Light and Shadow

That's my father's greatest worry taken care of.

True though, considering the sort of methods that Lord Wei of Lungmen usually employs... If he were involved, we wouldn't be sitting here enjoying tea right now.

I've heard many anecdotes about him over the years. It's a shame that I've never had the chance to visit Lungmen to see his exploits with my own eyes.

I'm surprised that you'd show such a keen interest in someone like him.

I walked the world of kung fu in my younger years, and I've heard he's fine swordsman. That's all.

I see. It's true that he's a swordsman... As for his swordsmanship, though, all I know is rumors.

In any case, can we assume it was Mr. Liang himself who chose to involve the Lungmenite?

Undoubtedly.

Hm... He is the only remaining variable, and also Mr. Liang's only trump card.

Mr. Liang should've been on our side. The man he chose should not have tried to deceive me either. It was an illogical move.

Mr. Liang doesn't have much of a choice himself. If only... *Sigh*... No, it wouldn't have mattered.

Isn't her presence in Shangshu the reason everything has gotten so out of hand?

The Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks... A place graced by the presence of a deity.

In eras past, Shangshu was a place where many dreamed. Not only people but all inanimate things. As the saying goes, all things in the world can be deified with souls, and all words in the realm can be summarized in a sigh.

According to legend, a millennium ago the Yanese towns were scattered all over the country. It was only when our Shangshu forebears all collectively saw the same dream that they chose to settle down on these lands.

The legends of Shangshu have always been so magnificent.

Outsiders may see it as mere legend, but to the locals it is history.

The Operator from the medical company... Kroos, was it?

If it wasn't for your help, she would likely have caught up to me. You have my thanks, Mr. Zheng.

You once saved my daughter from having her hotheadedness lead to disaster. It is only natural for me to come to your aid.

At the end of the day, Rhodes Island is an unknown. What do you think, Innkeeper?

They are not a part of the game.

They are nonetheless standing very close to the table.

Hmm... I rarely see young a woman with such fine techniques, though. Seeing her chase after you gave me a good idea of her abilities.

And what's your assessment?

She may be young, but she's a battle-hardened veteran.

Hoh? Did you arrive at that conclusion as Zheng the Innkeeper or Zheng Qingyue, the Asker to the Frost?

Both.

You haven't once looked away from that fake cup.

I'm only reminiscing... reminiscing about the goblet's original form.

......

When we crossed that wilderness all those years ago... we ran into a group of bandits. None of them spoke Yanese, and we hadn't the slightest idea where they came from.

They blew up the caravan and tried to steal our wares, though our Escort Association colleagues stopped them. Still, there were far too many, all obsessed with our wares, and they followed us for two hundred li.

It was raining. Visibility was low, and there was nary a light in sight. The bandits, who knew the terrain much better, followed us like shadows.

We were afraid to counterattack, lest they have some kind of underhanded trick up their sleeves. We were too afraid to run either, lest we couldn't shake them.

From what I heard, the Sui Regulator once secretly commissioned the renowned Xingyu Escort Association to transport an item, only for it to be lost in an accident en route.

That was my fault.

I'm afraid I'm not very good with comforting words, Mr. Zheng.

I simply never expected that the next time I met a crossbowman of such horrifying prowess would be in my hometown, in the dead center of the city, under a well-lit night, all for the same goblet.

I truly... cannot begin to explain how I feel.

How did you escape then, Mr Zheng?

When do you mean?

Oh... The incident you were just talking about, of course. My father always tells me that I am still young and inexperienced, and should learn from my elders.

If you would continue to share your story with me, I'll gladly listen.

Luck was on my side that night...

Two of my men were hurt. Good men. Neither of them made it.

The Association's rule is to 'save the goods, then the men.' We all knew the risks when we joined the business.

But with the injured dead and the goods threatened, that actually freed us to do as we pleased.

It was pouring that night. Helped to wash the blood off our blades.

So you just need me to find the cup's owner?

Correct.

By owner, you mean a buyer or collector?

Not quite. It would be a much simpler matter if that were the case.

Hm, that's strange. This cup was shockingly cheap, but according to the black market appraisal I stole from the smugglers, it seems...

It's an actual antique, through and through.

Who's the man of the hour then?

I don't know their name... Nor anything else, really. Their gender, their race, their age...

Well... Where am I supposed to start then...? Are you even sure they're in Shangshu?

That much is certain, and only that.

How do you know? Suppose our friend decides to take a trip, wouldn't that make this a huge waste of time?

No, they are in Shangshu. I can guarantee you that.

If they had left Shangshu... I would have been notified.

Strange. So you can monitor them, but you can't locate them?

That's right...

Are they some kind of monster or enlightened deity?

You'll know what I mean once you see them.

So they must leave some kind of indication that they're here... Is this the kind of funny business government officials have to deal with these days?

Fine, I won't probe any further if you don't want to tell me. It's just, that's not much of a lead in a town this big...

They're most likely hiding in one of the Three Mounts.

How do you figure?

Our friend is unpredictable, but every once in a while they show up at the mountainside liquor shops to buy alcohol, with no regularity whatsoever.

But they've never come down to the valleys, nor have they ever appeared in the nomadic cities. In which case, they're most likely somewhere in the mountains.

Very well, then. The Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks it is. Sounds like a fun trip.

Legend has it that our friend is an appreciator of fine weather and scenery. And they enjoy lounging in pavilions and writing poetry all the more.

Legend, huh?

It is more than mere legend, actually...

So you're familiar with them?

Not exactly.

In the end, you may just have to try your luck, troublesome as it sounds.

Do we have a deadline?

I'd appreciate it if you'd take care of this as soon as possible. As you can tell, a few too many people are already mixed up in this affair. The longer it continues, the greater the chance it will get even more out of hand.

As for the cup... Seeing as someone has their eyes on it, we should keep it in the safety of my estate.

Amazing, Mr. Liang. First you had me bring it to you across thousands of li, then you want me to find its owner, and now you won't even let me hold it?

You're really putting me in quite a bind. Perhaps next time you'll arrange for me to help you from the comfort of Lungmen?

This is a sign of my trust in you.

It's true though that if someone has their eyes on it, then keeping it on my person is asking for trouble.

As for the Xingyu Inn...

We're investigating it. Be careful on your way. If you need help, I can arrange for someone to accompany you.

No need. A bodyguard tagging along would just make me stand out. It's trouble, and you know it.

Are you certain you'll be fine on your own, though...?

Sure, as long as you aren't hiding anything else from me.

I'm looking for someone, not investigating a scary smuggler ring in Lungmen. How much trouble can it be?

At least talk to Master Shen. As a veteran boatman, he can help you get anywhere in Shangshu.

Very well.

Incidentally...

Is there a Zuanjiang Peak among Shangshu's Three Mounts and Seventeen Peaks?

Urgh! Just how stubborn are you, bitch?!

Well, you're the only lead I've got. Not letting you go.

You're all alone, with no lackeys. And are you sure you want to start a fight in a bustling part of town like this?

Hmph...

How much did that thief from Lungmen pay you to cover him like this?

I don't know how things got to this point, but Mr. Lee is one of our most important partners.

Partners? Business then. And you believe him, just like that? You sure he's not swindling you?

I trust Rhodes Island, so I trust him. Simple as that.

Oh...? Seems we won't be coming to an agreement, then.

Looks like.

But Innkeeper Zheng also said not to get you any more mixed up in this than you already are.

......!

Oh... Judging by your reaction, Mr. Lee got it right, then? You're in this with the innkeeper?

You... Playing me for a fool, are you?! You're just some shady girl from who-knows-where! How dare you make a fool of me!

Fine, I'll make sure you pay for this!

So we're doing this for real, huh?

Alright, I've actually got a few things to ask you—Nothing to do with Mr. Lee, but still.

Regarding Miss Du...

She may be my daughter, but I'm ashamed to say she is still very immature.

No, she's your family. I am in no position to meddle in your household affairs.

How many inns and restaurants have you opened here in your town?

Hohoh... I've spent my entire my life savings on this business. Fortunately, my old pals take care of me these days. The connections I made over the years finally came in handy.

*Sigh*... While it takes connections to survive in this business, of course, in the end it's all down to how capable you are. Being a businessman is another thing entirely. It takes skills to start a business, but connections to build it up.

No doubt you are already well aware of that though.

Not at all. My father always tells me what youngsters like me lack isn't persistence or conviction. It's an understanding of everything that surrounds us.

Wise words. Indeed, being holed up in a castle in the clouds is no way to live.

Still, General Zuo is a good father, but it doesn't matter what your father thinks. What is truly important is... what you think.

......

Don't worry about that too much. When you are young, there is no shame in letting your frustration, curiosity, or anger get the better of you.

On the contrary, young man, you don't want to lose your edge too early.

Thank you for your advice.

*Sigh*... My advice wasn't just for you. It may sound simple, but it is no simple matter. I had to hear it for myself, all the same.

My daughter... What a headache she is.

––Hraaaagh!

Hm. Nice moves.

Spare me the act... It didn't even connect.

How come you're like a whole different person when you're fighting...? My mate Mr. Nothing is like that too. Are all you Yanese like that?

I don't want to hurt anyone, that's all.

You called us thieves, didn't you? Aren't you going a little too easy on a thief?

Save it.

That's not going to fly this time.

Heh... How about we stop beating around the bush, then?

Sure thing, I'm all for it. Gotta warn you, though. I'm not exactly speaking for Mr. Lee here.

Doesn't matter. Neither you nor that conman are the honest sort. The sooner we get this conversation over with, the better.

Who did you say you were again?

Codename Kroos, an Operator currently on deployment from Rhodes Island.

So Mr. Nothing is that guy's codename?

Something like that. He's not quite on the job just yet, though.

You work behind fake names, hiding knives beneath your smiles. What a sketchy lot.

Whoa... Never heard that one before...

Someone hired us to take the cup back from the Lungmenite.

Yanese is a tricky language, and I can't say I've had time to master it, but wouldn't you say using the phrase 'take back' here is a little too convenient?

I trust Mr. Lee. If you really had a grievance, or if this were all a misunderstanding, did it really have to come to blows?

This is the Yanese heartland, not Siracusa or Bolívar... violence won't get you anywhere.

I have my reasons to open with hostilities instead of courtesies... That said, do you seriously not know anything?

Oh, so now I'm the one who's getting played for a fool, huh?

......

If you really don't know, you'd best stay out of this and dig no further. I've already spoken with the Lungmenite. If you insist on sticking your nose into this, you'll ruin it for everyone.

Well, aren't a righteous one?

What we are doing is righteous. Naturally, our reasons are righteous too.

Now that I've told you this much, I might as make this clear, whether you believe me or not:

—I didn't rob the Liang estate.

But you know who did.

Perhaps.

You say you've already talked to Mr. Lee... so how about a truce? Can you give us an explanation we'd accept?

An explanation...?

You said the Lungmenite was hired by Magistrate Liang to deliver a goblet from Lungmen—

—So the one who hired the Escort Association could be someone even Liang Xun is afraid to offend.

What?

It's beyond complicated. Don't count on me to explain it to you.

Miss Du!

Benefactor! Are you alright?!

You punk! You here to get in our way too?!

I haven't even said anything yet!

Get him, boys!

Hmph... That's enough chit-chat for one night. Excuse me.

Get out of here. Stop badgering that guy already!

—Alright!

Hey, first you say you'll come get me, and now you don't?! Must you always give me such trouble?

—Hold on!

You ain't half bad, and you know how to listen. So I'll leave you with a piece of advice—

—The mountain rapids are turbulent and steep! Stay out of this!

Benefactor.

I'm fine... Don't worry.

Miss Du, are you okay?

Aren't those two working with the Lungmenite? Why don't we just tell them the truth?

I know what I'm doing.

Oh...

Old Man Zheng wants to dump this on us... Well, that's not going to happen.

I've got a deal with the Lungmenite. The old banner has flown long enough. It's time to switch it out for a new one.