Kuang Ping's room was very simple, with only a bed, a table, and several chairs. A bookshelf stood against the wall, with three or four chests beside it, all filled with books and various materials.
There were also piles of materials on the table. He had meant to put them away at once, but remembering Pan Yun's abilities—and that the technology used by the silver-refining workshop had all come from them—he abandoned the thought. He casually shoved the things aside, cleared half the table, and invited Pan Yun to sit.
He brought over a kettle of boiled water that had long since gone cold, set down three bowls, poured each person a bowl of cooled boiled water, and said, "The mountains are humble and crude. National Preceptor, please do not mind it."
Pan Yun did not mind at all. She drained the water in one gulp and gestured for another bowl.
Kuang Ping froze for a moment, then poured her another bowl. He was no longer quite so nervous. It was as though they had returned to the days before she had become National Preceptor.
Kuang Ping asked, "National Preceptor, you have come so late at night. Is there some urgent matter?"
Pan Yun said, "Nothing urgent. I will be leaving the port at dawn tomorrow to return home, and I felt there were some matters I needed to discuss with you."
After a brief ponder, Kuang Ping asked, "Is this because of the conflict at Nanao Port?"
Pan Yun said, "Last year, the late Emperor met with disaster, and Japan's navy raided the southeastern coast. Do you know about this?"
Kuang Ping rubbed his hair. "Of course I know. They even sent men to surround Omori village. We thought we were going to die for our country."
After a