Where the Osmanthus Bloomed

Little Minion, listen up! Lunocarp just spilled a huge secret to me...

The yummiest, most legendary treat in all Mistwharf is hidden right here at the dockside! Only the locals know about it, she'd never tell just anyone!

Look, there it is, the osmanthus cake stall, just ahead! Quick, let's run for it!

Wen, over here!

No, don't run, wait up!

Can I have this one?

Huh? Osmanthus cake...? You promised not to beg for snacks this time, that's the only reason I took you out!

I didn't! I only asked for honey rice cake once today!

Rice cake's already heavy, and now you want osmanthus cake? You'll be too stuffed for dinner.

Mum'll scold you, and if your belly aches at night, don't come crying to me.

I don't care! If I don't get osmanthus cake today, I'm not going home! Mum'll get mad, and then you'll be the one in trouble!

Ugh, fine, you win. One osmanthus cake, please.

Coming right up.

Um... sir, could we maybe just get half a portion? Or... a third? I don't think I've enough coins...

You little scamp... ah, forget it.

My old man always said, if kids came begging for a cake, that was fine. But they had to earn it:

Answer a riddle right, and the cake was on the house.

Really!?

What would I lie to a couple of kids for?

Let's thank this kind sir, Wu!

Hold your thanks, riddle first: "A jade sickle upon slopes, A silver boat caught in the boughs. Full, then thin, a boudoir mirror gleams and pales; clouded or clear, it watches over ripening fields come harvest-time."

That doesn't seem quite right...

That doesn't seem quite right...

The answer is...

I know! It's the moon!

Ha, seems the old man made that one too easy. Here you go. Split it fair, no fighting over it!

Yay! Osmanthus cake time!

Excuse me, sir.

Oh? A traveller from afar? Picking up some local sweets for the little one here?

Hey! I'm not a little one! You're standing before the Demon King of Light, future ruler of the world!

Er... the old man never said if grown-ups could riddle their way to freebies...

But hey, if it's for the little one, I suppose it's fine.

Hey! Who are you calling "little"!?

Hmm... let me think. Right, try this one: "Golden clusters on unsullied boughs, a subtle scent whispers of autumn's first prime. Though modest, unadorned in hue, Immortals sought them by the moonlit dew."

Not quite. Care to try again?

That's close... but not quite. Want to give it another go?

That's it. Osmanthus it is, just like the cake's name. Fresh from the steamer. Here you are.

Still don't know what the old man was thinking... running a little stall like this, giving out free cakes to anyone who cracks a riddle. Keep that up and he'll burn through his retirement money in no time.

So... you don't agree with it?

Oh, don't get me wrong. If we say it's free for a right answer, then it's free. You see a kid staring, drool on their chin and wiping it off on their sleeve... who'd have the heart to turn them away?

Kids don't eat much anyway, what's a single cake? Truth is, I used to wander these streets with no home to return to. It was that same craving for osmanthus cake that caught the old man's eye. He took me in, made me his apprentice... I'd rather not think where I'd have ended up if he hadn't.

Ah, listen to me rambling... Anyway, I've always wondered why he ever made that rule of riddles for cake.

But he never said, and I never asked. The stall, the recipe, the customers, they were all his. And he handed them down to a stray like me. That's more than I ever deserved.

Sounds like you're complaining... but really, you're quite fond of him, aren't you?

Haha... you've seen through me. He gave me a roof, filled my bowl, taught me everything I know. I've long seen him as a father. But he won't let me call him that, insists on "Shifu" instead.

There's no repaying a debt like that. All I can do is look after him, and see that he spends his days in peace.

Oi, Li! Busy as ever, I see.

Uncle Zhao! What brings you by? Fresh batch just came out, fancy a bit of osmanthus cake?

Nah, don't fuss. See to your customers. Just tell your old man to drop in like he promised. Said he'd come by for a drink, but I've been waiting ages. If he doesn't show soon, there'll be no good wine left for him!

...That's odd. The old man's never late for anything, always turns up early, cane in hand, ready to whack me if I'm even a minute behind.

No... something's wrong. I'm closing the stall for the day. I need to go look for him.

Uncle Zhao, head home for now. I'll let you know the moment I find him.

Huh...? There's been loads of Sable Bi'an roaming about lately... Could he have run into, gah! No jinxing it! Phooey!

...Sir, let us come with you. Think of it as thanks for the cake.

That'd be a real help. I've a few places in mind where he might have gone, come along.

Blasted beasts, Sable Bi'an again! Don't be afraid, children. Get behind me!

Wen... I'm scared...

It's alright. Hold onto the sachet, Lord Argent will protect us.

Wait... those are the two kids from earlier!

Justice demands retribution!

Yuming!

...It's you. My thanks for your aid.

Shifu! What's happened? How did you get cornered by Sable Bi'an? Are you hurt?

No need to fuss. These old bones still hold up well enough. The little ones were badly shaken, though. Luckily I was close by... only just managed to shield them. A moment later an...

You two scamps! What are you doing out here in the wilds? You should be at home!

You know these children?

Met them at the dock. They solved a riddle and earned themselves one of our osmanthus cakes.

I'm sorry... I didn't want to be scolded for coming home late, so I took my little brother down the shortcut...

It's not your fault, Wen. I was caught up playing and didn't realise how late it had gotten.

Best not linger here. Huan, take these two home at once, will you?

Understood. You head back soon as well, and don't forget to let Uncle Zhao know you're safe. Thanks again, everyone. I'll be off now.

My thanks to you, Magistrate, and to you two heroes from foreign lands as well. Without your help, these old bones might not have been enough to keep those boys safe.

Only fulfilling my duty. No need for thanks.

...Forgive my boldness, perhaps these failing eyes deceive me. But tell me, sir... have I seen you before at my stall? With your younger brother, perhaps?

...

Yes.

I thought so! No wonder you seemed familiar. You were the elder one, and your little brother, quite the handful. Just like... just like those two boys earlier.

Not by blood. We trained under the same Shifu, nothing more.

I see... Well, you've done well for yourself. A Magistrate of Yingtian, quite the accomplishment. And your junior... hot-tempered as he was, he had a keen mind. I imagine he's grown into someone just as impressive.

...

...Ah, seems I've spoken out of turn. Time passes, fate charts its own course, seldom as we wish it.

It's dangerous out here, sir. Best you return home soon.

True enough. Don't want Huan fretting after me. If you're headed that way, perhaps you might walk with me a while?

Thank you again. Things haven't been peaceful round here of late.

There used to be a grove of osmanthus trees out that way. Well... not a grove, really, just a handful of trees growing close together. But when they bloomed, their scent drifted clear across the hills.

Beneath those trees stood a tiny village. "Village" might be too grand a word, just a handful of scattered homes. A modest plot of land nearby, just enough to keep those families fed.

It was quiet, far from Haojing. With little for the children to do, I set them gathering osmanthus blossoms, made cakes with them, shared them round. I'd throw in a riddle or two for fun, just to keep their wits sharp.

The one best at solving them... was my son. Huan was a bright boy. I never asked much, only that he grow up safe, and maybe take on this little trade of mine one day.

You mean...

Little Minion, listen up! Lunocarp just spilled a huge secret to me...

The yummiest, most legendary treat in all Mistwharf is hidden right here at the dockside! Only the locals know about it, she'd never tell just anyone!

Look, there it is, the osmanthus cake stall, just ahead! Quick, let's run for it!

Wen, over here!

No, don't run, wait up!

Can I have this one?

Huh? Osmanthus cake...? You promised not to beg for snacks this time, that's the only reason I took you out!

I didn't! I only asked for honey rice cake once today!

Rice cake's already heavy, and now you want osmanthus cake? You'll be too stuffed for dinner.

Mum'll scold you, and if your belly aches at night, don't come crying to me.

I don't care! If I don't get osmanthus cake today, I'm not going home! Mum'll get mad, and then you'll be the one in trouble!

Ugh, fine, you win. One osmanthus cake, please.

Coming right up.

Um... sir, could we maybe just get half a portion? Or... a third? I don't think I've enough coins...

You little scamp... ah, forget it.

My old man always said, if kids came begging for a cake, that was fine. But they had to earn it:

Answer a riddle right, and the cake was on the house.

Really!?

What would I lie to a couple of kids for?

Let's thank this kind sir, Wu!

Hold your thanks, riddle first: "A jade sickle upon slopes, A silver boat caught in the boughs. Full, then thin, a boudoir mirror gleams and pales; clouded or clear, it watches over ripening fields come harvest-time."

That doesn't seem quite right...

That doesn't seem quite right...

The answer is...

I know! It's the moon!

Ha, seems the old man made that one too easy. Here you go. Split it fair, no fighting over it!

Yay! Osmanthus cake time!

Excuse me, sir.

Oh? A traveller from afar? Picking up some local sweets for the little one here?

Hey! I'm not a little one! You're standing before the Demon King of Light, future ruler of the world!

Er... the old man never said if grown-ups could riddle their way to freebies...

But hey, if it's for the little one, I suppose it's fine.

Hey! Who are you calling "little"!?

Hmm... let me think. Right, try this one: "Golden clusters on unsullied boughs, a subtle scent whispers of autumn's first prime. Though modest, unadorned in hue, Immortals sought them by the moonlit dew."

Not quite. Care to try again?

That's close... but not quite. Want to give it another go?

That's it. Osmanthus it is, just like the cake's name. Fresh from the steamer. Here you are.

Still don't know what the old man was thinking... running a little stall like this, giving out free cakes to anyone who cracks a riddle. Keep that up and he'll burn through his retirement money in no time.

So... you don't agree with it?

Oh, don't get me wrong. If we say it's free for a right answer, then it's free. You see a kid staring, drool on their chin and wiping it off on their sleeve... who'd have the heart to turn them away?

Kids don't eat much anyway, what's a single cake? Truth is, I used to wander these streets with no home to return to. It was that same craving for osmanthus cake that caught the old man's eye. He took me in, made me his apprentice... I'd rather not think where I'd have ended up if he hadn't.

Ah, listen to me rambling... Anyway, I've always wondered why he ever made that rule of riddles for cake.

But he never said, and I never asked. The stall, the recipe, the customers, they were all his. And he handed them down to a stray like me. That's more than I ever deserved.

Sounds like you're complaining... but really, you're quite fond of him, aren't you?

Haha... you've seen through me. He gave me a roof, filled my bowl, taught me everything I know. I've long seen him as a father. But he won't let me call him that, insists on "Shifu" instead.

There's no repaying a debt like that. All I can do is look after him, and see that he spends his days in peace.

Oi, Li! Busy as ever, I see.

Uncle Zhao! What brings you by? Fresh batch just came out, fancy a bit of osmanthus cake?

Nah, don't fuss. See to your customers. Just tell your old man to drop in like he promised. Said he'd come by for a drink, but I've been waiting ages. If he doesn't show soon, there'll be no good wine left for him!

...That's odd. The old man's never late for anything, always turns up early, cane in hand, ready to whack me if I'm even a minute behind.

No... something's wrong. I'm closing the stall for the day. I need to go look for him.

Uncle Zhao, head home for now. I'll let you know the moment I find him.

Huh...? There's been loads of Sable Bi'an roaming about lately... Could he have run into, gah! No jinxing it! Phooey!

...Sir, let us come with you. Think of it as thanks for the cake.

That'd be a real help. I've a few places in mind where he might have gone, come along.

Blasted beasts, Sable Bi'an again! Don't be afraid, children. Get behind me!

Wen... I'm scared...

It's alright. Hold onto the sachet, Lord Argent will protect us.

Wait... those are the two kids from earlier!

Justice demands retribution!

Yuming!

...It's you. My thanks for your aid.

Shifu! What's happened? How did you get cornered by Sable Bi'an? Are you hurt?

No need to fuss. These old bones still hold up well enough. The little ones were badly shaken, though. Luckily I was close by... only just managed to shield them. A moment later an...

You two scamps! What are you doing out here in the wilds? You should be at home!

You know these children?

Met them at the dock. They solved a riddle and earned themselves one of our osmanthus cakes.

I'm sorry... I didn't want to be scolded for coming home late, so I took my little brother down the shortcut...

It's not your fault, Wen. I was caught up playing and didn't realise how late it had gotten.

Best not linger here. Huan, take these two home at once, will you?

Understood. You head back soon as well, and don't forget to let Uncle Zhao know you're safe. Thanks again, everyone. I'll be off now.

My thanks to you, Magistrate, and to you two heroes from foreign lands as well. Without your help, these old bones might not have been enough to keep those boys safe.

Only fulfilling my duty. No need for thanks.

...Forgive my boldness, perhaps these failing eyes deceive me. But tell me, sir... have I seen you before at my stall? With your younger brother, perhaps?

...

Yes.

I thought so! No wonder you seemed familiar. You were the elder one, and your little brother, quite the handful. Just like... just like those two boys earlier.

Not by blood. We trained under the same Shifu, nothing more.

I see... Well, you've done well for yourself. A Magistrate of Yingtian, quite the accomplishment. And your junior... hot-tempered as he was, he had a keen mind. I imagine he's grown into someone just as impressive.

...

...Ah, seems I've spoken out of turn. Time passes, fate charts its own course, seldom as we wish it.

It's dangerous out here, sir. Best you return home soon.

True enough. Don't want Huan fretting after me. If you're headed that way, perhaps you might walk with me a while?

Thank you again. Things haven't been peaceful round here of late.

There used to be a grove of osmanthus trees out that way. Well... not a grove, really, just a handful of trees growing close together. But when they bloomed, their scent drifted clear across the hills.

Beneath those trees stood a tiny village. "Village" might be too grand a word, just a handful of scattered homes. A modest plot of land nearby, just enough to keep those families fed.

It was quiet, far from Haojing. With little for the children to do, I set them gathering osmanthus blossoms, made cakes with them, shared them round. I'd throw in a riddle or two for fun, just to keep their wits sharp.

The one best at solving them... was my son. Huan was a bright boy. I never asked much, only that he grow up safe, and maybe take on this little trade of mine one day.

You mean...

Little Minion, listen up! Lunocarp just spilled a huge secret to me...

The yummiest, most legendary treat in all Mistwharf is hidden right here at the dockside! Only the locals know about it, she'd never tell just anyone!

Look, there it is, the osmanthus cake stall, just ahead! Quick, let's run for it!

Wen, over here!

No, don't run, wait up!

Can I have this one?

Huh? Osmanthus cake...? You promised not to beg for snacks this time, that's the only reason I took you out!

I didn't! I only asked for honey rice cake once today!

Rice cake's already heavy, and now you want osmanthus cake? You'll be too stuffed for dinner.

Mum'll scold you, and if your belly aches at night, don't come crying to me.

I don't care! If I don't get osmanthus cake today, I'm not going home! Mum'll get mad, and then you'll be the one in trouble!

Ugh, fine, you win. One osmanthus cake, please.

Coming right up.

Um... sir, could we maybe just get half a portion? Or... a third? I don't think I've enough coins...

You little scamp... ah, forget it.

My old man always said, if kids came begging for a cake, that was fine. But they had to earn it:

Answer a riddle right, and the cake was on the house.

Really!?

What would I lie to a couple of kids for?

Let's thank this kind sir, Wu!

Hold your thanks, riddle first: "A jade sickle upon slopes, A silver boat caught in the boughs. Full, then thin, a boudoir mirror gleams and pales; clouded or clear, it watches over ripening fields come harvest-time."

That doesn't seem quite right...

That doesn't seem quite right...

The answer is...

I know! It's the moon!

Ha, seems the old man made that one too easy. Here you go. Split it fair, no fighting over it!

Yay! Osmanthus cake time!

Excuse me, sir.

Oh? A traveller from afar? Picking up some local sweets for the little one here?

Hey! I'm not a little one! You're standing before the Demon King of Light, future ruler of the world!

Er... the old man never said if grown-ups could riddle their way to freebies...

But hey, if it's for the little one, I suppose it's fine.

Hey! Who are you calling "little"!?

Hmm... let me think. Right, try this one: "Golden clusters on unsullied boughs, a subtle scent whispers of autumn's first prime. Though modest, unadorned in hue, Immortals sought them by the moonlit dew."

Not quite. Care to try again?

That's close... but not quite. Want to give it another go?

That's it. Osmanthus it is, just like the cake's name. Fresh from the steamer. Here you are.

Still don't know what the old man was thinking... running a little stall like this, giving out free cakes to anyone who cracks a riddle. Keep that up and he'll burn through his retirement money in no time.

So... you don't agree with it?

Oh, don't get me wrong. If we say it's free for a right answer, then it's free. You see a kid staring, drool on their chin and wiping it off on their sleeve... who'd have the heart to turn them away?

Kids don't eat much anyway, what's a single cake? Truth is, I used to wander these streets with no home to return to. It was that same craving for osmanthus cake that caught the old man's eye. He took me in, made me his apprentice... I'd rather not think where I'd have ended up if he hadn't.

Ah, listen to me rambling... Anyway, I've always wondered why he ever made that rule of riddles for cake.

But he never said, and I never asked. The stall, the recipe, the customers, they were all his. And he handed them down to a stray like me. That's more than I ever deserved.

Sounds like you're complaining... but really, you're quite fond of him, aren't you?

Haha... you've seen through me. He gave me a roof, filled my bowl, taught me everything I know. I've long seen him as a father. But he won't let me call him that, insists on "Shifu" instead.

There's no repaying a debt like that. All I can do is look after him, and see that he spends his days in peace.

Oi, Li! Busy as ever, I see.

Uncle Zhao! What brings you by? Fresh batch just came out, fancy a bit of osmanthus cake?

Nah, don't fuss. See to your customers. Just tell your old man to drop in like he promised. Said he'd come by for a drink, but I've been waiting ages. If he doesn't show soon, there'll be no good wine left for him!

...That's odd. The old man's never late for anything, always turns up early, cane in hand, ready to whack me if I'm even a minute behind.

No... something's wrong. I'm closing the stall for the day. I need to go look for him.

Uncle Zhao, head home for now. I'll let you know the moment I find him.

Huh...? There's been loads of Sable Bi'an roaming about lately... Could he have run into, gah! No jinxing it! Phooey!

...Sir, let us come with you. Think of it as thanks for the cake.

That'd be a real help. I've a few places in mind where he might have gone, come along.

Blasted beasts, Sable Bi'an again! Don't be afraid, children. Get behind me!

Wen... I'm scared...

It's alright. Hold onto the sachet, Lord Argent will protect us.

Wait... those are the two kids from earlier!

Justice demands retribution!

Yuming!

...It's you. My thanks for your aid.

Shifu! What's happened? How did you get cornered by Sable Bi'an? Are you hurt?

No need to fuss. These old bones still hold up well enough. The little ones were badly shaken, though. Luckily I was close by... only just managed to shield them. A moment later an...

You two scamps! What are you doing out here in the wilds? You should be at home!

You know these children?

Met them at the dock. They solved a riddle and earned themselves one of our osmanthus cakes.

I'm sorry... I didn't want to be scolded for coming home late, so I took my little brother down the shortcut...

It's not your fault, Wen. I was caught up playing and didn't realise how late it had gotten.

Best not linger here. Huan, take these two home at once, will you?

Understood. You head back soon as well, and don't forget to let Uncle Zhao know you're safe. Thanks again, everyone. I'll be off now.

My thanks to you, Magistrate, and to you two heroes from foreign lands as well. Without your help, these old bones might not have been enough to keep those boys safe.

Only fulfilling my duty. No need for thanks.

...Forgive my boldness, perhaps these failing eyes deceive me. But tell me, sir... have I seen you before at my stall? With your younger brother, perhaps?

...

Yes.

I thought so! No wonder you seemed familiar. You were the elder one, and your little brother, quite the handful. Just like... just like those two boys earlier.

Not by blood. We trained under the same Shifu, nothing more.

I see... Well, you've done well for yourself. A Magistrate of Yingtian, quite the accomplishment. And your junior... hot-tempered as he was, he had a keen mind. I imagine he's grown into someone just as impressive.

...

...Ah, seems I've spoken out of turn. Time passes, fate charts its own course, seldom as we wish it.

It's dangerous out here, sir. Best you return home soon.

True enough. Don't want Huan fretting after me. If you're headed that way, perhaps you might walk with me a while?

Thank you again. Things haven't been peaceful round here of late.

There used to be a grove of osmanthus trees out that way. Well... not a grove, really, just a handful of trees growing close together. But when they bloomed, their scent drifted clear across the hills.

Beneath those trees stood a tiny village. "Village" might be too grand a word, just a handful of scattered homes. A modest plot of land nearby, just enough to keep those families fed.

It was quiet, far from Haojing. With little for the children to do, I set them gathering osmanthus blossoms, made cakes with them, shared them round. I'd throw in a riddle or two for fun, just to keep their wits sharp.

The one best at solving them... was my son. Huan was a bright boy. I never asked much, only that he grow up safe, and maybe take on this little trade of mine one day.

You mean...

Little Minion, listen up! Lunocarp just spilled a huge secret to me...

The yummiest, most legendary treat in all Mistwharf is hidden right here at the dockside! Only the locals know about it, she'd never tell just anyone!

Look, there it is, the osmanthus cake stall, just ahead! Quick, let's run for it!

Wen, over here!

No, don't run, wait up!

Can I have this one?

Huh? Osmanthus cake...? You promised not to beg for snacks this time, that's the only reason I took you out!

I didn't! I only asked for honey rice cake once today!

Rice cake's already heavy, and now you want osmanthus cake? You'll be too stuffed for dinner.

Mum'll scold you, and if your belly aches at night, don't come crying to me.

I don't care! If I don't get osmanthus cake today, I'm not going home! Mum'll get mad, and then you'll be the one in trouble!

Ugh, fine, you win. One osmanthus cake, please.

Coming right up.

Um... sir, could we maybe just get half a portion? Or... a third? I don't think I've enough coins...

You little scamp... ah, forget it.

My old man always said, if kids came begging for a cake, that was fine. But they had to earn it:

Answer a riddle right, and the cake was on the house.

Really!?

What would I lie to a couple of kids for?

Let's thank this kind sir, Wu!

Hold your thanks, riddle first: "A jade sickle upon slopes, A silver boat caught in the boughs. Full, then thin, a boudoir mirror gleams and pales; clouded or clear, it watches over ripening fields come harvest-time."

That doesn't seem quite right...

That doesn't seem quite right...

The answer is...

I know! It's the moon!

Ha, seems the old man made that one too easy. Here you go. Split it fair, no fighting over it!

Yay! Osmanthus cake time!

Excuse me, sir.

Oh? A traveller from afar? Picking up some local sweets for the little one here?

Hey! I'm not a little one! You're standing before the Demon King of Light, future ruler of the world!

Er... the old man never said if grown-ups could riddle their way to freebies...

But hey, if it's for the little one, I suppose it's fine.

Hey! Who are you calling "little"!?

Hmm... let me think. Right, try this one: "Golden clusters on unsullied boughs, a subtle scent whispers of autumn's first prime. Though modest, unadorned in hue, Immortals sought them by the moonlit dew."

Not quite. Care to try again?

That's close... but not quite. Want to give it another go?

That's it. Osmanthus it is, just like the cake's name. Fresh from the steamer. Here you are.

Still don't know what the old man was thinking... running a little stall like this, giving out free cakes to anyone who cracks a riddle. Keep that up and he'll burn through his retirement money in no time.

So... you don't agree with it?

Oh, don't get me wrong. If we say it's free for a right answer, then it's free. You see a kid staring, drool on their chin and wiping it off on their sleeve... who'd have the heart to turn them away?

Kids don't eat much anyway, what's a single cake? Truth is, I used to wander these streets with no home to return to. It was that same craving for osmanthus cake that caught the old man's eye. He took me in, made me his apprentice... I'd rather not think where I'd have ended up if he hadn't.

Ah, listen to me rambling... Anyway, I've always wondered why he ever made that rule of riddles for cake.

But he never said, and I never asked. The stall, the recipe, the customers, they were all his. And he handed them down to a stray like me. That's more than I ever deserved.

Sounds like you're complaining... but really, you're quite fond of him, aren't you?

Haha... you've seen through me. He gave me a roof, filled my bowl, taught me everything I know. I've long seen him as a father. But he won't let me call him that, insists on "Shifu" instead.

There's no repaying a debt like that. All I can do is look after him, and see that he spends his days in peace.

Oi, Li! Busy as ever, I see.

Uncle Zhao! What brings you by? Fresh batch just came out, fancy a bit of osmanthus cake?

Nah, don't fuss. See to your customers. Just tell your old man to drop in like he promised. Said he'd come by for a drink, but I've been waiting ages. If he doesn't show soon, there'll be no good wine left for him!

...That's odd. The old man's never late for anything, always turns up early, cane in hand, ready to whack me if I'm even a minute behind.

No... something's wrong. I'm closing the stall for the day. I need to go look for him.

Uncle Zhao, head home for now. I'll let you know the moment I find him.

Huh...? There's been loads of Sable Bi'an roaming about lately... Could he have run into, gah! No jinxing it! Phooey!

...Sir, let us come with you. Think of it as thanks for the cake.

That'd be a real help. I've a few places in mind where he might have gone, come along.

Blasted beasts, Sable Bi'an again! Don't be afraid, children. Get behind me!

Wen... I'm scared...

It's alright. Hold onto the sachet, Lord Argent will protect us.

Wait... those are the two kids from earlier!

Justice demands retribution!

Yuming!

...It's you. My thanks for your aid.

Shifu! What's happened? How did you get cornered by Sable Bi'an? Are you hurt?

No need to fuss. These old bones still hold up well enough. The little ones were badly shaken, though. Luckily I was close by... only just managed to shield them. A moment later an...

You two scamps! What are you doing out here in the wilds? You should be at home!

You know these children?

Met them at the dock. They solved a riddle and earned themselves one of our osmanthus cakes.

I'm sorry... I didn't want to be scolded for coming home late, so I took my little brother down the shortcut...

It's not your fault, Wen. I was caught up playing and didn't realise how late it had gotten.

Best not linger here. Huan, take these two home at once, will you?

Understood. You head back soon as well, and don't forget to let Uncle Zhao know you're safe. Thanks again, everyone. I'll be off now.

My thanks to you, Magistrate, and to you two heroes from foreign lands as well. Without your help, these old bones might not have been enough to keep those boys safe.

Only fulfilling my duty. No need for thanks.

...Forgive my boldness, perhaps these failing eyes deceive me. But tell me, sir... have I seen you before at my stall? With your younger brother, perhaps?

...

Yes.

I thought so! No wonder you seemed familiar. You were the elder one, and your little brother, quite the handful. Just like... just like those two boys earlier.

Not by blood. We trained under the same Shifu, nothing more.

I see... Well, you've done well for yourself. A Magistrate of Yingtian, quite the accomplishment. And your junior... hot-tempered as he was, he had a keen mind. I imagine he's grown into someone just as impressive.

...

...Ah, seems I've spoken out of turn. Time passes, fate charts its own course, seldom as we wish it.

It's dangerous out here, sir. Best you return home soon.

True enough. Don't want Huan fretting after me. If you're headed that way, perhaps you might walk with me a while?

Thank you again. Things haven't been peaceful round here of late.

There used to be a grove of osmanthus trees out that way. Well... not a grove, really, just a handful of trees growing close together. But when they bloomed, their scent drifted clear across the hills.

Beneath those trees stood a tiny village. "Village" might be too grand a word, just a handful of scattered homes. A modest plot of land nearby, just enough to keep those families fed.

It was quiet, far from Haojing. With little for the children to do, I set them gathering osmanthus blossoms, made cakes with them, shared them round. I'd throw in a riddle or two for fun, just to keep their wits sharp.

The one best at solving them... was my son. Huan was a bright boy. I never asked much, only that he grow up safe, and maybe take on this little trade of mine one day.

You mean...

Heh... Huan revered the Magistrates. One day he insisted on watching an arrest, said he wanted to see justice done. He was caught in the chaos... and never made it home.

Decades have passed. The villagers I once knew are long gone, and the ones who came after never knew my name. To them, I'm just the man who sells osmanthus cake.

I didn't want to leave, but with no kin left and no one to turn to, I couldn't stay in that place forever. So I came to the city, selling steamed cakes by the dock. Took in a little orphan, and gave him my son's name.

I raised him as my own... yet when he calls me "Dad", it still tears at me. When that pain grows too heavy, I find myself walking back here.

From this hill, looking down... it's as though the village were still there.

Child... do you remember the riddle I gave you, that first time you brought your Shidi to buy osmanthus cake?

The wind sighs, the rain sighs too. Where osmanthus falls, autumn returns anew. A lonely shadow drifts at the prow.

Quite the memory you have. You couldn't solve it back then, because it wasn't really a riddle. Just something an old man murmured to himself.

All these years... My son is gone, but I have an apprentice. My old friends are gone, yet I've found new ones to drink with. Only that little village beneath the osmanthus trees... never returned.

You're still young. Those you cherish are still around, and a home still awaits your return. Don't end up like me...

This is far enough. I can walk the rest on my own. Thank you again, all of you.

Yuming, I didn't expect to see you again, here of all places. After we parted at Crowsong Hollow, Kezhou asked me to pass on a message...

I already know what's in his heart. But I cannot answer that wish. Thank you, both, all the same.

Hey hey, come on now! Weren't you two thick as thieves? You bought osmanthus cake together! Whatever happened, can't you just talk it out?

...Some seek to return home, only to find it gone. Some still have a home, yet can never return.

What lies between us cannot be set right with a few words. Now I serve as a Magistrate of Yingtian... and he, a Drifter. Our paths lie worlds apart.

Still, I thank you both. Forgive me for letting you down.

I don't really get it... sounds super deep and mysterious. But if you've made up your mind, then my Little Minion and I won't press you.

Then we'll be off. Take care of yourself, alright? Don't overdo it.

...We are no longer who we once were. Perhaps... that is how it was always meant to be.

"Those you cherish are still around, and a home still awaits your return..." ...Just wishful thinking.