act19mini

When are you going to be finished, mister?

No rush, let me think a little longer.

But you've been thinking for half a day now. Last time I came by, you were thinking, and the time before that too. Were you tricked by someone?

I've been here lots of times now, and I've never actually seen anyone play weiqi with you.

You're not wrong. I'm just... thinking about how I should proceed.

You need to consider how your opponent will react after you place a stone, and all the changes that will arise after.

Sounds like a pain. Just thinking about it makes my head hurt... Can't you finish this game first, then ask the one you're playing with to teach you later?

It's just weiqi, nothing's going to happen if you lose.

But I cannot lose.

The one who arranged this game promised me that, if I win, he shall grant me a wish.

A wish? Really?

*sigh* Shame I don't get any of this strategic thinking. I think I'm more suited for physical stuff...

The sun's about to set, so I should get home. There's still a pile of junk I need to sort out.

Zaijian!

Oh, right, I just thought of something. We've seen each other lots of times now, but I still don't know your name, mister.

My surname is Lan, while my name is Ke. 'Lan' of the orchid flower, and 'Ke' of possibility.

You do remember my name, right, mister?

Luo Qin?

That's right!

I really gotta go now. Mother said we need to move out of the house for a bit. When I'm back, I'll definitely come to see you again.

Zaijian!

The sound of the boy's footsteps slowly fades away. Night falls upon the weiqi board. Sunlight falls upon the stones. Rain and snow wash the stone benches.

Lan Ke picks up a white stone. He nearly places it down, but retracts his hand. Half a day later, he finally throws the stone back into its bowl.

His tenth dead end. He keeps it clear in his memory.

Time for yet another round of calculation. This time, he must come up with some wondrous move or the other to triumph.

We have arrived, Mr. Yun.

Did you not say earlier that the one who awaited me was atop the mountain?

'Tis true, 'tis true. That person is atop the mountain, indeed, but my duty is merely to show you the path leading up to it.

There is only one path going up the mountain, but it is not hard to walk. The forest around it has been cleared, so you should not run into any wild beasts.

You need only head up. The rest has been arranged for you.

I suppose it would be rude if I inquire too deeply...

Then let us say our goodbyes here.

May we meet again, Mr. Yun.

You say that, but...

I don't think I actually see a path up the mountain here...

The ground is completely covered in leaves. I doubt anyone has come this way in a very long time.

Not even signs of any beast trails...

Perhaps I should find a local to ask for help.

Good day?

Good day, my lady. Is something the matter?

May I ask if you have seen my husband?

He is young, with hair of brown and a tail point of pure white. He is wearing a cloud-white tunic, trousers the color of earth, and leather boots.

I... don't think I've seen anyone who matches that description. My apologies.

Is that so? Pardon me for wasting your time.

Hold on, madam!

Do you happen to be from these parts? I wanted to ask if there was a path up the mountain nearby.

You wish to ascend? Then I fear you've gone the wrong way.

The regular path up the mountain is on the other side of town. This is the back of the mountain, which is rugged and steep. The townsfolk rarely ever come this way.

(The back of the mountain? I distinctly remember coming straight from the town's main road. How did I end up on the back?)

I see now. Duoxie, madam.

But I believe... since the gentleman guiding me told me specifically to come this way, he must have considered all this. I will continue trying.

Please, excuse me.

I shall accompany you up the mount, sir.

I'm sure there's no need—

The road up the mountain is dangerous. If we are together, we can look out for each other.

Besides, I have already made inquiries everywhere I could in town. The mountain is the last place I have yet to search. If my husband is still in the area, the only place he can be is here.

Then, I shall have to thank you again.

May I ask how I should call you?

...Bai Jin.

Still stuck on that board, Brother Lan?

I'm hardly in a hurry.

You've been at it for so long, I've learned how to play myself.

This situation on the board, isn't it a 'three <i>jie</i> cycle'? They call it a 'triple <i>ko</i>' in Higashi. Shouldn't it be a draw according to the rules?

A draw... A draw is unacceptable.

The rules were very clear. Only through a win will he grant my wish...

No, I need to find a way to victory...

What's this wish you want so bad that you need to win this game? Isn't there another way you can make it happen?

Another way... What other way...?

There is no other way for two as separate as yin and yang to meet again...

O miserable fate... From where do you flow?

Will this do, Jin'er?

It's beautiful! You really are skilled, my dear.

And here I was, thinking your ability to bake porcelain only applied to weiqi pieces.

Heheh, I can do a lot more than that. Next time, whatever you fancy, whatever you like, I'll be happy to bake it for you.

Once we are wed, I'll put this vase in the most conspicuous spot in the living room.

'Vase in the east, mirror in the west, enjoy lifelong tranquility and rest'... We're still missing a mirror, then. But if we place one, we won't have anywhere for the clock. Well, the bell in town rings in the morning and the night, it'll do.

In time, there shall be flowers in the vase, and you in the mirror's shine.

Oh, that's enough out of you. We don't have much fuel left, so head out to the back of the mountain to chop a few logs while it's still light out.

Alright, just sit tight, then. I'll be right back.

I will. Dinner should be about ready when you get back.

What the... What's going on...?

Where did these monsters come from?!

Jin'er———!

So there was... a path here... all along.

Do you... need a hand... Madam Bai?

You do not need to concern yourself about me, Mr. Yun.

I grew up amongst the mounts and fields. This is but a leisurely stroll to me.

You, on the other hand, look rather pale. Would you like to rest a moment?

I shall... take you up... on your offer.

Hoo... Hah...

Your dedication is much like my husband's.

He sounds like a very conscientious man.

He is.

He approaches everything with absolute focus. It is rare for anyone's urgings to have any effect.

He will stay in one place without food, water or moving until he is done. *sigh* He really does inspire both pity and frustration.

At least he listens when <i>I</i> speak, so it's always me who has to pull him away by the ear. That's how it's always been since we were little.

But there was a gentleman who played weiqi in town who said this temperament was suited for the game.

With a few years of study, he could become a master, perhaps even a grandmaster. If he does, he can leave town and head off to distant lands to look around.

Your husband left to study weiqi?

Yes. He has been studying for a very long time now.