A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea #1) (76)
What they remember: fingers carefully prying open a bloom, holding it apart. Something being placed inside, small in size. Round, with a pungent scent. I ask them if they will show me where these secrets are.
I open my eyes and Lian is watching me, a small smile on her lips.
“I know where they are,” I say to her, voice low so the others do not hear. “I’ll get you one. Come, we can go to the final round together.”
Lian’s smile wavers when I expect her to exclaim with her typical enthusiasm and delight, and I do not understand why.
“Remember when we first met?” I gesture at the men splashing, stumbling about in the dark. “We wanted to show them there are shénnóng-tú outside Jia. To prove them wrong. Here is our chance!”
It could be her attempt at kindness, to make sure she will not be my competitor in the final round, but I want to be there with her together. A worthy friend and opponent.
“I’m sorry, Ning.” She shakes her head. “I can’t go ahead in this competition. I wanted to tell you tonight, after the end of this round. My family is returning to Kallah.”
Even though I know the nature of the competition means we will have to part eventually, I had hoped she would still remain in the palace because of her father’s position. That I would still have a friend and wouldn’t have to be alone.
Seeing the look on my face, she leans closer and whispers, “The princess has sent me away for another purpose. Do not worry about me.” She pokes me in the shoulder, hard. “Go!”
I return to the water lilies, still reluctant. It doesn’t seem fair. But the plants whisper eagerly, directing me to where the prize is hidden. There … there …
Following their encouragements, I find one not far away, a flower that whispers about the secret tucked inside it. The wet seeps into my shoes and the bottom of my skirt as I bend down and cup my hand around the bloom, asking for permission to reach within.
The poets call them “Sleeping Beauties,” because they open with the midday heat and then close at night when the air cools. But under my fingers, the petals slowly unfurl, revealing a small black ball at the center. I pick it up, and it pulses with a peculiar warmth against my skin. I give the water lilies my silent thanks, and the surrounding blooms wave in acknowledgment.
Stepping out of the pond, I am the first to return to the pavilion, and offer the ball for Elder Guo’s inspection. She sniffs it and nods, proclaiming that it is good. Someone else gives a shout as another competitor discovers the next hidden treasure. I wince at the number of water lilies that were disturbed for them to find their prize, and hope the gardeners will be able to tend to them.
We all return to the pavilion after a time. I stand with Wenyi and Shao as the ones who emerge victorious. Guoming’s dark expression does not hide his displeasure at losing so close to the end, and Chengzhi looks resigned, arms crossed. Lian is the only one who still looks pleased, as if a weight has been lifted off her shoulders.
“For the three of you who will not be moving forward, I commend you all for reaching this point of the competition,” Minister Song says, resuming his role as the Minister of Rites. “You will return to your households with recognition, commendations sent to your shénnóng-shī, and treasures for your families. You will be reunited with them tomorrow. Rest well tonight.”
The three of them bow and leave the pavilion. Lian gives me a wink of encouragement and a wave, then she’s gone. Even though I should be glad I am moving on to the next round, I still feel a sense of loss.
“Now…” Minister Song returns to us, regarding us intensely. “The final round of the competition. The future court shénnóng-shī stands before me.” He meets our eyes in turn, as if he is able to see our weaknesses, our doubts and hesitations.
“The astronomers have spoken,” he announces. “A ruler will ascend, and the court shénnóng-shī will provide wisdom and guidance, like those who have advised before you. Your final trial will be presented before the court. They will witness the marvels of Shénnóng and deem one of you worthy.
“Keep the medicine ball you found inside the water lilies. You will need it for the next round.” We all look down at the inconspicuous shape in our hands, wondering what clue it might provide us about what awaits us in the final round. “Your belongings will be moved into the Residence of Harmonious Spring tonight. And tomorrow … we shall see which one of your stars will shine the brightest over Jia.”
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
The weak morning light illuminates my unfamiliar, luxurious surroundings. Without Lian’s morning greeting or even Peng-ge’s chirpy serenade, the room feels cold.
I’ve made it to the final round. My goal is within reach, yet I remain restless.
I try to distract myself by reading through Wondrous Tales, but it does not have the same pull as those stories usually do.
Walking through our garden courtyard, I see Shao and Wenyi playing a game of strategy through the open doors of Shao’s quarters. The two mirror each other, focus intent on the board before them, elbows on their knees. Directing their horses and chariots across the board. There is no invitation extended to me, and I do not intrude. I am well aware of where I fit in these perfumed corridors.
I attempt to leave the residence to at least stroll in the gardens, but there are soldiers positioned at the door by decree of the chancellor, for our own protection. But I’ve seen how easy it is to enter and leave the palace, the number of tunnels that run through the walls. How safe can any of us ever be in the palace?