Chapter 39: Winds of Change

The morning after the wedding dawned clear and bright, as if the heavens themselves celebrated Li Xiao and Jin Tao’s union. Silk banners fluttered along the palace walls, and the gardens were fragrant with fresh blossoms. Yet beneath the jubilation lay an undercurrent of urgency: word had come that nomadic tribes beyond the northern passes were gathering, drawn by rumors of imperial weakness.

Li Xiao awoke in her new chambers—the former archivist’s study, now transformed into a bridal suite of pale rose silk and jade accents. The silver lotus brooch rested on her dresser like a promise of vigilance. She dressed swiftly in light riding robes of pale green and bound her hair with the jade pin. Today, she would ride with Jin Tao to meet the emperor’s council and plan the defense of the northern frontier.

In the adjoining room, Jin Tao emerged in his riding cloak—dark silk trimmed with silver phoenix feathers. His crimson eyes softened as he saw her. He crossed the room, taking her hand. “The council awaits,” he said quietly. “Are you ready?”

Li Xiao nodded, determination shining in her dark eyes. “With you, always.”

They mounted their horses in the courtyard, where Lady Meng, Lieutenant Zhao, and Ambassador Eirian’s Isles’ detachment waited. The emperor’s carriage rolled behind them, carrying the royal seal and senior ministers. As the procession wound through the eastern gate and onto the broad avenues, citizens bowed in respect, their cheers mingling with the clip‑clop of hooves.

At the Hall of Reflections, the three magistrates—High Chancellor Wu, Minister of War Gao, and Minister of Justice Feng—seated themselves on the thrones. The emperor, in pale jade robes, sat at the center, flanked by Jin Tao and Li Xiao. Courtiers filled the hall, their robes a tapestry of silk and brocade.

High Chancellor Wu rose. “Grand Advisor, Archivist‑Consort, we greet you on your wedding morn. Yet grave tidings from the north demand our counsel.”

Minister of War Gao stood next. “Nomadic confederations—once pacified—have massed near the Black Mountain Pass. They claim the empire’s recent trials signal weakness. We must decide whether to send troops or negotiate.”

Minister of Justice Feng added, “Our treaties with the Western Isles have strengthened coastal defense. Yet our northern borders rely on vigilance. We require both strategy and diplomacy.”

The emperor’s gaze turned to Jin Tao. “Your counsel, Grand Advisor.”

Jin Tao rose, Li Xiao at his side. “Your Majesty, the nomads respect strength tempered by respect. We can offer an envoy—led by Archivist‑Consort Li Xiao and Ambassador Eirian—to negotiate a tributary pact, while deploying a show of force under Lady Meng’s command. This dual approach may deter invasion and foster alliance.”

He glanced at Li Xiao, who stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I propose a Festival of Harmony at the northern outpost—a display of imperial culture and Isles’ art. We will share poetry, lanterns, and tea beneath the mountain’s shadow, signaling peace rather than conquest.”

A murmur rippled through the court. High Chancellor Wu inclined his head. “A cultural overture, backed by martial readiness—wise.”

The emperor nodded. “So be it. Archivist‑Consort Li Xiao and Ambassador Eirian shall lead the envoy. Lady Meng, prepare the northern garrison. Lieutenant Zhao will accompany the mission.”

Li Xiao and Eirian bowed deeply. Lady Meng saluted. Lieutenant Zhao stood at attention, while Jin Tao offered a proud smile.

That afternoon, Li Xiao oversaw the loading of cultural treasures onto the imperial envoy carriage: silk scrolls, painted lanterns, and Isles’ koto instruments. Ambassador Eirian selected a set of sea‑silk tapestries depicting the Isles’ coastal festivals. Li Xiao added a collection of imperial poetry bound in jade‑edged volumes.

Lady Meng inspected the garrison’s arms and armor: polished breastplates, steel‑tipped spears, and cavalry saddles. She nodded in approval. “Our soldiers stand ready.”

Li Xiao turned to Jin Tao. “Do you trust me to lead this mission?”

He placed a hand on her shoulder. “Your wisdom and courage will light our path.”

At dawn, the envoy departed through the northern gate. Lanterns in white and jade adorned the archway, their glow a benediction. The procession included the imperial carriage, Isles’ vessels loaded on wagons, and Lady Meng’s mounted guard. Li Xiao rode beside Ambassador Eirian, the koto’s case strapped behind her saddle. Lieutenant Zhao rode at the rear, eyes alert.

The road wound through forested hills, past clear streams and rocky outcrops. Li Xiao gazed at the Black Mountain’s jagged peaks, feeling both awe and trepidation. She recalled The Tale of the Princess Kaguya’s bamboo forest—where each step led deeper into mystery. Here, the mystery was a potential war.

At midday, they paused at a small village. Li Xiao dismounted to speak with villagers, offering tea and lantern‑writing materials. Children scrawled wishes of peace on paper orbs. The warmth in their eyes reassured her that the festival’s promise would resonate beyond the palace.

As dusk fell, the envoy reached the mountain outpost. Fortified walls crowned the cliffs, torches burning atop ramparts. Nomadic tents dotted the valley below, their fluttering flags echoing the imperial banners above.

Li Xiao and Eirian entered the outpost’s courtyard, where the nomadic chieftain, Kulan Khan, awaited. He was a tall man, his hair braided and silver‑streaked, clad in fur‑lined robes. His keen eyes regarded the imperial envoy with curiosity.

Li Xiao knelt and offered a lantern inscribed with “Unity in diversity.” Kulan Khan accepted it, his rough hand surprisingly gentle.

Jin Tao and Lady Meng dismounted, flanking Li Xiao. The garrison’s spearmen formed a respectful half‑circle.

Li Xiao rose and spoke through the koto’s resonant chords, playing a Isles’ melody that drifted through the torches’ glow. She then recited a poem of mountains and rivers:

Between peaks of ice and wind,
Two worlds converge at lantern’s light.
May we drink from the same cup,
Our stories woven into dawn.

Her voice echoed in the valley. Kulan Khan listened, then signaled his men. A group of nomadic bards emerged, playing horse‑hair fiddles in reply. The music intertwined—imperial zither and nomadic fiddle—creating a bridge of sound.

After the performance, Kulan Khan invited the envoy to a feast beneath a canopy of tents. Fires crackled, and roasted lamb and flatbread were offered. Li Xiao shared tea with the chieftain, pouring from a jade vessel. As they sipped, she spoke of mutual respect and shared prosperity.

Kulan Khan nodded thoughtfully. “Your music and poetry honor our spirits. I will send my warriors back to their tents. Tomorrow, we open trade routes together.”

Lady Meng bowed. “And we stand ready to defend our new alliance.”

Lieutenant Zhao and the garrison saluted, their presence a promise of security.

That night, as the envoy camped within the outpost walls, Li Xiao stood beneath the lantern‑lit ramparts. She held the lantern given by Kulan Khan, its flame steady against the mountain breeze.

Jin Tao joined her, his cloak billowing. “You bridged worlds tonight,” he said softly.

She looked up at him, her heart full. “And you stood by me.”

He placed a hand on her waist. “Together, we light the empire’s path—north, south, east, and west.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “May our lanterns guide every horizon.”

Under the mountain’s silent watch, Archivist‑Consort and Grand Advisor stood side by side—hearts entwined, ready to face every dawn and every dusk in the empire they had vowed to protect.