Chapter 298

Chapter 298

To the North! Bottoms up!

Quietly sitting to one side, Song stifled a sigh as Master Rain drained his bowl of wine dry in a single gulp. Beside him, martial brother Fung and young patriarch BoShui did the same as they celebrated Master Rains needlessly barbaric victory over his underwhelming opponents. Waiting for their food to arrive, she shifted closer to the restaurant's window to pet the laughing bird perched on the windowsill. Though Master Rain set them free many days ago, all twenty of the boisterous birds followed him here like flying, feathered puppies, often bringing stolen buttons or bits of metal to exchange for food and attention.

Master Rain certainly had a way with animals, as evidenced by the poor turtle sitting in the streets, peering into the restaurants second floor like a nosy housewife spying on her husband. Meanwhile, a steady stream of pious peasants and curious commoners marched by, ignored by the object of their attention and kept back by a contingent of Royal Guards. Some of the onlookers stopped to kneel while others cried with joy, farmers, merchants, shopkeepers, and labourers all grateful for the Divine Turtles presence. How would they react if they knew the Mothers Servant was named Ping-Ping? Would they be more reverent, less reverent, or would nothing change?

Not that it mattered. By now, every living soul in Nan Ping had heard the Legates decree. The Divine Turtles presence was a sign of the Mothers Blessing and Falling Rain responsible for her safety. The young Legate was a clever man, using Ping-Ping to inspire devotion, raise morale, and indirectly imply that the Mother approved of the Emperors decision to abandon the West. All nonsense and hogwash, but judging by the unending line of people waiting to see Ping-Ping, it would appear his plan succeeded.

So, as the person who brought Ping-Ping here, Master Rain now enjoyed the Imperial Legates favour and protection. Along with the many rules in place meant to keep the First Imperial Grand Conference from devolving into anarchy and bloodshed, this ensured the nobles of Central would think twice before acting against Master Rain, especially the families of the eight defeated youngsters. In truth, those eight families might even dispatch experts to protect Master Rain since theyd make perfect scapegoats for other factions seeking to harm him.

Pleased by Songs gentle ministrations, the sweet laughing bird hopped off the windowsill and glided into her lap for a cuddle. The flutter of wings caught Master Rains attention, who leaned over and smiled. Hello Yipi, he said, hands straying dangerously close to Songs body as he stroked the birds head. Nice to see you two are getting along.

Shrinking back from his attentions, Song nodded and kept silent, praying Master Rain wouldnt overstep his bounds. It was always nerve-wracking when someone besides Mama, sister, or Lady Lin held Songs chain, and doubly so when Rain held it. Had she known they were stopping for dinner, she would have taken a risk and asked Mama to hand her chain to Warrior Ghurda instead, a complete stranger. Eager to resume his training, Warrant Officer Huushal didnt wait around for the Royal Guards to clear a path. Instead, he, Warrior Ghurda, and the curious little elderly half-wolf left using the side streets too small for the Divine Turtle. If Song had gone with them, shed likely be back in camp with her chain clasped firmly around Lady Lins neck instead of sitting in a restaurant with three young, half-drunk, lecherous men.

Sounding off with a raucous peal of laughter, Roc swooped in for his fair share of attention. Distracted, Master Rain left Song alone to appease the rotund Roc bobbing on his shoulder. Silently counting her blessings, Song closed her eyes and waited for the fear to subside. Normally, being around these three wouldnt worry her too much, but returning to the Central Province brought back memories best left forgotten. At least they werent in an enclosed, private room, instead sitting at a table on the open second floor in full view of the multitude of other guests. A drab, utilitarian establishment, the restaurant couldnt be considered high class but the influx of visitors to Nan Ping had driven prices to premium rates, which meant the customers were mostly well-paid warriors or wealthy merchants, none of whom seem pleased to be sharing the room with Roc and Yipi. Though all the other birds remained outside, it was only by the barest margins as they perched on the windowsills, laughing and squawking for scraps. Master Rain shouldered most of the blame, drawing dark stares every time a bird issued its distinctive cry and ruined the otherwise peaceful ambiance.

How unfortunate. From the table beside them, Major General Han BoHai shook his head and said, Young hero Rain, I would drink a toast in your honour but it seems my bowl is empty.

Grabbing his wine jug, Master Rain hurried over to fill the mans bowl. Forgive my oversight, please let me pour you a bowl. No need to honour me, todays events were nothing of note, merely crushing dry weeds and smashing rotten wood. Though Rain spoke loudly enough for all to hear, the other patrons were too afraid to act with the Captain of the Royal Guards also sitting there, whose bowl Rain also filled. And you, esteemed Captain, thank you for your hard work clearing the way back to our camp.

An earnest, tidy man perhaps a decade Song's senior, the Captain graciously accepted the drink with a smile. Keep your thanks young hero, the Legate commands and this one obeys. Master Rain also poured bowls for BoShuis escorts, the only other people at the table. Outside, the shabbily dressed Guan Suo sat with his own jug of wine, smoking his pipe and keeping Ping-Ping, the quins, and other Royal Guards company, while the fearsome Guard Leader was nowhere to be found.

Which meant Song was the only woman left in the entire delegation, the others having stayed behind or already returned to camp.

After drinking a toast with the older warriors, Master Rain returned to his table for yet another drink with his friends. Sharing a silent toast, they exchanged knowing looks and half-hidden smiles before quaffing their foul-tasting liquor. Finished with their secret exchange, Master Rain shattered his bowl against the floor and shouted, More wine.

Mother in Heaven. Crimson-cheeks and slurred words, Master Rain was already drunk. Worried he hadn't learned from past mistakes, Song looked to the Major General for help and found him smiling at the younger mens obnoxious behaviour. Did he know nothing? Another bowl or two and Master Rain would turn into a belligerent, conceited brat, one who possessed the gall to demand a Brigadier kowtow before him. No, that was years ago, when he held no rank. Now, as a Second Grade Warrant Officer, who wouldnt Master Rain insult?

Worried he might ignite yet another feud, Song almost didnt notice Master Rain shifting his chair towards her. With her greatest fear come to pass, she quickly slid away while pretending not to notice his intentions. Choking back her tears, she cursed him beneath her breath and lamented sisters poor choice in men. Three bowls of liquor were all it took to reveal his true self, a lecherous, unfaithful brute who thought to take advantage of a poor slave. Clearing his throat, he placed his hand on the table and wiggled his fingers for her attention, hinting for her to take his hand and play her part, but Song continued feigning ignorance and stared out the window. If he wanted to take advantage, then hed have to force her with the Oaths and the moment her chain landed in someone elses hands, shed make his crimes known.

After a long silence, Master Rain sighed and slid away, a minor victory for Song. Steeling herself for his next attempt, she refused to look back as he chatted up his two cronies. Caught up in good cheer and drink, their conversation turned to mocking Rains defeated foes loudly enough for the other tables to hear. When those painted Central fops took the stage, Fung said, choking back his laughs, I expected a slaughter and you certainly did not disappoint. The look on that first idiots face when you sent him flying had me in tears.

Annoyed by his lack of discretion, Song surveyed the room and noted many closed fists and clenched jaws. Heedless of the dangers, BoShui chimed in. Pei. They got what they deserved. Youre Falling Rain, the number one talent in the North, and they sent a group of inexperienced incompetents against you. Im surprised no one pissed their pants.

His words elicited a number of muttered curses even as Fung cackled in delight. Rain didnt give them enough time to! Laid them out cold with one strike each! Eight versus one and it could barely be considered a warm-up, disgraceful.

Calm down you two. You go too far. Just as Song feared the other diners would explode with rage, Master Rains words unknowingly placated the crowd. Then he continued speaking, making Song wish shed never left the Northern Province. It wasnt difficult, hardly worth mentioning. The three of you could have done the same, and so could Huu, Mila, Dastan, Zian, and probably a dozen more. I mean, the hardest part was not accidentally killing one of those pampered, over-coddled milksops. Sighing as he poured another bowl, he added, Should have expected as much. A tiger father will not beget a dog son, nor will a sparrow beget a hawk.

Amidst their howls of laughter, a neighbouring diner slammed a fist against his table, sending wooden chopsticks and porcelain cups crashing. Audacious savage, you go too far! The other diners echoed his sentiments, and the crowd joined them to sling irate mutters and impassioned slander.

A hawkless land of sparrows are we? A runty rustic peacock beats a couple spoon-fed silk-pants and thinks hes the Mothers gift to the Empire.

Unrivalled under Heaven, my ass. In thickness of skin, perhaps.

Hear hear! Id like to see him cross blades with one of the Hwarang. Theyd cut him up without breaking a sweat.

The crowd exchanged questioning looks and helpless shrugs until one hesitant voice asked, ... The Paper Tiger of the Han Clan?

Grimacing, Taewoong glared at the speaker. If hes a paper tiger, he said, voice dripping with fury, Then what am I?

While Taewoong stepped back to nurse his wounds, Ryo Geom-Chi remained in place, unperturbed by his friends loss. Looking Fung up and down, he said, So you must be Tong Da Fung, champion of the Contest.

Disciple of Akanai and Expert of the Empire, Fung replied, flashing his smug, self-satisfied smile, standing tall with hands clasped behind his back. Not to mention young magistrate of Shen Huo and most handsome, eligible bachelor in the North." Adressing the crowd, he added, "Don't forget to tell your sisters.

Ignoring Fungs frivolous words, Geom-Chi smiled. I hear youre a swordsman yourself. It would be a shame to face you without weapon in hand.

Feigning a shudder, Fung recoiled in mock disgust. Its unnerving to admit, but I was thinking the same. Practice weapons?

After checking with the Guard Captain who magnanimously gave his consent, both men exchanged dulled weapons for inspection. With his sword back in hand, Fung swung it about in a slow circuit, warming up for the match ahead. Its been a while since I fought with a sword, but I could use the practice.

Hmph. No need for excuses. Taking his stance, Geom-Chi bared his teeth. It is your honour to be defeated by the Radiant Sword. Begin!

The crowd did no cheer or taunt, nor was there the ring of steel of clash of blades as the two warriors faced off on the second floor of the restaurant-turned-duel grounds. The only sounds to be heard were the thumping of footsteps and the rustle of wind as they went back and forth, striking and counter striking without ever touching blades. Having never seen Fung use his sword, Song was amazed by his high level of skill. Each time Geom-Chi moved to strike, Fung countered with a killing blow of his own. Realizing this and unwilling to settle for a draw, Geom-Chi would switch to an active parry in an attempt to knock Fungs blade aside and win a decisive victory, but Fung would retract his sword and avoid contact. When their roles reversed, the same sequence of events would play out, leading to a unique sort of stalemate shed only ever read about.

Lacking in spectacle, both combatants danced from stance to stance without ever attacking, but in Songs eyes, this was a true match of blades and wits. Neither warrior would commit to a blow because doing so meant mutual destruction. Instead, they tested their opponents defences time and time again in search of an opening and found none as both were equally matched. Darting Fang countered by Fluttering Raindrops, Reverse Bite foiled by Hidden Ambush, Parting the Underbrush warding off Pierce the Horizon, this was a true dance of swords, a test of pure technique. Speed, strength, stamina, all stood second to skill, and it was skill alone which would determine the winner.

Then, as quickly as it began, the match ended with a single chime of their swords, humming as both combatants stepped back. Well fought, Fung said, clasping his hands.

Returning the gesture, Geom-Chi nodded and exhaled. You let me win.

Its true. Fung shrugged. I heard the Ryo familys third daughter is a vision to behold, so you can introduce me to her as thanks.

Ill consider it. Geom-Chi smiled and added, If you can defeat me. It would be my honour to face you again.

Great, now everyone get out of the way. Interrupting their exchange, Master Rain shooed the crowd aside. Foods been ready for awhile but the waiter cant get through.

Dispersing like obedient little soldiers, the spectators put their tables and chairs back in place as all four duellists took their seats and prepared to eat, pretending like nothing happened. Extending his hand once again, Master Rain rested his fist on the table and nodded towards it. Finally understanding his intentions, Songs cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He didnt want her to hold his hand, he wanted her to make physical contact so he could Send. Why didnt he just reach out and grab her wrist?

Perhaps because he didnt want to scare her?

Heya, Rain Sent the moment her fingers touched his wrist. Sorry for worrying you. The Major General noticed those two pretty boys and told us to start a fight. BoShui needs to raise his reputation before his dear old daddy arrives and this was too good an opportunity to pass up. With the Guard Captain here, we dont have to worry about our opponents going too far or complaining to the Legate, though those two seemed like okay fellows.

Nodding, Song withdrew her hand and waited for permission to eat. Tam Taewoong and Ryo Geom-Chi, two prominent young experts who perfectly matched against BoShui and Fung. Seeing the jealous respect and grudging admiration won by the young patriarch and her martial brother, Song felt a twinge of envy. She was stronger than both men but no one would ever respect or admire her, not even if she defeated all four warriors at once. No, she was merely a slave, a weapon, a tool, someone who could never bring glory to Mama or the Bekhai.

Ah, sorry. Feel free to eat, Martial Aunt. Piling choice cuts of meat into her bowl, Master Rain smiled and added, No need to wait, youre among friends here.

Eyes widening at the feast before her, Song tossed aside her sorrows and indulged herself in food. It was silly how happy this made her, having someone place food in her bowl. Not just any food either, but all the Central delicacies previously denied her like Nan Ping Duck, Phoenix Tail Shrimp, steamed jade-eyed fish, and bird's nest soup. Biting into a juicy, succulent drumstick, Song closed her eyes and savoured the taste, content with her happy little life.

Best to enjoy it while she could. Who could say how long these good times would last?

Chapter Meme