{So there it is. We now have a problem on our hands, gentlemen,} Jiaoshu said, addressing the Elders.

The meeting had been arranged hastily, yet handled with the same grace as always. Jiaoshu told the story of what had happened bringing Dee in to give a description of the tattoo she had seen on Feng's arm. The Elders remained poker faced throughout the recitation. Once everything was presented, Dee was sent out of the room and the Elders held a discussion with Jiaoshu.

{How do we know the girl is not lying to us?} Po Sin said.

Of course it would be Po Sin who would question the girl's honesty.

{She has no reason to lie to us, Po Sin,} Fai said. {True, we have only her words to go from. But where is Feng to defend herself? If Feng were truly innocent of any wrong doing, wouldn't she be here now? No, I think that Xiaohu is telling the truth.}

{Fai has a point, Po Sin. There is also the matter of past hostility Feng has shown toward Xiaohu. You remember the fight we witnessed. It was just a sparring match, but everyone could tell that Feng was taking it far more seriously. She never did accept her defeat at the hands of Xiaohu. Still, there could be hidden depths that we did not see in Xiaohu concerning Feng. Perhaps Feng fears to come back here while Xiaohu is still here.}

{Nonsense!} objected Jiaoshu. {Xiaohu has no reason to lie about this! Certainly she has lied in the past about small thing, such as who took the last custard tart, or who spilled the water in the hallway. But never has she lied about something that was important!}

{Send us Manchu. We wish to question the boy she has spent so much time with,} Po Sin said, waving Jiaoshu away.

Bowing, Jiaoshu rang a bell for Manchu. It took only a minute for the man to appear. {Yes, Jiaoshu?}

{The Elders wish to speak with you, Manchu. Please answer their questions truthfully.}

{Always, Jiaoshu,} Manchu said with a bow.

~ ~ ~

During the interview Manchu recounted numerous times when Feng had shown hostility toward not only Dee, but also other members of the Triad. He also included the events of the night he had taken Chu Hua, Dee, and Feng out for dinner. While her actions had not seemed like much then, they were now important enough to Manchu that he felt to mention them.

{If the Elders would permit me one last speech?} he asked.

Looks passed between the three and Po Sin nodded his head.

{What happened with Feng was not her fault. Feng hated Xiaohu from the moment she laid eyes on her. The only thing Xiaohu can be blamed for is trying hard. She wanted nothing more than to impress and be the best she could be for this Triad, even before she was accepted. When she was accepted, her world was just about perfect. It was what she had been aiming for since she realized she could do something with herself.

{This one called the Riddler has asked Xiaohu to join his gang. I think it would be a wise decision to allow her this. While I would miss her as a partner and miss seeing her everyday, I feel this would be for the best on both sides. Long has she been a topic of dispute in the Triad. I have never seen her as anything more than a dear friend and a loyal member. Some, I know, have not. The situation with Feng simply proves it. By allowing her to work for the Riddler, it would not be so harsh a blow as kicking her out.

I ask that she maintain her 'honorary' status, on the basis that perhaps the Elders may wish her services once more in the future. The difficulty of hiring an outsider would not, then, need to be dealt with. If you extend to her this courtesy, I am certain she would be happy with the decision. I am also certain that she would be happy in the company of the Riddler and that he will respect her and use her talents to the fullest, as you all have.}

There was a silence among the Elders for a moment. Jiaoshu smiled at the speech, nodding his approval to Manchu.

{You have a golden tongue for one so young, Manchu. You praise and admonish in the same breath. Not something easily accomplished. Jiaoshu has chosen his successor wisely,} Shing said.
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