~~~

In the week leading up to the banquet, all manner of important guests arrive at Rumbling Thunder City, each trying to outdo the other in terms of retinues. It has greatly taxed the city’s ability to house everyone. Not because there are so many of them that the city literally doesn’t have enough space. Rather, housing everyone in accommodations suited to their station without offending one minor lord or another has proven to be an exercise in futility.

Still, it has been worth it for this moment. The day of the banquet has arrived, and all are happy. That is surely what City Lord Chu would say. The stout man is in his element, drinking and laughing with his peers. The grand hall of the mansion has been luxuriously decorated. No matter where Liu Jin looks, something is shining. The people drink, eat, and dance without end.

As for himself…

“Oh, how wonderful it is to meet you, Lord Qing!”

“Tales of the Eternal Flame Clan have reached us all the way in Blackwood City, Lord Qing.”

“Lord Qing! I heard you defeated a hundred of General Nie’s soldiers.”

“Is it true you have been in the Dead Plains, Lord Qing?”

Lord Qing. Lord Qing. Lord Qing. Liu Jin hears it again and again as he greets nobles, government officials, and high-ranking army personnel.

Liu Jin is not particularly worried about people knowing his last name. Lei Kong had assured him the surname Qing was fairly common in the Storm Dragon Empire. During and after the civil war, many people took the name Qing, some out of respect, others for less than reputable motives.

Still, it feels strange to be called lord, even if he understands the reason. To them, a Core Disciple of the Eternal Flame Clan is equal and even greater in terms of prestige. The result is a never-ending parade of influential people seeking to exchange platitudes with him. It is a new arena for Liu Jin, and he would be lost if it wasn’t for Lu Mei. She walks at his side, transmitting information through her Qi so he has some idea of who he is talking to.

“Lord Li, I heard your daughter was born last month. Congratulations.”

“You are too humble. Blackwood City’s name is known far and wide.”

“An exaggeration, I assure you. It would have been different if your son had been there, Count Hou. I believe he was recently promoted to a Thousand-Man Commander. Is that right?”

“A boring story. Nothing like how you bravely led your city’s defense against a Many-Headed Sparrow last year.”

Liu Jin has laughed and smiled so much throughout the night it is beginning to hurt his face.

“You truly are amazing, Lord Qing,” one of the City Lords gathered around him says. The man’s name escapes him right now. A pity since he knew it perfectly just a minute ago. “And you even have such a lovely flower at your side. It is true what they say. Great men attract great women.”

“Oh, you are too kind, Lord Nanguo,” Lu Mei says with an elegant laugh. Unlike him, she is completely at home here. She has chosen to forgo her disciple robes in favor of an elegant red dress decorated with emeralds. “But what will your wife think if she hears you paying compliments to a younger woman?”

“Don’t tell me you are going to tell on me?” The City Lord asks, playing up his reaction. They all laugh.

“Please, tell me we’re done,” Liu Jin transmits to Lu Mei once they have moved on.

“Don’t tell me this is too much for you. Just think of these people as poisoned candies.”

“That makes nothing better. I am fairly sure it makes it worse.”

“Colonel Peng did not come, and General Nie Dan declined to attend the banquet as is often the case,” Lu Mei continues. “That leaves one important person we have yet to greet. I am sure you know who I am speaking of.”

“Duke Lai. I see him.” More importantly, Liu Jin sees who the duke is with. “I am surprised we did not greet him sooner.”

“He was surrounded by too many people. There was no sense in approaching him. You will not be seen vying for his attention like some dog,” Lu Mei replies, making Liu Jin smile as they make their way to the duke.

If Liu Jin had to describe Duke Lai in one word, it would be sick. His body is thin and barely has any muscle, something that even his robes cannot hide. His skin is pasty white, and he even has hollow cheeks. It looks as if a stiff breeze could knock him over.

“You must be Lord Qing!” Duke Lai smiles as they make eye contact. The smile does not look good on him. “I have heard much of you already!’

“Is that so?” Liu Jin says, his gaze shifting to the man standing next to Duke Lai. “I hope Yuan Tao only had good things to say about me, Duke Lai.”

Yuan Tao stares back at him without flinching.

“And when would I have had time to say bad things?” Yuan Tao asks, his golden eyes have a dull glow under the lights of the banquet hall. “The duke and I have only just started talking, Brother Qing. I fear you are quite the lengthy subject.”

“How unfortunately true,” Liu Jin says. “Yet, I do not mean to imply you have talked about me in the party but rather during one of the many visits you have paid the duke since he arrived.”

Weeks ago, it was decided that, in the spirit of cooperation, some disciples of the Eternal Flame Clan should help out with the city guard during their stay here. For some reason, Liu Jin was put in charge of this effort, something that greatly hindered his ability to personally observe Yuan Tao. He is stretched so thin he does not even trust himself to create a soul fragment to spy on Yuan Tao.

However, Liu Jin has been able to place several disciples he trusts (the ones he knows from the Dead Plains like Ni Cai and Ten) in the city guard and make it so they’re always in a position to observe Yuan Tao. That is why he knows Yuan Tao visited Duke Lai of Stone River City at least two times last week. Both meetings were quite lengthy.

“Oh, my.” Unlike the glaring Yuan Tao, Duke Lai laughs. “You truly do live up to your reputation, Lord Qing.”

“My reputation is nothing compared to yours, Duke Lai,” Liu Jin says. “Stone River City is famous for its many goods.”

“Quite right,” Lu Mei says. “Your steel reaches our armories, and your herbs fill our apothecary.”

“You flatter me,” Duke Lai says. “I am sure the Eternal Flame Clan has much bigger trading partners than this duke.”

“Perhaps,” Liu Jin admits. “However, as far as the Storm Dragon Empire is concerned, Duke Lai’s name stands out among the rest. Of course, if General Dan were to defeat the other two generals, the rest of the Storm Dragon Empire would open up for us, leading to more competition. I am sure Yuan Tao has already talked about this with you.”

“Nonsense, Jin,” Lu Mei says, playfully hitting his arm. “I am sure Duke Lai is not worried about a little competition.”

“Oh, my,” Duke Lai says. “You two are so charming. My good friend Yuan Tao, why did you not tell me they were so charming?”

“I thought it best for you to experience it, duke.”

Liu Jin and Lu Mei smile.

~~~

At night, Rumbling Thunder City is filled with lights. Those living on the lower side see a glittering mountain reaching towards the heavens. It is a dazzling sight that invites them to climb. To desire. To have ambition. Meanwhile, those who live on the upper side look down from above and see the mountain draped in warm lights that cool down as one reaches the prairies. It is soothing. Peaceful. Contemplative.

Liu Jin has found himself enjoying both views, though he prefers the latter one. He has often climbed to the top of City Lord Chu’s mansion and just sat there. Lu Mei has joined him a few times, usually bringing some wine for them to share. With everything going on, those have been some of the few quiet moments they have been able to get.

Liu Jin has stepped out to the balcony. Being around so many people for so long is suffocating for someone like him. He’d like to say he has done enough socializing for a night, but he knows that’d be a lie. He’ll have to go back inside eventually.

For now, he’ll just enjoy his temporary solitude.

Or perhaps not. He frowns when he feels someone joining him on the balcony.

“City Lord Chu,” he says, making the man jump in surprise. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Lord Qing! Please, don’t scare me like that. This old man does not want to fall down the mountain,” the City Lord says. He tries to come off as joking, but he is too nervous to do it properly. “I was actually looking for you.”

“I see,” Liu Jin says. “It seems I have made you step outside the party. My apologies.”

“Oh, no! Not at all!” The City Lord says, waving his hands and shaking his head wildly. “You did not do anything wrong. I am the one who wants to speak to you. It is natural that I should go to you. In fact, this is better. It is a quiet place. Very good, yes.”

City Lord Chu nods several and keeps moving his hands as he speaks. Liu Jin can see some sweat on his forehead.

“It is just…you don’t enjoy parties, do you?” City Lord Chu asks, taking Liu Jin by surprise.

“It is okay if you don’t,” the City Lord quickly adds. “Heavens knows General Nie is not fond of them at all. That’s why he lets me handle all the day-to-day stuff. Well, that and the war. Nasty thing that. Yes.”

“I enjoy some parties,” Liu Jin says, thinking back to the little gathering Bei Hong organized for them after returning from the Dead Plains. “Just not ones as large as this one. I am afraid I find them a little overwhelming. Apologies if I have offended you.”

“Not at all, Lord Qing! Not at all!” City Lord Chu says. His words are once again accompanied by wild gesticulations. “Everyone is free to enjoy the things they enjoy so long as they have something they enjoy. I myself enjoy parties. I enjoy them a lot.”

City Lord Chu smiles as he looks back at the party.

“I also like festivals, and dancing, and theater,” City Lord Chu continues, a small smile tugging at his lips. “I like to organize as many of them as I can. I think many people like them, and I like to make the people happy. I…”

He trails off again. His mouth twists multiple times as he tries to organize his words and gather the courage to speak them.

“I know we have not had many opportunities to talk,” he says at last. “However, my daughter speaks well of you, which is surprising considering how you met. That tells me you are a good man, which is rare. You… you are going to a place where there are no parties, Lord Qing. No laughter. No dancing. No plays. It is a bleak place, Lord Qing. It is a place that tries its hardest to make you forget what joy is, and it succeeds with many. Don’t let it succeed with you.”

City Lord Chu bows.

“That is all I wished to say. Apologies for my impertinence.”

“Not at all.” Liu Jin smiles. “It seems you are a good man too, City Lord Chu. I now regret that we haven’t spoken much.”

The City Lord chuckles.

“Not at all, Lord Qing. Else, I’d be trying to hold festivals there and not here,” the City Lord says as he leaves.

Once again, Liu Jin is left alone. Once again, he turns around to stare at the lights.

Unfortunately, peace and quiet remain out of his reach.

“Young Master Feng Zhi,” Liu Jin says, his fingers wrapping tightly around the balcony railing before letting go and turning around.

“Qing Jin,” Feng Zhi says. Once again, Liu Jin is glared at by golden eyes, though these ones belong to a different person.

“I was not expecting you to approach me,” Liu Jin says, crossing his arms and leaning back against the railing. “As I recall, you did not wish to hear anything I might have to say.”

“It is because I said those words that I must be the one to approach you. No matter how beneath me it may be,” Feng Zhi says. He walks over and leans over the balcony, staring down at the city. “Do not misunderstand. That is not a statement of trust.”

“It did not sound like one, Young Master.”

“Good.” Feng Zhi glares at him out of the corner of his eye. “What are you attempting to do here?”

Liu Jin blinks.

“I am not sure I understand the question, Young Master.”

Feng Zhi snorts. “What you mean is that you do not understand the best way to lie about it. Fine. I’ll make myself clearer. We are here because the Apothecary has interests in the Storm Dragon Empire. My father might have approved of the idea, but it first came from the Apothecary. You are here to enact Elder Xue’s will. That being the case, why would you threaten your mission by fighting those soldiers?”

“Why would you ask me a question if you have to preface it with how little you trust me, Young Master?” Liu Jin asks back. “By your own words, you won’t believe a word I’ll say.”

“I ask because it has bothered me since the day it happened, and I hope to glimpse some truth.”

“I did it because what those men were doing was wrong,” Liu Jin replies honestly.

Feng Zhi stares at him.

“If you are telling the truth, that would make you so foolish I’d feel embarrassed by how much I have been overestimating you,” Feng Zhi says. “Your job is to counter Yuan Tao, not give him something he can use against you.”

“So you were warned against Yuan Tao as well,” Liu Jin notes. “I wasn’t sure since it seemed I was the only one doing anything,”

Feng Zhi scowls, perhaps a little annoyed he has given something away, no matter how inconsequential it may seem.

“We all have our duties. Negotiating with General Nie is mine. Dealing with the rat is yours. Do not confuse their importance. It is bad enough that I have to share meetings with him and Elder Xun’s disciple.”

“You have my deepest condolences,” Liu Jin tells him. Somehow, that does little to improve Feng Zhi’s mood. “I wonder. Is that why you made me fight during the first night we were here? Were you trying to see how invested I was?”

The railing cracks under Feng Zhi’s grip.

“I came here to have my questions answered,” he says in clipped tones, “yet it seems I have only succeeded in answering yours. This is why I don’t like you.”

“Apologies. I am being honest. Truly. If you won’t believe I did it out of pure altruism, how about this?” Liu Jin asks, raising a finger. “I did it to see how Yuan Tao would react, much like how Young Master made me fight the City Lord’s daughter to see how much I would hurt her. Does that sound more plausible?”

“Perhaps,” Feng Zhi admits. “If I accept that as true, that means you want this deal to work, and I can expect you to try your hardest to preserve it. Yet, I feel there is something you’re still hiding.”

“That’s because there is.”

A vein in Feng Zhi’s forehead throbs in a rather worrying manner.

Liu Jin wisely moves three steps away from him.

“Please, don’t look at me like that, Young Master,” Liu Jin says. “Contrary to what you believe, I am not a good liar. If I tried, you’d notice it right away, and if I told you the full truth, you’d distrust me even more. I am being exactly as honest as I need to be.”

“I wish to hit you. I wish that very badly,” Feng Zhi says, looking not at him but staring straight ahead. Towards the prairies. “I believe kicking you all the way down the mountain would go a long way towards building trust between us.”

Liu Jin considers it.

It wouldn’t kill him. It would hurt, but it wouldn’t kill him. Perhaps just cause some bruising. Maybe a broken bone if Feng Zhi felt like being particularly vindictive. Either way, it is not something that would inconvenience him.

“You’re considering it!” Feng Zhi couldn’t have sounded more outraged if he had tried. “You’re actually considering it! Do you think I am a child to be…!”

Feng Zhi trails off. His body goes unnaturally still as his eyes gradually turn left. Liu Jin winces. He feels it too.

It is not something anyone at the party would notice. Liu Jin can only tell because he has been keeping some of his attention focused on that person all night. Just in case. And Feng Zhi… Feng Zhi must have been paying close attention to the Qi of the person that is being approached right now.

Huang Shing is about to make contact with Yi Jiao.

“Oh, dear.”

~~~