The room stood before them, an oasis of comfort and luxury. Lingqi and Ruyi paused at the threshold, their eyes widening in awe. The spacious chamber, bathed in the soft glow of late afternoon light, revealed a large canopy bed dominating the center, flanked by a plush couch and a low table that doubled as a study.

"Wow!" Ruyi's voice trembled with excitement as she marveled at the room, a melodic echo in the vastness.

Lingqi mirrored her anticipation and, as they stepped inside, each footfall sank into the plush carpet.

Lingqi flopped onto the mattress, his body surrendering to the soft cushions, a content sigh escaping his lips.

"This is so much better than my dorm," he murmured, his voice drowsy.

"Yeah, I can't imagine sleeping in a bed like this every night," Ruyi echoed, lying down beside him, her head nestling close to his. Their gazes locked onto the ceiling, a canvas of intricate paintings that seemed to dance with the flickering light.

Lingqi turned to her, a question forming on his lips, but it was Ruyi who spoke first, her voice vibrant with boundless energy. "Let's explore around!"

Her enthusiasm was infectious, a spark igniting the air between them.

"Sure, that sounds fun,” Lingqi agreed.

Ruyi sprang from the bed, a burst of life, her eyes shining with a fire that mirrored the setting sun. "Great, come on," she urged, extending her hand out to him.

Lingqi grasped it, feeling the warmth of her touch, and together, they ventured out.

----------------------------------------

Elder Zhu and Bai Hui sat in a room steeped in elegance, the air thick with the aroma of steaming tea leaves and freshly baked pastries. The tranquility of the space was a stark contrast to the tumultuous thoughts swirling in their minds.

"This is a wonderful blend, Bai Hui. I have not had tea this good since my last visit to the Opal Palace," Elder Zhu remarked, savoring the delicate flavors, his face a mask of serene enjoyment.

"I'm glad you like it," Bai Hui bowed his head, humility and pride interwoven in his gesture. "It's a special blend, one that originated in my home village in Chen."

"Ah, your family is from the south then?" Zhu inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"Indeed," Bai Hui affirmed, nodding slowly, as if each movement was a remembrance.

"My parents were farmers who settled upon the village decades ago in search of fertile land. They raised me, my brother, and sister, instilling in us the values of hard work and perseverance. We would till the land, plant and tend to the crops, and harvest the fruits of our labor."

"Your parents must be proud," Elder Zhu remarked, a wistful note in his voice. "Seeing their son rise to such great heights."

Bai Hui's smile was a blend of nostalgia and melancholy. "I like to think so as well."

The diplomat poured another cup of tea for the scholar, the silence between them filled with unspoken memories and shared respect.

"How did you come to adopt the girl?" Zhu's voice was gentle, yet probing, his eyes reflecting a deep curiosity.

Bai Hui's expression shifted, a contemplative frown etched on his visage. "I was conducting business in Huadu when I came across her," he began, a smile curving his lips at the memory. "Believe it or not, she had been haggling with a merchant on behalf of another orphan."

A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

Elder Zhu laughed heartily, the sound resonating in the chamber.

"She's got spunk, that's for sure," Bai Hui continued, his voice warm with affection. "She managed to convince the merchant to give her and her friend a lower price, and after that, I couldn't resist. I was immediately smitten with her."

Elder Zhu saw in Bai Hui's story a reflection of his own decision to bring Lingqi to the academy. There was a uniqueness about the boy, an indomitable spirit that could not be denied.

"Indeed, she seems to be quite the little firebrand," the scholar remarked, a hint of admiration in his tone. "She and Lingqi seem quite attached at the hip."

Bai Hui sipped his tea thoughtfully. "Ah yes, speaking of Lingqi," he set his cup down, eyes narrowing with interest. "What is the young man's story?"

Elder Zhu leaned back, his hand resting on the arm of his chair, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him. "He is an orphan of the last Khalkan attack, much like the girl," he said softly, each word a stone cast into still waters.

Bai Hui raised a brow, his curiosity deepening. "That explains their budding fondness for one another. It's rather touching."

"Indeed," Zhu agreed, the single word carrying the weight of shared pain and understanding.

"Tell me," Bai Hui leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, hands clasped together in earnest anticipation. "What do you plan to propose during the council meeting?"

Elder Zhu paused, the teacup halfway to his lips, his thoughts crystallizing into a singular resolve. "I intend to propose an envoy be sent to the Khalkans," he said.

Bai Hui's interest was piqued, his brows arching. "Really? And what purpose would such a venture serve?"

Elder Zhu gave a heavy sigh. "If we are ever to attain peace, we need to seek to understand them. They rejected our last offer and demanded our Sovereign lands, which is why I believe a delegation would be wise. If they have an understanding of our customs and ways, then they may be more inclined to reach an agreement."

Bai Hui mulled over the proposal, his face a canvas of contemplation. "I must say, the idea has merit," he mused. "But, I worry that there is a larger plan at work."

Elder Zhu's brow furrowed in thought. "What do you mean?"

Bai Hui poured himself another cup of tea, the liquid a dark mirror reflecting his concerns. "When have the Khalkans ever sought Sovereign lands? They're nomads and have lived on the grasslands for centuries."

Elder Zhu stroked his beard, leaning back into the depths of his chair. "Perhaps it is simply a matter of resources."

"I don't think so," Bai Hui shook his head, the gesture definitive. "I've spent quite some time studying the Khalkans and their ways. I suspect that the tribes have been organized by a warlord of sorts. One who seeks to expand his territory and power."

Elder Zhu's eyes widened, the implications settling heavily upon him. "Interesting," he murmured, the word laden with the weight of newfound understanding.

"But, what of our diplomats?" The elderly scholar inquired, a thread of hope weaving through his words. "Would they not have informed us of any such change?"

Bai Hui sighed, his expression shadowed by doubt. "I am afraid our diplomats may not be privy to such information," he admitted. "The Khalkans are a secretive and insular people. Only someone who speaks their tongue would know the truth."

"Which is precisely why I believe we should send a delegation," Elder Zhu countered, his resolve hardening. "One who can speak their language and gain their trust."

"Their ambitions will not be quelled with gifts of silk," Bai Hui cautioned. "They are a people accustomed to violence and warfare."

"Perhaps not," Zhu conceded. "But, perhaps they can be reasoned with. Remember our tenets, my friend. Conflict is the root of despair. If there is a way to attain peace, then we must do everything in our power to find it."

"A noble sentiment," Bai Hui acknowledged, though his tone was tinged with skepticism. "But one I'm afraid has become a relic of the past."

The scholar's face grew grave, the shadow of doubt creeping into his heart. "The Sovereignty is a peaceful and prosperous land. The people are happy and content," he argued, the words a fragile shield against the encroaching darkness.

"The people," Bai Hui's gaze shifted to the window, his eyes distant and reflective. "Or the nobles?"

Elder Zhu's lips tightened, the challenge in Bai Hui's words striking deep. "Surely, you are not suggesting--"

"A farmer cannot trim the weeds with a dull scythe. And it is the nobles that have dulled the people's blades."

The scholar's visage darkened, the truth of Bai Hui's words settling into his bones like a cold wind.

Bai Hui stood, his robe flowing like liquid silk as he approached the window, gazing out at the lush gardens beyond. "Do you truly believe in your envoy, Elder Zhu?"

"I do," Zhu replied, his voice a beacon of conviction in the gathering gloom. "I firmly believe that the only way to peace is through understanding."

Bai Hui sighed, his shoulders sagging under the weight of reality. "But make no mistake, Honorable Bai Hui," Elder Zhu continued, his voice firm. "If the Khalkans were to rebuff our envoy, then I shall--"

A knock on the door interrupted, and both men turned to see Lingqi and Ruyi standing in the doorway, their faces etched with worry.