Demonic Tribulations - Chapter 36 preview (Patreon)

Chapter 36 – Wu Ying

The hall that he was to be received was large, multiple columsn holding it up on either side and more space to the side of it too. A central walkway led the way forward, a dozen guards standing at attention. It seemed rather wasteful to Wu Ying, considering it was just him being tried. Exactly how strong did they think he was, that he merited so much security?

Then again, as he understood such things, half the time the pageantry was the point. It showcased strength, the ability of a government or ruling class to utilize resources like this and not feel the effects. At least, from the few times he had been put on trial while journeying through the Middle Kingdom. Assuming that the Jade Empire kept to the same reasoning.

Probably did.

A single immortal seated on the platform, a small table before him. Another three clerks seated right below. One seemed to be working on another series of documents, passing them up to the personage above. The Grand Minister, Wu Ying assumed, would read over the documents, either make notations on the document itself, use his stamp or just inform the other clerk to the right of him of his intentions before passing the document down, where further notes were being taken.

Efficient use of time, there. The clerk in the center just looked bored, until the doors had opened and Wu Ying was escorted within. He noted all this with one glance, as they strode down, though his attention was focused on two aspects.

The Grand Minister was one – a small man, dwarfed by the robes he wore. A long, lustrous greying beard contrasted against his black magisterial robes, the fudu he wore filled with embroidery and much more elegant and expensive than his clerks. Most arresting of all were the dark eyes, filled with strength and zeal alike.

More interestingly – and worryingly – was the throne above the Grand Minister. Left empty, and positioned such that it was clear who it was meant for. The fact that the Emperor could project himself into attendance at any time might mean it was there as a matter of course, or could mean he was expected.

Wu Ying was not thrilled with either option.

Silently, the group approached the magistrate before they stopped a respectful distance from the magistrate. Captain Mao made the announcement of his presence, handed over the safeguarding of Wu Ying to another of the guards and then stepped back to take a watchful but rested stance.

Silence filled the room as the Grand Magistrate continued his work, forcing Wu Ying and the others to wait. Another couple of papers were passed over, read and handed back before they deigned to even acknowledge his presence.

Wu Ying managed to keep his temper. These type of games were boring to him, but they were not unexpected. He let his attention roam over the surroundings, taking in the details of dress, of features and listening to the winds.

Though his own spiritual aura was muted, closing off his ability to sense the surrounding rooms, hallways and gardens about him, the winds were less circumspect. His relationship with them was different from many others, for though he had once a Wind Body – had nearly reached immortality as a brethren of theirs – he had never desired or demanded obedience. To him, the winds were allies, companions on a long road.

They still treated him as a friend, though their relationship was no longer as close as before. He was no longer a potential brother, but an old friend, one that they expected to continue to hold presence with over the years.

All through the palace, elemental wards flared, containment chi coursing through the surroundings as the winds danced. The winds were many things – strong and gentle, light and fluid, but most of all; they were not obedient. They went where they wished, could not be contained without the utmost force and attention and would break free with even the most minor of distraction.

The winds, they knew why he was here, they knew the inner secrets of the court. They listened to every word, but just because they understood did not mean they would tell. After all, they had their own agenda, their own interests.

The pining of a court noble for a servant was more fascinating than the internal intrigues of the court. The fu dog that was feuding with the carp in the lower gardens held more interest than dusty papers and the movements of armies.

Those happened, all the time. Appeared, disappeared, laid bodies into the ground and saw the passing of dozens, thousands of mortals and immortals. To the elements, a climatic battle was no more interesting than the drama of a single life, of the way the fifth sub-cook of the third kitchen had stolen a bushel of onions from the first kitchen and the investigation that had been  started to locate the culprit. Or the promises of deep vengeance, especially when the seventh concubine had complained about the lack of tate in their eight dish.

Or the way the farmer and guards down in the nearby village were conspiring to keep a larger portion of the harvest for themselves, all to help celebrate the upcoming wedding of a popular pair of young lovebirds. The pair of immortals were quite well liked, even if they had taken different pathways since their majority.

Conversations, gossip, most of it useless but entertaining for Wu Ying at least. It told him something just as important, however. That the immortals, for all their pretenses at being better than the mortals they presided over, had their own rivalries, their own petty jealousies and loves that they harbored.

Along the way, Wu Ying also learnt a couple of pieces of information about the Grand Magistrate of Justice. The fact that he liked extra vinegar on his greens – to the point that the chefs barely paid attention when they served him that dish, scoffing at his tastes. Or that he was overworked and had no companion of his own, his last having left years ago as he paid more attention to the body of his career than his body.

It painted a picture, though how that would help Wu Ying in his trial, that he did not know.

Finally, the man looked up. Placed the brush he had been utilizing down, listened as the guard lieutenant in charge of the hall announced Wu Ying again. He picked up the document that was floated towards him, read it over once more and stared at the Ascendant.

“Ascendant Long Wu Ying, fugitive, absconder and rule breaker. Your trial begins now, may the light of the Jade Empire and the wisdom of the Emperor shine down upon this court.”