Chapter 26: the Lantern Council

The dawn light filtered through the papered windows of Li Xiao’s new office, where rows of ivory lantern models stood on low tables. Each represented a proposal for the Lantern Council: floating water lanterns, sky lanterns, ceremonial lantern dances, and educational displays on cultural exchange with the Western Isles. As Head of the Lantern Council, Li Xiao felt both exhilaration and responsibility. The festival’s success had proven the power of light to unite, but sustaining that unity required vision and dedication.

She smoothed her lavender robes and arranged her jade hairpin. The silver lotus handkerchief lay folded on her desk—a silent reminder of the trust she and Jin Tao had forged. She opened the doors to the council chamber, a circular pavilion lined with lanterns and cherry‑wood screens painted with phoenix motifs.

Grand Advisor Jin Tao entered behind her, his dark robes trimmed in silver. His crimson eyes softened when they met hers. “Good morning, Head Li Xiao,” he greeted, inclining his head. “Are you prepared for today’s session?”

Li Xiao bowed. “Yes, Grand Advisor. I have compiled the initial proposals.” She gestured to the lantern models. “Our first order of business: the Waterborne Lantern Ritual. The coastal provinces request permission to host a lantern procession along the river, symbolizing harmony between land and sea.”

Jin Tao nodded thoughtfully. “An elegant idea. The emperor will appreciate its symbolism. What of the Sky Lantern Ceremony?”

Li Xiao turned to a model of a sky lantern, its paper shell inscribed with prayers for peace. “Proposed for the mid‑autumn festival. We would coordinate with the Western Isles to release lanterns simultaneously—bridging our skies across the sea.”

Jin Tao’s lips curved in a rare smile. “A beautiful gesture of alliance. And the dancers’ choreography?”

Li Xiao motioned to a painted screen depicting dancers beneath lantern canopies. “The dance troupe suggests a new routine combining imperial court dance with Isles’ folk steps—symbolizing cultural fusion.”

Jin Tao considered each model in turn. “All are worthy. Yet we must prioritize. Resources and manpower are finite.” He paused. “What is your recommendation?”

Li Xiao inhaled, steadying herself. “I propose we begin with the Waterborne Ritual. Its timing aligns with the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival. Then, mid‑autumn, we launch the Sky Lantern Ceremony with the Isles. The dance can debut at the winter Solstice Festival.”

Jin Tao studied her, his gaze thoughtful. “A sound plan. Present it to the emperor for final approval.”

Li Xiao bowed. “I will prepare the memorandum.”

The imperial audience chamber gleamed beneath midday light as Li Xiao and Jin Tao approached the emperor’s throne. Courtiers fell silent as they entered, and the emperor—resplendent in jade robes—gestured for them to kneel.

“Grand Advisor,” the emperor began, “Head of the Lantern Council, you bring proposals?” His tone was patient but expectant.

Li Xiao knelt and presented her memorandum. “Your Majesty, to sustain the unity we achieved, we propose a three‑phase Lantern Program: 1) Waterborne Lantern Ritual during Dragon Boat Festival; 2) Sky Lantern Ceremony in mid‑autumn with the Western Isles; 3) Cultural Lantern Dance at the Solstice Festival.” She paused, letting her words settle. “Each event will reinforce our alliances and celebrate cultural harmony.”

The emperor reviewed the memorandum, his expression unreadable. Jin Tao knelt at his side, silent support in his presence. At last, the emperor spoke. “Your vision honors the empire’s ideals. I grant approval. Proceed with preparations.”

A ripple of relief passed through the court. Li Xiao bowed deeply. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Jin Tao rose and extended a hand to Li Xiao. She took it, feeling his strength anchor her. Together, they left the chamber to begin the work ahead.

Back in the Lantern Council chamber, Li Xiao gathered the council members—senior scribes, artisans, and Isles’ cultural envoys. She laid out the emperor’s approval and outlined the timeline. The room buzzed with excitement as each member volunteered for tasks: lantern production, site preparations, artistic direction, and diplomatic coordination.

Among them was Ambassador Eirian’s cultural attaché, Lady Mira, who offered insights into Isles’ lantern traditions. “Our sky lanterns are woven with sea‑silk threads,” Lady Mira explained. “They rise gracefully, carrying prayers to the heavens.” She demonstrated a miniature weaving technique that Li Xiao found mesmerizing.

An artisan, Master Wei, sketched designs for the Waterborne Ritual lanterns: elegant boats shaped like lotus flowers, their petals illuminated from within. “We will float hundreds on the imperial river,” he said. “The reflection will be like a sky fallen into water.”

Li Xiao’s mind raced with possibilities. “We must ensure safe navigation,” she cautioned. “And coordinate with the river guards for evening traffic.” She assigned tasks: the naval coordinator would map the procession route; the safety officer would deploy floating barriers; and the artists would oversee lantern assembly.

Throughout the session, Jin Tao observed quietly, stepping in only to advise or clarify. His confidence in her leadership bolstered her resolve. By late afternoon, the council adjourned, each member clear on their role.

Li Xiao sank into her seat, exhaustion and exhilaration mingling in her limbs. Jin Tao approached with two cups of tea. He handed her one. “Well done,” he said softly.

She accepted gratefully, sipping the fragrant brew. “Thank you for your guidance.”

He knelt beside her. “You led them with grace. I could not be prouder.”

She placed her hand on his. “We make a good team.”

He smiled, the lantern light dancing in his crimson eyes. “The best team.”

In the following weeks, preparations swirled like a festival in motion. Artisans labored in lantern workshops, weaving paper, painting silk, and crafting bamboo frames. Naval officers drilled crews for the Waterborne Ritual. Diplomats arranged Isles’ envoys’ travel and lodging. Li Xiao’s days stretched from dawn’s first light to the flicker of lanterns at night, but she embraced each challenge.

One afternoon, as she inspected lantern prototypes, she noticed a flaw in the sky lantern’s frame—it sagged in the center, risking collapse. She frowned and summoned Master Wei.

“This frame needs reinforcement,” she said, pointing. “Add a cross‑brace at the midpoint and reinforce with sea‑silk binding.”

Master Wei nodded. “Excellent catch. I will have the artisans correct it immediately.”

Li Xiao exhaled, relief washing over her. Attention to detail would ensure the festival’s success.

On the eve of the Waterborne Lantern Ritual, Li Xiao found herself on the riverbank, lanterns piled high and guards in place. The setting sun painted the sky in hues of amber and rose. Grand Advisor Jin Tao arrived, his dark robes billowing in the breeze.

“They are ready,” he said, his crimson eyes reflecting the lantern stacks.

She nodded. “The boats launch at dusk.”

They stepped into a small pavilion overlooking the river. From the water’s edge, the lotus‑shaped lanterns glowed like embers waiting to ignite.

At last, the signal horn sounded. Lanterns were placed on the wooden rafts and gently pushed into the current. Li Xiao and Jin Tao released the first two together. The lanterns drifted outward, their light shimmering on the water.

As more lanterns set sail, the river became a river of stars. Courtiers and commoners watched in awe as the lanterns formed a glowing path beneath the moon. Li Xiao felt a lump in her throat—a mixture of pride, wonder, and hope.

Jin Tao stood beside her, his presence steady. He reached for her hand. “Look how they rise,” he murmured. “Each lantern a promise.”

She squeezed his hand. “Each promise a beacon for our future.”

They watched in companionable silence until the final lantern drifted out of sight. The river returned to gentle ripples, but the memory of light lingered in their hearts.

The next morning, Li Xiao returned to the Secretariat, her body weary but her spirit alight. Master Shen awaited with new directives for the Sky Lantern Ceremony. Li Xiao smiled, ready to begin the next phase.

As she left her office, she found Jin Tao waiting by the koi pond. He offered a small package tied with silver ribbon. Inside was a delicate silk lantern ornament, painted with a lotus and phoenix entwined.

“For your council,” he said. “A symbol of our unity.”

She accepted it, touched beyond words. “It’s beautiful.”

He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “So are you.”

Her heart fluttered. In that moment, amid lanterns and blossoms, Archivist and Grand Advisor shared a quiet promise: to guide the empire’s light together—now and always.