A Magic Steeped in Poison (The Book of Tea #1) (95)

Zhen knocks at a set of doors on the second level, and we are admitted to a private room. Looking around, I can see it’s an understated but tastefully decorated receiving room. A man and a woman are the only occupants, and they bow to greet us.

The man is not much older than my father, with lines around his eyes, showing he has led a life full of smiles. The anxious-looking woman next to him, probably his wife, reminds me of the way Mother would hover around Father when she believed he was doing something unwise. With our ragged appearance, Ruyi appearing as if she is on the verge of collapse, I can see we are a reasonable cause for alarm.

Zhen quickly gestures for them to rise, dismissing the need for court niceties. Qing’er and I maneuver Ruyi to sit heavily on a stool. “Official Qiu,” she acknowledges with a nod. “Madam Sun.”

The official’s attention swings to me. “And this is?”

“She will become my shénnóng-shī when I reclaim my court,” Zhen says. Even though I know she may not have an empire to rule if everything unravels in the coming weeks, it shows me she still remembers her promise.

“I understand.” He nods, then returns to the business at hand. “The person you have requested to meet is waiting for you in the next room.”

“One more thing,” Zhen says. “I know I have asked more of you than you are obliged to give, but our efforts have put this boy in danger. We have to move him away from the palace for his own safety. Can you place him under your protection?”

Qing’er looks up at Official Qiu, trying to maintain his composure—he manages, except for his quivering lower lip.

“Yes, of course!” The wife swats her husband’s arm, not even waiting for his response. “We will take him. A child should always have a home. Come with me. Auntie will get you some treats.”

She puts her hand on his shoulder, and Qing’er looks to me for permission. I give him a nod. Even though I wish I could keep him with me, I know there are more dangerous roads ahead.

“Go on,” I encourage him. “I’ll see you again.”

He follows her, and I am happy that at least he will be well taken care of.

“Now if you will follow me.” Official Qiu pulls aside the heavy tapestry, revealing a doorway. “We will speak to the astronomer.”





CHAPTER FORTY-SIX


The man who waits for us on the other side has a thin beard and is dressed in plain white robes. A white jade pendant swings from his sash when he stands and bows to us.

“Astronomer Wu.” Zhen clasps his hands with warm familiarity, and he returns her greeting with a fond smile.

“Please, sit.” He gestures to a round table, surrounded by stools.

I take my leave toward the next room to assist Ruyi, but the astronomer calls out to me. “You should hear this as well, Daughter of Shénnóng.”

With hesitation, I perch myself on the edge of a stool, not sure why I have been asked to stay. The number of astronomers in the empire is fewer than the shénnóng-shī listed in the Book of Tea, but no one is certain how many are in their ranks. I never thought I would be permitted to be in the presence of one, much less attend one of their readings.

“I am thankful you made the effort to meet me at risk to yourself,” Zhen says. “It will not be forgotten.”

“You have a hard path ahead, child,” Astronomer Wu says with great solemnity. “I’m not sure it will be a kindness for you to know what the stars have intended for you. I admit, I have considered encouraging you to walk an easier path.”

Zhen scoffs at the thought. “I am a daughter of the Li family. I will not turn to the easier path just to save my own life.”

“Although we are not like the shénnóng-shī, able to see the threads of a person’s possible future from a single cup”—he spares me a glance—“we can see the courses of kingdoms and empires. We see the paths of multitudes, each life affecting another, and to pull out one star is impossible. But there are moments within the stream where the paths divert toward uncertainty. You stand at the precipice, one of a cluster that gleams in the midst of it all.

“There’s a darkness coming for the empire. A darkness, rising from the heart of Dàxī.”

With each word uttered, I can perceive the threads being unwound, stars coursing through the night sky. A different magic from the one I am used to, but magic all the same.

“How do we stop it?” Zhen leans forward then, intent on finding the answers.

“There is light from the north, but it can easily be smothered by the darkness.” The words are cryptic, difficult to understand. “But your path will stop here if you do not leave the city tonight. The stars are clear enough: Stay in Jia, and you will be extinguished.”

The princess rubs her temple with obvious frustration. “Where do I go? Where do the stars lead me?”

“The way is never clear,” Astronomer Wu says apologetically, stroking his beard. “Individual destinies are too entwined with one another. A combination of hundreds, thousands of choices. We can only provide guidance, suggest the best course possible, and hope. Hope for the future of the empire. Hope for peace.”

“And the guidance for me is to … leave. Leave my home. Leave my people behind.” Zhen turns away, expression darkening. “Run.”