Tian Xia PW 124: Imperial Bitches and Spoiled Dragons

[Cai]

Cai let Mei Li speak while she responded to Piao Bai "It is indeed about responsibility. Each of us is responsible for our own fate. It took decades of hard work for me to alter the course of my own life and set foot upon the path I now walk. If one has a destiny in mind, then one has to work earnestly and diligently to have the strength and capability to carry that on one's shoulders. Mei Li does not have the strength or resilience to survive a night such as I had in Yunshan, and she could easily fall victim to those who might seek to use her life as an attempt to gain leverage upon me."

The Jinyiwei pursed her lips and examined Mei Li. "Child, I will be blunt. Accepting your offer would be the same thing as ordering your death. I will not carry that weight on my conscience. Go now, into Headman Guo's house, and look at the bloodbath. Realise that such horrors are the lot of the Jinyiwei, and understand why I will under no circumstances let you come with me." It was a variation on a lecture Cai had given more than once over her career.

Mei Li was still crouched on the floor, and Cai patted the girl on her shoulder. "Examine Guo's house, think on what I have said, then get some rest. You will come to understand over time that my refusal has your best interests in mind." There was a definite subtext of 'Now is the time to leave if you wish to save face' in Cai's tone.

The Jinyiwei suppressed a sigh "It shames me to say it, Piao Bai, but my concerns for Mei Li's safety, had she shared my company, are equal to those I have for you. Though I do not regret the attempt to save your life, I worry that the hasty manner in which I managed to do so will simply endanger you further. I do not know enough about that which links us now to be able to say for certain." Cai quietly hoped the answer to that question could also be found in Yulongjing.

[Long Piao Bai]

Tears welled in Mei Li's eyes and dropped to the floor as she bowed there. RIsing, she rested her hands upon her knees. Her gaze drifted to Piao Bai before dropping to the floor.

'I understand."

Cai's argument regarding Headman Guo's house was a strong one. "I will bring your breakfast in the morning." With that Mei Li took her leave, letting Cai's thought words hang in the air between him and her. It was so heavy in fact, Piao Bai snorted and gave a draconic grin.

"I will be a boon, not a burdern." The tone was light with levity as he hefted another baozi bun. "Come, let us sleep. As yous ay, with the new day comes a long journey."

[Long Piao Bai]

Cai and Piao Bai's journey continues here: Tian Xia: PW 124 - The Road to Shanyi