Zhu Zi’an also had some wine. Next to her words he replied: “Half a day.”
They wrote using a secret code agreed upon between them, appearing as meaningless scribbles to others.
After a quick exchange the two, Jiang Kui turned and saluted the innkeeper. “Please lead the way.”
The innkeeper was silent for a moment before taking out a slender white silk ribbon from under the counter. He walked over to her and cupped one hand in the other, bowing. “Forgive my impertinence, Young Hero. According to the stronghold’s rules, visitors must be blindfolded before going up the mountain.”
The girl was easygoing. “It’s nothing, go ahead.”
Just as the innkeeper was about to blindfold her, a pair of hands took the ribbon from him. A young gentleman’s mild voice sounded, tinged with displeasure. “I’ll do it.”
The girl’s lips curved into a faint smile. “Unhappy?”
“Mm,” he gave a neutral sound. Head bowed, he tied the white silk over her eyes. She looked up at him, eyes closed, as he gently wrapped the ribbon, tying a delicate knot.
Sunshine like snow. The girl had her eyes bound by white silk, the ribbon fluttering in the wind, softening her cheeks. His fingertips shifted slightly, tucking back wisps of her hair near her cheek. Then he leaned in a little, whispering by her ear, “Be careful on the way.”
“I will,” she whispered back.
She picked up the white cloth bundle and strode forward confidently, nodding at the innkeeper. “Thanks for your trouble.”
The innkeeper led the way as she followed his sounds. One after the other they passed through a dense forest, heading towards the Bai Shi mountains up ahead.
They slowly ascended along a gentle slope, taking a hidden small path halfway up the mountain. Birds chirped in the mountain path as streams babbled. Sometimes snow fluttered down from the treetops, breaking into glittering flakes under the sunshine.
Though Jiang Kui currently couldn’t see, she could hear the sounds of the forest, enough to walk the mountain path. She raised her head slightly, gentle sunlight warming her face. It was peaceful all around, only the gurgling of mountain springs, clear and pleasant.
After a while she asked, “I heard in Chang’an that bandits ravage Huai Xi, but I’ve seen no signs of them since arriving. The common people I asked don’t mention mountain bandits either.”
The innkeeper leading the way answered in a low voice. “Because there are no bandits in Huai Xi to begin with.”
Jiang Kui frowned slightly. “The official documents say there’s unrest. Many traveling merchants have reportedly been robbed…”
“There are no bandits in Huai Xi,” the innkeeper repeated. “The robbers are not part of our gang.”
Just then he signaled for Jiang Kui to stop. “Please wait here a moment, Young Hero. I will inform the stronghold.”
She heard the clash of blades followed by rustling footsteps. Jiang Kui closed her eyes briefly. Someone soon came to lead her into the mountain stronghold, the chatter around her growing louder.
“Allow me to introduce our gang leader,” a voice sounded.
Jiang Kui pulled off her blindfold, looking ahead. A man rose from a fur-lined armchair, dressed in homespun green, straw sandals and a saber at his waist. Sunlight glinted off the copper hilt.
He saluted her. “The famous wandering swords-woman ‘Falling Petal Spear’ Jiang, it’s been a long time. You look the same.”
She smiled lightly. “Old friend indeed. How do you do, Zhao Xiaochuan?”
Next, she shook out the white cloth bundle and pulled out her spear.
Beneath the Bai Shi mountains at the town inn.
Moonbeams slanted through the gauze curtains, falling onto a square table in the corner.
A young gentleman sat with elbow propped on table, lightly cradling his cheek, head bowed. Bathed in moonlight, his eyes were lightly shut as if asleep.
It was almost midnight and he was the only customer left. The little errand boy quietly approached to clear the table of dishes, accidentally knocking over a wine flask with a clack.
The young gentleman slowly opened his eyes.
The boy hurriedly bobbed and bowed. “Pardon me, did I wake you, Young Master?”
“It’s nothing.” The youth faintly smiled. “What time is it?”
“Almost midnight, sir. Is Young Master waiting for someone?”
The gentleman laughed softly. “Yes, the lady I waited for didn’t show up for our appointment.”
The boy looked him over, thinking he seemed rather dejected. Wondering what kind of beauty could make this refined gentleman so crestfallen.
Trying to comfort him, the boy asked “Shall I bring Young Master some warm wine to drive the chill away?”
“Thanks for the kind thought but no need.” The youth gave a wry laugh. “Since she didn’t come I’ll go find her instead.”
He downed his wine and pulled some coins from his coat, leaving them casually on the table before exiting the inn.
The boy watched his retreating figure and suddenly noticed the sword at his waist. As the gentleman left his hand lightly clasped the scabbard and an icy aura seemed to emanate from the blade.
The boy shivered with a blink of his eyes.
A stand of square bamboos grew outside Bai Shi town, dry leaves and branches dusted with snow fluttering in the winter wind with soft susurrations.
Zhu Zi’an took a flask of wine and sipped it slowly as he walked by the bamboo grove. Pausing by the entrance he looked up, plucking a bamboo branch. Holding it lightly in his fingers he started ascending the mountain on foot.
Snow crackled as it fell along the forest path, moonbeams dappling the moving shadows. He wore an overcoat and held a wine flask and bamboo cane, stepping onto the snow-covered stone steps winding uphill. Like a passing mountain wanderer.
Halfway up the mountain path some bandit sentries spotted him with a harsh shout. “Halt! Who goes there?”
“Apologies for the late disturbance.” Zhu Zi’an saluted. “I’ve come to the mountain to find someone.”
“Stronghold rules forbid trespassers!” The lead sentry bellowed. “Seize this man!”
Zhu Zi’an sighed. “I mean no harm. I truly came to the mountain for someone.”
“Take him down!” The bandits drew their blades.
As weapons left their sheaths Zhu Zi’an sighed again. Shrugging off his coat he gripped the bamboo cane. Stepping forward once, the shadows of bamboo coalesced into an arc of sword energy, frost and snow dancing wildly.
Muffled grunts sounded as men toppled over left and right.
“We’re under attack!” The bandit shouted. “Reinforcements!”
More and more bandits surrounded Zhu Zi’an, packing densely.
He sighed again, taking another step. The first stroke not yet settled, a second swelled forth as bamboo shadows danced around him. Flickering sword luminance forced back the incoming tide.
Like waves the reinforcements closed in, slowly advancing with him at the center not daring to attack recklessly again.
Beneath the cold moon a man walked up the mountain leisurely, wielding a bamboo cane and a sword within. In flowing white robes with a flask of wine, fading one by one into snowy shadows.
Halfway up the mountain he reached the stronghold. A noisy din erupted up ahead.
A crammed mass of people wrestled forward. Bursts of fighting and shouting rang out between clangs of weaponry, grunts of pain and the keen howl of spear winds.
Zhu Zi’an froze for a beat before chuckling softly and halting his steps. He called loudly into the crowd, “Miss, a quick word if you would be so kind?”
The commotion seemed to still for a second before a girl’s clear voice called back. “Come over!”
The human mass split apart to reveal a girl wearing cyan battle robes wielding a long spear.
She stood atop a fur-lined armchair, tossing her long windswept hair. Turning in the wind she gazed back at him.
Their eyes quietly met across the tops of people’s heads.
She tilted her head with a sudden radiant smile. “So impatient, you are.”
He smiled softly. “We agreed on half a day.”
After a pause he asked “What held you up?”
“Putting things in order around the stronghold.” She hefted her spear, laughing lightly. “Stronghold rules, the best fighter becomes leader. Anyone who disagrees gets beaten into obedience. Now I’m the bandit chief.”
“I was wondering why there’s so few gate guards. They’re all here watching you duel.” He shook his head, exasperated.
Jiang Kui gave a soft humph, dismissing her spear as she smiled at the youth beside her. “What do you call me now, Zhao Xiaochuan?”
The lanky teen dressed in homespun green hastily kowtowed. “Chief Madame, spare me!”
“And who might this be?” Zhu Zi’an inquired with a smile.
“The former Bai Shi bandit chief Zhao Xiaochuan, now my lieutenant.” Jiang Kui casually introduced him. “Remember I said I used to lead a bandit gang?”
“I remember,” Zhu Zi’an nodded.
“He was one of my lieutenants back then.” Jiang Kui continued. “All these years and still couldn’t make his way in Chang’an so he fled here. Hearing my name, he dared not even come greet me.”
Zhao Xiaochuan muttered “I didn’t know you’d come, madame. You beat me up first thing after arriving…”
He turned to Zhu Zi’an and curiously asked “Sir, you aren’t my grandfather-in-law or something…?”
His question unfinished, another fist landed on his head. He clutched his scalp and scurried away upon seeing Zhu Zi’an’s faint smile as the latter saluted with cupped hands. “We just met. My name is Zhu Zi’an and I go by the nickname ‘Old Gentleman of Willows and Reeds’ in the martial world.”
“I am very familiar with sir’s famous name,” Zhao Xiaochuan hurriedly saluted back. “I wouldn’t have imagined you to be so young.”
Zhu Zi’an smiled. “A friend from the transportation guild asked me to look into the banditry situation in Huai Xi. I wonder if Lieutenant Zhao would kindly tell me all that you know.”
“There’s much backstory, hard to clarify at once.” Zhao Xiaochuan thought briefly. “It’s late so please stay the night. Tomorrow I’ll explain everything I know in detail.”
Zhao Xiaochuan led them further into the stronghold. Jiang Kui walked beside Zhu Zi’an, subtly supporting him at one point with a soft murmur. “Still all right?”
“Fine.” He chuckled. “Slept half the day in town so I’m quite awake now.”
“Milady,” Zhao Xiaochuan looked back at Jiang Kui. “Space is tight here, not many free rooms. Do you two want separate ones?”
She calmly replied. “One is sufficient, with two beds.”
Zhao Xiaochuan blinked. Hesitantly glancing at Zhu Zi’an, “Sir, you really aren’t my grandfather-in-law…?”
Before finishing his head earned another blow.
Hidden within deep mountains the White Stone bandits built interconnected strongholds along the mountainsides, concealed by dense tiered foliage.
Deep inside was a serene pine grove dotted with scattered bamboo huts half buried under snowy eaves with dim lanterns swaying invitingly in the night breeze, warm and bright.
Zhao Xiaochuan arranged for Jiang Kui and Zhu Zi’an to stay in one empty hut and summoned some bandits to bring necessities before hastily departing.
The two were quickly settled. Each went to bathe in the stream. Returning, Jiang Kui found the hut empty. The burning brazier had warmed the room. Beside the bed was a small table with a steaming cup of soothing flower tea.
Pinned under the lacquered tray was a hastily scrawled note — “Went somewhere to mope.”
And on the back — “Sleep early, don’t wait up.”
She gave a soft humph, nose wrinkling. “Not sleeping again in the dead of night.”
Setting down the note she picked up a flask of alcohol and pushed the door open lightly, hopping through the pine grove.
Amidst stark winter foliage, wind scattered fluttering snow all around with a peaceful susurration.
High atop a pine at its topmost crown perched a person gazing down at dots of firelight dotting the mountain foot. The flickering lights merged into meandering rivers like burning seas, tranquil and luminous as lakes.
Her bare toes came to rest on a snow dusted pine bough as she called up mischievously. “Not sleeping tonight again?”
“Can’t fall asleep. Thinking stuff over,” came the lazy reply.
“Always thinking recently,” she said softly, settling beside him.
She unplugged her wine flask and held it out. “Drink?”
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll get drunk and fall off?” He smiled.
“I’d catch you anyway,” she echoed his smile.
He accepted the wine, quietly sipping without a word. Just watching snow fall on the mountain as the pines swayed. Snow dusted rooftops, blanketing the land invisible into endless white.
“You shouldn’t have come for me that way today,” she suddenly spoke. “If you waited in town I would’ve gone to get you.”
“I know,” he replied softly. “But I missed you.”
“Just half a day?” She laughed.
“Mm,” he nodded. “Every moment.”
She shook her head with a smile. “Got drunk already. Don’t even know what you’re saying.”
He shook his head too. “I know what I’m saying.”
“But…” he murmured. “I don’t want you knowing.”
She froze for a beat, head lowered without replying.
They leaned against each other silently for a while listening to wind combing fallen snow, susurrating softly to rest on fragmented pine boughs.
Moonlight trickled soundlessly down, again and again. Settling on frosted twigs, swaying shadows. Topping their bent heads.
“Jiang Xiaoman,” he suddenly called very faintly.
“In your heart, what is Xie Kang to you?”
It was his second time asking this question.
The girl beside him was silent for a very long time before finally whispering.
“The one my heart belongs to.”
Leave a Reply