The attendant near the door to the sitting room was half asleep, clearly one of Tsubame and Lin Liqin's playthings from the night before. Numerous people had been coming and going all morning, so when the latest couple made their way in it nearly escaped his notice. Half a moment late he scrambled to announce their arrival, “Sir... erm... Lord Regent Ku Qin Zemin and his betrothed Lady Ming!”
The staff all stuttered to a halt, but before they could give full bows Ku Qin Zemin was already nodding and motioning for them to go about their work. Him and Ming Jia Ying quickly spotted the trio and began heading over. Lin Liqiu quickly grabbed another chair and placed it at the head of the table for Ku Qin Zemin.
“Excellent timing! We were just wondering when you'd be free to join us young miss. Or is it Lady Ming now?” Lin Liqin teased as the couple sat down.
However it was Ku Qin Zemin that replied with a jest of his own, “Careful friend, I wouldn't risk offending my fiance. I have all this new power and I haven't had the chance to abuse it yet. As a matter of fact, I received a report this morning that the dungeons are empty and the jailers are getting bored. Perhaps I can address both issues at once by tossing you in there to be their new plaything.”
Tsubame bit her lip before intoning in a sultry voice, “It's been a while since we last played with chains. I assume they have some nice whips and other toys too. You know, a little trip to the dungeon might be... nice?” Tsubame barely finished her sentence, sounding unsure of herself as she noticed Ku Qin Zemin staring at her with a beet red face and eyes wide with shock.
“Stop teasing the Lord Regent! Lady Ming commands it!” Ming Jia Ying gave a mock command, but her own reddening face undercut the moment.
Lin Liqiu had done her best to stay out of the conversation, but seeing Ming Jia Ying pretending to be outraged to cover her own embarrassment sent her into a laughing fit and the others at the table quickly followed. Once the laughter subsided Lin Liqiu quickly changed the subject, “So, how did the meeting with the elders go?”
“They were none too happy with Zemin announcing our engagement at his coronation. They asked a lot of questions and I don't think they liked my answers. Honestly, I think they see me as a thorn in their sides. The feeling is mutual. They did seem happy to hear I'll be leaving though, so I wouldn't be surprised if they find excuses to parade some more 'appropriate' ladies through the palace in the hope Zemin changes his mind,” Ming Jia Ying said with a hint of steel in her voice.
Seeing Ming Jia Ying's clenched fist, Ku Qin Zemin reached over and gently held it. Her hand melted into his, their fingers intertwining as he reassured her, “It's a good thing my mind is all made up. Has been since the day we met Ying'er.”
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For a moment Ku Qin Zemin and Ming Jia Ying seemed to forget their were others at the table as they locked eyes. Lin Liqin wrapped his arm around Tsubame and the two shared a warm smile as they watched the young couple. Once more Lin Liqiu was reminded that she was the only one that was single at the table and let out a sigh. The sound broke the others out of their reverie and drew their attention, so she once again hastily attempted to change the subject, “You're the last one of our little sect in need of a Ki forged item, Jia Ying. I've already confirmed the forge is more than adequate, so we can take care of it before we leave. That is, if you've settled on a design.”
“I have... wait. Did you say I'm last? You already made ones for Cousin Wei and Big Sister Tsu?” Ming Jia Ying questioned.
As an answer a green dagger made of Ki crystals materialized in Tsubame's hand. Her other hand passed over the weapon, revealing a second dagger as she happily gushed, “Yes, she did! And they are beautiful!” The sudden appearance of a weapon near their lord caused a few of the guards to shift uncomfortably, but Ku Qin Zemin signaled for them to stand down.
Ku Qin Zemin arched an eyebrow at the second dagger and Lin Liqiu quickly answered the unasked question, “It's true that each person can only bind themselves to a single Ki item, but green ki crystals have the unique property of proliferation. However, it's not without its drawbacks.”
Tsubame caught Lin Liqiu's hint and scowled, but began giving a demonstration. With a quick wave of her hands several daggers were placed on the table. With a sullen expression she drove the final blade into the table top. With a little twist the tip broke off of not only the dagger in her hand but all the copies. “As you can see, each of the duplicates share any damage they receive,” Lin Liqiu explained as Tsubame dismissed her weapons.
Ming Jia Ying couldn't help but ask, “What about Cousin Wei?”
“I went to visit him in Egypt before the coronation. He requested a scalpel to help with his medical training, but he kept making adjustments to my designs. The final product was closer to a throwing knife.”
“So where is he? I've been looking forward to meeting my long lost cousin,” said Ku Qin Zemin as he looked around expectantly.
“I'm sorry, he stayed behind. He said he didn't want to bother me with the details, but I gathered things there are coming to a tipping point and he didn't want to risk leaving at such a critical juncture. Tomo was here for the coronation though, but he left the next day. It's hard to keep him away from his research for longer than a cup of tea,” Lin Liqiu lamented before returning to Ming Jia Ying, “What did you have in mind for your Ki item?”
Ming Jia Ying hesitated for a moment before asking, “You said it was possible to mix Ki crystals now, right?”
“Actually no. I said I could incorporate multiple types of Ki crystals into a single item, but they don't mix. Each type of crystal remains distinct and only possesses its own unique features. One of the most important aspects of Ki forging is the intended owner's will when they pour their Ki into the item. As it's being forged that intent is at the core of the item's function and will determine how the different crystals interact. Increasing the number of crystal types theoretically increases the items potential, but it also increases the odds of failure if the owner's intent does not live up to that potential.” Lin Liqiu gave Ming Jia Ying a moment to absorb her statement before asking again, “Have you settled on a Ki item? It's okay if you need more time to think it over.”
Ming Jia Ying met the blacksmith's eyes with a look full of determination and that was all the answer she needed, “Good! We'll head to the forge after breakfast.”