A Debate Unresolved

The trees swayed in a languid, almost hypnotic rhythm, as though entranced by the gentle caress of the wind's current. Beads of water meandered down the branches, while the heady scent of petrichor infused the air, a fragrant harbinger of the impending deluge.

Though bereft of ostentation, the edifices of the Middle Ring stood as quiet sentinels, their whitewashed facades weathering the howling winds with enduring grace. In this verdant enclave, where lush greenery is omnipresent, the dark-green-tiled roofs provided a vivid contrast to the alabaster walls, yet none of these manmade elements dared to rival the inherent splendor of Ba Sing Se's natural landscape.

The denizens of the Middle Ring exhibited a singular architectural sensibility. Their homes, while benefiting from the practicality of stone-paved streets, are interwoven with an intricate network of waterways and natural rivers, an aesthetic marvel that also served a utilitarian purpose.

It is evident that the citizens had not fashioned this tranquil environment through mere intuition. They yielded to the land's natural topography, meticulously designing the arrangement of streets and structures with a reverence for natural light. By sourcing indigenous materials and seamlessly integrating them with the surrounding environment, they forged an indissoluble bond between the artifice of human hands and the timeless beauty of the earth itself.

Beyond the elegant architecture, which delights the eyes with its refined aesthetics, it is the underlying philosophy governing these masterful constructions that truly embodies harmony with nature. At last, Mayumi fully grasped the reasoning behind her father's obsession with furniture arrangement. If an entire district is conceived with such a mindset, the result is undeniably soothing. In this environment at least, Satchiko and their mother would have little cause to deride the supposed eccentricity of Feng Shui.

Mayumi treaded carefully across the meticulously laid stone pavements that graced the somewhat opulent streets. She glanced upward, noting how dark clouds began to amass, releasing a gentle drizzle before the inevitable storm of hail and thunder.

Despite the inclement weather, the Middle Ring retained its allure. The refined architecture and more walkable stone pathways appealed to her sensibilities, yet navigating this vast city as a newcomer proved a daunting challenge.

A droplet of water landed on her forehead, heavier than she had anticipated. The weight of it reminded her of the cautionary tales Akahana had instilled since childhood. Lingering too long in cold, rainy weather is a surefire path to illness. Yet, despite this gnawing concern, the way to the Lower Ring remained frustratingly elusive for the Kyoshi Warrior.

She quickened her pace, the brisk walk soon escalating into a light sprint. It is a regret she now keenly felt, leaving behind the blue garment that is thick enough to withstand the colder climates of Kyoshi Island.

As she dashed through the streets, her boot splashed through the burgeoning puddles, passing by mothers urgently calling their children indoors to escape the rain. Though the Middle Ring exuded an air of calm and peace, no one could savor its serenity amidst the relentless downpour.

Mayumi whispered words of encouragement to herself, trying to bolster her resolve. After all, considering the entirety of their journey, a spell of poor weather is just a minor setback. Yet nature seemed to mock her determination, sending down a torrent with vengeful fury. A thunderclap shattered the sky, causing her to flinch involuntarily. The rain intensified, each drop now piercing her delicate skin like needles, an unrelenting assault that transformed her discomfort into genuine pain.

Even with her inherent stubbornness, Mayumi could no longer deny the truth. She is truly lost. Accustomed to the rugged, yet straightforward paths of her remote seaside village, the labyrinthine streets and crisscrossing avenues of Ba Sing Se offered a navigation challenge she had not anticipated. She concluded reluctantly that only by seeking the guidance of a local could she hope to find the way to the Lower Ring.

Amidst the relentless downpour, the cold seeped through her sodden silken robe, biting into the skin. Quickening the pace, she inadvertently splashed water onto the already drenched clothing with a forceful stomp, cursing herself for not having donned thicker attire.

She sprinted through the rain-soaked streets, fueled by both desperation and hope of encountering someone or something to set her on the right course. Her eyes caught sight of a shop, its doors still open despite the dismal weather. Determined to seek refuge and directions, Mayumi made her way toward the establishment.

However, as she drew closer, it is revealed that the building stood on the opposite side of a river. Her gaze fell upon a small, three-span, semicircular stone arch bridge. It is an architecturally impressive structure that seemed almost surreal in the stormy haze. With the entire city now under the heavy onslaught of rain, the bridge is nearly deserted, offering her a clear path across.

At the bridge's center, a solitary white figure stood, his presence almost spectral against the stormy backdrop. Holding an oil-paper umbrella of the same pristine hue, he stood motionless as if transfixed by the distant panorama that defined the Middle Ring. Like many men of Ba Sing Se, the front portion of the scalp is cleanly shaved, followed by the queue hairstyle which mandates a single braid. This is all complemented by a silken changshan covered by a tabard of equal quality.

Mayumi, in her haste, paid him little mind while passing, focusing solely on reaching the shelter of the nearby establishment and seek directions. But just as she was about to reach the entrance, the doors closed abruptly, leaving her standing outside in disbelief. In frustration, she entertained the thought that the locals might be deliberately causing her inconvenience.

With no other apparent options for assistance, Mayumi decided to retrace her steps and approach the enigmatic figure on the bridge. Given his attire, which is typically worn by scholars and the educated elite of the city, she assumed that he might at least possess a decent sense of direction.

The sound of her footsteps in the rain did not stir him. Mayumi stepped onto the arch bridge, approaching the figure with measured caution. Despite close proximity, the young scholar remained indifferent, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the horizon. Unfazed by the chill of the rain, he held the oil-paper umbrella with one hand while the other rested behind his back, exuding the calm poise of a well-studied individual from Ba Sing Se. With the pale parasol shielding him entirely from the downpour, he seemed to relish the tempestuous weather in serene detachment.

Uncertain of what had captured his attention so intently, Mayumi respectfully broke the silence.

"Apologies for the inconvenience," she began, hair dripping with rainwater. "I am unsure of the precise path to the Lower Ring. Could you guide me in the correct direction?"

She understood that members of the gentry often spoke in a manner that is far removed from the speech of common folk. The average citizen had little time to master the eloquence and refined social conduct that marked the elite of Ba Sing Se. Yet, any guidance on how to navigate the sprawling city would be invaluable to her.

Mayumi remained silent, waiting for a response. Yet, the reply came only after a prolonged pause, as if the gentleman was lost in deep contemplation. His gaze stayed fixed on the tranquil river winding through the Middle Ring, and when he finally spoke, it was not what Mayumi had anticipated.

"Yours truly will provide the correct direction," he began, measured and calm. "However, I find myself entangled in a dilemma, and the perspective of a fellow peer may offer me an alternative perspective. Should you be willing to indulge me in this quandary, the path to the Lower Ring will be revealed."

Mayumi hesitated but eventually agreed, though puzzled by this unexpected request. His attire suggested he is not the sort to seek counsel from those he might consider beneath him. Yet, despite the confusion, she chose to entertain the scholar's intellectual dilemma.

"If a father were to steal a sheep, should the son report his wrongdoing to the authorities?" the gentleman inquired. It is a question steeped in a moral ambiguity that is almost too cryptic for the Kyoshi Warrior.

Mayumi hesitated, her thoughts a whirlwind of uncertainty as she weighed the merits of truth against the convenience of agreement. The scholar of Ba Sing Se, with his esoteric question, posed a dilemma that felt both foreign and yet intimately personal. The Kyoshi Warrior, though a stranger to the riddle, found herself inevitably drawing parallels to her own father, who lingered in her mind as she contemplated this divisive parable.

"The son should not," Mayumi responded with measured deliberation, her words laced with caution. "No matter the gravity of the mistakes made, family should not betray one another, that is the natural order. A son should protect his father's missteps, just as a father would be expected to shield his son's. This mutual duty is the bedrock of familial bonds."

The gentleman in white remained contemplative, his gaze unwavering as it rested upon the serene, flowing waters before them. In the vast tapestry of mortal existence, few certainties endure, and the inexorable course of a river is among them.

"I have heard this response from countless lips," he resumed, tinged with a subtle dissatisfaction, as though Mayumi's reasoning fell short of his expectations. "Yet, the relentless justification of the son's supposed generosity leaves me unsatisfied. While I do not dismiss differing opinions out of hand, yours truly felt profoundly irksome about the unexamined allegiance to inherited morals." Throughout their discourse, he never turned to meet her eyes, instead choosing to lose himself in the river's tranquil flow, its ceaseless journey a stark contrast to the complexity of their conversation. "To be candid, I harbor a quiet disdain for those who naively exalt the son's loyalty as a virtue to be emulated. There is nothing more pitiable than a child bound by blind obedience, clinging to the hope that their devotion will be mirrored by their parents. What most fail to grasp is that beyond the fragile construct of blood ties, nothing guarantees protection from the inevitable sting of betrayal."

The Kyoshi Warrior arched an eyebrow, momentarily distracted from the relentless downpour by the scholar's callous rhetoric. His words, steeped in cynicism, tugged at her conscience, compelling a timely refute to such a bleak perspective.

"Filial piety should not be dismissed so lightly," Mayumi declared with deep conviction. "To care for our elders as they have cared for us, how can such a notion be unreasonable to you? What if the father in question was driven to steal the sheep by dire circumstances? Perhaps he was trying to ensure his son did not starve."

Her challenge was met with silence. In the stillness, Mayumi detected the faint sound of a sharp inhalation, a subtle sign that the scholar did not share her moral stance. The silence is telling. Throughout the entire Earth Kingdom, where the family-centered philosophy of the Earth Sages reigned supreme, even the mightiest kings and the wisest Avatars would hesitate to propose an alternative view. The teachings of the sages, who are deeply immersed into the analects, would propose that the son should protect his father, fulfilling the sacred duty of filial piety and preserving harmony within society. In the eyes of those sages, this is the anticipation of 'Uprightness' that a child should have, an expectation as natural as the earth itself.

"Starve?"

The gentleman in white fixated on the word, letting it linger in his mind like an unanswered question. Mayumi watched him carefully, aware that in this city, intellectual agility is often more valued than martial prowess. Here, where judgment is passed onto one's attire, behavior, and speech with meticulous precision, restraint and brevity in conversation could be a powerful weapon. Though the scholar clad in white does not appear physically formidable, Mayumi understood that neither her lacquered armor nor the stainless blade could serve as shield from the sharpness of a scholar's tongue.

He gradually turned, revealing his face at last to the Kyoshi Warrior, who stood drenched beneath the relentless downpour. At first glance, his features appeared unremarkable, a visage that might easily blend into the backdrop of the mundane. Yet, there is an air of nonchalance in his expression, a casual indifference that set him apart from the throngs of ordinary people scattered across this world. Nothing in those eyes that suggest worries that plagued lesser minds.

Despite her lack of personal interest, she could not help but note the pristine condition of the scholar's robes, unblemished and unyielding to the elements, a stark contrast to her own sodden attire. The relentless rain had left her long, brown hair clinging heavily to the back, forcing her to grasp it and wring out the water that weighed it down.

"Then enlighten me," the scholar's voice cut through the sound of the rain as Mayumi busied herself with adjusting her appearance. "Have you ever considered the possibility that the father was indeed morally bankrupt? That he acted against the family's interests and sought to undermine the state?"

Mayumi paused, her mind turning over his words as she continued to brush away the rainwater from the dress. Her response, when it came, is as resolute as before. She reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding one's kin, even when it meant standing in opposition to authority.

"I firmly believe it is one's utmost duty to protect those within their family," she declared, steady and unwavering. "Even if my own father were to commit acts that others might deem unforgivable, it would not alter the fact that we share the same blood. If I cannot care for my own family, how can I expect to be trusted by others? Among my people, those we consider to be uprightness are the ones who go to great lengths to protect their loved ones, regardless of the cost."

Such are the ideals to which all the Kyoshi Warriors ardently aspire, mirroring the virtues exemplified by their esteemed Avatar, the incarnate who challenged the mightiest army for the sake of her people. Raised on a secluded isle and leading a life of unassuming simplicity, no opulent palaces nor grandiose castles can sway their steadfast principles. Loyalty, particularly towards those they cherish, is not a mere abstraction but a profound commitment. This ethos transcends the battlefield, permeating their everyday lives, which reflect a deep-seated appreciation for simplicity.

The scholar regarded her with an inscrutable expression, betraying either a profound contempt or genuine admiration. Mayumi is inclined to believe the former.

Thus, he riposted her assertion.

"Among my people, the conception of integrity diverges considerably. Fathers bear witness against their sons, and sons against their fathers. True uprightness, it seems, can indeed manifest in such acts." He allowed Mayumi a moment to ponder those words before articulating his own moral stance on the matter. "Were I to be in your position, I would report my father's transgressions for what they are, a challenge to the state and society. Even should the consequence be execution, a deviation from one's designated role signifies a catalyst for a crumbling nation."

Mayumi found herself momentarily startled, her thoughts disrupted by the scholar's unyielding demeanor. He offered her no respite for contemplation, instead pressing on with his calm yet cutting words, each syllable laced with an austere precision that left little room for doubt or delay.

"If we blind our eyes with the trivialities of friendship or the bonds of family, how can true justice ever be served? Yours truly would not falter, for sentiment permits us to overlook the agony of the victims while shielding those who perpetrate wrongs. If duty is to be entangled with emotion, how can a benevolent ruler cleanse the court of disloyalty? If Avatars view the world solely through the naive lens of their own desires, how can the four nations ever attain lasting peace? I have no patience for hollow sentiments, for those who seek to lead the people to ruin deserve no quarter. To act otherwise is to don the guise of an enlightened sage while perpetuating suffering through self-righteousness. Such hypocrisy cloaked in the rhetoric of virtue only deepens the wounds of the world."

Though Mayumi was initially repulsed by his overt harshness, the scholar insisted that even something as seemingly trivial as familial ties should not impede the effective operation of state enforcement. To blindly protect one's family members unconditionally is not only imprudent but also devoid of any practical benefit.

Perceiving the disdain etched upon Mayumi's face, the scholar resolved to intensify his scrutiny, now approaching the issue from the perspective of a law enforcer.

"Judging by your attire, I infer that you have held some measure of power," he observed, immediately eliciting a subtle tension in Mayumi. "Undoubtedly, you would prefer that those who pose a threat to your domain be apprehended without delay. Surely, you would desire the family of a ruthless criminal to report them, would you not?"

Mayumi struggled to maintain her composed demeanor, a carefully guarded mask beneath the layer of paint. She is determined not to draw unwanted attention from local authorities or curious onlookers, fully aware that revealing her true identity could be perilous. The added inconvenience of not having the opportunity to don more inconspicuous attire only compounded her unease.

"You are mistaken," Mayumi replied, attempting to reframe his reasonable observations. "I am not a warrior but merely a former stage performer."

The scholar's demeanor remained unchanged, a stoic mask that revealed absolutely nothing. Despite the evident signs of Mayumi's martial affiliation, the armor and the sheathed blade intended to safeguard Te Gaogui, this gentleman from Ba Sing Se surprisingly refrained from probing further into what is clearly an implausible claim. Mayumi is reluctant to assume that this scholar is merely an out-of-touch scion of a wealthy family, insulated from the common realities of the world. It would be recklessly naive to believe he might have mistaken her armor for mere stage props.

"Then how would the local law enforcers in your homeland address such a matter?" the scholar queried, slightly adjusting the question. "I presume they would prefer a scoundrel's family to cooperate rather than conceal their transgressions, especially if the criminal is a murderer, or worse."

He allowed Mayumi a moment to grapple with this profound insinuation, a topic few would dare to broach openly.

The Kyoshi Warrior reflected deeply. As the eldest daughter of Akahana, her role as a member of Kyoshi Island's enforcement is undeniable. Even in the presence of this cynic, she could not ignore that the cooperation of a criminal's family, while against the notion of familial bond, had its practical merits. Though Kyoshi Island enjoys a relatively tranquil existence, it is not devoid of crime. Some offenses, no matter how infrequent, are so heinous and abominable that only the most severe penalties can assuage the victims' anguish. In the absence of formal soldiers within the villages, the Kyoshi Warriors have assumed not only the mantle of protectors but occasionally that of executioners. Among the three, only Lady Oiwa seems untroubled by discussing this role with casual candor.

"In the most egregious cases, they would indeed value a family's willingness to expose a criminal within their ranks," Mayumi stated firmly, though with an undercurrent of shame at having to concede this point. "However, for less severe transgressions under tyranny, I see no reason why a household should be compelled to betray its own members."

The scholar's demeanor remained largely impassive. Although Mayumi acknowledged the need for flexibility in extreme situations, her relatively unchanged stance on the matter did not seem to amuse him, particularly concerning the dynamics between a child and their parents. He reiterated that, in certain instances, a child's obedience and trust are merely tools of manipulation, shackles that serve no real benefit to them.

"Your lack of familial devotion is nothing short of disgraceful," Mayumi retorted, laced with unrestrained judgment. "Under the sun, countless orphans yearn for the warmth of loving parents. While you, it seems, have chosen to become nothing more than a desolate wisp of withered grass."

In the Earth Kingdom, protecting one's family members holds an unparalleled significance, an inviolable principle nearly devoid of controversy. Even those unfamiliar with the intricate philosophy of the Earth Sages would readily accept this fundamental consensus. Throughout folklore and history, those who fail to uphold the revered virtue of filial piety are vilified, first by the sages and subsequently by the broader populace.

The scholar remained unperturbed by Mayumi's piercing rebuke. His eyes, devoid of emotion and scarcely blinking, conveyed all Mayumi needed to discern about the man before her. Draped in a white silken robe, his scholarly attire masks not just disdain but a profound disregard for the esteemed virtues and morals cherished by Earth Kingdom culture. Mayumi now understood that the values upheld by the Earth Sages held little sway over him.

Nevertheless, she found herself mildly entertained by the scholar's eloquence, becoming so engrossed in their intellectual sparring that she momentarily lost sight of the original intent. The sharpness of his rhetoric, paired with the subtle dance of words, reminded the Kyoshi Warrior of her deep-seated penchant for books and the literary arts. Yet this time, she wasn't merely facing a silent array of pages, but rather a living, breathing opponent whose words struck back with precision and force.

"Yours truly enjoyed our little conversation," the scholar remarked. "It is certainly more bearable than enduring the presence of senile old men." Surprisingly, he chose not to directly contest her slander, which took Mayumi slightly aback. She had anticipated some form of intellectual rebuttal but sensed his deliberate avoidance of the insult. "In matters of disgrace, those who merely feign virtue and wisdom are most irksome to me. While our perspectives may diverge profoundly, I find your candid nature deserving of respect. It would, however, be a striking irony if your own father were to be found guilty of a grievous offense, forcing you to truly choose between justice and family. Should such a tragedy arise, I would be intrigued to see whether you would harbor any regret for the impassioned stance today."

Mayumi fought to suppress her irritation at the scholar's remarks. Despite her clenched fists, she maintained composure, focusing instead on extracting the needed information.

"Just tell me the path to the Lower Ring," Mayumi demanded with a note of exasperation. The scholar, acquiescing to her request, provided the necessary directions.

Without even the slightest gesture of his hand, the scholar indicated the three pagoda towers that lies two li from this bridge. As with all structures in the Middle Ring, these towers were meticulously designed, their windows aligned in such a way that they function as colossal compasses pointing towards the same horizon. After briefly outlining a straightforward route to the Lower Ring, Mayumi felt assured enough to proceed on her way.

Suddenly, a crack of thunder rent the sky. Unlike the unfazed scholar, Mayumi flinched at the ominous sound. A torrential downpour followed, accompanied by a biting breeze that sent shivers through her.

The scholar suddenly approached closer, prompting Mayumi to instinctively reach for her blade, almost unsheathing it. However, rather than launching an attack as she had anticipated, he merely offered the white oil-paper umbrella, extending its shelter to both of them.

Ironically, this simple act of generosity presented a far more challenging situation than a direct assault, a scenario Mayumi would have navigated with ease.

"I appreciate your concern," Mayumi remarked, trying to remain restrained with minimal courtesy. "Nevertheless, it might be deemed improper for us to be observed together in this fashion."

Though umbrellas are mere instruments to shield the wielder from the rain, they carry symbolic meanings that demand careful deliberation. Mayumi, despite her awareness of the diverse customs and practices across the world, found herself disconcerted by this unexpected gesture. This is especially following their earlier disagreement. Among her people, the act of sharing an umbrella is reserved for those with whom one shares profound trust, transcending mere friendship. It would be false to assume that such customs do not exist in Ba Sing Se, which houses the forefront of Earth Kingdom high culture. Either this scholar is feigning ignorance, or simply wishes to make a fool out of her.

"Do not read too deeply into this," the scholar in white intoned, languid and unremarkable. While covering Mayumi from the rain, he resumed the contemplation of the Middle Ring's scenery. "I have no desire to share this umbrella with a mere stranger. This is simply an act of gratitude for your input regarding my dilemma. For I would sooner extend respect to a trifling individual than to an Earth Sage."

Mayumi found herself at an impasse, torn between gratitude and disdain for the scholar's peculiar demeanor. Before she could respond, he placed the umbrella gently in her hand. Then, with a casual flourish, produced a delicate white paper fan and began to waft it leisurely before himself. Unperturbed by the relentless rain and the biting chill, he strolled off the bridge, seemingly bestowing the parasol upon Mayumi.

He continued on his way with an air of nonchalance, as though savoring a leisurely promenade. Mayumi, struck dumb by the oddity of the situation, was left momentarily stunned.

"Wait," she called out, her voice laced with a mixture of confusion and urgency.

The scholar paused at the end of the stone bridge, his silhouette framed by the drizzling mist.

"May I at least know your name?" she asked, genuinely curious. Initially, she was met with silence. Without turning to face her, the scholar responded in a voice that remained distant yet oddly considerate.

"My name holds little significance," he said. "But if it appeases your curiosity, you may address me simply as Shan."

End of Chapter Notes:

-The setting of the Middle Ring for this chapter is partly inspired from Huizhou architecture.

-The bridge, while vaguely described, is inspired by the 'Broken Bridge', a real-life iconic setting that is featured in the Legend of the White Snake.

-The changshan/changpao is an iconic part of Qing dynasty fashion, which are often paired with a tabard for both cold weathers and the sake of aesthetic.

-Although the queue hairstyle is heavily enforced during the Manchu rule, Ba Sing Se interestingly does not exhibit this policy. As observed in canon, the queue and topknot show no correlation with social standing, as both is worn by Lower Ring citizens and high-ranking members of government.