The same chair awaited her, and she arrived precisely on time: neither a
moment early nor a moment late. Her reputation as known by the other village
elders included this mannerism, and she prided herself on possessing such high
standards. It set a challenge for her, because if she ever happened to arrive
at an undesirable time, the others were sure to be shocked and surprised.
"Shall we begin?" she asked, her voice clear and strong. The others
murmured their agreement, and busied themselves with final preparations for the
task at hand. This same chair had held her body in the past week, for the same
hours each day, for the same topic they still had a need to discuss. Days of
debate, decisions, deliberations, and still no final judgment yet.
She also took it upon herself to be the first to speak up and initiate the
meeting. "JiaLin, please read off the minutes from our last meeting, to keep it
fresh in our minds."
"Yes, Chen Gu'niang," replied JiaLin with a bow as she unfurled the scroll
of notes she'd taken yesterday. The village knew her well as a specialist in
the Snake Form, from which she had developed supple and sturdy wrists.
Utilizing this trait in other areas, she had become quite a skilled artist in
both watercolor and calligraphy. Her talents were useful when it came to
writing characters quickly and precisely during a meeting such as this.
The others listened carefully as she read off her words, and reflected
upon the facts and events over and over in their minds, considering the best
options. Then, the debating began once more.
Descendants
(a sequel to Here Comes Neko!)
A Ranma Nibunnoichi fan fiction
by Luna Hinomura
Chapter 4: Strife in Nv Jie Zu*
The woman who'd come in to beg an audience had begun to annoy Chen Fang.
As much as she knew the information the woman would provide was necessary, the
woman delivered it with such faux pretenses that the lady Chen wanted nothing
more but to be finished with their session. The woman, Li Hui, seemed ignorant
of any subtle hints Chen Fang had provided in hopes of persuading her to leave.
Hui was obviously quite the businesswoman, through and through.
But, that was also one of the benefits of working with such a woman. In
knowing how to run a business successfully, she also knew that people who sought
her wares disliked having their interactions broadcasted into the public. Hui
knew how to hold her tongue, and never betrayed her customers' privacy.
"There is also the question of monetary imbursement," she continued,
clicking away loudly with her abacus. The clacking noise only aggravated Chen
Fang even more.
"Li Gu'niang," Chen Fang started, in a tone she specially reserved for
exactly this sort of situation. With a sweeping gesture of her hand and arm,
she indicated their immediate surroundings to her guest, but knew Hui would see
the larger picture of her entire estate. "I am not an impoverished member of
this village. My home speaks for itself, does it not? You need not be
concerned with any inability on my part to remunerate you for your services. I
only hope the costs of what you can provide are suitably allocated."
Hui was unimpressed. "What you ask of me to provide is more difficult
than you know," she argued. "I would not think of deceiving you, the honored
Chen Fang Gu'niang-- I only ask that I and my resources be compensated
adequately. You know, it is difficult to feed and clothe an army--"
A slight rustle at the door caught Chen Fang's attention, and she reacted
immediately, turning her head to look in that direction, her surprised gaze
brief but intense. Hui reacted as well, but a moment later. "Who's there?"
Chen Fang demanded in a tone more curious than angry. If anything, she was
grateful for the interruption.
Jie entered, and bowed to both women. "Apologies for intruding upon your
conversation," he spoke politely. "I was unaware that you were hosting company,
Chen Gu'niang."
"It is all well and good," Chen Fang replied, "since Li Gu'niang was just
leaving." This time, when she stared pointedly at Li Hui, Hui seemed to finally
understand her meaning. Chen Fang also stood up from her chair for good
measure.
"Yes, I'll not worry over the trivialities," Hui replied, gathering up her
materials. There was an edge to her voice, indicating that she was not as
welcome to the interruption as Chen Fang had been. Whenever she looked at or
spoke of Jie, a distinct hint of disdain became evident within her eyes, her
expression, and her tone. Hui had actually never spoken directly to him-- she
refused to. As she left the room, Hui turned back and haughtily added one more
comment towards Chen Fang. "I knew you liked young boys," she said, putting a
'special' emphasis on the words, "but I'd never have expected you to specially
quit a meeting simply for the indulgence of a bastard!"
Before either Chen Fang or Jie could react, Li Hui was already prancing
down the hallway and out the courtyard. They were silent for a few seconds,
before Jie punched his fist, hard, into a support beam in the wall next to him,
accompanied by an aggravated snarl emitted from deep within his throat. Chen
Fang noted that Jie trembling with fury, but despite his hot temper, he always
held himself back. She knew he would never want put on a full display before
her. As much as he found the idea of face distasteful, his pride was such that
he fell into the system anyway.
"I hate her," Jie spat out, instead. Those were probably the strongest
words he'd ever choose to use when speaking of one of Chen Fang's acquaintances.
"Hatred is merely another form of ignorance, Jie. She is necessary to the
plan," Chen Fang stated. "It is not as if I invite her into my home simply to
spite you."
He scoffed. "What good is she for 'the plan'? You've never even told me
business that woman has with you." Mirroring Li Hui's sentiments, Jie refused
to call her by name or title. Though he was used to being ostracized for being
born both male and illegitimate, Hui went farther with her insults than most
women of their village would dare on an apprentice of Chen Fang's.
"That is because it does not concern you," Chen Fang replied. "Trust me
when I say, I have told you all you need to know. You know more than any of the
servants, and you know more than anyone else I work with."
"What was she saying about an army before I came in?" Jie persisted,
refusing to drop the issue. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop; it was unfortunate
timing."
"A figure of speech, nothing more," she spoke without even batting an eye.
"Why did you come looking for me? Is there something you need to tell me that
can't be passed on from a servant?"
Jie's resolve faltered, but he remained wary. "Lan has finally replied
with a message from my last visit." He seemed befuddled, uncertain of what
their next move was to be.
"I see," Chen Fang said simply, with hardly any reaction. "And what am I
to do? Shall I visit her?" Jie understood these questions to be rhetorical,
but unhesitatingly offered his answer nonetheless.
"Actually, she plans on calling on us here, instead," he replied, taking
on a more businesslike attitude. Chen Fang raised an eyebrow in approval. The
ability of dismissing Li Hui's verbal abuse showed considerable tenacity on his
part. "The words I left her with after my previous visitation have distressed
her quite a bit." Jie showed no remorse, no embarrassment at admitting these
facts to Chen Fang, nor was he proud or ashamed; he only sought her advice.
And, the lady Chen felt he was well-deserving of it at this time. "YiLan
will come," said Chen Fang, "and our task shall be to welcome her."
* * * * *
Thoroughly exhausted from their wild games and running around, the three
children had decided to rest for a bit, sitting on a patch of large boulders in
the middle of a field. The land belonged to no family in particular, but the
village utilized it for various purposes. Lan and Jie's new friend beamed at
everything he could see, amazed by even the little insects marching along on the
ground.
"Do you think he does any martial arts?" Jie asked suddenly. He and Lan
had been unable to communicate very well with their new friend, so he hoped to
spar with their new friend... if Hideo *did* in fact know the Art. Such a
performance could be considered almost a sort of bonding ritual.
"I dunno how to ask," Lan replied, looking at Hideo with a nervous smile
on her lips. Hideo grinned back, though worried confusion stared back at her
from his eyes. Embarrassed, Lan's smile widened further.
"Let's show him something of ours first, then!" Jie suggested. Recently,
they'd been learning a few doubles, forms meant for two people. He wanted very
badly to practice with Lan, and show off to Hideo for the fame of the village.
There were different forms to choose from; styles for performance, where two
people would seemingly fight but refrain from hurting each other, and styles
meant to be used in confrontations, where two people would act as a single unit,
sensing each other's actions and mutually challenge their enemies.
With a confirming nod from Lan, it was decided. So lucid was the
communication between the two cousins that they needed no time to argue over and
agree upon which form to utilize as an exhibition for Hideo. Standing in their
respective positions, the form began.
* * * * *
Plodding along on her way to Chen Fang's house, Lan found herself deep in
rumination yet again. Heading in the direction to that location always reminded
her of the first big quarrel she'd shared with her cousin, and its unpleasant
aftereffects. Though they'd only been children at the time, it had sent a
bitter shard through their good relations, creating a giant chasm that had not
yet healed, and so it seemed, would never heal.
"Thank you for accompanying me, Jing," she said, trying to break away from
the painful memories. Despite that, her words were completely heartfelt; Jing's
fear of Jie had never escaped Lan's notice--it was apparent by the nervousness
in her stature every time they happened to be in the same room together. Lan
actually felt somewhat responsible for Jing's aversion to her cousin's ill
manners and foul temper, because the servant girl had originally lived in an
abusive household before coming into Lan's home.
It took a moment or two for Jing to reply. "I worry of your stamina,
Xiaojie. It is a long walk, and you haven't traveled down this path in quite a
long time."
"I used to visit more frequently," said Lan, more to herself than for
Jing's ears, "when Jie's personality was a little more hospitable."
This time, Jing didn't know how to respond. "Xiaojie..." she started, her
voice full of worry. The unfinished sentence remained in the air, upcoming
words still forming in her mind.
The two continued for a few more moments in silence, until Lan quipped, "I
wonder if Jie would have visited us more often, had we been more hospitable
towards him."
"Was there ever a time when our household was inhospitable to him?"
"Perhaps he felt there was... We're almost there."
Her last statement was unnecessary, as the almost majestic residence was
well within sight. Lan could virtually feel Jing's resolve weaken upon reaching
Chen Fang's residence. She herself remained resolute, but began to doubt if she
would be able to obtain an audience with the woman, and wondered what she'd even
say. Her reasons for paying this visit suddenly seemed weak and very trite,
reasons Chen Fang would not respect her for.
"You are steadfast, Xiaojie," Jing said, seeming to sense her unrest.
Lan sighed, wishing she could believe Jing's compliment. "If organizing
this tournament is a test from the village, do you think I will pass?"
"I don't doubt your capabilities," was Jing's answer. "Xiaojie shouldn't
either."
A smile appeared on Lan's lips, and she lengthened her strides, her
strength renewed.
End of Chapter 4
Author's notes:
* This is the Chinese pronunciation of the Japanese name "Joketsuzoku".
Literally, it means "tribe of outstanding females."
moment early nor a moment late. Her reputation as known by the other village
elders included this mannerism, and she prided herself on possessing such high
standards. It set a challenge for her, because if she ever happened to arrive
at an undesirable time, the others were sure to be shocked and surprised.
"Shall we begin?" she asked, her voice clear and strong. The others
murmured their agreement, and busied themselves with final preparations for the
task at hand. This same chair had held her body in the past week, for the same
hours each day, for the same topic they still had a need to discuss. Days of
debate, decisions, deliberations, and still no final judgment yet.
She also took it upon herself to be the first to speak up and initiate the
meeting. "JiaLin, please read off the minutes from our last meeting, to keep it
fresh in our minds."
"Yes, Chen Gu'niang," replied JiaLin with a bow as she unfurled the scroll
of notes she'd taken yesterday. The village knew her well as a specialist in
the Snake Form, from which she had developed supple and sturdy wrists.
Utilizing this trait in other areas, she had become quite a skilled artist in
both watercolor and calligraphy. Her talents were useful when it came to
writing characters quickly and precisely during a meeting such as this.
The others listened carefully as she read off her words, and reflected
upon the facts and events over and over in their minds, considering the best
options. Then, the debating began once more.
Descendants
(a sequel to Here Comes Neko!)
A Ranma Nibunnoichi fan fiction
by Luna Hinomura
Chapter 4: Strife in Nv Jie Zu*
The woman who'd come in to beg an audience had begun to annoy Chen Fang.
As much as she knew the information the woman would provide was necessary, the
woman delivered it with such faux pretenses that the lady Chen wanted nothing
more but to be finished with their session. The woman, Li Hui, seemed ignorant
of any subtle hints Chen Fang had provided in hopes of persuading her to leave.
Hui was obviously quite the businesswoman, through and through.
But, that was also one of the benefits of working with such a woman. In
knowing how to run a business successfully, she also knew that people who sought
her wares disliked having their interactions broadcasted into the public. Hui
knew how to hold her tongue, and never betrayed her customers' privacy.
"There is also the question of monetary imbursement," she continued,
clicking away loudly with her abacus. The clacking noise only aggravated Chen
Fang even more.
"Li Gu'niang," Chen Fang started, in a tone she specially reserved for
exactly this sort of situation. With a sweeping gesture of her hand and arm,
she indicated their immediate surroundings to her guest, but knew Hui would see
the larger picture of her entire estate. "I am not an impoverished member of
this village. My home speaks for itself, does it not? You need not be
concerned with any inability on my part to remunerate you for your services. I
only hope the costs of what you can provide are suitably allocated."
Hui was unimpressed. "What you ask of me to provide is more difficult
than you know," she argued. "I would not think of deceiving you, the honored
Chen Fang Gu'niang-- I only ask that I and my resources be compensated
adequately. You know, it is difficult to feed and clothe an army--"
A slight rustle at the door caught Chen Fang's attention, and she reacted
immediately, turning her head to look in that direction, her surprised gaze
brief but intense. Hui reacted as well, but a moment later. "Who's there?"
Chen Fang demanded in a tone more curious than angry. If anything, she was
grateful for the interruption.
Jie entered, and bowed to both women. "Apologies for intruding upon your
conversation," he spoke politely. "I was unaware that you were hosting company,
Chen Gu'niang."
"It is all well and good," Chen Fang replied, "since Li Gu'niang was just
leaving." This time, when she stared pointedly at Li Hui, Hui seemed to finally
understand her meaning. Chen Fang also stood up from her chair for good
measure.
"Yes, I'll not worry over the trivialities," Hui replied, gathering up her
materials. There was an edge to her voice, indicating that she was not as
welcome to the interruption as Chen Fang had been. Whenever she looked at or
spoke of Jie, a distinct hint of disdain became evident within her eyes, her
expression, and her tone. Hui had actually never spoken directly to him-- she
refused to. As she left the room, Hui turned back and haughtily added one more
comment towards Chen Fang. "I knew you liked young boys," she said, putting a
'special' emphasis on the words, "but I'd never have expected you to specially
quit a meeting simply for the indulgence of a bastard!"
Before either Chen Fang or Jie could react, Li Hui was already prancing
down the hallway and out the courtyard. They were silent for a few seconds,
before Jie punched his fist, hard, into a support beam in the wall next to him,
accompanied by an aggravated snarl emitted from deep within his throat. Chen
Fang noted that Jie trembling with fury, but despite his hot temper, he always
held himself back. She knew he would never want put on a full display before
her. As much as he found the idea of face distasteful, his pride was such that
he fell into the system anyway.
"I hate her," Jie spat out, instead. Those were probably the strongest
words he'd ever choose to use when speaking of one of Chen Fang's acquaintances.
"Hatred is merely another form of ignorance, Jie. She is necessary to the
plan," Chen Fang stated. "It is not as if I invite her into my home simply to
spite you."
He scoffed. "What good is she for 'the plan'? You've never even told me
business that woman has with you." Mirroring Li Hui's sentiments, Jie refused
to call her by name or title. Though he was used to being ostracized for being
born both male and illegitimate, Hui went farther with her insults than most
women of their village would dare on an apprentice of Chen Fang's.
"That is because it does not concern you," Chen Fang replied. "Trust me
when I say, I have told you all you need to know. You know more than any of the
servants, and you know more than anyone else I work with."
"What was she saying about an army before I came in?" Jie persisted,
refusing to drop the issue. "I didn't mean to eavesdrop; it was unfortunate
timing."
"A figure of speech, nothing more," she spoke without even batting an eye.
"Why did you come looking for me? Is there something you need to tell me that
can't be passed on from a servant?"
Jie's resolve faltered, but he remained wary. "Lan has finally replied
with a message from my last visit." He seemed befuddled, uncertain of what
their next move was to be.
"I see," Chen Fang said simply, with hardly any reaction. "And what am I
to do? Shall I visit her?" Jie understood these questions to be rhetorical,
but unhesitatingly offered his answer nonetheless.
"Actually, she plans on calling on us here, instead," he replied, taking
on a more businesslike attitude. Chen Fang raised an eyebrow in approval. The
ability of dismissing Li Hui's verbal abuse showed considerable tenacity on his
part. "The words I left her with after my previous visitation have distressed
her quite a bit." Jie showed no remorse, no embarrassment at admitting these
facts to Chen Fang, nor was he proud or ashamed; he only sought her advice.
And, the lady Chen felt he was well-deserving of it at this time. "YiLan
will come," said Chen Fang, "and our task shall be to welcome her."
* * * * *
Thoroughly exhausted from their wild games and running around, the three
children had decided to rest for a bit, sitting on a patch of large boulders in
the middle of a field. The land belonged to no family in particular, but the
village utilized it for various purposes. Lan and Jie's new friend beamed at
everything he could see, amazed by even the little insects marching along on the
ground.
"Do you think he does any martial arts?" Jie asked suddenly. He and Lan
had been unable to communicate very well with their new friend, so he hoped to
spar with their new friend... if Hideo *did* in fact know the Art. Such a
performance could be considered almost a sort of bonding ritual.
"I dunno how to ask," Lan replied, looking at Hideo with a nervous smile
on her lips. Hideo grinned back, though worried confusion stared back at her
from his eyes. Embarrassed, Lan's smile widened further.
"Let's show him something of ours first, then!" Jie suggested. Recently,
they'd been learning a few doubles, forms meant for two people. He wanted very
badly to practice with Lan, and show off to Hideo for the fame of the village.
There were different forms to choose from; styles for performance, where two
people would seemingly fight but refrain from hurting each other, and styles
meant to be used in confrontations, where two people would act as a single unit,
sensing each other's actions and mutually challenge their enemies.
With a confirming nod from Lan, it was decided. So lucid was the
communication between the two cousins that they needed no time to argue over and
agree upon which form to utilize as an exhibition for Hideo. Standing in their
respective positions, the form began.
* * * * *
Plodding along on her way to Chen Fang's house, Lan found herself deep in
rumination yet again. Heading in the direction to that location always reminded
her of the first big quarrel she'd shared with her cousin, and its unpleasant
aftereffects. Though they'd only been children at the time, it had sent a
bitter shard through their good relations, creating a giant chasm that had not
yet healed, and so it seemed, would never heal.
"Thank you for accompanying me, Jing," she said, trying to break away from
the painful memories. Despite that, her words were completely heartfelt; Jing's
fear of Jie had never escaped Lan's notice--it was apparent by the nervousness
in her stature every time they happened to be in the same room together. Lan
actually felt somewhat responsible for Jing's aversion to her cousin's ill
manners and foul temper, because the servant girl had originally lived in an
abusive household before coming into Lan's home.
It took a moment or two for Jing to reply. "I worry of your stamina,
Xiaojie. It is a long walk, and you haven't traveled down this path in quite a
long time."
"I used to visit more frequently," said Lan, more to herself than for
Jing's ears, "when Jie's personality was a little more hospitable."
This time, Jing didn't know how to respond. "Xiaojie..." she started, her
voice full of worry. The unfinished sentence remained in the air, upcoming
words still forming in her mind.
The two continued for a few more moments in silence, until Lan quipped, "I
wonder if Jie would have visited us more often, had we been more hospitable
towards him."
"Was there ever a time when our household was inhospitable to him?"
"Perhaps he felt there was... We're almost there."
Her last statement was unnecessary, as the almost majestic residence was
well within sight. Lan could virtually feel Jing's resolve weaken upon reaching
Chen Fang's residence. She herself remained resolute, but began to doubt if she
would be able to obtain an audience with the woman, and wondered what she'd even
say. Her reasons for paying this visit suddenly seemed weak and very trite,
reasons Chen Fang would not respect her for.
"You are steadfast, Xiaojie," Jing said, seeming to sense her unrest.
Lan sighed, wishing she could believe Jing's compliment. "If organizing
this tournament is a test from the village, do you think I will pass?"
"I don't doubt your capabilities," was Jing's answer. "Xiaojie shouldn't
either."
A smile appeared on Lan's lips, and she lengthened her strides, her
strength renewed.
End of Chapter 4
Author's notes:
* This is the Chinese pronunciation of the Japanese name "Joketsuzoku".
Literally, it means "tribe of outstanding females."
