Immortal Connections - Chapter 25 preview

Chapter 25 - Wu Ying

Subsequent events after the deaths were calmer, the rest of the ceremonies - the detailing of duties, the welcome, even the gifts that were distributed to the Ascendants who still knelt - was perfunctory and almost rote. It was only towards the end that matters grew interesting once again, as the heads of the three departments and six ministries greeted the Ascendants. Il, it was heartening in a way, that they were important enough that individuals of such great stature had made time to make their presence known.

Just like the Jade Emperor who had taken no further action throughout the day. He was the first to leave, followed closely by the heads of the departments and the ministries, their positions replaced by the vice-ministers and vice-chancellors who would oversee the actual recruitment process.

Wu Ying eyed the groups that crowded around the various department heads, the six ministry heads, all offering their services. He said crowd, but it was an orderly line that formed right in front of the various personages, that waited their turn with distrustful glances at the guards who still stood watch. Only two now, rather than the four that had been present before; but knowing how fast they could move, it was little comfort.

“Did they let them leave?” Shou Ren asked, out of the corner of his mouth as he wandered back to Wu Ying who stood at the back of the courtyard, hands folded behind him. 

“Already done?” Wu Ying said, for the man was one of the first to line up. 

“You see the line, don’t you?” Shou Ren said, sarcastically. 

“What line?” Xin Heng said, sarcastically. She had not even bothered to move, though she glanced over to the minister in charge of central works once in a while. Hers was a long line, though nowhere as long as the vice-minister of war’s.

“Exactly.” Shou Ren shrugged. “I passed on my scroll, indicated my interest and was, of course, rejected.”

“You don’t sound too disappointed.”

“Hard to be disappointed when events play out exactly as expected.” Shou Ren waved the words away, though Wu Ying could not help but wonder how truthful he truly was. He knew that Shou Ren desperately desired to join the Chancellery, believed that it was the only way to do the things he wished. “Now, did they let the others leave?”

“Why ask me?” Wu Ying said, playing dumb. 

“You might not be of the wind as much anymore, but you’re still connected.” Shou Ren waggled his fingers. “And I can sense you talking.”

“Can you now? Curious. And how are you doing that?” 

Shou Ren just stared at Wu Ying, refusing to answer or be redirected again.

“As far as I can tell, they’re gone.” Wu Ying shrugged. “My abilities and their range and how far the winds will bow to me is severely curtailed of course, and many have been redirected to gates that lead them out to other locations, but none seem to have been apprehended. Or struck down.”

“Good. Good.” Shou Ren raised an eyebrow. “And what of you? I do not see you rushing to speak to any here.”

Wu Ying gestured at the long lines, at least among those who had them. The other ministers were beginning to look impatient, ready to leave. “I am waiting. No reason to rush.”

“They often have quotas,” Shou Ren said. “A good enough reason to rush, there, no?”

“Such quotas are meaningless for the truly skilled and desirable,” Lan Song said, strolling over to the group. “As you’d know, if you were suitable.”

“Prince Huang,” Wu Ying greeted the other. “Are you done? Or waiting like us?”

“Waiting.” He had none of his entourage this time, standing alone with the group. “I am curious though, if you intend to finally choose. The war department, or something more esoteric like the justice? I fear they are rather picky there. And work quite hard.”

Wu Ying glanced over to the vice-minister of justice, a severe looking man who had a scar running down one side of his face. He also sported a cane by his side, one that he leaned upon where he stood. A surprising amount of damage for an immortal, and one that likely had a story behind it all. 

As for the individuals who waited in line to speak with him – each being interrogated in detail after the vice-minister had perused their introductory scroll in detail – they were, one and all, prodigies of the weapon or those with a suitable dao of justice and investigation. Not your average ascendant at all.

The only group who might be just as dangerous – though more varied in their personnel – were the tax collectors. No surprise there, since that department drew both the paper pushers and the prodigies who knew that their presence would draw fire with utmost alacrity. If not for the fact that the ministry of tax worked in teams, they might even be preferred for the battle seekers. After all, all but the most obstinate or corrupt official or bandit would test a large number like that.

And anyway, the military often sent escorts with the tax collectors. It was only to the smallest settlements, the most far away and remote locations where single tax collectors or a small team would be dispatched without additional help. Unlike the personnel from the ministry of justice, who were always stretched thin and thus, always working alone.

“Theirs is not a role I envy.” Wu Ying cast his mind back to his own brushes with injustice and murders, to the Guerilla General that had nearly murdered him and her role in the coverups of such murders – all to weaken those who stood against the regime of a kingdom – and shuddered.

“So, what are you waiting for then? The army? Or something else?” A glance back at the ministers, many who looked about to leave. “If so, you best make your decision. Or are you going to dither and waste your opportunity again?”

“I’m not dithering,” Wu Ying said. “But I’m not intent on directly joining any such department.” He gestured down at himself. “As talented as I am, it’s been clear watching all of you that I still am far behind the truly prodigies and those with more interest in the war arts.”

“You could learn.”

“I could.” He shrugged. “But my interest has always lied elsewhere. It seems that the heavens are more similar to the middle Kindgom than expected, and as such, there is space for one with my old skills.”

“You intend to become a wandering gatherer again,” Shou Ren said, a little disappointment in his voice. 

“I knew it!” Xin Heng said instead, bouncing a little in excitement. “So you’ll be my personal gatherer!”

“Not yours alone.” Wu Ying noted how Lan Song was gauging him now, a considering press of his lips as he stared at the other. He understood that look, the one that weighed personal feelings with the rather clear and useful addition of a contact that might aid one in the future. “But that is if they’ll allow me to make such a connection now.” He shrugged. “There is still much to learn.”

Shou Ren nodded in acknowledgement of the point. Of them all, Wu Ying had spent the least amount of time studying in the Lesser Harmonies Palace, only managing not to be considered the most junior by the arrival a week ago of another ascendant. They had looked even more bewildered, though he had been whisked away by his own teacher and stuck in constant study since then. He was not, as far as Wu Ying could tell, present among those here, waiting to be spoken to. 

“Well, it shall be interesting to see what they say to you.” Lan Song said, choosing to be diplomatic. After a moment, he added. “Perhaps, you should consider discussing your thoughts with the Vice-Minister of Personnel.”

“Personnel?” Shou Ren said, surprised.

“The development of the court, the allocation of resources and the testing all go through them, after all. They are most likely to understand his needs and might even recommend a ministry that might be more prone to his services.”

“An interesting thought. Thank you,” Wu Ying said.

Lan Song returned the acknowledgment before departing, hands behind his back and chin raised. Shou Ren could not help the roll of his eyes as the other departed, only to look at Wu Ying who looked contemplative.

“You’re not going to take his advice, are you?”

“It’s decent advice.” An inclination to the crowd before the vice-minister of central works as he continued. “It will not hurt to speak to him, not whilst I wait for my original target to free themselves.”

“Fine, but just be careful. People like the prince don’t offer advice for nothing.”

A smile and then Wu Ying struck off for the Vice-Minister who looked ready to depart. Few enough would come to him, at least not compared to the other locations and those he intended to take were already receiving their orders from other personnel. Perhaps it was not surprising that the Ministry of Personnel was the most organized.