Da Migong
Xungong
Xuan
Akai

MOLXUE

Dr. Aphek stared at the marshal meanwhile and said, “These pamphlets are filth. They are gutter sweepings. Why do you ask me to dignify them with a response? I can assure you that the Dowager is the most noble of ladies—how else could she issue forth so pious a woman as Queen Mara or so noble and courageous a woman as our Princess? She is the very epitome of kindness and nobility—her charitable works are legendary, she commands the devotion, as the widow of our beloved King James II, of many of our citizens. She was the aunt of the late Perrin Pahath-Moab. So if you tell me, Marshal, that you believe such foul rumours, I will be shocked and disappointed…”

Molxue studied the bland outrage of the Doctor intensely, sensing it was genuine outrage Aphek was experiencing but this left a few possibilities open. Either he was outraged that these were even being considered, or whether it was outrage to hide the truth of the matter. These two main possibilities are ones which floated in the marshal’s mind as he walked around Aphek to his side. His desire was two fold, to see what the truth was — partially to distract his wife’s own curiosity - and partially to establish a more mutually beneficial relationship.

“Thou must understand, that a man who had spent three decades of his life preparing for a role in intelligence, who has served in Yaosai, Rietumimark, Zhaoze, someone who has risen to the rank of censor-marshal aged 47 will be able to read you rather comfortably, and tell when you are hiding behind a courtier’s tricks,” Molxue said, with a friendly albeit purposefully visible false grin. “I find it more than amusing that from what I hear, the moral princess and former heir is surrounded by such libertine people. Nabal is unsurprising and it seems she got an appropriate punishment.” He then moved on to address what was said to him. “Would it be perhaps a reasonable assumption that a mother like the Dowager kept it secret from her daughters? Jocasta seems duly unaware of either state of affairs, she is the pillar of virtue that the Ditu does see in her. I imagine should the truth be found out it’d be quite shocking for her. And I imagine the same would go with Mara.” Molxue paused as he encroached even further into the personal space of his associate, placing his hands on the lapels, and gripping them. “In thy judgement is the Ditu is a noble character? If so I imagine you are quite aware at just how abominable his father was and how his mother proved unable to rectify that. I am one of the few Akai who believe that the blood of a man does not determine his nature. Were it the case I would be a far better man, like my father and my child would be a far worse a man than I. I find it a superstition that occasionally rings true,” Molxue explained. “Anyways, the reason why I ask is that I do not desire any leaks coming from here. I could even be a quite valuable patron for yourself here, I could even levy my resources to help you and your allies at home. Your struggle is a fascinating one to observe.”


TINGZI

The Dowager’s glare as her husband and her former interrogatee flee from her reach. There was a fuming fire slowly burning inside her, fueling the great manufactory of wrath that was her mind as they both walked away. She let out a sigh of annoyance, knowing that her investigation would have to be delayed. She desired proof for her suspicions, about the Obed and their lecherous ways. She sensed it in them. She wanted Hulang to remain pure… as pure as he could be, unafflicted by the impurities of the world.

Regardless her attention shifted to focus on to Jocasta’s associates. “What are men like, flying away as soon as you need them,” she muttered to herself, audibly enough so that the others around her could hear.

“The Ditu is greatly admired and seen as the good friend of Princes Jocasta. In certain circles. The right ones,” said the Princess’ Colonel, Josephus, with a smile whose nature the Dowager could not discern. “Along with the Shogun Maki Kojiro and Cardinal Robertson of the Imperium and Lord Malibar of Ghant, there are certain persons who are believed to be our especial allies and friends. There are those of us who wish that there was even more closeness. Nations that preserve traditions and honour are to be prized above those who admire liberal virtues so much that they watch idly from ivory towers as their nations fall into decadence and weakness.”

So that’s where those views of hers comes from Tingzi pondered as she listened to Josephus. “Kojiro is an interesting man, and quite an admirable one at that. One of the chief architects of SACTO, virulent anti-marxist and a Christian traditionalist. Needless to say he sounds perfect for the New Edomite desires. Malibar is on the other hand spoken in ill terms of among these halls, but then again the Dakmaran and the Gentrys are looked down upon with equal distaste. A talented man like him is viewed more along the lines of a dangerous parasite. And Cardinal Robertson I am afraid I am rather uneducated upon like most affairs regarding the Imperium, could you care to enlighten? And you said the right ones, what about the not so right circles? While I doubt a man of your character would be present in such circles, I also doubt a prudent character such as yourself are not aware of what goes on inside them.” The Dowager took a sip of her alcoholic tea, held inside fine China cups.

“Although the Ditu’s visit to Rietumimark has raised some eyebrows. A nation of aristocratic tradition hand in hand with communist atheistic oligarchs?” Colonel Joseph smiled as he continued. “Far be it from me to dare to criticize, but as you can imagine…tongues wag. But Your Majesty understands I am sure that gossip will be gossip, fools will be fools. I am sure there is nothing to rumours that this is a move towards war over the cohesion of Deweden and naval supremacy in the north…”

“Sorry to interrupt but I do believe my dear friend that you are rather close the criticism; voicing it in the halls of your host,” Tingzi interjected. “It is most certainly an improper and an imprudent thing to do. But one might imagine, that Akai has its own interests and prestige to fulfill. And that New Edomite actions in Latium have taught it of the great importance of our friendship in New Edom. Alas, I do have my sympathises with such plights, especially given my own interactions with the Ozolins with my own visits in the past with my late husband and father. They are opulent rats. But they are like rats good at surviving. Their spiritual vulgarity has enabled them to achieve considerable depravity in their approach to life, and that being brutish, vicious and decadent. They will not collapse like the Damocleans or whatever they were called. Do not underestimate the Rietumish for it could quite easily be a rather terrible mistake”

LILISI

Chessiya was an unreadable character for sure, one whose face, stoicism and practiced decorum seemed almost unfaultable. Lilisi was not especially used to talking about herself, nor was she typically supposed to, the various standards of the Akai court often sidelined your importance in favor of that of the court’s master - in this case the Ditu. She was supposed to honour him.

"We in Shrailleen may not think highly of your father," she commented afterward, "but this assessment of the Ghantish would not be out of place in the halls of the Imperial Palace. For all of Akai's peculiarities of government, surely few things can compare to the, what was the expression? 'Byzantine' system of the Ghantish. Emperor Nathan takes far too much interest in participation in military matters for someone of his station."

“Thou see, my brother his holy and exalted perfection, would find that latter statement an area of contention. He sees it and it is the duty of the Ditu to be a masterful scholar in all the arts and sciences of statecraft and ruling. War is one such science and he is obligated to perfect his skills in that field or at least achieve the best he may achieve.” Lilisi explained somewhat mournfully. “To that end he seeks to lead a military war game in the north sometime. Regardless, Nathan is… not precisely Sun Tzu when it comes to leading men so it is probably prudent for him not to continue. My brother has some military experience on the other hand from his father and his various tutors.”

Chessiya’s response to Lilisi’s inquire into her life seemed to leave her to contemplate how to respond, the princess nodded as she listened attentively. "It is quite a different life from that of an ambassador, though I cannot imagine that it is greatly dissimilar to the life of a Princess Ditoral?"

"We are raised from birth in the arts of managing the affairs of state, court, and our personal lives all within a delicate balance. Our style of rule is much more active than in other nations, each day were are expected to entertain callers from among the population to listen to their petitions and grievances and our decisions on all matters are final and binding, unless Her Enlightened Majesty should see fit to overrule them. We must organize the Imperial Guard, see to the needs of the Temples, and manage the use of property. Lately I have found myself far busier than most, as I have been granted two Queendoms to rule simultaneously."

"And in addition to all of this, we are expected to attend the court of Her Enlightened Majesty when summoned, in order to be her eyes and ears in the Queendoms and to acts as her voice and hands upon our return. This, and if one is the sister of Her Enlightened Majesty, perhaps to occasional attend foreign functions such as this one."

"Of course," she mentioned as she closed off, with Lilisi trying to study her cautiously, "there are few true Queens remaining in the Empire these days, after the treachery that the other families attempted laster year. Thanks to their treason that rabble, that is, the Republican Council, rules in Muldera still. And we are on our way to organizing such a thing in all of the Queendoms sooner rather than later. I suppose that it will ease some of the responsibilities of nobility, but I expect that our duties will simply expand to include keeping counsel with our new elected bodies."

“From the sounds of it, your duties are very similar to that of a Hegemon or King in Akai in terms of their duties. Currently there are a few kingdoms still remaining that are held by non Lazins, these being the lands of Clans, Cangbai - who thy uncles Sanfu and Qiang are partial descendents of -, Aoxian, Oato and Baermali being some of the more prominent. My father however has not handed out new kingdoms to any of his heavenly kin, instead directly ruling the lands. My own duties are ultimately similar but less grand as yours but I imagine being Dibai will eventability change that.”

"It is an honor to meet you," the Princess Chella managed to say rather timidly, somewhat endearing her to Lilisi. "I hope that the small amount that we offer to the Ditu's Scholarly Trust might be only the first of many cooperations between our peoples.”

“One personally must lament the unfortunate consequences of my father’s actions in separating our peoples,” Lilisi explained to Chella. “But thou is right in that we can hope for a brighter future between us both. Hopefully once the issue of Rietumimark is resolved Akai can move on to better and brighter things.”

The Shrailleeni Princess took a cup of the offered tea, returning Lilisi's smile with one of her own which, unlike the infrequent suspiciously functional grins of her mother, brightened her features with a flash of teeth.

"I am afraid that I am not so intriguing of a mystery, Your Prime Highness," she responded, acting formally but not as naturally as her mother. "But I have traveled to the Celestial Kingdom of Hostillia as well. I still have friends there, in fact. And I received my higher education at New Laconia State University in Adiron, where I majored in International Relations, with a minor in Women's Studies." Lilisi noticed her occasional glances at her and into her eyes, the awkwardness reminding her of Hulang to an extent but still she remained unable to guess what it was precisely. "There are many different kinds of people from all over the region who come to study in Adiron," she continued, trying to expand what she talked about. "and I learned a great deal during my time there, and met many different people with different customs. It is very different from life in Shrailleen."

“Who are these Han may I ask? Members of the house of Tai out of curiosity? Given our common ancestry, the Akai and the Han have decidedly little communication between our families despite our friendliness.” Lilisi inquired rather curious. “Ghant I find to be disturbingly similar to Akai in some ways yet starkly different in others. I have learned quite a lot there I think. Some of it more useful than others. Anyways I feel it time that we properly introduced you to the Ditu.” With this Lilisi gestured towards with an innocent and polite mischievousness the two Shrailleen royals to follow her to a new table, one with the Ditu. “I believe it is time we properly introduced yourself to the Yinmi Ditu.”

SANFU

The Emperor of the Lyncanestrians turned his head to face Sanfu, the prince regent of Akai. It seemed to Sanfu that Samueal did not recognise who he was, a reasonable thing given the Akai abhorrence of actually having their faces visible in official photos and the like. He raised an eyebrow to which Sanfu noted but instead introduced himself properly. Immediately, Sam’s face relaxed as Sanfu properly introduced himself and he began to smile as he nodded towards the prince regent in acknowledgement. “Oh yes, how could I forget? Thank you, Your Highness, for gracing me with your company. I am faring most excellently; your Ditu is a most accommodating host and I believe I speak on behalf of both me and my entourage in thanking you for your hospitality. Likewise, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

The Emperor decided to continue with the social pleasantries and niceties expected of them both: “You and your wife are expecting are you not? Let me extend a formal congratulations on behalf of our Imperial family.” He paused a second, scanned the room for Marie-Sophie and reflected for a moment. “With four of my own let me just impart on you this: patience is key. And sleeping pills.”

Sanfu laughed somewhat awkwardly in his general manner: “I worry that you are correct but that is a problem for the wetnurses,” he jested in return. “I do hope that the bliss I feel is one is not fleeting. You regardless seem to have raised healthy children, regardless of what some of my contemporaries may say about your heir. You seem a good father.”

Sanfu then proceeded to move onto more diplomatic matters with some traditional abruptness. “You see while given the nature of monarchy now days in most of Belisaria I imagine I might be asking the wrong person but it is worth a shot. I generally speaking want to try and encourage trade between Akai and the Southern Belisarian Community. I am under the impression that ‘If goods don't cross borders, Armies Will’ was a fundamentally prudent observation and one I seek to prevent becoming an issue. I think a far better world in general could be established if we pushed for it. Right now my contemporaries think it is a stupid idea and one that will not be accepted and wish to go down a hawkish path but one example would be immensely productive. So what do you say?“

Sanfu began to hear the rumbles of the stomach of his contemporary, being uncomfortably audible. Turning back around to the serving tables, he tried finding something he could identify. “Now Prince-Regent, you did recommend the chicken, if I recall correctly?”

“Yes I did indeed but the full dinner shall start soon so do be cautious,” he advised prudently from his many previous experiences at such events. “There is some delicious food coming latter.”

JIEXIU

Marie-Sophie had been making her own way around the feasting hall, she had arrived at the serving table as Jiexiu might’ve expected. She gave a courtesy like any proper Belisarian princess might - something which Jiexiu saw as rather amusing given the Akai approach to such matters. And then there was a bow, towards the crowds, a small one by the standards of Da Migong. Jiexiu still recalled Hulang’s coronation and how truly vast that was. There were probably every single person of note in Akai, in one location on top of the foreign dignitaries such as Nathan and his half-siblings Charles and Amelia. She envied how they had decided to entertain Hulang, while she remained isolated quite literally so on a platform performing her filial duties. Regardless, her thoughts drifted as she watched...

Jiexiu also noted the man following the Lyncanestrian Princess, one who seemed a military character. From his interactions with Samuel earlier it seemed that they were well acquainted and this was not just some glorified bodyguard as the huge beast of a man that was Yang Shang was to Lilisi. He followed her, keeping his distance purposefully, I wonder if he was ordered to observe her... But then Jiexiu made her preference known and felt the implicit insecurity brought by unknowns present.

“It’s an honour to make your acquaintance, Your Highness,” Sophie replied properly, retaining a sense of etiquette as she curtseyed before Jiexiu, which was met with a formal bow of her own, one typically Akai in presentation.

“But just one thing: I am not a Princess Imperial,” she offhandedly mentioned, raising but not focusing on Jiexiu’s mistake. “I am just a Princess, the designation of Imperial is left for the heir, which I am not.”

“Good, you noticed. I will keep that in mind, I am not entirely familiar with the Belisarian barbarians and the particular nuances of their societies” she replied, treating the term barbarian as almost synonymous with foreigner completely. She wanted to see how Marie-Sophie would react, it intrigued her and it was somewhat evident from her domineering Hulang like stare. “I assume the man stalking you is a family acquaintance, that or a really

In response to her question about Hulang and Akai Marie-Sophie seemed to contemplate what to say. “Well,” she began to speak, as she pursed her lips and her eyes drifted towards her left reflecting are you? Jiexiu thought. “He sure knows a lot regarding hospitality. Trust that your welcome of us has been most warmly received. For my own personal taste, it’s all too grand—not that it’s a bad thing” she quickly inserted, “it’s just not something I’ve grown up accustomed to.”

“By comparison, my upbringing may even be described as Spartan!”p/i] she added jokingly.

“Alas I can certainly understand that in more ways than you can imagine,” Jiexiu said, hinting at her unknown past. She too had grown up in the same sort of laboratory like hell that was Jieke’s training centre for his heirs. It was a bare and harsh place in which she had to fight to survive and to outperform her numerous siblings. Regardless, it made her interactions with Hulang mutually difficult when they first met. “But this is not as grand as this palace can be, this is a fairly small meeting by those standards. Perhaps Nathan of Ghant can tell you of the spectacle that happened here in the 9th month of 4712 (2014).”

[i]“In any case, from the few niceties we’ve exchanged and my own observations, your brother seems a noble person. This I gather from his demeanor and apparent care for his people. I can’t say I have much else to add to that, unfortunately, Princess, as I have not made his acquaintance too terribly well. Perhaps that will change after this visit?”

Jiexiu had to restrain herself from laughing when she called Hulang a noble person. “Noble is a word I have not heard used to describe him outside state poems and the words of sycophants. But perhaps he is, and it is just a sisters bias playing in.” He pointed to Hulang with her pale hand, letting her clothes shift around her with ease. She mirrored Marie-Sophie’s last question: “Perhaps we shall change that now,” she said in her naturally authoritative voice as she lead her to her brother.

HULANG

Earlier
The Vylarisan party was fascinatingly well dressed, particularly the Archon Avakian came to approach the Ditu and his company. He looked like some of the grandest of the Akai, the kings of the mountains of Linghaishan or Huguo. His mask was a single sheet of metal, looking like an eagle with its well structured feathers making its grotesque form. And underneath you could see his eyes clearly. Avakian however continued to be ornately dressed elsewhere, he wore robes simpler than the mask in its character, holes were intriguing cut into it so that the impressive form of the Archon could be displayed underneath. He seemed built enough to rival Molxue, hi form particularly impressive. The other guest by comparison was relatively less interestingly dressed Aneurin Maevolon, Lord of Kasin who was the social inferior in this situation. Hulang’s glances towards them both were studious beneath his own ornate obsidian mask.

“Your Perfection,” Avakian said as he bowed before the Ditu with great depth, his face left masked by his ornate piece. He seemed to observe his lesser as he did, the youth retreating behind him while the Archon approached the Ditu, who did not flinch.

The Lord of the Eunuchs Li Hi came forth like he was supposed to once more to announce the foreign guests and did so in his surreal boyish and high voice: “Your Holy and Most Exalted Perfection, I present to you Brandin Avakian, Archon of the Skies, Lord of the Avakiae, Sebastocrator and Aneurin Maevolon, Lord of Kasine. Behold His Holy and Most Exalted Perfection, Ditu Hulang Huike Lazin and Her Celestial Majesty, the Dowager Dihei, Tingzi Tiling Lazin.”

“Vylaris is proud to offer its official support to the Scholarly Trust.” Avakian wore a grin as he explained his nation’s own introductions.The circumstances of it were that a mere 1.5 million of it would actually be his, while the rest came from the treasury from what Hulang was aware.

“It is sincerely appreciated Archon and hopefully it is a mere drop within a vast fortune assembled,” the Ditu responded lessening the value of the archons contribution. He personally had contributed a donation of vastly larger sum but planned to reveal that at a latter date. “Regardless, every single coin is appreciated by this grainless one,” Hulang said, from underneath his oni like mask.

“I regret to inform you that her majesty is unable to attend.” The Archon explained as he studied Tingzi, and Huland pondered what exactly he was doing. Whether it was carnal lusts fueling decadent desires, or a political worry about her and her character. Tingzi met his glances with an intrigued one, as she scanned him from toe to head and head to toe. “The Empress has sent me in her stead.”

“It is a considerable shame that I was unable to meet the Empress, I hear many interesting things about her. And I think that if you are anything to judge, she would likely very much suit this particular arena, in terms of dress” Hulang explained in a tone hideously deadpan yet continuing the hint of teasing that he occasionally enjoyed. He regardless had rapidly formed the belief that the Archon was the arrogant and prideful sort, and he wanted to test whether that held any particular merit.

It was then when Avakian introduced his accomplice, gesturing at Lord Aneurin who proceeded to step forwards: “This is Lord Aneurin, the son of my colleague, Archon Maevolon.” He pronounced colleague with a slight stress. “He is present in a private capacity.” Private was emphasised.

“Yet he travels with you and accompanies you,” Hulang quietly murmured under his breath, finding Maevolon’s maneuvering increasingly irritating and unpleasant.

The relatively youthful Maevolon gave a courtly bow, crisp and neat. Foreign but still functional. “I am here to represent my father, Archon Maevolon. As Lord Avakian said, a colleague of his, and Archon of Converse.” Avakian smiled as he explained himself in the process of ancient formalities which the Akai so dearly loved.
“Welcome Lord Aneurin, we hope your donation can contribute to the good work of our cause tonight,” Hulang added somewhat bored of the introductions.

After this the men were taken with one another close at hand, and were eventually introduced to a name and a face they’d probably find most familiar. It was an oddly caucasian looking character, who seemed to carry the Lazin’s peculiar colour scheme. This was the Duke of Shanggong and Rujin, Colonel Alesander Lazaret, from the Vylarisan-Lazin cadet dynasty born fruit centuries ago. Alesander was a weird sort, a middle aged officer educated out of Akai and in the other ancestral homeland of Vylaris. They took a table near the Ditu so he could overhear. “It is a rare sight and one for sore eyes to see fellow Vylrasians here. “Archon, Lord, I bid you're welcome. How are things back home within your own realm?”



Princess Jocasta seemed to continue her studies of her friend as she continued. He pondered intensely upon what she was thinking. “They do sound most distasteful. As my father had once said, ‘if you are at the feast of your brother and he offers you moldy bread, eat it in gratitude.” However I think that at times that can be excessive. If your brother offers you moldy bread because it is all he has, that seems fair to me. But if your brother has good bread but prefers to give you foul, then he is not a good brother.”

“Your father sounds like a wise and prudent man, a shame I never got a chance to meet him,” Hulang said when a genuine disappointment. “What was he like? And to that end like Pahath-Moab? Both I never had the opportunity to meet and it is one of my larger regrets.”

“In other words,” she said continuing , “As to our relationship, you may need to make a choice sometime. The Allied States cannot afford a powderkeg in the north, not after what happened with Nekulturnya before. I realize that there is antagonism between your country and Ghant and her allies, but you put us in an embarrassing position by aligning with such foul communists. At the same time I can see how our relations with Ghant—and by proxy Latium, Demphor, Deweden and so on—may be awkward for you. What do you suggest we do about it?” she inquired before enjoying the food before her.

The Ditu sighed deeply as he steepled his hands. “I do see it to be the case, to use your father’s wisdom that they are offering all their bread, even if it is moldy. I preserve this alliance purely because I am not willing to destroy Akai’s credibility. Imagine what doubts it may cast elsewhere? The spectre of betrayal shall haunt us and doing so in such times could be quite costly.” He paused, and then after a brief moment had transpired an almost devious grin emerged across his face: “I do have something which I can offer you however,” he then inclined over, “Rietumimark free from the taint of communism. I imagine, quite the improvement? Well… in my trip I met a man who seems almost a convert to the ideals of my father.Comrade Indulis, the Chairman of the Rietumish Izlūkošanas Pārvalde, youngest brother of Janis Ozolins and from all evidence a hard working, very capable individual. Continued monitoring of his behaviour further supports my judgement as his time as Mayor of Deroburg - a nearly 95% reduction in partisan activity over a period of eight month and no major bombing against RUP targets in five months. I find the coincidence that Janis, the current paramount leader’s health to be failing to be quite conducive to my interests. He and I have been helping orchestrate his ascent to the office of Paramount Leader after his brothers inevitable demise and will ensure that Rietumimark shall become non-communist in character. How does that sound my friend? An anti-communist ally on the throne of Rietumimark who could bring it under a more stable hand?”

Moving onto the second point raised by Jocasta: “My proposal to how do deal with conflicts of interest is that we try and maximise our own interests but not at the expense of one another. This way we maximise the benefits of our arrangements for the both of us.” Hulang did pause then however, seemingly contemplating a point. “I have become increasingly concerned about the Ghantish to be entirely honest, for they seem to be acting increasingly irrationally, aggressively and idealistically - an unpleasant combination. Their goals in Deweden seem to be a mixture of irredentism and dynastic expansionism, fused together with healthy levels of anti-communism. Their antics in Latium frankly seemed like an exercise in showmanship. And increasingly they seem to be opposing both of our interests, for myself in Rietumimark, for thou with regards to the Imperium and for us both in Latium for a while before we were able to drop Michael. I can understand why they are acting in the manner they are but it is still a nuisance. I think New Edom would be best for constraining this newfound ambition before it becomes an issue for both of our thrones. Should this not be possible, my ministers have proposed trying to gradually break up NCTO diplomatically and covertly if we can.”

“In the meantime, there has been an idea for myself to try and visit to the Imperium sometime, to establish closer relations with them,” Hulang brought up having inquired in great detail. “We share common opponents and do not and a common ally. That and I imagine this new Rietumimark might be appealing to them don’t you imagine?”

It was then when things began to move along significantly as the Ditu’s two sisters began to approach, he turning his head to face them as he heard footsteps in the great confusion of sound. His mind, rushed, to know who was approaching him, and he looked with his uncertain and cautious gaze. He saw Riyeskonsu, standing around the table in three layers of rings, each containing thirteen men with imposing black cloaks and crimson demonic masks. They underneath their cloaks carried rifles, and strictly controlled access to the limited few passes to the Ditu. So he stood upwards and stared at the parties of Shrailleen and the Lyncanestrian girl along with his sisters whose mutual glares brought discomfort to them both, “apologies my friend, it seems I have another task to deal with here.” he apologised with a sense of annoyance dripping from his words like dew on a window.

“Although it seems your participation might be productive…” he mused as he offered a hand to her. He then made his way to be in the central channel and in a commanding but yet gentle voice ordered: “Guards, make way for my sisters and their company,” and they did so with almost instantaneous speed. “My guests, sisters, what shallt I do thy do to please you all? Also please do introduce yourself to one’s dear friend Princess Jocasta here,” he said to them all, with his well maintained geniality and politeness.

Jiexiu and Lilisi met one another with a glare of discomfort, one all too familiar to Hulang. To say the two did not get along, was in Hulang’s eyes a particularly refined demonstration of understatement. Frankly it was an issue which the Ditu scarcely liked to handle due to his mutual affection he had for both of his sisters, not wishing to alienate one another. It was Jiexiu who made the first inquiry to Lilisi, her tone while proper maintained a cutting nature to it. “My dear sister, it is most wonderful to see you again. I imagine your time in Ghant was most splendid. How did you enjoy fraternising with their peculiar men, those whose activities are most prideful with regard to their peculiar approach to our natural interests?” Jiexiu was a few inches taller than Lilisi and possessed the fuller characteristics of her mother, in comparison to the more petite Lilisi. She maintained her statue like smile, unnaturally retaining her form.

Lilisi seemed to hide her displeasure well, nodding with a carefully calculated grin of her own. “It is always pleasant to see my dear half-sister. How have your studies with Grand Dowager Dihei Youxian been progressing? I imagine someone with such experience as here’s would be a great tutor…”

“Sisters,” Hulang interrupted not letting this continue further, I do not need your mutual insolence right now, especially before guests! “You can continue your reminiscing at a later date, for now, we have guests present,” he calmly said trying to distract from Lilisi and Jiexiu’s dispute: “Queen Chessiya, may I inquire a question which has been floating on my mind for quite a while now… one which I imagine might be rather helpful, for us both. What are the grievances which the Mother Empress would wish to regress with the Holy and Exalted Dituate? I imagine such a thing would be a productive measure, a grand reset to where from where we left off.” He then added as if almost an afterthought, “could I speak to both of you alone at separate times? I would like to ask a few questions and I doubt we have the time to focus on them for now.” In reality, Hulang was more curious what one would say without the presence of the other, especially Chella whose inexperience intrigued him.

After this Hulang approached with his wiry form, Marie-Sophie and turned to his sister Jiexiu and inquired in palace Akai: “Does one, know why you hath brought our guest here?”

“She wished to inquire about thou brother, you know,” Jiexiu replied with a teasing smile on her face: “Albeit learn thine personality…. Do not try to deny your mind went…”

“It did not, nor will entertain your teasing at such moments,” Hulang replied in a chastising tone before turning to the Princess: “Madame, it is a pleasure to meet you again.” He said re-introducing himself. “Could I ask, is there anything you wish to inquire? I can make sometime later on you would like?”

It was after this that a eunuch came forth and whispered into the Ditu’ ear, his tongue and tones boyish and immature like most eunuchs: “My lord of ten thousand years, we need to move on with the feast.”

He simply nodded in response and turned to the rest of his servants and watched them cautiously notice the Ditu preparing for a command. “Proceed with the feast,” he whispered to one of the crimson-robed officials, whose three-toed dragon badges and red yuanlingshans showed their especially high status. With this, they each took guests by their arm and guided them to their tables.

As this occurred, great fires were lit in the corners of the room in great gold cauldrons, their flames flickering red, blue and green at times. The ambient beat of drums began to haunt the air, their player drummers Great samples of food, began to be revealed hugely ornate in character. The old food was replaced as rapidly as it came, while new ones such as crocodile steak .Hulang began to ascend to his table, his close family ascending to lesser seats at his side. He had the highest seat in all room and could see all beneath him. Tingzi at this point had arisen with him along with Jiexiu and Lilisi taking seats at his side while seats for the guests were arranged around it elsewhere. Tingzi leant over and whispered to Hulang: “I wish to make an announcement here, may I proclaim this here?”

“Yes thou may, “ Hulang said, fairly confident and pleased with the situation so far, knowing the contents of her speech.

With this, the she-dragon of Xungong arose from her chair and bowed before the Ditu before standing before them all on a platform. The room filled with an ambient joy quickly went silent, their attention forcing on her. She began her proclamation in palace Akai, heavily formal and polite: “May His Holy and Exalted Perfection’s good will be granted to thou all. The Lord of Ten Thousand Years, the Dragon’s face’s charity is what brings us all here today his sincerest appreciation for thine tribute and efforts towards dealing with the issue of education. The Holy and Exalted One’s gift towards this cause shall be 500 million standard dollars, a great contribution to his noble gifts to the world.” Tingzi then paused before continuing, something which Hulang did not expect: “There are also further proclamations needed to be made, however. The dragon’s face and the imperial household has come to the consensus that the Ditu’s betrothal should be announced now.” With this while the aristocrats remained stoic and formal, one could notice their eyes, their curiosity seemed palpable. “For now, the Yinmi Ditu, Hulang shall be betrothed to Princess of the Blood, Jiexiu Lazin who shall become Dibai! Wantiai Hulang!” That scheming bitch, that’s rather impressive. Hulang thought as he studied her and then turned to his sisters. Lilisi gave her and then Jiexiu a glare of particular menace, one full of distaste of her action. The crowd met with an enthusiastic repeat of his mother’s praises and Hulang noticed their excitement at the announcement. Then another official called out: “The feast may begin!” as Tingzi returned to her seat with a smug particularly self-satisfied grin on her face. It was thought that both Jiexiu and Lilisi would be betrothed him not just her, and he did wonder what she aimed to get from this. Hulang was regardless somewhat pleased yet annoyed. It was not that Tingzi seemed to ignore that and tradition, rather he wanted them both.