Threads 406-Courtesies 1
There was quite a bit of fanfare in White Cloud Town for Cai Renxiang’s visit, something that had happened regularly for the better part of the last two years. She knew that Cai Renxiang had been in and out more than once without a peep from the town’s government. The most reaction they had received had been when they had needed to use the governor's emergency transport formation to chase after some bandits.
This time, however, the streets had been swept, the gates thrown wide, and the traffic cleared as Cai Renxiang arrived at the head of a small column of soldiers. The heiress managed to look fairly regal atop a white horse, bridle held loosely in one hand as she sternly recited the proper pleasantries to the town's arrayed officials.
This was the difference between being a disciple, even one proclaimed as the tacit, default ducal heir, and being a power in her own right with her own deeds and base of power, however small.
Ling Qi sighed and withdrew her sight back to her physical eyes, letting her awareness through the distant wisp shuffle into the back of her thoughts.
"You have an hour. I would expect it to be very close to exactly that. Lady Cai is very punctual, and there is nothing the town’s officials are likely to do to delay that."
"Yes, Lady Ling." The maid attending her bowed. "I will inform Madam Qingge at once."
Ling Qi nodded, putting aside the last of the morning's paperwork as the girl hurried out.
"Jeez. Why's it gotta be such a big deal? We talk to boss lady and visit her all the time," Hanyi complained.
"Because Lady Cai is paying the Ling clan the respect of an official visit in recognition of my accomplishments. Think of it like one of your shows, but with more talking and bowing and serving of tea."