act15side

I am Head of the Xingyu Escort Assocation, Asker to the Frost, Zheng Qingyue.

...Polearm of the Shangs, Shang Zhong.

In early spring, twilight approaches. The trees' shadows sway, the fallen snow like silver.

A gust of wind blows, and a blade falls.

...Mm.

You've rested far too long, Zheng Qingyue.

It might not be my rest. Maybe you've climbed too many mountains, improved your footwork again.

It's hard to know.

But heroes like you are doomed to spend your older years unable to walk. It's such a shame.

So your blade flowed quick, the snow's gleam hit my eyes, you cut open my trouser leg, and you think now I can't walk?

You won't be able to block the next slash. That pole isn't any family treasure, you know. It's nothing but a stick of lousy bamboo.

—Dad!

Ye?! What are you...

So you were Du Yaoye after all. In the blink of an eye, you've grown so tall...

Oh.

You two are quite free, if it's getting dark and you still have the time to be... practicing kung fu here.

It's you. What are you doing here?

I'll tell you straight, Master Shang. My friend tasked me to find that goblet on your belt. I'm looking for a pavilion, and I just can't do without that cup.

I worry, see, since swords don't discriminate. If you... glanced off of it in your scuffle, it'd hardly be worth it when the dust settles.

Dad, what are you even doing—!

...Ye, I...

Ten years ago, the Xingyu Escort Association took on a great commission. But heavy rains came on the way, and they were attacked by bandits in the wild.

To protect the goods, Zheng Qingyue abandoned his fellow escorts. A dozen brothers were killed. Among them was my son, and your... blood father.

Zheng Qingyue let them die without trying. Not only did he let them die, he didn't protect the goods in the end. He didn't protect the escorts' reputation.

I—

And after all that, he even turned a blind eye to their decline, and fled from his failure. Did you know that?

After that, your mother left Shangshu, and went back to her home.

Du Yaoye... Can you swear you knew any of this?

Ye. This has nothing to do with you. Your dad's going to—

Then you're... Master Shang.

No.

The traitor Shang Zhong.

Who the hell do you think I am? You think I spent all my life sheltered like some clueless idiot?

Yeah, I knew all about my mom and dad. I know better than you what old Zheng's done all these years and how he's done it.

And that's precisely why I need to tell you two today—

—Association this and inn that, they'll all be Du's sooner or later.

Now, if you two oldies can stop making trouble for me.

If you don't step aside, you'll regret it.

If you've got something to say, say it...

A coin-sword?

You're joking. Are you going to cast some kind of magic in front of me or something?

Ah, excuse me, now, I'm not handy in close combat at all... it's just...

If you really want this thing, then take it. Catch.

––Hold it!

Zheng Qingyue! No more distractions!

—Don't touch my dad!

Rngh! Out of the way!

Urgh!

Ye!

Shang Zhong, you've lost it! Using violence on the young!

A clang.

A sweep of the pole holds back the sharp gleam, but without obstruction, Zheng Qingyue's blade now sweeps elsewhere.

And that goblet proves its sturdiness again, for how could earthenware anywhere take a strike from Zheng Qingyue's blade without a stroke of harm?

But with that strike, that goblet, black as the night, is sent flying away.

—The cup!

Just leave us! Go do your thing!

But you're...

This is family business!

Fine.

Just hold on for a bit, I'll be right there.

Ye, don't let him go!

This stupid old man wants your life and you're still obsessed with that lousy thing!

Du Yaoye is right. Ten years ago, you lost this goblet on a mountain ridge. Now, you've lost it again. How does it feel?

Shang Zhong...!

If you want me aside, the answer's simple.

Tch.

This is far enough!

Mr. Zheng!

—The goblet's been knocked down the cliff. That Lungmenite's already after it. Move it, both of you!

Thank you, sir.

Taihe.

Understood.

—Cheh.

Miss Du, what's your business here?

I'm not letting you go.

Why not?

There's been Mr. Liang and that Lee man and both of you impossible-looking mandarins, and—

After all my bystanding, I've finally gotten things straight.

Besides, I made an agreement with Lee. We value our promises, and that's how it works.

Ye! Enough troublemaking!

...What a gaggle.

There shouldn't have been this many people today. But no matter...

Having you is enough to settle things.

—Tch!

Miss Du, you should know we handle affairs impartially.

I don't think you're all that 'impartial.'

Please, step aside.

No.

Then you'll have to excuse me!

Now, now, don't be hasty! It won't do for a great lord like you to be meting out such force on a young girl, will it?

—The Yin-ch'ing Fan of the Liens. As fine a kung fu as expected.

Ingrate.

Lord Zuo, are you alright?

I'm fine.

Ugh! Ow-ow-ow... It's truly fearsome you should throw such vast bricks with ease.

You had your chance. No excuses.

Crossbow bolts! Who was that?

Here I am. You're looking the wrong way.

You're...

Don't get in the way, rabbit.