“I am sorry for sullying the clan’s victory with vulgarity and brawling,” Bai Meizhen apologized. Her voice sounded small in her own ears. She lay beneath a thin sheet in a private recovery room for tournament participants. Her skin prickled with the numerous salves under her bandages, meant to ease the aggravated damage inflicted by the Sun’s tainted blood. She could still taste it on her tongue.

  Beside her sat Aunt Suzhen, the picture of Bai poise and pride. Her expression was properly impassive, her hands folded in her lap. In this plain, tiny room, she looked as out of place as an Immortal in a peasant’s hut. She watched Bai Meizhen as she finished her apology, her first words after waking up.

  Bai Meizhen closed her eyes, preparing herself to be scolded. Although she had won, it had been a messy, bloody thing, unbefitting of her station.

  She didn’t regret it. The memory of Sun Liling’s outraged face as Bai Meizhen brought her fangs down would warm her heart for many a night.

  Yet it had been a vulgar display all the same, and so she was prepared for her scolding.

  She felt a cool touch on her forehead.

  “I am proud of you, Bai Meizhen,” her aunt said. Her expression had not changed, but there was a faint warmth in her stern voice. Meticulously, she brushed the mussed strands of Bai Meizhen’s hair from her fevered brow.

  Bai Meizhen felt her cheeks pink. She was too old for such displays of affection, and she had no claim to her Aunt beside. She kept silent, but warmth bloomed in her chest.

  “Pride is important. Poise is important. Presentation is important.” Her aunt’s voice was stern, and Bai Meizhen shrunk into the bedding, casting her eyes down. “But my niece, victory is the most important of all.”


  Bai Suzhen cupped her cheek affectionately as she leaned in to whisper soft words. “Protect your flanks from hidden fangs, and be aware of your foes and their whispers, but know that I, Bai Suzhen, recognize that you have crushed the scion of our great foe. Bai Meilin would be proud of her daughter.”


  Poise was important, this she knew. However, Bai Meizhen believed that for a brief moment, the prickling in the corners of her eyes was acceptable. “You honor me, Lady Suzhen.”


  Bai Suzhen withdrew her hand, and Bai Meizhen wished that the moment could have lasted just a little longer. The older woman tutted. “Aunt.”


  “Yes, Aunt Suzhen,” said Bai Meizhen. For just a moment, she imagined that she saw her aunt’s steely expression crack into a tiny smile.

  “Do you wish for me to send for your Father?” Bai Suzhen asked. “I had given him a task, but if you are awake-”


  “There is no need to bother,” Bai Meizhen interrupted, only to wince a moment later. Her good mood plummeted. “My apologies, but there would be no purpose for it.”


  She had no intention of bothering with that man now, after all these years. The bare minimum of filial piety was enough.

  The air hissed, and for an instant, Bai Meizhen felt the kiss of a hundred cold blades on her skin. Her interruption had been tremendously rude, especially after her aunt’s kindness.

  “Very well,” Bai Suzhen said. Bai Meizhen peeked up at her. She did not make any mention of the interruption. Bai Meizhen was thankful that her aunt was being so forgiving this day. She would compose herself much better after this meeting.

  “In that case, we should discuss matters of your future,” her aunt continued, as if the previous few seconds had never occurred. “Naturally, your stipend will increase. I will see the matter through myself, should obstructions arrive. I believe I may be able to negotiate your return if you tire of the outside.”


  “I would like to stay,” Bai Meizhen replied tentatively. “To assist with Aunt Suzhen’s plans. I believe I have made significant connections to the Cai.” And others, she thought, hoping that her aunt would not see fit to peer beyond her face.

  There was a spark of warmth in the older Bai’s eyes. “Very good. You have earned a return, but it is good that you have made this choice. Things will not be as they were, Bai Meizhen. Do you understand this?”


  “I do,” Bai Meizhen replied. She knew that her aunt and the duchess had put something very significant into motion at this tournament. She had to wonder how it was that her aunt had managed to convince Grandfather and the other elders to go along with such a thing.

  “And niece?” Bai Suzhen continued. “It is not wrong to form lasting connections to outsiders. That you have been able to do so on your own is a credit to your adaptability.”


  It looked like her thoughts had not been well hidden enough. “As you say, Aunt Suzhen,” she acknowledged demurely.

  “Lastly, we will need to discuss the matter of your handmaiden and their enrollment here. You are a lady grown, and so it is unacceptable for you to remain unattended,” her aunt said crisply. A sheaf of documents appeared in her hand. “I have selected a number of promising candidates from the current generation, all of the purest bloodline. Peruse them, and I will arrange for the interviews to take place when you have made your selections.”


  Bai Meizhen eyed the stack of neatly written papers with trepidation. Was she really ready for such responsibility?

  “I am aware that it is unusual for this choice to be made at such a young age,” Bai Suzhen said gently, setting the stack of papers on the table at her bedside. “However, if you are to stay beyond the borders of Thousand Lakes, the usual acclimation period will not be possible, and you will require support.”


  Bai Meizhen nodded and took a deep breath before reaching out to grasp the documents and bring them closer. She had made her choice. She would not shirk her responsibilities.

  ***

  “And the winner of this year’s placement tournament, Bai Meizhen, shall receive the rank of eight hundred, and a place at the pinnacle of the first peak of the Inner Sect……”


  Sect Head Yuan’s rich voice rang out over the gathered disciples, functionaries, and elders. It was, of course, nothing that Bai Meizhen did not already know.

  She stood at the center of the raised stage upon which the winners stood with the others fanned out behind her. She could feel Sun Liling’s hatred on her back.

  It was an incredibly satisfying feeling.

  Bai Suzhen stood with the other visiting dignitaries on a balcony overseeing the pit where the Inner disciples gathered to greet the newcomers, and the pride in her eyes warmed Bai Meizhen’s heart. Rank in the Sect meant nothing to her. This was her true prize.

  Her gaze flicked briefly to her right where a tired shadow stood a half step behind her Aunt. She met her father’s dull eyes and saw his weak, tired smile. Even now, having explored the bonds which connected her to others, she felt nothing.

  No, the habitual bitterness she had come to recognize remained. What bond could one have with a father who could neither protect, nor teach, nor comfort? Filial duty guided the small, acknowledging bow she gave at his attention, and nothing more.

  The praise of Sect Head Yuan He washed over her as the ceremony continued, and she graciously accepted the carved wooden badge engraved with the number Eight Hundred, but her thoughts went elsewhere to the girl who could, in her mind, be credited with the turning in her path which had led to this place.

  Ling Qi still frustrated her. She did not dare turn her head to look at the other girl, standing in the third rank of winners, just behind and to the left of Cai Renxiang and opposite Ji Rong. She knew what she would see though. Ling Qi had grown skilled at putting on a mask of polite interest that hid the fact that her airy thoughts were beyond the reach of mere Immortals.

  As the ceremony lapsed, they were released to mingle with the Inner disciples present while the elders danced the final dance of politics with the visitors. A surreptitious glance showed that her surmising was correct. Ling Qi was already gone from this place in all but body. It was somewhat amusing. At least she had gotten good enough at dissemblance that it was no longer obvious to peers.

  With the ease of practice, Bai Meizhen swept aside the dark feelings which bubbled up in her heart when she looked upon her friend and offered a polite smile to the boy from the Qiu clan who was greeting her. As a scion of one of the Bai’s remaining pair of vassal counts, it would be unfortunate to give him a bad impression……

  She may have failed to hide her dark thoughts entirely going by the sweat on his brow and the hastiness with which he excused himself.

  “I do not believe you made an error,” a familiar voice said from her right. Turning her head, she saw Cai Renxiang standing there, looking quite regal in her adjusted gown. Bai Meizhen very carefully did not allow her eyes to stray to the contours displayed by that masterpiece of tailoring.

  “My domain has perhaps grown more quickly than my control,” Bai Meizhen replied, turning to face her second and last friend. She would not make the same mistakes with this one, not when the first time had nearly cost her so dearly.

  Cai Renxiang inclined her head slightly. “The potency of your presence merely requires some acclimation, Sect Sister Bai.”


  Bai Meizhen smiled in amusement. “As you say, Sect Sister Cai.” Such silliness. As if paltry bonds of organization could match those of family or choice. She understood why the Zheng would have no truck with the sects, perversion of their own blood bonding rituals that it was.

  Cai Renxiang looked off to her right, and Bai Meizhen followed her gaze to Ling Qi once again. The tall girl chatted with a handsome boy with a closely shaven head. Wen something or other, if Bai Meizhen recalled correctly. Some part of his expression and the way he looked upon Ling Qi made her want to let loose her grip on her domain.

  “She is doing well,” Cai Renxiang said blandly. “Had I not seen her practicing……”


  “Quite,” Bai Meizhen agreed a touch sourly, turning her eyes away. The killing urge faded quickly enough. She was too mature to be beholden to her instincts. Hopefully, Cui would catch up soon; her sister was too childish at times.

  “In any case, I must thank you for your support this year, Sect Sister,” Cai Renxiang said seriously, meeting her eyes.

  “It is I who must thank you, Sect Sister,” Bai Meizhen replied. “I hope that our good relationship may continue going forward.”


  Aunt Suzhen had some plans for loosening the current stance of the Bai clan, she had gleaned. It was now more important than ever that she maintain ties with the Cai heiress.

  It was hardly an imposition.

  “I do not doubt that it will, Sect Sister,” Cai Renxiang said with a small smile. Bai Meizhen ignored the fluttering feeling in her stomach as best she could. “We both have our work set out for us, I suspect. My retainers and I will look forward to working with you in the new year.”


  Bai Meizhen gave a thankful nod.

  She, too, was looking forward to being able to speak with both of her friends again.

  Threads 207-Opening Day 5

  Ling Qi looked down at the rings filling up for the second round of the preliminaries with mild interest. In this set, there were even fewer people who she knew by name.

  Han Fang and Ma Jun were both acquaintances from last year. Looking at Han Fang caused her to pause, staring at the squat young man beside him. Recognition flickered. That was Fan Yu, Xiulan’s former fiancé. She had never much cared for him, but by the end, most of her dislike had guttered out into pity. It looked like he had managed to achieve the bronze physique, if only barely, so perhaps Xiulan’s final exit from their arrangement had helped him focus.

  The other person she recognized was Lu Feng, Sun Liling’s subordinate from last year. She had never interacted with him much, but he had been instrumental in defeating Gan Guangli in last year's tournament and had been heading his opposition this year. She wished him the illest luck.

  “Anyone of interest in these rounds?” Xia Anxi asked. “I see one of the grandsons of the Butcher’s pet Lu, but none who might oppose him in his ring.”


  Lu Feng was, unfortunately, a match for Gan Guangli at the third stage of the third realm. She assumed the Sun family or even just his own family had funnelled resources to him.

  “There is the Han scion,” Ling Qi introduced politely. “We were sparring partners once or twice last year, and he has a good tactical mind. I might also suggest the zither girl in the third ring with bells in her hair.”


  Ma Jun looked more confident and less shrinking than the last time Ling Qi had seen her, having achieved a full third realm breakthrough. Her gown was more flattering, and Ling Qi had seen her trading flushed smiles with that other fellow, Gun Jun, as they passed one another in the intermission. She supposed that Gan Guangli wouldn’t let anything untoward happen under his watch.

  “What marks that one out from the rest of the early green contestants?” Lao Keung asked.

  “She was something of a subordinate of mine, and it looks like she has been both hardworking and fortunate in the last year,” Ling Qi answered. “I only mean to wish her luck. Excuse the personal fancy.”


  Lao Keung made a grunt of acknowledgment.

  “Does the baroness intend to assemble a troupe?” Xia Anxi asked, amused. “I have heard of the efforts you have gone through to promote your bound spirit’s song.”


  “That is not my intention, but collaboration with other musicians is enjoyable from time to time,” Ling Qi riposted. “I have a small group. Would you care to join us in the future?”


  “Perhaps. It might be entertaining,” Xia Anxi allowed. She wasn’t entirely sure if he meant it or not.

  Below, the matches were starting.

  Ling Qi looked down, switching her attention from one scene to another in turn. Ma Jun was slipping behind a colonnade of rock formations in a fungi lit cavern, her fingers beginning to pick out the first notes of a song. Han Fang sped through a forest of scrubby trees in a river valley as a large feline shape emerged from his shadow, and Lu Feng stood in a flower filled meadow with his eyes shut and his arms crossed over his chest.

  These matches, Ling Qi thought, did not have the same tension. The majority of the third realms seemed to have been in the first set, although, scanning the arenas, she was quite sure that there were still at least two in each. Many of these third realms were only partially in the third, like Fan Yu.

  “What a lovely beast,” Xia Anxi commented. “The black tigers of the east are often reluctant partners from what I hear. The Han prefer the more bombastic breeds.”


  Ling Qi focused on Han Fang as his hammer bent another disciple over double, and the lithe black tiger at his side licked one of its paws, streamers of dispersing mist the only sign of the unfortunate disciple’s own companion. She then sped past both humans, a blur of crimson eyes and black fur, to shred apart a crooked tree with a swipe of her paw and a hair-raising roar, sending the disciple hiding in it tumbling through the open air.

  “Han Fang is unusual. He is more like a Viper for his cousin, the heir’s son,” Meizhen explained calmly.

  “Hoh, how sensible,” Xia Anxi said.

  “It looks as if you have a follower in more ways than one, Baroness,” Meizhen continued.

  “Oh?” Ling Qi wondered, turning her eyes to follow her friend’s gaze.

  In another ring, she saw a spear thrust through Ma Jun’s chest, and the sharp head emerged from her back in a burst of pink and crimson. The sound of a zither and the soft ring of bells echoed in the cavern as her whole frame came apart into an expanding cloud of brightly colored petals and blossoms. Her opponent, a girl with dark hair and boyish clothes, spun her spear desperately, wind blasting away the densest cluster of petals, but it was not enough. Where the whirling blossoms touched skin, they left behind thin cuts and a soporific scent.

  The girl with the spear whirled around, searching for Ma Jun in the cloud of flowers and shot off, carving a corridor through the mass to strike at the shadowed figure of Ma Jun. Again, she exploded into petals, and this time, the spear-wielding girl was too slow to deflect the descending wave of blossoms.

  “She’s really come far,” Ling Qi praised. The aesthetic was certainly different, but she felt flattered anyway.

  “You must be a frustrating foe,” Lao Keung mused.

  “I try,” Ling Qi said. “If I infuriate the enemy enough, they may forget my lady’s saber.”


  “A fatal error indeed,” Meizhen said. The corners of her lips quirked up in a smile.

  “Your subordinate is entertaining,” Xia Anxi allowed. “I find it difficult to enjoy while that westerner is mocking his match though.”


  Lu Feng still stood in the clearing in the same position. Here and there, beads of blood marked the swaying grass around him, but he was largely unruffled. His strategy, it seemed, was to simply let his opponents fight, striking only those foolish enough to come close. It was certainly valid to not show any of his abilities without need. He didn’t have Gan Guangli’s additional objectives.

  It still nettled her, even if she knew it was illogical.

  Sixiang jested.

  Ling Qi rolled her eyes, and beside her, Xia Anxi chuckled. “Yes, it is quite rude to the Sect, isn’t it?”


  “It would be more polite to put on a show,” Ling Qi agreed.

  “It would better fulfill his objectives to crush our Xiao and your Gan,” Lao Keung raised.

  “A fair point. Sun Liling and her churls have learned from last year’s mistakes,” Bai Meizhen said coldly. “It would be grand for our enemies to all be fools. Alas, the world rarely complies with such wishes.”


  “It is true, Lady Bai, but look at what fodder he has been given. Some style would not be amiss,” Xia Anxi offered cautiously. “I should not be surprised that a westerner would be so ungrateful to his hosts.”


  Meizhen inclined her head minutely. “My words were no rebuke.”


  Ling Qi watched Xia Anxi relax out of the corner of her eye. It was hard to remember that her best friend was very permissive for a White Serpent Bai, and the experiences of those such as Xia Anxi and Lao Keung would reflect that.

  Below, the matches were beginning to wrap up. The other green in Lu Feng’s ring, an older young man with a boar spirit, defeated the last second realm. In Ma Jun’s ring, disciples had given up on hunting the swiftly moving storm of flower petals and song and turned to fighting for the other slot, and in Han Fang’s ring, he and his tiger hunted down the second to last disciple. Ling Qi glanced at the fourth ring and was surprised to see Fan Yu standing there, his face still sullen even in victory.

  As she turned to focus toward the Sect Head, Ling Qi felt a tap on her shoulder. By the time she had turned her head, she realized that the sound of the stadium was gone and that the world was gray. She met the tired eyes of a middle-aged man with too many lines on his face and gray in his hair. At that moment, she remembered Hou Zhuang, who had been here the entire time.

  “Apologies for the interruption, Baroness,” said Bai Meizhen’s father. “But I need your attention for a moment.”


  Ling Qi frowned, eyeing the grayed out world. She saw an image of herself still facing forward and speaking with the others and the other young Bai still talking, although it all seemed slow. “Of course, Sir Hou,” she said. “If I may ask…”


  “It is something of a personal matter,” he said quietly, and she saw his eyes drift toward Meizhen, who was watching the matches below with an understated disinterest. “We spoke last year, and I found it very helpful.”


  Ling Qi fought through foggy memories. If she recalled correctly, their exchange had been brief, just a few words traded on Meizhen’s well-being. “Sir Hou, it is not worth speaking of.”


  “Maybe, but allow this old man to be sentimental just this once,” Hou Zhuang said. “She is… happy now. This, I see. You are part of that.”


  “Only a small part,” Ling Qi demurred, eyes straying to the sash her friend wore around her waist. “We helped one another in the beginning, but she has found her own way.”


  “Nonetheless, my gratitude,” Hou Zhuang said, and once again, he tapped her shoulder. Ling Qi felt a tingle through her storage ring, and swift inspection made her realize that a neat sheaf of papers and letters had appeared within, along with ink pots and containers full of wax. “I have heard that your correspondence has been troubled. There are ways—ciphers and seals—of dealing with such. I have penned you a few primers.”


  “My thanks,” Ling Qi said gratefully. Whatever else could be said of him, Hou Zhuang was a fifth realm who she suspected specialized in spycraft. “Thank you very much for your instruction.”


  “It is a trifle,” said the old man. “There are some observations on your province and its people as well. Most of them are names of those who are too proud of their homes to treat with foreigners, but who love the Cai more than their own lords and elders. If you reach out to them as the hand of the young miss, they will take it. I hope I am not overstepping in suggesting such dishonorable talk?”


  His smile was a wasted thing, bereft of joy.

  “No,” Ling Qi said. “And I do not think it is dishonorable to keep an eye on things like this.”


  “I once knew a young woman who thought the same,” Hou Zhuang said, scratching at the slightly untidy stubble of his chin. “Open or closed, communication is the bane of conflict. That understanding of others is the key to prosperity. Call us spies or diplomats or ambassadors, the result is the same. If two groups know one another better, slights are avoided and violence unnecessary.” He breathed out a sigh. “Forgive an old man for rambling.”


  “I’m not sure if she was wrong,” Ling Qi said.

  “Kind of you to say.,” His humorless smile was unchanging. “But there is one last thing. Your project in the south requires support. I have been authorized to share a small part of my own efforts. Which of the great count clans would you care for a dossier on?”


  Those words… This wasn’t entirely personal then. As she thought that, she felt a whisper of feeling on the back of her neck, the edge of a blade. She saw golden eyes behind a black veil out of the corner of her eye. Bai Suzhen was offering some small aid.