Amidst the tide of chatter, Jiang Kui was escorted into the Drum Tower tavern by the Beggar Sect members.
The clamor faded away and a momentary silence fell outside the tavern, only the sound of wind stirring fallen leaves echoed from the alleyway.
Luo Shiyi jumped down from the carriage and ducked inside the cabin, seeing the person within leaning back against the wall of the cabin with closed eyes, breathing lightly as his chest gently rose and fell.
“Your Highness…” Luo Shiyi called softly.
“It’s fine,” he replied without opening his eyes. “Let me rest a bit.”
Luo Shiyi picked up the warming brazier from the floor and tested its temperature before placing it in his hands, then moved all the coal pans nearer and draped another coat over him.
In the cozy carriage the warmth helped restore his strength. He lightly massaged his temples asking, “How long was I asleep?”
“From Changle Square to Drum Tower West Market, about half a shichen. I had the carriage move slower on purpose.” Luo Shiyi spoke quietly, “Has Your Highness forgotten things again after waking?”
“Mm,” he nodded slightly. “She knows I tend to forget after waking. Just now when I first came to, I almost gave myself away. Luckily I still remember Head Boss Yuan’s matter.”
“Your Highness…what else do you still remember?”
“Bits and fragments,” he murmured. “I remember us leaving Pingkang Ward…then what happened after?”
“We returned to the bookstore. After that you took Young Master Jiang up to the loft. Then later, you went to Changhe Square to gather people for a meal. Now everyone’s at Drum Tower West Market.”
“What loft?” He paused bewilderedly.
“The one on the second floor of the tailor’s shop by East Villa Alley. You bought it many years ago, Your Highness.”
He was stunned, mumbling in wonder, “I actually took her there…”
“Your Highness,” Luo Shiyi pondered briefly before adding, “You also called her ‘Martial Sister’.”
“Is that so?” He gave a wry laugh. “I did something so silly?”
He slowly opened his eyes, setting aside the brazier as he clasped Luo Shiyi’s shoulder with a smile. “Let’s go eat.”
But Luo Shiyi didn’t budge. “Your Highness, we should return to the Eastern Palace.”
Xie Wuyan sighed, raking a hand through his hair. Yet he suddenly asked, “Are you hungry?”
Luo Shiyi froze blankly. “Huh?”
“I’m hungry,” Xie laughed, pointing at himself. “Let’s eat before leaving.”
He gazed towards the brightly lit street filled with boisterous chatter from the tavern, his expression dimming for an instant before the vibrant candlelight shone onto his face once more. His eyes were clear, reflecting the dazzling lamps.
The Western Market was located southwest of Chang’an City with many foreign merchants and travelers gathered there.
All sorts of exotic peoples could be found – snow white elephants, colorful peacocks, monkeys performing tricks – mixed in with strange foreign languages and accents hawking wares.
The Drum Tower tavern nestled at the end of a small alley not far from the actual Drum Tower. Its ornamental door was painted in bold colors and hung with a long horizontal banner. The banner bore no words for the tavern had no name. People simply called it the “Drum Tower Tavern” for its proximity to the tower.
The tavern owner’s surname was Su, a tall and sturdy man from an oasis kingdom known for his forthright and heroic personality which loved drinking and gambling. He made his fortune from the jade trade so running a tavern was more for pleasure than profit. Patrons often racked up months of credit which he would gleefully write off if they could beat him in a drinking bet.
The tavern attracted many figures from the martial world. Beggar Sect members especially loved drinking here while the Tie Gongzi of Changhe Borough frequently gambled. When Ah Rong had first arrived in Chang’an over a decade ago she had entered this very tavern, when Xiaochen was still swaddled as a tiny babe who seldom fussed or cried, intriguing everyone over whether he had fallen deeply asleep.
The broker “Old Man Pu Liu” would also meet for business here, behaving very generously whenever he did by treating others to the freshly brewed foreign liquor. The “Falling Flowers Pointed Spear” Young Master Jiang was likewise extremely fond of this place for its wonderfully fragrant and potent wine sold at unbelievable prices without a drop of water mixed in.
Over a decade later, the tavern remained unchanged – boisterous and lively as ever, the pungent aroma of liquor the same as before. It was like a little bubble isolated from the greater martial world, preserving a tiny corner of peace while time flowed past it unchanging as an enduring boulder.
That night the tavern was crowded and noisy, the laughter and chatter nearly bursting the roof. Little servants continuously shuttled out jars of liquor to arrange on the tables, followed by just as many gigantic bowls. Unrestrained in their revelry, the martial world folk all loved drinking from big bowls, downing mouthful after satisfying mouthful of clear biting liquor that sloshed over the tables.
“Xiaoman, Xiaoman!” Bai Ying rushed over to Jiang Kui excitedly, “Why are you so late?”
“It’s all because Old Man Pu Liu’s carriage was too slow,” she laughed. “Xiao Bai, how much have you all had to drink already?”
“Six or seven jars already, I reckon?” Bai Ying ticked off her fingers trying to tally a number she wasn’t quite clear of herself either. With a shake of her head she grabbed Jiang Kui’s hand and pulled her to squeeze out seats at the innermost table. “Anyway someone else is hosting today, drink as you like!”
She hugged over a jar to pour out a giant bowlful for Jiang Kui. Turning towards the table she clapped for attention, “Everyone! Let’s toast our helmsman!”
The table raised their cups with deafening clinks that rang out loudly. After they finished this round, Jiang Kui asked Bai Ying softly, “How do you know about the Helmsman thing too?”
“Some of the Beggar Sect members just told me about it,” Bai Ying patted her head. Then she whispered sneakily, “Old Man Pu Liu left that seat for you on purpose right? He doesn’t seem that bad.”
“I think he’s just toying with me,” Jiang Kui muttered. “I didn’t want to become any ‘helmsman’ either.”
“As the Northern Beggar Sect’s helmsman all those men will have to obey you! If anything dangerous happens they’ll even protect you with their lives,” Bai Ying continued patting her head. “They may look kinda fierce but they really value loyalty and brotherhood y’know? Old Man Pu Liu means well for you doesn’t he?”
“But I don’t need anyone’s protection,” Jiang Kui retorted, cheek in palm. “No one can even beat me in the first place.”
“That’s true huh,” Bai nodded. “Then he really is just messing with you.”
The tavern’s wooden door creaked open. Everyone peered towards the entrance to see Zhu Zi’an draped in an outer coat entering quietly followed by the ever silent Luo Shiyi behind him.
A little servant hastily rushed over to take his coat for hanging while from their table Bai Ying called out happily, “Sir! Have a seat here!”
After the recent incident at the courtesan house, almost everyone in the tavern recognized this young master Zhu to be none other than Old Man Pu Liu. Curious gazes flitted over this youth.
He certainly looked the part of a scholar with his gentle and refined manners. Zhu Zi’an handed his coat to the servant at the door, warmly voicing his thanks before walking over to the innermost table. Everyone squeezed aside to vacate a seat directly across from Jiang Kui. He had just settled down when the person beside laughed loudly, “Sir, we were just playing a drinking game. Care to join, Sir?”
“What game?” Zhu Zi’an smiled inquiringly.
Everyone at the table explained enthusiastically, “We go around the table taking turns asking a question that everyone has to answer honestly. If it’s something you can’t or don’t want to answer, drink a forfeit cup until you’re drunk unconscious!”
“Splendid!” Zhu Zi’an nodded then asked, “But for a mere bookworm like me with low alcohol tolerance, may I trouble you to go easy on me?”
“What do you mean by going easy?” someone questioned.
“With all of you drinking strong liquor from those big bowls, just one mouthful knocks me out.” Zhu Zi’an gave a self-deprecating laugh. “Would these martial heroes permit me to use a smaller cup instead?”
Luo Shiyi immediately went to the counter to fetch him a petite celadon cup and a warmed jug of mild rice wine, pouring Zhu Zi’an half a cup. Zhu Zi’an neatly pulled back his sleeves and raised both hands cupping his drink as he stood with a smile. “A toast to you all!”
Everyone laughed and returned the salute. Facing him someone raised their jar of liquor to jest loudly, “The gentleman is so refined indeed!”
Meanwhile Luo Shiyi returned to the background after pouring the drink only for his robes to be seized by hearty laughter, “Little Eleven! No running away! Stay put and drink!”
The usually stony-faced youth actually scowled as several pairs of hands forced him to sit at the table. A giant bowl was shoved at him so he had no choice but to remain isolated amidst the rowdy drunkards contrary to his nature.
Zhu Zi’an laughed heartily, “Eleven, there’s no escape now so keep us company with drinks!”
“Everyone take your seats, take your seats!” Another person stood and shouted tipsily while raising their cup. “I’ll start us off! Distinguished heroes and warriors gathered here tonight, after years roaming the martial world you must have your reasons for treading this path of no return. So why did you enter the jianghu?”
As luck would have it Jiang Kui sat first to receive this sudden question. She mused briefly before replying, “There were people I wanted to protect.”
After a pause she added, “Many people actually.”
The candid Bai Ying beside her laughed loudly, “I was born in this world of rivers and lakes so where’s the talk of entering or not!”
Ah Rong responded placidly, “For money.”
Tie Gongzi answered, “Gambled everything away and had nowhere left to go.”
When it came around to Luo Shiyi he simply glowered silently for some time as everyone readied themselves eagerly to jeer at him. But he suddenly stood up clasping the wine jar before him and downed everything in one breath, then sat back down sullenly still wearing the same stoic look without even a twitch of his eyelids.
Momentarily taken aback, the table then broke into raucous laughter with people heartily clapping his back, “Little Eleven! Who knew you had such heroic capacity for liquor!”
Soon enough it became Zhu Zi’an’s turn to answer.
An abrupt hush came over the tavern. All gazes swiveled towards this youth while even several neighboring tables quieted to eavesdrop curiously. The little servants pretended to focus attentively on pouring drinks while the owner stopped polishing cups behind the counter and casually turned to face Zhu Zi’an’s table.
Attention converged from all sides and even the flickering candle flames seemed to soften their crackling.
To this very day many were just finding out that the famous master broker “Old Man Pu Liu” of the rivers and lakes was actually a gentle and soft-spoken lad. Everyone was extremely interested in hearing his reasons for joining the murky underground world.
Even if he simply tossed back his cup without a word most spectators would be appeased of their curiosity.
Zhu Zi’an smiled self-deprecatingly without touching his wine. He answered gently, “Because of someone.”
In the silence a spark exploded from the brazier with a flash of blazing embers.
Across the liquor-strewn table the young girl abruptly lifted her head towards him. In the warm light his eyes were downcast, long lashes concealing an unseen smile.
All of a sudden everyone was taken off guard never expecting such a candid response from Zhu Zi’an.
“Who was this ‘someone’?” Someone couldn’t resist asking.
Zhu Zi’an raised his cup with a smile. “That would be another question wouldn’t it?”
Everyone understood clearly he would say no more.
The little servants resumed busying themselves with pouring drinks and delivering dishes while the owner behind the counter continued wiping that cup in his hands. The tavern crowd also picked their conversations back up, freely laughing and drinking their hearts out.
Clamorous toasting sounds burst out as the overhead candles swayed vigorously and the fires beneath the tables crackled and sparked.
A new round of questioning started up circulating amidst booming voices mixed with laughter and shouting. Sitting across from Zhu Zi’an, Jiang Kui slowly sipped her scorching wine sneaking glances at him through the rippling glow.
At times he would smile gently with downcast eyes and at times lift his cup for a drink, clearly surrounded by the noisy crowds yet somehow appearing alone at leisure sitting within the dancing candle flames, an air of tranquil clarity about him with a light dusting of snow upon his shoulders…warm and lonely at once.
“Zhu Zi’an,” she murmured softly.
“Why are you suddenly calling out his name?” Only Bai Ying sitting beside her overheard and leaned in close to whisper sneakily, “Xiaoman, don’t tell me you’ve fallen for him?”
“Xiao Bai,” she suddenly asked instead. “What does liking someone feel like?”
Bai Ying pondered carefully before asserting sincerely, “Liking a person feels very happy.”
After a mouthful of wine she added earnestly, “For example I like Young Master Duan Shan, whenever I just think of him or catch sight of him I become extremely happy and stay in a good mood all day.”
“But what if you can’t actually be with the one you like?” Jiang Kui questioned.
Bai Ying froze bewilderedly. “Even if I can’t be together with him that doesn’t affect my happiness! Liking someone itself brings such delight, how can you feel sad over it?”
She patted Jiang Kui’s head again insisting, “And to tell the truth I feel Young Master Zhu probably also likes you.”
Then she appended, “I think he said what he did for your sake.”
Jiang Kui gazed down at the clear wine reflecting her own face within the cup. That visage was fair and pure, flushed from the drink.
She whispered, “Actually I think I already know in my heart.”
“Then isn’t that something to feel happy about?” Bai Ying patted her head again and hugged over a large jar, plunking it down to generously refill Jiang Kui’s bowl. She lifted both hands offering it to the other girl saying, “Don’t overthink! Let’s drink!”
The pair of maidens toasted amidst the blazing lantern, their giant ceramic bowls clinking crisply and splashing silvery droplets over the table and their sleeves.
Amidst the chorus of raised cups she tilted her face towards the lengthy table and noticed the vacant seat opposite without realizing when that person had left.
No one dared occupy his spot still empty of the drinking pot and cup on the table, cold and bare.
“Young Master Jiang, Second Head wishes to speak with you.” A beggar disciple called softly from behind her.
Jiang Kui rose and followed him upstairs. Compared to the rowdy first floor, the second floor was exceptionally spacious and quiet. Oil lamps cast warm pools of light along the plastered walls, tongues of flame dancing in the night breeze.
In the corridor Xiaochen cradled a medicine jar, carefully shutting the wooden door of a room behind him.
Turning at the approaching footsteps he saw a familiar face, the ever-serene youth’s expression unusually coloured by youthful sentiments for a rare moment as he complained to Jiang Kui, “Young Master Jiang, she scolded me again.”
“What did she scold you for this time?” Jiang Kui patted his shoulder comfortingly.
The young teen looked greatly vexed. “I told her I needed to recuperate these days without drinking but she finished an entire bowl right in front of me then mocked my poor capacity, complaining I was petty for not accompanying her drinks. I explained Master Shen the physician forbid me from drinking with this condition but she just yelled at me for being stupid then hid under the blankets ignoring me.”
Jiang Kui pondered briefly then consoled him, “Don’t take it so hard Xiaochen. Think about it, she’s unhappy you can’t join her drinking because she wants your company at play. Calling you an idiot shows her worry over your health.”
She patted the boy’s head with an askew smile. “Look at it this way and you won’t feel so upset right?”
Xiaochen considered then nodded, “Many thanks Young Master Jiang.”
Jiang Kui followed the guiding beggar onward into the next room.
Northern Beggar Sect Second Head Boss Yuan Er Ye sat before a wooden table cuddling a wine jar and drinking heartily, his white beard shaking along with each motions. A dim candle stand adorned the table, his favored iron whip leaning against the wall.
The guide bowed and took his leave. Yuan Er Ye beckoned Jiang Kui over to sit across from him, then slowly stood up straight and cupped his fists solemnly, “Young Master Jiang, you saved my granddaughter. This old man is extremely grateful.”
Jiang Kui hastily returned the gesture, “Second Head Boss Yuan, please don’t thank me…besides, it wasn’t only due to my efforts.”
Yuan Er Ye sat back down and took a big swig of wine, sighing deeply in admiration, “Old Man Pu Liu knew it was a trap yet willingly took the risk to save my granddaughter at the cost of revealing his own identity to the enemy… Such great kindness, this old man truly does not know how to repay it.”
“Just before seeing Young Master Jiang I asked Old Man Pu Liu to come upstairs to talk. He declined all thanks and asked me to convey his share of gratitude to you as well…”
He heaved another heavy sigh, continuing slowly, “He said he’ll soon be retiring and leaving the jianghu behind.”
Jiang Kui was taken aback. So that person had already told many others of this intention.
Yuan Er Ye cupped his fists once more, “Young Master Jiang, I have an imposition to ask of you.”
Jiang Kui helped him stand, “Second Boss Yuan, please go ahead.”
Yuan Er Ye drank some wine then said, “Young Master Jiang, I am getting on in years… All these times I’ve had the sense my days are numbered, unsure how long more I can care for my granddaughter.”
“I know I’ve spoiled her, resulting in that fearless and audacious personality of hers.” He sighed regretfully, “But I simply can’t bear to discipline her.”
Not waiting for Jiang Kui’s response he continued directly, “To tell it straight…she isn’t actually my blood granddaughter.”
“I’m sworn brother to her mother. Back then everyone in the jianghu called her mother the Demonic Sorceress for her fierce and unruly temper, just like my girl now.” He gave a soft laugh then went on slowly.
“Her father hailed from an orthodox prestigious clan, a true gentleman skilled with the sword. At first they were like fire and water, looking down on one another and fighting constantly for years… Yet somehow, out of the blue, they took a liking to each other. Her father brought her mother back to the sect and they had Leng Baizhou.”
The old man’s voice gradually grew hoarse against the backdrop of flickering candlelight. “Over ten years ago the jianghu was nowhere as peaceful as now…There were many battles between factions and groups, complicated ties of karma.”
“Around ten years back the imperial court was enraged for some reason, interfering with jianghu affairs and wiping out her father’s sect…”
The elder heaved a long sigh. “With her husband’s death she was unwilling to go on alone.”
“That day amidst seas of blood and mountains of corpses, she took her own life with him.”
The old man waved a hand, smiling bitterly, “Sensing her end, she had entrusted someone to bring this child to me in Chang’an beforehand… I pitied the girl’s origins yet failed to raise her well in truth.”
He bowed a third time, face filled with shame, “Young Master Jiang… This old fool begs that you look after her from now on, it would be good if you could discipline her somewhat.”
Jiang Kui slowly headed downstairs flanked by oil lamps lining the second floor wall. She felt stifled as she gazed down at the ebb and flow of the crowds.
The white noise of mingled voices and wine cups abruptly faded away, all she could hear was the rustling wind and solitary flames whispering in the night.
Abruptly she caught sight of Luo Shiyi still amidst the throngs.
The detached youth was surrounded by brawny fellows pouring drinks on him. He calmly embraced an enormous wine jar, tipping his head back to down everything while maintaining preternatural composure without the slightest hint of tipsiness, to the chorus of amazed cheers and shouts around him.
Immediately someone stuffed him with a freshly refilled jar, eager to probe just how peerless this boy’s capacity for liquor was.
With the carriage driver Luo Shiyi yet to leave, that person must still be around.
Jiang Kui squeezed through the crowds searching for a familiar silhouette. From time to time people called out merrily to toast with her. Laughing, she would take the huge ceramic bowl and finish it all in one go before continuing on.
Despite all the ruckus there was no trace of that figure to be found. As she walked she drank quite a lot, cheeks flushed and mind dizzy in the hazy glow suffusing her vision.
At last she pushed open the tavern’s rear door, a strand of night wind freely caressing her body and tossing up her hair.
Indeed that person had not left after all.
He sat alone sipping wine beneath a blooming apricot tree.
Perhaps somewhat wary of getting drunk or simply disliking crowds, after making it through a round of drinks he’d likely seized a pretext to slip away from the masses, carrying a jug out to the deserted rear courtyard.
Snowy apricot blossoms blanketed thickly under the tree. He made no effort to sweep the petals away, nonchalantly leaning against the trunk to lazily pour himself cup after cup at a leisurely pace.
Preoccupied with drinking he took no notice of her gaze, merely helping himself to another. Starlight cascaded down through the branches mantling his shoulders, accentuating the frailness of his shape.
She stood watching him silently for a spell before turning back. At the bar she refilled a warm jug of wine then walked over, draping his coat left hanging over the clothes rack onto his shoulders.
He seemed to freeze up in surprise for a second before lifting his head with a smile. “Thank you.”
Snatching away the cup in his hands she took an experimental sip then frowned. “This went cold long ago, how can you still drink it?”
Not waiting for his reply she headed back again. At the counter she poured fresh heated wine into the pot she’d brought back then sat herself down beside him.
First refilling his cup she placed it in his hands, looking on until he drank a mouthful. Only then did she slowly start speaking while pouring herself a share, “Zhu Zi’an, you don’t like lively places?”
He was taken unawares. “Of course I do.”
“Then why are you out here alone?”
“Thinking about some things,” he said lazily, still leaning against the tree trunk. “You heard Second Boss Yuan talk about Leng Baizhou’s origins too right?”
“Mm,” she muttered gloomily. “I felt sad after listening.”
“Me too,” his voice was soft.
The pair sat together drinking their own shares for a spell. Zhu Zi’an seemed to ponder as he said slowly, “What do you think… would someone deeply in love do something like that?”
“You mean take their own life for love?” Jiang Kui mused, cheek in palm. “I don’t know. Maybe.”
“Then I wish for the one I love to never love me,” was his gentle response.
“What?” She hadn’t caught that clearly.
Realizing his slip of tongue, Zhu Zi’an gave a quiet laugh and changed topics. “I just received word that official troops have raided all of Pingkang Ward. The entrenched jianghu forces were completely uprooted including all the secret eyes and ears Wang Qi has cultivated over the years.”
“But your intelligence network there is also gone,” she appended.
“No matter. Pingkang Ward was never my sphere of influence to begin with. Besides, I already said I plan to retire soon.” He gave a small smile then pondered briefly, “With this setback, Wang Qi must be unhappy. If your husband got wind of this news he’d likely feel delighted right?”
“Not necessarily,” she disagreed with a head shake. “That man doesn’t seem concerned by such things… Just what he does care about I also don’t know.”
Zhu Zi’an didn’t reply, lowering his head to sip more wine while his hands fiddling with the little cup.
“Speaking of which,” she continued, “what did you mean earlier when you said the three bosses of the Southern Beggars are sworn siblings of different surnames?”
“It’s actually a secret between those three brothers,” he explained. “The Northern and Southern Beggars differ in this aspect. The three Southern bosses each lead separate forces, deliberately acting antagonistic in order to conceal their fraternal ties lest they become mutual weaknesses.”
“Pretending hostility to protect one other?” She contemplated briefly. “That truly isn’t easy.”
“Indeed,” his voice softened. “No one finds it easy.”
The two sat together under the moonlight quietly drinking. Abruptly the wind picked up shaking showers of pure white petals onto their hair.
In the fluttering blossoms he tilted his face towards her. “Jiang Xiaoman, do you believe lasting peace and prosperity can exist one day?”
“Hm?” She peered at him.
“An age of peace and prosperity where times of stability and calm prevail without too much grief and sadness, a time when even setbacks are small.”
“Where people aid each other, everyone lives in peace and friendship… Just like in Changhe Borough now.”
He asserted solemnly, “I believe it’s possible.”
“So do I,” came her steady reply.
He broke into laughter, hand already reaching out to ruffle her hair. She ducked behind clasped hands but peeked out to find his eyes brimming with mirth still reflecting many dancing stars, bright and composed at once.
The stars overhead swelled ever magnificently as both had grown thoroughly tipsy by now. Zhu Zi’an yawned and leaned back against the trunk while the rosy-cheeked girl beside him cradled a nearly empty wine pot, the sound of her soft drunken exhales very near his ear.
The abundance of drink was making his head spin. Unable to resist, he called her name, “Jiang Xiaoman?”
Her voice was soaked in the sweet fragrance of wine. “Hm?”
“What do you think…” He ventured cautiously, “…Xie Kang means to you?”
She contemplated briefly. “My husband.”
“And what about me?” He further probed guardedly.
“You…” She hesitated before asserting clearly, “A cherished friend.”
After another pause she added sincerely, “The best friend I’ll ever have.”
He chuckled, “Just how old are you to so casually speak of ‘ever’?”
“Jiang Xiaoman, your lifetime is still long,” he murmured gently. “You’ll make many other good friends. Don’t use words like ‘the best’ so early… You’ll meet new friends in the future still.”
“No,” she insisted stubbornly with a firm headshake. “You are the best one.”
Rendered speechless for an instant he then realized her inebriated state, blurry and confused in appearance. Laughing softly he leaned down, hands reaching over to tousle her hair.
She drowsily reclined against him saturated in booze, far too lazy now to push his hands away and instead mumbling grouchily, “Zhu Zi’an, why must you always touch my hair?”
“Mm…” He chuckled. “A little tipsy that’s all.”
After some moments he appended solemnly, “I meant the wine.”
Author’s random ramblings:
Xie: (patting wife’s hair) Mm, a little tipsy.
Regarding alcohol capacity:
Xiaoman ? Xiao Bai
? Luo Shiyi (possibly ? too, not too sure)
the vast majority of people
everyone else left
Xie
…
Xie: ???
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