The Company

Chapter 16: Kunwu Blade

During the Jiajing era of the Ming Dynasty.

Lu Zigang stood in the prisoner's cart, staring blankly ahead. This was the capital where he had lived for years, and he knew that once the cart turned into Xisi Pailou, his life would come to an end.

Xishi was the busiest street market in the capital. He used to linger around there frequently, but never imagined his final visit would be as a convict.

Not long ago, he had been a highly favored imperial craftsman enjoying royal grace. Yet unexpectedly, merely because he carved his name on the dragon head of a jade sculpture, he incurred a fatal disaster. The world said he was arrogant about his talent and disrespectful toward the emperor, but he didn't believe he had done anything wrong.

That person always said serving the emperor was like accompanying a tiger—how true that proved to be. Unfortunately, he would never be able to return to that antique shop called "Dumb Shop" again.

Perhaps because many prisoners had been executed recently, the passersby along the way showed calm expressions upon seeing the prisoner's cart, unwilling to spare even an extra glance before quickly turning their faces away. Only a few seven- or eight-year-old children ran playfully alongside the cart, singing a crisp nursery rhyme: "Pingze Gate, draw the great bow, past it lies Chaotian Palace. Chaotian Palace, write big characters, past it lies White Pagoda Temple..."

Watching their small figures, Lu Zigang thought distractedly that when he first met her, she had been about that age.

Throughout his life, he had carved countless beautiful jades—tea crystal plum blossom vases, celadon jade boxes with landscape and figure motifs, celadon jade ewers with playing children patterns... He was confident that his craftsmanship was unmatched in this world. Yet no one knew that those exquisite trinkets passed down through generations were not his most cherished works.

With difficulty, he spread open his palm. Resting quietly in his calloused hand was a crystal-clear, smooth jade Longevity Lock.

Made of superior jade, its texture was snow-white and fine, its luster like the bright full moon on a clear autumn night, or like the memory of her fair, pure complexion. He reluctantly caressed the Longevity Lock, as if touching her face.

Lu Zigang noticed the greedy gazes of the soldiers beside him but paid no mind, simply lowering his head to quietly observe the patterns on it.

"Long life of a hundred years... truly just a beautiful wish," Lu Zigang murmured to himself. Back then, he had carved these four characters into this jade material with such devout feelings, praying that she would live a long life of a hundred years.

Clear memories surfaced before his eyes—her voice and smile vivid and distinct, as if it were only yesterday. The soldier nearby withdrew his gaze, thinking there was no need to rush. Once the hour of execution passed, this Longevity Lock would no longer belong to this man.

The playing children were called back by adults, but the crisp nursery rhyme still echoed from afar: "...Emperor's Temple, wind around the gourds, Lubi is Four Pailou; east of Four Pailou, west of Four Pailou, beneath Four Pailou they sell used clothes..."

Lu Zigang tightly clenched the Longevity Lock in his hand once more.

This was his most precious possession in life, and the last thing he could hold onto in this world.

The high eaves of Four Pailou were already close before him.

Twenty years ago.

Lu Zigang stood on Guanqian Street, the busiest street in Suzhou, took a deep breath, tightened the bundle on his back, and stepped forward along the bluestone pavement covered with moss.He was ten years old this year, and it was his first time visiting such a bustling street market. Watching the crowds coming and going around him, Lu Zigang glanced down at his own tattered clothes and, feeling ashamed, hid himself in the shadows along the edge of the street as he crept forward. Passing by the entrance of a restaurant, the rich aroma of food wafted over, and he couldn't help but stop in his tracks, his stomach growling loudly.

"Where did this little beggar come from? Scram! Don't block my way!"

Embarrassed, Lu Zigang retreated into a narrow alley nearby. Seeing that no one was around, he took out his dry provisions. First, he took a deep breath, inhaling the lingering scent of food in the air, and then took a bite of the hardened steamed bun in his hand.

Though young, he had already witnessed the harsh realities of life. Five years ago, his parents had both drowned in a boating accident on Lake Tai, leaving him completely alone. None of his relatives were willing to take in a child who was already half-grown, and in the end, his uncle adopted him. But he hadn't stayed there long before his aunt drove him out.

He had once had a happy family, with parents who doted on him excessively. Yet that past happiness felt like the spring sun—brilliant and warm, but when he reached out, he couldn't grasp anything. Not even a trace of warmth remained.

Lu Zigang blankly withdrew his hand, gripping the cold steamed bun once more, and lowered his head to hide the disappointment in his eyes.

He had imagined countless times that if his parents hadn't taken the boat that day, or if they had taken a later ferry, he wouldn't be standing here on the streets of Suzhou in such destitution. But fate was not so easily deciphered.

He knew his uncle had it hard too—the family was already poor, with three children of their own. When Lu Zigang was younger, they could still spare him a bite to eat, but as the children grew older, they truly couldn't afford to feed him anymore. Although his uncle was a jade carver, handling exquisite jade materials, his status was lowly, and the processing fees for the jade were whittled down through layers of exploitation, leaving him with barely any earnings.

Lu Zigang chewed the tasteless steamed bun carefully, making sure to grind it thoroughly before swallowing. He was still too young to handle farm work, so over the past few years, he had been learning jade carving from his uncle. His uncle had said that this trip to Suzhou was to recommend him as an apprentice at an antique shop. But that might not be certain at all, since his uncle hadn't even accompanied him—he had only given him the address and name of the shop, without even mentioning the Boss's name.

Perhaps he had been abandoned.

Lu Zigang looked at the remaining half of the steamed bun in his hand. Though his stomach still ached with hunger, he decided to save it. Maybe it could serve as his dinner.

But even this small wish was thwarted. A child rushed out from the shadows of the alley, bumping hard into Lu Zigang's back. The half bun in his hand flew out, rolling a short distance before coming to a stop.

Ignoring the reckless culprit, Lu Zigang hurried over, picked up the half bun from the ground, and carefully brushed off the dust and dirt.

"Hey! That's too dirty to eat now!" A playful voice chimed in as the child squatted down right in front of him. Lu Zigang first noticed a pair of tiger-head shoes, then slowly lifted his gaze.A snow-white, adorable little girl was smiling at him, the overhead sun casting a dazzling golden halo around her that was almost too beautiful to look at directly.

This was a scene he secretly treasured for the rest of his life.

He stared blankly at this exquisitely delicate little girl, watching the two small pigtails swaying with her movements. He longed to reach out and tug them playfully, but suddenly noticed his own fingers were covered in dust and withdrew them in shame.

A smooth little hand grabbed his retreating one—so small it could only wrap around a few of his fingers—as a clear, bell-like laugh rang out: "Come on! I'll treat you to a meal!"

Lu Zigang stood up in a daze, then quietly clasped that soft little hand in return. It felt so delicate, as if it might break with the slightest pressure. He loosened his grip slightly but couldn't bring himself to let go.

The little girl was probably only seven or eight years old, her head barely reaching his shoulders. From his angle, he could see the top of her head, where two small pigtails bounced with her every step, making him feel dazed.

She led him through the back door into the rear courtyard of some restaurant, where the noisy chatter from the front could faintly be heard. A medium-sized gray mutt in the yard didn't bark at their arrival but instead wagged its tail and came over, circling affectionately around their feet.

"Wait here, I'll make you something to eat." The little girl released his hand and skipped toward a nearby cooking stove—this appeared to be the restaurant's back kitchen, with a few plates of leftover food still sitting out.

Lu Zigang swallowed hard, stepped forward to stop her, and stammered: "No... no need to trouble yourself. Leftovers are fine."

The little girl lifted her head, her jet-black pupils sparkling with laughter: "No way! I insist on cooking for you!"

She snatched the half bun covered in dust from his hand and tossed it to the gray dog, then turned to wash her hands. The dog sniffed it, pawed the bun away disdainfully, and settled back in its original spot.

Having no other choice, Lu Zigang followed her. After watching her wash her hands, she dragged over a stool half her height. Then this tiny girl who barely reached the stovetop precariously climbed onto the stool and began dangerously wielding a spatula. Standing behind her, Lu Zigang grew increasingly anxious—what if she fell?

Before he could finish the thought, he heard her clear voice exclaim "Oh dear!" as she truly began to lose her balance. Without thinking, Lu Zigang reached out to steady her from behind.

"That scared me! Thank you so much!" The little girl patted her chest to calm her racing heart, then turned to give him a sweet smile. Lu Zigang quickly shook his head, his face flushing crimson as he recalled the softness of her body against his hands.

The girl deftly tossed cold rice into the wok, cracked two eggs with practiced efficiency, and began frying the rice. The stove fire flushed her fair skin with a lovely rosy hue, and fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead. She wiped them away with her sleeve before refocusing on the frying rice.

Her utterly serious expression made Lu Zigang completely captivated.Although the little girl was only making a simple plate of egg fried rice, as Lu Zigang looked at her beaming face across the steaming, generously filled plate, an indescribable warmth welled up in his heart.

"Hurry up and eat! Quick! See if it's good! My dad always says my cooking is terrible! I want to be a cook when I grow up! But he insists I have no talent!" The little girl urgently shoved a spoon into his hand, then waited expectantly for his verdict.

Lu Zigang scooped a bite into his mouth. The rice grains were still a bit hard, somewhat salty, and even the eggs weren't fully cooked, but...

"It's delicious," he said earnestly.

The little girl immediately broke into a radiant smile, as dazzling as the midday sun.

Lu Zigang squinted slightly, somewhat unaccustomed to such enthusiasm.

"So, what's your name?" The little girl cupped her cheeks in her hands, watching with keen interest as Lu Zigang ate bite after bite, her pride unmistakably spreading across her small face. Her dad always said her cooking was awful, claiming even Little Gray wouldn't eat it—utterly "dog-ignored." What nonsense! Look how happily this person was eating.

After swallowing the mouthful of rice, Lu Zigang clearly articulated: "Lu Zigang."

"Lu Zigang? What a strange name!" The little girl wrinkled her fair, tender face like pleats on a steamed bun, utterly adorable.

Lu Zigang smiled faintly and lowered his head to continue eating. He didn't ask for the little girl's name either. Though still young, he knew a girl's name shouldn't be casually shared with others—even if this little girl wasn't quite of that age yet.

The little girl seemed quite taken with Lu Zigang. Not waiting for him to finish eating, she eagerly asked where he came from and where he was going. Had it been any other stranger, Lu Zigang might have resisted, but facing this little girl, he honestly recounted everything about himself.

"How pitiful..." The little girl wasn't skilled at hiding her emotions; whatever she felt was immediately written on her face.

Lu Zigang could already tell she came from a happy family. Though her clothes weren't luxurious, they were clean and tidy, indicating she had loving parents. Not wanting her to feel sad or sympathetic about his situation, he smiled and said, "Actually, my uncle meant well. I want to become a jade carver someday, but how could an ordinary family afford jade materials for me to practice with? Nor would there be jade carvings for me to study. So my uncle arranged for me to be an apprentice at an antique shop."

These were the exact words his uncle had told him last night. At the time, he only half-understood, thinking his uncle was just making excuses to send him away. But now, reflecting calmly, there was some logic to it.

The little girl blinked her bright, clear eyes, pondering hard for a long moment before asking, "What's a 'fish catcher'? Catching fish? If you catch fish someday, you can come find me—I'll definitely cook them deliciously for you!"

Lu Zigang chuckled and explained, "It's 'jade carver'—someone who carves jade artifacts from raw jade material." He hesitated, realizing how difficult it was to explain jade carving to a child of seven or eight. He hadn't brought any jade pieces with him as examples—all the ones he'd previously polished had been taken away by his aunt."Jade? Oh, I have one too!" The little girl finally understood that Lu Zigang was talking about "jade" rather than "fish." Excitedly, she pulled out a red string from around her neck, from which hung a piece of raw white jade the size of a baby's palm.

At the sight of that creamy, mutton-fat-like white jade, Lu Zigang was immediately stunned. Although his uncle was poor, Suzhou jade carving was renowned as the finest of its time, and the jade materials processed for clients often included exceptional pieces. He had been fortunate enough to see a few, one of which was even a tribute destined for the imperial palace, yet none could compare in quality to the piece before him now.

Moreover, this was still raw, uncarved jade material. If meticulously polished... Lu Zigang quickly closed her hand, covering the jade, and solemnly advised, "Little sister, don't show this jade to anyone else." Though young, he already understood the principle that possessing a treasure invites calamity.

The little girl pouted. Her father had actually warned her about this before, but she had gotten carried away in her excitement! "Then you must become a jade carver in the future and carve me a beautiful jade piece!"

"Alright." Lu Zigang agreed with a smile, but didn't forget to add, "Until I become a jade carver, you mustn't give this jade to anyone else to carve, nor casually show it to other jade carvers." After all, such a rare and exquisite jade would be recognized by any discerning carver as extremely valuable. If someone were to harbor ill intentions, this little girl might...

"Oh!" The little girl nodded, only half understanding. "By the way, this jade was given to me by the boss of the antique shop next door!" Since it was casually given to her, it surely couldn't be that precious! The little girl thought, puzzled.

Lu Zigang had assumed such valuable jade must have been passed down through generations in the girl's family, never expecting it to be a gift from someone else. Instinctively, he asked, "Antique shop? What's its name?"

The little girl tilted her head in thought, then laughed, "It has a strange name! Called Dumb something."

Dumb Shop? Lu Zigang hurriedly pulled out the note his uncle had given him. Sure enough!

Lu Zigang had never imagined that fate could be such a curious thing. What he thought would be just a chance encounter over a meal turned out to be the very antique shop he was seeking, located right next to this girl's family restaurant.

Perhaps this was destiny too.

Contrary to his expectations, the boss of Dumb Shop appeared remarkably young. He wore an exquisitely embroidered robe, had slender phoenix eyes, and an indifferent expression. After quietly listening to Lu Zigang's purpose for coming, the boss nodded faintly and led him to the backyard to arrange a room for him to stay.

Thus Lu Zigang settled in the antique shop. He was naturally quiet, and the boss was even more silent. The shop rarely saw more than a few customers in a day. This gloomy antique shop truly lived up to its name, Dumb Shop. At first, Lu Zigang found the atmosphere uncomfortable, but as days passed, he gradually grew accustomed to the tranquility. Initially, he would visit the neighboring restaurant in his free time. Several times, he nearly asked the little girl her name, but each time the words stuck in his throat for reasons he couldn't explain. Not long after, the little girl left for the capital with her family. This parting likely meant they would never meet again in this lifetime.In Lu Zigang's heart, encountering that bright, smiling little girl was the most beautiful moment of his life. Yet it was merely a stone cast into a lake—though it created ripples upon ripples, the water would ultimately calm and return to stillness with the passage of time.

That fate had allowed him to meet her was already the best thing that had happened to him since birth. But the finest encounters often end in parting—how fate loves to toy with people. From that day on, Lu Zigang rarely stepped outside the doors of the Dumb Shop, growing increasingly silent and withdrawn.

Lu Zigang's daily tasks at the Dumb Shop were simple: sweeping the shop floor and dusting the displayed artifacts. The remaining time he could spend examining jade pieces, even holding and admiring them at will.

Every item in this antique shop was undoubtedly a treasure.

Yet precious as the shop's wares were, they paled in comparison to the raw jade stone hanging from the little girl's neck. How could the Boss casually give away something so valuable? Lu Zigang knew it was improper to speculate about others, but after staying here long enough, he had come to realize this antique shop housed all sorts of strange and peculiar objects.

For instance: the notched candle in the west wing that burned eternally without going out; the Yue King's Sword beneath the counter that occasionally emitted a buzzing hum from its brocade box; the vivid crimson dragon coiling around the Boss's body that seemed almost alive. As these thoughts drifted through his mind, Lu Zigang couldn't help but let his gaze fall upon the Boss reading behind the counter. Dressed in ancient Han attire, the Boss somehow blended seamlessly with the antique shop, as if he were part of it. The dragon head on his sleeve cuff seemed to writhe and swim with each page turn, lifelike in its movement.

Closing his book, the Boss met Lu Zigang's eyes and smiled faintly. "Zigang, I heard you wish to become a jade carver in the future?"

Lu Zigang immediately straightened his posture and respectfully affirmed.

The Boss narrowed his eyes in thought before rising. "Wait here."

Puzzled, Lu Zigang watched the Boss ascend to the second floor. He knew the Dumb Shop was actually quite spacious—the items displayed on the ground floor represented only a small fraction of the collection. Though free to move about, his access was restricted to the first floor. He had never ventured upstairs. Soon, footsteps echoed as the Boss descended carrying a dust-covered wooden box. Seeing this, Lu Zigang wrung out a cloth from the water basin and promptly handed it over.

The Boss casually wiped the box before opening it toward Lu Zigang. "This is the Kunwu Blade. I give it to you."

Resting silently in the box was a small knife whose chilling gleam nearly stole his breath. The entire blade was pitch black, merely seven inches long, with fluid lines, a smooth polished surface, and an impeccably sharp edge—so refined it resembled an art piece. Most astonishing was its material: blade and hilt forged as one seamless entity, uniformly black with peculiar wavelike patterns along the steel.

"All I have here is the Wu knife for carving jade. The Kun knife for rough cutting has been lost to unknown hands," the Boss explained softly, sensing Lu Zigang's confusion as he picked up the Wu knife to show him.

Sure enough, Lu Zigang spotted intricate seal script characters at the base of the hilt. Though his literacy remained limited, he recognized one character as likely being "Wu.""The 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' records in its 'Ten Continents Beyond the Seas - Phoenix and Unicorn Continent' chapter: During King Mu of Zhou's reign, the Western Hu people presented a Kunwu Blade that could cut jade like slicing through mud." The Boss handed the Wu knife in his hand to Lu Zigang. "Since you aspire to become a jade carver, you may take this Wu knife to use."

Lu Zigang numbly received the Wu knife. It felt heavy in his hand, cold enough to pierce to the bone, unlike ordinary iron blades but more like it was made of stone. He couldn't resist stroking the blade, feeling the cold metal gradually warm as it conducted his body heat, and couldn't help but ask: "This isn't made of iron, is it?"

The Boss was quite pleased with Lu Zigang's undisguised admiration. In his view, this was far better than letting the Wu knife gather dust in some dark corner. "Have you ever heard the saying? 'Stones from other hills can polish jade.' The Kunwu Blade is precisely made from such stones from other hills."

"Stone from Other Mountains?" Lu Zigang touched the blade with his fingers. Since childhood, he had watched his uncle carve jade. In professional terms, jade crafting wasn't called carving but rather "governing jade," "polishing jade," or "grinding jade." The tools for jade polishing weren't knives but involved gradually grinding with abrasive sand mixed with water, using round plates or wheels. If this knife could truly cut jade like mud, then it would indeed be a formidable tool.

"I have some jade materials here for you to practice with." The Boss took out another box. As he moved, the contents chimed with a crisp sound, revealing they were all high-quality raw jade stones.

Lu Zigang pressed his lips together, gripping the Wu knife that had warmed to his body temperature, and spoke with difficulty: "Boss, I..." Though he suspected the Boss sometimes casually gave away precious items, facing this moment directly made it hard for Lu Zigang to accept. Throughout his years of growth, he had learned the principle of equivalent exchange—how could one person be unconditionally good to another without reason?

The Boss seemed to see through Lu Zigang's hidden worries and chuckled lightly. "Don't think I'm giving these to you for free. I want you to become the world's finest jade polisher, a versatile master, and polish a piece of jade for me."

Lu Zigang was stunned for a moment, then resolutely nodded. "Alright, I'll work hard!" The Boss wiped the smile from his face and solemnly warned, "Use this Wu knife well. Be careful when handling it—never let it touch human blood, and never use it to kill any living being."

Lu Zigang nodded firmly once more.

In the following days, Lu Zigang immersed himself in studying jade carving techniques. It wasn't easy; as the saying goes, gold has a price, but fine jade is priceless. Each piece of jade had unique veins, and if he made a single careless cut, the entire piece would be ruined.

Lu Zigang had his share of failures. Whenever he felt disheartened, he would recall the scene of the little girl cooking fried rice for him for the first time.

Though it was just a small incident, he found it unforgettable.

The Boss had asked him to polish a piece of jade, and that little girl also wore an extraordinary piece of jade around her neck. When his skills improved enough to satisfy the Boss, perhaps... if he met that little girl again, he could carve a piece of jade for her too?

If fate allowed them to meet once more, he would definitely... definitely...

He tightened his grip on the Wu knife and refocused on honing his craft.

Late at night, the Boss passed through the backyard carrying a lantern and noticed the light still on in Lu Zigang's room. Peering inside, he saw the dimly lit room where Lu Zigang, completely unaware, was absorbed in carefully carving the eyes and brows of a statue. Scattered around the room were various jade materials and many unfinished works.

There were half-finished jade teapots, jade cups, and jade trinkets, all already exquisite beyond belief. The horse he carved seemed ready to gallop away at any moment; the fish he carved appeared as if it would swim gracefully once placed in water; the flowers he carved gave the illusion that leaning closer would reveal their enticing fragrance.

The Boss entered Lu Zigang's room, added some oil to the lamp, and brightened the room. Yet Lu Zigang remained oblivious, as if his entire soul were poured into the jade carving in his hands.

Noticing the somewhat familiar face of the statue, the Boss quietly closed the door and left.Hah, he had not misjudged after all. This young man named Lu Zigang would one day polish the finest masterpiece for him.

Five

Ten years later, the Imperial Palace in the capital.

Xia Zelan smoothed her hair and followed Eunuch Li through the back gate of the Imperial Household Department. As a member of the Imperial Catering Service, she often visited the dessert workshop in the Imperial Household Department, but her purpose today was not solely for that.

Located outside the West Flowery Gate, the Imperial Household Department was the largest inner court agency among the Four Offices, Eight Bureaus, and Twelve Directorates of the Ming Dynasty. Both the Imperial Household Department and her own Imperial Catering Service were the most lucrative and expansive. The "Shang" in Imperial Catering Service meant "to honor," while "Shan" referred to meals. The Imperial Catering Service was responsible for preparing imperial meals, palace provisions, tributes for the Ancestral Temple, and meals for all major inner court agencies within the imperial city. Xia Zelan was not a prominent figure in the Imperial Catering Service, having become a cook merely by virtue of a few family recipes.

As for the Imperial Household Department, it was the inner court agency in charge of manufacturing items exclusively for the emperor's use. Although it served only the emperor, nearly everything in the palace—from large furniture like the Dragon bed to small items like brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones—was reserved for the emperor's exclusive use. The imperial seal had to be crafted by the Imperial Household Department, and even the box containing the seal had to be meticulously matched and uniquely designed. Consequently, the Imperial Household Department occupied an extensive area, bordered to the east by the outer and main warehouses, to the west by the flower garden, and to the south by the icehouse. Further inside was the main hall, flanked on all sides by four major workshops: the Buddhist artifact workshop, lantern workshop, jade polishing workshop, and wood lacquer workshop. The remaining space was filled with numerous smaller workshops, an astonishingly large number.

Every time Xia Zelan visited the Imperial Household Department, it involved a long walk. Eunuch Li, accompanying her, smiled apologetically and said, "Miss Xia, I am truly grateful for your great help this time!"

Xia Zelan smiled sweetly and replied, "You flatter me, Eunuch Li. Payment for service—let's keep things clear." Although the Imperial Catering Service was responsible for meals in the inner court agencies, it did not deliver food daily. Instead, personnel were dispatched directly, as each inner court agency had its own meal arrangements on a rotational basis. However, the daily menus prepared by these rotating staff rarely varied. If someone wanted a special meal, they had to go to an outside restaurant or privately contact the Imperial Catering Service to hire a cook like her.

Eunuch Li's smile widened further. He appreciated Xia Zelan's straightforwardness, as it avoided future complications and hassles.

"But Eunuch Li, what made you think of hiring me this time?" Xia Zelan was puzzled. She was not a standout figure in the Imperial Catering Service, at best just someone idling through her duties.

Eunuch Li sighed and explained, "It's because we've invited a jade carver from Suzhou. Our director wants to host a welcome dinner for him and thought of hiring a cook who can prepare his hometown dishes. You don’t need to do much, Miss Xia—just six dishes and one soup for three or four people. The ingredients have already been prepared."

Xia Zelan acknowledged with a nod. Six dishes and one soup might sound simple, but deciding what to cook required careful thought. Fortunately, it was for dinner, so she could manage. She was accustomed to cooking hometown dishes and had no concerns about that. Seeing Eunuch Li's nervous expression, she couldn't help but laugh. "You're lucky you hired me, Eunuch Li. If you'd hired someone else, they might not have been able to prepare such a complete meal."Eunuch Li finally set his mind at ease, not feeling Xia Zelan's words were exaggerated in the slightest. The Imperial Kitchen Directorate had very few all-rounders—the culinary bureau alone was subdivided into over a dozen departments like soup, meat, vegetarian dishes, pastries, and dried platters, not to mention supplementary departments for brewing wine, making vinegar, and producing sauces. Many eunuchs and cooks only knew how to prepare one type of dish. The young lady he had invited, Xia Zelan, was rumored to have been the heir to a restaurant before entering the imperial city, so preparing a full Suzhou-style banquet should pose no problem to her.

With his worries eased, Eunuch Li naturally became more talkative. Their conversation made the walk feel shorter. It was now morning, when artisans entered the imperial city for duty, and the Directorate for Imperial Supplies grew increasingly crowded. Eunuch Li was clearly well-liked and held a respectable rank, frequently greeted by craftsmen or other eunuchs along the way.

Xia Zelan was considered older among the women in the imperial city. Had her parents not passed away from illness one after another, she would have been married long ago. Yet, using their absence as an excuse to avoid parental authority, she lived quite comfortably on her own.

As they approached the jade workshop, the craftsmen they encountered grew more aloof. Even when Eunuch Li initiated greetings, they often ignored him or acted as if neither existed.

With a wry smile, Eunuch Li said, "Miss Xia, don’t take offense. Jade carvers are just like this—proud and temperamental. If they offend you in any way, I apologize on their behalf in advance."

Xia Zelan raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Such arrogance?"

She knew skilled artisans often held themselves in high regard, but this was the imperial city, home to the finest talents in the world—it was hard to say whose skills truly stood above the rest. Moreover, she had always imagined jade carvers to be gentler and more humble in nature.

Eunuch Li sighed and explained, "Miss Xia, you may not be aware, but the Imperial Kitchen Directorate operates with highly specialized roles. It’s rare for two people to prepare the same dish, correct?"

Xia Zelan nodded. With countless dishes to master, many individuals handled multiple types of cuisine. Eunuch Li continued, "In your directorate, cooking must strictly follow recipes. Even an extra ingredient requires extensive review, lest it harm the emperor’s health. So, who prepares the dish hardly matters—as long as the recipe is followed, anyone can do it. But the Directorate for Imperial Supplies is different. Beds, cabinets, dining tables, lamps, and other items for the palaces, though regulated in design, largely allow artisans creative freedom—especially in the jade workshop. Never mind the raw materials; consider that jade pieces are displayed on tables for use and admiration—how could they be compared to chairs meant for sitting or lying down?"

Xia Zelan understood immediately. If it were her, she wouldn’t pay much attention to the peculiarities of tables or chairs, but an exquisite jade piece was different. No two jade stones were identical, and when enhanced by carving, they became extraordinary. A master carver could produce a piece truly one-of-a-kind under heaven. One could eat the same dish repeatedly until growing tired of it, but jade grew more refined and captivating with handling, its essence deepening over time—a legacy that could endure for millennia.After thoroughly understanding, Xia Zelan felt a hint of admiration and thought those jade carvers had every right to be aloof. She couldn't help but touch the raw jade material hidden beneath her clothes. In her memory, someone seemed to have once said they wanted to become a jade carver, but it was so long ago that only fragmented images remained, and the details were too hazy to recall clearly.

Snapping out of her reverie, Xia Zelan noticed Eunuch Li still muttering complaints under his breath. She couldn't resist echoing his tone, saying, "Eunuch Li, you truly work tirelessly."

Eunuch Li immediately found Xia Zelan more agreeable and sighed, "Actually, the craftsmen in the jade workshop aren't so bad—they're just a bit temperamental. This time, the Director has invited a renowned jade carver from Suzhou. Every piece he creates bears his unique mark. In all my years in the jade carving world, I've never seen anyone so audacious. So, Miss Xia, I must trouble you to be extra diligent today and ensure there's no room for criticism!"

Xia Zelan nodded superficially but secretly curled her lips. For such an important meal, hiring only one cook like her likely meant Eunuch Li feared inviting more would give other jade carvers grounds to nitpick. However, with even the Director of the jade workshop personally attending, she had no choice but to put in serious effort for this side job. Moreover, hiring a cook exclusively to prepare a welcome feast was unprecedented—this jade carver was certainly no ordinary person.

The two turned a corner and entered a secluded courtyard with its own small kitchen. Pushing open the kitchen door, Xia Zelan saw all the necessary ingredients laid out fresh and clean, sparing her the washing and prepping steps—the preparations were indeed thorough. Eunuch Li, still busy with other matters, gave a few more instructions before hurrying off.

Xia Zelan first set the most time-consuming dish, the clear-simmered ham soup, to boil. This famous Suzhou cuisine required multiple stages of broth extraction: the initial bone-based broth alone needed over two hours of simmering, not to mention the subsequent red and white reductions. She had calculated the timing perfectly to be ready for the evening banquet.

After seasoning the first bone broth in an earthen pot, Xia Zelan began sorting through the ingredients to select what she needed. The dinner itself wasn't particularly difficult to prepare, but the challenge lay in the kitchen's limited setup—unlike the Imperial Kitchen with its numerous stoves, here there were only two. Serving several dishes simultaneously would require careful planning.

Xia Zelan untied a cloth bundle from her waist, revealing a pitch-black kitchen knife. Its blade gleamed coldly, adorned with wavy patterns that seemed to flow under the light. Her expression softened. This was the Xia family's ancestral knife, passed down from her father and now in its fifteenth generation. Whenever she held it to cook, she would remember her parents.

Letting out a soft sigh, Xia Zelan reached for the knife handle. But the moment her fingertips touched it, the blade trembled slightly, emitting a clear, resonant hum. Startled, she stepped back abruptly, staring warily at the vibrating knife on the cutting board.

Having heard countless folktales of blades humming to protect their masters, Xia Zelan's first thought was that an intruder had come to steal from the Imperial Workshop. She immediately stepped forward, gripped the knife tightly, and swung it fiercely at the uninvited guest.This was Lu Zigang's first time in the capital.

He had previously accepted commissions from the Imperial Household Directorate, though typically the Directorate would procure jade materials in Suzhou, which were then carved and polished before being sent as tribute to the capital. Over the years, his reputation as a master jade carver had grown, and the Imperial Household Directorate had long urged him to take up an official post in the capital.

Lu Zigang had been reluctant to move to the capital. Although the Imperial Household Directorate wielded immense authority, he could just as easily fulfill their commissions while remaining in Suzhou—transporting and carrying jade pieces was hardly an issue. As the saying went in the trade, "The finest jade may gather in the capital, but the most exquisite craftsmanship belongs to Suzhou." What ultimately changed his mind was the sudden decision by the owner of Dumb Shop to relocate his store to the capital.

For the past decade, Lu Zigang had spent most of his time at Dumb Shop. Naturally, when the shop moved, he felt obliged to help. So, he finally accepted the position with the Imperial Household Directorate. After assisting with the setup of Dumb Shop's new premises, he went to the official bureau to collect his pass for entering and exiting the imperial palace. Though the director of the Jade Carving Workshop had requested to see him that evening, seeing that it was still early, he decided to remain within the palace grounds instead of leaving.

The Jade Carving Workshop was divided into two major schools: Southern Jade and Northern Jade. The Northern Jade school, dominated by craftsmen from the north, was known for its simple, bold, and majestic designs. In contrast, the Southern Jade school, led by artisans from Suzhou, specialized in small, delicate, and intricately crafted jade pieces. Many of the Southern Jade craftsmen within the Imperial Household Directorate were old friends of Lu Zigang from his Suzhou days, and he intended to pay them a visit.

He declined the offer of a young eunuch to guide him, but to his surprise, the Jade Carving Workshop was astonishingly vast. All the workshops were labeled with combinations of the Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, but the sequence was deliberately scrambled to prevent outsiders from quickly deciphering the layout. Lu Zigang felt as if he had wandered into a massive labyrinth. Most of the craftsmen were already at work, and he found no one to ask for directions.

It wasn't that Lu Zigang hadn't considered knocking on doors to ask for help, but as a fellow jade carver, he knew how crucial it was to maintain uninterrupted focus while working. A single distraction could ruin an artisan's creative flow, so he preferred to continue wandering lost rather than disturb anyone.

Just as he was drifting around aimlessly like a headless fly, Lu Zigang suddenly caught a whiff of a delightful aroma. Having experienced hunger frequently in his childhood, he had developed a keen sensitivity to the scent of good food. He accurately traced the fragrance to a secluded courtyard.

The moment he stepped into the courtyard, he felt the Wu knife—which he always carried with him—begin to vibrate in his chest, emitting a faint humming sound. After a moment of stunned silence, his eyes lit up, and he could no longer contain the overwhelming joy surging within him.

As the sole possessor of the Wu knife, he had constantly wondered about the whereabouts of its counterpart, the Kun knife. The Wu knife was exquisite but suitable only for carving small jade pieces; it was ill-suited for larger decorative items. Thus, he had always been preoccupied with finding the Kun knife and had persistently questioned the Boss about it. He had learned that if the Kun knife came within a certain proximity of the Wu knife, the two might resonate with a humming sound, a testament to their centuries of separation.He used to think of it as a joke when he was young, but after spending so much time in the Dumb Shop and witnessing countless unbelievable events, he began to search deliberately and found some clues in ancient texts. Legend has it that during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, the King of Chu ordered Mo Ye to forge a pair of swords. Mo Ye kept the male sword and presented the female sword to the King of Chu, leaving the female sword alone in its case, lamenting in sorrow. Several ancient texts record this story, and although the details vary, the essence remains largely the same. Thus, Lu Zigang held great hope that one day he could reunite the Kunwu Blade.

He just hadn’t expected this moment to come so quickly. Yet, upon second thought, his overwhelming joy dimmed somewhat. Where was this place? This was the imperial jade workshop of the Royal Workshop, where nearly all the finest jade carvers in the world were gathered. Perhaps one of them, like him, had obtained the Kunwu Blade used for cutting jade.

However, Lu Zigang’s despondent expression quickly brightened again. It wasn’t a bad thing for someone to possess the Kunwu Blade. Over the years at the Dumb Shop, what pained him most was seeing those spiritually resonant antiques gathering dust silently on the shelves. Objects were made to be used—otherwise, what value did they hold?

These thoughts flashed through Lu Zigang’s mind like lightning. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he quickened his pace and walked forward, eager to meet the jade carver who owned the Kunwu Blade and exchange experiences. The courtyard was small, with nowhere to hide. The further he walked, the louder the hum of the Wu knife in his embrace grew.

Lu Zigang felt frustrated. Because just ahead—that was the kitchen!

A kitchen was still a kitchen. Perhaps the jade carver was eating, but would they carry a large jade-cutting knife while having a meal? Though puzzled, Lu Zigang still hurried into the kitchen. First, he saw a young woman standing inside. His gaze swept past her, and then he widened his eyes in disbelief. If he wasn’t mistaken, the knife on the cutting board—jet-black and identical in texture to the Wu knife—had to be the Kunwu Blade! But why did it look so much like a kitchen knife?

This unexpected sight stunned Lu Zigang on the spot, directly resulting in him still being dazed when the girl grabbed the Kunwu Blade and swung it at him.

Four

Don’t assume that girls who can cook are all gentle and virtuous. In fact, those who can chop meat and slice fish without batting an eye are, subconsciously, far more ferocious—they’re on a completely different level from the refined young ladies who sit in their chambers embroidering and sewing! This was the truth Lu Zigang instantly grasped.

Lu Zigang had never been chased with a knife in his life. Though the attack was sudden, his opponent was, after all, a woman. With a slight sidestep, he dodged the blow. Feeling the blade’s energy whistle past his ear, he hastily exclaimed, “Misunderstanding, misunderstanding! Don’t attack yet!”

Xia Zelan stopped not because of his words, but because of his accent. The familiar dialect he spoke in his panic immediately snapped her back to her senses, and she began to scrutinize him carefully.

The young man appeared to be in his twenties, with delicate features and an elegant blue robe, exuding an extraordinary aura that made it clear he was no villain. Though Xia Zelan felt a bit embarrassed for swinging the knife without asking questions, she still frowned and sternly asked, “This is not a place to barge into randomly.”Lu Zigang was well aware of his own recklessness, so he didn’t waste words explaining. Instead, he simply drew the small Wu knife from his bosom.

Xia Zelan immediately felt the cleaver in her hand hum even more intensely, and she involuntarily set it down on the cutting board. She could clearly see the matching style of the two knives and couldn’t help but ask in surprise, “My father never mentioned there was a matching fruit knife!”

A fruit knife? Lu Zigang felt dizzy for a moment, and it took him a long while to find his voice again. He slowly recounted the origins of the Kunwu Blade, but the other party showed little interest. She turned around, picked up the Kunwu Blade, and began chopping vegetables.

Though her movements were so skilled they were a pleasure to watch, in Lu Zigang’s eyes, it was utterly jarring. That was the Kunwu Blade, passed down from ancient times! He couldn’t help but exclaim, “This blade is for carving jade, not for chopping vegetables!”

Even with her back turned, Xia Zelan could feel his sharp gaze. She turned around and chuckled lightly, "Staring at me won't help. This blade has been passed down through my family for generations. I don't care what you say it is—to me, it's just a kitchen knife."

Lu Zigang was taken aback, realizing she had a point. In her eyes, the Wu knife in his hand was nothing more than a fruit knife! Yet despite understanding this, he couldn't immediately collect his thoughts, feeling only that this girl was unreasonably stubborn. He instinctively argued, "The Kunwu Blade is a jade-carving knife!"

Xia Zelan paused in surprise. "You're not the jade carver that the Minister is inviting tonight, are you? The one who always leaves his signature on his works?"

Hearing the challenge in her tone, Lu Zigang replied in a low voice, "What's wrong with leaving a signature? Jade artifacts are artworks, just like calligraphy and paintings. Why do paintings gain value when signed by famous masters, but jade pieces cannot? I intend to be the first to change that!"

This was the first time he had voiced such audacious words openly. When others had asked before, he had always offered lofty excuses, but facing this unfamiliar woman today, Lu Zigang suddenly felt he couldn't respond carelessly.

These were his genuine reflections over the years. In the Dumb Shop, he had studied countless renowned jade artifacts from antiquity, spending years admiring and handling them, yet never knowing who had carved these exquisite pieces. He didn't want his own works to share that fate—he wanted his name to endure alongside his jade creations as part of history.

Xia Zelan set down her kitchen knife, pausing her vegetable preparation. Such bold words didn't sound as offensive as she'd expected; instead, they stirred admiration in her. She understood why calligraphy and paintings could bear signatures while jade artifacts could not: most painters and calligraphers were scholars, some even nobles or officials, whereas jade carvers—no matter how skilled—remained mere craftsmen. This man's act was ultimately about elevating the status of artisans, a remarkably courageous endeavor.

Since ancient times, society had been strictly divided into four classes: scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants, with scholars at the top and merchants at the bottom. These hierarchies were rigid and unbreachable. Having grown up as a merchant's daughter, Xia Zelan came from a wealthy family yet was forbidden from wearing light, thin silk fabrics, permitted only coarse cloth. Though she found Lu Zigang's approach somewhat improper, she couldn't help but respect it. As these thoughts crossed her mind, her expression softened.

Meanwhile, Lu Zigang had calmed down and now noticed the woman's delicate features—free of makeup, her fair cheeks glowing with healthy color, her long hair styled in the manner of an unmarried maiden. She looked vaguely familiar, but when his gaze drifted downward, he froze abruptly.

Noticing him staring at her chest, Xia Zelan grew irritated, but then he stepped forward excitedly and said, "Miss, could you let me see the jade piece you're wearing?"

Only then did Xia Zelan realize that the raw jade stone she had worn since childhood had slipped out from her collar during her earlier movements. Still uncertain, she asked, "Are you really a jade carver?"

Lu Zigang took a deep breath and nodded stiffly. "Yes, I am Lu Zigang."He would never mistake it—this piece of jade was the very one worn by that little girl back then. He never expected that after all these years, he would see her again. Lu Zigang stared intently at her face, slowly merging it with the memory of the little girl from ten years ago.

Over the past decade, he had imagined countless times how that little girl was faring now.

Had she fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a cook? Would she still flash that brilliantly sunny smile? Had she already married?

Lu Zigang knew the faint hope in his heart was somewhat unrealistic. Not only was it incredibly difficult to find someone in this vast world whose name he didn’t even know, but by age, she would be eighteen now—an age when most women were already married. Yet here she was, a miracle unfolding before his eyes.

Lu Zigang tightened his grip on the Wu knife and glanced at the one in her hand, feeling it was fate that had reunited them. Yet, an inexplicable unease lingered.

“Lu Zigang?” Xia Zelan tilted her head, repeating the name. It felt strangely familiar, though she couldn’t quite place it. Recalling Eunuch Li’s praise of his renowned jade-carving skills, she thought perhaps his fame had simply reached her ears at some point.

Lu Zigang watched her unblinkingly, hoping to see a flicker of joy at their reunion.

Noticing his tense expression, Xia Zelan joked, “I don’t mind letting you examine the jade, but how about carving a piece for me while you’re at it?”

Lu Zigang’s heart sank—she didn’t remember him. Of course, it made sense; she had been only seven or eight back then, and their time together was brief. But hearing her ask him to carve jade for her, he felt a surge of joy. His long-held wish was unexpectedly within reach.

It didn’t matter if she didn’t remember him. They had met again, she wasn’t betrothed, and he had become a somewhat famous jade carver. They had a long, long time ahead—enough to rekindle what she had forgotten.

Yes, it would start with carving her the finest jade pendant. Xia Zelan had only meant it as a lighthearted remark, but to her surprise, he paused briefly before nodding with utmost seriousness. She hadn’t removed this jade in over a decade. Though she’d occasionally considered having it reshaped by a carver, something always held her back—a gentle, inner voice dissuading her.

“I can’t afford to pay you,” Xia Zelan admitted sheepishly. In truth, she had some savings, but someone welcomed by the head of the Jade Workshop would command a fee far beyond a humble cook’s means.

“It’s repayment for the meal you gave me,” Lu Zigang said with a faint smile, referring to the plate of egg-fried rice she’d made for him when they first met.

Xia Zelan assumed he meant the current welcome feast and raised an eyebrow, accepting without further protest. She confidently removed the jade from her neck and handed it over. “I have no specific design in mind—feel free to carve as you wish.”Lu Zigang held the jade stone that still carried the other's warmth in his hand, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart. He smiled and said, "Miss, you can come find me at the West Market in the future. I work at an antique shop called Dumb Shop." With that, he turned and left.

Dumb Shop? Upon hearing this increasingly familiar name, Xia Zelan felt even more puzzled. She stood there in a daze for a long while, unable to recall where she had heard it before.

Just as she was lost in thought, Xia Zelan saw Eunuch Li enter with an apologetic expression. He said to her, "Miss Xia, Master Lu just mentioned he has something to attend to tonight and has canceled the welcome banquet. Thank you for your trouble today. I’ll still pay you the agreed-upon fee as discussed."

How arrogant—he even dares to disregard the Chief’s face. Could it be that he left in such a hurry because he wanted to carve that jade stone?

Xia Zelan stuck out her tongue playfully and replied with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, Eunuch. I’ll take my leave now." Each palace within the imperial court had its own small kitchen, and the staff from the Imperial Kitchen took turns assisting there. She had swapped shifts with someone else, and if she returned now, she might not even need to trouble anyone else. She could simply follow her original schedule and take her turn at Consort Duan’s residence.

As for Dumb Shop... well, she could visit after her shift.

Xia Zelan washed the Wu knife in her hand and wrapped it back up in cloth.

Lu Zigang rubbed the smooth, lustrous jade material in his hand, studying its shape repeatedly as he envisioned various pendant designs in his mind.

What should he carve? A Buddha statue? A jade Ruyi scepter? A Buddha’s hand? But no matter how hard he tried to focus, his thoughts kept drifting, and his mind filled entirely with that delicate, flower-like face. He simply couldn’t concentrate.

His desires were truly modest. Having lost both parents at a young age, he had always yearned for a complete family. Yet, over all these years, no matter how many exquisite delicacies he had tasted, none could compare to that plate of undercooked egg fried rice from ten years ago.

She... still hadn’t married. Recalling that she still wore her hair in the style of an unmarried maiden, Lu Zigang couldn’t help but smile from the depths of his heart.

Wait—he still didn’t know her name. After such a rare reunion, in his excitement, he had once again forgotten to ask for her name.

"Zigang, where did you get this piece of material?" The Boss’s slightly surprised voice snapped Lu Zigang out of his thoughts. Only then did he realize he had been pondering over this jade for half the day, and the sky outside had already darkened.

As he stood up to light the oil lamp on the table, Lu Zigang excitedly recounted the day’s reunion. But when he finished, he noticed that the Boss’s expression was not one of surprise but rather solemn. An inexplicable unease rose in Lu Zigang’s heart. Under the flickering lamplight, the Boss’s appearance remained exactly the same as when he had taken him in ten years ago—still so youthful.

"You’re saying the Wu knife is in that girl’s hands? And it’s being used as a kitchen knife?" The Boss picked up the jade material from the table, lowering his head thoughtfully as he examined it.

"Yes," Lu Zigang replied, suddenly remembering something. His expression changed as he said, "That Wu knife must have inevitably come into contact with blood. This..." He still remembered the Boss’s warning when he had given him the knife: it must not touch blood or be used to kill. No wonder he had been plagued by a lingering sense of unease.

A Wu knife tainted with blood becomes a malevolent weapon, capable of rebounding harm upon its holder... The Boss narrowed his eyes, watching Lu Zigang’s visibly tense expression, and swallowed the words he had been about to speak. The raw jade material had already left its original owner; even if they tried to return it now, it was probably too late.In the end, the Boss merely said to him lightly, "This piece of jade would be better suited for carving a Longevity Lock."

Lu Zigang looked closely and realized the jade material was flat and round, indeed perfect for carving a small, exquisite Longevity Lock. He nodded repeatedly.

"Remember not to inscribe your signature on it this time. How improper would it be to have your name on a young lady's possession?" the Boss reminded him one last time before waving his sleeve and retreating into the house.

Of course he would leave his mark—how could he not? The thought of her carrying a Longevity Lock engraved with his name close to her body made Lu Zigang tighten his grip on the jade material, a faint smile curling at his lips.

Next time they met, he would definitely ask for her name—even though a woman's given name was traditionally known only to her parents and husband.

But this time, he would ask. Yet, why did things turn out this way later?

Lu Zigang gazed at the high eaves of Si Pai Lou, feeling dazed. He had worked tirelessly, carving the Longevity Lock in the shortest time possible, waiting for her to come to the Dumb Shop. But what he received instead was news of her death.

They said that night, a palace maid from Consort Duan's residence attempted rebellion and tried to assassinate the Emperor. They said the Emperor narrowly escaped death, and all the maids serving in the Palace of Heavenly Purity that night—regardless of involvement—were arrested by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, subjected to harsh interrogation, and ultimately, none survived. They said it was a long-planned political coup.

Fate had changed too swiftly, like a massive jade-cleaving blade striking down, shattering a beautiful piece of jade into fragments.

Before he could fully emerge from the joy of their reunion, he was forced to face a second separation. This time, it was a permanent parting. He didn't know the truth; he only knew that among the names listed on the execution notice posted at the city gate, every one was utterly unfamiliar. Yet the Boss told him she was among them.

Clutching the freshly carved Longevity Lock, he stood before that yellow notice for three days and three nights, still unable to connect her with that strange name.

Was this the outcome of ten years of longing? He truly couldn't believe it. Yet he waited another ten years in the Dumb Shop, holding the Longevity Lock that had long been completed, but she never appeared again. Not even once.

Ten years apart, one living, one dead; Not thinking, Yet never forgetting.

Strange to say, they had only met a few times in passing. She had likely long forgotten him, while he alone clung bitterly to those scarce memories, unable to let go. Perhaps... this too was fate.

He glanced once more at his palm, at the Longevity Lock into which he had poured a lifetime of effort and longing, ultimately unable to give it to her. He thought he had grasped happiness, but in the blink of an eye, found his hand still empty.

Countless times he wondered: if he hadn't gotten lost that day, hadn't been carrying the Wu knife, hadn't met her, hadn't left early—would their fates have been different? If they had never met twenty years ago, if he hadn't hidden in the alley to eat, if she hadn't bumped into him, if she hadn't offered him that plate of egg fried rice—would there be no today?

Might they have passed each other as strangers, unrecognized? She would have remained a cook, he a jade carver. But fate has never offered multiple choices.

The whereabouts of the Wu knife remained unknown—perhaps stored away as a murder weapon, or discarded as worthless trash.On the night before his imprisonment, he had returned the Wu knife to the Boss, ultimately unworthy of being its master.

The night before the execution, the proprietor of the Dumb Shop appeared like a ghost in the heavily guarded death row, asking if she wanted to leave the capital with him. He shook his head, refusing the offer. Ever since their reunion and parting ten years ago, he had been as good as dead.

He told the Boss, "I'm sorry. You asked me to help carve a piece of jade for you, but it seems I must break my promise." The Boss looked at him deeply and said calmly, "What you promised, you have already done for me long ago."

He watched as the Boss's figure gradually melted into the darkness, disappearing forever.

He couldn't help but think that he and she were like the Kunwu Blade—separated, reunited, and then forever parted again.

Gazing at the distant execution ground visible in the distance, Lu Zigang smiled. An emperor who would order the execution of a craftsman over nothing more than an inscription on an imperial teapot—no wonder, ten years ago, a palace maid had been driven to attempt his assassination.

Lu Zigang was dragged out of the prison cart by the executioner and forced to kneel on the ground. He lowered his head, looking at his own shadow cast by the sunlight, and suddenly felt a pang of panic. It wasn't death he feared, but the thought that in his next life, he might not recognize her again. However, the Boss had promised him that he would find her in every cycle of reincarnation and give her the Longevity Lock. If his next life retained any memory, he could use this lock to identify her.

He refused to accept such an end.

Clutching the Longevity Lock tightly in his hand, Lu Zigang slowly closed his eyes.

The blade rose, the blade fell. The transition from life to death is often just a simple moment.

Soldiers picked up the lustrous Longevity Lock from the pool of blood, wiped the bloodstains from it with their sleeves, and casually tucked it into their robes.

The crowd of onlookers gradually dispersed. A young man embroidered with a crimson red Dragon walked over and said calmly, "I think you'd better hand that Longevity Lock over to me."

·Five·

Four hundred years later, in the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang.

After a violent earthquake, the underground palace returned to complete darkness.

Huhai stood alone quietly in the darkness for a long, long time, watching as the young man who was the reincarnation of his imperial brother left the underground palace with the man who had been his adversary for two thousand years.

He pushed open the revived coffin and gazed quietly at the Longevity Lock, now broken into two pieces at the bottom of the coffin, as if deep in thought. Finally, he bent down and picked up the Longevity Lock.

A few days later, at Xi'an Xianyang Airport.

A man in casual clothes rushed out of the airport and jumped into a taxi. "Driver, take me to the Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang at Mount Li!"

"Alright! That's quite far. I heard there was an earthquake there a few days ago. You still want to go, brother?" the taxi driver asked curiously.

"Yes, it's precisely because of that earthquake that I need to go and survey the area. Ah, no choice—it's for my research project!" the man complained, half-truthfully.

"Research project?"

"Yeah, I study archaeology." The man took off his hat, revealing a handsome face. The name printed on his plane ticket was simple, just three Chinese characters:

Lu Zigang.

(End of Chapter)