Fic: Meeting the Competition

[nineveh_uk]

Fic: Meeting the Competition
Fandom: The Radiant Emperor Series - Shelley Parker-Chan
Rating: G, CNTW
Length: 1090 words
Summary:
'Ouyang's a general,' said Esen defensively. 'Of course he values skill in a warrior.'
'Tell yourself that. But when was the last time Ouyang introduced you to a friend?'

When the Spring Hunt is rained off, Baoxiang is forced into a change of tactics.

*

Forgot to link this when I posted. Indicative of the general franticness of the last month or so, probably. Rather behind on responding to AO3 comments, too. Ah well, the hibernation of winter will be with us soon.

Comments

[azdak]

It's been so long since I read SWBtS that I can't remember what Baoxiang was actually up to at the Spring Hunt but this is a lovely little tragedy-averting vignette, although I don't suppose the leopard shares this sentiment. Esen being all girly about a smile from Ouyang is both hilarious and yet believable. And I'm glad to get more of Baoxiang, who I remember really liking.

[nineveh_uk]

Belated thanks! This was an AU of the bit where Baoxiang poisons a leopard that was presented to the Great Khan by Altan (the really annoying young army officer), leading being banished when it turned out to be dead. I think in this version Baoxiang has poisoned the leopard, but the change in programme occasioned by the weather throws off the schedule so it has now died too early, and as everyone else thinks, of natural forces so Baoxiang won't get to ruin his own life for spite this weekend. I like Baoxiang, too; both very clever, astute in recognising what is going on with other people - and then repeating their mistakes himself.