. He wants that spider girl and LQ would be a good wing woman for that. Too bad she still got got her hang-ups.
I find mud boy to be pretty milquetoast, so if that's the alternative then I much prefer this (especially with Li Suyin, would be better if Du Feng would come).
If we go on events like this and decide we like the Bao but not enough to accept marriage, will they take that as a snub?
Could someone remind me where she got this? I was still thinking of her flight as gown-powered.
Also I really think accepting is a good idea - even if we don't want to push things further with a Bao, betrothal-wise, they seem like a good family to be friendly with and have stronger ties to. Very friendly and likable, seemingly genuinely looking for mutual benefits with allies, ties to other important people to us, reasonably wealthy, and with good trade options. What's not to like about building some stronger ties to that?
I'm sad we lose our social action for the month on it though - I'm still dying to actually tackle the dragon lair with Shen Hu and/or do some more work with Xuan Shi and build up our contacts with him, both because I like them both, and in the first because I'm starting to worry that dragon lair option is going to go away after being left to hang for TOO long, and in the second because he is guaranteed to have the best insights into Zhengui development and knowing a dedicated formations specialist who at least dabbles in time arts can never be a bad thing.
"I would never be so forward as to request something so personal at a first meeting," Bao Qian said, dipping his head. "I know many musicians mislike such things. Though, on my pride as a jade carver, I would put my utmost into such a project, to ensure quality."
"...Something for the future, perhaps," Ling Qi replied. She felt deeply uncomfortable with the idea of recording her music. Her understanding of the topic meant that every piece she played reflected some facet of herself. Having such a thing stored in jade to be viewed whenever was… strange to her. "You are a jade carver then?" She asked changing the subject.
Yeah, I can see how Ling Qi and other musicians would be uncomfortable with such a recording made of them. Pouring their soul into something only for it to be recorded and replayed endlessly to be enjoyed by others at their pleasure.
"You are too humble Miss Li. The joint work of you and sir Du in refining and treating silk is a valuable enterprise. The capital is always eager for new strains. Helps them keep up the churn of fashionable one upmanship, you know?" Bao Qian said with a chuckle
"Oh, you're working on silk now? I had not heard about that Li Suyin," Ling Qi said, happy to move to herself out of the spotlight of attention.
"It is as much Du Feng's effort as mine," Li Suyin deflected. "I only had some small insights to give on influencing the development of the worms. It is he who turns the resulting silk into something of value."
"You are too kind Li Suyin," Du Feng said. "I have never had the opportunity to work with silk as naturally impermeable and light. I feel as if I am spinning strands of air at times."
Yes, Li Suyin! Keep working on organics and shaping the living organism! More practice for the ultimate "HERO" (Humanoid Engagement and Rescue Organism) project!
In other news, Li Suyin's goal to deflect about what she is capable of like her life depends upon it is working. Shift and divert attention to others so that people don't know the true extent of her skills. It'll serve her well when she is ready to begin the climb up the Sect rankings.
