Chapter 17: Diplomats and Delicacies

The reception hall buzzed with activity as the Western Isles delegation arrived. Richly embroidered banners—azure waves upon silver fields—hung from the walls. Musicians tuned zithers in the corner, and servants arranged platters of exotic fruits, spiced meats, and delicate pastries. The air smelled of cinnamon, citrus, and polished wood.

Li Xiao stood beside Counselor Jin Tao, her new role as Junior Archivist and aide extending to diplomatic protocol. She wore a gown of pale lavender trimmed in indigo, her hair pinned back with the jade hairpin. At her waist, the silver lotus handkerchief peeked out, a silent token of confidence.

“Remember,” Jin Tao murmured, his crimson eyes scanning the hall, “offer the delegation the northern border report and our response in a bound volume. Then guide them to the negotiation chamber.”

Li Xiao nodded, her heart steady. “Yes, Counselor.”

As the Western Isles envoys entered—led by Ambassador Eirian, a tall woman with silver-streaked hair and sea‑green robes—Li Xiao stepped forward. She carried a leather-bound dossier embossed with the imperial phoenix seal.

“Your Excellency,” Li Xiao said, bowing deeply as Ambassador Eirian approached. “I present the Liángzhōu border report and proposed terms for trade and mutual defense.”

The ambassador accepted the dossier with a gracious nod. “Thank you, Archivist Li Xiao. Your reputation precedes you.” Her voice was melodic, with a hint of an island lilt.

Li Xiao’s cheeks warmed. “It is my honor to serve.”

Behind them, Jin Tao greeted the remaining envoys with formal courtesy, then turned to Li Xiao. “Lead them to the chamber.”

Li Xiao guided Ambassador Eirian and her retinue through a side corridor lined with scroll‑covered shelves. The corridor’s hush stood in contrast to the hall’s bustle. Soft lantern light illuminated their path.

At the end, a carved door opened onto the negotiation chamber: a circular room with a low round table, cushions set for each delegate. Incense curled from a silver censer at the center, its scent of sandalwood and amber soothing.

Li Xiao gestured to the cushions. “Please be seated.”

Ambassador Eirian bowed to Jin Tao and then sat gracefully. The other envoys—ministers and military attachés—followed suit. Li Xiao stepped back, ready to assist.

Jin Tao began with measured courtesy. “Welcome to Liángzhōu. We value our alliance with the Western Isles. The border report outlines our mutual concerns regarding trade routes and security.” He indicated the dossier. “Archivist Li Xiao will provide details.”

Li Xiao knelt beside the table and unbound the volume. She opened to the summary of proposed trade tariffs and security patrols. “We propose tariff reductions on silk and tea, in exchange for joint naval patrols in the coastal provinces.” She glanced at the ambassador. “These measures will secure commerce and deter piracy.”

Ambassador Eirian’s sea‑green eyes lit with interest. “A fair proposal. Our merchants will welcome reduced tariffs, and our fleets are eager to ensure safe passage.”

One envoy, Minister Harwood, frowned. “Joint patrols require shared command. How will we address chain-of-command disputes?”

Li Xiao responded, voice calm and precise. “We suggest a rotating command structure: three‑month cycles, with a joint council to adjudicate disputes. The Grand Council will oversee the process.”

Minister Harwood nodded slowly. “Pragmatic.”

Jin Tao added, “We will draft the agreement accordingly.” He turned to Ambassador Eirian. “Are these terms acceptable?”

The ambassador considered, then smiled. “They are sound. I look forward to our continued partnership.”

With that, the tension in the chamber eased. Li Xiao released a quiet breath and stood. Jin Tao offered her a subtle nod of approval.

After the negotiations, the reception hall refilled with laughter and music. Courtiers and envoys sampled the delicacies: candied kumquats, spiced lamb skewers, and lotus seed pastries. Li Xiao helped oversee the service, ensuring each diplomat received the correct dishes and ceremonial tea.

At a side table, Ambassador Eirian approached Li Xiao. “Archivist Li Xiao, may I offer you a taste of our Isles’ honey‑glazed figs?” She held out a small porcelain plate.

Li Xiao accepted gratefully. “Thank you, Excellency.” She sampled a fig, its sweetness balanced by a hint of ginger. “Delicious.”

The ambassador smiled. “I trust you will enjoy our Isles’ hospitality. If you ever visit our shores, you must dine with me.”

Li Xiao bowed. “It would be my privilege.”

Across the hall, Jin Tao observed quietly, his gaze lingering on Li Xiao’s bright smile. He stepped forward and offered her a cup of imperial jasmine tea.

She accepted it, meeting his crimson eyes. “Thank you, Counselor.”

He inclined his head. “You handled the negotiations admirably.”

Li Xiao’s heart warmed. “I learned from the best.”

A soft silence passed between them, the music and laughter fading into the background. In that moment, Li Xiao realized how far she had come—from a humble maid polishing floors to an archivist shaping imperial alliances. And by her side stood the man whose trust had carried her through every trial.

That night, as Li Xiao returned to her quarters, she paused beneath the moonlit corridor. The jade hairpin and silver lotus handkerchief gleamed in the lantern light. She pressed a hand to her heart, gratitude and longing intertwined.

Ahead, Jin Tao’s chambers lay silent. She took a breath and knocked softly. The door opened, and he stood there, robes wrapped against the night’s chill.

“Archivist Li Xiao,” he greeted, offering a warm smile. “A moment?”

She nodded, stepping inside. The room was quiet, lit by a single lantern. He closed the door and approached, his crimson eyes soft.

“Today was a success,” he said, voice low. “Thanks to you.”

Li Xiao bowed her head. “I could not have done it without your guidance.”

He reached out, tucking the silver handkerchief into her sash. “A reminder that you carry both my trust and my gratitude.”

She looked up at him, her heart pounding. “Thank you.”

He hesitated, then gently brushed a strand of hair from her face. “Rest now,” he whispered. “Tomorrow, new duties await.”

She nodded, her gaze lingering on his. “Good night, Counselor.”

He inclined his head. “Good night, Li Xiao.”

As she left, Li Xiao felt the soft echo of his touch against her skin—an unspoken promise of partnership, respect, and the deepening bond between archivist and counselor. Under the palace’s silent watch, their shared journey continued—woven from duty, trust, and the tender stirrings of something more.