Also, some interesting things I've noticed this chapter.
1. In the long run, we (and LQ) want to bring back the Weilu methods. Now, interestedly enough, both the Meng conservatives and the Imperial moderates are okay with that, they just need to be shown that, well, they're applicable in the current era and can work on a macro scale.
"It's good that you're not spineless about it, dancing around me with words," Wang Lian agreed. "Come lets get a cup of wine. "I don't disapprove of your method, I just don't think it works at scale."
"That there is more power in words than blades. That we, the Meng should be teachers and keepers of history. He is a deeply melancholy man, stemming from his belief that our ways can only fade, or at best, hold in the heartlands," Meng Dan said. "It is my Grandmother's belief that he might be swayed to our views. If it can be shown that the spirit speaking methods and principles of the Dreaming Way can find purchase still."
Which is good. It makes things easier. Which is I'm glad LQ asked for these. We can kill two birds with one stone.
"Sorry, just lost in thought for a moment," she said, shaking herself. "I'd actually like to acquire some material to study imperial era Weilu governance and spirit law. And if I'm going to talk to your Uncle, I wouldn't mind some primers on the basic tenets of the dreaming way.
Also, what the Meng want can also intersect with what we're trying to do with the Wang, so that helps things too.
"Yes," Meng Dan agreed. "But I have little else to offer. Only a reduction in raids would materially effect the Meng Clan's interests."
There was something there, she supposed, that could interlock with other interests. But it was a thought which needed more cooking. "Hm, do you know what movements the Western Territories are making?"
2. Some small insight into Meng geomancy. I don't think they'll have a problem with the beavers if they understand that they have to work around some disasters too. Maybe they'll try to learn more about it, so either a boon or a bane. Depends on how things go.
"Disasters come, rearrange the world. One must know how to make something in the wake of ruin," Meng Dan said.
She supposed that explained all of the effort put into landscaping. She touched base with Sixiang, who had been casting their senses about nearby.
"Does seem like its having a soothing effect. Also, there's at least one person moving around up here in the big leagues. I think it's one of the foreign guys. Course I'm pretty sure he let me notice him."
Looking at the quote, it may even help enhance things. Meng geomancy may be one of the ways to really apply Weilu methods on a large scale if it does have a soothing effect on spirits. But as we know, changing and fixing geomancy is really difficult and time-consuming, so it'll probably be a long-term project if we can do that.
3. Sun Shao is back again!!
There was something there, she supposed, that could interlock with other interests. But it was a thought which needed more cooking. "Hm, do you know what movements the Western Territories are making?"
"They are attempting to build a port again. It seems significantly more successful than their last attempt," Meng Dan replied. "But I assume you mean the troop movements in the south. Which are significant Reports indicate at least twenty thousand Sun soldiers, Third realm all. It is their largest muster since the initial conquest of the west. Also…" he trailed off, and his perpetual smile dipped.
"Also?" Ling Qi asked warily.
"The priests who oversee the maintenance of the western border have been requesting reinforcement and resources. The jungle is… energetic, in a way that they have not experienced."
And then there was that. She hoped Cai Renxiang would return with more news on what had gone down in the meeting between Sun Shao and the Duchess. "Thank you, Meng Dan."
I'm guessing that, now that he's allied with the goddess, she isn't interrupting any construction projects like this. Now, on one hand, this can help Shao expand his war effort. I'm not sure where their rivers pass, but I'm pretty sure they lead to the Thousand Lakes, based on Radiant Serpent. So that's there.
And then, it can also work for politics if the Jin can pass through there. So there's that too.
Also, fuck!
*Ahem*
We know Shao wants to go "tame" the Wall, as he did with the Jungle, and now, he's mustering up a huge army. Things are getting tensious. Hopefully, he doesn't attack the summit to prevent the Bai-Cai alliance from strengthening ties. We'll just need to wait and see what CRX says, I guess.
Plus, the Meng are having issues with the Jungle, and we just happen to have some notes on how to kill "weeds" from Bai Lushen. Hopefully we can trade?
4. Meng Dan is now an official, official husbando, since Ling Qi has recognized his interest. This should not be confused with an official husbando, which is when a male character has enough development to actually be a husbando. This makes him the third official, official husbando, after Xuan Shi and Bao Qian.
"You are very welcome, Miss Ling. Perhaps you will deign to share some of those secrets you have teased at in the future," he chuckled.
"Maybe, when this is over, perhaps we can arrange to share notes," Ling Qi said.
"Most agreeable, I'm sure I can arrange something comfortable," Meng Dan replied. "Though I must insist you share some favorites for the catering."
Ling Qi blinked, and for the first time an errant thought crossed her mind. Meng Dan seemed to compliment her often. She'd assumed it was just part of his affable personality. However, this arrangement…
"Does it change anything?"
Sixiang's words brought her up short. No, she supposed it didn't. It wasn't like anything official had been mentioned, so even if there was an idle fancy there, it didn't amount to anything. She had strength and position. There was no threat.
"Miss Ling?" Meng Dan said, tilting his head.
"Sorry, just lost in thought for a moment," she said, shaking herself. "I'd actually like to acquire some material to study imperial era Weilu governance and spirit law. And if I'm going to talk to your Uncle, I wouldn't mind some primers on the basic tenets of the dreaming way. Do you have any recommendations?"
Meng Dan drummed his fingers on the table, remaining silent for a moment. She held back a wince, he'd obviously noticed a shift in her demeanor
Also, damn, mans fell in love because of the hidden lore. I respect that.
One thing I'm glad about is LQ's reaction. She's a bit rattled, but it's not as bad as when Qingge pointed out Shi's interest. Which is good. Another sign that she's improving. I'm a bit sad that she had to assure herself that she's in control here, but we can't get rid of everything immediately! Still, all those small steps have been adding up.
5.
"Titles, familiarity. You hold yourselves apart, unfamiliar rituals and order. He transgresses. But I am too old to beat my chest and howl at the moon for pride. Grandfather, 'old timer' neither is untrue," the old man said, withdrawing his hand back into the depths of his cloak.
His diction was strange, slow and considering as if he were drawing phrases from tome. But his meaning was clear, even if his creaky, cracking voice made it harsh to the ear.
"To walk the far fields, where there is no hope or hearth," The crow cloaked elder said, tapping his stick thoughtfully on the ground. "To catch brave children when they tumble over the cliffs in the dark. Many whisper that the children are climbing high cliffs indeed in the north. I have spoken with one. I would speak with the other."
Xuan Shi really is perfect for the Crowfather role
6.
"You are older than your skin," he said finally. "What task did the old crone set you?"
Ling Qi blinked, frowning at him. She supposed there must be some residual power clinging to her from her last dream expedition. "My companion and I fetched her firewood, and listened to a story while she cooked.."
"Interesting. Kind. Unusual," the elder said thoughtfully.
Ling Qi looked at him intently. "Were you ever given a task, elder?"
He smiled toothlessly, and reached up, tugging at his collar. There she glimpsed thick ropy scars, going down a narrow chest. As if he had been torn open long ago. "Wrangling the chicken."
It looks like meeting Granny Grydja has changed us in *some* way, just like how meeting Skelunckle did. Hopefully, we can learn more later.
Also, I am REALLY excited to see what hatches out of Shi's egg, if it caused that much damage. I'm guessing it'll be on Zhengui's tier?
7.
They spoke awhile longer on smaller details. Arrangements for material and accommodation for the Meng clan in the planning and building. Things which she could pass up the chain to hopefully smooth prickly tempers. Some more objective feedback on Hanyi's tour, which had been successful by all metrics. Her junior sister did seem to have influenced the more local spirits strongly, by the lack of cohesion in the local spirit landscape. A repeat the following year was looking to be well in the cards.
Looks like Hanyi's set for another year. It's interesting that she may become the driving force behind spirit courts, or sr least, weather spirit courts, in the South.
