Chapter 52 (1/2)

Chapter 52 Abysmal: Crisis

Feng Luodi felt as if her lucky star had been s.h.i.+ning on her; a few days after she had received Rising Wind as a gift from an elder brother, she received news from Mingxuan Zither Emporium that another Guqin, Abysmal, had been located. The caravan that he had requested to help locate the Guqin had bought Abysmal, albeit at a hefty price, and were on the way back to Chang’an with the Guqin. They were returning to the capital via the waterways, and was due to arrive in Chang’an at noon.

Feng Luodi’s spirits rose considerably upon receiving the news, and spent a lot more effort into dressing herself up for the joyous occasion. A half robe a vibrant shade of emerald green was draped over her inner s.h.i.+rt of pale green, while a grey skirt adorned with pearls decorated her lower half. Her dressing was completed with a belt of white jade that sat snugly on her hips. Feng Luodi was about to leave the house when Jet quickly stopped her.

“Young miss, are you leaving house alone again? Let me tag along with you!”

“No need for that.” Feng Luodi shook her hand. “I’m just having a look around the port. I’ll be back before long.”

“But Fu Bo had said that the harbour is a really chaotic place, young miss! It will be safer if I were to accompany you instead. Or would you like to grab Fei or Scarlet from Autumnal Ombre before you go?”

“Alright, alright. I’ll head to Autumnal Ombre first then. Get back to the kitchen, Jet; Mother’s medicine requires your attention.”

“Yes, young miss. I’ll get to it soon! Be careful on your way there, young miss!”

“Jeez, Jet!” Feng Luodi laughed. “You’re getting as long winded as Fu Bo!”

Feng Luodi slowly waltzed out of the door and headed straight for the port, evidently in high spirits. She looked at the sky. It is almost noon, and I can’t wait to get Abysmal! If all goes well, there will be only 7 Guqin left to get before I can go back!

She reached the port before long, but the merchant fleet had yet to arrive. Looking around, she was surprised to see two familiar faces.

“Elder brother. Situ.” Feng Luodi called out. The two men were standing near the waterfront, watching the workers and merchant s.h.i.+ps as they entered and busied about the harbour.

“I never thought that I’d see the two of you at the harbour; this doesn’t lie under either of your judistrictions, does it?” Feng Luodi’s jovial mood showed in her tone.

“Situ was interested in knowing more about the harbour of Chang’an, and I was free to show him around.” Jiang Moyin smiled warmly at her. “What about yourself? What’s a girl like you doing here? And you're unusually energetic today, what's gotten into you?”

Situ stood by the side, not looking at Feng Luodi.

Feng Luodi was too light-headed in her joy to notice Situ’s slightly uncharacteristic behaviour. “Abysmal is reaching Chang’an soon! I can't contain my excitement!”

“Abysmal? Isn’t that one of the 10 Guqin that you are always searching for?” Jiang Moyin was glad to see Feng Luodi happy, and his voice was even gentler than usual. “I see that your effort is finally paying off.”

“That’s right!” Feng Luodi nodded repeatedly. “I had persuaded a merchant caravan heading to the Jiangnan region to ask around for information regarding the 10 Guqin, but I didn't expect them to simply buy it for me!! They’re due to arrive at Chang’an by ferry at noon.”

“So you came to wait at the port, huh?” Jiang Moyin shook his head and laughed. “Your obsession with these Guqin is serious business.”

“That’s because of their importance.” Feng Luodi smiled. “I shan’t disturb the two of you anymore, then. I’ll wait here for the fleet to arrive.”

“You can rest over at the little shack back there, if you’re feeling tired. You can still watch over the docks from there.” Jiang Moyin pointed at a little shack not too far away from the water, serving tea and drinks for the pa.s.sing sailors. “The two of us will head over there to accompany you once we’re done looking around the docks.”

“No need to accompany me, Brother. Just do what you're supposed to do.” Feng Luodi shook her hand, and quickly headed to the shack.

“She seems to be really happy.” Jiang Moyin smiled, and finally took his eyes off Feng Luodi. He turned to Situ, who was still looking at the s.h.i.+ps in the harbour. “Let’s head in that direction. s.h.i.+ps and barges that enter Chang’an via the waterways have to be checked at that checkpoint for any prohibited cargo.”

Situ nodded, and the two slowly made their way towards the heavily manned checkpoint that sat in the middle of the harbour.

Noon came soon enough, and the two approached the shack where Feng Luodi was waiting with a bored expression on her face.

“Is the s.h.i.+p not here yet?”

“Nope.” Feng Luodi shook her head. “I was told by the shopkeeper that the s.h.i.+p bearing the caravan would fly a purple flag with an embroidered lotus. Have you guys seen it?” Feng Luodi looked at Jiang Moyin hopefully.

“Neither did we.” Jiang Moyin thought for a moment, and sat down beside her. “Don’t worry about it; I’m sure they’ll arrive soon enough. In the meantime, we’ll keep you company while waiting.” He poured tea for both himself and Situ.

Feng Luodi and Jiang Moyin chatted amicably about various topics, from the business of Autumnal Ombre to their review of the popular music scores, but Situ never spoke a word. Feng Luodi had noticed his silence but decided against initiating conversation with him. What is wrong with Situ today?

A while had pa.s.sed, but there was still no sight of the s.h.i.+p Feng Luodi was waiting for. Feng Luodi could not hide her disappointment any longer and wondered out loud, “Is it not going to arrive today?”

Jiang Moyin comforted her. “Perhaps they were delayed by the wind. We'll stay with you, so let’s wait a bit longer.”

“Alright.” Feng Luodi forced a smile.

Suddenly, an attendant came running towards Jiang Moyin. “Grand Tutor, the Heir seeks your counsel immediately.”

Jiang Moyin frowned, but Feng Luodi interjected before he could speak. “Brother, go on ahead. Your duties are much more important than accompanying me.”

Jiang Moyin sighed, and got off his bench. He turned to Situ. “Stay here with her, then. I’ll be heading into the palace.”