I

  What does it feel like to be surrounded by over twenty cavalrymen?

  Li Yan thought it felt a bit like a rabbit being eyed by a pack of hungry wolves—though this rabbit might bite, there were just too many wolves.

  "Honored soldiers," he said from his horse, spreading his hands, "could this all be some misunderstanding?"

  The leading captain was named Gao, Gao Lan—Li Yan would later learn that this man was a figure of some note in history, a general under Yuan Shao. For now, though, he was just a captain.

  Gao Lan's face was expressionless. "Misunderstanding or not, once we reach Ye City, my lord will decide for himself. Righteous Man Li, please."

  He gestured, and two cavalrymen moved forward, one on each side of Li Yan.

  "My horse..." Li Yan pointed at his old nag.

  Gao Lan glanced at it. "Bring it along."

  And so Li Yan and his elderly horse were "invited" to Ye City.

  Along the way, Li Yan tried to glean information.

  "Captain Gao, what does Lord Yuan want with me?"

  Gao Lan stared straight ahead. "I do not know."

  "Then... how did Lord Yuan know I was in Ji Province?"

  "I do not know."

  "Captain Gao, where are we headed? Is there an inn ahead? I'm hungry."

  Gao Lan finally turned to look at him, his expression odd. "Righteous Man Li, you take things rather lightly."

  Li Yan grinned. "If you don't take things lightly, you don't live long. In chaotic times, you have to keep a broad perspective."

  Gao Lan said nothing.

  As dusk fell, the party stopped at a relay station. Li Yan was locked alone in a room, with guards posted outside. His old horse was tied in the yard, happily gnawing on the bark of a locust tree by the station entrance.

  Li Yan peered through a crack in the window, pondering.

  Yuan Shao's interest in him could only be for a few reasons: one, the jade tokens; two, Cui Yan; three, both.

  If it was for the tokens, that meant Yuan Shao already knew Li Yan had them—who had told him? Cao Cao? The Four Seas Hall? Or that runaway Wei Zi?

  If it was for Cui Yan... Cui Yan was now working under Yuan Shao. Was Yuan Shao making trouble for her "friend" as a way to pressure her? Or to win her over?

  As he thought, the door opened.

  Gao Lan entered with food, setting it on the table. "Eat."

  Two dishes, one soup, a bowl of rice—decent fare.

  Li Yan didn't stand on ceremony. He sat and ate. Between bites, he asked, "Captain Gao, how has Lord Yuan's... mood been lately?"

  Gao Lan stood by the door, arms folded. "My lord's thoughts are not for the likes of us to fathom."

  "And Lady Cui?" Li Yan asked casually. "I hear she serves under Lord Yuan. Is she faring well?"

  Gao Lan's eyes flickered. "Lady Cui is exceptionally talented and deeply valued by my lord."

  The words sounded like praise, but the tone was subtly odd.

  Li Yan understood—Cui Yan's position under Yuan Shao was probably not entirely smooth.

  After the meal, Gao Lan gathered the dishes and turned to leave. Li Yan suddenly said, "Captain Gao, from your face, I can see you're an upright man. In chaotic times, uprightness is rare, but also dangerous. Take care of yourself."

  Gao Lan paused, turned back, and gave him a long, searching look. He said nothing and left.

  Li Yan lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling beams.

  He was thinking of Cui Yan.

  What was that woman doing now? Studying maps in her Ye City residence? Maneuvering at Yuan Shao's banquets? Or plotting her next move?

  Did she know he had been "invited" here?

  If she did, what would she do?

  As he thought, he smiled.

  Let it be. The cart will find its way around the mountain when it gets there. He'd cross that bridge when he came to it. First, get some sleep.

  II

  Two days later, they arrived at Ye City.

  As the administrative center of Ji Province, Ye City was smaller than Luoyang but more prosperous than Ji City in You Province. Its walls were tall, its streets wide, lined with shops and thronged with pedestrians. If not for the occasional refugees, one could almost forget they were in chaotic times.

  Li Yan was taken directly to Yuan Shao's residence.

  Not the main gate, but a side gate. After winding through various passages, he was brought to a secluded courtyard. Gao Lan handed him over to a steward-like figure and departed.

  The steward, surnamed Tian, was about fifty, perpetually smiling, but with shrewd eyes.

  "Righteous Man Li has had a tiring journey," Steward Tian said. "My lord is in council; please wait here awhile. Your room is prepared. If you need anything, just ask."

  Very polite, but also very clear—house arrest.

  Li Yan was placed in a side room. The room was neat, fully furnished, with a window overlooking a small garden—pleasant enough. But guards stood at the courtyard entrance; he couldn't leave.

  He paced the room a couple of times, then sat down to tea.

  It was good tea—Biluochun.

  He remembered Cui Yan saying, "The tea is kept warm," and smiled. He wondered where she was now, what tea she was drinking.

  As dusk fell, someone came.

  Not Yuan Shao, but Cui Yan.

  When she pushed open the door, Li Yan was sprawled on the windowsill watching ants move house in the garden. He turned at the sound, and their eyes met.

  Cui Yan wore a moon-white inner robe with a pale blue silk drape over her shoulders. Her hair was neatly coiled, her face lightly powdered—she looked well. But Li Yan noticed faint shadows under her eyes; she hadn't slept well.

  "Well," Li Yan straightened up, "Lady Cui, long time no see."

  Cui Yan closed the door, walked to the table, and sat down, looking at him. "How did you get here?"

  "Invited." Li Yan sat opposite her. "Your Lord Yuan is quite hospitable—sent over twenty cavalrymen to escort me."

  Cui Yan frowned. "When was this?"

  "Three days ago, in Zhongshan Kingdom."

  "Zhongshan..." She pondered. "You met Liu Bei?"

  Li Yan raised an eyebrow. "How did you know?"

  "Lord Yuan has eyes everywhere." Cui Yan's tone was flat. "A report came in yesterday about Liu Bei suppressing bandits in Zhongshan. It mentioned a wanderer assisting him, highly skilled. I guessed it was you."

  Li Yan grinned. "Lady Cui is as clever as ever."

  Cui Yan didn't smile. Instead, her expression grew grave. "You shouldn't have come to Ji Province."

  "I didn't want to," Li Yan spread his hands. "I was invited."

  "Now that you're here, it will be hard to leave." She looked at him. "Lord Yuan wants you for the jade tokens."

  Just as he thought.

  "How do you know?" Li Yan asked.

  "I guessed." Cui Yan said. "After Wei Zi, the Four Seas Hall leader, fled back to Cao Cao, he told him about the tokens. Someone on Cao Cao's side leaked the information to Lord Yuan—maybe deliberately, maybe not. In any case, Lord Yuan now knows you have the tokens and that they are of great importance."

  Li Yan's heart sank.

  The worst-case scenario.

  "What does he want them for?" he asked.

  "Legitimacy." Cui Yan said. "Lord Yuan's family has held high office for four generations; his name is known everywhere. But he lacks a 'great righteous cause.' The secret edict tied to the tokens could give him that."

  "But the edict names Prince Bian, not the current Emperor Xian established by Dong Zhuo."

  "So what?" Cui Yan smiled coldly. "With the edict in hand, Lord Yuan can claim Dong Zhuo is a usurper and that he, Yuan Shao, is the legitimate one acting on the edict's command. Whether Prince Bian lives or dies is irrelevant."

  Li Yan fell silent.

  She was right. In politics, truth didn't matter; what mattered was how you used it.

  "And you, Lady Cui?" he asked suddenly. "Do you want me to give the tokens to Yuan Shao?"

  Cui Yan looked at him, her expression complex.

  After a long moment, she slowly shook her head. "No."

  "Why not?"

  "Because if you do, you become useless." Cui Yan said. "Lord Yuan employs people as tools: keep them if useful, discard them if not. If he gets the tokens, you won't live three more days."

  Li Yan laughed. "Lady Cui, are you worried about me?"

  Cui Yan turned her face away. "I'm worried about myself. If you die, I lose a helper here under Lord Yuan."

  Stubborn.

  Li Yan understood—she genuinely didn't want him dead.

  "So what do we do?" he asked. "The tokens are on me. Yuan Shao won't let me go."

  Cui Yan stood and walked to the window, gazing out. "Wait."

  "Wait for what?"

  "For an opportunity." She turned back. "Lord Yuan is busy dealing with Han Fu right now; he won't focus on you immediately. I'll find a way to get you out."

  Li Yan looked at her earnest profile, and warmth suddenly filled his heart.

  "Lady Cui," he said softly, "thank you."

  Cui Yan turned and met his gaze.

  For a moment, neither spoke.

  Outside, the sun was setting. Its last rays poured into the room, gilding everything.

  III

  Li Yan stayed in the Yuan residence for five days.

  During those five days, he couldn't go anywhere. He spent his time wandering the courtyard, chatting with the guards, joking with the maids, and learning gardening from the old gardener.

  Steward Tian visited him once a day, politely inquiring after his needs, politely departing. Yuan Shao never appeared.

  On the sixth day, Cui Yan came again.

  This time, her expression was even graver.

  "Something's happened." She said as soon as she entered.

  "What?"

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  "Qu Yi, a general under Han Fu, mutinied last night with his troops and defected to Lord Yuan." Cui Yan lowered her voice. "Lord Yuan has decided to seize Ji Province. He'll move within days."

  Li Yan frowned. "What does that have to do with me?"

  "It does." Cui Yan looked at him. "Lord Yuan wants to use you."

  "Use me? How?"

  "I don't know the details yet," Cui Yan said, "but Steward Tian just told me my lord wants to see you tomorrow. Be prepared."

  Li Yan grinned. "Prepared for what? To be knifed or rewarded?"

  Cui Yan glared at him. "Be serious."

  "I am serious." Li Yan spread his hands. "Meet soldiers with weapons, meet water with an earth dam. If Yuan Shao wants the tokens, I'll give him fakes. If he wants me to do something, I'll do it—outwardly compliant, inwardly defiant. That's how you survive in chaotic times, isn't it?"

  Cui Yan looked at his carefree demeanor and suddenly sighed.

  "Li Yan," she used his given name for the first time, "sometimes I really can't figure you out. When I think you're clever, you do foolish things. When I think you're foolish, you're clearer-headed than anyone."

  Li Yan grinned. "It's called appearing foolish but being wise."

  Cui Yan said nothing.

  They sat facing each other, the room momentarily silent.

  After a long while, Cui Yan took a small cloth bag from her sleeve and placed it on the table.

  "Take this."

  Li Yan opened it. Inside was a token engraved with the character "Cui," a few gold leaves, and a small porcelain vial.

  "The token can mobilize the Cui clan's shops in Ji Province for information and aid." Cui Yan said. "The gold leaves are for expenses. The vial contains antidote pills that can counter common poisons."

  Li Yan looked up at her. "Are you... making your last arrangements?"

  "Shut up." Cui Yan's face reddened slightly. "I'm just... preparing for the worst."

  Li Yan carefully tucked the bag into his robe, close to his body.

  "Lady Cui," he said seriously, "if I get out of this alive, I will definitely come and drink that tea with you."

  "The tea is kept warm." Her voice was soft.

  She stood, walked to the door, and looked back at him.

  That look held too many emotions to count.

  Then she was gone.

  Li Yan sat in the room, touching the bag in his robe, his heart a tangle of feelings.

  This woman...

  IV

  The next morning, Steward Tian arrived.

  "Righteous Man Li, my lord requests your presence."

  Li Yan followed him through compound after compound to the main hall of the Yuan residence.

  The hall was imposing, with carved beams and painted rafters, luxuriously furnished. In the center sat a man in his forties, with a face like jade, flowing beard and whiskers, dressed in brocade robes and a jade crown, radiating an air of stately elegance.

  It was Yuan Shao himself, Yuan Benchu.

  To his left and right stood several men—some scholars, some military officers. Li Yan scanned them and saw Cui Yan at the end of the scholars' row, standing with head bowed.

  "My lord, Li Yan is here," Steward Tian announced.

  Yuan Shao looked up and assessed Li Yan.

  His gaze was like lightning, probing and oppressive.

  Li Yan clasped his hands. "The commoner Li Yan pays respects to Lord Yuan."

  "Rise." Yuan Shao's voice was gentle but carried authority. "Righteous Man Li, I have long heard of your name. I am told you exposed the military equipment case in Luoyang, rescued Wu Kuang, and produced the jade tokens—truly a hero of our age."

  "You flatter me, Lord Yuan." Li Yan remained composed. "I am but a wanderer of the Jianghu, unworthy of the title 'hero.'"

  Yuan Shao smiled. "A wanderer of the Jianghu, yet able to stir the winds and clouds of Luoyang—that is even more remarkable. Come, be seated."

  A stool was brought, and Li Yan sat down.

  "Righteous Man Li, do you know why I have invited you here?" Yuan Shao asked.

  "I do not," Li Yan feigned ignorance.

  Yuan Shao didn't mince words. "For the jade tokens."

  Just as expected.

  Li Yan's expression didn't change. "Jade tokens? What jade tokens?"

  "The relics of Dou Wu. Ten pieces of broken jade that assemble into a map leading to a secret edict." Yuan Shao spoke slowly. "You, Righteous Man, have seven of them on your person."

  Li Yan's heart jolted—he even knew the number?

  He glanced at Cui Yan. She gave a slight shake of her head, indicating it wasn't from her.

  Then who?

  "Lord Yuan jokes," Li Yan said with a smile. "I only have a few broken pieces of jade on me, keepsakes from an old friend—worthless."

  Yuan Shao didn't get angry. He picked up his teacup and took a sip.

  "Righteous Man Li," he said, "I'll be straightforward. I want the jade tokens. But I won't take them for nothing."

  He clapped his hands.

  Two guards brought forward a chest and opened it.

  Golden light blazed forth—a chest full of gold ingots.

  "A thousand taels of gold," Yuan Shao said, "in exchange for your seven jade tokens."

  Li Yan looked at the chest of gold and laughed.

  "Lord Yuan," he said, "I may be poor, but I'm not so poor that I'd sell things for money. Besides, these jade tokens truly are keepsakes from a departed friend. Selling them would betray the dead."

  Yuan Shao's expression darkened slightly.

  A scholar stepped forward—Li Yan would later learn his name was Guo Tu.

  "Li Yan!" Guo Tu barked. "My lord is being reasonable. Don't be ungrateful!"

  Li Yan glanced at him. "And you are, sir?"

  "Guo Tu, Guo Gongze."

  "Ah, Master Guo." Li Yan nodded. "I am indeed ungrateful. Forgive me."

  Guo Tu's face turned pale with anger.

  Another scholar stepped forward, his voice mild. "Righteous Man Li, my lord seeks the jade tokens not for private gain, but for the great cause of the realm. The Son of Heaven is now in distress, Dong Zhuo rules tyrannically. My lord wishes to raise troops against the traitor and needs a righteous cause. The jade tokens are tied to the late emperor's secret edict, the very source of that legitimacy. If you, Righteous Man, could offer them, it would be a meritorious deed in support of the Han."

  This one spoke much more pleasantly.

  Li Yan asked, "And you, sir?"

  "Xun Chen, courtesy name Youruo."

  Xun Chen, of the Yingchuan Xun clan, a renowned scholar. Li Yan had heard of him.

  "Master Xun," Li Yan said earnestly, "your words are reasonable. But I have a question: if I give the jade tokens to Lord Yuan, will he truly act on the edict, attack Dong Zhuo, and support the Han?"

  The hall fell silent.

  Yuan Shao's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, Righteous Man Li?"

  "Nothing much," Li Yan said. "Just asking. After all, there are many these days who raise the banner of 'supporting the Han.' Those who genuinely do so... are few."

  The words were blunt, almost an open accusation of hypocrisy.

  Guo Tu was furious. "How dare you!"

  But Yuan Shao laughed.

  "Good, good." He set down his cup. "I appreciate your courage. Let's set aside the matter of the jade tokens for now. I have another matter on which I would like your assistance."

  Here it comes.

  "What matter?" Li Yan asked.

  "Han Fu, the Governor of Ji Province, is incompetent and cannot protect the region or its people." Yuan Shao spoke slowly. "I wish to replace him and restore peace to Ji Province. But Han Fu still has troops. A direct assault would harm the people. I would like you, Righteous Man, to undertake a task."

  "What task?"

  "Assassinate Geng Wu and Guan Chun, generals under Han Fu." Yuan Shao said. "These two are loyal to Han Fu unto death. If they are removed, Han Fu will be thrown into chaos. I can then take Ji Province without bloodshed."

  Li Yan laughed inwardly.

  Without bloodshed? Assassination wasn't bloodshed?

  "Lord Yuan," he said, "I am a wanderer, not an assassin."

  "After the deed is done, I can appoint you Commandant with command of three thousand troops." Yuan Shao laid out his terms. "Or, if you prefer not to hold office, I can gift you ten thousand gold and ensure a life of wealth and honor."

  Li Yan was silent.

  Everyone in the hall watched him.

  Cui Yan, standing at the back, clenched her hands slightly.

  After a long moment, Li Yan looked up and smiled.

  "Lord Yuan," he said, "I have a flaw—I don't like being used as a blade."

  Yuan Shao's expression darkened.

  "Li Yan, don't refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a penalty!" Guo Tu barked.

  "Master Guo," Li Yan turned to look at him, "you seem rather agitated. Was this assassination plan your idea? What, afraid to go yourself, so you push others?"

  Guo Tu trembled with rage. "You... you..."

  "Enough." Yuan Shao raised his hand.

  He looked at Li Yan, his gaze icy.

  "Righteous Man Li," he said, "I will give you three days to consider. In three days, give me your answer."

  He waved. "Escort him out."

  Guards stepped forward and led Li Yan away.

  As he left the main hall, Li Yan glanced back.

  Cui Yan was watching him, her expression complex.

  V

  Li Yan was locked back in the little courtyard.

  This time, the guard was increased. Four men stood at the courtyard entrance, all armed.

  Li Yan paced his room a couple of times, then sat down to tea.

  The tea had gone cold. He drank it anyway.

  He was thinking about Yuan Shao's words.

  Assassinate Geng Wu and Guan Chun? He had heard of these two—loyal ministers under Han Fu. Historically, they had indeed been killed for opposing Yuan Shao's seizure of Ji Province.

  But for him to do the killing?

  No.

  Not because he dared not, but because he would not.

  A wanderer had his own bottom line. Kill corrupt officials, kill bandits and bullies—yes. Kill loyal generals and good ministers? No.

  Besides, this was Yuan Shao's political purge. Why should he get involved?

  As he thought, a faint tapping came from the window.

  Li Yan went to the window and pushed it open a crack.

  No one outside.

  But a small slip of paper lay on the sill.

  He quickly grabbed it and closed the window.

  The note bore a single line in small, elegant script: "Tonight at midnight, the rockery in the back garden."

  No signature, but the handwriting was Cui Yan's.

  Li Yan burned the note and pondered.

  Cui Yan wanted to see him—it must be important.

  He waited until late night, around midnight, then quietly pushed open the window.

  Four guards at the courtyard entrance: two dozing, two chatting. Li Yan slipped out the window, hugged the wall, and crept to the courtyard wall.

  The wall wasn't high. With a light leap, he was over.

  He landed silently.

  Following the route he remembered, he made his way to the back garden. The rockery was in the northeast corner, very secluded.

  Cui Yan was already there, waiting.

  She wore dark clothing, nearly blending into the night.

  "You came," she whispered.

  "Yeah." Li Yan crouched beside her. "What's so urgent?"

  "Lord Yuan can't wait." Cui Yan said. "He just summoned Guo Tu and Feng Ji. They've decided to move tomorrow—if you refuse, they'll kill you immediately and search for the tokens."

  Li Yan's heart sank.

  "So soon?"

  "After Qu Yi's defection, Han Fu is already shaken." Cui Yan said. "Lord Yuan wants to strike while the iron's hot. He can't wait three days."

  Li Yan was silent a moment, then asked, "Do you have a plan?"

  "I've arranged it." Cui Yan took a small bundle from her robe. "This is a guard's uniform from the Yuan residence. Put it on. Tomorrow morning, Steward Tian will come to take you to see Lord Yuan—that's your last chance. On the way, you'll pass the west side gate. One of my people will be waiting there. Follow him directly out of the city."

  Li Yan took the bundle and looked at her. "And you? If I go, what about you?"

  "I'll be fine." Cui Yan said. "Lord Yuan still needs the Cui family's support. He won't harm me. At worst... some punishment."

  Li Yan shook his head. "No. If I go, you'll be in danger."

  "Better than watching you die." The words slipped out.

  Even she seemed surprised by them.

  Li Yan was stunned too.

  They stared at each other in the darkness, momentarily speechless.

  After a long moment, Li Yan laughed.

  "Lady Cui," he said, "hearing you say that, I'm almost moved."

  Cui Yan turned her face away. "Less joking. Remember: tomorrow at the hour of the dragon, Steward Tian will come. Change clothes, and act according to circumstances."

  "And you?" Li Yan asked. "Won't you come with me?"

  "I can't." Cui Yan shook her head. "Dozens of my clan are still in Ye City. I can't abandon them."

  Li Yan looked at her, and a sudden impulse surged in his heart.

  He wanted to take her away, away from this accursed place, away from all these scheming intrigues, to a quiet place where they could drink tea, watch flowers, and live.

  But he knew it was impossible.

  Cui Yan had her responsibilities; he had his path.

  "Lady Cui," he said softly, "take care."

  Cui Yan turned to look at him. In the moonlight, her eyes glistened.

  "You too," she said. "After you leave the city, go south. Don't look back. Don't go to Yan Province—Cao Cao's side isn't safe either. Go to Jing Province, or to Jiangdong."

  Li Yan nodded. "Alright."

  They were silent again.

  In the distance, the watchman's clapper sounded—the hour of the ox.

  "I should go." Cui Yan said.

  She stood, took one last look at him, then turned and vanished into the night.

  Li Yan stood there, clutching the bundle, for a long time.

  VI

  The next morning, Steward Tian arrived as expected.

  "Righteous Man Li, my lord requests your presence."

  Li Yan had already changed into the guard's uniform—Cui Yan had been thorough, even providing a matching waist token. He had wrapped his own clothes and hidden them under the bed. He followed Steward Tian out.

  Four guards fell in behind.

  As they walked toward the main hall, passing the west side gate, Li Yan saw a young guard standing there who gave him a slight nod.

  Cui Yan's man.

  Li Yan slowed his pace. When Steward Tian rounded a corner, he suddenly turned and dashed for the west side gate.

  "Halt!" The guards reacted and drew their swords, giving chase.

  The young guard opened the gate. "Quick!"

  Li Yan burst through the gate. Outside, a horse was waiting—his old nag. He vaulted into the saddle and looked back.

  The young guard had already closed the gate and was blocking it with his body.

  "Brother, thanks!" Li Yan shouted.

  "Go!" the young guard shouted.

  Li Yan whipped the reins. The old horse stretched its legs and galloped toward the city outskirts.

  The streets were crowded. He couldn't ride too fast for fear of hitting someone. Behind him came shouts and hoofbeats—pursuers.

  He ducked into alleys, winding this way and that, heading for the gate as best he could remember.

  As he neared the gate, he saw the guards had been reinforced and were checking all travelers.

  He couldn't get out.

  Li Yan reined in and hid at an alley mouth, observing.

  What to do? Charge through? Impossible. Wait for nightfall? He wouldn't last that long.

  Just as he was getting desperate, a carriage rolled toward the gate. It was lavish, with the character "Cui" embroidered on its curtains.

  A Cui family carriage.

  At the gate, the guards stopped it.

  The curtain lifted, and Cui Yan looked out.

  "What's the matter?" she asked.

  "Lady Cui," the guard said respectfully, "my lord has ordered strict checks on all those leaving the city."

  "Even me?" Cui Yan's voice was cold.

  "Well..." The guard hesitated.

  Cui Yan produced a token. "I have urgent business outside the city. Let me pass."

  Seeing the token, the guard dared not obstruct further and waved her through.

  The carriage slowly rolled out of the gate.

  Li Yan watched, an idea forming.

  He waited until the carriage was some distance away, then urged his horse toward the gate.

  "Halt!" A guard stopped him.

  Li Yan showed his waist token—the one Cui Yan had given him.

  "Lady Cui ordered me out of the city on business," he said.

  The guard examined the token. It was genuine. He looked at Li Yan's guard uniform and waved him through.

  Li Yan rode out of the city and let out a long sigh of relief.

  He looked back at the towering walls of Ye City, a tumult of emotions.

  He owed his escape to Cui Yan.

  He would not forget this debt.

  VII

  Once outside the city, Li Yan avoided the main roads, sticking to side paths.

  His old horse might love eating tree bark, but it wasn't slow. By midday, he had covered over thirty li.

  At noon, he stopped by a stream to let the horse drink and washed his own face.

  He took out the cloth bag Cui Yan had given him and opened it. Inside were the token, the gold leaves, the antidote vial.

  And a small slip of paper he hadn't noticed last night.

  He unfolded it. On it was Cui Yan's handwriting:

  "The Jianghu road is long. Take care. The tea is kept warm, awaiting your return. — Yan"

  Li Yan looked at it, smiled, and as he smiled, his eyes felt a little hot.

  He carefully folded the note and placed it with the jade tokens.

  Then he stood and looked south.

  He couldn't go to Yan Province—Cao Cao's side was off-limits. Jing Province? Jiangdong?

  He thought for a moment and decided to head east—to Qing Province.

  Rumor had it that Yellow Turban remnants were causing havoc there, the people suffering terribly. Since he had no immediate business, he might as well go and help.

  Decision made. He mounted his horse and headed east.

  As dusk fell, he passed a village.

  The village was desolate, many houses burned, fields overgrown with weeds, not a soul in sight.

  As he rode, he suddenly heard crying.

  He followed the sound and found an old man and a child amidst the ruins.

  The old man was in his sixties or seventies, skin and bone. The child was five or six, gaunt and sallow.

  They huddled together, trembling.

  Li Yan dismounted and approached.

  "Elder," he said softly, "where are the villagers?"

  The old man looked up, his eyes vacant. "Dead... all dead... Yellow Turban bandits came, killed, captured..."

  Li Yan's heart sank.

  He took out dry rations and handed them to the old man and child.

  The old man accepted and wolfed them down. The child ate too, but cried as he ate.

  "Don't cry." Li Yan patted his head. "Eat slowly."

  After eating, the old man looked at him. "Brave sir, are you with the government army?"

  "No," Li Yan shook his head. "I'm a wanderer."

  "A wanderer..." the old man murmured. "Can a wanderer fight Yellow Turban bandits?"

  "Yes." Li Yan said. "Elder, are there Yellow Turban bandits nearby?"

  The old man nodded. "Twenty li east, there's a mountain stronghold with a few hundred men. Their leader is called Guan Hai, very fierce..."

  Guan Hai?

  Li Yan had heard of him—a fierce Yellow Turban general.

  He thought for a moment, then said, "Elder, come with me. I'll take you to a safe place."

  The old man shook his head. "Can't walk... I'm old, the child is small... Brave sir, you go on."

  Li Yan looked at him, then at the child.

  The child stared at him with big eyes, fear and hope mingled in them.

  Li Yan took a deep breath and crouched down.

  "Come on," he said to the child. "I'll carry you."

  The child looked at his grandfather, who nodded. The child climbed onto Li Yan's back.

  Li Yan then helped the old man up. "Elder, lean on me. We'll go slowly."

  The old man wept. "Brave sir... you... you are a good man..."

  Li Yan said nothing. Supporting the old man, carrying the child on his back, leading his horse, he walked slowly forward.

  The sun set, casting his shadow long.

  Chaotic times, chaotic times—when would they ever end?

  He didn't know.

  But he did know that as long as there were people in need of help, he couldn't stop walking.

  This was his path.

  This was also his fate.