act15side

You knew I would come.

Of course you would come.

When did the Sui Regulator first seek you?

A year ago.

On what matter?

Finding the goblet.

Merely finding it?

At first.

A year ago, Yan realized something.

Victoria's incidents. Ursus's endless unrest. One of Leithanien's Empresses losing her voice.

All under heaven was in turmoil, and Yan had to prepare.

The court met day after day, and passed the 'Twenty-Eight Policies.' Nothing unaccounted for, and not solely seeking the safety of Yan, but offering survival to the known world.

But outside of the Twenty-Eight Policies published, there were still hidden two more that needed Yan's urgent decision.

...Hoh.

What two?

There are wicked foreign spirits to the north, seas to the south, and ever more hidden dangers from Sui's bestializations.

All along, the Sui Regulator has advocated for initiative in settling this Feranmut problem.

The Ministry of Rites doesn't agree. Not at all.

The High Minister is indeed correct. There lies not only usable talent among those twelve... there are, above all else, several brilliant and virtuous.

But the Sui Regulator's very founding was aimed at sorting out the issue of this Feranmut.

Their opinion cannot be taken on all matters. The Sui Regulator was, at its founding, but subordinate to the Ministry of Rites.

It was only the disaster following that game of stones that elevated the Sui Regulator in position.

*Sigh*... It is a hidden malice of a thousand years, brewing calamity 'til today. To reckon with it is due.

But it's not the Sui Regulator's right to decide, nor for the Ministry of Rites to say.

...The current Grand Tutor?

The Grand Tutor has met with that great offender.

I see.

Looks like I really did nap too long... So that's what the old guy's like?

His physique was paper-thin, and he didn't seem like he knew Arts. I thought he was just some random nosy guy, poking into everybody's business.

The Grand Tutor mends the realm's affairs, inspecting for leaks and patching holes.

Huh, I thought you'd get angry at me badmouthing the oldie.

Angry?

Would you show anger at a rascally child who blames the sky for raining?

(This boy... he's got a steely tongue...)

(That's the first time I've seen Nian get checked like that.)

The Grand Tutor gave the Sui Regulator a hidden aim. Something that must be accomplished, whether or not we openly chafe with the Ministry of Rites for it.

Oh. And what's that?

Three things.

It is turning colder.

The mountains are always quicker to cool.

This mountain truly did not choose its scenery well. How does it keep hold of its customers?

How do you figure?

You cannot see the sunset.

That's fair.

Is it very arduous, that you do so much for the Sui Regulator, my Lord?

It's even more arduous hiding it from you, Miss Ning.

Three years ago, for the Ministry of Rites, I was sent to Shangshu to supervise Ling, who was suspected of settling here.

And you, magistrate of Shangshu, had more sway in reality than some of your ordinary colleagues, it is true.

I first thought you were inflexible, easily riled.

I must have amused you, Miss Ning.

My Lord, for what purpose have you done so much, over all these years?

My own outlook has never changed.

I do it seeking the wellbeing of the people of my home.

Hesitating not to deceive the Ministry of Rites and the Sui Regulator?

What could be more important than the people's safety?

You know the Ministry of Rites is prepared.

Spring thunder was always the emblem of the passing of winter. I wish not for its clap to reduce the Three Mounts' Seventeen Peaks by yet another.

You are as you ever were, my Lord.

But you still are not willing to face me, in the end.

How could I?

And how could you not? Your behavior is all too clear.

Our ranks are different. Our posts burden us.

But if...

...Mm?

If you come as no more than Miss Ning, then I, Liang, would be more than glad to.

So such... openness... is also within your capacity.

Liang Xun lifts his teacup.

No tea is within, but still he takes a long drink from it.

...Three things?

First, retrieve the goblet. We don't know why, but he spilled all to the Grand Tutor as to the cup's origins and rough whereabouts.

And you weren't worried it was a trap?

Second, aside from preserving the two hidden policies, find an even more reliable proposal, to keep this situation suppressed to a minimum.

Oh... Yan always comes off real cautious whenever you touch on the folk of the realm.

Third...

Go on.

No matter who they are, should more than three proxies gather on one side, pass on personal handwritten instructions from the Grand Tutor.

Handwritten instructions?

Correct.

So, I ask, Where is Dusk?

Ugh... how did I...

Hm?

Wh-Who are you...

I forgot about you.

Whatever. Someone knocked you out.

Wh-Where's dad? And Shang Zhong?! And that giant bull—

Don't bother looking.

You won't find them.

This is...

Hmm...

So she could alter heaven and earth in the blink of an eye...

That woman who suddenly appeared... Just what could her game be?

Gkh...

You're joking! Not again?!

Th... They're in a painting?

What do you mean?

You wouldn't understand, even if I told you.

W-Wait, where are you going?

The summit.

But isn't the Field of Forgotten Water right th—

—When did... that pavilion appear?