chimes

Wind Chimes, Wind Chimes!

Phew, managed to catch you before you left town.

Ah Yun? What's wrong? Did I leave something at the post office?

It's not that. The mandarins want a letter sent to Shiqiao Village.

But none of the Messengers at the post office had ever heard of a place by that name, so they spent a while asking around.

Not sure how this came up, but eventually someone said 'if Wind Chimes doesn't know, then I reckon nobody knows.'

And that was just as you'd left.

Got it. I'll take care of it.

Wind Chimes threw open her rucksack, revealing the various letters stuffed to the brim within.

Just throw the letter in there. I've heard of Shiqiao and roughly know which direction it's in, but I might have to ask for specifics along the way.

Where are you going after you finish your deliveries? Yumen or Lungmen?

Lungmen. Lungmen's had a longer backlog of letters to be delivered to the mountain countryside than Yumen.

Then, I'll treat you to that new Mrs. Pepper ice cream that's been all over the ads when you get back. Apparently, they're going the spicy-and-savory route this time, and it's not sweet at all!

But, isn't ice cream supposed to be sweet?

Pssh. When you get tired of eating sweets, you obviously go with something spicy. That's what's trendy these days.

Leaving the on another delivery run?

Mmhmm.

Go right on ahead then, no search needed. When I saw you taking every single letter out and neatly packing them back in, I felt a bit bad for inconveniencing you.

Appreciate it.

Oh, also, Old Cheung asked me to thank you for him.

Cheung?

That bearded guy whose letters kept bouncing because his hometown was relocated.

You delivered several dozen of his letters all at once, and when he got some replies back, he was so happy he started crying.

Oh, I remember now... It's not like I did anything special. Just part of my job.

Then, thank you for doing your job. You take care of yourself now!

After staying in a nomadic city for a while, people tend to forget that there is an 'outside'.

But, the 'outside' is actually pretty close. Close enough that if you walk a few li out towards the edge of the tracks, you'll come face-to-face with the wind and sand.

Thanks for your hard work on fixing up the Chidao!

Oh, if it isn't the Messenger with the broken horn! What's up? Did we get mail? Is it for me, or some young lad or lass on our construction site?

I do have mail, but it's just a stipend from Lungmen.

A stipend, huh...?

You don't seem too thrilled about it.

No, of course I am! The whole point of comin' out here to work is to make life a little better! I'm just, a bit worried. It's been two months since we've gotten any letters from our village.

I passed by the village just last month. Everyone was very nice.

That's good to hear.

Say, don't be in such a rush to leave. Stay here for dinner, and leave some time tomorrow.

I have a lot of mail to deliver this time, so I think I should––

Don't be shy, we're practically family here! Everyone's always looking forward to you coming around. It's mighty interesting hearing you talk about the cities.

Since we got paid our stipends today, I'll have 'em get the food ready for you earlier, and find some youngsters for you to chat with!

Next.

Leaving for work?

Yes, work.

Please open your bag for security inspection.

Oh, right, there's something I wanted to ask.

What is it?

Did a Forte Messenger with a broken horn leave the city at about noon today? Would you mind telling me which way she went?

'Jianzi... rumian... I'm in Lungmen...'

Ah Fang, you know how to read, don't you? C'mere and help me figure out what this says.

What is this thing anyway, a flashlight? I already have one at home. Why would they need to send one out from Lungmen?

Auntie, that's not a flashlight, it's a telescope!

What's this?

It's a camera. I use it to document everyone's lives.

You mean, the stuff they use to make TV shows?

Uhh... close enough?

Then, I'd better clean myself up and make a good impression...

Other people always say you become numb after working for too long. They say this is true for everything else as well, that everything becomes normal once you've been through it enough.

But when I go back and forth between the mountains and the cities, what I deliver most is letters back home.

There's hardly any difference between this month's letters and last month's. Just a few extra days of rain, a few extra bushels of wheat harvested.

But as long as their home remains, people will continue to write letter after letter.

Oh right, would you happen to know how to get to Shiqiao Village?

I only know that it's somewhere to the north, but don't know the exact location...

Shiqiao? Can't say I've ever heard of it. Want me to try asking around?

I'd appreciate it.

Sorry, but we don't know either.

But, apparently there's a lad in Bianti who came from Shiqiao, seeking shelter with his relatives. He might know the way.

Bianti Village? Sounds good. I happen to have mail to deliver there as well.

You're not going to stay awhile?

Not this time. See you around!

Hey you, old timer!

Hmm? What's wrong?

Wait, who are you? I haven't seen you around here before.

The Messenger that was here just now, did she say she was going to Shiqiao?

Yes, but... Hey, are you just gonna leave without saying anything?

My home is close to Shiqiao. I'll lead her there!

A boy from Shiqiao...? Wait, do you mean Ah Liang?

Get over here, Ah Liang! Someone here needs directions!

Head north, then about ten li after reaching Beifen, there's a big tree several arms' length 'round. Enter the mountains from there.

After turning around, there'll be a two-way trail. Follow it all the way to the right for about a day...

Alright, got it.

You can memorize something that complicated?

Actually... Following the trail to the left leads you to my hometown.

I'll just say this, you look just like one of us country folks, like you're right outta the mountains.

By the way, how's your hometown doing? Has everything been alright?

It's deserted. Everyone's already moved into the city for work.

*sigh*... The last few years have been tough, and our village has been through similar, but at least we've managed to survive. Be careful out there.

Excuse me, that Messenger just now–

Did you have some business with her?

I'm also trying to get to Shiqiao Village. I heard you folks talking about it from the distance, but I didn't catch everything...

There's Beifen.

Two letters to be delivered here in Beifen, then one last letter... to Shiqiao.

Why are there so many people gathering here?

They're all here to... read the announcement?

Yeah, our village's finally gettin' relocated. There's a new nomadic plate that's lookin' for workers, and they say anyone who helps build it can help keep it runnin' after the plate's been completed.

If the notice has been posted, doesn't that mean the convoy's probably ready to pick us up in a few days?

What about your mail...?

Just hand it over to me. I'll make sure to pass it out when everyone gets back. Really appreciate you bringing us our letters all these years.

...You're welcome.

Huh? What are you still headin' north for?

I have one last letter addressed to Shiqiao.

Shiqiao Village?