Cui Xuanliang said blankly: “What?” Mrs. Rong smiled without answering, then said: “Young Master Cui, have you ever met Wei Kuan?” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “No… no.” Mrs. Rong smiled slightly: “Then has your uncle ever told you why Wei Kuan chose to seclude himself on Smoke Island?”

How could Cui Xuanliang know what Wei Kuan was thinking? He just shook his head in confusion: “No, my uncle told me… that I mustn’t inquire about Uncle Wei’s past deeds.” Mrs. Rong smiled faintly: “Young Master Cui, do you know why your uncle gave this instruction?” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “I don’t know…” Mrs. Rong gazed at the rain cascade outside the hall and said softly: “Because he is a jailer.”

Everyone’s hearts tightened as they exclaimed in unison: “Jailer?” Even the libertine Cui Xuanliang paid attention now, immediately becoming serious: “Sister, what exactly are you trying to say?” Mrs. Rong smiled slightly. She lowered her head to fan the tea brazier: “Young Master Cui, do you know the origin of the two characters ‘Dream Sea’?”

Cui Xuanliang was about to shake his head when he suddenly remembered the Tianjue monk’s words: “I know. It’s because you Japanese believe a treasure is hidden in the Dream Sea, right?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “Correct. For a thousand years, Japan has always believed this sea contains a beautiful dream that could transform Japan completely and free it from its current predicament.” She picked up the teapot to pour Cui Xuanliang another cup of tea, then continued: “Young Master Cui, do you know why you call the Dream Sea the ‘Bitter Sea’?” Cui Xuanliang was stunned. He had never thought about this question before, and being suddenly asked, he could only mumble thoughtfully: “That’s because there’s a… a great monster hidden in the Bitter Sea, so the court forbids us from entering freely.”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “Young Master Cui, do you truly believe this explanation?” The rain outside was violent, accompanied by thunder and lightning, quite frightening. The three people inside all fell silent, everyone feeling that Mrs. Rong’s words had hidden meanings with deep significance. From Wei Kuan to the Dream Sea, from the Dream Sea to the Bitter Sea, every word and sentence was interconnected and closely linked, yet for the moment, it was difficult to piece together clearly.

Everyone listened to the rain outside, their hearts filled with confusion. Mrs. Rong smiled: “Young Master Cui, the rain is still heavy and you can’t leave for a while. Why don’t you listen to me tell a story?”

Cui Xuanliang sighed in relief: “Good! I love listening to storytelling! Sister, is your story about the East?” The woman smiled: “Not quite. This story is about the Three Kingdoms. The Three Kingdoms I speak of don’t refer to the Cao, Liu, and Sun kingdoms, but the three great nations of today: China, Japan, and Korea.” Old Chen and Old Lin exchanged glances, both feeling their hearts tighten, knowing she had reached the main topic. But Cui Xuanliang was an idiot – he immediately lay on his side on the mat and smiled: “Speak quickly! I’m waiting to hear!”

Mrs. Rong quietly fanned the brazier while saying: “Young Master Cui, you are Chinese. Do you know how foreign peoples describe you?” Cui Xuanliang smiled: “Big.” Mrs. Rong smiled: “Correct. Just big. My husband once traveled the world, wanting to find a country bigger than China. For this, he went far to India, then to Mongolia. But when he arrived there, he found it wasn’t so, because for thousands of years, India has remained fragmented despite appearing large, and Mongolia is even more loosely rooted, appearing strong but hollow inside. Only China has stood unshaken for thousands of years. No matter how it’s broken or scattered, it ultimately pursues national unification. Such cohesive power truly cannot be found in any other nation in the world.”

Cui Xuanliang often received his uncle’s teachings and was also a loyal patriot. Hearing this, he immediately laughed heartily: “Yes! China is indeed the world’s greatest nation! Now you know.”

Mrs. Rong continued: “Correct. China’s greatness is beyond even the Chinese themselves to imagine. China is the origin of all civilization. It has given Korea and Japan far too much, while Korea and Japan have given back far too little. China has many people and vast territory – even Korea and Japan combined don’t equal half of it. So if we compare this East Sea to a household, China would definitely be the eldest son. Not only that, it’s also the legitimate eldest son, born of the principal wife, destined for the supreme position from birth.”

Cui Xuanliang laughed heartily: “Yes, we are indeed the big brother and will definitely take care of our Japanese little brothers.” A flash of anger passed through Mrs. Rong’s eyes. She lowered her gaze and said lightly: “Young Master, in the past Japan had several heroes who, whenever discussing your country’s affairs, always said Japan was the big brother wanting to elevate this pitiful little brother. How do you feel hearing this?”

“Outrageous!” Cui Xuanliang flew into a rage and shouted: “Who dares say such things?” Mrs. Rong stared at her opposite seat and said: “Since the Taika Reform, Japan has extremely revered your country, yet the thoughts hidden deep in their hearts have never changed. In Japanese eyes, China is indeed a great country – this big brother is not only big in stature, age, and ability, but also very broad-minded. And because it’s so very big, it appears extremely extremely…” She picked up the teapot, poured tea into the cup, and said softly: “Arrogant.”

Cui Xuanliang snorted and said angrily: “Sister Rong, aren’t your words a bit excessive?”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “Young Master, I understand your feelings – no one likes to see their country mocked. But China is different. It’s a great nation, so great it can ignore others’ opinions, so great it can close its doors and live for thousands of years by itself, so great that even in decline, it still carries the pride of royal descendants. So I say Chinese people are arrogant. This is neither praise nor criticism, but my honest words.” Cui Xuanliang stared thoughtfully at Mrs. Rong’s words and suddenly said: “Sister, is this Chinese arrogance good or bad?”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “The reason the eldest is the eldest isn’t a matter of one or two years, but testimony of over a thousand years. Therefore, in Chinese eyes, all neighboring nations’ prosperity appears like nouveau riche – easily broken and everywhere to be seen. So Chinese people have always been haughty, never caring about outsiders’ opinions, much less deigning to learn others’ skills. Even if neighbors offer them benefits, they would sneer and treat it as a joke.” Cui Xuanliang laughed: “You can’t blame us – who told you to be Eastern barbarians, Western nomads, Southern savages, and Northern barbarians, with names containing the dog radical, like beasts?”

Mrs. Rong was thoroughly insulted but didn’t fly into a rage, only smiling faintly: “Very well, consider me a dog looking down on people.” She took up her bowl to drink tea, lightly sipping once: “Young Master, have you ever thought about which nation’s people in this world most care about others’ opinions?” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “Opinions?” Mrs. Rong said: “Opinions mean views. Young Master, have you ever thought about which country’s people most care about others’ views of them?”

China had always regarded foreign nations as barbarian dogs and pigs, not caring how they viewed China, naturally dismissing them. But as for who most cared about others’ views, this had never been deeply considered. Cui Xuanliang couldn’t give a reason and was about to admit ignorance when he heard Old Chen cough, suddenly realizing: “Ah! Is it Japan?”

Mrs. Rong nodded: “Correct, the people who most care about others’ views in the world are the Japanese.” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “Why?” Mrs. Rong smiled and asked back: “Young Master Cui, do you know the origin of Japan’s name?” Cui Xuanliang thought for a long while and mumbled: “I… I heard my uncle say it seems the Japanese think they live in the place where the sun rises, right?” Mrs. Rong nodded: “Correct. Japan means the land of the sun, where the sun rises. But has Young Master Cui ever thought why Japanese people think this way?”

Cui Xuanliang exclaimed in wonder – the sun throughout the world rises from the east without exception. Presumably when the Japanese stood by the sea watching the sunrise, the sun must also rise from the east. But strangely, why would they consider themselves people of the “sunrise country”? The more Cui Xuanliang thought, the more puzzled he became, mumbling: “Sister, tell me quickly – why exactly?” Mrs. Rong said lightly: “This is because of China.” Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “China? How does your calling yourselves Japan relate to us?” Mrs. Rong said: “Of course it’s related. Where does China’s sun rise from?”

Cui Xuanliang thought mumblingly and suddenly realized: “Right! From Japan!” Mrs. Rong smiled and nodded: “Correct. The Japanese islands lie east of the continent. Looking from China, the Fusang islands appear like the Central Plains’ sunrise land. Precisely because of this, Japanese people consider themselves people of the sunrise country.”

Cui Xuanliang snorted: “How arrogant – isn’t that taking advantage of us?” Mrs. Rong said calmly: “Young Master Cui misunderstands. This isn’t arrogance but sadness.” Cui Xuanliang said in amazement: “Sadness?” Mrs. Rong said softly: “For thousands of years, Japanese people couldn’t see their own appearance. They had to find themselves through foreigners’ eyes.” Old Chen and Old Lin exchanged glances, also understanding Mrs. Rong’s meaning – Japan was Japan not because of anything else, but because of China.

Only in relation to China could Japan be the land of the rising sun – this was an indescribable feeling. When Prince Shotoku wrote to Emperor Yang of Sui, he addressed it from the “sunrise country” to the “sunset country,” which became a source of pride for the Japanese people ever since. However, Japanese people didn’t realize that Chinese people didn’t care about this designation at all, much less consider themselves in a land of sunset. When they looked around, they knew they were not only west of Japan but also south of Russia, north of India, and due east of Persia and the Arabian countries. Very early on, Chinese people had established their country’s name – “Zhongguo” (Middle Kingdom) – they were at the center of the infinite universe, at the very middle of the chaotic heaven and earth. Self-confident and self-assured, they never cared how others viewed them.

Cui Xuanliang sat dazed contemplating the Japanese situation and mumbled: “Sister, I really don’t understand why you Japanese care so much about others’ opinions. If people gossip, just let them talk – it’s not like you owe anyone money, so what’s to fear?”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “Young Master, you’ve said it right – we Japanese really do owe people money.” Cui Xuanliang had been speaking carelessly but didn’t expect this to be true, and couldn’t help being amazed: “Really? Who do you owe?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “This debt is what you Chinese call ‘kindness.’ National kindness, sovereign kindness, parental kindness – from the emperor down to common people, everyone is born owing a debt. This debt is mutually owed, so everyone is also the other’s creditor. Precisely because of this, whenever you make a mistake, everyone in the world can righteously scold you, saying how you’ve forgotten kindness and become ungrateful, until they force you into having no place to hide your shame.”

Cui Xuanliang smiled bitterly: “Too frightening. Then… then how do you appease everyone’s anger?” Mrs. Rong said lightly: “Suicide. Japanese people forgive the dead. As long as you commit seppuku to apologize, they’ll no longer pursue your mistakes.” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “No wonder uncle said Japanese warriors constantly commit seppuku – so this is the reason.” Mrs. Rong said lightly: “The reason Japanese people are humble and courteous isn’t because they truly respect anyone, but because they fear others pointing fingers at them, so they hide under the big umbrella of etiquette. This way, Japanese people become very fragile, often killing because of one mocking word or committing seppuku because of one word of praise. So my husband often says Japanese people are too inferior.”

Cui Xuanliang exclaimed: “Inferior?” Mrs. Rong sighed: “Yes. Only inferior people seek confidence from others’ eyes, and only inferior people care so much about others’ opinions.” She silently picked up her own teacup and said softly: “Young Master, if China is the arrogant big brother, do you know what Japan is like?”

Cui Xuanliang smiled: “Like what? The second brother?” Mrs. Rong shook her head: “No, compared to China, Japan’s character is like the youngest child.” Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Youngest child?”

Mrs. Rong smiled slightly: “The youngest child is the smallest in the family. In any family, the eldest is always tallest and strongest, so often ignores younger siblings’ thoughts. In contrast, the youngest is smallest, so appears most clever and perceptive. He cares more than anyone about others’ opinions of him – one word of flattery or insult can be etched in his memory forever.” At this point, Mrs. Rong suddenly put down her tea bowl and asked Cui Xuanliang: “Young Master, are you also the youngest?” “No… no.” Cui Xuanliang’s face reddened as he shook his head: “I… I’m an only child.”

Mrs. Rong nodded: “No wonder. You seem somewhat willful, looking like the youngest but lacking that cleverness. So you’re an only child.” Cui Xuanliang’s face reddened: “So all youngest children are smart?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “Smart, perhaps not necessarily. But the youngest is small, bullied and chased by older brothers since childhood, so learns to be clever – crying when it’s time to cry, making trouble when it’s time to make trouble. Because of such humbleness, throughout his life, he strives to regain self-respect.”

Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “Regain self-respect? How?” Mrs. Rong said: “The youngest’s self-respect was lost to his older brothers, so to regain it, he must win it back from his brothers’ hands. This is the only way to truly mature. So the youngest children we commonly see are always willful and competitive, determined to win. Even the tiniest victory or loss, the most trivial win or defeat, he gives his all as if it were a life-and-death battle…” At this point, she suddenly smiled: “Young Master Cui, does such a character – both competitive and inferior – seem like Japanese people to you?”

Cui Xuanliang sighed: “No wonder… no wonder you always want to challenge our Chinese empire. How pitiful.” Mrs. Rong shook her head: “You needn’t pity us. Because inferior people inevitably become self-strengthening. This is why the unremarkable youngest child can always defeat the big brother and become the true head of household.”

Hearing this, Old Chen and Old Lin both felt their hearts tighten, knowing Japan intended to compete with China for supremacy. Old Chen chuckled: “Madam, what about yourself? Are you the eldest sister or youngest sister in your family?” Mrs. Rong said lightly: “Like Young Master Cui, I also have no siblings.” Cui Xuanliang said “Oh”: “You… you’re also an only child?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “No, I’m illegitimate.” Cui Xuanliang cried out: “A bastard?” This was said too harshly, inevitably causing displeasure. Old Chen and Old Lin both coughed and looked at each other. Mrs. Rong wasn’t angry, only gazing at the rain curtain outside the hall, silent and thoughtful. Fearing he had angered her, Cui Xuanliang hastily tried to change the subject: “Sister, what about your husband? Is he… is he the eldest in his family?” Mrs. Rong shook her head: “No, my husband is also a…” At this point, she stared at Cui Xuanliang and said softly: “Bastard.”

Cui Xuanliang swallowed, seeing that Mrs. Rong and her husband were both illegitimate children without name or status. He wondered how they had met – could it be from shared misfortune? While he was speculating, he suddenly heard Old Chen say: “Young Master, this rain keeps falling endlessly with no end. I think we should leave.”

Cui Xuanliang also wanted to leave and quickly said: “Sister, can you… can you lend us some umbrellas?”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “Of course, but Young Master Cui must finish listening to my story.” Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Didn’t you already talk about the big brother and little brother? How is it not finished?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “Of course it’s not finished. We’ve missed one – the most easily forgotten among the three brothers.”

Cui Xuanliang cried out and realized: “You… you mean the second brother?”

Mrs. Rong smiled calmly: “Exactly the second brother. From birth, he’s unloved by father and mother, with a universally admired big brother above and an unexpectedly capable little brother below. Caught between them, the second son often doesn’t know what to do. Young Master Cui, do you know who this second brother is in the East Sea?”

Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “Sister, you mean Korea, right?” Mrs. Rong smiled and repeated: “Correct. The big brother is majestic and impressive, the little brother clever and smart, but only this second brother remains silent and unnoticed. The second among these three nations is the most steadfast ally from ancient times, the ‘White Robe Country,’ Korea.”

Thunder rumbled outside the hall, lightning crisscrossed like a divine dragon, illuminating the room brightly. He thought of Ming Guoxun’s ruthless pursuit of Japanese pirates at sea. Though times had changed, Cui Xuanliang still felt secretly alarmed: “Sister Rong, Koreans seem quite afraid of you Japanese, don’t they?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “No, Korea doesn’t fear Japan. They’re just extremely wary of Japan.” Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Wary? Why should they be wary of you when they’re doing fine? If they wanted to be wary of someone, shouldn’t it be our Chinese empire?” Mrs. Rong smiled: “No, Korea won’t be wary of China. As the big brother, China bears great responsibilities. Korea can yield to and tolerate China without being wary of it. But regarding Japan, they must be on guard.”

Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “Why is this?” Mrs. Rong sighed: “Being the second brother is always extremely difficult. He has an arrogant big brother above and a competitive little brother below, so he’s always self-pitying and worried about gains and losses, always feeling everything in the world is unfair. In contrast, the youngest is carefree – when happy, he goes to play with his brothers; when in trouble, he can hide in his parents’ arms, safe from harm by the big brother and second brother.” Cui Xuanliang mumbled: “Parents? Sister, you mean…” Mrs. Rong said quietly: “Heaven, earth, mountains, and seas are Japan’s parents. To be the youngest, you must first find backing. For Japan, the great sea is precisely its backing.” Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “This… does this backing work?” Mrs. Rong said: “For a thousand years, no one could invade Japan. Relying on sea and sky barriers, even Genghis Khan’s military might couldn’t reach Japan. But when Japan is happy, it can cross the sea to deal with big brother and second brother. Once brothers start fighting, it can escape back to the sea, and even if the eldest and second are furious, they have no recourse.”

Cui Xuanliang secretly pondered. According to Mrs. Rong’s explanation, Japan was like the youngest child while Korea was the second in the family. He immediately said: “This… this youngest probably doesn’t respect the second much, right?” Mrs. Rong sighed: “More than just disrespect! For nearly a thousand years, our country has consistently believed Korea lacks independent judgment and truly doesn’t deserve to be called a nation.”

Cui Xuanliang laughed dryly: “What did they do? Why should they be mocked by you?” Mrs. Rong said quietly: “Korea adopts China’s calendar system, wears Chinese clothing and caps, follows the Chinese imperial examination system. But no matter how they imitate, they’re not Chinese. So Japan has always looked down on Korea, treating them as China’s vassal, dispensable. For this reason, Korean rulers and officials also deeply hate Japan. In recent years, Korean kings created ‘Hunminjeongeum,’ giving Korea its own writing system, more or less for this reason too.”

Cui Xuanliang sighed: “You Japanese really speak harshly – no wonder Koreans dislike you.”

Chinese people are proud and arrogant, Japanese people inferior yet self-strengthening. Poor Korea has neither China’s vast territory and resources nor Japan’s oceanic protection. On one side, they must deal with big brother’s fists; on the other, they must endure little brother’s mockery. Living in the cracks for years, they inevitably become self-pitying. Cui Xuanliang listened dazedly and said: “Sister Rong, if China and Japan compete, which side would Korea take?” Mrs. Rong said: “They have no choice. Every time the eldest and youngest fight, regardless of who wins or loses, the one harmed most deeply is always the second brother.”

Cui Xuanliang said in amazement: “Why?” Mrs. Rong said: “Normally, the big brother appears hateful, imperious, and arrogant. Though the second brother has rebellious thoughts, being unable to act alone, he can only swallow his anger. So whenever the youngest defies control and roars at the big brother, the second brother inevitably feels hunting joy, hoping the youngest will cause a big commotion to make the big brother restrain himself. Thus he’ll mostly secretly help him. But once things truly become uncontrollable, the first to be afraid is definitely this second brother.” Cui Xuanliang frowned: “What’s he afraid of? He didn’t lead the trouble!”

Mrs. Rong said: “Being the second son, he naturally has no backing. If it really comes to the big brother’s fury and violence, the youngest will definitely turn and run, disappearing without a trace, leaving only the second brother to take the beating alone. So at life-and-death moments, the second has no choice but to return to the big brother’s side, speaking coldly to the little brother, advising him to behave and not seek death.”

Cui Xuanliang smiled bitterly: “Then… then isn’t the youngest furious?” Mrs. Rong said: “No choice. Most youngest children think the second brother is a fence-sitter, swaying with the wind, useless. But in the big brother’s heart, he won’t be grateful for the loyal second brother either. He’ll only remember the youngest who roared and clamored at him, feeling this smallest brother dares to act boldly, probably much stronger than the submissive second brother.”

Cui Xuanliang smiled bitterly several times and said: “Sister Rong, I think your words are somewhat exaggerated. The few Koreans I know are all highly skilled in martial arts and very capable in handling affairs – they’re not as useless as you describe!” Mrs. Rong said: “I didn’t say Koreans are useless. They’re just lying low. Being the second son, they deeply understand self-preservation, hiding their abilities for thousands of years to avoid suspicion.” Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “So they’re pretending to be pigs to eat tigers. Then… then if this second brother decides to rebel, wouldn’t it be his turn to rule?” Mrs. Rong shook her head: “Quite the contrary. If the second brother rebels, only the youngest benefits – it would never be the second brother’s turn to lead.” Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “Why?”

Mrs. Rong said: “The second brother isn’t the youngest – he has no backing. So once he decides to challenge the big brother, it’s not just childish bickering but a real life-and-death struggle. Then the eldest won’t be polite to him either, striking to kill from the start. Consider this: with one brother dead and one severely injured, wouldn’t it be the youngest brother’s turn to head the household?”

Cui Xuanliang suddenly understood: “No wonder… no wonder I’ve never heard of Korea trying to invade China…” Mrs. Rong said: “For a thousand years, Korea never planned to compete for the eldest position. From the beginning, Korea chose to be the second brother, yielding and tolerating China in everything. But no matter how humble it becomes, it cannot tolerate Japan climbing over its head.” Cui Xuanliang frowned: “Why must it be this way?” Mrs. Rong said: “The competition between second and youngest brothers involves bitter pain and hardship that outsiders cannot understand. Consider this: the second brother losing to the well-established big brother can be explained as being physically inferior – understandable. But losing to the empty-handed little brother isn’t about physical inferiority but mental inferiority.”

Cui Xuanliang nodded: “No wonder… no wonder that Ming Guoxun so hated the Japanese pirates – so this is the reason.” Hearing “Japanese pirates,” Mrs. Rong lowered her wise eyes, her long eyelashes trembling lightly: “Young Master, do you think Koreans like China?” Cui Xuanliang was startled and quickly said: “This… I… I don’t know…” Mrs. Rong said quietly: “Young Master, I think Koreans don’t hate China but can’t exactly be called grateful either. I think the word ‘resentment’ might be more appropriate.”

Hearing the matter involved himself, Cui Xuanliang broke into cold sweat all over, while Old Chen and Old Lin also lowered their heads speechlessly. They heard Mrs. Rong say quietly: “Compared to Japan, Korea is truly loyal to China. For thousands of years, it has never betrayed this big brother, never invaded China. Whenever foreign enemies attacked the Central Plains, it would even fight alongside its elder brother, continuing without hesitation even when severely injured. But do you know how this big brother treats his loyal sibling whenever he gains power and becomes strong?” Cui Xuanliang’s body trembled as he said in a shaking voice: “How does he treat them…”

Mrs. Rong said softly: “At best, he forgets them. At worst, he leads armies to annex their territory. This is the price of Korea’s loyalty.” Cui Xuanliang cried out, clenched his fists, and loudly protested: “That’s not true! We Chinese are the most benevolent! We would never be so ungrateful!” Mrs. Rong said calmly: “History records that China has repeatedly invaded Korea – first Emperor Wu of Han, then Emperor Taizong of Tang. Military disasters throughout the dynasties are too numerous to count. Why must Young Master argue so forcefully?” Cui Xuanliang angrily said: “I’m not arguing forcefully! Anyway… anyway just watch! Someday we’ll mobilize our entire nation to give Korea great rewards!”

Both fell silent, already feeling their words didn’t match. Mrs. Rong said softly: “Young Master, are you angry with me?” Cui Xuanliang snorted: “Sister, you’re beautiful and treat people gently and politely, but when you keep scolding China, it hurts me more than if you scolded me directly.”

Mrs. Rong smiled: “Young Master Cui, don’t be angry. Have you thought about why I’m telling you these stories?” Cui Xuanliang was slightly stunned: “Yes, why… why are you telling me these things?”

The rain outside showed no sign of lessening but grew more violent. Mrs. Rong before him fell silent. She stopped fanning the fire and brewing tea, only gazing outside while saying softly: “A thousand years ago, China, Japan, and Korea had a great military disaster. At that time, your country allied with Silla and crushed our Emperor Tenji’s fleet at Baekgang. Afterward, Korea submitted and Japan surrendered, establishing the order among the three nations. But from that year, the three countries planted seeds of hatred that continue to this day.”

Cui Xuanliang rarely read history and didn’t understand these ancient events, mumbling: “Sister, what exactly are you trying to say?” Mrs. Rong smiled lightly, came to Cui Xuanliang’s side, and whispered in his ear: “Emperor Yongle is dead, and Wei Kuan is also aging, no longer able to rule the Dream Sea…” She leaned forward, excitement flashing in her eyes: “Young Master Cui, do you want to chase dreams with me?” Cui Xuanliang was startled: “What dream?”

Mrs. Rong smiled slightly: “The Dream Sea’s dream.” As soon as she finished speaking, she suddenly pressed Cui Xuanliang down on the mat. Old Chen and Old Lin were greatly shocked and shouted: “What are you trying to do?” Mrs. Rong raised her hand and drew out a dagger, pressing it to Cui Xuanliang’s throat, smiling: “Young Master Cui, give me the key.”

Cui Xuanliang felt thunderstruck, immediately thinking of the key in his bosom, and said coldly: “Sister, aren’t… aren’t you my friend?” Mrs. Rong held him down, then reached out her hand, slowly exploring Cui Xuanliang’s bosom, smiling in his ear: “Young Master Cui, I don’t want to harm you. All I want to do is open the Dream Sea’s treasure.”

Cui Xuanliang trembled all over. Earlier he had been deceived by criminals and accidentally entered Shang Zhongzhi’s mansion. In the chaos, he took nothing but picked up a key, which he casually put in his bosom without deep thought. Who would have expected this key was related to the Dream Sea’s treasure? Mrs. Rong pressed on Cui Xuanliang’s body, reaching into his bosom to search while smiling in his ear: “Young Master Cui, let me tell you honestly… everyone in the world is exploring the truth of the Dream Sea treasure, but only three people truly know the inside story. One is me, one is Shang Zhongzhi. Do you know who the other is?”

Hearing Shang Zhongzhi was involved, Cui Xuanliang’s teeth chattered, knowing this matter was very bad indeed. He said in a trembling voice: “Who… who is it?” Mrs. Rong said softly: “Wei Kuan.” Cui Xuanliang said with a mournful face: “Uncle Wei…” Mrs. Rong said gently: “Young Master Cui, Wei Kuan is already old. He must hand over the island master position. I’ve been waiting for this moment since I was a young girl, waiting for over twenty years… Do you know? Just let me open the Dream Sea treasure… the three nations can unite as one…” As she spoke, her fingertips were ice-cold, finally touching that key. Cui Xuanliang held back tears: “Sister, you want to…”

Mrs. Rong took out the key and smiled: “I want the emperor’s throne.” Hearing this, everyone was stunned. Just as Mrs. Rong was about to sit up, there was a sudden “rumble” of thunder, lightning flashed across the sky. Quick as lightning, the interior wall exploded open, a blade shadow flickered, and a purple-faced big man burst in, shouting harshly: “Baka!”

With a clang, the Eastern sword struck down, already clashing with Mrs. Rong’s dagger. Mrs. Rong’s whole body shook violently, blood bursting from her palm. This sword strike was so heavy that it not only knocked away her dagger, but the key in her hand also fell back into Cui Xuanliang’s pocket. The big man roared like a tiger and struck back with his sword toward Cui Xuanliang.

Cui Xuanliang was scared pale – after all, this was his first encounter with an Eastern sword in his life. Seeing the gleaming blade approaching, he was so terrified he didn’t know how to block or parry. Mrs. Rong cried out sharply, waved her hand, and threw the teapot from the low table. The pot was full of boiling water, like a very dangerous hidden weapon. The purple-faced man roared strangely and raised his sword to strike it down. With a crash, the teapot split in half, boiling water splashed throughout the hall, landing on his own bare feet, presumably causing heart-piercing pain. Mrs. Rong quickly lifted up the grass mat to shield herself and Cui Xuanliang.

The purple-faced man was extremely fierce. Roaring and howling, he raised his sword to strike again, when Mrs. Rong shouted: “Get down!” Everyone quickly fell flat as wind sounds filled their ears overhead. The walls and low table echoed with successive sounds as if some hidden weapons had been shot out. The purple-faced man continuously swung his sword with endless clanging sounds, retreating step by step. Old Chen and Old Lin were scared witless, Cui Xuanliang was also completely at a loss, but Mrs. Rong remained calm in danger. With a “whoosh,” she blew out the candle and said quietly: “Young Master Cui, there’s a small path behind the shrine that leads directly to the island’s north. Please go first. I’ll come find you another day.”

Cui Xuanliang said in a trembling voice: “Sister, these people are… are…” Footsteps rushed chaotically in the corridor – who knew how many people had come outside. Suddenly there was a loud bang as the paper door was knocked down. Mrs. Rong touched her toe and kicked up the low table like a shield to block in front, shouting: “Go!” Cui Xuanliang stood dazed, not knowing what to do, when Old Chen and Old Lin flanked him on left and right, shouting: “Young Master! Quickly escape for your life!” The three shouted loudly and fled into the courtyard. The rain was urgent, the ground full of mud. They were about to continue fleeing when Old Chen cried “Ah!” – his foot slipped and he fell into the grass. Cui Xuanliang and Old Lin hurried to help him up, but just as they bent their waists, they heard successive “whoosh” sounds as several bright white lights flew overhead, carrying a strong fishy stench.

Cui Xuanliang trembled with fear. Looking back, he saw a gray-clothed masked person approaching stealthily, with many Eastern warriors in the distance wielding swords and slashing wildly. All around was like a slaughterhouse – how could they escape alive? He could only pull Old Chen and Old Lin, the three huddling in the grass, not daring to move, afraid of being hit by hidden weapons.

Cui Xuanliang tugged Old Chen’s sleeve and whispered: “Let’s go from behind the shrine. Mrs. Rong said there’s a small path there.” Old Chen and Old Lin agreed, and the three crawled wriggling on the ground. Just as they were afraid, they suddenly saw someone lying in the grass. Looking closer, they were shocked to see the person had open eyes, blood flowing from his mouth, dressed as a warrior – judging by his clothing, he was one of Mrs. Rong’s subordinates, already dead here.

“A dead person!” Old Lin was scared out of his wits and jumped high. He hadn’t practiced lightness skills, but this jump was truly high – at least three to five feet, quite impressive. But this exposed their hiding place. A gray shadow flashed in the sky as a gray-clothed assassin flew down through the heavy rain, charging straight at them.

Originally there had been four guards in front of the shrine, all carrying swords, but they were all killed. The enemy’s martial arts must be extraordinarily high. Cui Xuanliang didn’t know who the attacker was or how he should resist, only crying and shouting: “Help! Someone help!” The three wailed to heaven and earth. Seeing a bamboo grove behind the shrine, they fled into it. The gray shadow came extremely fast – just after landing, it had already chased close behind Cui Xuanliang, then extended its right hand to grab at his back.

“Thunder Rising Strike!”

The Eight Directions Five Thunder Palm was unleashed. Cui Xuanliang leaped into the air, using his family’s ultimate skill. This palm technique was one he had practiced to perfection, and with his life in danger, he naturally used it. The assassin showed no fear, raising his right palm to deflect Cui Xuanliang’s palm strike while pressing down on his elbow with the left hand – an extremely powerful grappling technique. After a loud “bang,” the gray shadow contacted Cui Xuanliang’s palm force and spun like a great wheel, bouncing and rolling, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

The “Eight Directions Five Thunder Palm” was unstoppable. When this palm technique first showed its power, it fought Wei Kuan’s “Primordial Skill” to a draw – how could its power be trivial? The gray assassin didn’t recognize the origin of this palm technique and indeed suffered greatly. Though Cui Xuanliang had gained the upper hand, he didn’t dare pursue his advantage. Raising both hands high, he ran into the bamboo grove, crying loudly: “Help! Don’t kill me! Don’t kill me!”

Though Cui Xuanliang’s martial arts weren’t weak, he only ran away at this moment, completely not daring to fight. Seeing this, how could Old Chen and Old Lin not flee in panic? The three shouted loudly enough to shake the heavens as they escaped along the bamboo grove path. After running about five li, they finally left the bamboo grove. All three were soaked through, nearly out of breath from running, but still didn’t dare stop. Cui Xuanliang ran while crying, about to fall to the ground when suddenly a palm patted his shoulder, scaring him into jumping up and crying shrilly: “Thunder Rising Strike!”

Just as he was about to strike out with his palm force, he heard a voice say in surprise: “What are you doing! What are you doing! Don’t hit people randomly!” The three recognized this voice and quickly turned around, shouting in unison: “Doctor Wang!”

Behind them stood a small old man holding an umbrella, squinting at them – who else could it be but “Ghost Doctor” Wang Kui from Mount Jiuhua? Cui Xuanliang cried loudly: “Doctor Wang! Help!” In his joy, he rushed to embrace Wang Kui. Cui Xuanliang was filthy all over, covered in mud. Wang Kui held an oil umbrella – if he got embraced, he’d inevitably become equally black. He clicked his tongue and quickly stepped back: “What have you been doing?” Cui Xuanliang cried: “We saw ghosts! They chased us all the way! Please take us to escape!” Wang Kui laughed: “Escape what? Look around here – where’s even half a ghost?”

Cui Xuanliang cried out and looked left and right, only then realizing he was on a busy street with people coming and going, accents from Shandong, Shanxi, Henan, Hebei, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, and Hubei. Many carried swords and blades – all Central Plains martial artists. Cui Xuanliang cried and laughed: “Saved! Saved!” In his excitement, he rushed toward Wang Kui again. Wang Kui said: “Alright, alright, stop making a fuss. Go see your uncle first. Stop pestering me.” Cui Xuanliang was greatly alarmed: “My… my uncle? What happened to him? Has his condition changed?” Wang Kui smiled: “Nothing serious. I just checked his pulse earlier. I didn’t expect that in just half a day of not seeing him, he cleared his qi blockage by himself. This old man has practiced medicine all his life and has never seen anyone’s injuries heal this quickly…” Cui Xuanliang sighed in relief: “You… you really examined him?”

Wang Kui said: “Would I lie about that? I just finished lunch when several sailors from your ship came – one surnamed Huang, one surnamed Li – asking me to go see your Second Master… so they brought me to Yanbao Grand Inn…” Old Chen said in surprise: “Inn? What inn?” Wang Kui pointed to an inn by the street and smiled: “There, Yanbao Grand Inn, twenty taels per night. All the old and young from your ship have moved in – quite generous spending indeed.”

Old Chen stared up blankly at the “Yanbao Inn” – magnificent and grand in architecture, obviously extremely expensive. He cried out in shock: “That box of gold bars!” Old Lin angrily added: “That box of gold bars the Koreans gave!” Cui Xuanliang corrected: “Those aren’t your gold bars! Those are my gold bars alone!” He immediately cried and ran forward: “Give me back my money! That’s my private savings! Can’t use it randomly!”

The three shouted angrily with crying and cursing, forgetting they had just been in mortal danger moments before, and all rushed into the inn. Arriving in the hall, they saw a large courtyard before them. The downstairs dining hall was quiet and elegant, with someone playing pipa by the window – melodious and pleasant. Looking up, they saw several laborers standing on the second floor, each leaning against the railings chatting. One had a weasel-like face – that was sailor Old Huang. Another had a waxy yellow complexion – that was Old Li. Beside them lay a small lion, sleeping soundly. This was completely out of place with the surrounding elegance.

“Bastards!” The three ignored the hall’s quietness and cursed, rushing straight to the second floor, roaring: “Old Huang! Old Li! Are you seeking death?” Those by the railings were indeed Cui Fengxian’s old subordinates – Old Huang and Old Li, ranking third and fourth under Old Chen and Old Lin. Seeing their companions arrive in fury, they were slightly startled: “What’s wrong with you? How did you end up looking like ghosts?”

Old Chen, ignoring his muddy state, pointed and cursed angrily: “Cut the nonsense! Speak! Where’s Second Master! Did you sell him?” Old Huang raised his finger to signal quiet: “Lower your voice, Second Master is sleeping inside. Doctor Wang just examined him.” He pushed open a room door, signaling the three to look.

Old Chen and Old Lin rushed angrily forward. Looking into the room, they saw it was quiet and peaceful, with an old man lying on the bed, two stinky feet bare, snoring like thunder, sleeping sweetly – who else but Cui Fengxian?

Old Chen exclaimed: “He… he can snore now?” The three approached to examine him. They saw Cui Fengxian’s complexion was ruddy, much better than his morning appearance. Old Lin looked amazed and quickly pulled Old Huang aside, whispering: “What happened? Did Doctor Wang give him some elixir?” Old Huang said: “No. Doctor Wang was also clicking his tongue in wonder, saying Second Master must have practiced some miraculous internal skill to clear his qi in just one morning – he’s never seen anything like it in his lifetime.” Cui Xuanliang said in surprise: “What exactly does ‘clearing qi’ mean?”

Before he finished speaking, there was a sudden “puff” sound and the room filled with stench – Cui Fengxian had farted. Everyone pinched their noses and walked out, finally understanding what “clearing qi” meant. Seeing the three in such a sorry state, Old Huang frowned: “What exactly happened to you? How did you end up like this? Where are the goods?” Old Li also said: “Yes, where are the goods? Did you see Lord Shang Liu?” At the mention of this, everyone sighed. Old Chen shook his head: “Don’t mention it – Lord Shang Liu is dead.” Everyone was shocked: “Dead? How did he die?” Old Lin smiled bitterly: “It’s a long story. The three of us nearly got chopped into mincemeat. Quick, go warm some wine.”

Everyone was surprised and doubtful, going to the guest hall to fetch wine. Old Huang was about to leave when his collar was grabbed, and he heard Old Chen say coldly: “Damn it, I leave through the front door and you move into upper rooms through the back! Huang, where did you get money to stay at an inn?” Hearing this, Old Lin immediately turned back with fierce sideways glances: “Yes, did you steal our gold bars?” Old Huang looked confused, frowning: “What gold bars?” Old Chen and Old Lin raged: “Still playing dumb! Those gold bars the Koreans sent! In a box!” Old Huang said blankly: “What box? What are you talking about?” Cui Xuanliang cried: “Stop pretending – that peach wood box! I kept it in the cabin! That’s my personal money!”

Old Huang understood: “Oh… that wooden box in Young Master’s room… let me think where it went…” Seeing everyone staring at him, he was naturally panicked, searching here and there until suddenly pointing at the floor of the side room with joy: “Look, is this the box?”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Cui Xuanliang rushed forward urgently and opened the box to look. The gold bars lay properly inside, full and complete with not one missing. Old Chen and Old Lin looked at each other, both suspicious: “Strange, you didn’t steal the gold bars, so how was this inn’s room fee paid?”

Old Huang said fearfully: “Don’t talk nonsense, this… this room fee was paid by a young master.”

“Young master?” The three looked at each other in amazement, asking in unison: “Who is he?” Their voices were too loud, immediately disturbing the patient. Another “puff” sound came from the guest room with terrible stench. Old Chen said in alarm: “Oh no, Second Master is clearing qi again.” Old Huang pinched his nose and lifted a corner of the quilt: “Not clearing qi – he defecated.” Everyone looked closely and saw yellow-white matter, immediately overjoyed: “It really is feces!” When someone suffers internal injuries from blades, the first hurdle is passing gas, the second is bowel movement. After passing these two stages, they can supplement nutrition and recover, and their condition will naturally improve.

After much commotion, with Old Chen and Old Lin working together, they finally changed Second Master’s new pants and replaced his bedding. When they finished busily, everyone feared disturbing the patient and returned to the courtyard to talk. Old Chen stood by the railing looking down at the main hall, seeing elegant ladies and gentlemen, guests in luxurious clothing coming and going, with artificial mountains arranged to one side. Heavy rain fell straight down from the courtyard, making the artificial mountains and water misty with rain, truly like Jiangnan scenery. The more he looked, the angrier he became, immediately cursing: “How much for one night?” Old Huang whispered: “Twenty taels, I think.” Old Chen exploded: “Are you rich or what? Such extravagance? Aren’t you afraid Second Master will break your legs?” Old Lin quickly said: “You mentioned earlier that this inn’s room fee was paid by a young master – is this true?” Old Huang quickly said: “Of course it’s true. This young master came in the morning. You had just left when he arrived. He said he was Second Master’s friend and learned he was injured, so wanted to visit him. We saw he didn’t look like a bad person, so we let him enter the cabin.” Old Chen scolded: “What do you mean ‘didn’t look like a bad person’? Speak! How much did he tip you?”

Old Huang’s face reddened: “One gold leaf per person. Every brother got one.” Old Lin said in shock: “What? One gold leaf per person? Then… where’s mine?” Just as he was about to reach out for his share, Old Chen severely scolded: “Bastard! A little money and you kowtow!”

Seeing Old Huang mumbling and not daring to respond, Old Chen coldly asked again: “Fine! Where’s that young master’s name card? He must have left one!” Old Huang’s face was red to his ears as he said quietly: “He… he left nothing. When we asked who he was, he wouldn’t say, only that he was Second Master’s friend…” Old Chen roared: “Bastard! You don’t even know his name? What did that master look like? You have eyes to see, don’t you?” Old Huang quickly said: “That young master looked ageless, maybe around forty, quite distinguished, as tall as Young Master, wearing fine silk, no sword or blade…” Old Lin whispered: “This person isn’t Wei Kuan.” Old Chen nodded – Wei Kuan was about to turn sixty, while the young master was around forty. Even if Old Huang was ten times more dim-sighted, he wouldn’t make such a mistake. He pondered: “Then how did he book these rooms?” Old Huang said timidly: “He… after seeing Second Master, he said his injuries were too severe to stay at sea these days, so he booked ten upper rooms at Yanbao Inn for us all to move in. Whatever we eat or use these days, it’s all on him.”

Old Lin said strangely: “Damn, there’s really such good fortune in the world? Who is this god of wealth? Could it be ‘Maritime Defense Commander’ Bai Bixia?” Old Chen shook his head: “Couldn’t be him. He has no relationship with Second Master – why would he spend money for us?” Everyone thought this made sense. That Bai Bixia looked up but not down – a true middle-ranking official. Cui Fengxian had been retired for long with no court influence. How could they trouble such a person? Cui Xuanliang thought and suddenly cried: “Wait, this young master… could it be that ‘Young Master Muzhong’?” Old Lin said in surprise: “Young Master Muzhong, you… you mean that Korean Ming Guoxun?”

Cui Xuanliang said: “Yes, I think those Koreans still have some conscience. After injuring uncle, maybe they felt guilty and came to apologize?” Old Chen quite agreed, whispering: “This makes sense… maybe it really is him…” Ming Guoxun carried a large coffin wherever he went, extremely conspicuous. But just now Old Huang said the person came empty-handed without weapons. Old Chen really couldn’t figure out the inside story. Seeing a group of sailors still standing by the courtyard chatting and laughing, he immediately shouted: “Old Zhang, Little Li, Wu San, Cai Qi, all of you come over!” Several sailors were startled and came over with fawning smiles: “Master Chen, what’s wrong?”

Old Chen said coldly: “Everyone listen well – what kind of person is our Second Master? How can he accept others’ kindness for nothing? Remember, if that young master comes to visit again these days, you must inform me immediately and at least get his name, so as not to put Second Master in an unrighteous position. Understood?”

Everyone understood Cui Fengxian’s temperament and all agreed. Several sailors looked around, seeing Old Chen and Old Lin covered in mud but empty-handed, and couldn’t help asking: “By the way, didn’t you go to deliver goods? Where’s the payment? Did you collect it?”

Touching the sore spot, the three immediately blushed upon hearing this, all becoming mute. Though the sailors were suspicious, they didn’t dare ask more. Old Chen coughed dryly: “Where are the others? Where did they go?” Old Huang said submissively: “Everyone got gold leaves… they’ve all gone to try their luck gambling…” Old Chen was addicted to gambling and was naturally shocked to jump upon hearing this: “What? There’s gambling nearby?” The sailors laughed: “Of course there is. And brothels too.” Arriving at Smoke Island, they had been waiting for this moment. Old Chen and Old Lin each had their weaknesses. In moments, everyone dispersed. Cui Xuanliang was even more of a pleasure-seeker, having already returned to his room to wash and dress, hiding two gold bars in his bosom before disappearing.

“Whew… finally quiet.” Cui Xuanliang changed into fresh clothes, restoring his young master’s grandeur. Now holding gold bars and striding proudly, he brought the small lion out to play. Smoke Island was a good place, but from early disembarkation, he’d been tormented beyond human form – first moving cargo, then delivering goods, ending up exhausted and miserable, finally encountering great violence and nearly losing his life. After a hard day’s work, how could he not reward himself? Coming to the street, this was the island’s north with people coming and going – all Chinese. This seemed to be where Chinese people gathered. If Eastern assassins came here to cause trouble, they’d inevitably be chopped to pieces. Cui Xuanliang felt at ease. He brought the small lion and had just stepped out the door when he got soaked.