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Chapter 78 – Fa Yuan

They met in the ceremonial hall of the temple, one used for the various rituals that the priests conducted through the year. New Years, Ghost Month, the Spring Festival and more. It was not a large gathering spot, for the temple members were few in numbers and the priests were wise enough to travel to the village to conduct the majority of such ceremonies.

Now, the simple bare grey stone halls was filled with color. New flowers and precious vases had been added to the corners of the building, rosewood carved standing tables were now adorned with colorful plates filled with snacks. An entire corner had been dedicated to more food and beverages, while servants traversed the floor, bringing drinks and plates before disappearing while the various officials hovered around in small groups, staring at other groups suspiciously.

Prince Liu and General Fu had left early, joined by a small number of their attendants and now stood in one corner next to the food, speaking with the Abbot. There were four other interested parties, representing the kingdoms of Yan, Kwok, Tien and Lok. They were only waiting for the arrival of the Wei party in a few hours to begin.

In the meantime, this was meant to be a period of general socializing, but the way the groups stared suspiciously at one another, one would think that they had not recently been allies in their battle for freedom against the Cai.

“This will not do,” Fa Yuan muttered, having timed her arrival outside the hall to be after all but the Wei had come. A trivial matter to keep track of the individuals within, but necessary to strike an impression, especially to break the current stalemate of competing desires.

It was why she had taken care to dress appropriately – a formal set of robes, the cloth themselves sheer but layered in such a way that it never crossed into vulgarity. Elaborate embroidery of cranes and lotuses ran along the edges and down the front panels of the robes, crafted with such skill that with each movement, they seemed almost to come alive with movement. A careful application of perfume, lightly on neck, wrists and under the ears brought with it hints of delicate lotuses and plum blossoms, while heavier pine notes lay beneath. A small satchet trapped in a decorated steel ball hung from her belt, helping to keep the robes flat. Within, the mixture of fresh herbs picked from the local mountainside blended with the perfumes, offering a sense of familiarity to her presence for the priests who might encounter her.

Jade bangles, carefully picked jewelry including a floral headband – again, white worked mother-of-pearl and pear lilies – kept hair in place and hung down from the crown of her head, coming to a stop just above where her third eye might be.

Two steps into the building, halting within the frame of the door and highlighted by the sunlight streaming within. She glowed, literally, for a moment before she relaxed her hold on the stream of light coming from behind. A momentary effect, that from the slack jawed and lust filled gazes turned upon her was as effective as ever.

How do you break conflicting goals? By introducing a new one.

The first to break were the Yan. The first Prince of the State of Yan, the only kingdom to have fought off the Cai for so many years, was a well-known philanderer, having a total of three wives already and a fast growing harem. That he treated them all well – perhaps too well, some might argue – was a point in favour of his character, but a major detraction to his wisdom. At least, he was not too bad looking with pale skin and soulful eyes. Being a cultivator also meant he was lean, and scarring and callouses on his hands spoke of training with the dao he wore by his side.

“Fairy Yang is as beautiful and elegant as the rumors have said,” Prince Yan bowed low to the woman. “I fear we did not bring the gift I prepared for the Fairy, but if she would visit me after the conference, I am sure we could make up for my tardiness.”

“Prince Yan is too kind.” Fairy Yang returned his bow, just as deep as his own. It amused her a little that he was shorter than her, and in bowing, he had showcased the growing bald spot that the crown and headwear failed to hide.

“No, Elder Yang is the one who is too kind. Especially in not calling the blatant and poorly handled attempt at seduction that this oaf has wielded.” Easily slipping past the guard that attempted to block her way, Princess Lok planted her short, rotund frame beside Fairy Yang and stood, legs apart in a very uncouth manner. “I’m sure she’d prefer a more feminine company this evening.”

“Feminine?” Cultured and cutting, the voice of Prince Tien was pitched to cut across the conversation. “Where would she find that with you?”

“Ah Jin, you wound me. As though I haven’t helped you get together with others of your interest.” Princess Lok sniffed as Prince Tien swanned over, the attendants moving aside to give him space. “What do you care about the Fairy. She’s not to your taste.”

“If you mean cultured and elegant, I beg to differ.” Prince Tien sniffed. “All the rest, all the things that you all scream and cry about, that you think matters so much? It’s so… pedestrian and sweaty, so animal-like. I don’t understand how you can stand it..”

“That’s what makes it so fun,” Princess Lok said.

“In that, I must agree.” Prince Yan said, eyeing the Princess more carefully. Then, remembering Fa Yuan, he added. “Though, of course, I would never dare suggest such a thing to the august cultivator, not until after marriage.”

“You’d marry her already?” Prince Tien asked, finally joining the fray. The youngest of the group, barely seventeen, he carried himself with the bearing of a soldier and wore the armor of one too. Yet, even the armor was styled a little differently than most. Lighter than most infantry armor, pauldrons barely there. Meant for someone who had to raise their arms up constantly. The thumb ring he wore, the markings on finger and hand were all signs of his preferred weapon – the bow. “Surely your father would have some say on that.”

“He has much to say about my marriages. Mostly to do about the cost of weddings and enquiries about when the next in line will appear.” A long sigh. “We have had bad luck, really, acquiring a male heir.”

“So what?” Princess Lok sneered. “Do as my father does, make the most competent the ruler. Your people will be all the more grateful for it.”

“Unlike your kingdoms, we already have a tradition. Breaking it would be ill-advised. Ones populace is quick to grasp hold of old signifiers of competence, thinking with it comes prosperity. Upset them, and you might find yourself blamed for the workings outside of your control,” Prince Yan said, sagely.

“Like being forced to fight a multi-year struggle against an upstart, demonic kingdom?” Prince Tien bowed to the other man. “It’s good to see you, cousin. Send my best wishes to my elder sister.”

“And you, Ah Su.” Eyes traced down the boys body, a slight nod in the end. “I’m glad to see you’re well and whole, even after taking the risks you have been taking. Your sister would be quite upset if you changed that.”

“I shall try to keep myself secure.” A finger pressed into the thumb ring. “Thus my weapon of choice. Much safer.”

“Safer, but not without risk.” Prince Kwok sniffed. “Better not to be there at all and let the generals do their job.” He paused, added. “Better not to fight at all.”

“True!” Princess Lok said. “Fighting means you don’t have time to enjoy life. Means you have to deprive yourself, of everything good, because your populace is too busy to tend the fields or move goods. We’ve had enough fighting already. Better to be peaceful.”

“Only if you want to let the tiger recuperate,” Prince Tien snapped.

Fa Yuan smiled, listening to them argue. Talking now, to one another, rather than standing off. Certainly, there were lines of interest and conflict between the group, but it was better for them to argue than stand apart, glowering at one another.

Talking was good, because it left her with an understanding of who was already an ally. And who she would have to convince. Now, all they needed was one more party to arrive.