“Honorable delegates and esteemed guests, Jade's blessing to you all," the statesman announced, his voice resonating with a deep and authoritative timbre. Lingqi could tell that he was well-versed in the art of public speaking; his mannerisms were meticulously practiced and deliberate.

"As you may have already heard, the Khalkans have spurned the envoy sent by the Jade Sovereignty. Instead, they demand that our Sovereign lands to the south be annexed into their territory. We are gathered here to determine the response of the Jade Sovereignty."

Murmurs spread through the assembly, and Lingqi's grip on the arm of his chair tightened. His heart raced, and he exchanged a worried glance with Ruyi, who placed a hand over her chest. The elder statesman raised his hands, and the crowd fell silent.

"Now, let the proceedings begin," he declared, moving with an air of confidence to his seat. The diplomats seemed prepared, and the crowd was tense, a palpable energy of anxiety emanating from the patrons above. Lingqi's body grew rigid. This proceeding would decide the fate of the Khalkans and perhaps, in some way, bring retribution for the horrors inflicted upon him and his village.

The barbarians had rebuffed the Sovereignty’s plea for peace—would the diplomats choose to cede sovereign lands? To subject their people to unspeakable horrors?

"I call upon Honorable Diplomat Zhen Yong to speak," the statesman announced, gesturing towards the diplomat. A middle-aged man rose from his seat. His thick gray beard and the deep creases of his visage spoke of a life long lived.

His burgundy robes, adorned with cloud patterns, were gaudy, the material fine and sleek. Some of the guests paid special attention to him, their eyes fixed and their murmurs silenced. Whoever he was, he held considerable sway among the diplomats.

"Thank you, Honorable Xuin," the diplomat nodded. "I believe the answer is clear. We need to concede our lands to maintain peace with the Khalkans. I suggest we give them the villages closest to the southern border, as they are already accustomed to proximity with the Khalkans."

His tone was even, devoid of any discernible emotion, and from that, Lingqi could only sense sheer callousness. The teen's heart pounded in his chest, a fire rising in his gut, his pale cheeks burning red. Yet all it took was Ruyi’s hand squeezing his own to temper the flame within him.

He looked at her, feeling her tremble, but it was not out of fear as he had assumed. Her visage bore the markings of rage, shining in her intense glare. He gave her hand a measured squeeze, breaking her trance and halting her shaking.

The crowd's whispers grew louder. The Province of Chen to the south had long been seen as half-Khalkan already—far from the influence of the Opal Palace, its people lived off the fertile land, nomadic and disjointed. Is that how they viewed them? Did they see his village, his family, and him as... expendable?

"I call upon Honorable Diplomat Feng Yu to speak," the elder statesman spoke, silencing the crowd. A young woman's voice rang out, stern and unwavering. Her crisp, white robes were airy and spotless. Though her features belied youth, her hair tied up in a bun, she seemed as weathered and wise as her older counterparts.

"I see merit in the Honorable Zhen Yong's proposal. I motion to agree with his proposition."

The room burst into chatter, and Lingqi felt his blood run cold. Dreams of retribution, of retaliation, of some sort of response, slipped away just like that. The guests began to sway in favor of the motion. The protests died, and hushed voices spoke of the merits of such a proposal, the benefits being the ease of integration for those living near the barbarians and the satiation of the Khalkans.

Liu Xuin called upon various other diplomats, and one by one, they stood and agreed to the secession of the southern sovereign lands. Each concession stoked the fire within Lingqi's belly, his hand squeezing Ruyi’s tighter, who in turn squeezed back, matching his rising discomfort.

Finally, Liu Xuin motioned towards an all-too-familiar diplomat, his eyes closed, his arms crossed, as if in a trance.

"I call upon Honorable Bai Hui," the statesman proclaimed. Bai Hui opened his eyes and rose from his chair. The diplomats leaned forward, their attention fully on him. The crowd hushed at the mention of his name.

"Thank you, Honorable Xuin," Bai Hui nodded, his tone steady and unwavering. "I shall be brief. I propose we reject the Khalkan's offer and send an envoy, led by Elder Zhu Yifeng. The elder is wise and will surely find a peaceful solution to the Khalkans' demands."

The diplomats exchanged glances and whispered to one another, some scribbling on their parchments. Gasps were heard in the crowd, not in surprise, but in deference to the Elder. Bai Hui exchanged a glance with Elder Zhu as he sat, and the elder gave him a grateful nod.

"Honorable Elder Zhu, do you have any thoughts on the matter?" the statesman asked, turning his attention to the scholar. Elder Zhu rose.

"Thank you, Honorable Xuin," the scholar began, his eyes meeting the diplomats' gazes. "I am grateful to Honorable Bai Hui for his confidence in me. It would be an honor to lead an envoy in service of the Sovereignty, in hopes of stymieing the growing tide of conflict. I am confident that we can reach a peaceful resolution."

Lingqi and Ruyi watched him attentively, their hearts full of admiration. The tension that once filled the air lifted, replaced by a veil of warmth and comfort, of ease. Lingqi's misgivings seemed to melt away, swept in the gentle current of his mentor’s words.

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Others mirrored his sentiments, exchanging glances, their eyes shining with admiration and respect.

If anyone could bring the Khalkans to heel, it would be the wisest and noblest diplomat of them all.

"I second Honorable Bai Hui's proposal," a diplomat rose and spoke, directing his gaze toward the elder statesman. More followed, finding no fault with the elder's words, their voices uniting in agreement.

Even those who had advocated for the secession of southern lands found themselves changing their positions.

"I second the motion."

"Seconded!"

"I third the motion!"

The diplomats all raised their hands, their gazes fixed on the statesman. It became increasingly apparent to Lingqi that Elder Zhu was a revered symbol, respected by all, even his own contemporaries.

"Are there any concerns from the council?" the statesman questioned, his eyes scanning the diplomats. They all shook their heads, and the elder statesman rose, his robes flowing gracefully around him.

"Then it is decided," the statesman announced, rising to his feet. "The proposal has been accepted, and Elder Zhu Yifeng will head an envoy to the Khalkan's lands in search of a peaceful solution. All those in favor?"

All diplomats raised their hands.

"All opposed?"

None were raised.

"Very well, then it is settled," the statesman proclaimed. He bowed, and the diplomats rose from their seats, filing out of the chamber in an orderly fashion. Lingqi and Ruyi watched from the balcony, their expressions filled with awe of Elder Zhu.

The diplomats gathered, their words hushed. Bai Hui approached Elder Zhu, giving him a respectful bow.

"Your proposal was well received, Honorable Bai Hui," the elder congratulated. Bai Hui waved off the compliment, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Nonsense. The proposal was successful because your name was attached to it, Elder Zhu," the young man pointed out.

The diplomats began to leave the chamber, still discussing the proceedings. The crowd on the balcony dispersed, and the two teens descended the stairs to meet Elder Zhu and Bai Hui.

"Elder Zhu," Lingqi called, approaching his teacher gingerly. "Will I be going with you?"

Ruyi glanced at him, her eyes wide with curiosity about the boy's motives. Elder Zhu gave his student a heartfelt smile.

"Of course, you are my student after all," the elder nodded, patting the boy's shoulder. "This will be a good learning opportunity for you, Lingqi."

Ruyi looked towards her foster father, her eyes expectant. "Will we be joining them as well?"

A smirk tugged at his lips, his hand stroking his dark beard. "Afraid to stray too far from Lingqi?" the diplomat teased.

Ruyi's cheeks reddened, and she pouted, folding her arms over her chest. "That's not it!"

Bai Hui chuckled, and Lingqi dipped his head, attempting to veil his growing blush.

"Yes, we will be joining them," the diplomat finally answered, his playful grin remaining ever-present.

"Elder Zhu, may I have a word with you?" an approaching voice called to the group, and they turned to see the wise elder statesman. His stride was slow and calculated.

"Certainly, Honorable Xuin," the scholar obliged, turning his full attention toward him. He began to step away from the others, but Liu Xuin raised his hand, halting his movement.

"No need for that," the statesman said, shaking his head. "My words can be shared with your company."

Elder Zhu nodded, and the elder statesman cleared his throat, his tone low. "The Sovereignty is in your debt, Elder Zhu. If there is anything you need in preparation for your journey, do not hesitate to ask."

The elder diplomat smiled, his gratitude unbridled. "Your support and generosity are much appreciated, Honorable Xuin," Elder Zhu bowed his head. "I thank you, and the council, for your aid."

The elder statesman nodded, a faint smile gracing his lips. "You are quite welcome," the statesman replied, turning his attention to Bai Hui. "Your actions were not lost on me, Honorable Bai Hui," the elderly diplomat commended.

Bai Hui's expression grew bashful, and he bowed in gratitude. "You are too kind, Honorable Xuin."

"It is not easy for one to propose peace in times of conflict. The last attack was a terrible ordeal," he spoke somberly, and Lingqi's gaze searched the elder's, his brow heavy, his eyes downcast.

"I have heard the whispers and murmurs of the masses," Liu Xuin continued. "Their faith in the tenets has been shaken, and their spirits have dwindled. Many fear for their safety and wellbeing, and it is for these reasons that I believe you have chosen the correct path."

Elder Zhu's eyes fell to the floor, his gaze distant and pensive.

"The people need reassurance that the Jade Sovereignty can protect them and that they are not alone," Bai Hui mused.

"Precisely," Liu Xuin's gaze shifted to Lingqi, and the teen felt the pressure of the statesman's stare, causing him to shift uncomfortably.

"Young man, what would you do?"

Lingqi tensed, unsure of how to respond, or if his answer would even matter. He hesitated, and the elder statesman raised his hand, waving off the boy's uncertainty.

"Do speak freely; this is a place for all opinions," the statesman reassured.

"Well, I—I..." Lingqi stammered, his face flushed, his fist clenched tightly. "I think that...we should strive to resolve conflicts peacefully."

Liu Xuin's gaze lingered on the teen, his eyes narrowed, studying him. Lingqi was afraid to breathe, feeling as if the very air was being sucked from the chamber.

"I thought I told you to speak freely, child," the statesman reminded. "This is not a trial."

The boy drew in a deep breath and steadied his nerves, his expression unflinching. "I'm a survivor of the Khalkan's raid," he said, his words hanging heavy in the air. The elder statesman's eyes grew wide, his eyebrows shooting up in surprise.

Ruyi's attention was captured, and she stared at Lingqi intently, her lips parted, her eyes searching.

"Sometimes...sometimes I think that conflict is necessary to protect others, even at the cost of despair," Lingqi spoke, his voice steady and true.

A deafening silence filled the air, and Lingqi felt a chill crawl up his spine. He began to fear that his words were blasphemous, that he had spoken out of turn.

"You echo the sentiment of Zheng Hong," Liu Xuin observed, and the teen's heart skipped a beat. "A hero to the south, and a villain to the rest."

He remembered the legend from the book, how Zheng Hong defended the south from the Khalkan tribes, only to then broker an alliance with them and attack Huadu.

"But I would sooner heed the words of those who experienced tragedy first hand, than those who have not," the statesman's gaze softened. "Your words are wise, young man."

"Honorable Xuin," Elder Zhu cut in, his voice stern. "Please forgive the boy; he is merely my student."

"His words are not the ones to be forgiven," the statesman dismissed, his brow furrowing. "It is the actions of the council, and myself, that are in need of forgiveness."

Elder Zhu was caught off guard, his eyes narrowing, his lips pursed. "What do you mean, Honorable Xuin?"

Liu Xuin was silent for a moment, his gaze pensive. He then sighed, his demeanor calm and relaxed.

"Forgive me, just the musings of an old relic," the statesman chuckled, stroking his long, gray beard.

"Young man, what is your name?"

"Lingqi, Honorable Xuin," the teen stated, bowing respectfully.

"Lingqi..." Liu Xuin stroked his beard, lips pursed. "I shall remember it. Now forgive me, for I must depart. Preparations are long, and time is short."

The statesman turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing in the chamber. Lingqi's gaze followed him until he was no longer visible.