Ugh, that incessant heel-tap is so annoying. If I didn’t know why Xiang was doing it, I’d ask her to stop.

In what would be my last act as village headwoman, I stood before everyone in the square. A carpet had been laid out between the benches, as a procession of “maidens” walked in pairs down the center aisle, a groomsman between them.

Honestly, even if I wasn’t happy about Chiaki’s pregnancy happening so early… I was happy for more grandchildren, and Xiang’s little surprise would be a nice bit of revenge on the vixen. And, I’ll admit, she did look rather nice in her pale green dress, belly and all.

Though Song and Chen were even more stunning, Song’s a bold red and Chen’s a deep blue. I told the words and gave the traditional blessing, adding Maskanwyn’s blessing to things now that I knew the original phrasing. And no one really noticed my lack of specifications, particularly since this was a rare case of a polygamous marriage. Wasn’t forbidden or anything, but the various jealousies and the need for everyone to be equal partners in the relationship discouraged the practice.

So Song and Chen were married both to Shun, and to each other. And as I announced this, I slyly added in the announcement of Chang and Chiaki Yamano to the audience.

Xiang was right. The look on their faces was priceless. And from the kiss they shared when the shock wore off, I think they’d be fine.

Did have to think about Xiang again, though… ah, over by the feast tables. Good. I’d made sure we included some of her new favorite dishes in the harvest feast, particularly that affront to the taste buds known as curry. I have no idea why she likes that stuff so much, but she’ll take three plates of it any time it’s offered, with any starchy side provided. A hearty wheat bread, this time.

I sat in a chair, glad to finally be off my feet after the ceremony. Chiaki provided me with a nice glass of apple juice and a plate of my own particular favorites. Mmm, ginger sauce over inarizushi and fried chicken.

“That really wasn’t fair, mother.”

I smiled. “Blame Xiang, not me. I just officiated in my role as village headwoman, and I’m now retired from the role. Take any complaints up with your successor.”

“Your successor is, apparently, my husband.”

“And weren’t you planning on that?” I asked, all too sweetly. “Or did you just think being pregnant at your older sister’s wedding would be a fun joke to make at her expense?”

“I… uh…”

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I was still smiling, but not so sweetly anymore. “Go enjoy your wedding feast dear, and thank you for bringing me a portion.”

She left, properly chastised. By the time I’m done, she’ll wish I’d merely left some permanent burn scars on her. Chang’s actually made him look rather rugged, I thought. And they’d be a good reminder to consider the consequences of his actions concerning my daughter.

After all, I could’ve done a lot worse than leave a few nasty creases on his cheek and along his ribcage.

Xiang and Li joined me, while my own husband went off to commiserate with Shun. Didn’t blame him, the poor man’s always been a touch overshadowed by the company he keeps. Even as the minister of trade for the entire empire, he was still mostly half-forgotten as my husband, or Emperor Li’s friend. Xiang barely noticed him.

“How many plates has she had so far?”

Li held up four fingers. I didn’t bother asking Xiang, she was too busy stuffing her face.

“Personally, I’m just grateful you and the cooks had the foresight. She’s been tetchier than usual these past months.”

“Has she? How interesting. I simply had not noticed.”

A brief pause in eating, as Xiang glared at us in mild irritation.

“So how are the affairs of state, oh grand Emperor?”

Li shrugged. “We’ve mostly got a solid foundation of laws down, based upon the Creator Goddess’s desires and The Golden Path laid down by the God of Law. I’d still like some input from the others, but…”

Xiang and I shook our heads in unison.

“The Goddess of Chaos has only one law: do as thou wilt, save that it harm none. The Stillborn God is a neutral figure whose interference is sure annihilation.” Xiang nodded emphatically. We’d traded notes, and I was honestly glad I didn’t ever have to meet Arawn in person, at least not until I died. Even if he liked you, he seemed to be a creepy kid. “And the other… is best left in her prison. She only means ill of all beings, mortal or otherwise.”

Li nodded. “I look forward to the day when I can know their names.”

I shrugged. “As I’ve said, their names hold a touch of their power. All personal names do, it’s just that usually the power involved can’t do much more than hold a person for a brief moment.

“I always wondered how that worked. I thought it was just an authority thing.”

“It is, but there’s more to it than just being Mom or Dad.”

Xiang finished her plate, and I stopped her from getting up for more.

“So how is progress on the capital’s construction going, Xiang?”

“Oh! Uh… well…”

“Stop procrastinating, dear. I know you don’t want to move, but we need a central location to run the nation from, and a good place to house diplomats and merchants from far-reaching locations. Xiangli City will be ready for population by the end of the year, will it not?”

Brief stomp, but Xiang nodded.

“Something besides curry this time, your digestion-”

“I know my digestion!”

Well, she’d be cranky for a while. Nothing for it, sadly. We all had to deal with things we didn’t like right now.