Chapter 119 - Getting an Invitation

“Xiang, I sorted the shelves for you.”

“Xiang, there’s a delivery at the back, should I take it for you?”

“I’m going to sweep the front walk.” Yuzu popped her head through the fabric curtains that separated the house from the shop for the fifth time that afternoon. Xiang was finalizing a deal with a customer as he stopped mid sentence, his fist clenching the brush in his hand in agitation.

“How many times did I tell you to stay out of the shop!”

“Oh, Mr. Nan! It’s been a while!” Yuzu ignored Xiang as she recognized the customer on the other side of the desk.

The balding, spectacled man looked more haggard than usual as he smiled at her, “Yuzu, good afternoon. I’d love to chat but I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

“Of course.” Yuzu said, “Don’t let me interrupt you two.”

Xiang quickly finished the signing of the contract and handed over a number of coins to Mr. Nan, who thanked both of them and quickly left.

As the next customer stepped up to the counter Xiang gave out a big sigh. He glanced back to the doorway and saw Yuzu standing there, her head poking through the curtains.

“You’re still here?”

“Let me help.” Yuzu said, “It’ll go faster with both of us.”

Xiang didn’t say anything, but she could see that he was about to burst from her constant disregard for his orders. The only thing keeping him from exploding at her was the fact that there were a lot of customers in the shop. He wouldn’t start yelling at her and risk looking bad.

Yuzu smiled and stepped up to the counter next to Xiang, waving to the line, “Next, please.”

It had taken her the whole afternoon but she’d finally worn Xiang down so much that he no longer had the energy to argue with her. This was the way to get around his stubbornness - not by directly challenging him, but by whittling him down little by little.

Of course, this approach also took a lot of effort on Yuzu’s part so she only used it when she really wanted to do something.

An hour later the bells jingled as a girl walked into the shop. Yuzu pretended not to notice as she continued serving her customer. The girl wandered around the shop, idly browsing the clothes. After a few minutes Xiang took notice of her and nudged Yuzu.

“Char Char’s here.”

“Oh?” Yuzu feigned surprise as she looked over. Of course, she knew that Char Char was coming to visit since she had tied their strings together at the shrine. The point was to get an invitation to the ball tonight, but Yuzu had no way of forcing Char Char to do so with her powers.

The most she could do was arrange for them to meet.

Char Char had changed out of the guard uniform and was now wearing a peach coloured spring dress with satin ribbons, looking out of place among the stressed and haggard looking customers. She didn’t seem to mind as she waited patiently for Yuzu to finish with her customer.

Yuzu spent the time thinking about how to breach the topic of the party. After all, Char Char had only told the White Maiden about her plans, not Yuzu. Given that the ball was a high-class invite-only event, Yuzu’s only hope was to be invited as Char Char’s guest. However, Char Char had also told her in prayer that she was going to be working for her new employer, so the chances of Char Char treating this event in a purely social fashion was unlikely, making an invitation less likely.

It was a tricky situation. Char Char had invited Yuzu before to these kinds of events but Yuzu had always declined, especially in recent years. She also hadn’t done it in the nicest way.

Thinking back to the last time Char Char asked her to come along for an event, Yuzu’s response was, ‘Stop asking me to go to your stupid parties! I’m never saying yes, so you can save your breath, okay?’

That was a over a year ago. It was a miracle that Char Char was even still friendly with her. But that was Char Char, dense as a brick. For once, Yuzu was thankful that her friend never seemed to get the hint.

Yuzu’s current plan was to nonchalantly ask what Char Char was up to in the evening. When Char Char mentioned the ball, Yuzu would make an offhand comment about wanting to say thank you to Uncle Zhao for helping her. Or maybe she’d complain about being around Xiang all day and hope Char Char got the hint that she wanted to leave the house.

Yuzu had spent the afternoon pestering Xiang and driving him nuts specifically for this purpose, so that he would let her leave the house. Otherwise, she’d probably have to sneak out again. Although this was an acceptable solution, Yuzu needed a longer term plan that let her leave the house as she wanted. She didn’t want to rely solely on twisting the fate strings to stay out of trouble with Xiang.

All the pieces were in place as Yuzu finished up with the customer in front of her. As she waved goodbye, she glanced pointedly at Char Char who was also trying to catch Yuzu’s attention.

“What do you want?” Yuzu asked with her usual curt attitude, preparing to guide the conversation forward.

“Yuzu!” Char Char smiled brightly as she bounded up to the table, “Come to the ball with me tonight!”

“Wait, what?” Yuzu blinked in shock.

“Grandpa is hosting a big party, there’ll be lots of yummy food. You should come!”

“Yuzu’s not feeling well.” Xiang butted in, “She shouldn’t be going out.”

“Who says I’m not feeling well?” Yuzu retorted, “I’m feeling just fine!”

“Then you’ll go?” Char Char beamed.

“Why would I go to your stupid party?” Yuzu snapped back instinctively out of habit at her friend’s overly bubbly temperament. As soon as the words left her lips she caught herself, but it was too late.

“I… I see.” Char Char seemed to deflate a little at Yuzu’s words. She looked like she’d expected Yuzu to respond this way, but was hoping for a positive reaction.

Ah… How do I salvage this? Yuzu struggled inwardly. Why did she have to ask me in such a repulsive way? If she asked like a normal person I could accept it easier.

“I thought you’d like it, since-” Char Char began, but her mood had already crumbled. She smiled weakly as she turned away. “Never mind.”

Yuzu facepalmed inwardly as she couldn’t come up with a good response. She glanced over to Xiang, who was looking rather smug as he was back to paying attention to his current customer.

“What’s your problem?” Yuzu growled.

“Nothing.” Xiang shrugged, “This is good. You should stay home and rest.”

“Why does she need rest?” Char Char asked, suddenly looking worried. Yuzu could read her thoughts on her expression. She was wondering, ‘Did something happen?’

“You don’t know?” Xiang raised an eyebrow, then nodded, “That’s fine, you don’t need to know.”

“Know what?” Char Char asked Xiang.

“Just go on to your party, we’re busy.” Xiang said.

“Know what?” Char Char looked at Yuzu, concerned.

This is my chance! Yuzu realized, as she looked away, putting on a troubled expression, “Your grandpa didn’t tell you?”

“No…”

Yuzu opened her mouth as if to say something, but hesitated. She shot a glance at Xiang, then looked pointedly at Char Char, as if to say ‘I don’t want to say it out here.’

“I’ll tell you later.” Yuzu said with a pause, adding, “At the party.”

Char Char looked confused as she took a moment to register Yuzu’s acceptance of the invitation. Her eyes suddenly sparkled as she looked towards Yuzu, who frowned, pre-emptively saying, “Don’t get too excited!”

“Okay.” Char Char’s smile was bright again.

“Who said you can go?” Xiang placed his hand on the table in front of Yuzu to block her off from Char Char.

“I did.” Yuzu said, “You wanted me out of the shop all day, right? You should be happy.”

“You’re going to dress up, right?” Char Char leaned over the table, ignoring Xiang, “Can I see what you’re going to wear? We could match!”

“Come up to my room then.” Yuzu said, resisting the urge to shoot down the enthusiasm, “Help pick something out for me.”

Char Char didn’t need any more encouragement as she ran around the counter, following Yuzu into the house.

Xiang tried to protest, but in the end let Char Char and Yuzu go with a scowl.

~

Zhao Manor, six o’clock in the evening, on the top of Whitehare Crescent. The darkening sky was washed with indigo and turquoise as night set on the extravagant manor. The gates were open, allowing numerous carriages with groomed horses and white gloved chauffeurs to enter the grounds and pull up in front of the manicured lawn.

Extra effort had been made to make the estate look lively and welcoming. Steel post lanterns were lit along the whole drive way and the building facade was washed with a warm glow. The melody of stringed instruments floated upon the evening wind, and the movement of guests could be seen in all of the windows of the three storey building.

The ballroom itself was a long, rectangular hall with polished wood floors and sparkling chandeliers. The musicians were set up on a raised platform playing sweet and classical melodies. The guests mingled amongst each other, drinking wine while they waited for the evening’s entertainment to begin. A circular double staircase at the far end of the hall provided access to the second floor interior balcony that overlooked the dance floor.

The rooms next to the ballroom on both the first and second floor were refreshment rooms, with tables filled with all manners of delicacies and beverages. The party was not a supper party, but it may as well have been with the feast that was provided. And as Sansen Zhao was a tycoon who was a specialist in exotic goods, he spared no expense in providing the very best in foreign delicacies and treats for his guests.

It was still early in the night and guests were still arriving at a constant pace. Sansen Zhao stood outside the open front doors, greeting the dignitaries and politicians that arrived with a friendly smile. He was dressed in a black superfine dress coat with a silk shirt that had been specifically tailored for the event, with golden embroidery that was a bit on the showy side, befitting for the host of such a prestigious ball. A small army of wait staff gathered just off to the side to take care of any gifts or requests and direct the guests to the appropriate dressing rooms.

Next to Sansen Zhao stood a short, clean shaven man with an old scar on his left eyebrow. He was dressed sharply as well, with his signature pointy shoes and top hat. Like Sansen Zhao, his outfit for the evening was newly tailored, though it wasn’t nearly as flashy as the tycoon’s. This was Corbin Nao, his right hand man and business partner. As each visitor ascended the steps, Corbin identified the guest and whispered a comment into Sansen’s ear, providing specific information about the guest.

As they reached the top of the steps Sansen stepped forward, greeting each of them with a personal, meaningful quip.

“Fire Marshall Ho, welcome! Mr. Fan-Hong was looking for you, he is inside already.”

“Minister Cheng, I have that bottle of rice wine that I told you about. We will need to open it together later.”

“Mr. And Mrs. Pelinor, I’m honored that you managed to make it all the way from Seline Harbour.”

In this way every guest felt like a valued and special attendee of the event.

“Lily Fang, you look lovely tonight.” Sansen smiled broadly as he greeted the next guest, “Is Jintang running late?”

He passed a subtle look of concern to Lily, who had arrived not with her husband but with her sister. This was the wife of Police Chief Fang, though she was also an important figure herself as the assistant to the Minister of Finance. The tall, thin and serious looking woman smiled politely as she shook her head, “He seems to be occupied with work. It may just be my sister and I tonight.”

“Then it is my pleasure to host a ladies night out for the two of you.” Sansen bowed, gesturing for them to enter.

“If my husband shows up, please direct him to find me.” Lily nodded politely before taking her leave.

As Lily Fang left into the building, Corbin raised an eyebrow at Sansen, “It didn’t sound like she knew if Chief Fang would make it.”

“Understandable. Jintang should show up at some point. Probably much later in the evening, after the dancing.” Sansen thought for a moment, then added, “Make sure to remind me to ask Lily for a dance at some point.”

“Yes, sir.”

At the bottom of the steps a portly man with a double chin exited from a private carriage. He had small eyes and a round nose and had thin, closely shaved grey hair. After dismounting from the carriage he held his hand out for a lady and helped her down.

“Ah. Earl Shum.” Sansen Zhao nodded, instantly recognizing the man. He was one of the most prominent figures in the government. His official position was Minister of Commerce, dealing primarily with foreign trade policies, however due to his connections his reach stretched much further. In particular there was a rumour that he was on close terms with Lord Noga himself and had an inside line into the highest affairs of the country.

On the more negative side, Shum had a reputation for being petty, and self serving and for holding grudges. He had a big ego, and insisted on being referred to by his title, even by his own wife. He also drank profusely and was known for making snap judgements and irrational decisions.

Shum was one of the key figures at this ball for those looking for support on special items. Sansen was looking forward to discussing several topics with him this evening.

“Lady Shum is looking a little ill tonight. There were rumours that she has been under the weather and that she wasn’t sure if she was going to make the party.”

“Arrange for one of the maids to watch over her tonight.” Sansen nodded, making a decision, “Assign the sitting room next to the first floor refreshments hall to the Shum family for their use tonight so she has a place to rest if she needs it.”

After Lady Shum disembarked from the carriage, another girl emerged from the carriage. She had light chestnut brown hair and an elaborate multi-layered blue dress.

“Oh, this is a surprise.” Corbin said quietly to Sansen, “That is Victoria Shum, their youngest daughter. She is Char Char’s age. A prodigy of the violin and a student of Master LinYe Yuang, the renowned calligrapher from Huan.”

“Very good.” Sansen nodded, turning to face the Earl as he started walking up the steps.

“Earl Shum, good evening! So happy you could make it. And Mrs. Shum, you are looking beautiful tonight. This is your daughter Victoria? I have heard she’s an amazing violinist, will she be playing for us tonight? Please, come inside. I have arranged for a private sitting room for your family close to the ballroom, let me know if there is there anything I can do for you.”

Sansen talked amicably with the Earl for a few minutes before letting the family head inside. There was a brief lull in the arrival of guests, giving Sansen and Corbin a chance to chat.

“Make sure to pay special attention to Shum tonight.” Sansen said, “With the dangers of travel these days we can’t have him imposing restrictions on trade routes.”

“I’ve already asked some of our partners to talk to him, I don’t think it will be a problem.” Corbin said confidently.

“Don’t be so sure.” Sansen cautioned, “Shum is an emotional man, and I hear his extended family has been hit hard by this crisis. One of his cousins recently passed after contracting the illness outside of town, and Health Minister Zhu is one of his close friends. He will surely be weighing these factors heavily.”

“I understand.” Corbin nodded.

After a few minutes a publicly rented carriage pulled up. This was an unusual sight this evening, given that every guest wanted to be sure to show off their status by arriving in style. Even the poorer politicians who didn’t have their own carriage hired luxury rides for the occasion.

“Ah, this must be him.” Sansen Zhao said, making a guess simply from seeing the carriage pull up.

“I believe you are correct.” Corbin nodded, drawing the same conclusion.

Tonight there were a number of special guests that were invited that were not part of the regular high-class and political sphere. The Five Kings Festival was only a week away and this ball was one of the many events that built up to the big celebration. Therefore the guest list included several prominent theater actors, musicians and performers, as well as representatives from special groups involved in the festival preparations.

Out of all of them, only one of them could afford to arrive in a carriage less than luxurious. In fact, despite his high status and influence, one could say that it was expected of him to arrive under such meager accommodations.

The rental carriage slowed to a stop at the bottom of the steps. A tall figure stepped out wearing a set of long, white robes with blue embroidery that resembled clouds. His silvery white hair was tied into a bun at the top of his hair. He had a long, thin beard and strong cheekbones. His ears were pierced with seven silver rings that ran along the full edge of both ears.

This elderly man had a strong, powerful stature, one befitting of his leadership position. He walked calmly but purposefully up the stairs with an austere expression on his face.

Abbott Deacon Glass from the Cloud Peak Monastery had arrived at the ball.