Schemes Begin to Emerge

West of the capital, at the end of Jiangmi Alley.

Inside Worryfree Tavern, the lamplight was dim and yellow.

Fine rain drifted outside the window. Several strings of dried chilies hung beneath the eaves, while the tavern was thick with the pungent scent of sorghum liquor and the fragrance of braised meat.

Kuai Dayou and Kong Shangzhao sat facing each other in a corner. On the table were a plate of peanuts, half a jug of cheap liquor, braised beef, and pork knuckle.

Kuai Dayou's face was covered in stubble, his eyes webbed with blood vessels. He slammed his wine bowl down heavily, splashing liquor across his lapel.

He spat. "Son of a Bitch Zhao Qingxu! We were only one step away, Brother Shangzhao! That Mount Taodu Wood would have been ours! If I'd known, we should've gone straight to the execution grounds. Why did we go through all that trouble?"

Kong Shangzhao lowered his head and took a sip, his fingers rubbing the rim of the bowl.

He was still wearing that washed-out scholar's robe and did not reply, clearly lost in thought.

They said that those who shared life and death became friends. After weathering that ordeal, Fatty Lin and the other two had indeed become friends, and they occasionally gathered to drink.

Kuai Dayou admired Kong Shangzhao's learning, so the two had grown closer.

Seeing Kong Shangzhao like this, Kuai Dayou leaned closer and lowered his voice. "Brother Kong, ever since we returned from the Nine Gates Yin Ruins, you've been absent-minded. Earlier, in the room, I saw your hand shaking while you copied out the Study of the Evolution of the Canal."

"If something's troubling you, say it. With the friendship between us, why are you still hiding it?"

Kong Shangzhao let out a long sigh