Chapter 267 - Ins and Outs (1/2)
With our persuasion, Na San wiped off his tears. Chongxi called for another round of a hundred barbecue skewers and we dug in again with Na San recounting to us the details.
“So a week ago, His Highness became worried sick when he heard that you were missing, Young Lordling. Thinking that you had been secretly abducted by the two other parties, he contacted one of them. I was not privy to their conversation and its contents, but the expression on His Highness’ face after the conversation told me enough to know that things did not go well.” Na San paused. “According to His Highness, Young Lordling, that person seems to be from Shanggu. A man called Jing, Jing Jiu.”
Chongxi stopped eating and thought aloud, “Jing Jiu? That’s the same Jing as Jing Ke, the assassin, innit?” I nodded and breathed grimly. “Yishui Town of Shanggu… He could well be Jing Ke’s descendant. Factor in that connection and the fact that they are after the Shiyan Blade, this could be another progeny of ancient nobility trying to revive a kingdom.”
“Wait up,” Lin Feng interjected, scratching the back of his head and said, “My history is terrible. What ancient nobility?” “The State of Yan during the Warring States era,” I revealed after a quick swig of beer, saying, “And it could be true. Because the ancient capital of the State of Yan during then was situated in present-day Yi County!” Lin Feng and Chongxi broke into expressions of surprise from over the table. Finally, we have found the true purpose of the mysterious organization that based in Yishui for wanting the Dragon-slaying Blade.
“Urm… Young Lordling,” Na San cut in, breaking my line of thought. “Of course, Na San,” I said at once, “Please go on.”
Na San nodded and went on, “His Highness then wished to contact the third party. But no one finds the woman in black. Only she finds us. The last time she met His Highness was in Tangshan. She told him that you would be going to this housing area consisting of bungalows and villas.” I nod my head, indicating that I knew. “But that was the last time His Highness saw her,” Na San said again, “And since your disappearance, His Highness has been looking for you, though his attempts remained fruitless. Until one day, I was accompanying His Highness. We were just arriving in Tangshan city after leaving Wu Zhong. Then these people stormed into His Highness’ suite and took him. I fought desperately to save the prince, but they were just too many. They took even my staff and my knife, nearly taking my life too in the process…”
“But you hardly look wounded,” Lin Feng remarked offhandedly. “I’m not. Because when these people were about to strike the killing blow, a rat deity who was coincidentally passing by the area saw and saved me. He healed me and guided me back here to Wu Zhong,”
“Hold it. You were in Wu Zhong with Jin Qichen all the time?” I interrupted. “Yes. We came to Wu Zhong when we got word that you were hurt, Young Lordling and we’ve been staying in a hotel in town ever since until we left for Tangshan.” I bobbed my head, saying, “So what have you been doing since your prince was taken?” A chagrined Chongxi croaked hoarsely, “Walking… I’ve been walking all the way from Tangshan… I’ve no money…” “Wait a minute,” Chongxi gasped, his eyes dilating with shock, and said, “You’ve not eaten anything for almost a week?!”
“Urm, not really…” Na San husked and said, “There were several kind people who have given me food when I reached the outskirts of Tangshan. I would never have survived this far without their charity.” “How about joining us for good?” Edelweiss suggested suddenly, “Following that prince of yours, you don’t even have enough to wear and eat. See how your master dresses and see what he eats, then look at yourself.” Na San’s head dipped in silence and Edelweiss gave me a knowing wink.
I giggled deep inside. Edelweiss might look like a timid and obedient wife on most times, but she was no less a schemer than she was when she was Aunt Ulan’s lieutenant in her band of outlaws. This was Na San’s weakest moment. The frailest moment of his confidence and trust in his master and the best moment where his faith could be tested. If he could join us, we would have added a powerful shaman into our ranks, a talent which could prove to be a potent asset in the battles to come. Slave or not, Na San had many a time demonstrated his loyalty. If only we could win him over. Despite having not yet witnessed Na San’s prowess in person, Edelweiss knew enough to realize that he had powers on par with us after listening to Big Sister’s accounts about our first meeting.
A hint of doubt flashed in Na San’s eyes. Big Sister, who immediately picked up Edelweiss’ gist, added, “Indeed. Think about it, since when did that Prince Beile of yours has ever given any damn about your well-being? The last time when we took you, your prince fled without so much as a look back at you.” Na San grimaced as he struggled between loyalty and self-preservation, not knowing which he should choose.