Chapter 17: An Extraordinary Man

Xu Sanjin was clearly aware of Mute Wu’s true identity, and from their exchange it was evident that he was the only one in the entire Xu household privy to the truth. Even so, the two of them had not met for many years.

“The world of martial arts and the imperial court—since ancient times, both have been rife with turmoil. The world may be vast, yet it cannot escape the cycles of love, enmity, life, and death. Ten years ago, I saw through worldly affairs. The Tang dynasty is at its zenith; there is nothing more to see.”

Mute Wu wrote on the wall, but he did not use ink and brush. Instead, he dipped his fingertips in tea and flicked droplets through the air, landing them upon the wall. The moment the water touched the surface, it instantly scattered and arranged itself into characters at a remarkable speed. Though the candlelight in the room was dim, the words left by Mute Wu seemed to absorb the radiance of all the stars in the sky, shining with an unnatural brilliance.

Xu Sanjin considered himself worldly and well-traveled, yet the abilities of the man before him left him feeling as though he stood in the presence of an immortal, awestruck in ways he could scarcely describe.

“I never imagined that after ten years, you would attain such a state of mind. This is a realm reserved only for sages. If ever I can relinquish my worldly ties, I shall follow you in your cultivation.”

“Master Xu, you flatter me. This child—he is the one you brought into the household, is he not?”

“That’s correct. And you—what is your connection to him?”

Xu Sanjin glanced at Lu Xin, who lay unconscious on the bed, his expression tinged with curiosity. He could not fathom why the reclusive Mute Wu should suddenly take such an interest in this child.

“This boy’s life has been fraught with hardship, but his nature is pure and kind. He is one of the few clear-minded souls left in this world. My concern for him may have been sparked by a whim, yet I cannot bear to see him perish at the hands of petty villains.”

“So you know who the culprit is?”

Mute Wu nodded, though he did not reveal that Liu the Leper was the hand behind it all. Xu Sanjin was shrewd; upon reflection, he could easily deduce that it was someone within the household who had laid the trap, and his face darkened accordingly. Yet since Mute Wu did not name names, he too refrained from asking further.

“It is not my place to meddle in the affairs of the household. You are a man of understanding; you would never bring disgrace to your father’s name. But this child is no ordinary soul—your household cannot contain him.”

“You truly have a discerning eye. To tell the truth, the reason I purchased him into the household was precisely because of his uniqueness. Two months ago, in Brooklet Town…”

For the next half hour, Xu Sanjin recounted to Mute Wu his experiences in Brooklet Town, giving particular attention to the appearance of the man in white. Even Mute Wu was shocked by what he heard. Though the term “Onmyoji” was no secret in the Tang dynasty, it was rare for ordinary folk to encounter a true master.

After hearing Xu Sanjin’s tale, Mute Wu gazed long at Lu Xin in silence, as if weighing a decision he could not quite make. Only when the candle on the table was about to burn out did he again write upon the wall.

“He secretly bought and sold Dream Soul Paste, violating household rules. How do you intend to handle this?”

Xu Sanjin frowned in thought for a moment, then suddenly broke into a laugh.

“I only forbade the servants from using Dream Soul Paste, not from trading it. The boy did not partake himself—what crime is that? At his age, to already grasp the art of dealing in rare goods is no small feat. We merchants know that those who follow every rule rarely accomplish much. If this child can be properly guided, he will become a pillar of the Xu household. Yet as you said, he is no ordinary person, and with a brother out in the world, I have no wish to force him to stay.”

“And your intention? He insists on repaying your kindness before he leaves. For a child his age to have such a sense of gratitude is rare indeed.”

“Hahaha, it matters not. I had Feng Li take him under his wing precisely to see if he could find his own way out of the West Wing. Now that he has earned your favor, it only proves my judgment was sound. As for his future, I have already made plans.”

Xu Sanjin and Mute Wu spoke until the early hours before finally parting, leaving Liu the Leper and his associates deeply unsettled, fearing Mute Wu might have said something to their master. Yet when Xu Sanjin returned to the South Wing, he immediately ordered Cao An’s release and made no mention of Lu Xin’s injuries or the assassin’s intrusion; the matter of the Dream Soul Paste was left unresolved. Though Liu the Leper and Feng Li failed in their scheme, they consoled themselves with the twenty-eight taels of silver they had acquired from Lu Xin and, not being under suspicion, considered themselves well compensated.

Two days later, Lu Xin awoke from his coma. Mute Wu had personally tended to him, brewing medicine at his bedside, which moved Lu Xin deeply. Because of his injuries, Lu Xin was confined to bed for the next ten days, during which he devoted himself to studying the Book of Auspicious Burials. According to Mute Wu, its contents were written in a mysterious and ancient script that even he could not decipher. Lu Xin regarded it as an ancient code, akin to the modern invention of Morse code, requiring translation by some special method.

“Uncle Wu, did you see who tried to kill me?”

“I saw. It was a man of the martial world. With your intelligence, you should be able to guess who acted against you from the shadows.”

“Hmph. The reason my Dream Soul Paste trade went so smoothly in the household was all thanks to Steward Liu’s favor. I simply did not expect that Feng Li was his man.”

“The affairs of the world are complex. Even the most cunning strategist will sometimes make a mistake. Let this be a lesson to you—be more careful in the future. As for this grudge, seeking vengeance only breeds more vengeance. You are destined to leave here. Don’t trouble yourself with such petty people.”

“I will remember your words, Uncle Wu. It’s just a pity about the twenty-eight taels of silver. In the end, it all amounts to nothing.”

At this point, Lu Xin was less concerned about the attempt on his life than he was about the loss of his silver. He had braved great risk and spent two months earning that money, which was his hope of leaving the Xu household. Now that it had been taken from him so easily, his anger only grew. Mute Wu, seeing that Lu Xin cared more for his money than his life, could only shake his head and urge him to recover his health first.

Three days later, Lu Xin at last recovered fully from his internal injuries. Early in the morning, he prepared to find Mute Wu and help him clean the latrines. But as soon as he washed his face, he found Feng Li standing in his doorway, eyeing him with a sinister gaze. Lu Xin burned with anger and was about to demand the return of his silver, but recalling Mute Wu’s advice, managed to hold his tongue.

“What do you want?”

“Heh heh, now that your injuries have healed, it’s only proper for me, your elder brother, to check in on you. What, not going to invite me in for a drink?”

“If you really wanted a drink, Brother Feng, you could have your fill anywhere you pleased. No need to come to me. Come, let’s drop the pretense—what is it you want?”

Lu Xin glared at Feng Li with such intensity he might have chewed him up and swallowed him whole. Feng Li, unnerved by the stare, gave a cold laugh and turned away.

“The master has summoned you to the main hall of the South Wing. Go at once. If you’re late, you’ll learn what rules are.”

“The master? Master Xu wants to see me? I’m just a lowly servant—what business could he possibly have with me?”

Lu Xin’s heart skipped a beat. Since entering the Xu household, he had never once seen Xu Sanjin. The rules were strict: low-ranking servants like him were only allowed in the West and North Wings and did the most menial work. He’d never even glimpsed the young masters or mistresses, let alone the master himself. For Xu Sanjin to summon him now, it could only be about the Dream Soul Paste business—there was no other reason.

“Ah, what rotten luck. Damn you, Feng Li—were it not for Uncle Wu’s advice, I’d have put you in your grave today!”

As Lu Xin followed Feng Li toward the South Wing, he silently cursed him with every step. He couldn’t actually fight him, and even if he could, he’d stand no chance. Yet the bitterness in his heart demanded venting, or he’d surely choke. Feng Li, knowing full well how much Lu Xin must hate him and guilty over having taken his money, said not a word for the entire journey.

The South Wing faced the main street and was the most opulent part of the Xu estate. Xu Sanjin and his entire family resided there. The moment Lu Xin entered, he was greeted by a medley of fragrances—flowers, trees, even pastries baking in the kitchens. Though it was summer, the gardens and rockeries throughout the South Wing made every step a delight, the sound of flowing water everywhere, and not a hint of summer’s oppressive heat.

Lu Xin followed Feng Li for nearly twenty minutes before reaching the main hall. Within, Xu Sanjin sat alone. Glancing around, Lu Xin saw the hall adorned with antique calligraphy and paintings, every table and chair carved from the finest huanghuali wood, even the screens painted in gold—extravagance at its peak.

Xu Sanjin set down his teacup and gestured for Lu Xin to sit. Baffled, Lu Xin obeyed, not daring to speak first.

“Since purchasing you into my household, I have not once inquired about your affairs. I had hoped Feng Li would guide you well, yet you’ve managed to cause quite a stir in the West Wing. The young do indeed surpass the old.”

“Master Xu, about the Dream Soul Paste…”

Lu Xin’s face paled; he had expected this moment and rose to explain, but Xu Sanjin cut him off.

“We’ll leave that matter aside for now. Do you remember how much silver I paid to bring you into my household, and how many years you are bound to serve?”

“You paid a hundred taels for my grandfather’s burial. I sold myself to the Xu household, ten years of servitude.”

“Correct. But you wish to leave, don’t you?”

“Yes!” Lu Xin’s face tightened as he shot to his feet. At this point, he had no intention of hiding anything.

“I want to go to Chang’an to find my brother, but I cannot leave without repaying your great kindness. I will find a way to return the hundred taels of silver. I only hope that when the time comes, Master Xu will let me go. I will never forget your kindness for as long as I live.”

“Hahaha! A hundred taels—how do you intend to repay it? With Dream Soul Paste? Or by thievery and deceit?”

Xu Sanjin slapped the table, laughing heartily, his gaze suddenly sharp as a blade. Lu Xin trembled, knowing he was in the wrong, and quickly lowered his head. Fortunately, Xu Sanjin’s voice soon softened.

“A merchant values honesty above all, and benevolence as the foundation. Some things may be done, but some money must never be taken. You are educated; you should understand this. The Dream Soul Paste is forgiven as youthful indiscretion. But I never make a loss in business. If you wish to leave, you must not only repay the hundred taels, but add another hundred on top.”