Chapter II: The Journey Continues (Part Three)

“Your Highness!” Sun Ping greeted enthusiastically when Hsin-Yu returned to the room.


“How many times do I need to repeat myself? Please address me as ‘Young Master’ when we’re not in the palace.” Hsin-Yu chided his servant.

“But there is no one else around now.” Sun Ping pointed out carefully.

“Speaking of which, how is Master Yang?” Hsin-Yu enquired suddenly, changing the topic.

“He is in safe hands. I had Ho Wen and Ye Bin to take care of him, your Highness, no, I mean, Young Master, need not worry.” Sun Ping assured.

“Fair enough. Anyway, please take care of the arrangements. I intend to leave this place tomorrow morning.” Hsin-Yu instructed, as he placed his weapon on the round table in the middle of the room, and slowly unbuttoning his tunic. After a good morning exercise, he felt warm and longed for a nice cool bath.

“So soon?” Sun Ping asked again uncertainly.

“We have been here for days – about time we head back to the capital, before my mother start to whine again.” Hsin-Yu shrugged, before adding, “Not to mention that with the Empress Dowager’s Birthday Banquet coming up very soon, they would certainly expect me to be around, even though I doubt her Majesty cared. Anyway, if Master Yang wished to remain here longer, just help him make any necessary reservations so he wouldn’t be stranded without an inn to stay in.”

“Young Master, you barely knew that An-Chih guy! Why are you being so exceedingly helpful?” Sun Ping pointed out; for he truly believe it is better not to be too meddlesome.

“Doesn’t hurt to do him a little favor, does it?” Hsin-Yu smiled mischievously. “Besides, he seemed like an honest sort – perhaps he might even feel indebted towards me after this. It never hurts to gain one more friend does it?”

“So that is the reason…” Sun Ping whispered, though in his mind he had doubts. “More likely he was just being extremely kind towards this young man simply because he resembled that guy physically…”

“Right, simple as that, what other reason can there be?” Hsin-Yu insisted, as he approached the bathroom. “Good, you have everything prepared.” Hsin-Yu commented when he noticed the large bathtub filled with water, bottles of fragrance aligned on the dresser.

“Of course – since when have I ever been inefficient?” Sun Ping beamed with pride. Approaching Hsin-Yu he motioned to help his master removed his garments. “Allow me, young master.”

On the shores of Silver Lake were several small boats available for hiring. As it is, there were six passengers in the small boat for the one Yang Hsu-Wen had boarded. Right in the middle of the boat stood one man, holding the oar and maneuvering the direction as they cruised along the famed Silver Lake, to which the town was named after. Yang Hsu-Wen sat on the front end, together with Tamara and Keli, and the backend was occupied by a family of three, a middle-aged couple, with their daughter approximately twelve years of age.

“Say, Master Yang, are you married?” Tamara asked suddenly, and all of a sudden Keli began to understand her teacher’s purpose. It was not the first time that her teacher had subtly hinted to her that she was old enough to get married and settle down. Keli swallowed when she heard this question, her mind inwardly protesting, “Teacher, you don’t have to be so blatant!”

“No.” Yang Hsu-Wen’s answer seemingly pleased Tamara, for she cheerfully inquired again,

“Then, are you engaged?”

“No, Madam. At present I am concentrating on establishing a career. I supposed when that is settled I might consider getting tied down.” Yang Hsu-Wen smiled, not suspecting Tamara’s intention at all.

“Teacher!” Keli interrupted suddenly, fearing for the worst where this conversation might lead to.

“What is it, my dear?” Tamara turned to her apprentice for the first time.

“Erm…” Keli flustered, for she was anxiously ransacking her mind for something to say, before pointing to a pair of mandarin ducks swimming in the lake. For lack of a better excuse she exclaimed, “See that? Don’t you think they are very pretty?”

“Sure they are.” Tamara laughed gaily. “Do you know what these are called?”

“Erm, they are ducks, aren’t they?” Keli suggested uncertainly, not because she could not recognize ducks, but because she was unsure what her teacher was thinking.

“Oh, mandarin ducks! It’s always nice to see them around.” Yang Hsu-Wen chipped in, naturally unaware of either Tamara’s intentions or Keli’s increasing uneasiness. “As the books would always say, mandarin ducks are to be envied. They usually stayed with their one chosen mate, and stayed together always.”

“Similarly, it also reminded us that when one is of age, it is also about time to find one’s significant other, just like the mandarin ducks. How interesting it is that you brought it up all of the sudden.” Tamara winked at her apprentice.

“Oh no, what a klutz I have been, to bring the wrong topic up!” Keli mentally chided herself, and before she realized what is happening she next heard Tamara asking Yang Hsu-Wen another ‘invasive’ question.

“What sort of girl appeals to you?”

Yang Hsu-Wen considered the question carefully and finally replied, “Well, ideally, I would like a pretty and virtuous wife, someone who can get along with my family, pious also. But truth to speak, I really leave it to fate, as marriage is a match made in heaven. If it is my destiny to marry a woman less than ideal, it is also my lot. I just hope heavens would be kinder to me.”

“Will you consider a foreign girl? As in, someone not of Empire origins, say perhaps a Northerner?” Tamara continued on the topic, to which Keli went into a fit of coughs. “Eek! Now she sounded like trying to advertise me! I wish there is a hole for me to hide, this is so embarrassing, and I bet Master Yang would think I am desperate to get married or something.”

“Teacher, I think we shouldn’t trouble Master Yang any further.” Keli prompted, tugging at Tamara’s sleeves. Although she do not think poorly of Yang Hsu-Wen, but Keli had often held the idea that marriage must only take place between two persons in love with each other, just like her parents were. She also knew deep down, this young scholar before her do not stir her interest in that direction. “Even though they were long gone – Nana had said that there is one special person for every other person, and in life, our purpose is to seek that other half. She said I would know him when I see him – but I had met so many people in my line of work, and I still do not know? Could it be possible that I have already missed him, or my time has not yet come?”

“Not to worry, Miss Keli, I am not the least troubled.” Yang Hsu-Wen smiled brightly. “I guess Madam Tamara’s questions were rather refreshing. They were questions that I have never truly given a serious thought to before. But just to answer her last question. I suppose if that is the will of heaven, the heritage of my spouse should not be an issue, though marriages are usually arranged by parents, I don’t see the possibility of them deliberately arranged any girl outside of An-Chih province. After all my parents are more comfortable speaking in our native dialect than the official language of the Empire. A foreign girl might have language problems.”

“Is that a subtle rejection?” Keli wondered to herself, and her already rosy cheeks flushed even deeper.

“I see.” Tamara nodded, realizing that Yang Hsu-Wen was totally clueless of her intentions and from his answers; she had deemed him not the most ideal man for her apprentice after all.

It was awhile later that the boat had rolled back to shore, and the passengers alighted. As Yang Hsu-Wen parted ways with his companions, he was approached by the family of three whom had set in the same boat as them.

“Are you from An-Chih?” The father asked. He is fat and short, and wore an expensive fabric, suggesting him to be a fairly rich person.

“Yes, you too?” Yang Hsu-Wen nodded, and wondered if he had met someone from the same hometown.

“Well no, but my wife is from An-Chih province, and when we heard you talking earlier, she felt nostalgic listening to your accent, and our suspicions were confirmed when you mentioned An-Chih yourself earlier on. In any case, please forgive us for eavesdropping.” The man replied, as his wife stood beside him on the right, and their daughter on the left.

Delighted, Yang Hsu-Wen greeted the woman in the An-Chih dialect, and was more thrilled to hear her responding with the same dialect. “Where are you from, then?” He asked the man.

“Silver Lake. I’m a merchant based here – and the reason why I am coming to this place is that my daughter wanted to come so badly.”

“This adorable little girl?” Yang Hsu-Wen smiled at the daughter, to which the girl smiled brightly in return.

“Ah yes, that’s my daughter, Wan-Ying, and my name is Shen Nien.” The man introduced himself. “My textile shop – “Shen Fabrics”, is not far from here. Since you are from the same hometown as my wife, I’ll give you a special price if you want to get anything. I have one of the best materials in Silver Lake, my clients are amongst the most influential, and I can even recommend a few of the most skilful tailors in Silver Lake, should you need to make any new clothing.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep that in mind, though I’m on my way to the capital, and wouldn’t be staying long in Silver Lake.” Yang Hsu-Wen smiled shyly.

“Really! Our family is heading to the capital tomorrow morning too. I have set up a branch in the capital recently, and I intend to get there on the opening day ceremony. If you’re going to be in the capital for a while you can consider visiting our capital branch, and I am sure to give you a special price!” Shen Nien encouraged enthusiastically.

“A true merchant indeed; for he never wasted any opportunity to make business.” Yang Hsu-Wen thought to himself, remembering that his own father was similar in this aspect.

“Thank you very much for your kind offer. Where is this shop located? Perhaps I might visit it when I reached the capital.” Yang Hsu-Wen inquired out of courtesy.

“It’s very near the town square, and easy to locate. Just asked for “Shen Fabrics” when you get there, and I’m sure you can find the place.” Shen Nien gave a hearty laugh, patting Yang Hsu-Wen on the back. “I shall be waiting for you in the capital, young man, and good luck for your examinations.”

“Eh? How did you know?” Yang Hsu-Wen exclaimed, surprised at Shen Nien’s remark.

“Why wouldn’t I? It’s the time of the year, and what else would a young scholar all the way from An-Chih got to do with the capital, apart from taking the Imperial Examinations, held only once in three years?” Shen Nien pointed out the obvious.

“Oh.” Yang Hsu-Wen nodded in hindsight. “Alright then, I shall return to the inn, see you in the capital.”

“Till then, my young friend.” Shen Nien replied, before turning back to his wife and daughter, heading towards the opposite direction of Yang Hsu-Wen.

“Everyone in Silver Lake is so friendly!” Yang Hsu-Wen smiled to himself happily as he thought to return to the inn to thank Hsin-Yu properly for his kind hospitality.

[End of Chapter II]

Chapter II: The Journey Continues (Part Two)

Meanwhile, Yang Hsu-Wen watched on the whole exchange, all the more curious about this youth. If he thought the swift movements of Hsin-Yu impressive, he was all the more shaken by the two bodyguards, who seemed to appear out of nowhere. He rubbed his eyes, wondering just where these two bodyguards came from, even as he understood from the effeminate servant that Yuen Hsin-Yu was protected by them, it was still an eye-opener. “I wonder if it is a common practice for the affluent people of the capital to hire bodyguards?”


“Master Yang?” Another servant entered the room, and greeted Yang Hsu-Wen. Although dressed very much like Sun Ping and the effeminate servant from earlier, this was another person. In his arm was a bundle, whom Yang Hsu-Wen recognized, were his clothes. “That’s right, the fellow from earlier said there were three of them…”

“Good morning.” Yang Hsu-Wen put on a smile and greeted the servant, to what he hoped, was a pleasant greeting, despite the horrible feeling he was getting from the alcohol.

“Good morning, Master Yang.” The servant replied in a respectful voice, as he handled the bundle in his arms, to Yang Hsu-Wen, instructing, “If you’re feeling better, perhaps you might like to go down and have your breakfast. Your clothes are cleaned, so you may change into them.”

“Thank you very much!” Yang Hsu-Wen answered gratefully. “But, how much do that cost?”

“Young Master has already made arrangements for that, so you do not have to worry about the payments.” The servant informed.

“This must have been a blessing in disguise! I arrived in Silver Lake with a budget problem but instead met with a rich and generous friend who would take care of my expenditures. Thank heaven for watching out for me!” Yang Hsu-Wen thought to himself, before saying, “Please help me thank your Young Master, for his kind generosity towards me.”

“I reckon Young Master must be having his breakfast right now, you may do so yourself when you join him later.” The servant informed, giving Yang Hsu-Wen a slight bow before exiting the room.

“My dear girl! Are you sure you can finish all these?” Tamara looked at the spread of dishes before the table. The breakfast was buffet-styled, and the guests of Silver Lake Inn may help themselves to the food served. Keli who had never seen such a spread of fine delicacies was eager to try every food available.

“Erm, they all looked so delicious, I just couldn’t help myself.” Keli grinned sheepishly; inwardly guilty since she somewhat suspect she might not be able to finish all the food that she had taken. There were an assortment of cakes, and some were even made to look like little bunnies, even though they were possibly made out of flour.

“Do remember that there are those poor people that had gone through lives never seeing that much food before them, so make sure you do not waste any of it.” Tamara chided.

“Sorry…I couldn’t resist.” Keli felt worse even though she was only slightly reprimanded. Her actions were not deliberate, and she felt guilty now for being so greedy, and she wondered how she could have finish all the food before her, and it was just at this point she noticed a familiar face approaching, and recognized him to be the young scholar from the day before, whose room was taken by them. She smiled slightly at this Yang Hsu-Wen, secretly hoping he might join their table, and help them finish the excess food.

Yang Hsu-Wen was looking around for Hsin-Yu but instead spotted Keli and Tamara. Responding to her smile he nodded at her, and approached their table. “Good morning, ladies.”

“Good morning. Are you looking for a seat perhaps? Would you like to join us?” Keli suggested quickly.

“Thank you.” Yang Hsu-Wen pulled a seat and sat himself before the two ladies. “Oh well, I suppose I shall have my breakfast first before thanking Master Yuen when I see him later.”

“You are the young scholar from yesterday, am I right? How do I address you?” Tamara turned to Yang Hsu-Wen with a smile.

“That’s right.” Yang Hsu-Wen replied with a shy smile. “My name is Yang Hsu-Wen, from the province of An-Chih. How may I address you ladies?”
“My name is Tamara, and this is my apprentice, Keli.” Tamara replied, paying close attention to Yang Hsu-Wen.

“You managed to get yourself a room after all.” Keli remarked, and immediately shoved some of the plates towards Yang Hsu-Wen. “There, would you like to have some?”

“Thank you.” Yang Hsu-Wen thought the Northern girl was pretty friendly, and picking up the pair of unused chopsticks he helped himself to the dish that Keli had offered. “Actually I met a friend here so he offered me a room. I guess I’m quite in luck, thank heavens.”

“Are you here on a vacation?” Tamara asked again, taking a sip of the jasmine tea. After that she took an unused cup and rinsed it with some tea, before pouring more of the tea into this rinsed cup, and offered it to Yang Hsu-Wen.

“Yes and no. Actually I’m on my way to the capital.” Yang Hsu-Wen accepted the cup of tea gingerly.

“Really! So are we!” Keli smiled happily. “When will you be leaving for the capital?”

“Well, I’d not decided on that yet. I initially planned to stay in Silver Lake for a few days, but I might shorten the day due to budget constrain. After all I still need to set aside a sum for the registration of the Imperial Examinations.” Yang Hsu-Wen explained, suddenly wondering about Hsin-Yu’s plans. “He is from the capital isn’t it? Perhaps I can travel with him; at least I would have some company during the travels.”

“Imperial Examinations? Well good luck to you. Who knows, I might be talking to a future court official.” Keli suggested, pushing more of the dishes which she cannot finish, in the direction of Yang Hsu-Wen, who cooperatively finishes them systematically.

“I hope so? It has been my dreams to become a court official, even though my father was quite against it.” Yang Hsu-Wen sighed.

“Why is he so against it? I thought it would be quite an honor for the family to have produced a court official?” Keli wondered aloud.

“If only he would think that way.” Yang Hsu-Wen shrugged. “My father is a businessman, and he strongly preferred that I take over his business. He also thinks lowly of the courtiers, considering them as corrupt and unreliable. Naturally the idea that his son would become one of them saddens him.”

“If that is the case, why are you going against his wishes?” Tamara posed her question.

“I do not agree with his views. If there are truly that many corrupt officials, then it is time that we need to have those who aren’t corrupt, to break this vicious cycle. There are still many people suffering in silence, and a court official’s contribution may sometimes relieve their suffering.” Yang Hsu-Wen argued hopefully.

“You have very noble aspirations, young man.” Tamara observed with a smile. “It is really good to know. There are far too many people who only cared for themselves, and it truly warmed me to know that there are people like you who strived to make the Empire a better place to live in.”

“Erm…well it’s just a thought.” Yang Hsu-Wen felt a little embarrassed by Tamara’s praises, and blushed. Changing the subject he asked again, “You two are physicians?”

“Well, technically only my teacher can be considered a full-fledged physician. I’m only the apprentice.” Keli was quick to correct Yang Hsu-Wen’s assumptions.

“So, where are you from? Are you in Silver Lake for business or just touring?” Yang Hsu-Wen asked again, helping himself to the food before him. “These tastes pretty good.”

“We are wandering physicians, so I guess we have no fix home. I am originally from the South, though I came to the Empire with my father when I was a child. My apprentice here was from one of the nomadic tribes of the North. However all her tribesmen perished in a plague some ten years ago, and she was the only survivor, and hence joined me in this trade. Our actual intension is to go to the capital, and out route passes Silver Lake. It’s a pretty place after all, and we intend to tour the lake after breakfast.” Tamara explained, for it would be easy to get a tour of the lake given the strategic location of their inn. “Would you like to join us?”

“Eh?” Yang Hsu-Wen was quite taken aback by the hospitality of the two ladies, for never did he expect that since arriving Silver Lake, all he met were kind and helpful people.

Keli was equally surprised by Tamara’s suggestion, for she merely invited Yang Hsu-Wen so that her table of food would not go to waste. “Teacher seemed to like this young scholar quite a bit eh?”

[to be continued...]

Chapter II: The Journey Continues (Part One)

The soft silky sheets nudged on the skin of Yang Hsu-Wen as he stirred. The light sea-breezes caressed his cheeks, bringing about the faint scent of sandalwood’s fragrance. Slowly he rubbed his eyes and gave a little yawn. Lazily he drew himself up from the bed and then, all of a sudden, he sat up straight. For the first time, he realized that he was in an unfamiliar place, and swallowed nervously. What happened? He ransacked his mind, trying to recall the day’s events. His head was spinning and he was nauseous. Looking around him, he noticed he had changed into his sleeping attire. “Wait…how did that happen? I remembered I didn’t manage to check into any room…”


The room was huge, with beautifully ornamented pillars, very much in the same motif as that of the hall of Silver Lake Inn. The bed, to which he had slept in, was spacious and covered with luxurious silk. Yang Hsu-Wen ran his palm over the silk sheets, indulging in the coolness of the fabric, a welcoming touch in the heat of the summer.

Just then, a young man entered the room, which had startled Yang Hsu-Wen. Due to his attire, Yang Hsu-Wen had initially mistaken it to be Sun Ping, for he wore similar clothing. But, upon closer inspection, he realized this person was perhaps a few years older, though like Sun Ping, somewhat effeminate. “Did this pretty boy employ servants as girly as himself or what? Although none of them are as beautiful as he is.”

“Good morning, Master Yang, I see that you are awake.” This young man greeted Yang Hsu-Wen in a friendly voice. “Here is some tea; they are especially good for treating a hang-over.”

“Thank you.” Yang Hsu-Wen accepted the tea and took a sip, and asked, “Pardon me, but where am I?” Though he guessed as much he was still in Silver Lake Inn, by virtue of the scenic view of the lake that can be seen from the bed that was situated not far from the balcony, he thought it better to verify his assumptions.

“You’re in Silver Lake Inn.” The young man replied in a matter-of-factly manner, seemingly surprised that Yang Hsu-Wen would ask such a question.

“Erm, I guess as much.” Yang Hsu-Wen asked again; gradually remembering the events that took place the day before. He had arrived in Silver Lake sometime in the late afternoon, was almost duped by the rickshaw-puller who wanted to over-charge him. Fortunately, the beautiful youth intervened and he managed to save a fortune. When he reached the inn, the last room available was taken by two travelling pharmacists, and his last bit of attempt to rest his poor feet led him to go to the restaurant, to which he met this beautiful youth once again. As far as he can remember, they drank quite a fair bit of the wine, and thereafter he remembered nothing more. “I hope I hadn’t done anything embarrassing…” Yang Hsu-Wen thought to himself, remembering his previous experience with consuming too much alcohol.

“Ah…where are my clothes?”

“Oh you vomited and soiled your clothes, so I have helped you changed out of it, and taken it to the laundry.” The servant replied.

“Oh no…I’d made a fool out of myself.” Yang Hsu-Wen thought sadly to himself. Changing the topic, he asked again, “Where is Master Yuen?”

“Young Master is probably at the lakeside garden. It is his habit to practice swordplay every morning.” The young man informed.

“So he does know how to use the blade that he carried with him after all.” Yang Hsu-Wen thought to himself. “I apologized for any trouble I have caused.”

“You are a guest of Young Master, so it is our duty to serve you whilst you are with us, so please do not worry.” The young man replied in a respectful manner.

“How many are you? I thought Master Yuen has only one attendant Sun Ping with him.” Yang Hsu-Wen asked again, for he was indeed under the impression that they were only two people, and out of the blue when he saw another servant he was quite taken by surprise. “This kid’s wealth is truly beyond comprehension. Just what on earth does his father do?”

“Young Master travels lightly, so there are about seven of us attendants. There is Steward Sun, who is the overall in-charge of all the domestic affairs of Young Master’s household. There is myself, and another servant, and our responsibilities is to wait on Young Master. The four others who travelled with us are Young Master’s bodyguards. They worked on rotating shifts, to ensure Young Master’s safety.”

“That’s like an entourage! Master Yuen must be a very important person.” Yang Hsu-Wen exclaimed. “And to think he calls that ‘travels lightly’.”

“Indeed he is.” The servant nodded with a vague smile.

“Wake up, sleepy head!” The gentle voice of her teacher travelled into Keli’s ears. Stubbornly, she refuses to bulge, burying her head into the soft silken sheets, as her unruly mop of golden brown curls sprawled across the bed.

“Wake up, dear. If you don’t, you’re going to miss a yummy breakfast.” The voice tried again, tempting the Northern lass. Alerted by the words, Keli kicked away the sheets, struggling against her stronger desire to remain asleep, and forced her eyes open. “What yummy breakfast?” She asked again in a concerned voice. Although Keli was not in particularly a glutton, but having spent most of her childhood living in humble conditions, the experience of staying in a luxurious room and the idea of fine dining was indeed very tempting.

“Good, at least I managed to get your attention.” The middle-aged Southern woman grinned. “Breakfast was apparently included in the package, so we better not missed out because they only served them in the mornings.”

“Hmm? Really? Come to think of it, I’m famished.” Keli yawned.

“Good, now go wash your face before we head down for the breakfast.” Her teacher instructed.

Not surprisingly, the restaurant was quite packed in the morning. Most of these diners would most probably be the guests of this inn, since breakfast was part of the package. Excitedly, Keli went with her teacher to the restaurant, as she caught sight of a large group of men, all wearing the uniform of yellow and green. “Who are these people?” Keli wondered aloud, as the waitress of the restaurant overheard her and replied, “Oh you mean those men? They are from the Golden Mile Transportation and Securities. They are long time customers of Silver Lake Inn. Apparently they did not have a residential area in Silver Lake, strange as it seemed, despite the amount of businesses here, so each time they needed to pass Silver Lake; they will seek lodgings at Silver Lake Inn. As such, they have permanent reservations with our inn.”

“Golden Mile Transportation and Securities? What is that?” Keli asked again, as her teacher handed the room plates to the waitress, who verified against her records and said,

“Would that be Mistress Tamara and Miss Keli?”

“That’s right.” Her teacher, Tamara nodded.

“Well, this way please.” The waitress responded, as she led Tamara and Keli to their seats. Turning back to Keli, she answered her question from earlier, “Golden Mile Transportation and Securities provides courier services, and also protection. Whether you needed someone to safeguard your goods from one place to another, or you needed bodyguards during long journeys, you can always go to them. They are in this business for a long time, and had established quite a name in these regions.”

“I see…they would come in handy especially when travelling to the more dangerous places.” Keli remarked.

“True…these days there are so many bandits around, preying on innocent travelers? However, their fees might not be too cheap. I guess one has to be reasonably well-off to pay for such services.” The waitress smiled.

As Tamara and Keli sat down, Keli turned towards the men from Golden Mile out of sheer curiosity, and wondered if these men were safeguarding some very important goods, for she noticed there were several chests beside them.

“What tea would you like?” The waitress asked politely.

“I’ll settle for jasmine tea, if you have them.” Tamara instructed, as the waitress went away about her business. Noticing the curiosity her apprentice had shown towards the people from Golden Mile, Tamara laughed casually and said, “Well, looked like you are very interested in them?”

“I’m just curious; I wonder what’s in those chests.” Keli admitted.

“Not something we should concern ourselves with, my dear. In fact, I’m more interested to know if these people are heading towards the capital.” Tamara smiled.

“Oh? Why should that matter to us?” Now it was Keli’s turn to be confused.

“In the event that they are heading in the same direction as us, we should try our best to walk close to them. “ Tamara explained. “In that case we can be assured of their protection, without paying a single cent.”

“Teacher!” Keli exclaimed, but she had to admit inwardly that it was a pretty good idea. For so many years Tamara had never tried to travel to the capital, nor any of the major cities near it, despite having heard of so many stories of it, some good and some not so good. Although the main reason for Tamara’s decision was that there are plenty of able physicians in those rich cities, but out in the poorer provinces, not many could afford the services of a physician, and she would often offer her services to the poor freely, and some would offer to feed them out of gratitude. Occasionally when she met those who are better off, and she would accept payment from them. However, for most part, the poor was unable to pay her sufficiently, and hence, Keli, who was an orphan adopted by Tamara, would have to live the lifestyle that her teacher had chosen.

The second reason for choosing to lead such wandering lifestyle was that Tamara was in search for her long lost daughter. Although Keli had never met the girl before, she had heard often from the lips of Tamara that Keli had inwardly considered this girl to be her little sister, and she too, wished that Tamara could soon be reunited with her daughter. For many years, it was futile search, for Tamara had not the faintest clue where her daughter might be, only knowing where they have parted ways, and even so, she was unable to locate her.

It was only sometime ago when Tamara met a rich merchant who sought treatment from her about her seriously-ill wife. When Tamara had successfully cured her where most physician was unable to, the rich merchant rewarded Tamara generously, and not only that, he had informed Tamara about the ‘fortune-tellers’ of the North.

Despite Keli’s doubts about these fortune-tellers, she was more afraid of dashing her teacher’s only hopes, and hence hoped, for everyone’s sake, that the fortune-tellers were able to provide Tamara more clues about her lost daughter. This became the real reason why they made their way to the capital, because the Northerners would usually travel to the capital about this time of the year, and if Tamara wanted the answer, she better hurry to the capital as soon as possible!

Yang Hsu-Wen remained in the room, suffering from the bad effects of the alcohol, and swore to himself mentally to approach such drinks with caution. Even the tea did not take away the horrible headache, and the strong desire to throw up. He felt absolutely weak, and struggled to place himself at the seat located in the balcony of the room, staring out into the lake.

From the third storey, the view of the lake was distinctively different from what he had seen at the restaurant, on the first storey. He noticed the trees that were at the banks of the lake, its branches wavered lightly under the breeze. The morning sun shone down at the waters of the lake, like a ball of fire glowing on the surface of the waters. Thus this is the place that earned its name of Silver Lake, silver because of the shine. It was then he caught sight of a figure wielding the blade.

“That must be Master Yuen. After all, his servant had said that he would practice his swordplay in the mornings.”

The figure seemed unaware of anyone watching him, and remained immense in his own routine. Yang Hsu-Wen did not feel particularly inspired to move, and hence lingered at the balcony, quietly watching.

A loud sound of applause had interrupted Hsin-Yu’s concentration, as he stopped in whatever he was doing and turned to the direction of the sound. Not recognizing the person he merely narrowed his eyes and studied the intruder.

“That was quite fascinating. I’m very impressed with your skills.” The intruder spoke. As Hsin-Yu noted, he was a young man possibly in his mid-twenties, dressed in expensive silk robes and finely embroidered belt. Even the hair accessory which he used to hold his hair into a bun was adorned with jewels. At least from the appearances it would not be too hard to guess that this young man was at least a wealthy person.

“Thank you.” Hsin-Yu replied, but was disinterested to engage himself in a conversation with the young man. Deciding that he had enough for the day, he placed his blade back in the sheath, and decided to head back to the inn, for his breakfast.

“Gosh, that was cold!” The young man exclaimed. “You could have at least said something more?”

Hsin-Yu stopped in his tracks and turned to the young man’s direction and studied curiously, before asking, “What would you expect me to say then?”

“Well, a self-introduction would be nice?” The young man suggested with a wide grin.

“Why should I?” Hsin-Yu asked the young man, observing him carefully.

“Aw…no wonder they say roses have thorns.” The young man shook his head. “The more beautiful a person is, the pricklier she gets.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Hsin-Yu frowned, unsure of the young man’s intentions.

“Not an issue.” The young man announced in a delighted voice, and continued in a cheery tone. “Pardon me; I shouldn’t be expecting that much in the first place. I bet I look very much like some shady character with very little credibility.”

Hsin-Yu nodded quietly.

“My name is Wah Ting-Yun. The owner of this inn is a good friend of mine, so I dropped by this place often. Your swordplay awhile ago was pretty impressive, very agile, yet elegant.” The young man introduced himself.

“Wah Ting-Yun, from the House of Wah?” Hsin-Yu asked curiously. Anyone who is a citizen of the Empire would have heard of the four wealthiest families in Silver Lake, and in particular, Wah Ting-Yun had been snatching quite a few headlines, namely his young age and capabilities, plus his identity as the most available bachelor in town.

“Yes, Miss.” The young man nodded. “Now that I told you my name, do I have the honor of knowing your name?”’

“Wait…why are you calling me ‘Miss’.” Hsin-Yu frowned, sensing that things are becoming all too familiar. First, a random male tries to chat up, and following that, after establishing initial introduction, they would almost always, address him as ‘Miss’. “Do I really look like a girl to you?”

Wah Ting-Yun laughed upon hearing Hsin-Yu’s rebuttal, before calming himself down and then explained with a bright smile, “Pardon me, if I have made a mistake. Rarely do I see young men as beautiful as you are, so it is easy to misunderstand.”

“I’m obviously wearing male attire. How idiotic.” Hsin-Yu thought to himself, and perhaps because of the young man’s misunderstanding, he felt slightly annoyed and chose to ignore him, walking away.

“That’s really very unkind. Now you made me feel like I’m a detestable person that you cannot wait to get rid of.” Wah Ting-Yun chuckled in amusement, following Hsin-Yu closely.

“But you are!” Hsin-Yu pointed out sarcastically. “Especially when you came unannounced; and disturbed my practicing.”

“Gosh, how petty. Men should be more forgiving.” Wah Ting-Yun countered in a teasing fashion; still following closely to Hsin-Yu’s quickened footsteps.

“Men should also not be so pesky.” Hsin-Yu countered, before stopping in his tracks and turned to face the young man with a stern expression, stating, “If you are really the infamous Master Wah, I advise you to at least watch your conduct, less you smear your own reputation.”

“Thank you for your kindest consideration.” Wah Ting-Yun laughed out loud, amused by the youth’s words. “You’re such an interesting kid.”

“I’m not a kid, I’m already eighteen.” Hsin-Yu stated flatly.

“Really, you looked younger though!” Wah Ting-Yun exclaimed, but went on to reason with Hsin-Yu. “But then again, that only means you’re legally an adult, eligible to own lands and full privileges of an Empire citizen and nothing more. Physical age is hardly an indication for maturity.”

Before Wah Ting-Yun could say more, two swords were pointed at his neck suddenly, and he dared not advance a step.

“Stay away from our Master, or else.” Warned the owner of one of the sword darkly. Wah Ting-Yun was shocked. Mutely, he looked upon his assailants, two almost identical looking men, or more accurately, two identically dressed young men, possibly around his own age, their faces solemn, and Wah Ting-Yun felt starkly uncomfortable by the cold blade upon his neck. He would have been easily hurt should he move an inch.

“Easy, gentlemen. There’s no need to raise blades.” Wah Ting-Yun replied.

“Never mind; just let him go. He’s probably harmless.” Hsin-Yu laughed softly, instructing his men to remove their blades.

“But Young Master, He was harassing you!” The other man protested.

“You hear me, let him go.” Hsin-Yu insisted, as both men put away their blades.

“Thank Heaven!” Wah Ting-Yun heaved a sigh of relief. “These are your men?”

“They are my bodyguards.” Hsin-Yu smiled a little. “It’s not my fault that you didn’t heed my advice and followed me closely. My bodyguards are concerned about my safety, so they attacked you.”

“What an angelic smile…a pity you’re not a girl…” Wah Ting-Yun grinned a little to himself. “Thank you; well…I still don’t know how to address you.”

“That’s not my problem?” Hsin-Yu winked at Wah Ting-Yun impishly, and challenged. “If you’re that interested, go find out…surely that’s not too difficult for the Master of the House of Wah?”

“Hmm….fine, that should be easy. Don’t forget, the owner of this place is a good friend of mine, so I can easily track the records of all the guests of this inn.” Wah Ting-Yun replied confidently.