act11mini

Still a little chilly, so early in the morning.

Typical of Shangshu's weather. Cool now, hot and hotter by noon. It's a fickle one.

There is rule to heat and cold. I presume Shangshu's folk have long since accustomed.

Indeed. But seeing the rain come harder lately, I'm worried the weather's about to turn.

Best it isn't some blistering cold or heat, so the people have a little time to adapt.

The season is here. Shocking turns come as granted.

Boatman, may you ferry me?

By all means. Where to?

Across the river.

Fine by me. How should this river of yours be crossed, in your view?

Which route? Are you hurrying or taking your time?

What difference is there?

If you're in a rush, and time is short, I'll ferry fast. We'll reach the other shore without much effort.

So what if I am not?

Then we'll have to fix up some wine and sides before we cross.

The wine's warmed aboard the boat, and we come from upstream to the crossing, staying to the side as we drift down. You can gaze on the city, and see the fields being planted. Fine scenery.

Not half-bad.

Then so it'll be. I'll warm the wine now.

You're deft at business.

So this line of work goes. Always a need to play it by ear.

Few sirs like you would turn down viewing more of old Shangshu City. If it's not for the city, then it's for the people.

Quite.

The people deserve to be viewed. If not, then it's been a wasted journey.

I imagine Liang Xun has informed you—he is to go with me this evening to return to the capital. The way out of Shangshu will be led by you.

He did inform me.

Don't blame us. Mr. Liang's leaving in a rush here. Us folk can't help but be worried.

Our Magistrate... As good as a parent to us, we say, but he's still young in the end. Resembles the nephews of our own at times. There's concern to be had.

Liang Xun has the talent, and the resolve. Should he withstand, he will be famed and recognized.

And what if he doesn't?

—*sigh* No, never mind, I shouldn't ask. If you want to see Shangshu, just come with me.

Only shame is, young Lee's still searching for someone right now. He'll be hard-pressed to meet Mr. Liang this evening if he wants, I think.

'Tis still quite cool. 'Tis lucky we are not cold ourselves, with the tea warm.

Official affairs inundate you, my Lord. What brings you here so early?

I agreed to watch the play with you.

Cloak in some more layers. Mind the chill.

When did we agree this? All I had said was to come if you were free.

And I'm free today.

Liar. Your work is surely a mountain of bother, with the Grand Tutor so urgent in handing it over to you... Could it be, my Lord, you did not sleep last night?

*cough* I did get a little shuteye.

You're also early to rise today, Miss Ning.

I guessed the headstrong Liang would come at first light despite all exhortation, and so was awaiting you the whole time.

That. Hm. I...

Your tea cup is empty. Pass it to me.

Thank you.

'Tis but a cup of tea. Need we such formalities between us?

'Tis pleasant, to be able to sit here in this mountain, drinking tea, shaking oneself awake.

The refreshments at this shop are quite fine too... the shaobing, sesame cake, and—

Sweet fritters.

You've lauded this place before.

Ah, and you remembered?

Mm. Being that you're fond, I take note.

Everything of Shangshu is fine, save the slight strength in flavor. Lucky that the pastries by and large are tender and sweet still. They fit my palate.

*sigh* Your estate stews were very spicy at first, my Lord. Though, they have been considerably better since.

I could not pick up my chopsticks before needing to seek water. How very sorry for me.

The estate has spice-remedying decoction available at all times.

Miss Ning, your home...

The waterways of the south. We are no great spice eaters.

I apologize for the trouble.

What matter is it? We all must adapt at some point.

So you say, though it's not so easily done.

'Tis not hard, should you intend to.

We all must adapt at some point.

Verily.

You have mentioned you are native to Shangshu, my Lord?

I am.

I left home at an early age, and only returned in recent years. You know as much, Miss Ning.

I have heard you make mention.

Is it then that you met your Lungmen friend, in your period away?

Yes.

I knew nothing back then, left to forge my own way, made no shortage of friends, believed the spirit of youth could conquer everything, accomplish anything...

I did plenty of clownishly ridiculous, foolish things.

'Tis no foolish thing to make friends.

My Lord, the friend you have made is a fine one.

...I was simply lucky to.

Were it not for such urgent affairs, 'twould only be right we bid your friend on a true, proper tour of Shangshu, being the hosts that we should.

'Twould also be more chance to hear some anecdotes of your past, my Lord. Who knows how different you are these days?

I have never changed.

No...

Maybe I have changed some. But...

Hm?

What I set out to do, for these common peoples... has never changed.

When the Grand Tutor last evening proposed I accompany him to the capital... I didn't want to accept, at first.

You denounce me for accepting in your place?

No. I hardly could.

I should not have hesitated in the first place. I should be thanking you, Miss Ning.

So long as you do not blame me. I understand you are uneasy for Shangshu, as can others, but the Grand Tutor's word is a different story.

He keeps no mediocrity for company. What he assigns are but the most rugged, hard-fought opportunities.

I believe, should my perception of you not be faulty, that if you had refused in a moment of hesitation, you would surely regret it in time.

I understand... I apologize for worrying you.

...Heheh.

Miss Ning...?

Ah, no, nothing. I just suddenly imagined...

If you had then and there earnestly, unreservedly agreed to leave, I fear I would perhaps have been quite angry.

Ahem. You're joking, Miss Ning.

I am certainly not joking.

*cough* *cough* *cough*.

In so little time, the sun has come up.

My Lord, are you enjoying this play?

It's not bad.

Then shall you be descending the mountain sooner?