Chapter 15: A Fragile Accord

Li Xiao dipped her brush into ink as the rebel leader, Wei Long, and Counselor Jin Tao reviewed the parchment before them. The chamber’s single lantern cast a warm glow on the rough-hewn walls, where tapestries of past dynasties hung faded and tattered.

“Lower grain taxes by fifty percent,” Wei Long read aloud, “and return fallow lands to the farmers. Establish a council of local elders to oversee governance.” He looked to Jin Tao, his scarred cheek softening. “These terms are just.”

Jin Tao inclined his head. “They reflect the emperor’s desire for harmony. Once the treaty is ratified, imperial forces will withdraw to designated garrisons, and trade may resume unimpeded.”

Li Xiao carefully transcribed each clause, her brush gliding across the parchment. She felt the weight of history in her hands—the chance to shape a lasting peace.

Wei Long leaned forward. “What of the soldiers who joined our cause? Many did so out of desperation, not loyalty to rebellion.”

Jin Tao paused, considering. “Any who surrender arms and pledge loyalty will be granted clemency. They may return to their homes or join the imperial militia under fair terms.”

A murmur of approval passed through the assembled citizens outside the chamber’s barred windows. Li Xiao’s heart lifted—hope, once fragile, now took root.

Wei Long studied Jin Tao’s face. “Your word is your bond, Counselor?”

Jin Tao met his gaze steadily. “My word is unbreakable.”

Wei Long’s hand closed in a firm handshake with Jin Tao. Li Xiao bowed her head in relief, her brush stilled.

By mid‑morning, the treaty was complete. Li Xiao sealed the scroll with imperial wax, the red phoenix imprint standing out against the parchment. Jin Tao held the document up for all to see.

“Let it be known,” he proclaimed, “that peace has returned to Hanford City. May this accord endure for the prosperity of all.”

Cheers erupted in the square outside. Li Xiao joined the crowd as they flooded the streets, faces bright with cautious optimism. Children ran between stalls offering fresh produce, and farmers embraced former soldiers turned militia members. The air thrummed with relief.

Jin Tao found Li Xiao amid the throng. “Well done,” he said quietly, slipping an arm around her shoulders. The gesture was subtle but grounding.

She smiled up at him. “We did it.”

He nodded, eyes scanning the jubilant scene. “Come. We depart for the capital at once.”

The journey back to Liángzhōu was swift and uneventful. News of the accord preceded them, and each relay station greeted Jin Tao’s carriage with banners and cheering crowds. Li Xiao’s chest swelled with pride at the sight of the treaty’s positive impact.

On the final morning, as the palace gates loomed, Li Xiao prepared her writing tools one last time. She polished the silver needle gifted by Jin Tao and secured her jade hairpin. Sister Wu appeared, her eyes bright.

“You have served with honor,” Sister Wu said, placing a gentle hand on Li Xiao’s arm. “The counselor will not forget your loyalty.”

Li Xiao inclined her head. “I serve to honor his trust.”

Sister Wu smiled. “And you do so well.”

In the grand audience chamber, the emperor awaited on his gilded throne. Courtiers lined the hall, their robes a tapestry of silk and brocade. Jin Tao and Li Xiao approached, the treaty scroll held between them.

The emperor’s gaze was sharp as he received the scroll. Jin Tao knelt and presented it. “Your Majesty, peace has been restored to Hanford City under these terms.”

The emperor examined the document, his expression inscrutable. Li Xiao knelt beside Jin Tao, heart pounding as she awaited judgment.

At last, the emperor spoke. “This treaty honors both justice and mercy. You have served the realm well, Counselor. Rise.”

Jin Tao stood and extended a hand to Li Xiao, helping her to her feet. The emperor’s gaze flicked to her.

“You,” he said, voice carrying across the hall, “you who transcribed and sealed this accord, your diligence and discretion have aided the realm. You shall be appointed as Junior Archivist to the Imperial Secretariat.”

A gasp rippled through the courtiers. Li Xiao’s heart leapt. She bowed deeply. “I am humbled, Your Majesty.”

The emperor inclined his head. “Rise, Archivist Li Xiao.”

As they exited the audience chamber, Li Xiao’s mind reeled with the weight of her new title. Jin Tao walked beside her, pride shining in his crimson eyes.

“You earned this,” he said softly.

She turned to him, tears of joy brimming. “I could not have done it without you.”

He reached out, brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “And you will continue to do great things.”

Li Xiao pressed her hand to her heart. “With you by my side.”

Jin Tao’s gaze softened, and he slipped his arm around her waist as they walked through the palace corridors. Lanterns glowed warmly overhead, and distant laughter echoed through the halls.

Under the palace’s silent watch, Li Xiao and Jin Tao stepped into a new chapter—one forged by duty, tempered by compassion, and bound by the unbreakable promise of trust.