Chapter Seven: Wen Yuan

“My name is Wen Yuan,” Wen Yuan said politely. “What you just said—can I take it as a compliment?”

“Ah, yes, I was indeed praising you.”

“That’s wonderful! I have a practical report from the holiday that needs a comment. Could you help me write one?”

“A practical report? What’s that?”

“It’s a rule at the Transmission Institute. We’re on spring break now, our last holiday before graduation. After this, we have to prepare for graduation. During this break, we have to intern at the Guard Station. I’m with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so during spring break I’m on duty there. But the Southern Town Embroidered Uniform Guard never patrols outside; you’re the first living person I’ve seen.”

*Sigh.* Shang Luo sighed. “If I hadn’t come to Yangzhou, I’d probably be busy with graduation stuff like you. I think we had something similar.”

“Which school were you from before? I remember you’re from the Artisans’ Household?”

“The Mount Wutai Instruction Institute.”

“Oh! What a coincidence! I’m from the Mount Wutai Transmission Institute. We’re practically classmates; our campuses are connected. Wait, I remember now—are you Shang Luo, the one with the Seven Apertures Mind? I heard you can talk to dogs! That’s amazing! Could you show me?”

“Who said I can ‘talk to dogs’? That’s a rumor!”

“Uh... so you can’t talk to dogs? What a shame. Well, it’s getting late, I’ll take my leave now. See you.”

“See you.”

They said their goodbyes.

Wen Yuan turned and walked toward the carriage door—but suddenly, he remembered something:

“Oh, I need a small favor. One of my pocket watches is broken. Can you fix it?”

“No problem. Do you have it with you?”

“Here.” Wen Yuan tossed a brass pocket watch from his waist pouch.

Shang Luo caught it. “A minor issue... I’ll see you tomorrow—I’ll head back to the Guard City and bring it to you.”

Wen Yuan waved as he opened the carriage door and sat down.

Back in the driver’s seat, Wen Yuan steadied his hands on the wheel and sat quietly.

“Master, I handed him the watch—consider it planting a ‘cause.’ How did I do chatting with him? Was I natural enough? Will I get a higher grade on the internship report?”

“Not natural.” Under the pale yellow light, Lu Huaiyang sat in the passenger seat with his eyes closed, resting. “The Transmission Institute and the Instruction Institute are two separate institutions, though both on Mount Wutai. Normally, you two would never interact in your lives; you’re not really classmates. Trying to make a connection like you did is over the top.”

“So he saw through it?”

“He’s the one with the Seven Apertures Mind—you should know what that means. It means he has six more ‘tricks’ up his sleeve than you do.”

“Master, do you still suspect something’s wrong with him?”

“I’m not here just to watch your poor driving skills. I cast a divination—there’s something unusual about him. Even if he’s not the root of the problem, he’s deeply involved. That’s why I sealed the thunder spell into his waist token before giving it to him—partly to protect him, partly to see what he’s up to.”

“Then why not just bring him back to the Guard Station for interrogation?”

“Remember this,” Lu Huaiyang opened his eyes. “The Southern Town Embroidered Uniform Guards are imperial agents. We represent the Son of Heaven. No matter what, we must never arrest civilians lightly; though he’s suspicious, it may not be his fault. So don’t force him. If anyone’s to blame, it’s those demons and monsters.”

“Understood, Master.” Wen Yuan nodded and took out a small notebook to jot down Lu Qianhu’s words.

Suddenly, Lu Huaiyang sat up. “Also, if he truly has issues, you might not be his match in a fight.”

“Huh?”

“What I want to say is, if his guilt is confirmed, don’t act rashly. Real demons can’t be dealt with by you alone. This is genuine warfare—one wrong move and you could lose your life. This isn’t your armor duels or chariot races with classmates. War kills. Don’t fear death, but none of us can die in vain.”

“I understand. The state trains soldiers not to become demon fodder. Even if I die, I’ll make sure to take one of them down with me.”

*Hmph.* Lu Huaiyang shook his head. “Big talk for someone who wants to ‘take one down.’ Wait thirty years—at least until you’re my age before saying that again. Your spring break ends soon, right? How’s the chariot race preparation?”

“Not going well. Just got a telegram—the ‘right wheel’ of our team passed the scholar’s exam and transferred to Bailudong Academy. It’s over. I don’t even know where to find new teammates at this point; everyone else has already formed teams.”

“Tsk, that’s bad...” Lu Huaiyang glanced ahead. “Drive. Let’s head back. I’m tired. Tomorrow, I’ll ask some old friends if they know anyone—Hey! I told you not to floor the accelerator! This is a car, not bumper cars at home. Don’t you know how sensitive the gasoline engine is?”

The military vehicle grew smaller and smaller in the distance, the sound fading away.

...

Inside the shop, Shang Luo’s hand rested on the switch.

[So, as you wished, I let you hear their conversation.]

“What do you think?”

[Your life seems quite interesting? Is what they said true? Is your school really that much fun?]

“Well... probably the military household’s school is more fun—they have armor dueling and chariot racing, simple and straightforward pleasures. Ours is more complicated; the Instruction Institutes have an automobile championship where you have to build everything but the wheels yourself.]

[Sounds fascinating! Are there any rewards for winning?]

“The Transmission Institute winners can enter the Imperial Guard; ours can enter the Artisans’ Bureau. Both sides have spots for the National Academy—though nowadays few attend. After all, no ministers come from the academy; ministers mostly come from Bailudong and Donglin Academies. The academy students mostly just assist them, so winners usually get poached.”

[You sound happy when you say that.]

“I’m not happy, am I?”

[Not about what you described. But about... it all seems full of hope, like a vibrant spring where all things compete to thrive. Like the original ‘Victoria,’ but much brighter.]

“Indeed... Wait! What’s the Victorian Era? Where did you learn that?”

[You’ll find out soon. First, answer my questions—I’ve already decided how to repay you.]