A few days have passed since Lu Zheng pleaded with Mitsuko to aid her sworn sister. As expected, she received an invitation from Zheng Jiang about a feast to celebrate their newfound alliance that night. Her officers were also invited though Dodomeki and Gyuki were not able to attend. They formally arrived at the main palace and was surprised to see it look…presentable. It was cleaned up, all the furniture and the torn up banners were replaced with the bandit queens colours. Each of the new tables were fitted with various cloths and bowls of food along with alcohol along with various servants carrying trays around showcasing them. They saw that quite a few people turned up, dressed as nice as they could, though their attire was still mainly spartan like. Which was more than what Mitsuko and her officers could bring, they just wore their usual armour as they didn't have any other attire. It was certainly livelier than what Mitsuko had envisioned.

'Well isn't this nice? And here I thought these bandits were all work and no play.' Pang Tong chuckled to himself.

'Yeah, though I don't see our host anywhere.'

'Hey you finally came. Welcome allies.' Lu Zheng announced as she greeted them individually.

'Thanks for the invitation. I'm surprised you went through so much effort for us.' Mitsuko responded.

'Ahh yes, the queen herself oversaw the renovations. It was surprising to say the least. It was about time I think, though whether or not she will keep the main hall the same is another matter.' Lu Zheng smirked behind her fan.

'Ahh yes, speaking of which where is she? I would've thought she would've been here to greet us already.' Mitsuko enquired remembering why she was here in the first place.

'She'll be here, she's just preparing to make an entrance. She shouldn't be too long. In the meantime this feast is for us all, so please do mingle the best you can.' Lu Zheng bowed her head respectfully and left them to it. They all stood around awkwardly for a moment, apart from Pang Tong who took a swing of his flask.

'Well I'll be off.' He announced.

'Wait where are you going?' Mitsuko asked.

'Mingling of course. It'd be a waste of efforts for our allies if we don't at least try after all. Besides I hear some freshly made Dim sums calling my name.' Pang Tong chuckled before disappearing among the crowd leaving the trio alone.

'I must admit my lady, occasions like this are out of my element.' Diamondback admitted.

'Did Orochi not hold any occasions like this?' Mitsuko questioned.

'No. If he did it was only for his royal court and normally involving an execution by combat.'

'Did this Orochi also handle his alcohol?' LingQi questioned. Mitsuko wondered why…then all of a sudden it hit her and groaned.

'Look, I told you before it was my first time drinking and I don't normally touch the stuff.'

'I mean, I didn't say anything.' LingQi responded as she winked mischievously at Mitsuko who groaned in frustration at her. LingQi giggled slightly, she couldn't help but mess with Mitsuko sometimes when their lives aren't on the line. Though Mitsuko wasn't exactly thrilled with LingQi's comment though she knew she can get her own back eventually. Plus seeing her relax in a situation like this and seeing her smile was comforting.

'Tch, just don't drink them out of house and home. We're trying to make a good impression here.' She stated, making it clear that she's in charge with a playful smirk on her face before a middle aged man appeared before them. He wore a thin moustache with what looks like an expensive robe with the bandit queens colours similar to a royal advisors attire. His attire set him apart from the other members of Zheng Jiangs court.

'Ahh lady Mitsuko thank you for your assistance regarding that shameful opportunist Zhang Yan.' He greeted. His tone of voice was more regal than what Mitsuko was used to or expected by Zheng Jiangs people.

'Yes indeed the honour is mine…erm…' Mitsuko wasn't sure on how to address this person. He laughed as he bowed respectfully.

'Oh my apologies, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Huo Ti. I am the economics advisor. Formerly a trader before our lady took over our beloved city. As she…dispatched the governors royal court there was…an opening so to speak for an economics advisor. Thus, I decided to take on the role. For a price of course.' He explained. Mitsuko was wary of eccentric mannerisms

'I see. And I assume she values your word?'

'Oh of course. This cities economy has increased tenfold since our revolt of the governor. However she hasn't taken too kindly on my suggestion of raising our taxes. It would very much help our war effort I'm sure.'

'And why is that?' LingQi asked. Huo Ti immediately noticed her and changed his tone to be more…deeper.

'Ahh my apologies my lady for I did not see you there. Truth be told I am not sure, she seldom tells her court her thoughts. Though may I ask for your name?' Mitsuko's snakes started to hiss quietly in anger as she looked upon with a suspicious glare.

'Erm…Lu LingQi. An officer under lady Mitsuko.' She responded hesitantly, unsure on how to proceed as he touched her hand

'Lu LingQi. What a fascinating name, I must say your beauty is unlike anything I have witnessed before.' Huo Ti started to ramble however Mitsuko glanced at LingQi who looked uncomfortable by his sudden closeness. Mitsuko's left serpent immediately went in between them and snarled at Huo Ti, forcing him to take a step back out of fear.

'Even though we are allies it would be quite prudent to make sure you don't get…too friendly with us too quickly. It can be quite an ugly trait to have. Do I make myself clear?' Huo Ti nodded very quickly and apologised profusely. LingQi had to turn around to stifle her laughter at how quick his attitude changed.

Meanwhile diamondback helped himself to food that has been prepared and engulfs as much as he can. His serrated teeth easily tears its way through the cooked meat. He wasn't the best as socialising outside of other officers of lord Orochi. As he was busy scoffing down his meal he was taken aback when he heard someone talk right in front of him.

'My, that's a big appetite you have.' Diamondback looked up to see a muscular man, with simple armour and rags. He looked quite to be in his early 30s with a substantial beard.

'My apologies, I haven't had much this day so I was kind of raring to go.' Diamondback apologised.

'Oh no I did not mean anything by that. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Ding Zhen, I run the garrison here and make sure people are safe in the city.'

'Diamondback, an officer under lady Mitsuko. You could say I'm the strongest officer.' Diamondback boasted. before he sunk his teeth into a cooked piece of meat.

'The strongest eh? Well there's a fair few here who would be willing to challenge you for that title.' Ding Zhen announced proudly. Diamondback swallowed the piece he was chewing and grew a smirk.

'Is that so? Well in that case they are more than free to challenge me in a test of strength if they so will.' He beat his chest once as he waited for this presumable challenger to declare his intent as he puts his elbow on the table

'Well in that case, allow me the honour of challenging you Diamondback.' He sat down at the table and put his elbow on the table as well. The two hands suddenly clashed and clamped together and so the test of strength begun. Both gave their all in this fight as they arm wrestled for supremacy. Both of them had their muscles in their arms twitch as they struggled against each other's might. However Diamondback quickly slammed his opponent before too long on the table and lamented in his victory as he bit into another piece of meat and tore it apart.

Some time had passed since the introductions, Mitsuko and LingQi conversed with other members of Zheng Jiangs court while Diamondback took all challengers to his self pro-claimed title of the strongest. He emerged victorious from all of them earning a fair few admirers and a crowd gathered around to see just how strong he is. Suddenly the rear door leading to deeper inside the palace to the left of the throne opened. Revealing Zheng Jiang in her usual attire without her weapons with her husband Gai Shu in escort in front of her. He darted his eyes from one side of the room to the other suspiciously. Both of them make their way to the throne with everyone noticing their presence and staying silent, waiting for Zheng Jiang to address them. As she reached the throne and cleared her throat while Gai Shu stayed on her right side as he stood completely upright.

'Greetings everyone. As you know I have invited you all here to help celebrate a momentous occasion for us. Our allies from the southern mainland, the serpent and her soldiers. They have proven themselves to be worthy of our trust. Though we all know just because we have allies doesn't mean we're going to be victorious in this war with Zhang Yan. It will take all of us to win this and finally put an end to that shameless opportunist. Though in order to do that, we need to work together. I know there have been a few…concerns we have had initially regarding these newcomers but they have proven worthy allies in our cause. Let this celebratory occasion be the first of many so that we can learn and understand each other better as allies…as friends. Things have been difficult for us I admit…ever since their counter offensive.' Zheng Jiang paused for a moment, Mitsuko noticed she glanced to the ground and seemingly took a deep breath for a moment before continuing.

'Though that will not stop us from continuing onwards. No matter what that opportunist throws at us as long as we stand together and as long as we give our all we will never rest until these mountains are ours again. However for now, lets take a moment to celebrate this momentous occasion and let this be a start to a fruitful alliance. Once we take down that pretender we can start working on toppling the so called Han for what they did to us! For our people!' She raised her fist in the air and the other members of the court mimicked her while Mitsuko and other officers joined in fairly quickly. Shortly thereafter everyone started to talk and mingle with themselves with Zheng Jiang sighing as she sat on her throne overlooking this feast that her sworn sister persuaded her to hold. She didn't want to do this, it didn't feel right without Gai Li however she did decide to hold it. Maybe then morale would start to rise. Mitsuko saw Zheng Jiang and Gai Shu keep to themselves as Jiang clutches her stomach and Gai Shu quickly kneeling next to her, seemingly doting her.

'I have no idea how Lu Zheng is supposed separate that guy for me to even get to her.' Mitsuko whispered to LingQi.

'Well I suppose you have to wait and see what she has planned I guess.'

'True, hell I don't even know why I'm doing this. How am I of all people supposed to get people to open up.' Mitsuko wondered. She knew she wasn't exactly superb at communication. She had been wary about this ever since she agreed to do this for Lu Zheng. How was she supposed to get Zheng Jiang to open up?

'Well…you could do what I did, just beat them in a duel as they went on a rampage.'

'Wow you're never going to-' Mitsuko stopped herself as she saw a servant walking past her with a tray full of plates and bowls with wine and alcohol. Suddenly she hatched an idea. She grabbed one with one of her serpent heads and holds it very carefully in the air as the fangs keep the plate still in its mouth, preventing it from spilling everywhere.

'Erm Mitsuko, what are you doing?' LingQi asked, uncertain what Mitsuko's intention is.

'Improvising.' She responded.

'How?'

'Well I figure with all the talk I hear about this stuff it could help. Think about it, I'm not going to get through to her sober right? I'm not exactly a great actor. So I figure having a few of these might help me relax a bit. So if I do manage to get her alone, she's not going to open to me when I'm…well me. But if I'm a little bit tipsy and show I'm mingling with others and manage to catch her when she's alone then maybe, just maybe she'll let down her guard.' Mitsuko explained her plan to LingQi.

'I don't think you should go ahead with this plan.' LingQi warned with a serious tone.

'What? Afraid of having one less thing to have over me?' Mitsuko smirked as she took the plate and immediately drank it whole. Since it was a small plate it was easy for her to drink.

'No its more making sure that you don't go overboard.' She responded with concern present in her voice. Immediately after Mitsuko felt the come back to haunt her and started to cough slightly.

'Oh yeah, now I remember what it tastes like. I forgot how strong this stuff actually was.'

'See? You should probably stop now while you have the chance.' LingQi urged her. Mitsuko declined.

'No its fine, I'm not gonna go overboard, just enough to relax a bit is all. As I said this maybe the only way to get her to lower her guard a bit.' Mitsuko responded as she took another plate from another tray a servant was walking with. Though instead of drinking it herself, her right serpent who grabbed it with its mouth poured the alcohol in its mouth itself as it tilted its head up high. The alcohol quickly slides down the serpents body. Mitsuko didn't cough though she felt the body of the serpent start to experience the strong aftertaste she felt from her throat.

'Woah that's…an interesting sensation.' She stated, the serpent looked fine though it did splutter a tiny amount after drinking it.

'How so, how do you feel?' LingQi replied immediately as she puts her hands on Mitsuko's shoulders, afraid she may start staggering soon.

'Strangely fine, the aftertaste is a bitch but other than that…I feel all right. Don't worry I'm all good.' She reassured her, LingQi hesitantly let Mitsuko go but she was still very wary of her. Meanwhile Pang Tong sitting a bit away from crowds of people alone while keeping in ear shot of them, trying to obtain as much information as he could. Could be potentially useful in case the bandit queen tries anything the strategist believes as he bites into a freshly made dim sum under his mask. He recollected his discoveries of the scroll he obtained from Chen Gong. During his off time when he wasn't hatching schemes he was studying this scroll closely. From what he managed to find is that the scroll was some sort of prison for souls ready to be fully cleansed. It could only hold a small number of them at a time. But until then they will serve as bodyguards for the holder. However when Pang Tong obtained the scroll he believes that it reacted something within him. He wasn't sure if it was because of his allegiance to Mitsuko or…something else. A tingling sensation suddenly was felt at the back of his felt for a few seconds before a sudden strike making him tilt his head suddenly to the side for a second before he righted itself. A painful sensation suddenly filled his head as if it was scratched by some kind of long, sharp nails. Nevertheless Pang Tong kept his composure.

'Oho feisty today aren't we? Do not worry you'll see you share of chaos soon enough. For now we can both agree sewing chaos here doesn't help lady Mitsuko in the long term now does it? You'll see your share of mystic blood soon enough. Patience is key after all. Something you do need to learn.' Pang Tong chuckled at the source of said pain. Shortly after one of Mitsuko's soldiers came into the main hall with permission given. He immediately went to Pang Tong and bowed his head.

'Master Pang Tong my apologies for the inconvenience but I bring a message from master Gyuki.'

'Oh? And what would that be?' Pang Tong questioned.

'He said…the scent has gone. He said you would know what that means.' The soldier reported. Pang Tong chuckled sinisterly at this news. So among this time is when they started to make their way…excellent. We should expect morale to rise soon and given how eager these bandits are to shed their enemies blood victory is a possibility. He should be able to make the necessary preparation for their arrival. Pang Tong stood up and places a hand on the messengers shoulder.

'Excellent. Thank you for the message. However that should not be your final one to give. Gather some men working the night patrol and tell them to meet me at the front gates. We have preparations to make.' Pang Tong responded. The messenger nodded in understanding and quickly exited the main hall. Pang Tong started to make their way towards the main entrance when he spotted Mitsuko and LingQi. He walked up to them, he noticed Mitsuko's serpents drinking the small plates of alcohol.

'Enjoying yourself I see my lady. That's good, one has to relax every now and again.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'See, Pang Tong agrees with me.' Mitsuko stated as she smirked as her left serpent guzzled down yet another plate of alcohol.

'Nevertheless this is not something I really agree with, though I suppose I can't stop her. Much to my dismay.' LingQi sighed.

'Well in that case I'll leave her in your capable hands then.'

'Oh? Where would you be off to then? The night is still young after all.' LingQi responded. Unsure why Pang Tong would be leaving this early.

'True however I think I should use this time to review our defences. It is the least we can do for our allies after all is to check how fortified it is even if they aren't expecting it.' Pang Tong chuckled.

'That would be a good idea, if they ever did find this place we would need to be on prepared since this isn't a fortress like Xia Pi. Nevertheless are you sure its wise to do this now?' LingQi expressed her concern for the timing of this, she didn't know how the bandit queen would react to outsiders, even if they are allies to review and make additional defences.

'Do not worry, we are doing them a favour and it would show how intuitive we are if we do this of our own accord and would look good for Lady Mitsuko.'

'You know, you should take your own advice and relax yourself.' Mitsuko interjected as she started to slur her words.

'Hehe, maybe another time. For now I have though if you excuse me I have preparations to make.' Pang Tong chuckled before he left the main hall leaving the rest of Mitsuko's group to do what is needed to do.

'How do you feel now?' LingQi asked Mitsuko noticing that the alcohol is starting to take effect.

'Honestly…not that bad. I expected to feel far worse, that aftertaste is goddamn terrible though, bleagh. Overall though I feel pretty decent. Didn't think you'd get this much of a buzz though, I can see why people drink the stuff now truth be told.' Mitsuko replied full of energy, she felt the alcohol take its affect through her system though it wasn't enough to impede her sense of awareness or thought process she thought, she still had enough to loosen up a little bit. Her serpents slithered in front of her, albeit slower than they what they usually do though they hiss happily.

'Well…I can't say I'm exactly pleased but you probably shouldn't have anymore. I hear that feeling will flood over you soon enough once you give it a bit of time.' LingQi responded.

'Maybe. Oh look at that.' Mitsuko looked at the general direction of the throne where Zheng jiang was walking through the doors that she did previously to enter the main hall along with Lu Zheng leading Gai Shu away. She glances over at Mitsuko and gives her a wink and returned to leading Gai Shu away.

'Well that's my que. I better get to work, hopefully this works.' Mitsuko stated as she started to walk but she stumbled a bit before regaining her balance, though she couldn't walk quite in a straight line. She declared she was ok to LingQi before proceeding. LingQi waited a while before LingQi walked through the doors. She attempted to control herself but she just couldn't help herself as she followed Mitsuko to make sure she's ok.