Threads of Destiny (original English xianxia) 391 New Peace 2.
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21188/...ew-peace-2
Yrsillar Wrote:"One issue remains which frustrates me. I have not yet seen any input from your central authority, not even the presence of an observer such as myself," Cao Chun said. "How are we to know that the agreement made here will not simply be overruled when their attention turns this way?"
His statement cooled the atmosphere that had been beginning to rise.
None on the White Sky looked particularly happy at his statement.
Dzintara merely snorted. "They have no authority to do so. Perhaps if my own Twisted Pines and the eastern badlands also voiced disapproval, but by themselves? Merely trying would unite the rest of us against such a motion in the great althing."
Jaromila shot the other woman a quelling look. "We honor the heroes of the Glittering City and the Defenders of the Polar Gates. They have their privileges, but to supersede us on this matter is not one of them. Perhaps if the Hierophant chose to speak against it… but if the will of the gods was so against this summit, it would not have reached this point. I do not know the limits of authority of your empress and her land of the Celestial Peaks, but I speak truly when I say the Glittering City cannot do this."
Cao Chun scrutinized the woman across from him before his eyes flicked over the rest of those on the White Sky, who were united in their show of affront at the idea. His expression smoothed, and he looked thoughtful.
Ling Qi wondered whether he was giving the words she had spoken to him more weight or merely contemplating the weakness this presented among them. She did not think it was quite so simple and clean as Jaromila presented it. Given the tale the other woman had spun of her parents and the family her mother had broken from, the great clans of their center could certainly exert force on the provinces. However, she did believe that Jaromila was correct in that they could not be so crass and high handed as to openly annul this deal.
"Very well then," Cao Chun said. "I have no further issues."
https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/21188/...ew-peace-2