Forge of Destiny Threads 512-ith 6

There was much more to be communicated, further details to be relayed, including inquiries concerning strategy, capabilities, and a host of other matters. These, however, did not necessitate the trembling Tcho-Ri remaining interfaced with the Mind's physical node. Furthermore, much of this would fall to Law's representative and their team in the ensuing days. Participation in such would be beyond Ling Qi's current capacity… for the time being.

She grasped the genuine allure of manifesting multiple selves, a feat achievable in higher realms, even if it diminished her strength and impeded her cultivation. At times, existing in numerous places simultaneously proved utterly irresistible. Ultimately, this was also why those possessing such an ability were held in significantly higher regard as administrators and rulers.

Regardless, a substantial amount awaited discussion with Renxiang during their journey back.

A different trial now presented itself.

The boisterous festivities had concluded, leaving the city with an atmosphere of languid inertia. Its inhabitants were gradually recovering from a month-long celebration. The court, however, and its multitude of cultivators from the higher realms presented a stark contrast. While indulging in mortal pleasures was a cultivator's prerogative, it was, in the final analysis, merely a fleeting impulse.

The court was revealed in its full magnificence. The Duchess's throne commanded a lofty position, suspended from a gnarled branch over the expansive marble floor. Tables, lanterns, and lights had been removed.

Courtiers from the numerous clans of the Emerald Seas and Xiangmen stood arrayed, divided by the central carpet that led to the base of the branch supporting the throne. Upon this carpet, Ling Qi knelt, her forehead pressed to the fabric behind Renxiang and beside her fellow retainers. Cai Renxiang knelt before them, her head held higher, hands flat on the floor, permitted to gaze forward rather than downward.

Above, a dazzling, resplendent light cast the figure of the Duchess and the Prime Minister into silhouette, the latter resting a hand affectionately on the seated Duchess's shoulder.

"And so, I conclude my report on the diplomatic summit with the Polar Nation to my Honorable Mother. This humble daughter merely hopes her performance has met with approval."

"Your actions are pleasing to me, daughter, especially concerning the unacceptable interference that transpired at its conclusion." Cai Shenhua's voice echoed through the chamber, causing the backs of the Meng delegation to bow even lower, as well as those of certain court clans who were obligated to supply some of the Duchess's personal investigators and spies. Given the recent attack and the summit, significant shifts within those ranks were likely occurring.

"I fully comprehend your achievements and the advantages your retainer has afforded us, yet I observe some within my court harbor uncertainties." Cai Shenhua's tone softened, and her hand lifted in an absent gesture. "Questions exist. Address them, daughter, and let all be assured that only sincere answers and inquiries are entertained here."

A touch of performance. In prior sessions, the Duchess had not permitted open questioning of this nature, but it served as a method for disseminating information. Words spoken within her presence were regarded with a degree of trust in the integrity of the questions and responses offered at her court, even if she did not fully exert the complete, searing pressure of her authority.

"Your retainers may also speak, as their expertise is required."

"As you command, Mother. Should any aspect of my account remain unclear to the esteemed lords and ladies of the Emerald Seas, permit us to provide clarification," Cai Renxiang pledged.

With that, the rest of them lifted their heads, no longer in a full kowtow, but with eyes still downcast in deference.

A brief silence ensued, punctuated by the faint rustle of fabric and the low murmur of voices as observers deliberated on who would voice their inquiries. As anticipated, the first to come forward was from one of the prominent comital clans. The individual who stepped forth belonged to the Luo clan. He was adorned with a heavy mantle of silver fur draped over his shoulders, while his courtly robe beneath was impeccably tailored in a contemporary style.

"Heiress, I have received extensive accounts from my uncle and conversed with our returning warriors. I wish to hear more regarding your perspective on the agreements concerning the Jing River watershed, and what benefits we derive from granting these allied tribes any access whatsoever."

"Naturally, Lord Luo," Cai Renxiang responded. "This admittedly carries a degree of risk. However, if we can demonstrate that the Polar Nations' vassalized tribes can traverse these untamed lands without peril to our people or theirs, it significantly bolsters the Polar Nation's position in their integration initiatives. While we lack the manpower to constantly patrol or colonize the entirety of the Wall, the cloud tribes have perpetually warred amongst themselves over grazing lands and water sources. A tribe that is both friendly and subservient is far preferable to one that is hostile and independent. And should any transgressions occur..."

"There will be an established authority to petition and seek redress. That was my own assessment, but it is gratifying to hear it articulated so clearly by you," the Luo man concluded. "Many voices contend that your negotiations with the tribes are excessively lenient."

Ling Qi herself held a slightly different perspective; the term 'vassalized' was likely an overstatement. While not entirely untrue, it failed to capture the true essence of their accords with the Polar Nation. 'Confederation' might have been a more fitting descriptor.

Alternatively, she mused, perhaps she was merely engaging in semantic sophistry. Ultimately, the southern tribes had pledged allegiance to White Sky's mandate, even if the most powerful among them held a degree of influence within that authority.

As the Luo representative withdrew, another courtier advanced. This individual, a member of the Jia clan, was attired in the garb of a cavalrywoman. "Regarding the territories claimed and the projected expansion of patrol routes..."

Ling Qi allowed her attention to drift as the woman delved into logistical minutiae that, quite frankly, lay beyond her immediate comprehension. Questions arose concerning funding, provisions, and the designated parties responsible for maintaining supply depots along the newly constructed thoroughfares. Cai Renxiang responded with remarkable adroitness, invoking Xia Lin's specialized knowledge for specific segments.

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In truth, this was all information their elders either possessed or could readily deduce from their own observations. Nevertheless, she made a conscious effort to absorb the details, recognizing the inherent value of such a presentation. They were not merely being given an opportunity to showcase their competence and diligence before the court, but were also undergoing a form of assessment.

Despite the recent triumph, an undercurrent of preoccupation permeated the atmosphere, extending beyond the conclusion of the festivities. The impending military mobilization occupied more minds than diplomatic overtures to a distant realm. Even the most hardline individuals acknowledged the strategic advantage of securing the southern flank in the interim.

A considerable amount of work remained in the south, and she harbored a fervent hope to return there with all haste.

"I perceive that the heiress has demonstrated a profound grasp of the strategic imperatives facing the southern Emerald Seas. A delicate equilibrium must be struck between safeguarding our populace from threats and avoiding undue overextension through imprudent settlements. However, considerations extend beyond the purely material realm. Even if the restrictions on sovereign movement can be strategically justified, do they not adversely impact the spiritual vitality of the southern mountains?"

The interrogator, Ling Qi surmised, likely belonged to a courtly clan. Could it be the Lin? Was it truly Lin Hai's lineage? The woman's attire, certainly reminiscent of his and the Duchess's style, featured vivid pastel hues, a dramatically plunging neckline, detachable sleeves, and elaborate embroidery.

Though she concealed it adeptly, a palpable discomfort emanated from the woman. Ling Qi mused that Lin Hai would likely feel a pang of sadness were he to witness it.

"In this regard, we believe the Polar Nation's sovereigns are also contributing to the stabilization of the wild environment, notwithstanding potential divergences from our preferred geomantic methodologies. I shall defer to Baroness Ling Qi for further inquiries pertaining to spiritual matters."

Ling Qi lifted her head.

"The concerns are indeed valid, yet as has been stated, the unfettered movement of sovereigns along the border presents an intractable dilemma. There exists no conceivable method by which it could be deemed non-threatening. We, too, would perceive it as such."

Naturally, the sovereigns of the Polar Nation possessed a more restricted mobility, a point she strategically chose not to emphasize.

"Furthermore, movement can be facilitated upon prior notification. Assuredly, the forthcoming deployment is not impeded by any such agreements we have undertaken. As for the ecological ramifications..."

She paused, her gaze ascending to the speaker. "The mountainous terrain of the Wall possesses sufficient stability for the immediate future. No benefit can be derived from imposing our influence too forcefully or too rapidly."

"And what of the influence exerted by the advanced cultivation of our neighbors, and the establishment of temples dedicated to foreign deities?"

"If our agreement is to last, then the gods and spirits of our peoples must also find peace amongst themselves, at the very least in defining the boundaries of their influence. The Celestial Court and its divine envoys have earned my complete trust," Ling Qi responded with ease. "As the court grows with the empire and adapts to the loss of the Sage, it will also evolve to engage with neighbors who are not perpetually hostile. I have sought the counsel of the Xuan on this matter, as they manage their foreign relations with great skill and competence."

The Xuan Shi had shared some texts with her previously, granting her permission to pass them along to the priests who would be representing her. While the Xuan possessed their own varied customs, certain practices could still be adopted.

Naturally, when one declared that the Celestial Court possessed the capacity to shoulder new responsibilities and govern additional territories… well, individuals tended to hear precisely what they wished to, even when presented with a simple truth.

"I have no doubt it can," the Lin courtier affirmed. "The Celestial bureaucracy functions like a finely tuned mechanism, but surely the Baroness does not imagine these foreign deities will be absorbed into it?"

Under the Duchess's unwavering gaze, Ling Qi found it difficult to dispute this assertion.

"Some may harbor ambitions of drawing these distant peoples into closer communion, but I do not foresee that happening in the immediate future. However, I do believe that the era of our empire's seclusion, of existing as if we were the sole civilization, is drawing to a close," Ling Qi declared.

She surveyed the gathered assembly, allowing the wave of hushed conversations to subside.

"The Xuan have long spoken of peoples beyond the vast oceans. In the East, it is no longer a mere rumor that the Guo have made contact with living humans on the far side of the Grave, who are also engaged in conflict with the Ashwalkers."

Gu Xiulan's correspondence had corroborated this, and Ling Qi was certain their ambassador would have conveyed the same information.

"To the South, we have the Polar Nation, and during our discussions at the summit, they conferred with Princess Sun Liling regarding the facilitation of communication with those who defend the verdant border of the southern jungle. And below us reside the Ha-yith-kai, who our subjects acknowledge, and whose very existence proves that at least some of the ith can be persuaded toward reason. The epoch of the Celestial Empire standing alone, encircled by aggressive barbarians, is ending."

A deep, resonant chuckle echoed from the throne above, stifling any immediate replies. A moment of silence followed, unbroken by further words.

The Lin woman inclined her head, betraying neither approval nor disapproval that Ling Qi could discern.

"I have heard similar notions, though I cannot say I place the same significance upon them as the Baroness does. What, then, is your perspective on how the Emerald Seas should conduct themselves in this dawning age?"

"The Emerald Seas must embrace both the sheathed blade and the open scroll. The Great Tsu united his people through discourse and resorted to force only against the rapacious. The Emerald Seas are already blessed with abundance; we have no need to seize from others. That which we may desire, we can acquire through a mere fraction of our own prosperity," Ling Qi stated with conviction.

She had conferred with Cai Renxiang and the others about the most effective way to present their achievements, and they had reached a consensus on this approach. While the Emerald Seas harbored some expansionists, an equal, if not greater, number were weary of such pursuits. These individuals observed the devastation in the south and the underdeveloped interior, the countless settlements reclaimed by the wilderness under the Hui, and thus harbored no appetite for further conquest.

More crucially, there was a need to appeal to the province's sense of pride. Discussing the financial burdens of conflict or the dangers posed by adversaries would prove ineffective. The empire held martial prowess in high regard, and the Emerald Seas were no different. The Weilu had long been revered as peacemakers, even before their disappearance. Tsu's attributes, however, were not typically viewed in this light.

It represented a rather straightforward interpretation of history, just not one that was commonly favored. Therefore, instead of suggesting that trade was superior to warfare—a belief she genuinely held—it was more advantageous to imply that warfare was simply beneath them and that the province's wealth was already an unending source of prosperity.

This was also the truth. A significant portion of the Emerald Seas' resources remained untapped, even centuries after the vanquishing of the Hui.

"Through this approach, we can serve as an example, allowing the empire to witness our successful undertakings. And when the incursions into the south cease and its riches are unlocked through the ensuing peace, we shall all be the more prosperous for it."