Chapter 304: Dichotomy

Chapter 304: Dichotomy

Holding his head up high, Zian rode behind Patriarch Rang Min and cousin Gulong as they led the Situ Clan warriors through the massive gates of Nan Ping. Sweltering beneath the afternoon sun, he inwardly cursed Rang Min for insisting they wear full parade uniforms, swaddled in padded armour and thick ceremonial robes. A welcome extra layer in the frigid North, wearing it here in the Central province was pure agony but there was nothing to do but endure. Aching for the cool breeze coming off the Azure Sea, he sat atop his Guonei Charger and suffered in stoic silence, wishing he had a full-faced helmet to hide his sweating face.

It was all so asinine. What did Rang Min expect? For Nan Pings residents to stop and cheer at the sight of their banners? Forget the Situ Clan, even if the Society of Heaven and Earth were all gathered together they weren't prominent enough to merit such treatment, not here in Central and especially not with so many factions gathered in one place. Still, he had to admit, the Situ Clan warriors made for a resplendent sight in full battle dress, waving their banners and advancing in step to the beat of their drummer. Gathered behind him were the core elite of the Situ Clans strength, close to a hundred and fifty named Experts, each one a decorated veteran and ranked officer. A fighting force which could easily overpower most regular factions, this was but a small fraction of the power the Clan could call upon. Considering recent revelations, Zian harboured conflicted feelings over the Clan and Society but he still took pride in what his ancestors had accomplished.

The banner on his back bore the Situ family name but Zian was also a son of the Lu family. No one would ever remember his father, Lu An Jing, an Expert of the Empire and rising dragon of humble origins who died too young. Now, the man likely responsible for Zian's fathers death was riding a single horse-length away. How easy it would be to kill Rang Min here and now in front of all the clan Experts. All Zian needed to do was take his spear and ram it through Rang Mins neck. The Patriarch would never see it coming, not with his nose pointed towards the clouds and eyes locked on the horizon. While escape would be impossible, none of the clan Experts would dare openly strike him down with so many witnesses around, for with Rang Min dead, the mantle of Patriarch naturally fell to Zian. It wouldnt be the first case of Clan Patricide in history, though it would undoubtedly be the least covert assassination ever.

If only he had proof Rang Min played a part in his fathers death. Though the Patriarch benefited most from Lu An Jings death, that wasnt enough for Zian to act on. Neither was the blatant attempt to turn Zian into a hedonistic dandy, hardly an offence worth killing over. What father didnt want their own son to succeed? It was human nature and he couldnt fault the Patriarch for his actions, a rather delicate and non-combative way to get Zian out of cousin Gulongs way. During his years spent living at the Clan ancestral home, it would have been all too easy to have Zian killed since hed more often than not been under Rang Mins personal care. This meant that even if Rang Min had Zians father killed, he wasnt willing to murder Zian in cold blood.

The only thing Zian knew for certain was someone had set his father up for failure, if not death. While Rang Min benefited most and was the obvious suspect, it could also have been the work of a sycophant hoping to get into Rang Mins good graces, or a jealous, jilted admirer of Zians mother, or an enemy of both Clan and Society. Until he knew for certain, Zian refused to openly act against his people but it was impossible for him to pretend as if nothing had changed.

Luckily, Zian's concubine was as conniving as she was lovely, a woman to be feared and respected. Following her directions, Zian played the part of dutiful Situ scion with little enthusiasm and much reluctance, neither of which he had to fake. Then, during the formal Clan dinner, hed drunkenly divulged his dissatisfaction over Clan responsibilities to a handful of listeners, citing a fervent desire to focus on his Martial Path and restore his reputation to its former heights.

This was hiding his enmity in plain sight, a solution so obvious yet Zian would never have come up with the idea in a thousand years. Not only did it explain his sour moods and angry glares, it would also give Rang Min an excuse to eventually remove Zian from his position as Young Patriarch, which was exactly what they both wanted.

A shame Jing Fei was so untrustworthy and free with her poisons, else shed make the perfect wife.

Outside the Magistrates Palace, Zian left Uncle Yang behind for his audience with the Legate. By all rights, as the Clans highest ranked Military Officer, Uncle Yang should have been invited in to meet the Legate, but Rang Min decided to bring his son instead. Giving Uncle Yang's place to a callow, unranked youth was undoubtedly an insult, but since he didnt make a fuss, Zian swallowed his anger and went along with it.

After the Crier announced their arrival, Zian marched into the throne room on Gulongs heels and greeted the Legate, who sat at his throne surrounded by guards. Otherwise, the room was empty, which was odd since these greetings were usually done publicly with an audience, but apparently the Legate decided otherwise. Ten thousand years of boundless longevity upon the Emperor. Imperial Servant Jia Zian greets Imperial Legate. Leaving out his Clan name brought him a small measure of satisfaction, especially after hearing Rang Min choke on his own spittle.

Warrant Officer... Jia Zian. The Imperial Legate sounded amused as he ignored Rang Min and Gulong. Ive heard stories of your prowess and having met your rival Falling Rain, I look forward to seeing you in action. Sitting on his throne, he smacked his palm with a closed fan made of white-jade which presumably bore the Imperial Sigil. Even the politically ignorant Zian was alarmed by the Legates casual disregard for Imperial Authority, even forgetting to be annoyed at being called Rains rival. Either the Legate was a foolish, arrogant idiot drunk on power or someone so highly ranked he didnt fear Imperial reprisal.

Since the fate of the Empire depended on this Imperial Grand Conference going smoothly, Zian safely assumed the latter. Could this surprisingly young Legate perhaps be a direct descendant of the current Emperor? One still in line for the throne even?

Realizing hed been silent for too long, Zian hurriedly responded, Imperial Servant thanks Imperial Legate for the praise and will endeavour not to disappoint.

Skilled yet humble, a promising young warrior of the Empire, the Legate replied, before switching to Sending for only Zian to hear. Or should I say, promising young expert? Truly, the north continues to surprise.

Unsure how to respond, Zian merely nodded and thanked the Legate again. Could he peer into Zians soul and see his Natal Palace or was it merely a guess? Luckily, the Legate was content to allow Zian his secret and continued speaking out loud. On behalf of the Emperor, I formally welcome you all to the First Imperial Grand Conference. My seneschal will go over the rules of the Conference and I look forward to hearing of the Situ Clans accomplishments. With that said, the Legate stood up and unceremoniously walked out of the throne room while the seneschal, a wrinkled, stately servant, stood on the lowest step, unfurled a scroll, and read it word for word in a bored, droning voice. Most of it didnt apply to Zian, since it had to do with securing food, campgrounds, and what not, but Zian committed it all to memory regardless.

... It makes no sense. Why spare me? Their reports make it seem like the Defiled were thrown back by our stalwart defence, but... Remembering himself, Uncle Yang held his tongue, but Zian remembered his Uncles words. The Defileds victory was all but assured and Uncle Yang ordered his soldiers to pull back to Shen Yun, in direct violation of Baatars orders, who held command at the Wall. Only the Defileds inexplicable retreat at the first sign of rainfall kept the Northern Province from sharing the fate of the West. If Baatar and Akanai had reported his infractions, depending on how the Justicar felt, Uncle Yang could have been stripped of rank and possibly even executed for dereliction of duty.

So why didnt they? And Why didnt they use this to blackmail Uncle Yang?

More confused than relieved, Uncle Yang peered suspiciously at Shi-Woo and asked, If I havent been disgraced, then why did the Legate treat my Patriarch so coldly? Why did you insist we meet here at a private restaurant instead of inside your home?

Because the Legate favours the Bekhai and I cannot afford to back the Society against him. How much do you know about Akanai?

Akanai?

Yes, Akanai. The Herald of the Storms. Leaning close, Shi-Woo whispered, The Legate admires her. Respects her even, and with good reason.

As Shi-Woo narrated the events of the past few days, Zians eyes grew wider with every word. Rain taming the Divine Turtle and earning the Legates favour was surprising, but even more unexpected was Akanais past exploits. Theyd known about Akanai saving the future Magistrate of Shen Huo which earned her a promotion to Major General, but the details of her antics in the Central Province had been ruthlessly quashed. Little surprise there, who wanted to admit theyd lost so many experts to a previously unknown half-beast? No wonder the Bekhai had been so confident to let their dispute with the Society go to trial. Even without Nian Zus interference, they were likely to win, if Shi-Woos tale was to be believed.

"Akanai's enemies won't act against her, not while she enjoys the Legate's favour." Spreading his hands in helpless surrender, Shi-Woo shrugged. "And as I said before, I cannot afford to help you, not unless you make things right with the Behkai."

Hmph. Whatever. If the Bekhai saved Uncle Yang's career, then Zian would thank them for it, but it didn't make up for things between Rain and him. Saying his farewells to Uncle Yang and Shi-Woo, Zian hopped over the railing and landed lightly in the streets. Pushing his way through the crowd, he waited for the duel to conclude before hopping on stage, giving no time for the victor to even bow. Raising his voice, he yelled, I am Warrant Officer Jia Zian, twenty-five years of age. Long have I heard of Centrals prowess and today, I hope to experience it for myself. Who among you would seek to enlighten me?

Hmph. You northerners are all so arrogant. Dressed in blue silk robes, a young warrior leaped onto stage and drew his sword. Radiant Sword Ryo Geom-Chi, twenty-five years of age, accepts your challenge. Spiritual Weapons, to injury or submission.

Frowning, Zian asked, Didnt you already lose to Tong Da Fung? No need to be overly polite, he would offend many with his actions today.

I won! Geom-Chi snarled, face turning purple with shame.

Oh. My mistake. Youll do then. Leaving his sabers sheathed, Zian smiled and waited for the Justicar to go over the rules. Just because he and Rain were in different age groups didn't mean they couldn't compete. Since Rain defeated twenty-eight young talents in two days, then Zian would beat thirty young Experts in one and therby prove his superiority.

A minor handicap having to face older opponents, but only fitting for Jia Zian, son of Lu An Jing, disciple of Jukai, and a dragon among men.

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