act40side

Never.

Who exactly... is the opponent he seeks on this weiqi board...?

There are times when one seeks not an opponent to win against on the board, but a solution.

A solution beneficial to both parties amid countless changes to the situation.

There is something I wish to consult you on...

What made you set up that exam in the first place?

Shop's not closed yet, is it?

You've come at the right time, I'll close right after I'm done with your order. It's late, so we don't have much left... but what would you like?

Anything to fill up my stomach on the road will do.

We happen to have half a steamer of meat buns here from the morning. You can have it for free.

Won't you be making a loss like this?

I only know how to cook, not so good at business stuff.

Why not earn a name and riches with skills like yours?

What for? Both nobles and peasants eat the same three meals a day. I might as well make more buns than money or fame.

If you don't mind another question, how much does a meal normally cost here?

Not much at all. The usual soup and two dishes just cost a few coins.

Anyone who works here in Baizao can eat their fill here.

I see you have a kind heart and compassion for others.

Aw, stop that... I'm just a chef who serves about a hundred customers a day at most.

I can only count on you to feed and clothe everyone else in this realm.

A free meal, and a lesson to boot... Lucky me.

Haha, I just hope you don't get mad at me. I just like aimlessly chatting with customers about everything under the sun.

Your restaurant has been here a long time, if I'm not wrong. How are your finances?

Aiya... Now that's a headache. You see, this little store of mine can barely make even.

It's all thanks to the abundant crops from Dahuang and the fast deliveries from the Chidao that I can keep my store running. Otherwise, I'd have to raise the prices.

Are you sure you're not trying to give credit to your siblings?

Haha... but it doesn't stop here.

My customers all live nearby. Some don't have enough coins, so they make up for it by sending me a few boxes of fresh fruit, or helping me repair the furniture...

Without their care, this restaurant wouldn't be running today.

So, you see... It's hard to balance a book like this.

But this is how you do business, right? Who says one side has to profit all the time? You give and you take. It's mutual prosperity that brings wealth and keeps the business thriving.

Your meat buns are ready and all packed, Grand Tutor. But why don't you try one now?

Not bad at all.

A word of advice. Don't take any more lessons from your businessman brother.

Were you able to get a meal, sir?

Yes. I heard the buns from this place are the best in Baizao. Try one yourself.

Uh... hm... wow, it's delicious.

Alright, I'm ready to get back on the road. Where to?

Shangshu...

...How do I get there again?

The seven streets and five lanes in the east of the city... I remember having to pass a dye workshop and a kiln first...

*sigh* My head hurts. It's been so many years; I wonder what changes—Oh? This calligraphy and painting store is still here? Surely their store sign can nearly be considered a historical relic...

I could come back again for a stroll. Who knows, I might just find it—on second thought, I probably couldn't if I tried.

Phew, almost there...

This ancient temple hasn't changed at all. No one's been here in years, but it hasn't been torn down either... Just who is feeling nostalgic for it?

The lock's already opened?

Oh, you're back.

Why should anyone be born destined to bear all this?

I remember when Father was alive, he often stood atop the palace tower, my brother beside him.

Father often said this: Water can carry a boat, but also sink it. Likewise, this great height where we stand can also be the start of a plunge into the abyss.

He used to watch the city before him for long periods of time, or perhaps it was the vast territory in the distance—

He watched, both what he could and could not see.

Before my eyes, the city flourished, while his body gradually bent into an arc and his hair turned white as snow.

And I knew he was old.

Then, I began hearing all sorts of voices.

'The True Lung is an authoritarian dictator who has imposed many harsh policies! Great Yan will be in trouble if this continues for long!'

'Your Highness, please put the country first and admonish the True Lung, abolish his harmful policies, and bring a new start to this realm!'

The people are uneasy.

I should do something...

But what should I do? Who can I trust?

I thought of someone. A 'person' who is rumored to have fathomed every plan possible.

That ancient temple had long been deserted, but I tried everything I could and located a black stone.

'What do you want?'

'A solution. For Yan, and my elder brother.'

'And why should I help you?'

'Help me now, and in time, I will spare your life.'

'How amusing... You are bold, young Lung.'

'A solution is not difficult, but it comes with a price... Are you willing to pay that price?'

With the Grand Preceptor's help, Brother ended up entering the Forbidden City with Chi Xiao in hand.

The Six Armies conceded, no one dared stop him.

No one knows what exactly happened inside the Forbidden City then.

Father died.

Brother vanished.

Why?

Am I to be alone now?

What is the meaning of this bowl of noodles?

I made some longevity noodles just for you. Aren't you going to try it?

Why?

Because today's your birthday, right?

A little squirt told me the True Lung's birthday is a day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, but he celebrates his birthday together with the festival out of humility—

I know a little something about hiding your birthday myself.

I just thought it was so sad for a man of such high status to not get to decide when to celebrate his own birthday.

You...

I know you...

Making your way here despite the odds, the risks, and even the possibility of losing your life...

You must have something to say to me.

Of course.

To think that my life is so closely connected to someone I haven't even met before. That feeling is just so surreal...

So I had to come and meet you.

I was planning to offer this to you yesterday during the Feast, but a whole bunch of things messed up my plan.

Now's a good time as any though.

I know it's Yanese custom to discuss important matters over a meal.

So dig in. When you're done, I have a load of questions to ask—

And I want answers.

*cough* *cough*... Pah, there's so much dust on the table I almost ate some by accident...

You...?

It's me. What's with the attitude? Not happy to see me?

I didn't think you would be the last one to get in my way.

Get in your way? What for? I've got better things to do.

I just want my worrisome brother who hasn't been home in a long time to have a proper meal.