Threads Of Destiny(Eastern Fantasy, Sequel to Forge of Destiny)

[Solar Saiyan]

Overthrowing the Duchess. It was so utterly absurd that Liong Qi

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So absurd that Qi had to change her surname, @yrsillar .

 

[Dark as Silver]

So absurd that Qi had to change her surname, @yrsillar .

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Ling Qi, you mean the infamous traitor, who was planning to overthrow her Grace the dutchess? No I'm Liong Qi, totally unrelated.

 

[ichypa]

You know, it's interesting that in a way, CRX is harkening back to Tsu by attempting to overcome her ultimate foe via diplomacy, albeit more directly at Shenhua instead getting the Tree to give out a smack down.

 

[dycouza]

Cai Shenhua wants to be replaced. I can't see her making it impossible to do so without burning the province to the ground, one way or another. Choosing your metaphorical battlefield to be a less destructive one is something she's likely to accept as a valid challenge because in the end, this is a test she's willingly setting up for. So yeah, it'll probably work, but mostly because she wants it to.

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The whole point of all this is that Shenhua is a "being of change, destruction and renewal" that will inevitably tear down too much and threaten the cohesion of the province and the empire itself. Once she looses Diao Linqin she'll have lost her sense of empathy and with it many of her compunctions against a ruinous war. Renxiang's idea might still work because Shenhua isn't necessarily a being of physical rather than social destruction and it's part of her way that change is for the better, but she would likely be just as willing to take as many as she sees it old and decrepit institutions with her. It's Renxiang's job to show that there institutions can be changed and that their destruction would impede progress rather than the opposite. If she doesn't it'll be civil war.

 

[Nyvis]

The whole point of all this is that Shenhua is a "being of change, destruction and renewal" that will inevitably tear down too much and threaten the cohesion of the province and the empire itself. Once she looses Diao Linqin she'll have lost her sense of empathy and with it many of her compunctions against a ruinous war. Renxiang's idea might still work because Shenhua isn't necessarily a being of physical rather than social destruction and it's part of her way that change is for the better, but she would likely be just as willing to take as many as she sees it old and decrepit institutions with her. It's Renxiang's job to show that there institutions can be changed and that their destruction would impede progress rather than the opposite. If she doesn't it'll be civil war.

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Well yes. I'm talking about her setting herself up to be replaced without mutual destruction before that.

 

[ApeofLight]

Acceso​

"For such a simple instrument you play the drum well."

Those had been the first words Nan Ju had spoken to Po Yang.

Po Yang had been playing on the side of the road leading from the Argent Sect down to the Sect village. He had gotten up before dawn to make it to the market as early as possible but as he had been walking Po Yang had watched the sunrise and been hit by inspiration. The young drummer had lost himself to the music and his cultivation for hours until those words brought him back.

Without waiting for a response Nan Ju had started to turn away and continue on the path with her entourage but Po Yang called out to her. "Wait! Lady Nan, what do you mean?"

The young noblewoman turned back around with a small frown and folded her arms into the sleeves of the fine dress she was wearing. "I meant what I said, you play the drum well. Has no one paid you a compliment on your playing before Sect Brother Po?" A few chittering laughs from Nan Ju's followers and Po Yang felt his cheeks heat with embarrassment.

"I, of course, thank you for the compliment to my playing but I take offense to you referring to the drum as just a simple instrument." Po Yang almost wanted to smack himself for what he said and thought to himself to shut up and just take the compliment. Of course what little pride he had couldn't take an insult to the instrument he loved, the one his own father had taught him to use.

Nan Ju was almost leveling a glare at Po Yang now. "Since I have not spoken any falsehoods it is your own fault that you find offense. However, since it seems you do not know better I shall be performing at a party in eight days time, I shall have an invitation sent to you. There you can hear what a real instrument in the hands of an artist can do. Now, me and my friends really cannot be delayed any longer, good day." She said and then offered the smallest bow in departure.

"Yes, good day." Po Yang offered out of reflex and bowed properly back to her and her group. He no longer felt like playing and still had to go down into the Sect village but couldn't follow Nan Ju's group so soon. He mulled the interaction over in his mind. He had been complimented but his instrument of choice insulted, then he had been actually insulted and then invited to a party to hear Nan Ju play? Po Yang felt like he was missing something in this back and forth but couldn't put his finger on what exactly.

He sighed, he would have to figure it out later, for now he had eight days to get a fine robe for the party and he now also wanted to start learning about all the other instruments that were out there. With the allowance given by the Sect he would have more than enough to buy any common instrument and basic teachings he would need to get a basic understanding of how to play them. If he was going to claim and prove that the drum was more than a simple instrument he was going to have to know the competition.

—

Eight days had passed and Po Yang's mind was filling as strained as his new robe felt. The tailor had assured him it was supposed to feel that tight across his chest and shoulders saying it would show off his broad back and strong muscles. He just felt a bit silly in it and had tied his brown hair into a simple knot at the back of his head. These thoughts only occupied a fraction of his mind though as he walked to the party.

What truly captivated his thoughts was just how many different instruments were out there. Trumpets and flutes, violins and lutes, and all manners of drums, bells and chimes. Not to mention all the variants on each of them! How could you arrange them to complete each other and get the best sound?

Po Yang began to hear the sound of a guzheng and almost stumbled as he had almost walked past the house the party was hosted in. Quickly ducking in and showing his invitation Po Yang realized how hushed the conversation inside was as the beautiful and entrancing melody of strings was being played. As he looked to the stage his jaw dropped.

Nan Ju stood upon the raised platform that had been setup for the performance. While she played the light shimmered off her blue dress gown, shining with it's water motifs, and Po Yang noticed her hair had white ribbons interwoven into it making him realize her hair wasn't black but actually a very deep blue. She paid no mind to Po Yang and why would she? Nan Ju and her playing was where one should focus their attention and so she was focused on her playing.

It wasn't until Nan Ju had finished her set on her guzheng and the party-goers began to politely clap that Po Yang realized he had just been standing and staring for the past half hour. Feeling himself blush, the drummer quickly lost himself in the crowd and began polite conversation, it would be a while before Nan Ju began playing again. He had begun talking with one Xun Xia about the performance so far when Nan Ju appeared next to him.

"Xun Xia, it is good to see you, I'm glad you were able to come. How have you enjoyed the party so far?" The entrancing girl asked, stepping into the conversation Xun Xia and Po Yang had been having.

"It has been lovely, especially with your playing Nan Ju. In fact, Po Yang and I had just been discussing it." Xun Xia said, giving Nan Ju a bow in greeting which Po Yang copied. "You play so beautifully, don't you agree, Po Yang?"

Nodding in agreement Po Yang said, "Yes, quite beautiful indeed. It seems a shame that some here do not appreciate the fine melodies you are able to produce." Nan Ju let out a soft laugh at the compliment, almost seeming to preen at the praise given to her.

"Of course, it is only expected when one is trained with the proper instrument for many years like I have. The guzheng let's the artist express so much with its complexities." Po Yang couldn't suppress his wince at the subtle jab thrown at him. She wasn't wrong but Po Yang still felt she hadn't been right earlier back on the road so many days ago.

Xun Xia seemed to almost sigh as she spoke up again. "If only I could learn to play as beautifully as you do Nan Ju."

Another laugh, almost a giggle this time, from Nan Ju as she replied, "I wish I had the time to teach you Xun Xia but I'm very busy these days."

That's when an idea popped into Po Yang's head. "Xun Xia, if you are wanting to learn how to play I've actually begun teaching myself how to. I'm nowhere near as good as Nan Ju here but I wouldn't mind sharing what I've learned so far." If someone was seeking to learn, why shouldn't he help, Po Yang thought to himself. At his words Xun Xia burst into a smile and Nan Ju's face went decidedly neutral.

"Why, I would be a fool not to accept your offer. Thank you Po Yang." Xun Xia said with an almost beaming smile.

That's when Nan Ju turned away with a haughty sniff and swish of her gown. "Well, if you will excuse me I have to prepare for my next set." Po Yang thought he saw a sneer as she walked away but couldn't be certain.

Either way, Po Yang and Xun Xia finalized their plans together before Po Yang got lost in Nan Ju's music again. After the second set was completed Po Yang slipped out of the party, there were only going to be the two sets tonight so he had no real reason to stay. On his way back to his dorm he couldn't help but think if all musicians seemed alone when they were up on the stage.

—

Over the next few weeks whenever Po Yang saw Nan Ju he would try to strike up a conversation with her about her music. Each time he tried she simply snubbed him, either not responding at all or giving some excuse before hurrying on her way. He found her actions quite confusing. First their interaction on the path to the Sect village, then the invitation to the party, and now she acted almost like he didn't exist. Well if she didn't want to talk with him Po Yang wouldn't press the issue. He had more important things to worry about like getting into the Inner Sect by competing in the year end tournament that was quickly approaching.

—

"Come on Po Yang! Another song! We want to hear one more song from the 'Hero of the underclassmen'!" Geng Qing shouted over the rest of the group in the small tea house room.

Po Yang couldn't help but laugh at his friend. "No more, no more! The healers said to take it easy over the next few weeks and my arm is already beginning to tire. Besides, if I keep playing you'll eat all the food you glutton!" As he sat back down at the table Po Yang grabbed the plate sitting in front of the taller boy to the laughter of his other friends. He was going to miss these get-togethers, none of them besides himself had been able to advance into the Inner Sect this year and he had done so by the skin of his teeth. Po Yang had gotten this group of friends together almost by accident, he had just been looking to help and be helped in the free-for-all round of the tournament but they had all become fast friends with each other. None of them would probably end up as great cultivators but Po Yang had seen in them potential and so did his best to inspire them to reach for their goals and in turn they had helped him achieve his.

Geng Qing gave Po Yang a harty slap on his good shoulder, "I'll graciously give the infirm my food this time. If they could have fixed your arm faster I still think you could have made it to the semi-finals. If any of us could have made it to the Inner Sect, I'm glad it was you!"

"You praise me too much! I expect to see all of you in the Inner Sect next year! No excuses!"

Yes, Po Yang was going to miss this.

—

"The contest between Inner Sect disciple rank six-hunderd and seventy six, Po Yang, and Inner Sect disciple rank six-hundred and sixty, Nan Ju, will begin shortly. As the challenged disciple Nan Ju has chosen a battle of wills and endurance. The first to either forfeit or be unable to continue playing their instruments shall be declared the loser of the challenge. Any direct attack on a person shall be considered a sign of forfeit. You shall have five minutes to finish any preparations. Might I also say, before we begin, that this is the tenth duel between these two disciples. Such rivalry spurns you both onwards and it gladdens this one to see the fire of youth burn brighter in the both of you because of it!"

With that the old, rotund sect official turned over an hour-glass and their final preparations began. There wasn't much left for them to prepare however. While Po Yang quickly rechecked his storage ring to make sure it still held the qi restoration pills he would most likely need all Nan Ju did was stand there with her guzheng at the ready looking as relaxed as ever.

The score between them was currently sitting at three wins for Po Yang to her five and a tie between them, with him having lost the last challenge. When he had challenged Nan Ju again she had stipulated some caveats to it. She had said this would be the last challenge between them and so he should bet his contribution points accordingly. Nan Ju had also stated that she would offer him a special prize if he won based on how many he offered. The Nan family was well known in the artistic side of society so if he did win there was no limit to what he could get as a prize, perhaps even get the startup funds for the musical school he had been thinking of opening. With that in mind he had bet everything on this last duel between them.

"Let the challenge commence!" The sect official called out with a loud clap of his hands.

A deep bass note came from Po Yang's drum, a note it should not have been able to actually make if it was a mortal playing but Po Yang was a cultivator and reached beyond such things as being restricted by his instrument. A matching note came from Nan Ju's guzheng and already the drummer could feel the currents of musical qi clash in the air. Small sparks of qi could be seen as the two cultivators began to push their nascent domains, their will made real, against each other. Then they both began to play in earnest and those that listened could almost see two scenes unfolding before them.

The sun rises, the soldiers are already up, already marching, the sounds of battle drums match the perfect lockstep as they move to the field of battle. A blaring horn comes in, the soldiers and war drums stop as they get to the field of battle. It goes almost quiet amongst the army; the only sound is the beating of their hearts in unison, anticipation growing with each passing moment. Thump thump. Thump-thump. Thumpthump. Thumpthump thumpthump. Thumpthumpthumpthump.

Under a nearly full moon the water of a river breaks! A dragon, of deep cerulean color, flies into the air! These ants dare challenge it? It is the wind and the water! The storm that destroys and the rain that brings life! A challenge they want then a challenge they shall get! With a mighty roar the water of the river floods the field, a raging torrent that is meant to sweep the tin soldiers away.

Po Yang almost staggers at the surprisingly strong first clash of Nan Ju's will against his own. If she thinks she can just browbeat him she has another thing coming however.

The soldiers are barely pushed back by the flood and stand their ground. A roar of their own, a battle cry, rises from their throats. They rush forward with hooked chains and weighted nets. The dragon is not so far that it can escape them, the soldiers will pull it down and force it to fight. But the dragon is swift and clever, nets miss, hooks find no purchase, and soldiers are swept aside by the strength of its tail. The soldiers are numerous and persistent however, sharper hooks begin to bite into the dragon's flesh, heavy ropes and chains begin to constrict it's movements.

The dragon is brought down with a tremendous crash and clamor! The men begin attacking in earnest now. Steel bounces off scales but some slide through gaps, the dragon thrashes and sends men flying but more take their place. Soon river water and moonlight bleeds from the dragon's wounds. The beast is slowing but before a cheer can erupt that it is close to death it shudders. Like a snake shedding its skin the dragon changes forms and soon a beautiful maiden with porcelain skin is free from the soldiers' restraints.

The soldiers quickly surround the maiden but if the dragon was slippery and hard to hit the maiden is wind itself, impossible to pin down. She dances among the soldiers and their weapons and wherever she passes men fall. The soldiers retreat and form a circle around the maiden and the heroic general strides forth. The general is unbowed although duty and the hopes of his subordinates weigh greatly on him.

Their fight is as beautiful and fast as it is deadly. A whirlwind of silk sleeves and steel sword. As the fight drags on however they both begin to slow. Wounds begin to appear on both, one bleeding blindingly bright red and the other a deep soothing blue. Back and forth they flow until finally the general lands a decisive blow, their sword plunging into the maiden's heart. The cheers of the soldiers erupt as the beast is finely felled.

Po Yang saw Nan Ju hunched over her guzheng, taking deep breaths and trying to get herself back under control. Po Yang was not much better. He could still taste the bitter tang of the recovery medicine on his tongue and he could barely feel his hands and legs as they shook almost imperceptibly. Po Yang felt extremely odd and realized he was actually feeling a need to sleep in who knows how many months. He would need to do that or meditate very soon.

"Well done! The winner of this challenge is Po Yang! The appropriate contribution points shall be awarded and your rank shall rise at the end of the month. You both played wonderfully and should be proud of how far you've both come since the beginning of the year!" The sect official called before joining the clapping of the other disciples that had come to watch.

Waiting a few more moments to allow Nan Ju to recover enough to stand up, the two musicians then bowed to each other and the Sect official in respect before leaving the arena they had been in. Almost collapsing onto the first bench he found Po Yang spent the next quarter hour just getting his qi above the barest reserves he had left. Once he felt strong enough to head back to his room he got up and began making his way there.

However, his way was barred by none other than Nan Ju, face still flushed from exertion and breathing just barely under control it seemed. She cleared her throat and addressed Po Yang. "Po Yang, good. As we had previously agreed upon you are now owed a prize." Nan Ju paused for a moment, cleared her throat again and Po Yang believed he saw her flush grow darker. "As the third daughter of my family my parents have given me the prerogative that should I find someone that I believe meets their expectations that I may begin courting them. If you believe such a thing is an acceptable prize please meet me at the Jade Lily Teahouse in the Sect village first thing tomorrow morning, I've made reservations there. If not… please send me a letter with your requested prize and I shall do my best to honor it. Does this seem agreeable?"

Po Yang answered before he could really think too much about it, she had essentially offered him whatever he wanted within reason he guessed. "Yes?"

"Good." Nan Ju nodded and then hesitated, as if unsure what to do with Po Yang's response. "Then I look forward to seeing you tomorrow. …or receiving your letter. Whichever you choose… good day!" She then hurried off, almost running.

For a minute Po Yang's tired mind tried to make sense of what had just happened. Did Nan Ju just say that the prize was the chance to date her?

"Wait, what?"


A.N. acceso Musical terminology meaning ignited or on fire according to wikipedia. @yrsillar An Omake for the Omake throne! Took a bit to finish this one up but finally got it. I kind of wanted to try and see what a more solar aligned musician's mindset might be like compared to others that we've seen and heard about. I'm also a sucker for a enemies/rivals to lovers trope especially when it's based on at least one of the characters being a dork not knowing how to express themselves to the person they like. Hope you guys enjoy and let me know what you think!

 

[Doramas]

Gan Guangli, I would like you to speak to the Jia where you can. I know you've an interest in military organization, you have a good rapport with your tutor despite our… difficulty?"

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Well, it's good to see that Renxiang's others retainers are also building connections and a support base of their own. It's also good that it's the Jia, since it's the only count clan which Ling Qi has no contact with nor any way to initiate it.

In truth, it's a really good match for GG. The Jia are Imperialists try-hards, strongly rejecting and denying their weilu origins, so it's the hardest for Ling Qi to form rapport with.
But they also have a great focus in bureaucracy and military command. In fact, the great sect in their territory is more of a military officials school.
That's a great topic for GG to get their
attention at least.

 

[Nyvis]

Well, it's good to see that Renxiang's others retainers are also building connections and a support base of their own. It's also good that it's the Jia, since it's the only count clan which Ling Qi has no contact with nor any way to initiate it.

In truth, it's a really good match for GG. The Jia are Imperialists try-hards, strongly rejecting and denying their weilu origins, so it's the hardest for Ling Qi to form rapport with.
But they also have a great focus in bureaucracy and military command. In fact, the great sect in their territory is more of a military officials school.
That's a great topic for GG to get their
attention at least.

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GG also has a base of people who he has trained. And they might not have powerful families, but they're cultivators who are likely to do pretty well compared to the average outer sect member. I think some of the gang broke into the third realm right? They'll probably take postings in a variety of services down the line and be useful contacts there.

 

[Thor's Twin]

A Tale of Tsu

Of Woods, and Winds, and Wisdom

The forest was young, yet trees still stood tall
The wind was naive, yet gales still blew strong
A small boy listened to the forested wall
and watched playful winds gather in throng

Wisdom, whispered wood, was a true treasure
Action, argued air, was of great concern
So the boy sought to seek and to measure
by walking out and doing, and so learn

Patterns in land and in sky, those he saw
How wind blew and leaves followed, in cycle
How heat fled the cold, yet returned in thaw
Of this did he become a disciple

For this did the forest name the boy Tsu
And these things were the least of what he knew



Of Sorrow, and Seeking, and Searching

His brothers and sisters, though, were subjected
To uncaring beasts who were proclaimed god
And his heart wept for they were neglected
So Tsu began, through wood and vale, to trod

In the darkened unlit paths did Tsu walk
Buying passage with song and with story
For answers and solutions he would talk
Yet no peace was given, only worry

With heavy heart, Tsu walked away from home
To a land where the ice covers the tree
And where hard jagged stone replaced the soft loam
Yet he found nothing to help man be free

Walking to and fro, did Tsu see the world
Yet no answer to his problem unfurled



Of Tribulation, and Terror, and Trimuph

Yet Tsu had a will unbending and strong
So he sought wisdom from woods and wind
Seeking the Antlered Lord to right the wrong
For the gods who were beasts had greatly sinned

The Antlered Lord acknowledged Tsu's wisdom
Brother, Lord of Antlers recognized him
And though the men of the mountains choose schism
His own people filled the land to the brim

Beasts called gods saw and trembled in anger
In their rage sought to sunder the forest
Yet men of the woods endured their rancor
So the beasts' blood left them in a torrent

Thus did the beast gods fall from their thrones
And man plundered their secrets from their bones​

A/N: @yrsillar another omake for the omake throne! Here is my take on what a set of poems talking about Tsu the Diviner's war against the Beast Gods would look like. Three poems total. One looking at his early days, one looking at Tsu's search for an answer to the Beast Gods' subjection of his people, and the last one making common cause with the Lord of the Forest and toppling the gods. Given that we are on route to the Divine Tree Whose Branches Pierce Heaven, I figured Tsu would be a fitting topic for an omake.

I hope you all enjoy the read!

 

[yrsillar]

She had been a mortal, the last time she found it so hard to keep her breathing controlled. The lessons and exercises of her Eight Phase Ceremony seemed like awfully distant things.

They had to oppose the Duchess.

Even if Cai Renxiang was right, that it could be done without the great violence of armies, what did that mean for them, the ones at the core of that opposition? As the journey had gone on, their conversation had gone back to the ultimatum, and Cai Renxiang had shared the insight she had gained. Revolution, the violent breaking of preceding structures of society. That was one of the core of the woman who ruled the Emerald Seas. One who could only move forward, never turn back, never stop.

It resonated, Ling Qi had to admit. There was a part of her, a large part of her, that understood that. Stagnation was death. She had little thought of the implications of those thoughts spread beyond the immediate circle of family and friends though, and even that had induced difficult thoughts in her mind and troubled her cultivation.

Yes, she found herself understanding very well.

It was still terrifying.

But at that moment, showing that to Renxiang would have been wrong. Naked fear and reluctance would have hurt her friend badly she thought. Support was more important. It was obvious that Gan Guangli had reached the same conclusion independently. She doubted that Renxiang didn't know what was behind the smiles and comforting words, the humor. But it was important to give them all the same.

"You held up pretty well there," Sixiang murmured comfortingly. "It's uh, definitely a thing to take in all right."

"Gui doesn't get it, wasn't the little star always supposed to replace the big one? What's different?"

"Duh, it's cause now she's gotta challenge the Big Boss over it, instead of just being tested a bunch. It'd be like if Momma made me fight her!" Hanyi seemed unsettled by the very thought.

Ling Qi let out a long breath letting her spirits bicker as she opened her eyes. She sat on a comfortable stone bench set beside a tiled walkway that wound through the expansive garden of the local Ministry of Law complex. Observing the meticulously orderly patches of flowers and regularly spaced trees, glittering fountain and the aesthetic of tamed nature, she thought Renxiang would like this place more.

However, it was still a peaceful place to wait and try to to order her thoughts and cultivation. She needed to get away from the carriage after everything. Showing up early and politely accepting the offer to meditate in the gardens until Diao Hualing had completed her previous appointment served that well. She wasn't sure she could call herself calm at this point, but she could at least conceal her nerves.

And she was glad for that, because a ripple now traveled through the serene qi of the garden, an advancing crest washing over and around the little islands that were the other occupants of the garden, meditating clerks of officers of the ministry. It was a familiar feeling, not oppressive, but very much unignorably present.

Ling Qi rose smoothly to her feet, and bowed, wincing a bit at the little jostle it gave her still healing arm. It would still be another few days before she could remove the cast. "Inspector Diao Hualing, this one greets you with great respect."

"It is my honor to receive such a polite guest," the older woman said, her own bow less deep and ostentatious. Her gown was much more staid that what she had worn at the tournament, a deep green, nearly black with only plain geometric embroidery along the fitted hems. No swooping sleeves or trailing trains. Her garb had a businesslike feel. She raised her head after only a brief few seconds."Though I must apologize that you were left waiting so long."

"This is my own fault," Ling Qi replied, raising her head. "Though it was a little impudent, I wished to make use of your garden to settle my mind a little."

"I see, that is no trouble. The gardens of the ministry are very fine," Diao Hualing said.

"No doubt due to your family's influence, Lady Diao," Ling Qi said, she felt good, she was keeping up with the rapid fire pleasantries.

"Correct," the older woman agreed with a little nod. "Will you walk with me then? Perhaps our talks will be improved by the fresh air."

"Certainly," Ling Qi agreed, stepping out onto the tiled path, she folded her arms behind her as she fell in beside Diao Hualing.

"May I ask what you know already of the ministries?" Diao Hualing asked pleasantly.

"Each is structured around four layers of administration. Imperial, Provincial, Regional, and District. Within each layer are nine ranks which officials are marked by. Advancement and acceptance relies on recommendations from higher ranks or excellent performance in exams administered at the provincial level. This is the Regional Ministry of Law for the Central Valley," Ling Qi recited. "The only exception is the Ministry of Integrity, which has only an Imperial layer, outside of the Celestial Peaks and Alabaster Sands."

"That is all correct. Before the Great Sect system, the Ministries were the primary path through which unattached cultivators were able to advance, although this had many flaws," Diao Hualing said.

Ling Qi gave a small nod. It wasn't as if potential troublesome talents like, for example, herself or Ji Rong would ever have the chance of patronage under that old system. "The Ministries wield significant influence, being parallel rather than superior to the lesser nobility," Ling Qi said, testing.

"True. Even a baron may dismiss their advisor and request a new one, but it would be deeply unwise to make an enemy of his District Minister, let alone one of the region," Diao Hualing agreed. "The Ministries were greatly defensive of their independence."

"Were?" Ling Qi asked, frowning a little as they came before a large fountain. It's centerpiece was glittering half transparent green crystal, and the water rained down from its 'leaves'.

"The Duchess changed a great deal. A superior may recommend one, but recommendations no longer provide… weight to the scoring. The Duchess was quite serious about this matter. The curriculum was changed. Exams are now judged by panels of ministry experts selected by lottery, and the applicants identity is not revealed to them during the judgment," Diao Hualing said conversationally. "It was quite a disruptive decree, and some wondered that even the Duchess could wield such authority."

"It seems it was," Ling Qi said cautiously.

"Indeed!" Diao Hualing said lightly. "It is good that she made her case to Emperor An. I am told he was quite approving. The Imperial Ministries objected quite strenuously. Even the Empress has some troubles with this, though perhaps her recent ascension to the Eighth Realm might change this."

"While I am no expert in civil matters, it seems this change was good? I have heard few things extolling the virtue of the Emerald Seas past governance."

"Certainly," Diao Hualing agreed, watching the glittering rays of light that passed through the green crystal. "But it has made the ministries less independent. Particularly in the Provincial Ministries of Xiangmen, where the reform was at its most percussive."

Ling Qi nodded a little, turning the words over in her mind, turning to observe the carefully trimmed rose hedges surrounding this little plaza. Percussive. A funny way to say that the Duchess had personally seen to the physical annihilation of large portions of the upper ranks, and the mass eviction of most of the rest from their positions. Or so she had been able to piece together from oblique references and stories, like the one Xiao Fen's friend had told her. How much entrenched resistance remained in those offices which had not been so thoroughly 'cleaned'?


"Reform was needed, but it is not good for the ministries to be too dependent on noble politics?" She offered.

"Words to be considered, I hope," Diao Hualing replied.

"My Lady intends to build on her mothers work," Ling Qi agreed. And did those words now come much harder than they had before.

Diao Hualing must have caught her slight unease, because the woman looked at her curiously for a long moment before continuing. "But, we should speak of your matter. We have begun investigations into the region your source indicated and found some corroborating evidence ourselves. There, we have found some indications of minor fraud and bribery occurring. Small matters, beneath the usual level our offices concern."

Ling Qi considered this, turning away from the roses. "There is some problem with the District investigators?"

Diao Hualing pursed her lips. "So far, it does not rise beyond a certain… slothfulness, rather than any direct collaboration, but yes. A number of clerks and officers of the lower and middle ranks will be receiving very negative performance reviews."

"And how does this relate to my issue?" Ling Qi asked curiously.

"We believe the fraudster responsible for a number of other minor crimes is positioned in the Districts Ministry of Communication. We have reduced the possible culprits to a half dozen or so," Diao Hualing said. "In a few weeks we expect to have narrowed it further."

"It seems strange that one who had been getting away with minor things would escalate," Ling Qi said thoughtfully as they resumed walking around the fountain, heading into a grove of vibrant cherry trees. "...Ah, but this fellow is certainly a dupe, am I right?"

"A minor fraudster, getting by on little pieces of sabotage and embezzlement? Certainly. He was likely working for another in this case. A 'dupe' as you said."

It wasn't a new idea for Ling Qi, it was why it was dangerous to work for someone else on the streets. You never knew when they were just throwing you to a bigger wolf to test their reaction, or just to provide a distraction.

"Well that is unfortunate for him. How can I continue to assist?"

"There is some possibility that the culprit will have some methods of escape which would require significant resources to neutralize, if our assumptions are not correct. Since I know that you wish to involve yourself, perhaps you would like to save the Ministry this expense?"

"Doing the capture hm," Ling Qi considered. Hanyi naturally seemed to like the idea, though Zhengui seemed more ambivalent.

"It's probably not bad practice, if nothing else, and you do need to get her on your side," Sixiang murmured.

"I don't object, but is that legal? I wouldn't want to offend the lord whom owns the lands," Ling Qi said.

"Granting temporary arrest power to a contracted agent requires some paperwork, but is hardly too unusual," Diao Hualing shrugged.

"Done then," Ling Qi said. A bit of a chase would be good for honing her skills. "How long do I have?"

Long Arm of the Law Quest advanced. Action unlocked.

"Some weeks, well after your auction at least," Diao Hualing replied.

"Good," Ling Qi said, taking another breath. "But there is one other matter I wanted to speak with you about today?"

"And what is that?" her companion asked as they came to a stop, standing beneath the tallest of the cherry trees.

"Madame Grey, the fox spirit that inhabits the Diao's lands, my friends mother," Ling Qi said. "What do you know about her?"

Diao Hualing's expression didn't change one bit. "An unfortunate and difficult to remove pest. It was part of the matter I spoke of to your friend."

Ling Qi gave a small nod.

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, but avoid mentioning the Diao connection you discovered, leave the matter with the deviant cultivation and sacrificial practices going on. [70% Success. Success means avoiding threats and having some fraction of the Diao enforcement turning to rounding up stray children. May be temporary.]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, using the Diao connections you've discovered to make implications, let the possibilities of deviant cultivation and sacrificial methods to do the rest. [80% Success. Will cause some friction with Diao Hualing even on success, will cause more stringent attention on the matter of Madam Grey. Negative Diao rep on failure. Other potential side effects.)

Boosts to chances from previous actions already incorporated.

 

[tryrar]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, but avoid mentioning the Diao connection you discovered, leave the matter with the deviant cultivation and sacrificial practices going on. [70% Success. Success means avoiding threats and having some fraction of the Diao enforcement turning to rounding up stray children. May be temporary.]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, using the Diao connections you've discovered to make implications, let the possibilities of deviant cultivation and sacrificial methods to do the rest. [80% Success. Will cause some friction with Diao Hualing even on success, will cause more stringent attention on the matter of Madam Grey. Negative Diao rep on failure. Other potential side effects.)

...goddamn this is such an EVIL choice! On the one hand, we can do this normally with slightly less success, but not ruffle any feathers(though this might be temporary enforcement). On the other hand, we can annoy the person we're trying to suck up to in exchange for more and harder success with unknown effects as well as a chance for complete failure if we bungle this.


...ahh don't know what to choose help!

 

[Alectai]

Oh boy, this choice is a fucker.

But... my gut says go with option 1, were not necessarily looking for a permanent solution right now, so much as damage control and hooking them on nabbing up little fox kiddies. Coming to grips with the Diao's Backstory would require a higher relation than we currently have, and we need connections to establish something more permanent, burning them this early in our association is a fool's game.

Of course, bad dice luck are bad dice luck, but option one looks to be the ticket, massaged with the aid of the Omake Gang of course.

 

[PaperMache7]

Don't think the negative consequences associated with the second option are worth a relatively marginal 10% increase.

 

[Erebeal]

Mmm I feel like the long term ramifications are more important here than the immediate vote success stuff?

I read it as "do we just do the basics to deal with the problem, or do we really stir things up which will make the Diao more invested in dealing with the problem, but will also mean they're having to face stuff they don't really want to face and this will annoy them and they'll be doing more and more complications and potentially more engagement and politics will be required"

 

[Lena27]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, but avoid mentioning the Diao connection you discovered, leave the matter with the deviant cultivation and sacrificial practices going on. [70% Success. Success means avoiding threats and having some fraction of the Diao enforcement turning to rounding up stray children. May be temporary.]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, using the Diao connections you've discovered to make implications, let the possibilities of deviant cultivation and sacrificial methods to do the rest. [80% Success. Will cause some friction with Diao Hualing even on success, will cause more stringent attention on the matter of Madam Grey. Negative Diao rep on failure. Other potential side effects.)

Boosts to chances from previous actions already incorporated.

Click to shrink...

Sorry can I just get a confirmation of the % of success is referring to?

 

[Erebeal]

Oh boy, this choice is a fucker.

But... my gut says go with option 1, were not necessarily looking for a permanent solution right now, so much as damage control and hooking them on nabbing up little fox kiddies. Coming to grips with the Diao's Backstory would require a higher relation than we currently have, and we need connections to establish something more permanent, burning them this early in our association is a fool's game.

Of course, bad dice luck are bad dice luck, but option one looks to be the ticket, massaged with the aid of the Omake Gang of course.

Click to shrink...

Yeah, option 2 feels more "interesting times", which could be desirable if this was something we were really wanting to get into... but I feel like it actually isn't? And we really have more important things to be focusing on that we shouldn't be complicating and distracting from?

 

[Alectai]

Mmm I feel like the long term ramifications are more important here than the immediate vote success stuff?

I read it as "do we just do the basics to deal with the problem, or do we really stir things up which will make the Diao more invested in dealing with the problem, but will also mean they're having to face stuff they don't really want to face and this will annoy them and they'll be doing more and more complications and potentially more engagement and politics will be required"

Click to shrink...

Again, we're not looking for a deathblow right now, and burning a contact before it's sprouted when our relationship is... Not so good, and Diao neutrality at least is important for our ambitions.

Option One is step one, there's more to go obviously, so we can't call the problem solved from option one.

But it's a start, one that doesn't burn resources.

Remember, after all, that the Diao have a very large ImpCon bracket. And get snitty at the implication that they're anything other than Proper Imperials. Making this a Diao Problem risks that lobby going "Okay, yeah, we're gonna make this go away", and disappearing a lot of fucking people.

 

[LimitlessMemes]

Yeah, option 2 feels more "interesting times", which could be desirable if this was something we were really wanting to get into... but I feel like it actually isn't? And we really have more important things to be focusing on that we shouldn't be complicating and distracting from?

Click to shrink...

I agree, I mean sure it's interesting, but we already have quite a lot going on.

 

[Inferno Vulpix]

And Madame Grey is an intelligent actor in her own right, so we should consider how she's likely to respond to our actions. If she thinks her current plans are shot she may try something new and unpredictable.

 

[NoxOfUmbra]

[X] Bring round the subject of the fox children, but avoid mentioning the Diao connection you discovered, leave the matter with the deviant cultivation and sacrificial practices going on. [70% Success. Success means avoiding threats and having some fraction of the Diao enforcement turning to rounding up stray children. May be temporary.]

 

[Orkus Majorkus]

Can somebody point to when the actual name Madame Grey came about?

 

[CedeTheBees]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, using the Diao connections you've discovered to make implications, let the possibilities of deviant cultivation and sacrificial methods to do the rest. [80% Success. Will cause some friction with Diao Hualing even on success, will cause more stringent attention on the matter of Madam Grey. Negative Diao rep on failure. Other potential side effects.)

80% success? We can easily boost that up to 100.

And we can probably handle any future issues that pop up

 

[Neshuakadal]

[ ] Bring round the subject of the fox children, using the Diao connections you've discovered to make implications, let the possibilities of deviant cultivation and sacrificial methods to do the rest. [80% Success. Will cause some friction with Diao Hualing even on success, will cause more stringent attention on the matter of Madam Grey. Negative Diao rep on failure. Other potential side effects.)

80% success? We can easily boost that up to 100.

Click to shrink...

right. But even on success we cause friction with Diao Hualing and in this chapter it talks about how bad of an idea it is to annoy a provincial head of a ministry. I don't think we want to make implications about the Diao at this point. They may be doing nothing wrong and anything wrong they did do under the Hui is a very touchy subject.

 

[Zithinoth]

Going with option 2 seems like it would play into helping the non-Imperial faction of the Diao out a bit long term. You know, something along the lines "turning our back on the old ways led to this sort of shit, and it was the Hui's fault, so fuck 'em, let's go back to the old ways." I'm fine with eating a short term rep hit with the regional Central Valley MoL to advance the larger neo-Weliu cultural revival goal. It's not like we live in the Central Valley anyway, so it could be worse.

Long term I think this will help LQ more. Also, with omake points, option 2 is a guaranteed success, so bonus.

 

[Neshuakadal]

Going with option 2 seems like it would play into helping the non-Imperial faction of the Diao out a bit long term. You know, something along the lines "turning our back on the old ways led to this sort of shit, and it was the Hui's fault, so fuck 'em, let's go back to the old ways." I'm fine with eating a short term rep hit with the regional Central Valley MoL to advance the larger neo-Weliu cultural revival goal.

Long term I think this will help LQ more. Also, with omake points, option 2 is a guaranteed success, so bonus.

Click to shrink...

But even on success negative things happen. Also leaning on that kind of pressure this early on seems short sighted. Sure we get more pressure on Madam Grey, but we burn bridges we may not need to.

Plus I don't see how option 2 advances the neo-weliu revival goal.