Beware Of Chicken

Soon, though, the pair finished their tea and the great Master stood. He checked the position of the sun and considered it, before turning to where Xiulan was being accosted by her companions.

He took pity on his disciple.

“Meimei, you still want to go for that walk?” he asked, and the Healing Sage perked up, ceasing her prodding of the Blade of Grass.

“Yeah! I want to check on the mushroom farm!” she called back.

Soon enough, the Master and Mistress of Fa Ram were ready, walking out the door arm in arm with their babe tied to Meiling’s back. A more private walk, just for the three of them, it had been decided. A fortuitous choice that everyone was happy to oblige, for there was another grave matter to be discussed by the household.

“Is it time?” Bi De asked Tigu as she walked out from the shadows.

The girl nodded.

“Then let us assemble.”

There was tension in the air in the Great Manor House of Fa Ram. All could feel it as Bi De entered the room where everyone save the Master, Mistress and their son had gathered.

He nodded to each grim-face as he strode to his place at the head of the table.

Indeed, the tension was higher than it had been during the height of when Tigu and Ri Zu’s animosity for each other was at its worst . The room was full: All of the disciples were present, as were Meihua and Hu Li. They all eyed each other warily; for victory here meant a victory everlasting.

“We shall commence the meeting.” Bi De declared. “Speak your piece my friends, and keep your calm— I know this issue is a matter of great contention.”

Bi De referred, of course, to the true name of Little De; The Great Master had asked for suggestions, valuing their input as always. It had begun a secret war amongst all those present, vying for their selection. A conflict that the first Disciple hoped to end.

“You’re just saying that because no matter what, you’ve already won, Big De.” Tigu grumbled, before she sucked in a breath and stood. She strode over to the nearby slate board and picked up a piece of chalk. With powerful, slashing strokes, a character was written.

“Behold, a worthy name!” Tigu shouted. “Kai! Victory! Our little brother needs a powerful name, and this name is best!”

She stood at the head of the room, her glare focusing upon any who would dare challenge her suggestion.

The first to strike back was, surprisingly, Ri Zu.

‘Why something so forceful?!’ Ri Zu demanded. ‘Why not something softer, and kinder? He comes from a family of healers! And thus, Lee would be a fine name!’

“Because it has impact!” Tigu shot back.

“There are a lot of Lees.” Meihua murmured.

“Lee is the worst name!” Xianghua spoke up, sounding irritated. “This Young Mistress knows of fourteen among the servants of our sect. Small Lee, Skinny Lee, Boney Lee, Lanky Lee…” Her eyes narrowed as she rattled off the names.

Bowu snorted from beside her. “Big Sis banned them from serving her, since she can’t tell them apart.”

Ri Zu wilted at the defeat, pouting.

‘Jiangen.’ Pi Pa stated after a moment. ‘A strong root. It would fit, would it not?’

“I don’t hate it!” Tigu declared, and another name was added to the list.

“Shandan.” Came from Meihua, and Xiulan nodded from beside her.

Chun Ke, with an enigmatic smile, Grunted ‘Zhuye; Red Leaf.’

‘Like a Maple Leaf?’ Ri Zu asked, her gaze considering.

“Jin, like his pops?” Hu Li tried.

“Like our village?” Xian asked. “It’s tradition in Hong Yaowu, but…”

“Oi, dun look at me. Ten Ren named our boys!” Her accent slipped out. “And unless you want something strange from my family like Baatar, or Kotan… They’ll get people looking at you funny for bein’ a tribal, no reason to put a kid through that shit…” The woman muttered, looking away.

“...Xiaoshan?” Xiulan suggested. “Itʼs a bit close to… His name, though.”

Xiaoshi. The first emperor. Would it be something that their Master considered?

Or perhaps something like Tianshan…. But “heavenly mountain” was hopelessly arrogant.

‘Wan.’ Wa Shi offered, and some conversation paused. Wan. It wasn’t a bad name really, except for one thing.

“Wan. Rou Wan? Meatball?!” Tigu demanded. “You dare call my little brother meatball, you gluttonous bastard?!”

‘Look at him! Heʼs all round and meat-y looking!’ the fish fired back. ‘Besides, meatballs are powerful!’

The room descended into chaos; an argument began that lasted until the Great Master returned home.