act40side

Gu Quan was indeed transferred for a reason: because he specifically requested it.

He wanted the transfer?

Yes, he said that he was ill and was afraid he didn't have much time left, so he wanted to return to his hometown in Victoria to live out the rest of his days. So, I agreed to let him join the delegation to Victoria.

What illness did he have?

I'm not clear on the details either. I only vaguely remember that Gu Quan did seem to be in poor spirits around that time.

But, as such a low-level mandarin, Gu Quan would not have had many opportunities to even meet you. How did he make such a request?

To be honest, it's a bit embarrassing... but there was a hint of selfishness on my part as well.

Gu Quan had magnificent penmanship, so I sometimes had him write letters for me. I also asked him to serve as my children's calligraphy tutor.

He had done so much for me, I felt I owed him a favor. Besides, I did not feel his request stemmed from greed.

That's all there is to say about Gu Quan's transfer. Do you have any other questions for me?

Since I've heard it directly from you, I'll take what you're saying at face value.

However, I disagree with one thing you said.

What?

Anyone who wants to know the truth, be they a mandarin or an ordinary citizen, does not need a special reason for doing so.

Please know, Mr. Ning, that I am indeed only after the truth. I have no other motives.

Now I shall take my leave, sir.

Good day, madam.

Say. Where is Liang Xun?

It's rather late, Grandfather. I saw the young man out many hours ago.

My word. You invited him in to have dinner, and then you had him wait there forever. Tis a poor way to treat a guest.

Yes. Where are my manners? Tell him I apologize, and please let him know that he's welcome to come back any time. Next time, I will be a proper host. I owe him that much.

Liang is a reasonable man. I am sure he'll understand.

By the way, his name is Liang Xun, right? Which 'Xun' is that? How do you write it?

It's that Xun with three dots on the left.

Uh, that one in 'Xun mei qie yi'... A spray of spring, gifted to you. Such a beautiful name; I'm rather fond of it.

I've heard that people with the three dots in their name characters are as clever and swift as water.

Funny. The others all say he's as dull as a board.

The old man walks to the table, picks up a pen, and adds another name to the invite list.

Hmm... maybe he is rather dull...

He came all this way to see his 'sweetheart', but look at the gifts he brought: Yumen's Tea, some strange liquor called 'Liedaozi'. These seem more like gifts meant for me.

Lin Qingyan, wait.

Who's there?

Lin Qingyan gets a strange feeling she's rarely felt before.

A woman with a sword advances to within a <i>zhang</i> of Lin Qingyan, yet she doesn't even notice her...

Until she is standing right in front of her.

Your uniform...

You... you're... an Imperial Guard?