Chapter 46: The Prideful Scholar
There is no shortage of grievances the Earth Sages might seize upon. From the trivial minutiae of one's attire to the loftier matters of sovereign rule, these so-called wisemen never tire of imparting their unsolicited counsel, forever invoking the name of their founding figure to justify pronouncements far beyond their station.
Of course, both commoners and monarchs produced their own detractors, men and women who disdain these elder scholars for their hypocrisy and inability to adapt to crises. As noble as it may sound to imagine a lone philosopher warding off marauding armies with little more than sagely rhetoric, the brutal truth of the battlefield often sees such audacious idealists bereft of their heads.
And yet, amid the blunders and pedantic meddling that Earth Sages have brought upon the Earth Kingdom, there are moments when their dogged moralism feels disturbingly necessary. Some acts are so vile, so loathsome, that even the loudest critics of the Sages find themselves in reluctant agreement. Although these wisemen are infamous for their ceaseless crusade to impose virtue, particularly upon women, the pendulum's swing to the opposite extreme is no less unsettling.
The official announcement itself was fraught with discomfort. Whoever bore the unfortunate duty to proclaim it did so with neither pride nor conviction, for even the meritocratic Keju examination does not preclude those whom the Earth Sages deem morally depraved. So long as one abides by the laws of the state, the results remain unassailable. Yet acts of putrefaction, promiscuity and certain unconventional hobbies, carry not the same weight as treason, no matter how foul they may appear in the public eye. Granted, every state and city have their own laws. But here in Ba Sing Se, the concerns of the city's guardians have little room to care about the consensual indecency amongst some wealthy scion.
"Ximen Qing, heir of the Ximen Family," announced the speaker, his voice strained, as though the very name tainted his lips.
The murmurs began even before the third-place graduate entered the hall. The Earth Sages among the assembled invitees scowled at the name alone. Some muttered darkly that this man's presence defiled the throne itself, an affront so grave that it might provoke the spirit of the first Earth Sage to wrath.
"Preposterous!" barked one elder in resplendent robes, brimming with indignation. "How can a man of such moral turpitude be allowed the opportunity to hold office? This irresponsibility will blacken the city's name!"
Satchiko stood close to her sister, who had sternly warned to avoid even the faintest brush of contact with the scandalous figure about to enter.
All eyes turned grudgingly to the massive doors. When they swung open, revealing two figures beyond, the hall erupted in a tempest of murmurs and stifled gasps.
First came a woman, scantily clad, draped in silken attire that while echoing the fashions of the Upper Ring, was rendered so immodestly that it bordered on the scandalous. Grimaces flickered across the faces of the gathered dignitaries, and some whispered that she must be a courtesan brought from beyond the city walls to parade alongside the Ximen heir. Such a spectacle did little to ingratiate the man with the Earth Sages, especially Zhu Xi, whose moral authority seemed almost visibly ruffled.
Trailing close behind emerged Ximen Qing himself. He wore the traditional queue hairstyle of the city and is clad in garments befitting a scion of the Upper Ring, passably respectable, though overshadowed by the audacity of his companion's presence. The way he paraded her openly, in front of emissaries from distant Earth Kingdom states and the Northern Water Tribe, only deepened the furrowed brows and tightened jaws.
Naturally, being the infamous heir to a prominent clan, the seething of the locals cannot be freely expressed. To the uninitiated, Ximen Qing is the son of Admiral Ximen Gui. He was whispered to be a shameless libertine, a seducer whose exploits offended both commoners and nobles, leaving families fractured and reputations ruined. To the Earth Sages, who champions the sacred institution of marriage and the virtue of familial loyalty, Ximen Qing is a festering wound on the city's moral fabric. Much to the offense of the calmest wisemen, the head of the Ximen family tolerated his son's misdeeds, shielding him from censure and ignoring the negligence toward the young scion's official wife. This brazen acceptance only deepened the contempt the Sages harbored toward him.
While it may be hypocritical for certain high-born citizens to disdain such blatant promiscuity, as they too might secretly partake in clandestine debaucheries away from the prying eyes of their wives, the sheer shamelessness of the Ximen clan garnered the highest scrutiny. Since the city persecutes the treasonous, punishing rampant adultery has always been reserved for the masses. After all, the line that separates the putrid and chaste is defined differently depending on one's origins. Across the fractured realm, such issues are dictated by varied laws, and the existence of courtesan houses and brothels are tolerated to a certain extent. But even then, there is a defined limit to the public's patience.
Whenever noticeable scandals erupted upon a young couple in the city, this vixen named Ximen Qing has visited one of them. More often, it was the women who bore the greatest loss, accused of being unfaithful and succumbing to the flowery eloquence of a delinquent. Tragically, plenty of them lost their lives due to the sheer public scorn upon both their name and their family's honor.
Now, in full view of the gathered scholars and officials, Ximen Qing strode into the hall with his companion's arms entwined about his. Since the woman is presumably his mistress, it is a greater offence to instigate such antic publicly, fully aware of the moral bankruptcy at play. But as written in ancient laws of many previous dynasties, only one legal wife is tolerated, but no limit to concubines. Being someone who is at least knowledgeable in the laws of Ba Sing Se, it is easy to interpret each word meticulously to avoid any official repercussion.
His face split into a grin while addressing the hall in a voice so glib it bordered on mockery.
"A fine day, isn't it?"
The crowd stiffened. Those lower-ranked graduates who had assembled, including the poet Pan Yue, forced themselves to bow out of self-preservation as the duo walked pass them. In considerate of their future prospects as regular officials, all the gathered scholars are at least compelled to bow to necessity, accomplishing the minimum of not offending any Ximen clan members within the city's hierarchy.
All of this is much to the liking to the current head of the Ximen family, as having his heir attaining the top three rank in the Keju examination is a tremendous bolster in prestige despite their disdained reputation. Although the purpose of the civil service examination aims to instill meritocracy and fairness, this still does not change the reality that affluent citizens are advantaged in both time and resources.
As the evening progressed, the invitees immersed themselves in their respective conversations. In the shadow of greater power, even the sharpest-tongued Earth Sages found their voices dulled, unable to openly express their scorn for those they deemed morally reprehensible. Their silence was further compounded by the complacency of Admiral Ximen Gui, who turned a blind eye to his son's licentious escapades. Not even Zhu Xi himself, bound by legal constraints, could challenge the young libertine's third-place ranking.
As time wore on, many of the attendees had sated their appetites, not merely to savor the exquisite cuisine but to mask their revulsion at the sight of Ximen Qing's undeserved accolades. Mayumi, ever vigilant, ensured her sister remained close to the other students, maintaining their cohesion. When the pace of the catering staff's duties began to ebb, she and her colleagues seamlessly faded into the background, their roles diminishing as subtle signs of the forthcoming inauguration began to surface.
"Where did you get this?" Xiao Qing whispered as Mayumi retrieved a white umbrella from the corner of the hall. The latter offered only a cryptic response, explaining that it had been a gift from a stranger, an object useful for blending into the crowd. Yet her enigmatic answer did little to prevent curious glances from the other colleagues, who couldn't help but notice the peculiar elegance of the parasol.
At last, the ceremony commenced. Zhu Xi's voice rang out above the din, announcing the formal beginning of the graduation ceremony, a procedure chorused by the loud sound of horn blasts and the ringing of steel bells. But despite the Earth Sage's dedication to ancient rites, nothing has soured this grand ceremony more than the promotion of a womanizer, making a mockery of this event's sanctity, probably even invoked the disgust of the first Earth Sage's spirit.
The regular graduates were called forth, each one stepping from the crowd to receive their futou headwear, the symbol of their scholarly accomplishment. The poet Pan Yue and the others bowed low, demonstrating humility as they accepted the eligibility to become scholar-officials, acting as an integral part of the daily administration.
Although anyone who passed the hardest examination in the world is granted the title of Jinshi, the top three rankers can carve their prospects much higher than the rest. To those who are more familiar with the process, the highest scorers not only receive the official headwear, but also an ornamental wooden plaque inscribed with their prestigious titles.
When Zhu Xi painstakingly called the name of the third-place Tanhua, Ximen Qing sauntered forward, basking in the attention. The old Earth Sage endured the indignity with stoic resolve, performing the rites as required, though every movement spoke of barely restrained fury.
Ximen Qing accepted the honors with a flourish, then turned to address the hall. His speech, as smooth and insufferable as his grin, only deepened the Sages' disdain. "I shall humbly accept this honor," he declared, voice dripping with theatrical sincerity. "From this day forward, I vow to serve the people's needs, day and night."
The solemn atmosphere of the graduation ceremony, once a bastion of reverence for scholarly achievement and the fulfillment of ancestral legacies, now felt sullied. Officials, bureaucrats, and generals, whose presence was meant to elevate the sanctity of the occasion, instead found themselves involuntary participants in Ximen Qing's insolent farce. A ritual intended to celebrate virtue and merit had become a stage for vulgar mockery, its sacred traditions wielded as playthings by the admiral's infamous heir. Were it not for his family's unassailable influence, no one would endure such brazen irreverence, particularly in the presence of dignitaries from far-flung Earth Kingdom states and the Northern Water Tribe.
Debauchery, after all, is a vile stain, and the rot of infidelity no less repugnant. Yet the machinery of the state punishes treason above all, leaving matters of moral propriety to the Earth Sages. Of course, their sagely rhetoric, impassioned though it was, crumbled against the sheer indifference of the Ximen clan. Indeed, for all their proclamations of virtue, the wisemen's sharp tongues found themselves dulled by the immutable authority of Ba Sing Se's highest-ranking admiral.
With murmured discontent simmering, the ceremony's focus shifted to the announcement of Lady Te Gaogui as the Bangyan, the runner-up laureate. Her entrance was a stark contrast to the previous farce, an embodiment of grace and propriety. Balancing the intricate liangbatou upon her head with poise, she strode toward Earth Sage Zhu Xi, wholly unperturbed by the covetous glare cast her way by Ximen Qing. When she accepted the ornate futou headwear and title plaque, her demeanor radiated humility, tempered by soft-spoken resolve. To the delight of the assembled Earth Sages, her achievement restored a measure of the ceremony's dignity.
Thus, Te Gaogui, heir to one of Earth Kingdom's most prestigious clan, cemented her second place despite unable to meet the high expectations from all eyes in the hall. Nonetheless, many will still admire her for wielding both beauty and intellect, a befitting perception for the masses.
"Unacceptable!"
The thunderous voice sliced through the hall like a blade, bringing all conversations to a sudden halt. Heads turned sharply toward the entrance, where a man clad in flowing silken robes now stood, bristling with indignant fury.
"Sir, you must compose yourself!" barked two palace guards in heavy brigandine, their polearms raised in warning. Yet their presence did little to stem the nobleman's advance. Like a tempest given form, the crowd parted before him, instinctively clearing a path as he marched toward the dais.
"Lord Te!" Zhu Xi called out, hastening to intercept him with a deep, deferential bow. "Welcome to Ba Sing Se! It is an honor, no doubt your journey has been arduous—"
"Spare me your pleasantries!" Lord Te barked with a voice unaccustomed to refusal. "You have much to explain."
The very air seemed to quiver beneath his presence, the magnitude of his ire eclipsed only by the authority his name carried. Lord Te Laoye, patriarch of the illustrious Te family and current governor of Zigan, is not a man to be slighted. His silken robes, lavish and unmistakably of noble cut, confirmed his standing. Furthermore, being a governor from beyond the city, none dares to rebuke his audacity.
Berating the present professors and sages with such ferocity, most of those who serve as judges for this year's civil service examination found themselves muted. Even Astrologist Shi Shen, unwilling to attract the governor's ire, quietly receded into the crowd.
"Lord Te, I implore you," Zhu Xi began anew with placating urgency. "We have judged every essay with utmost fairness. Your daughter's exceptional performance has not gone unrecognized." He lowered his head even more, hoping to quell the patriarch's anger. But this is foiled when one of the legal officials amusingly added that the success of examinees is not determined by the circumstances of their birth.
After a protracted inhalation, the Te patriarch advanced a deliberate step closer to the Earth Sage, his imposing frame radiating barely restrained ire. "Are you insinuating that a mere commoner outmatched my daughter?"
The tempest that brewed within him could eclipse a thousand typhoons, a fury so palpable that even the most stalwart of the palace guards hesitated, their resolve waning before the storm of his wrath. Indeed, few dared to confront such a man, his presence alone carried the weight of unassailable authority. As the sovereign ruler of a dominion beyond the great walls, his status rendered him not merely a guest of the city but its most distinguished and formidable visitor.
Among the many guests hailing from distant lands, none commands the gravitas of Te Laoye, the esteemed governor of Zigan. As the revered Earth Kingdom School of Diplomacy have often posited, great powers stand to gain immensely by cultivating harmonious ties with distant states, particularly those positioned behind nearby adversaries. Though the realm of Zigan lies far removed from the towering grandeur of Ba Sing Se, the city's concerted efforts to extend its courtesies to the Te family embody a strategic adherence to the principle of Vertical Alliance.
Te Gaogui, meanwhile, moved to her father's side, her serene composure intact despite the rising embarrassment. "Father," she pleaded softly, voice firm yet respectful. "Please, this is neither the time nor place. I am content with my result."
But her words fell upon deaf ears.
"I demand a re-evaluation!" Lord Te thundered, jabbing a finger toward the gathered professors. "This injustice will not stand! Produce the essay of the first-ranked examinee, let the truth of its inferiority be laid bare for all to see."
For the patriarch, the simple idea that a mere commoner can produce a better eight-legged essay than those with Te blood is too incredulous. At this, murmurs rippled through the crowd. The affluent invitees, once tense, now watched with a mix of curiosity and schadenfreude, eager to see how the drama might unfold. After all, such a bold demand could only be sanctioned by authority equal to the Earth Sovereign himself.
As the indignant patriarch and the collection of scholars engage in their war of eloquence, Mayumi shifted uneasily in her corner. The white parasol she carried, an exquisite object, had begun to draw sidelong glances. Though no one openly questioned her possession of it, the weight of unspoken curiosity grew heavier with each passing moment.
"I demand to know who has the audacity!" Lord Te roared, reverberating through the hall. "The vagabond who usurped my daughter's rightful place cannot go unpunished!"
Amidst the mounting tension, a subtle disturbance near the entrance went largely overlooked. The guards stationed by the massive doors exchanged startled glances as a figure, clad entirely in white, silently strode into the hall. No herald announced his arrival, no fanfare preceded his steps. And yet, his presence carried with it a gravity that seemed to pull all attention.
Donned in a simple white changshan, the newcomer marched across the throne room with an unhurried, measured pace, exuding a sense of elegance absent in the flamboyant outfits of the gathered elite. Though his attire is far humbler than that of most attendees, his confidence radiated with an unshakable poise, a quality even Lady Te Gaogui could not emulate. It was the quiet privilege of one who had scaled the highest peaks through sheer merit, and gazing down after the torturous climb, disgusted by trivialities such as birthright.
Naturally, Mayumi noticed him.
The scholar, clad in pale hues, approached the dais as Te Laoye continued berating the Earth Sages for allegedly dishonoring his clan. The patriarch's focus was so consumed by his tirade that he failed to notice someone now standing close behind. Unlike Zhu Xi and a few others who had already reconciled themselves with the scholar's presence, it took the deliberate snap of a white paper fan to command the governor's attention.
Turning sharply, Te Laoye's thick brows furrowed in suspicion, assuming the young man to be this year's highest-ranked scholar. His eyes darkened with disdain. "You are very bold for a commoner," the patriarch growled, oblivious to his clan's diminishing prestige. "The Keju examination's top position is reserved for true talent. A mere peddler of paintings and calligraphy would only stain the legacy of great reformers and statesmen."
The scholar in white remained silent, deliberately fanning himself, brandishing the indifference as sharp as a blade. He also fanned Te Laoye's anger.
"Insolent brat," Te Laoye snapped with scorn. "Have your parents taught you nothing about respect?"
Across the greater Earth Kingdom continent and Fire Nation, few without noble blood dared speak as equals to men of power. Any peasant with a semblance of sense knew defiance might cost their heads. Only intellect, sharpened through study, could elevate one into an asset too valuable to discard.
A contingent of professors from Ba Sing Se University stepped forward, attempting to mediate. "Lord Te, allow us to introduce—"
"I do not care who this is!" Laoye barked, his voice heavy with bitterness. "My daughter should have claimed the title of Zhuangyuan. The only way I'll accept this absurd result is by reading his essay for myself!"
Historically, essays from the Keju examination were rarely allowed to be scrutinized by outsiders. Without the Earth Sovereign's explicit consent, no Zhuangyuan's work could be questioned, regardless of who doubted its merit. Yet, Te Laoye remained immovable as stone, a man unwilling to yield.
"Father, please," Gaogui interjected softly, her voice pleading for an end to the public farce.
The crowd, ever drawn to scandal, watched with rapt interest, eager for a story to proliferate through teahouses across the city. Surprisingly, the scholar in white met Te Laoye's unreasonable demand with calm compliance.
"I will allow it," the gentleman said, befitting an Earth Kingdom scholar. "But with all due respect, you will find the outcome disappointing. As for your pretensions of familial love, that performance is unnecessary. We both understand Lady Te's worth to you is little more than a pawn to elevate your family name."
The hall fell silent. The scholar had stripped Te Laoye's role as a parent bare, asserting Te Gaogui's talent as little more than a piece in his father's power games. Such an affront against the family unit, against filial piety itself, is a transgression no Earth Sage would take lightly. Obviously, the patriarch does not interpret this insult too kindly,
Yet the scholar is far from finished, forcing the gathered to juggle another request that borderlines pettiness.
"Not only will I allow Lord Te to examine my essay, but I propose another measure. Let my work be displayed across all of Ba Sing Se, from the noble courts of the Upper Ring to the peasantry in the Agrarian Zone. Anyone, regardless of their station, may attempt to improve upon it. Should they succeed, I will reward them handsomely and relinquish my title as a Zhuangyuan."
A stunned hush followed. Such a bold challenge was unheard of, a declaration that reeked of audacity and supreme confidence. With no noble family to shield him, the scholar risked everything, his prestige, his prospects, all for the sake of proving his merit beyond dispute. Even the masked general, who was stuffing his mouth with food, stopped eat to pay attention. It appears this Zhuangyuan scholar is hellbent to prove no one can further perfect his thesis on governance.
"Now that I have satisfied a stubborn parent," the scholar in white continued with faint derision. "May we proceed with the ceremony?" His words carried an almost imperious undertone, as though casting a silent decree upon the assembled officials charged with inaugurating the graduates. It became unmistakably clear that he harbored no intention of allowing the city's cherished relations with the Te family to sway his resolve.
Reluctantly, Earth Sage Zhu Xi pressed on with the ceremony, his demeanor betraying a quiet discontent with the individual selected as the Zhuangyuan. His dissatisfaction stemmed less from questions of lineage and more from a profound divergence in philosophical alignment, a conflict far weightier than mere matters of birthright. According to longstanding tradition, the first-place ranker is granted the privilege of standing near the throne during the inauguration, a position symbolizing their purported value and service to those ordained by the Heavens.
Mayumi's gaze never wavered from the scholar clad in white. Even amidst the teeming throng, she could sense the Zhuangyuan's fascination with the throne of precious metal, a resplendent embodiment of ultimate authority within the Earth Kingdom.
In a world shattered beneath the heavens, where warlords wove a macabre tapestry of chaos and ambition, none dared to approach the Earth Kingdom's throne. None, save for this lone scholar, who now stood but a few ascendant steps away from its imposing majesty. Yet the thought of occupying such a seat, a grandeur unmatched in both splendor and consequence, was an audacity unthinkable for one of common birth. To attempt it would be to embark on a path steeped in blood, a road that offers little return, only ruin.
With visible reluctance, Zhu Xi unraveled a parchment and began the ceremonial proclamation. "And you alone have seized the head of the Lion Turtle," he recited, with a voice betraying the tension in his grip. "I hereby proclaim you, Shan, Zhuangyuan of Ba Sing Se. May you serve the city, its people, and the nation with wisdom and sagacity. May your name soar through the sky and echo through time. May the spirits bless your endeavors, and may you be a pillar that uplifts your family, carrying out acts of filial piety regardless of your station."
No applause greeted the moment, yet the hall seemed to fall into a silence even more profound than when the reviled Ximen Qing had stood near the dais. Two junior officials stepped forward, presenting the wooden title plaque and the ceremonial futou headwear to the newly appointed Zhuangyuan. Lacking the presence of a servant or attendant to assist him, the scholar was compelled to accept these honors by his own hands. Yet, even in such a simple act, he exuded a natural grace, an effortless refinement befitting one nurtured in the cultural heart of the dissolved Earth Kingdom.
With one silent bow to all the invitees, the top recipient decided to depart. Upon passing director Han Fei, the older man decided to demonstrate an approving nod, a gesture that those stubborn Earth Sages will never offer out of spite. After the Zhuangyuan's exit, the entire ceremony simply continued. More food found themselves onto the table, with large plates of delicacies, dancing with fine wine brewed just for rare occasions like this.
Affluent families and emissaries gradually resumed their customary conversations, though a few discreetly chose this moment to take their leave. Among them was the Te family, who had already retreated, no doubt under the directive of Te Laoye. The governor, his pride unmistakably wounded, had found the proceedings beneath his station, a perceived affront exacerbated by the unceremonious elevation of a mere seller of calligraphies. Such a display of disregard for propriety was, to him, an indignity unworthy of his presence.
"The White Scholar," Mayumi whispered to herself.
Somehow, the weight of her parasol felt heavier. Though her goal had been to remain inconspicuous in this vast city, the events of the day had placed her squarely in the eye of scrutiny. Whispers of young noblewomen filled her ears, sharp and venomous speculations about the 'waitress' who had received such a parasol.
"Excuse me," said an approaching middle-aged woman, her tone formal yet clipped. "Lady Te requests a private audience."
Though Mayumi had initially looked forward to a meeting with her benefactor, the prospect of securing a scholar to tutor Satchiko now seemed poised to shift into an interrogation. After all, Mayumi had perused enough literature to know how the mere title of Zhuangyuan could elevate a person's status in society, altering their very worth with the stroke of a pen.
Surrounded by the throngs of the crowd, whose whispers would undoubtedly seep through the Royal Palace like wildfire, Satchiko's attention was drawn to her older sibling, who, with a purposeful step, followed the retainer out of the throne room. "Where is she going?"
"Your sister has made a grave strategic blunder," the Judge of Honghai remarked upon arrival, stilling carrying his bucket of fried meat. "Such is the price of ignorance when one fails to understand their adversary. Now, she has become the object of ridicule among the noble ladies of the Upper Ring. But of course, that is no concern of mine."
...
Few places on the continent are as remote as this, and even fewer can boast of such opulence, which outsiders may only glimpse through the whispered gossip of eunuchs or palace maids willing to divulge the most scant of details. Behind the gilded walls of the grand throne room lies the Inner Palace, an intimate sanctuary reserved solely for the sovereign's personal use, and the home of the Imperial Harem.
Across the shifting tides of dynasties, daughters of the Earth Kingdom's most distinguished generals and ministers are sent here, with the purpose of vying for the Earth King's affection. Through these familial alliances, capturing the monarch's favor can bring not only personal prestige but significant advancement for any kin in service of the throne. Naturally, this cutthroat atmosphere breeds an almost suffocating pressure for the noble ladies, concubines and consorts. Even the Earth King's primary wife is not immune to the labyrinthine intrigues that have, time and again, brought the very nation to the precipice of ruin. Were it not for the subtle, almost hostile calm that permeates the palace, the many pleasure gardens within these walls would surely be wonders in their own right. After all, for any woman fortunate enough to enter the Imperial Harem, surviving to leave the palace walls alive is considered an exception rather than the rule.
As the wind of Ba Sing Se swirled gently, stirring the countless trees and bushes around the Inner Palace, two acquaintances found a rare moment of respite from their otherwise rigid, scheduled lives.
Lady Te's housekeeper, a woman known as Aunt Ayi, delicately plucked a few leaves from the meticulously arranged garden. She brewed a pot of tea with the reverence it deserved and poured it into the waiting cup of her mistress. Only after does she serve another cup to the cordially invited guest.
The guest, for her part, dared not ask why the Inner Palace felt so unnervingly vacant. Though many gardeners passed by on their way to their duties, the conspicuous absence of the women of the Imperial Harem was an oddity not easily overlooked. No men except eunuchs should be allowed here without special permission, but nowhere can she see the supposedly thousands of women who attends to the sovereign's every needs.
Yet, since they are in Ba Sing Se, there are some questions better left unspoken. After all, a girl hailing from an insignificant island could count herself fortunate to even tread upon the neatly paved stones that adorned the many gardens here.
Seated upon polished granite chairs, likely the work of an Earthbending craftsman, the two of them took a moment to appreciate the breathtaking surroundings. To sip tea amidst such endless beauty is a privilege long taken for granted by the past monarchs, who had left the fate of the nation in the hands of eunuchs, lost in the allure of their pleasure gardens. It is difficult to fault these negligent rulers, who had spent their days wandering amongst the many pavilions and gardens, surrounded by their ever-expanding royal harem. As the dark leaves unfurled in the hot water, staining it with their deep hues, it served as a reminder that they are seated in a very specific garden in the Inner Palace, one frequented by monarchs who sought solace beyond the excesses of their lavish lifestyles.
The three of them are beneath the shade of a towering tree, surrounded by intricate topiary bushes, once cultivated to satisfy the monarch's insatiable craving for exotic tea flavors. From a distance, the bright colors of the Tea Palace, where the Earth King entertained his distinguished guests, could be seen. Its vibrant pavilions serves as the garden's striking focal point. Once maintained by an army of servants, only a few gardeners remained to tend to this sacred space.
With mindful care, Lady Te Gaogui, aware of her long silver nail guards, lifted a delicate porcelain cup. Gently holding the lid, she swirled the tea leaves into the hot water, allowing the infusion to deepen before sealing the cup to her lips. She sipped the brew slowly, savoring the taste with subtle appreciation.
With equal ease, Mayumi mimicked her actions, though without the encumbrance of nail guards. It allowed unrestrained sips before setting the cup back on the granite surface. Despite her humble attire, starkly different from the opulent surroundings, tea ceremony etiquette is familiar to her. Her mother made absolute sure to instill such habit at a young age, albeit unsuccessful in the younger of the two sisters.
"It's a rather quiet afternoon, wouldn't you agree?" Lady Te commented politely, as tea-drinking conversations could veer between the serious and the leisurely. In this case, perhaps the noblewoman desired a blend of both, given the disappointment she had suffered after the Keju examination. Typically, sharing tea with another is a way of showing mindfulness and appreciation for one's environment, and it seemed that Lady Te wishes to admire the serene landscape before them.
"Indeed," Mayumi replied, savoring another sip.
Lady Te Gaogui continued. "It's said that this garden holds every variety of tea ingredient from all corners of the world. From the outer reaches of the Earth Kingdom to the arid Si Wong deserts, every plant imaginable for brewing can be found here. I asked Aunt Ayi to select one from the garden. What do you think is in the tea we are drinking?"
It was clearly a subtle test, a way to gauge Mayumi's knowledge. The dishwasher took another careful sip and examined the dark green leaves. A memory surfaced. Her father, an avid tea drinker, had occasionally brewed this same tea at home, sharing it with the family. While Satchiko and her mother had no interest in it, Mayumi had developed a peculiar fondness for the warmth and complexity of a well-brewed cup. Perhaps it is an inherited inclination.
"Oolong tea," Mayumi said confidently. "But not just any Oolong. This must be Tieguanyin, named in honor of the kamuy... I mean the Goddess of Compassion herself, Avatar Yang Chen."
Lady Te Gaogui's expression softened with a hint of approval, her eyelids lifting slightly, a subtle gesture that spoke volumes to Mayumi.
According to an old legend, a poor tea farmer in the Western Earth Kingdom was the one who discovered this type of oolong tea. Since many across the continent venerate Yang Chen despite her obvious identity as a foreign Avatar, naturally there is no shortage of Earth Kingdom style temples dedicated to Air Nomad deities. As the impoverished farmer lamented the declining state of the local temple near his village, he tried to sweep the building clean even possessing no wealth to repair it. One night, Avatar Yang Chen appeared in his dreams, informing him of a cave behind the temple. In it, treasure awaits, worthy to be shared with others. Within the grotto is a lone tea shoot, which the farmer would use to cultivate in his field. Once the large tea bush is fully grown, the finest tea was produced, allowing the farmer to share cuttings of it to the neighbors. Eventually, the village prospered, selling a tea that even rival the famed White Dragon Bush. Thus, the people have the wealth to repair the temple dedicated to Yang Chen, finally repaying her generosity.
"My father is a tea lover, quite a pedant about it," Mayumi added, a touch of nostalgia in her voice. "But I doubt even he has tasted the renowned White Dragon Bush."
This piqued Lady Te's interest. "Have you tasted it yourself?"
Mayumi closed her eyes, nodding once, no lie in her response. Despite the profusion of plants in this garden, she doubted that the legendary White Dragon Bush is among them.
It is a sad truth. For most, tasting the finest tea is a rarity, and anything less than perfect is considered inferior. In order to repay the noblewoman's kindness, Mayumi gifted her with a pouch of dried White Dragon Bush, which Lady Te accepted graciously.
Without warning, something dropped from the tree branches above them, landing gently on the surface of Mayumi's tea. A single leaf, delicate and vibrant, floated atop the water. It is a leaf from the ginkgo tree, known for its use in brewing tea fit for Earth Monarchs, intended to treat ailments associated with old age. The tree they currently sat beneath was said to be over a thousand years old.
Just as Mayumi intend to remove it, Te Gaogui gently stopped her.
"You do seem a bit worn of late. Keep that ginkgo leaf in your tea, it will bring you some relief."
"As you wish," Mayumi replied, her tone respectful yet soft.
"Speaking of which," Te Gaogui began, gaze lingering on the worn fabric of Mayumi's robe, the apron stained and draped over it. "How fares life in the Lower Ring?" The noblewoman's voice is laced with genuine curiosity. It was rare for an Upper Ring citizen to deign to associate with those of lower stations, lest they risk the mockery of their peers. Yet here, Te Gaogui displayed empathy, a stark contrast to the distant condescension typical of the elite. It was almost as if they are old friends, reminiscing on shared struggles, both past triumphs and failures.
"It is manageable," Mayumi answered in an amicable tone. "But I do appreciate your concern."
"It could be better," Te Gaogui pressed. Although the voice is warm, it tinged with an underlying seriousness, the kind that could not be wholly disguised by her outwardly affable demeanor. "I must confess, I was rather surprised to see you found work at Jin's restaurant of all places. Do you never grow weary of the ceaseless labor, braving the heat of the kitchen and the endless task of washing soiled dishes? I had offered you a chance to reside in a more comfortable setting, you need not feel indebted. The offer still stands, should you change your mind."
Once more, Mayumi graciously declined, assuring the lady that she had no intention of becoming a burden. Instead, she had a different request in mind, one that would ask for assistance.
"Please pardon my presumption," Mayumi began with humility. "There is a favor I wish to ask."
It didn't take long for her to explain the plight of her younger sibling, Satchiko. As an educated woman under the tutelage of an Earth Sage from Zigan, Te Gaogui naturally sympathized with the struggles of a young student. Yet, there are complications.
"I would not mind assisting your sister in her scholarly pursuits," Te Gaogui replied thoughtfully. "However, as a noblewoman, my responsibilities lie first and foremost with the prestige of my family. It is certain that my father would never approve of this."
No sane head of a noble house would risk the reputation of their scions with a student so lacking in talent for scholarly endeavors. At least Lady Te did not spoke that part aloud.
Te Gaogui then removed her nail guards, revealing long, meticulously maintained nails. "Did you expect someone like me to be one of those earth hurlers? Rarely do benders seek instruction from those without such innate abilities. It would be akin to a swordsman seeking to learn from someone who has no arms. It is, quite frankly, unfeasible."
Though Te Gaogui's revelation confirmed Mayumi's fears, the latter remained composed. After all. one of the best Earthbenders is also a noble lady hailed from a prominent Earth Kingdom clan.
"I understand," Mayumi replied, taking another sip of the tea. This time, the flavor had shifted, slightly sour. She allowed herself to believe that it was the ginkgo leaf's influence on the brew.
"Is your request solely for your sister's instruction in Earthbending, or is there something more?" Te Gaogui's question was pointed, piercing through the layers of doubt and uncertainty that clouded Mayumi's thoughts. The Kyoshi Warrior had little understanding of how Earthbending is taught, but she knew that only practice would cultivate skill. Perhaps she had placed too much focus on Satchiko's academic progress, neglecting the true heart of her training. This was complicated further by Zhu Xi's emphasis on scholarly activities. But wasn't that the case for all students? The privilege of studying under an Earth Sage is not a simple one, those who graduated often achieved mastery not only over the ink brush but also secured positions of authority, potentially becoming ministers or high-ranking officials.
Te Gaogui took another sip, a faint impatience creeping into her posture as she waited for Mayumi's answer. "Do not confuse your ambitions with those of your sister," she advised with an almost philosophical air. "Although I harbor many unfulfilled dreams, some foolish, others indulgent, my duty to the Te clan's interests supersedes my personal desires. Your family, however, is not bound by such obligations. I see no reason for your sister to participate in the Keju examination unless it is her genuine wish to carve a name for herself in the world of scholars."
Mayumi grasped her apron, acknowledging the noblewoman's insight with a solemn nod. Nevertheless, she could not shake the feeling that the opportunity to study at Ba Sing Se University is too valuable to dismiss. So much time and effort had been invested to even arrive at this moment.
They both sat in silence, savoring their tea, each lost in their own thoughts. Yet, Mayumi could not ignore the sense that her presence in this garden is not merely a casual meeting over tea. Prior to their conversation, she had handed over the white umbrella to Aunt Ayi, allowing Lady Te to examine its fine details. The delicate painting of mountains and rivers on the parasol seemed so lifelike, one almost felt compelled to reach out and touch it.
"It's beautiful," Te Gaogui remarked, clearly impressed by the umbrella. "More than I had imagined. One can discern the skill in every brushstroke. I wouldn't be surprised if even the Spirits were impressed by such craftsmanship." She then turned to Mayumi, a knowing glint in her eye. "It's curious, isn't it? In life, some people toil endlessly yet fail to obtain what they desire. Others, by mere chance, acquire it with little effort."
"It's just an umbrella," Mayumi said, attempting to downplay its significance. But Te Gaogui is quick to contradict her.
"Ah, but there are those who would covet this simple gift. You may not see its value, but others will." Lady Te said. "The hearts of women are fickle, at least for the ones I must interact with."
The Kyoshi Warrior nodded, silently acknowledging the lesson being imparted. Despite being the eldest daughter of a village chief and a descendent of a war hero, she is still insignificant compared to the heiresses of prominent clans across the world. High culture, in her eyes, still remains so foreign despite her familiarity through the pages of history.
After a brief silence, the noblewoman returned the umbrella, her words turning to a more serious note. "Do not be surprised if gossip circulates among the Upper Ring. Among the affluent households, rumors spread like wildfire."
"Lady Te," Mayumi said, adopting a more formal tone. "I can assure you, Shan and I are mere strangers. I was not even aware that he was the White Scholar."
Before Mayumi could elaborate further, Te Gaogui raised a hand in a gesture of quiet assurance. "You need not deny anything. I am not interrogating you. Do I truly seem so shallow in the eyes of others?"
Mayumi immediately apologized, and they continued their conversation in a more measured tone.
"In truth, I did not expect Shan the White Scholar to rise to this year's highest rank," Te Gaogui admitted, her gaze distant as she sipped her tea. "While I acknowledge his talent, few expected a calligrapher such as he to reach unprecedented heights." She explained that Shan, known across Ba Sing Se for his paintings and calligraphy, earned wealth through commissions from merchants and Upper Ring households. Some of his works had even been discovered in remote places, such as the Si Wong Desert. Yet many dismissed him as a potential candidate for high office, largely due to his lack of formal tutelage under an Earth Sage, which is essential for understanding the complex philosophy of the Earth Kingdom's ancient ancestors.
"Frankly, I do not know much about him," Te Gaogui sighed, staring at her beverage as Aunt Ayi refilled the cup. "I concede he is a better scholar than me. Unfortunately, since I failed to reach the desired goal that benefits my people, underhanded methods must now be applied."
"What do you mean?" Mayumi asked, placing the white umbrella aside, confusion evident in her voice.
Seemingly spurred on by the Kyoshi Warrior's ignorance, Lady Te's retainer could not contain her thoughts. Speaking without permission, she revealed all veiled intentions with one single blunder.
"Our lady believes that a union with Shan, the Zhuangyuan, would benefit Zigan," she blurted, words spilling out without thought. "This alliance would protect our interests, so you'd best stay away from him."
"Aunt Ayi!" Lady Te almost raised her voice, surprised by the overstep of bounds. Had this been a typical tea gathering among Upper Ring heiresses, the gossip would have spread like wildfire, further damaging the Te clan's reputation. While her retainer is undeniably loyal, her uncontrolled mouth posed a far greater danger than any covert betrayal.
After surmounting her initial surprise, Mayumi cleared her throat, respectfully challenging the feasibility of this political marriage. It was clear that the Zhuangyuan rank would bring significant influence, possibly shaping the policies of the state. Yet from the perspective of a village girl, how could a mere marriage to a scholar, talented though he was, serve as a safeguard for Zigan's future?
"Perhaps things work differently in your land," Te Gaogui said. "For those in my position, love is a trivial thing. The smallest actions I take here could alter the fate of all who dwell in Zigan. I doubt even the most obtuse could ignore the daily massacres beyond these walls. Zigan may soon face a similar fate."
This time, Mayumi truly contemplated the intricate nature of diplomacy, tries to remove herself from the romanticized view of love and marriages. Insinuated by Te Gaogui, it appears Zigan faces threats it cannot surmount, dire enough to warrant some sort of alliance with a non-hostile entity. But such is the strategy for smaller states that has insufficient strength, they require the protection, either officially or symbolically, to deter the ambitions of nearby adversaries.
"Assuming we share the same thoughts, you intend to use this union as a deterrence," Mayumi cautiously added. "It's a very risky one with no guarantee. Why sacrifice your own happiness for a strategy that might not even yield the desired fruit?" She pressed on, both out of her own conscience and due to the respect she has towards Lady Te. "Surely this is your father's machination, forcefully betrothing you to the man who insulted your family."
The Kyoshi Warrior is indignant at thought of the White Scholar. But like a blossoming flower wondering when her petals will wilt, Te Gaogui replied candidly, asserting that as the heir to Zigan, the wellbeing of her own people far surpasses personal desires. Surprisingly, it was solely the idea of this heiress. This still confounded Mayumi, who expressed ignorance on such peculiar decision-making.
Te Gaogui, her gaze solemn, responded with a quiet truth. "Wouldn't you do the same? Think about the sacrifices you are willing to make for your sister, I believe you can understand my perspective. Considering the shared history between my family and your beloved Avatar, I hope you will not interfere with my attempt to safeguard my people."
Naturally, those words caught Mayumi off-guard, she quickly assured of never entertaining any wanton intentions on the White Scholar. Both women understood that the games of the elite are beyond the comprehension of those raised in more humble circumstances, promising to steer away from each other's goals.
Once again, Te Gaogui sighed, her heart heavy with the weight of responsibilities. The world, it seemed, had little room for personal desires.
"Isn't it somewhat hilarious?" Te Gaogui mused, her tone softening for a moment. "No matter how much we progress, there's always that nagging urge to cling to the old ways. Those who preach moral righteousness are often the most entrenched in outdated values. And yet, the power of familial ties remains strong. Like beasts choosing the freshest fruit from the basket or the plumpest fish from the barrel, we too want the advantages of courting a Zhuanyuan scholar, someone who will likely rise to the highest ranks in this city's government. It's… pathetic, really, that I am resorting to the same strategy of that—" She paused, her brow furrowing slightly. The Te noblewoman couldn't even remember the name of Ximen Qing's latest mistress. Despite already having an official wife, that womanizing scion switches a paramour every four months. "Truthfully, I too have no affection for that Zhuangyuan. But I don't need to love him, just enough to safeguard the people of Zigan from the sea of fire that surrounds them.
Born as the eldest daughter of a village chief, Mayumi was no stranger to the concept of political marriages. Her own life had been shaped by such considerations. After reaching marriable age, there are no shortages of betrothal gifts, either from sons of merchants or a local family on Kyoshi Island. There is even a young noble from Chin Village, proposing a marriage between their two families as a gesture of mending ties.
"I understand your doubts," Lady Te continued, her voice steady, though laced with the weariness of unspoken burdens. "Despite our similar upbringing as daughters of leaders, a competent warrior like yourself naturally views the world differently from a noble family's scion. I envy you, but my responsibilities demands that I place the wellbeing of those who live on Zigan for generations above my personal desires."
"Is it truly worth more than your own chance at bliss?" Mayumi respectfully challenged Te Gaogui one last time. She has not an ounce of endearment for the White Scholar, who might have 'gifted' the umbrella with less than altruistic motives. Furthermore, the idea that Ba Sing Se would even send armies, passing many independent states just to aid the land of Zigan also feels unpragmatic.
Te Gaogui stared at Mayumi, bearing an expression that is unreadable. Compared to the countless innocent people on this war-torn continent, either slaughtered in the hundreds of thousands or starved until their bones protrudes from the skin, the likes of them are rather lucky.
"The consequences you spoke of are merely a small price to pay," Lady Te said without hesitation. "True love is a luxury, a commodity the aristocracy are ironically less likely to enjoy. I have no feelings for the Zhuangyuan, but I don't need to. He is… reasonable. That is enough."
Regardless of the noblewoman's inclinations, the ultimate decision lay firmly within the grasp of Lord Te. Though their clan's honor had been tarnished by the infamy of the White Scholar, securing an alliance with a future high-ranking official represented a significant boon to the family's standing. It is too enticing even for a stubborn patriarch.
After much deliberation, Mayumi extended the parasol to the noblewoman, believing it might aid her in the arduous endeavor. However, the gesture was politely declined. Accepting such a gift, however well-intentioned, would breach the etiquette befitting the Te heiress.
"I appreciate your thoughtfulness," Lady Te replied graciously. "But I want you to keep it. It is an exquisite piece, no doubt. Just be certain to wield it in a land where tongues will not twist its presence against you."
The final remark, though framed as advice, carried undeniable practicality. Merely possessing Shan's parasol risked inviting the scrutiny and speculation of the Upper Ring aristocracy. Though Mayumi is still an outsider to their labyrinthine world, she had come to understand the grotesque undercurrents beneath their polished exteriors. In this realm, where the obsession towards reputation outweighed virtue, the sharp gazes of noble ladies pricked her like needles.
"I never truly regarded this as a gift," Mayumi admitted, her grip tightening around the parasol, which now felt as much a burden as it is a work of art. "It's more like something temporarily entrusted to me. Who would have thought such an unassuming object could become the eye of a storm?"
"And a storm it shall bring," Te Gaogui murmured, delicately blowing on her tea before sipping. "Having endured the company of these noble ladies for years, I can assure you their words are more venomous than the deadliest serpents. You would do well to avoid them altogether."
The prospect of drawing unwelcome attention sent an involuntary shiver through the Kyoshi Warrior, though Te Gaogui seemed oblivious to her unease or the reasons behind the adopted alias.
With the meeting drawing to a close, Mayumi bowed deeply, expressing her gratitude for Lady Te's willingness to convene and address their mutual concerns. Despite the trust and respect exchanged, the very act of Shan gifting the parasol served as a reminder that their paths are now fraught with perilous intricacies.
"Forgive me for my earlier outburst," Aunt Ayi said quietly after Mayumi's departure. "But can we truly trust her? Friendly terms today may not prevent her from becoming an obstacle tomorrow."
Gently sipping the tea, hoping to douse her own unending toil of living amongst the aristocracy, Lady Te didn't give a definitive reply.
"She's not the type to act against us willingly," the heiress replied at last. "But what benefit could she even reap by courting the White Scholar?"
In hindsight, the Kyoshi Warrior has more reasons to resent the enigmatic figure in white. His so-called 'gift' of the parasol had become a beacon for scandal, drawing the relentless speculation of the Upper Ring's elite like moths to a flame. While a Zhuangyuan scholar is undoubtedly a coveted prize for any family seeking to bolster prestige through marriages, even the faintest blemish on his reputation threatened to undermine such ambitions.
Yet, the Te heiress could not deny the White Scholar's brilliance, not merely in literary pursuits but in audacity and foresight. He is obviously a rather unorthodox young scholar, brazen enough to even challenge the ideals of the Earth Sages.
As Mayumi disappeared through the garden's entrance, Te Gaogui watched her with an air of quiet melancholy. For those born into the aristocracy, love is unfortunately one of the few luxuries that wealth and status could never procure. Personal desires are sacrificed on the altar of family honor, a concept often more abstract than meaningful.
The heiress had long since resigned herself to this reality. She is prepared to exalt the needs of her people above the whims of her heart. Yet, to claim she harbored no envy for those free to pursue love on their own terms would be a lie.
"I only hope she is as pragmatic as I like to believe her to be," Te Gaogui remarked softly, her words trailing as she emptied the last drop of tea from the cup. "In many ways, we are alike. But too much affection clouds judgment. Between the two of us, I cannot say who is the greater fool."
End of Chapter Notes:
-During the Warring States Period(475 – 221 BC), the concept of Vertical Alliance and Horizontal Alliance is often explored with the relationship between the State of Qin and the other less powerful states. The former describes the series of weaker entities forming a coalition to attack the strongest kingdom while the latter encourages the strongest power to ally with distant minor states. In the circumstances of this story, this strategy is essentially similar but bearing opposite names due to Ba Sing Se's geographical positioning.
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