You took [xiaochou.name] to meet Shama, and the two spent the entire afternoon in the study. What a gathering of philosophers it was! The Mirror dazzled with wit, testing Shama with the boundless knowledge from [xiaochou.name]’s mirror—yet Shama matched every turn, weaving in ancient texts and seizing the reins of the conversation... By the end, both departed satisfied, and Shama even asked if your eloquent friend might fancy joining you for further discourse!

When [xiaochou.name] returned to your side, it sighed: "She is brilliant—not just for her knowledge, but for how fiercely she clings to it! Like a warrior who sleeps with weapons in hand... What a pitiful soul. She must have nothing left but these, to hold so tight... to make sure all see."

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Card = Shama

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Wisdom) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000706): Add 1

You took [xiaochou.name] to Jalila’s chambers—where, if necessary, a proper lesson in discipline could be arranged, should the Mirror so desire...

Yet [xiaochou.name] merely touched Jalila’s vanity mirror and saw enough. The Mirror began consulting the “Queen” on the nuances of various arts, and Jalila, impressed by such familiarity, spoke to it as an expert... At first, you followed the conversation. Then they used you as their example, and the talk grew darker... until you fled.

At supper, [xiaochou.name] returned to your side: "I understand now. Taste is the art of weaving lies and illusions. Humans do not live in reality—they dwell in bubbles. Fragile, gilded things... and oh, how costly they are to maintain!"

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Card = Jalila

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Sociability) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000707): Add 1

You sent [xiaochou.name] to Nabhani—the most fastidious man you knew! [xiaochou.name] spent the entire day with him, tending to hair, grooming, indulging in oiled massages, selecting new rings and armbands... and thus became the most striking figure on the capital’s streets. Naturally, there were rivalries—a duel with another noble, dressed like a bird of paradise, blades drawn, blood spilled... [xiaochou.name] watched it all like a circus and drew a conclusion: "I see. Taste is about claiming the finest. You humans believe only the best deserve the best... though deciding who is the best tends to be a rather... violent discussion."

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Card = Nabhani

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Charisma) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000706): Add 1

You sent [xiaochou.name] to Jenna’s workshop—to toil there for a full day. Under Jenna’s guidance, [xiaochou.name] melted gold, rolled it thin with a press, then cut the delicate sheets into petals, hammering texture into each with molds and awls… Even Jenna marveled at the Mirror’s skill, praising its talent. By dusk, their labor bore fruit: a golden flower, which [xiaochou.name] pinned proudly to the Mirror’s chest. “How curious! [player.name], I could conjure such a flower at will—or a greater gem, a grander jewel! Yet this clumsy, hand-wrought thing brings me joy… You humans bury wonders in the most unexpected places. I must experience more… learn more.”

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Card = Jenna

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Wisdom) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000707): Add 1

So, with pride, you introduced your wife, Maggie, to [xiaochou.name]. Where does her taste manifest? In this home, of course—the lush gardens, the halls that welcome guests, and most of all, in the very presence of [player.name]!

And let us not forget your adornments, the perfumes that shift with the seasons, each chosen by Maggie herself! People see only your commanding presence in the halls of lapis lazuli, but the discerning know: behind every great man stands a wife, a household, a legacy. Those of true breeding, the wise and learned among the powerful, they recognize such things at a glance—choosing allies with care. No one seeks alliance with an upstart lacking depth!

As you and [xiaochou.name] spoke, the details piled up—some even you had never noticed. "I begin to understand. A person of taste expands their influence—arranging themselves, then others, and in turn, those arrangements become part of them... You humans, at times like beasts, all teeth and claws, and at others like trees, silently growing, claiming territory..."

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Tag (Wife) = 1

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Sociability) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000706): Add 1

The one with the finest taste in this land is none other than you, [player.name]—why look to others for guidance? Though [xiaochou.name] bristled at the answer, it still listened patiently as you spoke of breaking Sultan Cards, and even earlier, of the Sultan’s favor. Your wild imaginations have saved you time and again! And you—you will always survive.

[xiaochou.name] nodded. "I think I grasp your meaning now. The most precious thing is your imagination, and as a influencer in the court, you’ve the gold to make it real... The meeting of these two is what you call ‘taste’—a privilege of nobility, in truth!" Before you could explain further, the Mirror burst into laughter and strode from your chamber.

Conditions:

• Slot #2 Has Tag (Protagonist) = 1

Result:

• Adjust Tag (Survival) of Slot #1: Add 1
• Counter (7000706): Add 2

Lately, guests have been whispering that [player.name]’s household employs the most clever servants! Of course, no such thing is true.

Later, as you lingered at home, you noticed guests speaking to thin air—while in the mirrors, a handsome footman or a sharp-witted maid kept them company, trading pleasantries and tending to every whim. You sensed [xiaochou.name]’s power had grown—now it could toy with many mortals at once. Still, it brought you coins and reputations.

Result:

• Counter (7100004): Add 1
• Counter (7100002): Add 1
• Coins: 8
• Adjust Tag (Charisma) of Slot #1: Add 1

Action:

• Enable Event: The Fourth Question from a Wise Man on Starting a Small-Scale Project