Wu had waken up early as was his habitude. Water was boiling for some herbal tea while he had taken some leftovers from the kitchen for a hardy breakfast.

While Takurou's cooking skill had been on display yesterday, his real skills had been revealed on how he managed to save the leftovers and prepare entirely new meal out of it: That was the mark of true inspired genius.

Meanwhile Shu the red panda was keeping company with the baby goat and, hopefully, they would not get in too much trouble.

Having woken up early to center herself and make herself presentable, Misaki arrived on time for the small meeting. Having presented herself, she walked in and bowed, giving a small warm smile to the panda and goat, "Oh my; Guests, Wu-sama?"

Zhe rose and bowed to his interlocutor as she arrived

''I am not sure if I am not the guest in these quarters and they the true residents'' he replied with a smile

''Have you broken fast yet?''

"I have not yet, beyond some tea before getting dressed for the day in order to warm up and wake up to better be prepared for the day. And be coherent for morning prayers."

''Would you like to share a meal with me then? I have a few vegetable and chicken dishes that can readily be shared.''

He turned to the teapot as he spoke

''I also have an herbal infusion getting ready.''

"I would very much enjoy sharing some food with you and the residents, if none of you mind."

She bowed to the two animals with a bit of a amused and serene attitude towards it all.

The red panda waved a paw and the new human in it's quarters which proved to be a mistake: baby goat, ignorant of human protocols, took it an indicator of play and began doing what baby goats do for play...by jumping over everything it could jump on.

Zhe pushed the door to the rest of the room closed, leaving the ensuing mayhem to the ears alone

''It will take some time before they are in the mood to eat'' the dragon reply indicated he was beginning to get used to this

"Ah, I see."

The soft smile didn't leave Misaki's lips as she took a seat gracefully, tucking her legs to one side, "I'll admit, I've never met a goat that was not hungry all the time it seems like."

''Oh yes, the little one is often hungry...but that hunger is forgotten once it becomes excited.'' he began pouring tea for the crane ''It must be in a particular phase but the room as been goat proofed, at least.''

A small polite laugh.

"Are they yours then, or are you looking after the pair of them?"

He prepared the rice and the side dishes ''I have been Shu's human for a few years now. He may not look like it but he is a grumpy old panda that looks good for his age.''

He took a breath

''I am just the baby goat's caretaker until the time comes''

"Ah."

She took the bowl gratefully with both hands before setting it down, saying a small prayer before picking up her chopsticks.

"I am very used to dealing with farmers and ranchers, other Heimin as well. So farm animals and pets and such. I will admit, I've never met anyone who's kept a red panda with them. Plenty of goats though, of all sorts; Playful, angry, hungry, lazy..."

His eyes widened when she spoke of farms

''How Shu came to travel with me is a long story but not a particularly entertaining one, I am afraid...So...you are used in dealing with farmers? I thought the Crane advanced a very aggressive class system.''

"Perhaps. But is it not the Duty of those with power and knowledge to guide and look after those without? I do not do farmwork myself, Wu-sama, you see; I specialize in agricultural engineering, or the buildings or roads, canals, and irrigation as well as levees and buildings. I have a deep knowledge of farming techniques as well, but it's mostly from an academic standpoint, though I do have a plot of land of my own and take care of my own plants and animals when there is time and ability."

The Wu brought a cup to his lips ''Do you assume we farmers do not have knowledge, Doji-sama? For when we are given power I do believe we are able to manage ourselves quite admirably.''

"Quite the contrary. That is why I wish to impress that my own knowledge of farming is mostly an academic thing, alongside my more active knowledge of structural engineering and such. Heimin have their own more immediate and practical knowledge I would never try to replace or claim to be able to replicate. I merely provide a wider perspective and knowledge of techniques and infrastructure that can assist that impressive knowledge base in order to help farmers, fields, and their connections be more than the sum of their parts."

Misaki bowed her head, "I apologize if that view seems dismissive or presumptuous, Wu-sama."

Her head lifted, "I believe everyone can do more together if they rely on each others' knowledge and fields of expertise, and find the ways they can relate and connect harmoniously."

Zhe took a deep breath and took a sip of his tea before trying to turn this conversation around

''No need for apologies Doji-san, I am well aware of our people divergent views on the subject but the eloquence of your words convinces me you are one who truly works for the good of the people.'' he paused ''Let us approach this subject another time...you had another reason to come see me?''

"Ah, yes, of course."

Setting the cup of tea down, Misaki reached into her small pouch and pulled out something Zhe would likely recognize; A double gold ring in the shape of twin dragons.



"This unusual ring that was in the box from the other day. It is like nothing I have ever seen, and has such remarkable workmanship... as someone who has worked with gold before, I was fascinated by what might have brought about the creation of such a piece, and it made me wonder if it had a story."

Wu was silent for a moment trying recall the specifics of the ring

''This ring and it's sibling have been made specifically for the event you participated in: he one who designed them wished to express the friendship between our Lord and the Emperor.'' he explained

''As for it's make...well we do have a lot of gold in our mountains but it is mostly useless except for ceremonial purposes or ornamentation.''

Misaki nodded a little, "I have very little use for gold myself; I am not much for luxuries over practical things. At the same time, I can feel the hard work that was put into this, and the sentiment of friendship put into its design. Your gift of knowledge about it is most appreciated too."