CedeTheBees
Probably high right now
- Location
- Somewhere
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Was this supposed to be "Do you value me over your ambitions?" The way Meizhen answers makes it feel like it should be that way around.
Also awwwwwwwwwwww 😍
-
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Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)
- Thread starter yrsillar
- Start date
- Original Users' Choice!
Voted best in category in the Users' Choice awards.
Also awwwwwwwwwwww 😍
Meizhen has a type, tall, dark and dorky
ElizatronicWarfa
Himejoshi Supreme
- Pronouns
- She/They
This is my gift to you, SV. Enjoy. There WILL be more to come for as long as Yrs takes my money.
Ling Qi ruined poor Bai Meizhen. Bao Qingling is also tall, gangly, and lacks manners - and enjoys poison, murder, and putting trash in its' place. She's like Ling Qi 2.0!
Ling Qi ruined poor Bai Meizhen. Bao Qingling is also tall, gangly, and lacks manners - and enjoys poison, murder, and putting trash in its' place. She's like Ling Qi 2.0!
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- Location
- the internet
This update has made me feel even worse about that because, like, the entire second half of Linqin's lecture actually applies much better to Sixiang than us.
Like this? Not us, totally Sixiang. We really don't give them much at all, and I believe they've already shown us that they actually have that empathy problem, which is why they don't like war.
We need to do things for Sixiang
I think a good part of it is Ling Qi avoiding her own feelings which she can't do if she gives Six too much attention because that would lead to Sixiang getting traction on a certain conversation. Sixiang is LQ's therapist/friend, her internal sounding board. They're the best person to help LQ with that massive ball of trauma that's going unaddressed. But until LQ is ready, she'll continue to only interact with Sixiang on her terms, doing what she wants.
As we've established, LQ can be pretty selfish without meaning to be. As she develops more emotional maturity though, I think she'll realize how little agency Sixiang has, being the passenger inside her head. Then she'll be more mindful of Six's needs.
A huge step in emotional maturation would be addressing more of her trauma. It's not gonna happen all at once but once it starts, she can begin healing.
Also, as both LQ and Six grow in cultivation, it'll be easier for Six to manifest in the physical world. One day she'll have a lot of agency to do what she wants.
TimEd
Meteor maker
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Is that what they call it nowadays?
Yeah that makes sense, though I think a good first step would actually be setting those issues aside and just embracing the friendship. It's possible to brush aside focus on Ling Qi's issues without brushing aside focus on Sixiang; Ling Qi just needs to actively focus on Sixiang and keep moving forwards.
- Location
- Canada
Does Sixiang want agency? Weird question, but they're not human. They're a muse—if anything I'd say Sixiang's tendency to be a sounding board is part of the core of their being, and if they do starting to have more agency, it's not only because of changes in Ling Qi, but also because Sixiang is growing more complex as they increase in cultivation. Though maybe complex isn't the right word, more diverse? Greater depth?
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It's definitely a struggle that Sixiang has. They've commented on it before; an comment that jumps to mind was something like "having a past and a future is painful". There's tension and discomfort for Sixiang to have independent wants and motivations. But, well, Sixiang does have those, mostly clearly the Want related to their connection with Ling Qi. I'm not interested in dictating to Sixiang how they resolve these issues or what answers they come to, it'd be hypocritical to set limits.
However, when Sixiang does express preferences or concerns, the expectation should be that Ling Qi genuinely weigh them. As in, assign them some weight as legitimate and worthy of consideration, rather than... bonus filler commentary or something. If the precedent is that Sixiang's notions are dismissible out of hand, and then are almost always dismissed, it's hard to actually explore questions around their target level of agency.
It's not the biggest issue in the meat realm, because there are a lot of conflicting interests and ultimately it's a space where Ling Qi's mostly the inhabitant and dealing with the consequences. It's more of a concern inside of Sixiang's "territory" so to speak, where the expert kinda needs to be afforded due authority as the expert. We're facing a fair amount more activity in the Dream ahead of us. Getting on top of these issues now is important; they're likely to fray and spiral out into a confused mess if we don't at least touch on them.
However, when Sixiang does express preferences or concerns, the expectation should be that Ling Qi genuinely weigh them. As in, assign them some weight as legitimate and worthy of consideration, rather than... bonus filler commentary or something. If the precedent is that Sixiang's notions are dismissible out of hand, and then are almost always dismissed, it's hard to actually explore questions around their target level of agency.
It's not the biggest issue in the meat realm, because there are a lot of conflicting interests and ultimately it's a space where Ling Qi's mostly the inhabitant and dealing with the consequences. It's more of a concern inside of Sixiang's "territory" so to speak, where the expert kinda needs to be afforded due authority as the expert. We're facing a fair amount more activity in the Dream ahead of us. Getting on top of these issues now is important; they're likely to fray and spiral out into a confused mess if we don't at least touch on them.
- Pronouns
- He/Him
I think this is the part of your post that resonated most strongly with me. For anyone familiar with the Cradle series Sixiang and Dross live in very similar situations. They spend the majority of their time inside of their partner's head assisting them with mental tasks such as memory or communication. I feel like the main difference between them is actually that Lindon pays far more attention to Dross than it seems like Ling Qi does to Sixiang. Lindon and Dross collaborate on building constructs and if Dross asks Lindon to try and get him something he does his best to do it. Sixiang on the other hand almost seems like a passenger riding around in Ling Qi's head. It isn't a perfect analogy, but I would very much like to see Sixiang be allowed to have more interaction with the world. Hanyi has her concerts, Zhengui has his garden, but Sixiang seemingly gets very little. Maybe this is because we haven't gotten to a place in the narrative, such as dream walking back to the Revel, but I think it is a bit of an oversight so far.
Turn 13: Arc 9-5
Below, standing in the sky above the four arenas, Sect Head Yuan He had finished praising the virtues of the days combatants and of the potential that was to be shown in the finals the next day. He stood as tall as he had the previous just as unbowed by age, but the flash of oneness of supreme empathy Diao Linqin had showed her made Ling Qi see the whitening of his hair, the deepening of his wrinkles, the harder grip on his cane.
Sect Head Yuan He was ancient by any measure, well over eight hundred years old. Near the limit of even a seventh realm cultivator. How much longer would he last, she wondered, and what would it mean when he was gone? She had not chosen the path of the Sect, but the thought still troubled her.
"But, before we finish this days observance, her Grace, Duchess Cai Shenhua has some words for us, both the people of the Emerald Seas and honored guests alike!" The old man's voice was still a thunderclap, audible everywhere in the great colosseum.
The radiance left their box, leaving only spotty colors in the corners of Linq Qi's vision. The Duchess appeared in midair beside the Sect head, there was no flash or crash, just the click of heels upon an invisible surface, and the bloom of radiance, washing across the stands in every direction. When Cai Shenhua spoke her face was invisible past the blinding light cast by her eyes, and her shadow was the silhouette of a rose, traced in immutable black under her feet.
"I must congratulate the Argent Sect once again.Their methods and teaching have produced still more talented cultivators for the realm, exemplars of what the youth should be!" she announced. "I feel more confident than ever in the future prosperity of the Emerald Seas, regardless of the foes who rise against us."
They were simple words, but echoed loudly, and the approval that followed them was like the swelling rumble of the sea.
"Yuan He, Sect Head of the Argent Peak, you have my praise and admiration," the glorious light dimmed as its human shell tipped her head, and Ling Qi could feel the absolute truth and sincerity of those words in her bones. The Sect Head bowed much more deeply in response. "So I will not steal the thunder of announcing your own plans. Instead! My people, my guests, I have other news!"
The rumble of communal sound subsided into silence, awaiting what she had to say. Beside her Cai Renxiang was staring down at her mother with extreme intensity. Ling Qi felt herself growing nervous in sympathy.
"First, it is my honor as her steward in this province to announce the ascension of her Divine Majesty, the Empress Xiang, into the eighth realm! Welcome news for us all! Some of you may have heard this already naturally through your own means I am sure, but for the rest, let us all celebrate this happy occasion now!" her voice was jovial, despite still thrumming with power. The roar of approval from the coliseum was tremendous, and the Duchess did not speak for a time, allowing it to pass.
"Less joyously, I must turn my words to the war which assails us," Cai Shenhua's voice turned, not grave, but more serious. The Cloud Barbarians, these dark folk beneath our feet, allied against us, it is most vexing that the peace won by the bravery of Yuan He and the other heroes of the incursions be brought so short. So little time we have had to rebuild from the ruin wrought by the negligence of the Hui!"
No approval now, just grave and ready silence.
"But our foes are disunited. This Galidan is no Ogodei, despite the spirits he allies. The Cloud Tribes are not united at his back, many knowing the futility of igniting our wrath, have gone far away, beyond into the lands of ice. These dark people, these Ith'ia have no leader, merely squabbling cities! Those who dare to strike us may be extinguished or subjugated at our will."
Truth, if framed more favorably, Ling Qi thought, no lies, no deception, just fact wrapped in words that people would accept.
"But, it has revealed some problems which remain, legacy of the chaos and mistrust wrought by those we rose against," Cai Shenhua continued without pause, her voice rising. "My White Plumes, for two centuries now have proven the effectiveness of central training and soldiers who need not go back to other labors when off campaign. It is thus that I announce the creation of another formation! My loyal counts will provide one eighth of the soldiers and supplies which they have claimed, tithed from their own vassals at discretion, and these will be trained by my White Plumes. This Army, this Horned Legion will serve all the Emerald Seas, and never again will we suffer a sluggish response to a foe. They will be housed at Xiangmen at the throne's expense. My own presence here upon the front shall offset any troubles from the movement and training of soldiers."
Ling Qi blinked, raising her eyebrows, the sound from the other stands mirrored her surprise, it was approving but there was a certain note of uncertainty to that. Not grumbling certainly, not in public, but Ling Qi was certain there would be quite a bit back in the pavilions. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that people with power were loathe to give up a single scrap of it.
"Lastly," said the smiling Duchess, paying no mind to the more muted response. "Is more personal news. I plan to set aside my Lord consort, Diao Luwen."
Beside them, the bored looking older man grunted, straightening up in his seat. He stood, not giving them a glance, and appeared below, In Cai Shenhua's shadow. He was not a short man, but beside her, he seemed positively shrunken.
"It has been my honor to serve in this role for so long," Diao Luwen said. He managed to raise his tone from active disinterest to bland formality. "And I nor the Diao clan bear a grudge for this change."
"You have been most cooperative, and in this action I mean no insult," Said the Duchess, a note of amusement in her reverbating voice. "It is thus that I request that you remain as my Minister of Works."
"Nothing would please this humble man more," Diao Luwen said, bowing deeply.
"I can see the confusion that is upon you all," Cai Shenhua said, her voice returning to its more usual languid amusement. "If there is no disagreement or grievance, why? Let me ask instead a question. Many of you have now seen my youngest daughter, complimented her health, heaped praise upon future talent. Truly Cai Tienli is normal healthy child without blemish. As attested by the Medicine Saint, as attested by your own eyes. And so, I must take responsibility and wed her other parent, Prime Minister Diao Linqin."
Complete silence. She and Cai Renxiang were alone in the box now. Diao Linqin stood beside the Duchess now, and where their arms linked, the colorless radiance bled into a pale rose pink.
"It is still a complex procedure," Cai Shenhua said breezily. "But I have severed one of the last shackles of mortality, for those who have reached the Fourth Realm. I have shown the Medicine Saint and my own highest physician the methods, and instructed them to share it freely. I will not bore with technical details. The wedding shall take place one the tenth day of next year."
Ling Qi leaned back in her seat under the rising sea of noise as the Duchess speech began to go into pleasantries, and talking up of war efforts as if she had not just said something absurd. Artificial conception of human life was… supposed to be impossible. She had learned that in doing research on the nobility, it was why marriage contracts and such were so important, why relationships like Meizhen's were frowned upon and pushed to the side.
Cai Renxiang beside her was frowning deeply, so much so that her eyes were nearly squeezed shut. She didn't speak up.
Sixiang, Ling Qi thought. What in the world was that woman doing?
Don't ask me. I still don't quite get how that stuff works for you. At a guess though… scattering complaint. The Army thing, the wedding thing its two different angles, gets people arguing in different directions, maybe?" Sixiang wondered. "But like being honest here Ling Qi, you can't expect me to know all the layers to what someone like that is doing."
Ling Qi nodded faintly. It felt weird and strange to think about for her. That meant to a lot of people it was going to be outright outrageous. Maybe even more infuriating than the tithe of soldiers, especially for those outside the Emerald Seas. How would the Bai, who strained so hard against any change, going to react?
Diao Luwen returned first, appearing and fractal flash at the back of the box and descending without a word. The Duchess and the Prime Minister came next, Diao Linqin smiling for the first time Ling Qi could recall, while the Duchess wore a certain aura of utter satisfaction that Ling Qi found just as alien and uncomfortable as her attention.
"Why, Mother," Cai Renxiang spoke, to Ling Qi's surprise. "Why so much goodwill spent for this?"
"It is important to remember where you began, my daughter, even if it costs you," Cai Shenhua chuckled. Casting a single blinding glance at them as she swept away down the stairs. "Do try to remember that as you rise."
Sect Head Yuan He was ancient by any measure, well over eight hundred years old. Near the limit of even a seventh realm cultivator. How much longer would he last, she wondered, and what would it mean when he was gone? She had not chosen the path of the Sect, but the thought still troubled her.
"But, before we finish this days observance, her Grace, Duchess Cai Shenhua has some words for us, both the people of the Emerald Seas and honored guests alike!" The old man's voice was still a thunderclap, audible everywhere in the great colosseum.
The radiance left their box, leaving only spotty colors in the corners of Linq Qi's vision. The Duchess appeared in midair beside the Sect head, there was no flash or crash, just the click of heels upon an invisible surface, and the bloom of radiance, washing across the stands in every direction. When Cai Shenhua spoke her face was invisible past the blinding light cast by her eyes, and her shadow was the silhouette of a rose, traced in immutable black under her feet.
"I must congratulate the Argent Sect once again.Their methods and teaching have produced still more talented cultivators for the realm, exemplars of what the youth should be!" she announced. "I feel more confident than ever in the future prosperity of the Emerald Seas, regardless of the foes who rise against us."
They were simple words, but echoed loudly, and the approval that followed them was like the swelling rumble of the sea.
"Yuan He, Sect Head of the Argent Peak, you have my praise and admiration," the glorious light dimmed as its human shell tipped her head, and Ling Qi could feel the absolute truth and sincerity of those words in her bones. The Sect Head bowed much more deeply in response. "So I will not steal the thunder of announcing your own plans. Instead! My people, my guests, I have other news!"
The rumble of communal sound subsided into silence, awaiting what she had to say. Beside her Cai Renxiang was staring down at her mother with extreme intensity. Ling Qi felt herself growing nervous in sympathy.
"First, it is my honor as her steward in this province to announce the ascension of her Divine Majesty, the Empress Xiang, into the eighth realm! Welcome news for us all! Some of you may have heard this already naturally through your own means I am sure, but for the rest, let us all celebrate this happy occasion now!" her voice was jovial, despite still thrumming with power. The roar of approval from the coliseum was tremendous, and the Duchess did not speak for a time, allowing it to pass.
"Less joyously, I must turn my words to the war which assails us," Cai Shenhua's voice turned, not grave, but more serious. The Cloud Barbarians, these dark folk beneath our feet, allied against us, it is most vexing that the peace won by the bravery of Yuan He and the other heroes of the incursions be brought so short. So little time we have had to rebuild from the ruin wrought by the negligence of the Hui!"
No approval now, just grave and ready silence.
"But our foes are disunited. This Galidan is no Ogodei, despite the spirits he allies. The Cloud Tribes are not united at his back, many knowing the futility of igniting our wrath, have gone far away, beyond into the lands of ice. These dark people, these Ith'ia have no leader, merely squabbling cities! Those who dare to strike us may be extinguished or subjugated at our will."
Truth, if framed more favorably, Ling Qi thought, no lies, no deception, just fact wrapped in words that people would accept.
"But, it has revealed some problems which remain, legacy of the chaos and mistrust wrought by those we rose against," Cai Shenhua continued without pause, her voice rising. "My White Plumes, for two centuries now have proven the effectiveness of central training and soldiers who need not go back to other labors when off campaign. It is thus that I announce the creation of another formation! My loyal counts will provide one eighth of the soldiers and supplies which they have claimed, tithed from their own vassals at discretion, and these will be trained by my White Plumes. This Army, this Horned Legion will serve all the Emerald Seas, and never again will we suffer a sluggish response to a foe. They will be housed at Xiangmen at the throne's expense. My own presence here upon the front shall offset any troubles from the movement and training of soldiers."
Ling Qi blinked, raising her eyebrows, the sound from the other stands mirrored her surprise, it was approving but there was a certain note of uncertainty to that. Not grumbling certainly, not in public, but Ling Qi was certain there would be quite a bit back in the pavilions. If there was one thing she was certain of, it was that people with power were loathe to give up a single scrap of it.
"Lastly," said the smiling Duchess, paying no mind to the more muted response. "Is more personal news. I plan to set aside my Lord consort, Diao Luwen."
Beside them, the bored looking older man grunted, straightening up in his seat. He stood, not giving them a glance, and appeared below, In Cai Shenhua's shadow. He was not a short man, but beside her, he seemed positively shrunken.
"It has been my honor to serve in this role for so long," Diao Luwen said. He managed to raise his tone from active disinterest to bland formality. "And I nor the Diao clan bear a grudge for this change."
"You have been most cooperative, and in this action I mean no insult," Said the Duchess, a note of amusement in her reverbating voice. "It is thus that I request that you remain as my Minister of Works."
"Nothing would please this humble man more," Diao Luwen said, bowing deeply.
"I can see the confusion that is upon you all," Cai Shenhua said, her voice returning to its more usual languid amusement. "If there is no disagreement or grievance, why? Let me ask instead a question. Many of you have now seen my youngest daughter, complimented her health, heaped praise upon future talent. Truly Cai Tienli is normal healthy child without blemish. As attested by the Medicine Saint, as attested by your own eyes. And so, I must take responsibility and wed her other parent, Prime Minister Diao Linqin."
Complete silence. She and Cai Renxiang were alone in the box now. Diao Linqin stood beside the Duchess now, and where their arms linked, the colorless radiance bled into a pale rose pink.
"It is still a complex procedure," Cai Shenhua said breezily. "But I have severed one of the last shackles of mortality, for those who have reached the Fourth Realm. I have shown the Medicine Saint and my own highest physician the methods, and instructed them to share it freely. I will not bore with technical details. The wedding shall take place one the tenth day of next year."
Ling Qi leaned back in her seat under the rising sea of noise as the Duchess speech began to go into pleasantries, and talking up of war efforts as if she had not just said something absurd. Artificial conception of human life was… supposed to be impossible. She had learned that in doing research on the nobility, it was why marriage contracts and such were so important, why relationships like Meizhen's were frowned upon and pushed to the side.
Cai Renxiang beside her was frowning deeply, so much so that her eyes were nearly squeezed shut. She didn't speak up.
Sixiang, Ling Qi thought. What in the world was that woman doing?
Don't ask me. I still don't quite get how that stuff works for you. At a guess though… scattering complaint. The Army thing, the wedding thing its two different angles, gets people arguing in different directions, maybe?" Sixiang wondered. "But like being honest here Ling Qi, you can't expect me to know all the layers to what someone like that is doing."
Ling Qi nodded faintly. It felt weird and strange to think about for her. That meant to a lot of people it was going to be outright outrageous. Maybe even more infuriating than the tithe of soldiers, especially for those outside the Emerald Seas. How would the Bai, who strained so hard against any change, going to react?
Diao Luwen returned first, appearing and fractal flash at the back of the box and descending without a word. The Duchess and the Prime Minister came next, Diao Linqin smiling for the first time Ling Qi could recall, while the Duchess wore a certain aura of utter satisfaction that Ling Qi found just as alien and uncomfortable as her attention.
"Why, Mother," Cai Renxiang spoke, to Ling Qi's surprise. "Why so much goodwill spent for this?"
"It is important to remember where you began, my daughter, even if it costs you," Cai Shenhua chuckled. Casting a single blinding glance at them as she swept away down the stairs. "Do try to remember that as you rise."
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Fuck yeah, Shenhau. Aint nobody telling that boss ass binch who she can love
- Location
- Canada
Oh damn, if the new kid is Diao Linqin child that puts the previous interactions under a new light.
- Location
- Europe
It seems the roots of Xiangmen grow wide and deep indeed! The Tyrant Progress herself blesses Ling Qi's Revolutionary style!What we really need is a grill. Something in gold and with diamonds on it. Hood rat Ling Qi needs to remember her roots!
Edit: Shenhua literally exists in a state of maximum Bling at all times, it's blinding even. What an inspiration.
Edit 2: For what it's worth Ling Qi did this for her Mom, who then helped out her old brothel coworkers and gave them a place in the household. So, you know, Renxiang has a good example there.
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Looks like Gay Marriage was just legalized in the Emerald seas
Now Meizhen and Qingling can get married and have kids after cyan!
Now Meizhen and Qingling can get married and have kids after cyan!
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Wow was that a bold move. I love it. Shenhua once again defying common logic in achieving what's thought to be impossible. Really eclipsed the Empress' success here though.
And this is honestly the sweetest thing. Even ignoring political ploys and spreading dissatisfaction etc Diao Linqin being unable to hold back a smile at this is so heart warming and completely worth any outrage.
Honestly feels like progress, even if it does give concerns that Tienli will be the new favourite further foundation.
Still kinda a surprise Lingqin would condemn her own child to torture and misery because Shenhua asked for it even given what happened to her other kids.
So the answer to 'what is the next step' from here has appeared.
Revolution against gender requirements.
Revolution against gender requirements.
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Cai Tienli being Diao Linqin's daughter makes things more difficult. Long term it makes the Shenua's succession and Rexiangs development harder. The Diao already didnt like her any now its going to be practically impossible to convince them to support her over Cai Tienli. Shorter term it makes Renxiang and Tienli's relationship more difficult. Renxiang didnt know how to react to having a sister and Tienli being her half sister could complicate her feelings on the relationship. Also concerned that some of the Diao might deliberately try to drive a wedge between them to make it more likely that they compete. Tienli is probably less likely to try to take Renxiangs position as heir if they're close.
- Location
- The Star Kingdom of Manticore
Seeing how CRX has little to no feelings for her father I don't think that Tienli being a half sister will add any more complications.
Shenhua rebeling even against the most fundamental rules of procreation, I see. I foresee quite an important number of divorces, broken engagements, new engagements, elopements and such. A true political and cultural quake.
Though, with Shenhua's record, I'm worried how much of a horrible abomination the process is. Well, if one only need to achieve 4th realm and get a physician's help it can't be that bad, right?
Right?
Edit: Mmmmhhhh. I wonder... Does this procedure only works with two women? SInce you still need a womb? Or can two men also do it? Maybe with a subrogate mother? (Is that the term in english?)
Man, if they frown so much upon homosexual relationship, how would the nobles react to that?
Though, with Shenhua's record, I'm worried how much of a horrible abomination the process is. Well, if one only need to achieve 4th realm and get a physician's help it can't be that bad, right?
Right?
Edit: Mmmmhhhh. I wonder... Does this procedure only works with two women? SInce you still need a womb? Or can two men also do it? Maybe with a subrogate mother? (Is that the term in english?)
Man, if they frown so much upon homosexual relationship, how would the nobles react to that?
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- Location
- United States
*Wedding announcement*
Ling Qi:
Ling Qi:
