act31side

Lingering sentiments? Sounds quite nice when you put it like that.

If by lingering sentiments, you're referring to trapping her here for a millennium to be your work-beast, then...

Your tone suggests you would prefer we went back to the days when Great Yan was hunting all of you?

No, no... Life is self-centered and zero-sum, and that much is as true for beasts as it is for humans. I simply want to make a deal with you.

I promise to you the successful completion of the Twelve Pagodas and Five Cities, free from the threat of demons and Catastrophes. Additionally, the next three years shall be beneficent, such that you will have ample time to stockpile food and recuperate.

In exchange, I ask that my sister be freed from this place.

You make it sound like Dahuang won't be able to overcome this challenge without you.

The demons run rampant, and Catastrophes are capricious. You should be fully aware of Dahuang's situation.

How do I know I can trust you?

Is it not amply clear to the Sui Regulator what our abilities are?

I will do as I stated and uphold my side of the deal. If you pull out, however, I will be forced to collect other assets as collateral.

Just know that I, too, have lingering sentiments when it comes to this land.

Shu... I did promise to let you leave.

You will do as you stated...

But, if it's my life you would collect, we'll see just what these demons' blasphemous methods can do.

(Piercing wail)

The energy core activated on its own? But how? It's not ready yet!

These readings... Is this is a joke? This is enough to power a sizable nomadic city for three hundred years.

Out of the way. I'll deal with this.

The energy core has gone out of control... He's taken control and is using it to create monsters.

Spare me the abstract. Nobody knows this device better than me.

On the other hand, Assistant Minister Ning, I don't need to remind you that the current situation is due to the failures of the Ministry of Rites and the Sui Regulator.

'Out of control'... Since the day I joined the Tianshi Bureaus and began studying engineering, the three words I've come to hate most are 'out of control'.

So, I place a lot more stock in the Grand Commandant's 'discrimination' over the 'meritocracy' that the Grand Tutor speaks of.

You'll have plenty of time to impeach the Ministry of Rites after this crisis is over.

Our top priority is to cut the connection between the plates and the core city. If we can't regain control at that point, then we must destroy the core city.

I understand you don't appreciate the way I fawn upon the powerful figures, but I'm not so petty as to fail to grasp the overall situation.

You can go now. I will stop the device.

All by yourself?

This is my project. My own projects have never gone out of control, nor will they ever.

If it is to fail, then I should be the one to destroy it, and pay whatever price I must.

You want to help me finish this project? Why?

I find you a sagacious partner, Assistant Minister Wan. I trust that our business will go smoothly.

I see how much you value this project... The material aid I sent is a token of my sincerity.

And you want me to pay for those supplies, yes? That's fine, name your price.

You misunderstand, Assistant Minister Wan. What are these baubles worth, compared to you?

I've forgotten... What is the annual salary a Minister earn in the Ministry of Works? And how long would you like to occupy that position, Assistant Minister Wan?

Nothing to be surprised about. I know how difficult it was for you to rise from a humble scholar to a second-tier official.

For all the hemming and hawing in the court, their plans amount to nothing more than 'profit'. Which is why you took such a great risk to help a certain mandarin deal with the aftermath of Yumen.

Are you threatening me?

I'm only out to make a deal here. It is to our mutual benefit that this project be completed.

Fine... I accept.

You've readily agreed to the terms. But, allow me to remind you that once you've signed this contract, you will have to pay the price, come what may.

All under Heaven live for profit, and die for profit.... Hmph. Do you think the only thing that matters to me is this minister's robe?

It's the lot of you who underestimate me!

(Coughs up blood)

What's wrong? Why did you stop?

He Sheng...

I'm actually... a bit scared...

What's happening with all the farmland? Monsters are popping out from all over the place, like in the operas...

To be honest, I'm scared too.

But, I also know there are a lot of people even more scared, and they don't know what to do.

There's still something I can do. I can still protect them...

Big Buffalo, even though I always call you a stupid buffalo, you're actually the smartest person I've ever met. You know so much; much more than anyone else when it comes to farming.

Which is why no matter what happens, you have to swear to keep yourself safe. Your dreams will surely come true!

Whatever you do, don't think nobody cares about you just because you have no family... It's just...

What's gotten into you all of a sudden?

I don't know... Maybe it's because I'm scared that I'm blurting out all the things I normally keep buried deep down.

*sigh*... If only Shu were here. She'd know what these things are.

Huh...? Who?

What did I... just say?

Who... is Shu?

But, there was someone with us. She knew everything.

What are you talking about...?

I don't know...

A couple days ago, someone stopped me along the riverbank and told me a story...

Oh right, the riverbank...

How about this song?

Not a fan, huh?

Is 'Come Home Soon, Little Flower' the only song you like?

Did I tell you that I got into a fight with He Sheng?

He said that if I kept skipping school, all the good students would go off to Baizao but I'd have to stay here. So mean, right? Don't you think he's just trying to provoke me for no reason?

What's wrong with the way I am anyway? I just want to stay here and wait for my parents to come back.

Hey! Why are you chasing me off again?!

Okay, okay, I'm leaving! Woah! Watch where you're swinging that axe!

He Sheng, I...

...There's someone on the other side of the river who hasn't evacuated yet!

Grain Buds! Don't run off!

I'll be fine! The mute uncle only listens to me, so I have to bring him back! Everyone in Dahuang's gonna be safe and sound!

I'll see you soon, in the center city!