level_act49side_st02

Yes, Father didn't tell anyone when he left—No, maybe I was the only one he didn't tell. I don't know.

I can barely remember anymore. Mother had just passed away at the time too.

Mother... She never liked Father, or me. And in the end, Tal as well...

Father left much less of an impression on me compared to Mother. Once, when I was confronting Wei Yenwu, I said Father was a weak man. My opinion still stands.

But he... he really did try to love me and Tal.

When I was young, I was scared when Wei Yenwu came to our house to find Mother, so he took me outside. Ever since that day, he would drown his sorrows, needing more booze every time, though he never drank in front of me.

Tal didn't like him either at first. He spent a lot of time with her, even learning Victorian alongside her, though he had never heard the language before in his life.

When Mother was at her most agitated, he would tell us to go outside, and face Mother's madness alone...

<p=1>Early winter, 1102</>

Thank you, Hui-chieh. I think... that is enough.

You know, before your father married, he was not completely like this.

I can see it.

So now we use the writing knife to correct the mistakes in the family history you compiled?

No, it's simply a family chronicle. It won't even be published. It's not worth using something as precious as that knife on it—

Despite Ch'en Chao-ch'ien's repeated declining, Hui-chieh still takes the knife off her hip and presses it into Chao-ch'ien's hand.

Jie, and Jun, had hoped this knife would be able to correct the mistakes that happen when we whitewash or forget the past.

Even though these errors only involve one fallen family, instead of all Yan, I think they would still want them corrected.

...Alright.

Ch'en Chao-ch'ien fiddles with the knife, feeling its weight and balance in her hand, but she makes no move to use it.

Hui-chieh, Jie, she... will she really come back?

Honestly, I don't know.

That thing from the Garden of Grotesqueries settled itself down quite nicely in that office on the top floor.

But if you're asking me if that's the Jie who walked with Yan through the centuries... I really don't know.

(Near-inaudible sigh)

I do not know when it happened, but it seems some of our prior generations took this overly-reliable, seemingly-immortal woman for granted.

So once she passed, a few weak people like me lost the pillar propping them up. It appears all that was left after the fading of that omnipotent goddess were the words of everyone else.

It's true that historians should have confidence in their statements, but when that confidence loses the backing of someone who is 'eternally correct', it is easy to give up.

If that's what you're saying, you guys should invite her back once she's revived.

No. On the contrary, what we should do is leave the cradle of having the right answer fed to us, and take on the prospect of making a mistake with cool heads.

Ch'en Chao-ch'ien uses her free hand to pick up the chronicle, throwing it onto the table.

What page did it open on? Take a guess.

Based on the thickness... around page thirty?

I would say about the same, but...

She picks up the book daintily, and without looking at the page number, tidies it up once more.

We have made one of... 'history's unsolved questions', one just for you and me.

In this land, whether because nobody had witnessed them, or because too many people had witnessed them... How many of these unsolved questions do you think there are?

A lot of them.

Indeed. A <i>lot</i> of them.

Personally speaking, what I want the most right now is the courage to be responsible for writing down history, even though I know such unsolved questions will never have answers.

Alright, I will leave the knife to you. Help me correct the pages I show you.

It really does leave no mark.

When you use it normally, it's just a crazy-good eraser.

Eraser...?

Those two women certainly entrusted this writing knife to the right person.

Oh, right, is Mr. Liang still with the Pavilion? Where is he?

Mr. Liang? He's on leave today—

Then you're meeting someone else?

Miss Ning, as it were.

Oh, I don't mean <i>that</i> Miss Ning, mind you, I mean—

Hello, Chao-ch'ien. Is this Miss Ch'en Hui-chieh?

...M-Miss Ning, I presume?

Who else? Ciqiu wouldn't have to go to the Ministry of Rites early in the morning to ask for leave to come here.

I see, I see.

A pleasure to meet you. I am Ning Yin.

I heard Chao-ch'ien would be transferred to a research post at the Imperial Historical Cabinet in a few days, so I came over to discuss recent events with her, and also to use some treats to hear her opinions, alongside seeing the writing knife.

My colleagues at the Cabinet are pulling out all the stops. They want to take advantage of the fresh winds of early winter to do some innovative research.

What? Fāng still doesn't want to come over?!

But the kiddo made this hotpot, not me! I didn't even throw in any weird herbs and roots!

My master says, there are still many suffering from disease across this land. He believes that in being able to avert this disaster, he is much more fortunate than the sick...

But he also says he'll be in Yan for a while, so if he's ever nearby, he'll come see you!

Okay, if that's all, Master is rather pressed for time, so I should head off—

Hold it!

Nian pulls out a lunchbox packed full of food out from somewhere.

Tell him that if he doesn't eat it all, he's not allowed to slink out of Yan!

Got it—

No laughing, there's one for you too!

This time it is Shu who offers a finely-wrapped bundle.

Upon hearing you were from Sargon, our eldest brother became rather interested, telling Yu a few things about your food. Little Yu had to make a few guesses, and he put his own personal spin on things, but he managed to make a whole bag's worth.

We thought it was rather good, but we're unsure if it is to your tastes... Please, take it. Consider it our gift to you.

Oh! <i>Xiexie!</i> Thank you, everyone!

Our family never is a full set.

The true value of life lies in unfettered ease. Even if you were to drag him to your Savors at Yu's for a meal, he would find no taste in it.

As for the others, young Dusk truly is tired. She is pardoned.

Ji is a master of spinning words into wealth, but is far too soft-hearted to his own family. He wishes to idle at the Garden, and since Yi is accompanying him, let him.

As for our brother eldest—

Smells great. Are we late?

I thought you two said you weren't coming?

He said that. I said nothing of the sort.

Since I was coming, I couldn't just leave him by himself at the Garden, so I brought him along.

Nice going! This piece of work decided to 'work some magic' at Dahuang, then he's been hiding from us these past few days!

What's his punishment, Shu?

Let me—

It should not be some trifle such as scrubbing the pot and washing the plates.

Then—

No letting him off with an apology either, too boring.

Then how about—

If you say something like 'let us settle this later', it would be rather disrespectful towards everyone's kindness.

Why not—

Ji already gave me a rent holiday for Savors until the year after next.

Hmm, then...

...Put your businesses on hold for a year. Take a rest, and plan your next ventures well.

Man, that's Shu for you. Always managing to find a way to let people off easy no matter what we think of.

Letting him off easy? I haven't finished yet.

Within this year, Ji, what you owe others and are able to repay, you must repay.

...I shall keep it in mind.

Alright then, everyone take your seats—

(Incomprehensible mumbling)

I know... I just... sleep a bit longer...

Young Dusk said she wished to sleep until next spring, Jun. Why force her here?

She has no taste in bedrooms.

I was just leaving the Sky Mirror Pavilion when I saw her sprawled out on the ground, deep asleep. I even shouted at her to no avail, so I had no choice but to bring her here—

Hmm?

As she spoke, the slumbering Dusk splayed out across Jun's back suddenly dissolves into a scroll.

Didn't think my little sister knew how to work some magic too—

Mmmmph?!

With the unfurling of the scroll, the real Dusk appears atop a boulder, seemingly sound asleep.

The others also see that the thing sealing Nian's mouth shut... is a talisman.

None dare make a move, fearing the next mouth to be sealed would be their own. In the end, it is Ji who cautiously peels the talisman off Nian.

It reads: 'You guys eat while I sleep. Don't wake me unless Wang comes back.'

'Also...'

'To Nian: No firecrackers, or I'll use my talismans to seal your entire body.'

Why does my family always have to cause such headaches...?

But there will be a day that this table is fully seated. For sure.

Late, once again.

Indeed...

Far too late.

A flimsy curtain separates the two. The library is quiet, the sound of pages being turned piercing the silence.

Do you recall... how many books are collected here in the Sky Mirror Pavilion?

No...

Forty-three million volumes.

Forty-three million texts... Compared to the last thousand years of history, these words are but a single grain of millet within a great granary...

At the time, my greatest dream was to dedicate my life to complete a hydrological chart of Yan that our forebears could not.

I had thought... I could grow old here within this pavilion.

This is where I truly belong.

But it would not have been what was best for Great Yan.

The past is heavy, so heavy that no one can shoulder its weight, but also so heavy no one can put it down...

So much so that it should not be borne alone.

Yet there will always be someone to bear it.

You ought to hate me.

I do.

Are you going to say you have never hated <i>me?</i>

I really did think that there would come a day that I should die by your hand. I even thought it was the only way things would end were we to meet.

All I wanted was to ask you was... after you left Baizao...

Did you ever suspect... that everything that happened was orchestrated by me to frame you?

If I said I never did, would you still hate me for leaving on my own for no reason?

No, never...

It has been too long. So long that this question is meaningless.

That year... our little sister barred my way on the road to Lungmen, not far from Baizao. I could escape the city, but I could not escape her understanding of us.

She begged me to return to the capital, believing everything could be explained. 'There should be no misunderstandings between brothers.'

In the end... she said she would stay with me. Until the day I wished to return to Baizao, and clear things with you.

I should not have indulged her unruliness... I should not have.

I still have not yet met her daughters.

They were able to grow up in safety, one of the few bright points in my life... No, I should not use the word 'safe'. The pity is I was not able to give them even that.

Your regrets are many.

In truth, I cannot think of a moment in my life where I am certain I made the right decision.

So I sat here, waiting...

Waiting for someone to come judge me for my wrongdoings.

Pacifying the bestial Sui of Great Yan... This single achievement grants enough merit to rival the emperor who began the hunt.

But compared to him... you have the kinder heart.

You are the only one... who has never brought shame to Yan.

Yan Li... You can set them aside now.

You <i>should</i> set them aside now.

<i>Annals of Yan, Volume 124, Supplement 17</i>...

Someone's tidied up these scrolls.

After receiving Chao-ch'ien's request and her application being approved, Hui-chieh arrives at a section of the Sky Mirror Pavilion not open to the public to thumb through a few tomes.

She thought it would be a lot harder, honestly.

But when she went to check on the case from forty years ago, she found all the relevant texts neatly arranged on the shelf. They weren't even hidden in the back.

As if someone knew she would be here.

Maybe it's time.

Who are you? Why are you in my family's library?

Huh...?

Ch'en looks back and sees a girl of about ten years of age. The girl looks back at her, timid yet curious.

A Lung's horns, bright red hair, and a strikingly-familiar face. Ch'en does not need to ask who she is.

I'm Ch'en Hui-chieh. I came to borrow some books.

If you're here to read, are you also studying to become the True Lung?

What? No—

Dad said if you want to be a good True Lung, you need to read a lot of books here. When I go home today, the Grand Tutor will check my homework.

'Those with virtue cultivate it in their bodies, perform it in their actions, and state it in their words...'

'By mastering the classics, achieve refinement. By remedying the ills and practicing the right way, achieve virtue. By giving honest criticism without caring for offense, achieve...'

Err, the last part is...

...Do you want to be the True Lung?

Can I... <i>not</i> be the True Lung?

Dad says it is the duty I was born with.

If someone says, from the bottom of their heart, that they don't want to do something, then you shouldn't force them to do it.

When people are forced to do things, they won't be happy, right?

You're wrong! Dad said you need to do your duty. If nobody did, then the whole country will become a mess!

I'm going to go find him and have him explain it to you.

If there's a chance, I'd like to meet him too.

But it's getting late today. How about I send you home?

Okay!

But... do you know where I live?

Hmm... I think I do.

You look like you know a lot. Do you know more than the Grand Tutor?

Oh, I don't dare compare myself to him... But when it comes to certain questions, we have slightly different points of view.

The books say the True Lung should love the people, right?

That's right, but what you should know is, it's not only the True Lung who should do that.

Love your mother, father and teachers, your siblings, and your friends and companions.

You have the right to love everyone, no matter who you are.

Dad also said, because the True Lung is the most powerful person in the country, I need to be cautious about every word and every action.

It's the same with making friends, so... I don't have any.

No, you should be allowed to make friends with people you like.

Remember, taking such great authority and leaving in the hands of a single person, and making them shoulder it alone... This in itself is wrong.

It's not fair to most people, and it's not fair to that person either.

I don't understand what you're saying.

Can you stay and explain it to me more?

Once you grow up, you'll understand.

Once you grow up, maybe you can make a change.

So... Grow up quick.

Elder...

<i>Fan tong!</i> A bunch of <i>fan tong!</i>

I waited in the north for nearly FOUR HUNDRED YEARS, and <i>this</i> is all the progress Baizao's Tianshi Bureau made on Originium research?! Tianshis today are utterly incompetent!

Who's the head Tianshi these days? Tell him to get his ass over here!

After observing the unusual meteorological phenomenon created by Londinium's Shard four years ago, the Tianshi Bureaus realized the urgency of the issue of Originium.

Since then, the Tianshis have labored night and day at their research, not daring to rest for even a second.

But I fear there is no nation upon this land who can achieve the rate of progress you have asked for.

All I asked for was this one simple thing. I would have preferred it if you told me those youngsters were thinking up of ways to slack off. That way, their hearts might not have been into doing the right thing, but at least their brains would still work.

Ursus, Kazdel... No matter where you look, there's misfortune caused by Originium.

I had hoped Number Two would be able to solve this problem once and for all... But I'm afraid time's up. There'll be people knocking on the door soon enough.

Forget it! I'll move into the Bureau tomorrow. I want to see just how today's young Tianshis are putting their smarts to use—

Wait, forget tomorrow, I'll move in this afternoon!

That you are willing to see this through personally is a good thing, Elder.

But before you move in... In regards to the question of Originium, we have a guest from afar whom you should meet with.

Oh?

I am honored to meet with you, Grand Tutor of Great Yan.

I represent Rhodes Island, and would like to express my thanks to Yan for the information they have shared. I believe in these pressing times, candid collaboration between all parties is of utmost necessity.

Rhodes Island will uphold the spirit of cooperation during our follow-up research, and keep in close contact with Yan.

First, allow me to elaborate on Rhodes Island's position regarding the Originium question...

You haven't left yet. Good.

Still planning on taking me into custody rather than letting me go, Lord Zuo?

No. The Old Tianshi has already vouched for you.

Settling this turmoil the way you did, Mo Yi... was of great merit.

...It feels strange, hearing you be so polite.

But if you're not here to arrest me, then why <i>are</i> you here?

To return this to you.

Zuo Le carefully pulls a wooden lock out of his pocket.

Things were hectic, so I forgot to return this keepsake from your mother to you. My apologies.

Oh, this thing.

Mo Yi looks at Zuo Le, her lips aquiver...

...As she pulls out two identical locks from her pocket.

(Stifled laughter) I've still got plenty of these. You can keep that one.

You—!

But I didn't lie to you. It really was my mother who taught me how to make them.

You're about to ask me where I'm from, aren't you? I can see it on your face.

If you do not wish to say, I shall not offend you by pressing the matter.

I simply hope that in the future, you will not... toy with others again.

Hah. Still playing the preacher as ever.

I've got a question of my own. What's next for the Sui Regulator?

Honestly... It's a complete mess right now.

When the chaos ended, the Supervisor admitted responsibility and resigned.

That proxy killed Sui, and after merging with that piece of Originium, he fell into something resembling slumber. An unprecedented feat. The Feranmutologists are studying it with all haste.

Sounds like a headache.

Well, not that it matters. With you around, there's no need to worry about the Sui Regulator making any big mistakes.

I am... not as confident as you are.

As my master—the one you call the 'Old Carpenter'—once said, it is because of the differences between 'you' and 'me' that all disputes arise. No matter if they are between man and beast, or man and man.

Which is why he called for 'love between all things, for all things are brothers and sisters'.

Those twelve did everything they could, and nearly died for it, just to claw back a way for them to live. If you keep looking at them with the difference between man and beast in mind, that would be pretty cruel.

I trust you on this matter.

...<i>Duoxie</i>.

Alright, chat time's over. I should get going.

Going... where?

Wherever I feel like after a big event's over.

Returning to my search for the Feranmuts, trying to find any trace of that proxy, or maybe... giving that rabble waving the banner of the Shanhaizhong a talking-to. Not sure yet.

Until we meet again, then.

The girl waves her hand, and in an instant, she disappears amidst the sand-laden wind.

Yet another journey with an unknown end.

It is not aimless wandering, though. It is simply a search for the uncertain, greater than a hunt for a drop in the ocean.

He has walked so far... and for so long.

We will take the last of Ya's vitality, and bring it to the lands beyond Yan.

The thousand-year grudge between Great Yan and the Feranmuts is now over. I pray that this land will never see such bitter conflict again.

As for your hopeful search to find Wang, Shuo, we will not be of much use, though we would dearly love to help.

We may have been companions with him along the same road, but we were acquaintances at best, and we knew little of his schemes.

...I understand.

All I humbly ask for is to please inform me if you hear news of him.

If we do, we shall tell you posthaste, Grandmaster.

But what you seek, I fear may be eternally out of reach, just as man cannot touch the face of Heaven...

This game of his... He considered himself, friend and foe, and all the changes of the changes on the board and off, perusing the effects of myriad actions... Such arduous feats will inevitably result in the opposite effect.

If what you seek is a means to free Wang from that tomb, then you seek in vain.

But if what you seek is a stone in reserve, or some idle scholarly digression... Heaven and earth are wide, and full of many mysteries.

<i>Duoxie</i>, sirs.

There may have been a moment where the land under his feet was his board. There should be some trace of him somewhere upon it.

But what is being sought is nothing more than a single black stone.

When he walked the paths of possibility alone, seeing a way out for everyone, seeking a solution, did he ever feel this... helpless?

That endless, far too endless journey... long enough to make a being like him sense the passing of fleeting time.

Man cannot touch the face of Heaven.

Any news?

Still nothing.

But I believe some trace of him must exist somewhere outside the Tomb.

Alas... If he truly did not wish to see us, would all your efforts be of any use?

Perhaps, after Jie's fading, he could not forgive Yan... or himself.

Is it this new Yan he does not wish to see, or is it someone else?

Maybe... he does not wish to draw us into his next game.

Next game? His plots are all ended. What would his next game even bring—

What can it bring indeed?

An even more hopeless matter...

He may have accomplished the replacement, but he was unable to make muddy waters run clear.

But he will not give up... He will certainly be searching too. For the traces she left behind on this land, for a glimmer of hope.

You were always the one who understood him best.

So, still determined to look for him?

I am.

And once you find him?

I will let him know that the next time he needs help, he will not be alone.

The long-lived man stops to rest his feet, turning his head to gaze off into the distance out of habit.

Yet another year passed. The snows are beginning to melt, turning the Chidao into a mud-covered bog. By the road, the withered trees sway, a sprinkling of new buds visible.

What's happening there?

It is an ordinary village, with an ordinary weiqi stall, though one surrounded by a bustling audience. Whether they watch because of a bitter battle or because of high stakes, he is unsure.

It's over. Look at the points. How much money is he going to lose over this game?

Rightfully so, might I add. Imagine learning how to gamble with weiqi at such a young age instead of studying properly.

Look, you can't blame the kid.

If it wasn't for his deadbeat gambler of a dad losing the entire family fortune at the board... Not to mention his sick little sister...

If you're going to blame him, blame his lack of skill... Then again, the rich guy he's facing is a disgusting bastard.

Looking at the kid's black stones... Man, even a <i>Xian</i> would find it hard to save him.

The young man maintains his determined expression, seeming to not hear the many comments from the crowd, but the beads of sweat dripping off his brow expose the panic in his heart.

It's obvious how things will end. He has at most ten moves left. All he can do now is throw in the towel.

He hesitates in placing his stone, even though he knows he cannot hesitate forever...

(What the...?)

(Who... Who's talking to me?)

4-7, shoulder hit.

The young man finally hears the indistinct voice clearly as it dictates a move to him.

As he considers this instruction, he sees a way to victory he had never considered.

(Are you... helping me?)

But <i>who</i> exactly is helping him?

He looks about, finding no source of the voice.

The young man returns his attention to the board, repeatedly calculating the feasibility of this breakthrough move. In the end, he is convinced. His victory is assured.

He adjusts his posture, having calmed down a little. A charm of black jade pokes out of his collar, gleaming with a deep, inexplicable light under the winter sun.