They emerged onto the affluent streets, the pavements immaculate with each stone reflecting the refined order of the Upper Ring. Shan led, paper fan unfurled as his contemplative gaze surveying the thoroughfare. Their conversation meandered toward the implications of thwarting the marriage arrangement, Shan even openly speculating whether this would enhance the Ximen clan's standing in the bureaucracy.
"Yours truly must admit, despite my best efforts, it is all futile," Shan lamented as they approached a graceful stone bridge. The breathtaking scenery of the Upper Ring elicited no emotion in the stoic scholar. "Even the talents of yours truly cannot overcome forces beyond control."
Ironically, it would now be the Gan Jin patriarch exerting every effort to prevent the union, preserving what remained of his family's reputation. In a certain sense, it can be interpreted that Ximen Qing had managed to outmaneuver Shan, despite former's far more shameless existence.
"General Sun Bin would have noticed if Ximen Qing attempted entry without invitation," Shan continued while they both marched by to the siheyuan. "Surely, a mere scholar of the Ximen clan could not achieve such a feat. Forcing entry is inconceivable."
"He may have employed a subtler approach. Something akin to what Jin Lian accomplished at your residence." Mayumi offered her own theory. As a swordswoman hired to protect a defenseless scholar, questions like these are within her station. "Lady Qian Jin's household may host other guests, perhaps Ximen Qing disguised himself as a transient servant or a guard."
Shan found the conjecture plausible, yet dismissed it in light of certain details. "From what I can gather when interacting with my clients in the Upper Ring, Sun Bin rarely allows guests. Furthermore, Ximen Qing never coerces those he covet."
Even now, the scholar could not fathom the intricacies of the man's schemes. Only the intervention of fate, or perhaps supernatural forces, could explain how Qian Jin and Ximen Qing might commit indecency undetected. A betrayal within Sun Bin's household also remains a possibility, a fate unsurprising for a Legalist.
Shan stopped abruptly, and Mayumi mirrored his motion. While the scholar maintained his contact with the wooden ground, the bodyguard's hand poised on the hilt.
A cluster of men stood barring the bridge's exit, their presence unmistakably deliberate, an obstruction clearly meant to hinder their return to Shan's modest siheyuan. Their silk robes, patterned after the attire of government officials, denoted the wearers' cultivated status as learned men. Their composure and bearing also betrayed none of the brutish mannerisms of common retainers, These are scholars, versed in decorum and societal conduct of their station above the peasantry. Yet what truly set them apart are the bold emblem emblazoned upon their chests, purple plum in full bloom. The symbol is identical to that worn by Jin Lian's guards, leaving little doubt that these men, for all their scholarly poise, serves the interests of the Ximen clan.
"Perhaps another route is prudent," Mayumi suggested, her voice low. "Unless you deem it permissible to strike them."
"No," Shan replied, his demeanor cold and unwavering as normal. "Ximen Qing has clear sent scholars, not brutes in armor to hinder our progress. Violence is neither warranted nor acceptable."
Shan then crossed the bridge, confronting the group directly. The contingent of scholars bowed in unison as the duo approached, their sincere gestures precise, measured, and deferential to the Zhuangyuan of the year.
"Greetings, esteemed White Scholar," the eldest of them began, his voice resonant with courtesy despite his age surpassing Shan's. "Our Young Master Ximen Qing extends his humble invitation for a feast, wishing to formally apologize for Lady Jin Lian's indiscretion."
Mayumi kept her guard firm, as did Shan. Neither harbored any illusion about the perils of dealing with those in service to the Ximen family. To refuse their approach outright might be construed as an act of insult, a challenge the Ximen family would not easily overlook. Yet accepting their invitation carried its own hidden dangers. History itself offered a grim reminder. After all, a famous incident did involve the founder of the first Earth Kingdom golden age to participate in a lavish feast, and almost got killed by someone performing a sword dance.
Shan's gaze lingered on the youngest scholar of the group, a recent graduate of the Civil Service Examination. Before he finally spoke, he snapped open his fan with a deliberate flourish. "Very well. Inform Ximen Qing that yours truly accepts his invitation."
Mayumi could not shake the quiet unease that stirred within her. Ximen Qing is not one to wield brute force, yet the cunning display she had witnessed today suggested a more insidious form of power, one that someone of Mayumi's humble station might find difficult to deflect. Without warning, Shan had been summoned to the residence of Ba Sing Se's most influential clan. There could be countless reasons for such an invitation, but the most evident motive pointed toward Shan's growing prominence and his prospective role as a high-ranking official. A distinguished household like the Ximen family would hardly remain passive while lesser clans sought to win his favor through lavish gifts and marriage proposals. After all, to have a Zhuangyuan scholar by one's side is a prize few could resist.
"So, we are to go there at once?" Mayumi inquired the Ximen clan scholars.
"Indeed," replied the servant garbed in regal purple, a smile brightening his features. "We have also extended invitations to other promising young scholars to join us at the Ximen estate. Our Young Master has lately taken the helm of the family fisheries, and in celebration of its recent triumphs, he wishes to share this jubilant moment of prosperity with likeminded spirits. Of which involves talents who, like him, nurture youthful ambitious for the Earth Kingdom's future!"
The enthusiasm didn't work. Shan's gaze narrowed deeper.