Shan rested upon his seat when they finally returned home, his arms draped across the desk, eyes fixed upon the gift from the Te family. For a time, he simply studied it, a thoughtful frown knitting his brow. Given the frayed relations stemming from the recent Keju dispute, even a fool could surmise that the old man himself had not prepared this offering.
The object is remarkable, lavish in a manner only a noble house could afford, yet it was no mere token of indulgence. Te Gaogui, acutely attuned to Shan's pragmatic disposition, had chosen something of utility rather than ostentation.
It is a new inkstone, an essential instrument for any scholar. This one bestowed by the Te clan was fashioned from a stone unfamiliar to Mayumi.
"The land of Zigan is truly a place of marvels," Shan mused. "I have read of reforms enacted by one of the Te clan's former leaders, who was a scion once spoiled by privilege, but he nonetheless transformed a village into a thriving city. Curious indeed. Yet one cannot deny the merit of their deeds and the echoes of such policies resonate in the region's prosperity even now."
According to Shan, Zigan is a land of considerable wealth and influence. Though encircled by the chaos of neighboring wars, its position is strategic, its lands fertile, and its people more educated than most in the region. Soldiers of the Te clan might not be famed for martial prowess, but the infrastructure they oversaw in schools, herbal clinics, and abundant harvests have rendered their domain remarkable among warlords' territories. Only the envy of neighboring powers cast a shadow over such blessings.
His fingers traced the inkstone's surface, lingering over the intricate carvings. The touch was exquisite, a subtle perfection discernible only to those well-versed in scholarly artistry.
"It seems the Te family has spared no effort," he remarked, inspecting the material. "Duan stone, quarried from volcanic tuff. The craftsmanship of Zigan's artisans is indeed worthy of admiration."
Yet, despite Shan's evident appreciation, Mayumi detected not the slightest spark of joy in his countenance. Rising, he passed her and moved to the open window, letting the courtyard's simple scenery claim his attention.
"It is an impressive gift, Shan. I am certain the two of you will find much in common." Mayumi regarded Te Gaogui's intentions with respect, as the persistence was not born of personal ambition but of principle. "Your mentor's arrangement is clear. Lady Te possesses an affinity for calligraphy comparable to your own, as scholars, you both share a mutual esteem for learning after all."
"Takeko," Shan's voice cut sharply, colder than before. "If I require your counsel, I shall ask for it."
The warning was subtle yet unmistakable, a reminder of her respective station.
The swordswoman inclined her head in apology, recognizing that the White Scholar had no desire to debate the matter from another's perspective. Whatever strategy Han Fei devised, Shan could not disobey.
"Though I harbor no affection for Lady Te, my mentor commands I court her," Shan continued. "I care little for petty nobles or their familial bonds, such entanglements are in my estimation often troublesome and unnecessary."
Yet one historical precedent might illuminate Han Fei's strategy. One of the Earth Kingdom's greatest reformers from ancient times, a master Legalist, had once secured his reforms by marrying into the royal line, thus safeguarding his own life against vengeful nobles who were incensed by their plight due to enhanced meritocracy. Such considerations were of little concern to a young and ambitious scholar like Shan, for the era they live in is vastly different compared to the age before the formation of the Earth Kingdom.
"Nevertheless, it would be imprudent to dismiss all merit from this predicament," Shan continued. "Lady Te may be slightly inferior as a scholar, but she could yet prove useful."
Mayumi regarded his back with caution, unsettled by the evident callousness. While Lady Te's motives are also opaque, Shan's disregard for the noblewoman was stark.
"Fortuitously, Lady Te is somehow aware that yours truly's previous inkstone was broken," the scholar remarked with a faint note of wryness in his voice. "Coincidence, perhaps?"
Mayumi hesitated, choosing her words with care. Yet Shan's eyes never turned toward her.
Mayumi regarded him with quiet dismay, weighing each syllable before daring to speak. Yet the moment never arrived. Shan preempted it, declaring that should any clandestine understanding exist between the swordswoman and the Te heiress, it would earn neither his ire nor his reproach, only his measured anticipation. In the Legalist view, retainers are little different from ministers who are seldom transparent, invariably calculating, and inclined to privilege their own advantage over unwavering loyalty.
"Yours truly shall not fault you for it," Shan said without facing her. "It seems only equitable. A man of my profession can hardly protest at being spied on."