act15side

I know Shangshu's mounts and waters like the back of my hand... Never heard of any pavilions off the beaten path though.

Qujiang Peak has only an empty swath of land. The legend goes that a god, staring into the deep waters there, attained enlightenment by forgetting the waters surrounding it. From then on, everyone called it the 'Field of Forgotten Water.'

I see...

Sounds like our friend won't be easy to find, then... How about we start with the wine shops? Might be futile without knowing what they look like though.

Any ideas, Master Shen?

When seeking a man, there is this one simple trick that has worked since ancient times.

Have them seek you out instead.

True, but a little passive for my tastes.

I have an idea, though—

Hm...

What is it?

Need something?

Miss Ning...

Reading for leisure, I see. Fine tastes as always, my lord.

Reading for leisure enriches the mind.

If there is something you would like to ask, please go ahead.

My lord, is something weighing on your mind?

Hm... What do you mean?

Your friend from Lungmen.

There's no hiding anything from you, Miss Ning. There is a minor matter, though it's entirely personal.

What does it concern?

We are looking for someone.

Hm... What kind of someone?

An old friend of ours. A practitioner of the martial arts.

I see. Is that all?

His name is Huai.

It seems a simple thing.

I did say it was a minor matter... You needn't worry.

You should hide no secrets from me, my lord.

And I have none to hide.

Very well, then.

The lady before him walks across the room and takes a glance at the bookshelf. She appears engulfed in a sense of defeat.

Fortunately, her mood quickly lightens.

It often changes rapidly.

My lord, the book you were reading... Is it a historical record?

It's about an old Catastrophe that happened within the bounds of Shangshu's Three Mounts.

You seem to be very fond of that piece of history.

I saw it with my own eyes. I can never forget it.

If I remember correctly... 'Tale of the Three Mounts?'

I'm surprised you remember. It seems I've reread that book far too many times.

I only happened to notice.

May I borrow it? I will be paying Uncle Bai a visit. I can read it in my down time.

As you wish.

Very well... But...

Oh, forgive me...

Let me get it for you. I haven't been able to read it much lately, so I placed it fairly high on the shelf.

Thank you.

So you'll be visiting Bai, the potter?

Yes.

Please give him my regards.

Of course.

I will take my leave now.

'Tale of the Three Mounts...'

My lord, I am sure you never realized, but I have actually already taken a peek at your bookshelf, once when you worked late into the night and fell asleep in your study.

(He's never put this book so high up...)

(There was a new case on the shelf too... What could be inside?)