act31side

There is straw all around, but no sign of any animal.

She blinks.

...I could have sworn he was here.

Follow me.

I'll help you find your stockbeast.

Have a seat, Lord Zuo.

...Assistant Minister Ning.

What a coincidence.

From Shangshu to Yumen, and now to Dahuang. You must be an outstanding Candleholder to be handed such responsibility.

What are your instructions?

Please, no need for such formality.

I would not be meeting you here, if this was official business. There is a matter that requires your assistance in a... less than official manner.

About the Sui proxies?

The Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities project is of crucial importance to Great Yan. Having four proxies here in the same place, at a time like this, is a headache to say the least.

There may be devastating consequences if someone with ulterior motives decides to cause trouble.

Do you mean to say that you already know someone intends to cause trouble?

Are you aware that the development of Dahuang has resumed?

The trader's supplies... he should not interfere with such matters.

All I know is that he had a meeting with Assistant Minister Wan from the Ministry of Works. Do you know him?

I'm familiar with him... he has been working on Dahuang's mobile plate development in recent years, but he also participated in Yumen's repairs a few months ago.

What is Ji planning?

Ji was known to be close to Shu, and the two of them used to farm Dahuang a thousand years ago. Ji later left Dahuang to start a business.

He returns to Dahuang once every few decades. The last visit was sixty years ago.

You recall these details well...

Do you suspect that he intends to sabotage Dahuang?

Right now, we need to figure out why he came back to Dahuang. This is what I would like you to uncover.

The Ministry of Rites and the Sui Regulator have long been at odds over the Sui issue. Yet now you're asking me to do this.

Where do you stand yourself?

As a Candleholder, my duty is to my orders, of course...

You want to be a good sword.

That way, it's not the sword's fault, even if it kills the wrong person.

I'm not trying to shirk responsibility—

Have you ever thought about why the Sui Regulator wants to eliminate the Sui by force?

If there comes a day when Yumen goes to the capital, ending the existence of both cities and the Feranmut to the sound of cannonfire...

Do we really say 'We had no choice' about all the people who lose their homes and the soldiers who lose their lives?

Was there really no other way?

What prompts you to ask me to do this?

The welfare of the people. Not the cloaks and daggers of the court.

Honesty and integrity. I'm sure the answer is right there in your heart.

The man points at the calm surface of the river, smooth like a mirror, almost like it has frozen in place.

The water reflects the clouds in the sky, and the girl's face.

The stockbeast is inside.

In the river?

You want to find him, go down.

Hm...

Alright.

I'll find him down there and bring him back to his pen.

The river channel booms with the sound of crashing water and roiling air.

The girl steps forward.

Come back! You'll die!

The old lumberjack suddenly raises his axe high, before putting it back down meekly.

Let me go, Zushi! I'll bring her back!

I know how to handle it. She's not that far gone. Let me go, and I can bring her back!

Zushi, no! She can still be saved!

Zushiiiiiiii—!

There is only death there. She's beyond all help. You can't save her.

Go back. Put up a grave monument.

Where do you think you're going, you idiot?

Huh?

The stockbeast is down there. The old lumberjack told me so. I'm bringing him back.

You're the stockbeast, you dumb rice-brain!

Are you talking about me?!

Of course I'm talking about you! You think there's a stockbeast down there? Are you blind or stupid?

Oh, shut up—

Splat!

A piece of river mud hits Grain Buds in the face.

Whoa!

Pfft, bleh, argh!

Her sight remains surprisingly clear. She still sees everything before her.

What's going on?

Grain Buds tries to wipe the mud away, but there is something hard in the mud that sticks to her face.

Why are there two pieces of...?

Rice?

Uncle?

Where's the mute uncle?

What uncle? All I see is you trying to jump into the water, you crazy idiot!

Now throw that away!

Grain Buds washes away the mud by the river.

The angry girl turns around. There is nobody in the forest beyond the levee, but she stares long and hard into the woods and nods.

The footsteps grow distant, disappearing amongst the trees.

'...has violated the statutes by entering Dahuang and meeting proxies without permission. The penalties hereof are temporary deferred in consideration of his assistance to the disaster relief efforts.

'It is hereby ordered that... depart Dahuang within three days under the supervision of the Sui Regulator... any delays will be subject to strict penalties.'

The red-stamped letter sits prominently at the center of the table. It seems that whoever placed it here knew when the master of the room would return, and how she would react.

You wouldn't tell it to my face?

You say you trust me, but will we ever have a chance to sit down and talk to each other again?

Are you okay?

Duoxie, thank you so much.

I was transporting rare ore from the north and selling it in the south when I got waylaid. You really saved my hide there.

You shouldn't be traveling by side trails.

It was because we were in a hurry...

Anyway, thank you very much for your help. Please, accept this token of my appreciation.

Not interested. Bye.

Sir... sir!

I assume you're a martial artist of some renown...? That you walk in jianghu?

Do you want to spar?

Ah, that's not for a meek merchant like me.

But if you're a martial artist... as a matter of fact, I came across a rare tome on kung fu in the course of my travels. I think you might be interested.

What use do I have for kung fu books? Don't make me laugh.

How about just a look? I never sell anything my customers don't need.

I'll pass.