You meet Ye Minghe outside the inn.

Fate might be at play. When I was young, she got her eyes on my prey during a hunt.

The prey managed to escape, but it sparked a competition between us. One that lasted a day and a night, from the cliffs to the woods.

I ended up leading her back to my home.

Sounds like you met a match in your stubbornness.

Does she like the name?

At least she doesn't hate it.

It was ten years ago, during the Polar Expedition. In the battlefields of the north, you saved a young and reckless soldier.

Without that humbling encounter, he would never have known the true size of the world, nor the actual duty of his life.

Once this is over, I shall return the debt of life to you, and finally fulfill an old wish of mine.

Minghe? Have you been waiting here all this time?

I wasn't permitted to intervene in Lady Si's arrangements. But since you're affected by them, I felt compelled to explain.

Besides, my companion has realized that we're in a painting. She's getting a little agitated.

Say, did you visit the chess pavilion?

So you were awake back then. I suppose you wish to ask about that "debt of life"?

"Li" is a Yanese word for a dark galloper. "Nu" describes her lightning-quick and thunderous charge.

"Nu" also means "fury" ... which reflects her bad temper.

(Snorts impatiently)

Hngh... Where am I...?

Endministrator...

You slept really soundly back then.

But now, Lady Si is waiting for you in the backyard. Please meet her there.