Seeing Ku Qin Zemin return to the palace in an exquisite new suit made from even finer silk, Ku Xue couldn't help but smile knowingly, “Seems you were able to find what you were looking for, Cousin.”
“Indeed! If you ever find yourself in need of some finery look no further than Wyrm's Silk.” Ku Qin Zemin raised his voice as some of the other young courtiers approached to examine his new outfit, “They are even offering ten percent off to anyone that mentions my name, but that deal will only be available this week.”
Some of the others rushed off after hearing the offer while Ku Qin Zemin and Ku Xue continued to chat and laugh with the rest. Originally, Ku Xue had found it difficult to socialize with the other young members of the Ku Clan, but Ku Qin Zemin's natural charisma was helping to bridge that gap.
To the side Ku Shen appeared calm on the outside, but internally he was fuming. Last year many of these branch family members had been following him around like lost puppies, but now he could feel his influence slipping. Glancing at the far corner of the room where another group of young courtiers was gathered with no intention of approaching Ku Xue and Ku Qin Zemin's group, Ku Shen resolved, -Plan B it is then. Might as well get the ball rolling.-[1]
As Ku Shen made his way towards the other group a member broke off to receive him, bowing deeply he greeted, “Master Shen do you have business with Master Zhengzhong? Would you like me to announce you?”
Ku Shen looked like he had stepped in shit as he sneered, “Ku Wang don't block my path again. Your family may wish to forget their misdeeds, but the main family never will.” Ku Wang Xiaobo didn't dare to raise his head as he continued to bow while stepping aside.
The regent of the Wang Province was the one that started the civil war between the eight provinces and destroyed the Gaian Academy. Emperor Ku Pa personally eliminated the Wang family elders, but the children were taken as wards. Eventually they were allowed to take up the mantle of regent again and after a few generations they even managed to marry into the Ku Clan. Outwardly, from the general population they command the same respect as all Ku Clan members, but internally they are looked down on by other members of the clan.
A laugh rang out from the center of the group ahead, “Don't pay Little Xiaobo any mind Cousin Shen. He sometimes forgets his place. He's lucky he's even allowed to attend these events as my attache.”
“Greetings Cousin Zhengzhong. Congratulations on your recent breakthrough, I could feel the chi fluctuations from across the room.” Ku Shen gave a polite greeting before inquiring, “I wonder if you might have time to discuss a private matter?”
As one of the older members of the younger generation, Ku Yu Zhengzhong stood a full head and shoulders over Ku Shen. The Yu region was a hub for commerce in the Gaian Empire, so Ku Yu Zhengzhong was no stranger to backroom deals and as he looked down at Ku Shen he could smell profits. “Of course I always have time for you,” he smiled as he led the young prince away from the group.
Ku Xue and Ku Qin Zemin had kept a close eye as they watched this exchange transpire. They shared a brief look before excusing themselves from the rest of the courtiers. Once safely back in Ku Xue's tea room Ku Qin Zemin sighed, “Looks like Shen has finally moved on from me. It's not surprising he would have a second option in case I declined to work with him.”
“I wonder what he has planned for Cousin Zhengzhong,” Ku Xue mused as he served tea.
Ku Qin Zemin accepted his cup and took a sip before replying, “The Ku Yu family is obsessed with profits. For better or worse they have kept the Gaian economy afloat and kept the war chests full for several generations now. Zhengzhong would make a powerful ally for Shen, but that's all the more reason he won't sell himself short.”
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Ku Xue was enjoying the aroma of the tea as he pondered, “The Ku Yu branch is at the heart of the Imperialist faction. Other than the political clout you both offer, I'm failing to see what you two have in common. Even your names are opposites[2]. What role in his plan could you both accommodate? It'd have to be something that Cousin Zhengzhong would value, but wouldn't offend your sense of moral obligation to the people.”
Something seemed to click in Ku Qin Zemin's mind as his eyes lit up. Setting his cup down, he asked, “What about Aunt Wen's disciple? It was rumored that she was going to announce her apprentice at this gathering, but even after several weeks there has been no mention. If Shen were looking to nominate someone for this position, instead of seeking it himself, it would fit the bill for both Zhengzhong and myself.”
“My brother was supposed to be Aunt Wen's successor,” Ku Xue said through clenched teeth, a look of anger flashing across his face.
“Ku Wei was going to be Aunt Wen's successor?” Ku Qin Zemin contemplated for a moment before continuing, “Then I'm even more sure of Shen's plan. You've always been his target. The only reason to try and eliminate Ku Wei was if he could use the newly vacated position to further that goal.”
“What should I do then? Should I nominate you in order to block Cousin Zhengzhong's nomination?”
Ku Qin Zemin shook his head, “I admit the position is tempting and I probably would excel at it, but unlike Zhengzhong I don't have any siblings that can step up to take over as regent of the Qin Province in my stead. I would have declined if Shen had proposed this plan to me. I'm sorry, but I'm not sure how you can block Zhengzhong. Additionally, he'd see that as you trying to steal his profits and there's no quicker way to make an enemy of the Ku Yu family.”
A smile slowly blossomed on Ku Xue's face, “If profits are all he cares about perhaps this is an opportunity to make Cousin Zhengzhong my ally not Shen's. What can the little prince offer that the Crown Prince can't match?” Ku Xue and Ku Qin Zemin shared a light chuckle as they relaxed and finished their tea.
A few days later at a banquet Ku Shen put forward Ku Yu Zhengzhong's nomination as Ku Qin Zemin had predicted. However, contrary to Ku Shen's predictions Ku Xue didn't oppose or counter with his own nomination and instead seconded the motion. With the public endorsement of the two princes and Ku Qin Zemin working behind the scenes Ku Yu Zhengzhong received overwhelming support.
Ku Wen was left with little choice but to accept Ku Yu Zhengzhong. After the offical announcement Ku Xue approached his cousin to congratulate him, “I think you will make an excellent Imperial Adviser. Your family's unparalleled business acumen will surely come in handy when managing the branch families' affairs. I imagine we will be working together quite often from now on. Would you care to join me for tea so that we might discuss our partnership?”
Ku Yu Zhengzhong was no fool and he could see which way the wind was blowing. Ku Xue was no longer the aloof loner he'd been the years previous, he was finally acting like a real prince. And the rotten look on Ku Shen's face told him that he'd completely failed to account for Ku Xue's response. Ku Yu Zhengzhong made sure to rub salt in the wound as he passed Ku Shen, “You'll have to excuse me little prince, it seems the Crown Prince has need of me.”
Watching Ku Yu Zhengzhong leave with Ku Xue and Ku Qin Zemin made Ku Shen's stomach churn. Having lost his appetite Ku Shen headed back to his room. In a fit of anger he began releasing wind blades. They couldn't cut the hard stone walls, but the furniture was left in a sorry state.
At that moment a knock came at the door. Ku Shen flung the door open in a huff. The young maid at the door was quite startled and stammered, “I found this note in the hall. It's addressed to you.”
Seeing his name written on the cover of the note, Ku Shen recognized the handwriting and quickly asked, “Did you read it?”
“No! I would never,” the maid exclaimed with a jump. Noticing the mess behind the prince the maid offered, “Would you like me to tidy up a bit?”
Ku Shen quickly snagged the note from the maid. He dismissively waved her off as he closed the door in her face. The maid jumped back from the door and quickly made her way down the hall. As she turned the corner she bumped into Ku Qin Zemin and they almost fell. After saying their apologies they went their separate ways. Both smiling as they did so, the maid because of the heavy coin purse now in her hand and Ku Qin Zemin because of the noise he could hear coming from Ku Shen's room. After enjoying the sound for a bit Ku Qin Zemin made his way back to Ku Xue's tea room.
The note that had, “I know you're still struggling with lesson one Little Shen, but it's time for your next lesson. Lesson two: Get used to being alone. As long as you continue to focus only on yourself, you will only have yourself,” written on it was now scattered in a dozen pieces as Ku Shen released more wind blades. The maid that cleaned Ku Shen's room later would describe the furniture as a pile of sawdust.
Author's Notes:
[1]Reminder: Dialogue between two “-” indicates it's a character's thoughts, not spoken aloud
[2]Zemin means “kindness to the people” and Zhengzhong means “feudal state”