Perhaps Not Empty

This house looks still intact... and it even has a little garden.

Though the village is now abandoned, look how carefully the roads and houses were laid out. It must have been a prosperous settlement once.

I wonder how it was ruined... Catastrophe? Navigated off course? An issue with the Chidao? Something else?

Oh... I was so occupied with looking at the house that I forgot to eat.

The people of Baizao really know how to honor their food. There are so many varieties of dried provisions, and I purchased almost each one of them! Which should I taste first?

Even the plainest seasoned instant food smell delicious, and there's also coarse multi-grain meal, vacuum-packed tofu wraps, and self-heating mixed mushroom rice...

S-Sorry for disturbing you.

No disturbance at all. The doors and windows here are nothing but frames. Since thou art willing to talk with this humble servant of Buddha, please show thyself.

Have you... come here from Baizao?

Er...

Well guessed. I am of Higashi, but I wandered to Yan long ago and left Baizao just a few days past.

Art thou... the master of this place?

Huh? You can tell at a glance that it's been abandoned for a while. How could I possibly live here?

I had the same thought. Is there not typically some kind of diversion that turns rubble into grand halls, dewdrops into fine dishes, and the sound of wind into music?

Diversion?

Wait a minute. Who do you take me for?! I'm the daughter of a respectable family. I'm just passing through and staying here for the night, same as you!

Ah. Thou hast come from Shangshu. Lost thy way on the road to Baizao? This is what bringest thou to spend the night in this place?

Good guess. My family name is Yuan, and we have always lived at the foot of Zuanjiang Peak. You may call me Xiaoyu.

I'm indeed on my way to the capital. I'm going to the Tianshi Bureau to find a Tianshi who... has been kind to my family.

Ah, thou seekest the capital to pay a debt of gratitude?

'Pay a debt of gratitude'? I wouldn't go that far. It's just that... my family is wealthy, so they were targeted by bandits. One of the Tianshis happened to be passing through and saved my family's lives.

My father and mother are both people who value gratitude, and they appreciated the Tianshi's kindness. Since it was New Year's, they sent a letter, along with some local specialties, to convey their thanks.

But they received no reply. They don't know if the package got lost in the mail or not. My parents are getting on in age. I didn't want them to worry about this, so I decided to go to Baizao and thank the Tianshi in person.

I never imagined that as I neared Baizao, I wouldn't even be able to see the city...

I see. Baizao is on the march this month. I suspect thou hast ventured to the wrong stop? I made the same mistake myself on the road to Jiangqi.

On the march? Hmm... I know I should not ask this, since you just left Baizao... but... it's the first time I've ever left my home, and finding Baizao on my own has been such a difficult task...

If it wouldn't delay your journey, sister, would you take me to Baizao so I might seek an audience at the Tianshi Bureau? As long as I can get there, I shall empty my purse to you in thanks!

(Xiaoyu truly is a Shangshu gentlewoman. She speaks in such proper, formal tones. It is most fortunate I am already so accustomed to Yan, or I might struggle to understand her...)

This would not delay me! I am but a wandering monk with no fixed itinerary. I left Baizao but a few days ago, it would require very little effort to turn around and catch the city. Let me escort you to the capital—no need for compensation.

How could I possibly accept that, dear sister? Ever since I was little, my parents taught me that 'every kindness deserves a thanks'. If you hadn't agreed to take me along with you, I'd be lost in the wilderness, my very life at risk...

I simply have to repay a great kindness like that.

Is there anything you're particularly fond of, sister? Is there anything you might need on your travels?

No. I have everything I—

You keep refusing my offers, sister. Is it because you don't believe I am sincere in expressing my gratitude?

Ah! Perish the thought, it is a simple fact that I have always lived on my own, in humble poverty, with all that I have being all that I need.

(Why do I feel that this Xiaoyu girl is a bit strange...?)

Are you saying, sister, that you still don't believe me? You think I'm some kind of poltergeist from the mountains?

——

Why dost thou speak such things? I would never... I certainly...

Then, *sniff* sister, you must think I'm overthinking...

Well... uhh... upon our arrival at Baizao, thou mayest offer me a proper vegetarian meal.

Ah, so you are a foodie after all. I just heard you talking about dried provisions.

It is because I heard thine stomach rumbling...

You heard that?! And you're telling me you heard it?! Aiya...

......

Why don't you speak, sister?

I am in fear of once again speaking wrongly.

Sorry... That's my fault. Ever since I was little, I've had this habit of talking back. Even the neighbor girl used to scold me for it—once she got so flustered she almost threw away my... what was it again...?

I'm rambling too much. In any case, I'm sorry, sister.

Ah... aiyo...

Xiaoyu, wouldst thou enjoy some dried provisions with me?

Sister, my feet ache...

No matter. Noon is almost upon us. Let us stop and rest for a spell.

I wonder if I will be allowed to visit the Tianshi Bureaus when I get to Baizao.

With a proper reason to request an audience, thou needst only follow the rules and register. To my understanding, thine Tianshi seems a kind, upstanding woman—she would not turn away a caller.

Yes. It's just that I'm worried it might be hard to even get word to her, or that my trivial request won't even be passed along at all...

If only I had skills like yours, sister... After these days traveling together, I've realized you're not only kind-hearted, but also highly skilled in the martial arts—truly impressive.

The martial arts are for self-defense alone. There are many challenges in our world they cannot solve.

A woman like you, sister monk, with such martial skill, can of course say that. But for us ordinary folk, we just hope for a bit more strength so we are better prepared for challenges when they arise.

If I hadn't been so young, if I'd had skills of my own, would I have needed the Tianshi's kindness just to keep my family safe?

(So Xiaoyu's family was attacked by bandits when she was a child...?)

Thine words, Xiaoyu, have given me an idea.

If thou harborest such admiration for this Tianshi's skills, why not challenge the examination at the Tianshi Bureaus? Shouldst thou master her Arts, thou couldst protect more than just thy family.

—Me? How could I ever...?

Excuse my poor manners. What I meant to say was, 'I will consider your advice, dear sister...'

Say, our kettle of water is empty. Since we're already taking a break, why don't we boil some water before continuing on?

Sister, could I trouble you to light the fire? I'm ashamed to admit that I always fear fire, though I know it's crucial to people who travel across the wilderness...

As for me, I'll go get some water. I remember we passed a creek just now.

Xiaoyu, didst thou not speak of foot pain?

Yes, I did. Sister, may I rub your ears a moment? When I was small and went on outings with my brother, I'd get tired and cry, and he'd let me touch his ears—it was soothing.

Ah... I fear that would be somewhat...

Haha, I was just teasing, sister. Very good, then. I'm going now.

Ah, there are dandelions by the creek here. I think I'll pick some. We've got the fire going—there's no point in just boiling water.

There are some more on the other side of the creek...

Ah. The stream narrows down here, and there's a stone I can step on...

Huh? Why is the stone moving?!

Wah! It's a giant gloompincer!

Sister! Help me! Save me!

Don't panic.

Wait, you are...

Never mind. First I need to—

Ah! My feet——!

Ah! It's pinching your feet!

Thank you for saving me!

Ah. It was nothing! But, young man, why didst thou drag the gloompincer's carcass with you?

Huh? We can get the claw and belly meat out while it's still fresh! Otherwise, it'll just go to waste! Haha!

What? This giant gloompincer is... edible?

Of course it is! Sorry. I still haven't introduced myself. My family name is Li. I'm studying agriculture at the Tianshi Bureaus.

This gloompincer may be big, but it has the same internal composition as any other gloompincer. If we can extract meat from the small ones, then this one is no different.

Weren't you already boiling water? I only came over because I saw the smoke from your fire—I never expected to find this young lady in danger.

A Tianshi?!

Ah, Tianshi Li, my apologies for not greeting you more properly. I am called Saga. I hail from Higashi. Today, I travel across Yan.

My name is... Yuan Yu. I'm from Shangshu. I got lost on my way to the capital, but luckily, this sister was there to guide me.

Oh...

Tianshi Li, are you also on your way to Baizao? Are you perhaps on your way back to the Tianshi Bureaus?

Ah. That's right. I left the capital to acquire some special 'strain samples', and now I'm on my way back. If you're also going to Baizao, then shall we go together?

Xiaoyu, thou art blessed with luck. The matter of thy concern... Perhaps Tianshi Li may assist?

Hmm? What is it?

Oh. It's nothing, just a minor issue. I'll tell you about it once we reach Baizao!

Tianshi Li, the 'strain samples' you just mentioned, are they your wondrous 'devices', by any chance? Ever since I was little, I've read stories about the hundreds of different devices that Tianshis use, but I've never seen one with my own eyes...

Haha. I wouldn't call them wondrous devices. I've just... well I've been at the Tianshi Bureaus for all these years, and I've never seen any strain cultured this flawlessly... Let me show you!

O-Oh... I was just being curious about the devices... I apologize for being uncouth!

A rare occurrence to see Xiaoyu so brash...

No trouble! But I really don't have any wondrous devices here, only this thing. Look, it's quite good—

......

This would appear to be a... moldy orange?

Yes! Look at this mold! Look how well it's growing! It's beautiful...

This thing will rescue my schoolbrother's thesis...

Xiaoyu.

Gah... uhh...

What hast thou? Is it perhaps Tianshi Li's bag?

......

I wasn't trying to steal his money. I just wanted to borrow something for a little bit. I had every intention of returning it.

This thing thou seekest to borrow, Xiaoyu, might it be an entry pass to the Tianshi Bureaus?

......

I have pondered why thou toldest not Tianshi Li the purpose of thy journey. As thou fearest thy message may not reach the Tianshi you seek, would it not have been best to ask him to help find her?

Xiaoyu, I believe thy goal has been and remains gaining access to the Tianshi Bureaus. To go so far as to steal into Tianshi Li's luggage...

Dare I ask thy true intentions on the Tianshis?

The Tianshi thou seekst, what, in fact, is thy true relation to her?

If you're asking these questions, then you already know the answer. Do you really need to ask?

Only a few things in this world would lead one to take such a risk to one's life.

If not the repayment of a debt of kindness...

Then thou seekest revenge.

......

Be careful, little one.

I know you have a kind heart, sister, and will surely try to stop me. But that Tianshi killed my entire family. This is all I live for now: to make my enemy pay with her life, so my family can rest in peace!

......

Xiaoyu, the Laws of Yan are strict indeed. If it be true that this Tianshi did harm, why not report it to the Three Organs of Justice? The legal system will surely grant thee justice—why risk thine own life?

I... but I don't even know her name. How would I even report the case?

Besides, officials hold power; commoners do not. All those storybooks are full of unsolved cases. Without the help of some extraordinary hero or honest magistrate, how could I ever win a case against a Tianshi? I'm just a girl, on my own.

The murder of an entire family is a major case. The Three Organs of Justice would never turn a blind eye to something so grave, even without the killer's name. So long as there is evidence, even a Tianshi will face justice.

But I don't have any evidence...

Then how dost thou know the Tianshi did it?

I... I remember her. I remember what she looked like!

And the blood... the blood flowed beneath my knees...

I awoke under a huge pile of rubble. My house was ruined and empty. I couldn't even find my family's corpses. All of this happened... after I met her...

Who else, other than that Tianshi, could have done it? If she didn't kill my family, who did?!

Thou knowest not the Tianshi's name, then, when didst thou meet her? As a child, or as an adult? Didst thou find her in the ruins, or in thy home?

Uhh... I think... it was...

I just know it was her! I just know it!

Didst thou witness her killing thy kin?

......

I was looking for her... and I saw... lots of dead people... and I was the only one left...

Xiaoyu, I recall thine words, that there was nary a corpse to be found?

Their-their corpses... no... uhh... no...

Ah, Xiaoyu, be not alarmed. It was not my place to so interrogate thee. Such a traumatizing experience has an affect on the memory, 'tis natural.

How many... were in my family?

Was it eleven...?

Or five hundred?

......

Xiaoyu, have thee remembered anything? Thou have been quiet for quite some time.

I...

Pardon my forwardness, but wouldst thou tell me of thine origins?

So you still suspect that I'm a poltergeist?

My family name is Yuan. I live at the foot of Zuanjiang Peak with my mother, my father, my brother's family, and an elder sister. The banana plant by the window, I remember how many leaves it had. I remember it all! I know exactly where I came from... how could I...?

But those bloody wastelands... what are...

Sister! Pinch me, touch me—I'm warm, my heart's still beating. I know hunger. I know thirst. I... I can't possibly be one of those monsters from the storybooks, right?

I have had many strange encounters over the years... but never once have I seen any wandering souls or ghosts like those of strange tales. It seems there are no ghosts on this great land.

Xiaoyu, thou sayest thy memory is clear. What exactly dost thou remember?

I remember... it was like... I got separated from my family; I chased after them, but all I found was a bloody mess...

I remember I was born at the foot of Zuanjiang Peak. My family loved me. Ever since I was small, I'd had nary a care nor worry...

I loved to listen to stories... I often played with the girl who lived next door. She used to wear her hair in twin buns. On the fifth of May, when she turned nine, I gave her a five-colored hair ribbon...

There's something I treasured dearly... I kept it by the west window, on the desk, beside my dressing mirror... it was... it was...

......

*Sigh*

A pea?

......

What... what are you doing?

The talisman works. This proves you're a product of the Tianshi Bureaus.

You are a pea soldier.

...I've had this habit of talking back. Even the neighbor girl used to scold me for it—once she got so flustered she almost threw away my... what was it again...?

I'm ashamed to admit that I always fear fire...

...I felt an unease at her story, but... a pea soldier...?

This is the Tianshi's 'Legion of the Scattered Peas' technique. During particularly busy times at the Agricultural Bureau, they'll sometimes conjure a squad of pea soldiers to help out.

But... come to think of it, the pea soldiers usually all look the same. They don't have consciousness or memory, and they aren't active for very long. They definitely wouldn't think they have families or personal histories.

The talisman confirmed she's a pea soldier; that's not in doubt—but for her to look like this, and carry such mixed-up memories, something strange must have happened to her.

'Mixed-up memories'? Indeed. Her memories are most muddled. However, I believed it was merely owed to the trauma she has...

I got up early today and heard most of your conversations. You two were making quite a lot of noise...

Sure, the Nongye Tianshis use pea soldiers for chores—but the technique's name is 'Legion of the Scattered Peas'. That tells you what it was really meant for: warfare.

I heard Xiaoyu mention getting 'separated from her family'. I think she got separated from the rest of the pea soldiers when the Tianshi summoned them and had to run to catch up with them.

The 'bloody mess' she mentioned, I think, was the battlefield she was summoned to. Perhaps she arrived late and saw only the post-battle carnage, and all the blood scared her back into pea form.

Typically, the Arts wear off after a few days, and the pea soldiers return to dust.

......

But I have no idea how you ended up in the hands of that Yuan girl... maybe someone cleaning up the battlefield picked you up and gave you to her?

I don't know how the girl kept you, but somehow, a lingering trace of the Arts remained in the pea, affecting your consciousness...

You kept saying how you love to listen to stories. I bet that Yuan girl loved to read storybooks, and she read to you every day, right?

......

I'll guess you want to go to the capital because that's what everyone does when they run into trouble in the storybooks, yeah?

No. It's probably because... Xiaoyu married her neighbor. He passed the imperial examination, and she went to the capital with him...

I had just... forgotten that part.

Oho! That actually makes sense. You're quite the storyteller—your memories might be scattered, but you still managed to weave all these bits into a narrative!

......

Then why… why do I look like Xiaoyu now? Aren't pea soldiers supposed to be without memories or consciousness?

What surprises me more is that even though you had already reverted to a pea, under the care of Xiaoyu, you managed to transform into her form. How? And you managed to live this long, with such a strong consciousness...

If I hadn't confirmed that you were a Tianshi product with the talisman, just judging by your looks and your behavior, I'd have thought you were...

Uhh... forget it. I'd rather not say.

(...Zuanjiang Peak—if I recall correctly, last time I encountered Dusk and Mr. Lee at Rhodes Island, they mentioned this exactly place...)

At any rate, I'm afraid you've mistaken yourself for the Yuan Yu girl and mixed up a bunch of memories into one strange, singular narrative. You thought you were going to the capital on a mission of vengeance.

I...

...so I really wasn't... how could that be...?

This grievance... can never be avenged?

That's a good thing! Isn't it?

......

Tianshi Li, I have one more question to ask thee.

Given Xiaoyu's true origins, how will the Tianshi Bureaus choose to deal with her?

I know what you mean to say, Saga, but she is a product of the Tianshis, and a unique one at that. We cannot let her roam freely.

......

Tianshi Li, may I make one more request?

What else could you ask? That whole story of yours, I explained to you what it all really is. It never happened. You just stitched it together yourself.

I don't mean to impose. I just want to ask, before we go to the Tianshi Bureaus, can I visit someone first?

I may have made all this up, but I wasn't born from nothing.

You said that if it hadn't been for that girl raising me, I would have been reduced to dust on a bloody battlefield, right? I'm standing right here, alive and well, so at least that part is true.

But I haven't even spoken to her once.

......

If you go meet her as you are now... that wouldn't be very good would it? Do you really have to insist on this?

I can cover myself up. I won't tell her what I am. I will just say thank you.

'Every kindness deserves a thanks'...

......

......

Tianshi Li, as the saying goes, 'Men are not grass and trees, how can they be without a heart?' This is Xiaoyu's only wish. Can we indeed be more heartless than the very plants of the field?

I urge thee to grant her request.

Ah... umm...

*Sigh*!

......

'Here lies Yuan Yu, a beloved mother'...

It's been... so long ago... I didn't know...

No wonder the whole estate was in ruins when I woke up...

I thought at least one of my memories wasn't fabricated...

But I was wrong.

Xiaoyu...

Duoxie, sister.

I can't... repay anyone's kindness.

......

Tianshi Li, I have another question.

Did we... truly meet by chance? Do Tianshi apprentices always carry such talismans?

...*sighs* It's a product of the Tianshi Bureau. How could I not know of it, being so close to the capital here?

The two of you met here by chance, so I thought maybe I should let you finish your journey, and then when you part ways, I'll sneak in and take her back to the Bureaus...

Thou knewest of the girl Yuan Yu for some time?

Actually, no. I just knew that this pea soldier could never fulfill her wish.

It's been a hundred years since the last time there was a war in Shangshu and the Tianshis marched on the battlefield.

Pea soldiers have neither consciousness nor memories, and yet this one became self-aware, with her own 'struggle', her own 'adventure'...

She trudged all that way, from Shangshu to Baizao, enduring so many hardships, only to find that it was all... nothing.

What was the point?

Someone once told me that when we look at paintings, we think we are 'real people' looking at 'unreal people', but who is to say we are not the ones in the painting, our lives being drawn by some unseen hand?

There are many days when I think of those words, including this one.

Thou sayest that Xiaoyu traveled so far and suffered so much, only to discover it was all nothing.

And yet, I think...

It was not necessarily 'nothing'.

However you want to put it, it doesn't change the ending.

What can you do to change it?

Xiaoyu gave herself a story—and for that story, she journeyed a thousand li. As this humble servant of Buddha accompanied her part of the way, I shall...

...Record this story.