Chapter 7
* * FEMALE CHARACTERS * *Chung Ming Jui: Nnadia Chan
Lau Tui Yuk: Esther Kwan
Lien-Din: Noel/Vivian Leung
Wa-Dang: Fiona Leung
Sui-Ling: Charlene Choi
Sui-Ning: Gillian Chung
Lai Quan: Rain Lau
* * MALE CHARACTER * *
Chung Wen Fuo: Roger Kwok
Wong Man-Kiem: Nicholas Tse
Wong Man Luong: Ekin Chueng
Tien-Fung: Leon Lai
Chan Hoi: Dicky Cheung
Dai Kit: Edison Chen
GUEST:
Kam-Ngan: Kwong Wah
Ly-Chi: Florence Kwok
Lan-Phong: Wayne Lai
Ly-Yee: Akina Hong
Ding-Luk: Mark Kwok
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As they got closer to the storage, they heard the clanking of swords. When they arrived they saw Wen-Fuo and the transport guards battling with a few warriors.
Ming-Jui immediately stopped walking and pulled Ting-Fung beside her. Tien-Fung gave her a confused look wondering why she did that. Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning stood around Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung.
Ming-Jui knew that she didn’t know kung-fu and wouldn’t be much help. Tien-Fung didn’t know kung-fu also and would be more of a burden than help, so she had to pull him back. Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning stayed to protect Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung if necessary.
Man-Luong, Man-Kiem, and Lien-Din jumped in to the battle to help Wen-Fuo.
The clamor from the battle became so loud that Wa-Dang and Tui-Yuk awoke from their sleep. They ran to the storage and immediately assisted with the battle with a few other transport guards that woke up from the commotion. Many more warriors jumped down from the roof.
This was all too familiar for Tui-Yuk. This scene was similar to the abolition of her residence. These must be the same men she thought. Anger filled her mind as she fought with all her strength, each time putting herself more vulnerable to the attack of the enemy. Since her mind was clouded by memories of all which happened recently to her, she couldn’t concentrate on the right battle techniques.
Her attackers saw her messy technique so they took the opportunity to surround and kill her. Luckily, Wen-Fuo noticed and jumped in to save her. She wouldn’t stop swinging her sword even when Wen-Fuo jumped in to help her. After he fought off the warriors, she swung screaming, “Give my family back to me! Give them back!”
Wen-Fuo caught her in his arms and held her securely. He tried to stop her from moving afraid she would harm herself more. Another warrior noticed Wen-Fuo was too occupied with Tui-Yuk so he tried to kill Wen-Fuo by stabbing him in the back. “Brother, watch out!” Ming-Jui screamed noticing the surprise attack.
Man-Luong heard and flew over to save Wen-Fuo. “Are you okay?” he asked looking at Tui-Yuk and Wen-Fuo.
“Yeah, Tui-Yuk is traumatized by her family’s incident. She needs more time to absorb all this in.”
Man-Luong nodded his head and said, “Take her over to Ming-Jui.”
Wen-Fuo thought it was a great idea so he helped support her towards Ming-Jui.
Suddenly the same black shadow warrior Man-Kiem, Sui-Ling, and Sui-Ning were fighting came back. He battled with Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning but they were obviously no match for him.
Wen-Fuo tried to protect Tui-Yuk and save Ming-Jui but that was hard. Man-Luong was fighting off a few warriors and didn’t notice what was going on. The masked warrior knocked Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning out. He grabbed Ming-Jui but Tien-Fung grabbed a hold of Ming-Jui and he ended up taking both of them away.
Wen-Fuo shouted, “Ming-Jui!” He wanted to run after Ming-Jui but he couldn’t leave Tui-Yuk or the Transport.
Man-Luong turned to see the masked warrior taking Ming-Jui and immediately used 50% of his strength and knocked the army out. Everyone either died or became deeply injured. The warriors scattered away.
“Why didn’t you just do that before?” Wa-Dang remarked.
Without responding Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo quickly ran after the masked warrior that captured Ming-Jui.
“Because Ming-Jui wasn’t in danger.” Man-Kiem replied, “She advised us to never use more than 30% of our strength unless necessary.”
Wa-Dang nodded. Man-Kiem checked on Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning. They were just unconscious with no injuries. Tui-Yuk quickly regained stable mentality, so she helped check up on everyone else. Lin-Din looked around confused.
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The masked warrior quickly carried Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung away from the Orchid Inn to the forest. The two resisted but they were powerless since the warrior had frozen their pressure points. He knew Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo were following him, so he took them to the hideaway he prepared earlier. He hid Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung in an underground pit covered by a replicated rock structure, which he prepared just in case he was caught.
Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo finally caught up with the masked warriors after he had securely hid away his two hostages. The three men battled fiercely and as they fought, Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo looked around for Ming-Jui but she was nowhere in sight.
“Where is my sister?” Wen-Fuo asked punching the masked warrior in the chest with his spear, which sent the masked warrior back a few steps.
The warrior then came charging back with a belt sword. He tried to hit Wen-Fuo twice, but missed. Man-Luong struck a small dagger at the masked warrior, cutting the warrior’s left hand, leaving a deep bloody mark that would definitely leave a permanent scar on the warrior.
The warrior fell back a few steps. He was hurt and knew that he would lose this battle if they teamed up against him. He used Ming-Jui’s life as an escape plan. “She’s hanging to her death three miles from here; you’ll never see her again.”
Wen-Fuo and Man-Luong looked at each other in horror. The masked warrior realized now was his escape and quickly ran off. Wen-Fuo and Man-Luong were furious and worried at the same time.
They ran around unstably looking for her. There was no hope. Finally, Wen-Fuo thought Ly-Chi might have captured her again. Man-Luong doubted it but out of irrationality he didn’t think too much about it. They decided Wen-Fuo should go back to the Transport while Man-Luong goes to Kam-Ngan’s residence to find Ming-Jui. Since they were good friends it might be easier to negotiate without causing much harm.
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When Wen-Fuo came back everyone crowded him. Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning asked about Ming-Jui. Wa-Dang and Man-Kiem asked where Man-Luong was. He told them what happened and what they decided. Tui-Yuk immediately told him that she recognized the warriors, were the same ones that plundered her home, and she didn’t think it was Ly-Chi.
“How are you sure they’re the same people?” Wen-Fuo asked
“They used the same kung fu, attacking method, and I recognized one of the objects one of the warriors.”
“What object is that?” he asked.
“A peach shaped jade with the word Wong on it”
Wen-Fuo nodded then thought, “Shit, Man-Luong already started going to Kam-Ngan’s residence!”
“I’ll go stop him.” Sui-Ning volunteered.
“Me too, and we’ll take Master Man-Kiem also.” Sui-Ling added.
“Okay then, you guys head out now and hopefully you’ll be back soon with Man-Luong.” Wen-Fuo said.
Lien-Din didn’t hear the conversation between Tui-Yuk and Wen-Fuo but she saw Sui-Ning, Sui-Ling, and Man-Kiem heading out so she asked Wa-Dang, “Where are they going?”
Wa-Dang rolled her eyes at Lien-Din as she answered, “They’re going to stop Man-Luong from going to Ly-Chi’s residence.”
Lien-Dien immediately volunteered to go also. Wen-Fuo didn’t completely trust Lien-Din so he thought it was better she wasn’t with the transport and allowed her to go. She wasn’t stupid and fully aware of why he let her go so easily but she didn’t care.
During the travel back towards Wind & Rain, Lien-Din tried many times to lose the three. Her behavior made Man-Kiem suspicious of her, so he let her succeed in running off without them.
“Why are you running so fast?” Man-Kiem asked Lien-Din.
“If we don’t go fast how are we going to catch up with Man-Luong?” Lien-Din replied.
Sui-Ning and Sui-Ling laughed, “We can’t catch up with Master Man-Luong.” Sui-Ning said. Lien-Din looked at them puzzled.
“If Master Man-Luong left a few hours ago before us it’s really hard to catch up with him unless he stopped to rest,” Sui-Ling added.
“Exactly,” Man-Kiem said looking at Lien-Din. “You might as well save your energy. Take your time.”
“You guys take your time, I’m going ahead!” she screamed.
Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning was about to stop her and catch up with her but Man-Kiem motioned them to let her go.
As soon as she was free from them, she went to find Ding-Luk, because she suspected he was the masked warrior that ran off with Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung. She fired an air signal knowing he would appear if he saw it. Ding-Luk was indeed the masked warrior; he saw the signal and tied Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung up and hid them under a big hollow rock. Then he reported to her.
“Yes Miss Lien-Din.” Ding-Luk said joyfully greeting her.
“Did you capture Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung?” she asked crossly.
“Yes.” He answered
“Why?” she asked sternly as she walked around him with crossed arms.
“Your father said this was the fastest and best way to obtain the Map. We
could force the transporters to hand it over because we have Ming-Jui.”
“I’m getting the Map at the moment so I don’t need you meddling with my affairs!” she said insulted that her father thought she couldn’t handle it.
“But it was your father’ suggestion.”
“Tell him capturing her will not help. Ming-Jui would never allow it to happen because she’s much too honorable to give up the map for her life. If we want the map we have them willingly present it to us.”
“Yes Miss” Ding-Luk said uncertainly.
“Tell my father that I will try my best to get the map. As for Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung, you might as well hold on to them as life protectors, because if Man-Luong finds you, you’re as good as dead.”
“Yes Miss, thank you for the concern.” he said as he left.
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Meanwhile…
Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung tried to escape since their captor was away. She felt the pressure points loosening up and she could finally move again. She usually wore many pearl hairpins in her hair, and the biggest pearl hairpin also doubled as a thin blade. It was like a miniature version of a sword.
Can you move?” she asked Tien-Fung. He tried to move successfully, and came closer to Ming-Jui.
“Yes I can, can you?” he asked.
“Yes, now listen carefully. I need you to use your mouth to gasp the largest pearl hairpin on my head and pull it out.”
Tien-Fung nodded and did as he was told. With his lips he held the hairpin tightly in his mouth and pulled it out of her hair. Quickly he looked at her for further instructions.
“Bring the base of the pin near my mouth so I can pull off the cover then use the blade to cut my rope. After you free me I’ll cut your rope open.”
Tien-Fung nodded and placed the base of the pin at her lips. He was never so close to any women. At this moment his heart raced, his lips trembled, he was very nervous. This wasn’t mannered etiquette coming this close to a lady.
With the base on her lips she pulled the cover off. Tien-Fung was like a statue staring in awe with his brief contact with Ming-Jui. She nudged him with her feet, which threw him out of thought and he almost dropped the tiny blade.
“Sorry.” he mumbled still holding on tightly to the blade.
Ming-Jui turned around showing him the knot of the rope. He took a few cuts to cut it open. Her blade was quite strong and could cut even the hardest of metals, so the thick rope was nothing for it. As soon as her hands were free she used the knife to cut Tien-Fung’s rope. She replaced the cover to the blade and put it back into her hair.
Together the two escaped. After they ran off they were attacked by bandits. These bandits were callous and insensitive. They were no different than barbarians. Tien-Fung tried to protect Ming-Jui but he couldn’t even protect himself, how was he supposed to protect Ming-Jui. These bandits dragged them off.
Luckily another group of bandits under the control of Chan-Hoi came to save them to get ransom money. They thought the two were from a rich family, since they were dressed affluently.
The men blindfolded them and brought them to the secret lair hidden deep in the pit of Wailing Cliff, known for its depth. Nobody who fell down the cliff ever lived. The cliff had a reputation for sucking people into it; so many people never approached it.
The two was thrown to the mercy of Chan-Hoi. Right when Ming-Jui saw him she recognized him. Her brain worked quickly thinking up an escape route. Ming-Jui was aware of Chan-Hoi’s reputation as a generous and honorable man, so her plan was to lead Chan-Hoi into letting them go.
As a gentleman he wouldn’t harm a lady, so she stepped closer to him and asked in a demanding voice, “Are you Chan-Hoi, he who claims to be a righteous man?”
“Yes, and how is it you know who I am?”
“A man with your fame is known by all.” She said cunningly.
“Really?” he asked proudly “And how did a decent lady like you become aware of a bandit like me.”
“Scholars have their links to the martial arts world also”
Chan-Hoi laughed joyfully. The fact that scholars, commoners, and civilians knew of his reputation was a great comment for him. “Okay, tell me what you’ve heard about me.”
“I’ve heard that you were a man that robs the rich to give to the poor and that even though you were a bandit, you never do anything immoral.”
Chan-Hoi’s men roared with laughter and pride from the comment. Chan-Hoi laughed joyfully once again clapping his hands together firmly and said, “Your tongue is so sweet, you know just how to kiss up. Maybe we shouldn’t return you to your home.”
Ming-Jui smiled cunningly saying, “It’s not that my tongue is sweet, it’s what I’ve heard, but at the moment I’ve seen nothing honorable about you.”
Chan-Hoi’s smile faded, his men stopped laughing. Everyone looked at Ming-Jui disapprovingly. Tien-Fung quickly tried to protect Ming-Jui by standing in front her blocking the other men from harming her.
However, Ming-Jui walked around Tien-Fung, nodding to reassure him that it was okay, walked closer towards Chan-Hoi and in a stern voice said, “An honorable man would not have captured a lady or treated her harshly, and even threaten to keep her from her home.” As she finished saying this she stood about five feet away from Chan-Hoi.
Tien-Fung looked terrified. He was afraid Chan-Hoi would harm Ming-Jui since he was a brutal man. He quickly ran up to her and stood by her side glaring at Chan-Hoi.
After a brief moment of silence, Chan-Hoi laughed proudly once again. “This lady has guts I’ve never seen before. Okay then, what would an honorable man do at a time like this?” he asked in a joking manner
“He would let me leave this bandit camp with my belongings.”
Chan-Hoi looked firmly at her. “Okay then I allow you to leave with all the belongings you can carry, but the gentleman needs to stay here.”
“Not a problem.” Ming-Jui said.
Tien-Fung looked at her uncertainly. He was surprised that Ming-Jui would leave him there and leave by herself. He never imagined she would do something like that. He was utterly disappointed but he felt that she wouldn’t really leave him. As she started to walk out he panicked and immediately called to her.
Dai-Kit punched Tien-Fung in the back to stop him from following. Tien-Fung fell to the floor in pain. He was somewhat unconscious but could still sense what was going on.
Ming-Jui turned around and said, “Thank you I almost forgot my belongings.” She picked Tien-Fung up and threw him over her back with some difficulty. “Farewell.” She said walking out the door.
Dai-Kit and a few other men of Chan-Hoi tried to stop her. Chan-Hoi was astonished that a lady of Ming-Jui’s class and sophistication could lift, throw, and carry a man on her back.
Noticing the men’s intention to stop her, she turned to look at Chan-Hoi. “Chan-Hoi, you are a man of your words. You said I was allowed to leave and take all of the belongings I could carry. He is my husband, something that belongs to me. You are not going to go back on your words are you?”
Chan-Hoi applauded her and told his men to let her leave. He admired her for her intelligence. He paid no attention to Tien-Fung and probably couldn’t even recall his face, but he knew he would never forget Ming-Jui.
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Chan-Hoi walked into his quarters slowly again. He knew his wife was cunning and when she hears that he let a beautiful woman go earlier, she would chop up his head and have it for dinner. He didn’t see her and decided to not look for her this time. It might be another trick.
He jumped on the bed to take a nap. Lai-Quan walked out from behind the changing screen. Chan-Hoi jumped when he saw her. He was afraid she had some tricks up her sleeves.
“Why did you jump as if you saw a ghost?” Lai-Quan asked fixing her hair.
“No reason, I didn’t know you were here.” Chan-Hoi said trying to look calm but he couldn’t imagine what she was stewing up now. He looked around the room and couldn’t figure it out.
She sat down next to him on the bed and said, “I heard you let a very beautiful and intelligent girl go today.”
“No she wasn’t beautiful or intelligent. She was just plain and ugly.” He said hoping she wouldn’t get to upset.
“Well does that matter!” Lai-Quan yelled. “What matters is her parents can pay the ransoms we need for keeping up this place!’ she screamed pulling on his ear.
“Yes dear!” he said “I didn’t realize that because she was so ugly and looked so poor I decided to just let her leave instead of wasting our grains to feed her. It’ll just be more money on our part.” He said trying to reconcile everything.
Lai-Quan let his ears go. “Why did you let her go?”
Chan-Hoi was about to open his mouth to explain but Lai-Quan looked crossly at him. “You better tell me the truth or else I’m going to make you regret it.” she threatened.
“Yes, my wife.” He said obediently. “Well she tricked me. She was really smart. She told me to let her go with all the belongings she could carry because I was a man of virtue. So I agreed. She lifted the dam man onto her shoulder and walked out.”
Lai-Quan pulled her husband’s other ear. “You idiot! Didn’t you realize that she would carry her husband away!”
“I didn’t think she could lift him. She looked so weak and feeble!’
“I look weak and feeble but if I had to carry you out of trouble, don’t you think I would be able to!”
Chan-Hoi smiled at his wife’s comment. “Only if you cared.” He teased playfully nudging her.
She smiled and couldn’t continue looking mad at him. “Stop it!” she said trying to look mad. “Stop it or else!”
Chan-Hoi stopped nudging her and sat up straight. “So what’s for dinner?” he asked.
“Same thing every night, porridge until you get more money into this place.” She responded and went to prepare it.
Chan-Hoi frowned and thought they better set plans for the Map of Conquest quickly. He got up and ordered another meeting with his men.
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Dai-Kit, Chan-Hoi and other men were in the welcoming quarter once again discussing the whereabouts of Wind & Rain Transporters.
One of the men came in with a report, “I have news that Wind & Rain Transporters has just been attacked. They lost two people. One of them is Man-Luong while the other is Ming-Jui.”
Chan-Hoi looked at Dai-Kit. “Who is Man-Luong and Ming-Jui? They sound familiar.”
They are co-owners of Wind & Rain Transporters. For both of them to go on this transport, this transport must be very important.”
Chan-Hoi nodded. “Get me some more background on them such as martial arts strength and friends. I need to know what we’re dealing with.”
Dai-Kit nodded. “Hear that men, let’s get some information on them.”
Lai-Quan walked in on their conversation. “I wanted to add my knowledge of Wind & Rain Transporters.”
Chan-Hoi looked at his wife, “You know something about them?” he asked.
Lai-Quan nodded, “Of course, I go out and hear things too.” She smirked.
Chan hoi smiled and called the attention of his men. They all gave their attention to her.
“Wind & Rain is the number one transporting company because of two fighters, Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo. They are the best in the Martial Arts Sphere to date. They have remained at the top because of a very intelligent co-owner named Ming-Jui. Their motto is honor, justice, and virtue, therefore they have made many friends in the Martial Arts Sphere and in the Royal Courts.”
Everyone looked at her in amazement. “So who dares to go up against them still?” Lai-Quan asked.
The crowd was silent for a while and then Chan-Hoi broke the silence. “I do! I do not fear the heavens or the earth, why should I fear a tiny transport company!” he yelled.
Lai-Quan smiled at her husband.
“Exactly!” Dai-Kit yelled, “We are united and we have never lost a battle!” he yelled encouraging them.
“Prepare for confrontation with Wind & Rain Transporters.” Lai-Quan announced.
All the men hollered in delight. Chan-Hoi and Dai-Kit looked at each other proudly. They never lost a battle before and they weren’t about to lose a battle against Wind & Rain transporters.
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After they left the place, Ming-Jui placed Tien-Fung to rest against a tree. They were safe now but she wasn’t sure how to get out of the fortifications of Wailing Cliff. She was aware that Wailing Cliff was one of the deepest cliffs in the area, and it would be difficult to climb back up since both of them didn’t have any kung fu. While he rested she looked around the area.
Moments later Tien-Fung regained his consciousness. He sat up rubbing the back of his neck near the area he was punched. “Are you okay?” he asked Ming-Jui immediately concerned for her safety.
“You’re still concerned for me after I almost left you there?” she replied jokingly as she walked around him, faced his back and checked his injury.
“I almost believed you would leave me, but I didn’t think you were that kind of person.” He said shyly holding onto the nape of his neck.
“What kind of person do you think I am than?”
“Well I believe you are a very intelligent woman, beautiful, loyal, honorable, humble, modest, sweet, pure, nice…”
“Stop, stop, stop. So many things to say. Goodness you sure have a positive opinion of me.” He wasn’t done yet but Ming-Jui cut him off. She didn’t find anything he said flattering. She has heard these descriptions of her many times and it has never impressed her. Especially since Wen-Fuo and Man-Luong have always teased her using these terms.
“Of course!” he replied enthusiastically. “Do you expect me to have a negative image of my betrothed?”
Ming-Jui immediately felt uneasy. She backed away a little while keeping her eyes consistently on the floor.
He sensed her awkwardness so he changed the subject asking, “So how were you able to carry me out of Chan-Ho’s lair. I thought you didn’t know any kung-fu.”
”I don’t.” she responded. She gave out a deep sigh reminiscing in memories of her father before he pasted away. She had a look of nostalgic on her face as she continued, “My father didn’t want me to be bullied, if there was ever a chance, so he taught me some inner strength. He also didn’t want such a weak daughter, physically and mentally.”
“Your father taught you well. You’re definitely stronger than me and more intelligent than many people I’ve ever met. Your father must have been a great man.”
“He was.” She said sighing then asked him, “Oh yes I’ve been meaning to ask about your mother, Madam Lau. I remember after the fire accident 8 years ago your father’s remains and all your family and servant were found but not your mother’s and your own. Is your mother in good health?”
Tien-Fung shook with anger. “The fire was no accident!” he exploded. Those men purposely burned down my residence. They killed my father, my family, and my servants! They took everything I loved and owned, everything my father worked so hard for, and everything my ancestors built!”
Ming-Jui was stunned by Tien-Fung’s sudden outburst. He showed so much anger and hatred that she couldn’t believe this was the same well-mannered dignified man she spent the past two days with. “Are you okay?’ she asked deeply concerned. “Who purposely burnt down your residence? Who would have had such power, and why?”
“My mother did not tell me. She has told me to concentrate on my education so that I can get a position as a magistrate in the Imperial Royal Courts. She said then she would reveal the scoundrel responsible for everything. Before that she didn’t want me to do anything irrational.”
Ming-Jui nodded. “It’s best to not know until the right time.” She said to calm him down. “Wasn’t your father an architectural artisan?”
“Yes, he did everything from building arches to building Buddhist temples.” He responded still fuming with anger.
“Did your father use all kinds of equipment including cement, wood, clay, brick, steel, and so forth?” she asked curiously.
“Of course”
“Did he make them himself or did he order them from other shops?”
“I remember he could mix together grains of sand to make slabs of stones. He would melt down metals to make weapons and machinery. He would make everything he needed himself. He was not only an architect but also a manufacturer.”
Ming-Jui nodded and reached into her pocket pulling out the square stone which was equal to the palm of her hands. “Do you recognize this stone?”
“Tien-Fung gasped when he saw it. My father was working on three pieces of stones similar to this!”
Ming-Jui smiled, she was one step closer to finding the secret of the stone. “Why did he make these stones?”
“I don’t know but I do know that he put something into it.”
“What did your father put in it?”
“I can’t remember I was too young. My mother probably remembers. When we get out of here we can ask her. Maybe now she’ll reveal the murders of my family.”
Ming-Jui nodded in agreement. The two of them started to look for their way out of the pit of Wailing Cliff. It didn’t take to long to get out of the pit. Within three hours they successfully found a path which they followed out of the pit. Only problem was there were many traps throughout the walkway, but with the intelligence these two posses they were able to easily pass all the traps.
Chapter 8
* * FEMALE CHARACTERS * *Chung Ming Jui: Nnadia Chan
Lau Tui Yuk: Esther Kwan
Lien-Din: Noel/Vivian Leung
Wa-Dang: Fiona Leung
Sui-Ling: Charlene Choi
Sui-Ning: Gillian Chung
Lai Quan: Rain Lau
* * MALE CHARACTER * *
Chung Wen Fuo: Roger Kwok
Wong Man-Kiem: Nicholas Tse
Wong Man Luong: Ekin Chueng
Tien-Fung: Leon Lai
Chan Hoi: Dicky Cheung
Dai Kit: Edison Chen
GUEST:
Kam-Ngan: Kwong Wah
Ly-Chi: Florence Kwok
Lan-Phong: Wayne Lai
Ly-Yee: Akina Hong
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Man-Kiem, Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning returned to Kam Ngan’s Residence but did not arrive in time to stop Man-Luong from causing trouble with Ly-Chi and Ly-Yee. When the three entered Kam-Ngan’s residence they heard Ly-Chi and Ly-Yee shouting.
“How dare you come into my home and insult me!” Ly-Chi screamed.
“Get out of here before I become impolite to you!” Ly-Yee added.
“Calm down.” Man-Luong persisted. “I just came to ask about the safety of Ming-Jui. I didn’t come to insult you.”
Kam-Ngan got up from the master’s chair walked over to Ly-Chi and said, “My wife did not capture Ming-Jui. She made a promise to me that she wouldn’t harm Ming-Jui or go after Wa-Dang anymore.”
“Do you believe that they would let Ming-Jui and Wa-Dang go that easily? After all they wanted them dead three days earlier.”
“One more insult from you and I will not be polite!” Ly-Chi said pounding the table.
“I swear on my life that Ly-Yee did not send people to capture Ming-Jui.” Lan-Phong said seriously.
“I can also swear on my life, that Ly-Chi didn’t also.” Kam-Ngan added.
The two women looked at their men in admiration and appreciation. They could feel the love these men posse for them and the fear of Man-Luong causing harm to them. They realized that if their men could use their lives to protect them, then they must really love them. Ly-Yee hugged Lan-Phong. Ly-Chi stood firmly besides Kam-Ngan.
Man-Kiem, Sui-Ling, and Sui-Ning ran into the room standing by Man-Luong’s side. Man-Luong was surprised to see them.
Man-Kiem immediately informed his brother, “Tui-Yuk Je Je said the mask warriors were the same ones that plundered her residence and were probably not sent by Ly-Chi.”
“Oh someone’s just wanted to cause trouble with us.” Ly-Yee said sarcastially.
Lan-Phong hushed her to be quiet then asked, “Do you have any idea who those assassins are?”
Man-Luong shook his head. “If I knew I wouldn’t have rushed here and caused so much trouble.”
“What we do know is that one of the assassins carries a peach shaped jade that says Wong on it.” Sui-Ling burst out.
Ly-Chi walked over and slapped Sui-Ling. Man-Kiem immediately pushed Ly-Chi away and held onto Sui-Ling. “Are you okay?” Man-Kiem asked Sui-Ling. Sui-Ning also came to Sui-Ling’s side.
She nodded but was too shaken up to say anything. She had never been slapped so hard in her life. Even when she did things incorrectly at Wind & Rain, Ming-Jui never hit her. She didn’t understand why she was being punished this time.
Kam-Ngan caught Ly-Chi. “You have to excuse my wife.” Kam-Ngan said looking at Man-Kiem then at Man-Luong. “The peach shaped jade engraved with the word Wong is her family heirloom. Only members of the royal family have it.”
“Royal family or not, you shouldn’t strike a person that didn’t know.” Man-Luong said sternly. “There is a saying, those that don’ t know have no offense.”
“That shows you how irrational the Royal family can be.” Sui-Ning said.
“You dare insult the royal family!” Ly-Yee said pointing at Sui-Ning.
Lan-Phong pulled her hands down, “Be sensible”, he said reprimanding Ly-Yee. She quickly put down her hands and pouted as if she was innocent. Then he looked at Sui-Ling and asked, “How do you know that one of the assassins was carrying this jade?”
Sui-Ning responded this time since Sui-Ling was still shaken up. “Miss Tui-Yuk said she saw one of the assassins wearing it.”
“Which one?” Man-Luong asked.
“I don’t know” Man-Kiem replied. “You might want to go ask her.” He said still supporting Sui-Ling in his arms.
Man-Luong nodded and with his hands in the mannered greeting he bid Kam-Ngan, Ly-Chi, Lan-Phong, and Ly-Yee a farewell. Sui-Ling took a deep breath and nodded to let Man-Kiem know she could walk on her own. Sui-Ning held her arm as they walked out. The four of them were leaving when they heard Lan-Phong call out to them.
“Let us know if you need any help!” Lan-Phong yelled.
Man-Kiem turned around and said, “Ly-Chi has done enough. I rather not have my people beaten for no reason.”
Ly-Chi and Ly-Yee pouted angrily. They have never been more insulted, especially this time they felt Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning were only servants while Man-Kiem was just a child. They were also curious about the peach jade. They wondered if the royal family had anything to do with it. But they couldn’t let them get away suspecting it was someone from the royal family since they were from royal ancestry.
“They have come on many occasions and insulted us. We can’t just let this go!” Ly-Yee said
“Exactly.” Ly-Chi added. “We need to clear the royal name by finding the assassin with the peach jade.”
“No.no no.” Kam Ngan said repetitively. “No more trouble from you two. Lan-Phong and I would like to keep our friendship with Man-Luong pleasant.”
Lan-Phong nodded to agree, “We don’t want you two involved.”
The two women nodded their heads and pouted their lips. They agreed not to get involved in anything of the transporters. Kam-Ngan and Lan-Phong shook their heads and walked away. Ly-Yee immediately followed Lan-Phong while Ly-Chi dragged her husband to follow her.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Wen-Fuo, Tui-Yuk, and Wa-Dang traveled with the transport leaving signs on the road for Ming-Jui and Man-Luong to follow. They were now staying at an old abandon temple. The temple was wreaked about 30 years ago so all that remained were the structures of the building. The rooms weren’t very comfortable but they were good enough that they provided privacy for everyone.
Wa-Dang noticed that Tui-Yuk was very comfortable with Wen-Fuo. Tui-Yuk would share her food and water bottle with Wen-Fuo. They sat together throughout most of the transport talking closely with each other. But this was only while Man-Luong was away. When Man-Luong caught up with the crowd, four days later, Tui-Yuk and Wen-Fuo’s behavior was very different. They kept a distance and talked only within a group. Wa-Dang noticed this behavior.
Wen-Fuo was the first to noticed Man-Luong’s return. He immediately ran to his side hoping he would have information on Ming-Jui. Man-Luong shook his head in shame, replying that he couldn’t find her. But he later pulled Wen-Fuo, Tui-Yuk, and Man-Kiem aside to inform them of the new information he had on her captor.
“Well so far we know that whoever plundered your residence was from the royal family.” Man-Luong said to Tui-Yuk. “This person also captured Ming-Jui.” He continued to say looking at Wen-Fuo.
“But what would somebody from the Royal family want with my family?”
“And why would they want Ming-Jui?” Wen-Fuo added.
“What was in your residence at the time?” Man-Luong asked.
“Monk Buat-Hoi and the oddly shaped stone.” Tui-Yuk replied. “You don’t suppose this has something to do with him and the stone do you?”
“Very hard to say” Man-Luong said thinking for a moment. Then he looked at Wen-Fuo and said, “Ming-Jui also has a stone.”
“What’s so special about these stones?” Man-Kiem asked.
Tui-Yuk shook her head holding up her stone, “I don’t know. It’s just an oddly shaped stone. I can’t imagine that anyone would want it.”
Man-Kiem reached for the stone. “Did you try cracking it open?” he said ready to thrust it to the floor and crack it open.
“No!”, Wen-Fuo shouted to stop him. “There might be significance to the shape of the stone.”
Man-Luong nodded to agree. “True! Ming-Jui has been analyzing Monk Buat Sat’s stone for quite a while now and she didn’t want to crack it open.” Man-Luong said disapproving Man-Kiem’s suggestion to cracking the stone. “Another thing is we should find out some more on its background before smashing it.”
“Right!” Tui-Yuk said agreeing with them as she grabbed the stone back from Man-Kiem and playfully hit him on the shoulders.
Man-Kiem played along saying, “Don’t hit me sister-in-law, I’ll behave.”
Wen-Fuo’s felt awkward so he looked around the room pretending not to notice Man-Kiem was calling Tui-Yuk sister-in-law.
Man-Luong noticed Wen-Fuo’s awkwardness and smiled playfully as he grabbed Man-Kiem. “Stop playing, Tui-Yuk’s a girl, you shouldn’t be addressing her strangely.”
“But I’m not addressing her strangely; she’s your betrothed so you’re eventually going to marry her.”
“Shut up!” Tui-Yuk yelled at Man-Kiem. “Who says I have to marry your brother?’ she asked aggressively. Wen-Fuo looked over staring straight at Tui-Yuk’s eyes. She stared back. The two knew they had feeling for each other but neither dared admit it. When he realized he was staring too long he shook himself up and looked away.
Man-Luong pulled Man-Kiem aside and pointed to Wen-Fuo and Tui-Yuk, “They are a perfect couple don’t you think?”
Man-Kiem laughed, “Doesn’t matter to me. If she married you or Wen-Fuo, she’s still my sister in law, by blood or by honor.”
Man-Luong pushed him on the side of his head and laughed playfully saying, “You smart ass!” Man-Kiem also laughed.
“What are you talking about?” Tui-Yuk asked. The two didn’t respond and continued laughing. Wen-Fuo shook his head at the two for being silly even though he didn’t know exactly what they were talking about, but he knew they were joking around. He decided they have discussed enough for the night and went back to his room.
“Okay you guys, I believe we’ve exchange enough information. It’s getting late we should all get some rest.”
Man-Luong nodded, “Yeah, Man-Kiem and I will take the first shift staying up.” Then he looked at Tui-Yuk and smiled mischievously saying, “Tui-Yuk, you should get some rest so that you could take the second shift with Wen-Fuo.”
Tui-Yuk nodded in agreement without showing any enthusiasm because she didn’t want to express feelings for Wen-Fuo. After all she was betrothed to Man-Luong. “Okay” she said leaving to go back to her own room.
Man-Luong and Man-Kiem chuckled as they looked at Wen-Fuo. But Wen-Fuo had a serious face and said, “Man-Luong I think it’s more appropriate that you take the shift with Tui-Yuk. I don’t want her chastity dishonored.”
Man-Luong and Man-Kiem wiped the smiled off their faces. “But… I thought…” Man-Kiem started to say but was cut off by Wen-Fuo.
“Let’s go Man-Kiem. We’ll take the first shift.” Wen-Fuo said walking out. Man-Kiem looked at his brother, shrugged his shoulders and followed Wen-Fuo.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
As Tui-Yuk walked into the room she shared with the other girls, she heard Wa-Dang shouting at Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning.
“I don’t agree with you two!” Wa-Dang shouted.
“It doesn’t matter if you agree of not, the truth is Master Man-Luong loves only Miss Ming-Jui and in his eyes nobody can compare to her, especially you, a prostitute.” Sui-Ling said in a mocking voice.
“How dare you mock me!” Wa-Dang shouted at Sui-Ling as she picked up her hand to slap Sui-Ling. Even though she was upset by both comments, she was more upset at the comment about Man-Luong and Ming-Jui than the comment calling her a prostitute.
Sui-Ning pulled Sui-Ling to her side and asked, “What grounds do you have for reprimanding Sui-Ling?”
“Why would I need any grounds? You two are only servants.” She said unexpectedly picking up her hands to slap them, so that they couldn’t dodge.
Tui-Yuk quickly clutched Wa-Dang’s hand two inches from Sui-Ning’s face. “Even before you hit a dog you must take notice of the owner, not to mention, Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning are humans. You should have manners towards them. This is Wind and Rain Transporter’s territory and they are Ming-Jui’s servants.” She said throwing Wa-Dang’s hand out of her grasp. She gave Wa-Dang a discontented look and asked, “Why do you want to reprimand them?”
Wa-Dang shouted, “They called me a prostitute! What kind of manners do they have?” Wa-Dang said clenching her teeth still infuriated with anger.
“You are a prostitute though!” Sui-Ling shouted. Sui-Ning pulled her aside to hush her up.
Wa-Dang looked at her angrily and pointed as she shouted, “You!”
Tui-Yuk pushed Wa-Dang’s hand down slowly as she said, “Sui-Ling is still a child so she has a tendency of saying anything that comes to mind not understanding what she has said. Since you reside and work at Rose Garden, Sui-Ling with her foolish mind, automatically assumed you are a flower girl. Forgive the child for her juvenile thoughts.” Tui-Yuk then turned to Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning, “Apologize to Miss Wa-Dang!” she said in an orderly tone.
They both looked at each other feeling bad about their comments. They didn’t know any better so they both said, “Sorry.”
Wa-Dang recognized Tui-Yuk’s position as Man-Luong’s fiancé, so she didn’t persist on condemning the two. She nodded agreeing to let the incident go. Immediately she thought of another situation to get the two in trouble with Tui-Yuk and asked, “If you two think nobody can compare to Ming-Jui, aren’t you also saying that Tui-Yuk doesn’t compare and has no right to be Man-Luong’s fiancé.”
Sui-Ning and Sui-Ling gasped. “We didn’t say that Tui-Yuk has no right to be Master Man-Luong’s fiancé” Sui-Ning replied
“We’re just saying that in Master Man-Luong’s eyes, nobody compares to Miss Ming-Jui.” Sui-Ling finished saying.
“Either way you basically said Tui-Yuk doesn’t compare to Ming-Jui.” Wa-Dang replied spitefully trying to turn Tui-Yuk against them.
Tui-Yuk smiled and replied, “I agree with them. Man-Luong and Ming-Jui are a much better couple than he and I.”
Since Wa-Dang’s intended outcome failed, she brought up another subject. “Of course you wouldn’t care about Man-Luong when you have Wen-Fuo.”
Tui-Yuk’s face immediately became flush red. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“How could you not? During the time that Man-Luong was looking for Ming-Jui, you were so close to Wen-Fuo, you two shared everything from food to water bottles.” Wa-Dang said with a mocking expression on her face.
“Wen-Fuo and I are like siblings. He’s the older brother I never had. It’s not strange that a sister shares her food with her brother.”
“Admit it, the one you have feelings for is Wen-Fuo not Man-Luong.”
“Why are you forcing her to admit that she has feelings for Master Wen-Fuo?” Sui-Ning asked.
“I know!” Sui-Ling said. “It’s so Master Man-Luong can be free of his pledge of marriage to Miss Tui-Yuk! She thinks she’ll have a chance with him.” Sui-Ling assumed.
“Don’t put words in my mouth! I rather everyone be happy.” She yelled. “Why should Tui-Yuk marry a man she doesn’t care about, right?”
Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning nodded. “Well that makes sense.” Sui-Ning agreed. “Do you, have feeling for Master Wen-Fuo?” Wa-Dang asked Tui-Yuk.
“The only thing in Wen-Fuo’s mind is Wind & Rain and his sister, Ming-Jui. I don’t have a position anywhere in his heart. How can I have feelings for him?” Tui-Yuk responded sadly.
Hearing Tui-Yuk’s tone of voice, Wa-Dang felt terrible about her meddling and replied in the same sadden tone, “I’m sorry.”
Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning looked at them and then at each other. They also said “I’m sorry.” and decided to fix the beds for everybody’s rest.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Later that night Tui-Yuk woke up expecting to take over the second shift with Wen-Fuo but when she arrived she saw Man-Luong.
“What are you still doing here?” she asked in a surprised tone.
“Wen-Fuo changed the shifts.” He said observing Tui-Yuk’s expression. “You’re disappointed aren’t you?” he asked jokingly.
“Why would you think that? I was just wondering why you weren’t resting yet. I didn’t want you restless with no strength tomorrow.”
Man-Luong smiled cleverly. “Oh so it’s my well-being that you’re worried about.” He said nodding his head as he circled her. “I see and it has nothing to do with your feelings for Wen-Fuo?” he asked mockingly.
Tui-Yuk pushed him forcefully. “Don’t speak such nonsense!” she yelled.
“I don’t mind if you love Wen-Fuo. I’m not interested in marriage anyways. I can tell he also has interest in you.” Man-Luong said laughing.
“Nonsense,” Tui-Yuk said disbelievingly. “All he ever cares about is Wind & Rain, Ming-Jui, you and Man-Kiem. Honor and principle is what he lives by. He would never admit to such a shame, loving the betrothed of his god-brother.”
“You really understand him don’t you?”
“I not only understand him but I also understand you and Ming-Jui. Why haven’t you admitted your love for each other?”
“Ming-Jui and I!” Man-Luong shouted in shock. His face became flush as he replied, “She’s like a sister, a best-friend, a companion, my associate in Wind & Rain, nothing more.”
“You blushed for the first time.” Tui-Yuk said smiling.
“You blushed too whenever we mention Wen-Fuo.”
“But I didn’t deny my feelings for him as openly as you did your for Ming-Jui. Why do you suppress your feelings?”
“I’m honestly not suppressing any feelings. I don’t even know what this thing called love is. I only know that Wa-Dang claims she loves me but acts like a raving lunatic whenever we’re together, constantly bickering. I know that Ly-Chi claims to love Kam-Ngan but always threatens to kill him and everyone around him. And I also know that Ly-Yee claims to love Lan-Phong but she won’t every let him leave her sight and constantly forcing him to marry her. So you tell me what love is?”
“Love comes in many forms. Even though I only know Wa-Dang of all these people you mentioned, I can see that Wa-Dang loves you unconditionally. Love is unconditional, forever, and unchanging.”
“That doesn’t explain anything.” He said smiling as he walked to sit down on the nearby stools.
Tui-Yuk thought of an explanation for him. She imagined her feelings for Wen-Fuo. “Love is when you worry about that person constantly, afraid they’re not warm enough at night and too hot in the sun. You want to hold them close every time they are around. When you see them close with other people you feel uneasy. Those are some of the feelings you have for the other person.”
“Really?” Man-Luong said as he held onto his chin thinking for a moment. Then he replied, “Is that how you feel about Wen-Fuo?” he asked in a teasing tone.
“You’re so mean!” she yelled as she whacked Man-Luong. He ran away and tried to chase him.
Wa-Dang walked by as she heard the laughter and looked in to see the close bond that Man-Luong and Tui-Yuk shared. She misunderstood their sibling bond as a romantic affection.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Dai-Kit runs into the welcoming quarter. “I have the route Wind & Rain are going to take on their transport!” he declares holding up a map.
Chan-Hoi jumps up from his lazy position on the master’s chair and runs over to Dai-Kit. “Show me where’s there next stop.”
“It has to be here!” Dai-Kit points at the map.
“Hang Chow?” Chan-Hoi asks. “Are you sure? It’s a very busy city. Why would they risk that?” he asks.
“Don’t ask me silly questions, I only find out the information.” Dai-Kit replies scratching his head. “Maybe Jie Jei will know.”
Chan-Hoi nods, “Yes call your sister, so she can tell me how stupid I am.”
Dai-Kit chuckles, “You know she won’t call you stupid in front of your men!” he jokes.
“That’s her only saving grace.” Chan-Hoi replies sarcastically. Dai-Kit laughs and orders one of the bandits to call Lai-Quen.
She comes out very quickly pinning her hair up. “This better be good, or you’re in big trouble!” she remarks.
Chan-Hoi hugs her, “Calm down my wife, we just need your opinion if we should attack the transporters at Hang Chow or not?”
Lai-Quen frowns, “Why are they going through that territory? It’s so busy, they won’t know if someone attacks them there!” she exclaims.
Chan-Hoi and Dai-Kit nod. “Exactly why were were wondering if we should attack or not!” Dai Kit says again.
Lai-Quen smiles with a mischevious look. “They probably did that because they figured, everybody wouldn’t dare attack them because it’s so busy.” Chan-Hoi and Dai-Kit looked at each other baffled.
Lai-Quen explained, “They probably figured nobody would attack because everyone would be afraid it isn’t safe. But they never expected we would still attack.”
Chan-Hoi and Dai-Kit nodded. “They’ll never expect it.” They all said triumphantly.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung arrive back in Hang Chow. They went to his mother’s maiden residence, the Kwok residence, where Ming-Jui met his mother, Lau Choi-Choi.
“Where have you been? I’ve been worried sick.” Madam Lau Choi-Choi ran to her son and checked to see if he was okay.
“I’m fine mother; I reunited with Ming-Jui of Wind & Rain. We’ve talked many days and nights about our childhood getting lost in our conversations.” He said pointing at Ming-Jui.
His mother looked enthusiastically at Ming-Jui. Ming-Jui smiled and introduced herself to Madam Lau. “Nice to meet you, how have you been Madam Lau?” she asked politely.
Madam Lau smiled graciously welcoming her, “Good. Good. How have you been? How are your parents?”
“I’m fine but my parents have pasted away a few years ago.”
“Oh I’m sorry to bring up such sadness.” Madam Lau said with remorse.
“It’s okay” Ming-Jui replied, “Its part of life.”
Madam Lau nodded her head proud that Ming-Jui had grown into such an understanding lady. “Please join us for dinner tonight.” She said.
Ming-Jui nodded, “If not for your invitation I would have given an invitation to myself.” Ming-Jui joked.
Madam Lau smiled fond of Ming-Jui’s healthy attitude and patted Ming-Jui’s hand as she called a servant, “Take Miss Ming-Jui to rest in a room.” Then she looked at Ming-Jui, “We’ll notify you when dinner is ready.” Ming-Jui nodded and followed the servant.
Madam Lau turned to Tien-Fung and became suspicious, “Where did you meet her?”
“We met at Orchid Inn. I was reciting one of Du Fu’s poems and nobody could translate it except for her. She’s a very intelligent young lady.” He replied enthusiastically.
“Does she have anything to prove she’s Ming-Jui of Wind & Rain Transporters? Most important does she have the gold plated pendant with the word unity carved on it?” she asked suspiciously. Ever since her husband, Lau Bat-Sek’s residence was plundered, she didn’t easily trust people.
“She was traveling with people of Wind & Rain Transporters and does have the Gold Pendant. It matches mine exactly.”
“Good.” Madam Lau responded. “That means she’s not one of them.” She said with a nostalgic look on her face.
“One of who mother?” Tien-Fung asked.
“Not one of the scoundrels that plundered our residence eight years ago. Those bastards deserve to die!” she scolded furiously.
“Who mother, who are these people? Why won’t you let me know who they are?” Tien-Fung asked eagerly. “Tell me mother, Ming-Jui wants to help us she has one of the stones father was working on.”
“What? What did you say?” Madam Lau asked in terror, “She has one of the stones. How is that possible?”
We can talk about this over dinner mother. Ming-Jui can help us. My intelligence combine with hers is invincible. We can overcome the obstacles and finally get revenge.”
“No! We can not let her know what happened eight years ago. She might be a spy. We need to investigate further before we let her know anything.”
“But…” Tien-Fung persisted.
“No buts, we need to be careful.”
“Yes mother.”
Ming-Jui stood in the hall listening to the conversation. She knew the first step was to gain Madam Lau’s trust in her in order to find out what happened 8 years ago.
Madam Lau treated her respectfully and kindly. Ming-Jui could sense that Madam Lau was a generous and caring woman who had been forced into becoming a suspicious woman.
She decided to test Madam Lau’s interest in her stone. “I need to leave tomorrow night and return to the Transport.” Ming-Jui announced halfway through dinner.
“Why so soon?” Tien-Fung asked disappointedly.
“Please stay longer.” Madam Lau persisted. She didn’t want Ming-Jui leaving since she wanted to know how Ming-Jui obtained the stone.
“Thank you for your kindness but I must leave. This transport is very important.”
“But we just reunited. We haven’t even had time to talk about anything yet.” Tien-Fung said anxiously.
Ming-Jui blushed. She knew his intentions were to get to know her more. He obviously expressed his interest in her and she was aware of it.
“I won’t take no for an answer. I’m sure this transport can continue without you for a few more days.” Madam Lau said sternly. “I have much to talk to you about.”
“I’m honored by your request, but how could I…”
“I won’t take no for an answer.” Madam Lau sternly insisted.
“Well if that’s the case; I suppose I could stay a couple more days.”
Tien-Fung and Madam Lau smiled.
Chapter 9
* * FEMALE CHARACTERS * *Chung Ming Jui: Nnadia Chan
Lau Tui Yuk: Esther Kwan
Lien-Din: Noel/Vivian Leung
Wa-Dang: Fiona Leung
Sui-Ling: Charlene Choi
Sui-Ning: Gillian Chung
Lai Quan: Rain Lau
* * MALE CHARACTER * *
Chung Wen Fuo: Roger Kwok
Wong Man-Kiem: Nicholas Tse
Wong Man Luong: Ekin Chueng
Tien-Fung: Leon Lai
Chan Hoi: Dicky Cheung
Dai Kit: Edison Chen
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Lien-Din walked into the local magistrate’s office in Hang Chow. She knocks on the table demanding to see the magistrate. The guards mock her and demand a bribe form her. She is furious with them and throws them against the wall effortlessly. They scatter way and more guards come forth.
Lien-Din holds out a piece of jade with the word “Wong” inscribed on it. “Tell your pitiful local magistrate to get out here of he will regret it!” she demands and hides the jade back into her sleeve.
The head guard recognizes it and informs the magistrate who runs out bowing to her. “I’m sorry your graciousness my ignorant guards did not know who you were.”
Lien-Din shows him the Jade again. “I am Wong Lien-Din, I am taking over this place for my short stay. I want full control of a set of guards and you must obey me completely or your head is in trouble.”
“Yes your graciousness. Yes.” He said bowing to her.
Lien Din smirked. She looked around and decided to check out the area. She also knew it was time to pay a visit to an old friend.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
The transporters left the abandoned temple continuing their way towards Shao Lin Temple. Along the way Wen-Fuo and Man-Luong left markings to notify Ming-Jui of their travels. They didn’t know where she was but they believed she wasn’t in any danger. Resting along the way everyone split up into small groups and talked.
Man-Luong walked into the horizon and looked ahead. No signs of danger could be seen. He let out a deep sigh.
“Are you thinking of Ming-Jui?” Wa-Dang asked as she approached him, her hands placed together with a gentle smile on her face.
Man-Luong nodded. “I wonder what happened to her, who captured her, and if she’s okay?”
“We all know that most people in the Martial Arts Sphere wouldn’t dare harm a strand of hair on Ming-Jui’s head because they don’t want Wong Man-Luong after them.”
Man-Luong chuckled. “You know how to crack jokes; I guess your wounds have all healed.”
“My wounds have healed for days now. But you have been so preoccupied with this transport and…” she paused for a moment looking deep into his eyes. “…with Ming-Jui and even with Tui-Yuk that you’ve forgotten about me.”
Man-Luong was apologetic. He had forgotten all about Wa-Dang’s health asking her to help him in such a dangerous mission. “I’m sorry. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean…”
“It’s okay.” Wa-Dang interrupted him. “You don’t need to apologize to me. I knew you wouldn’t have remembered such small details. Your heart only has room for one person.” She said disappointedly walking away.
Man-Luong reached out to call her but he hesitated. She halted waiting for him to call her but since she didn’t hear anything, she continued walking away heartbroken by his apathy towards her.
“Here have some water.” Tui-Yuk said handing Wen-Fuo a brownish leather canteen of water.
“Thanks!” he said taking it from her hand. He got up and walked over to Man-Kiem. “Thirsty?” he asked. “You have been working so hard. Barely came back to the Transport and already on your first dangerous Transport.” He said handing Man-Kiem the canteen.
Tui-Yuk walked over and grabbed her canteen. “I gave you the water! At least have the decency to drink it before you give it to someone else.”
Man-Kiem laughed playfully. “Someone’s upset.” He teased.
“Tui-Yuk, I didn’t … I just…” Wen-Fuo stuttered lost with words.
“Tui-Yuk Jei Jei, don’t be stingy with your water.” Man-Kiem playfully joked.
“Stingy!! Who is being stingy! I offered Wen-Fuo water not you! He should have at least drunk some before handing it to someone else. Show some appreciation for the person who offered it to you!”
“I… I… Sorry. I…” Wen-Fuo stuttered unable to finish saying what he needed to say. He was lost for words now as they were eye to eye.
She looked away as she pouted. He walked over and tried to apologize.
Sui-Ling and Sui-Ning pulled Man-Kiem away. They didn’t want him bothering Tui-Yuk and Wen-Fuo. “Move over here!” Sui-Ling said dragging Man-Kiem.
“Hey let go of the shirt.” Man-Kiem complained.
“Well if you move we’ll let it go.” Sui-Ning replied.
“Hey you guys should have some respect for me because I have a higher position than you two.” He said as the two dragged him away.
“If we didn’t respect you, we would have tied you up and taken you away!” Sui-Ning replied. “Now hurry up!” she insisted.
“I’m coming I’m coming.” He replied as he hurried with them.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Ming-Jui awoke to the sweet fragrance of Leek dumplings. It was a dish Madam Lau had cooked for her many times when she was younger. Ever since she lost contact with Madam Lau, she was unable to taste a dish as flavorful as it. Madam Lau prepared them with her secret spices to give it a flavor no one else could match.
Ming-Jui washed up and walked towards the dining room. Tien-Fung was already waiting for her. “Please have a seat.” He said pointing to the one next to him.
She smiled and sat down. “Where is Madam Lau?” she asked as she looked around.
“She is making her specialty, Leek Dumplings.” He said and looked at her for a brief moment. “Do you remember them?” he asked expecting she would.
Before she could answer, Madam Lau walked into the room followed by two servants. One held a fried dish and the other held a steamed dish of the Leek Dumplings. “I’m sure Ming-Jui remembers these dumplings. They were her favorite.”
“Yes,” Ming-Jui said as a smile came across her face. “I used to come over with my mother and you had served us these dumplings.” Ming-Jui said with a fixated look on Madam Lau.
Madam Lau nodded and made a gesture for the servants to serve the dumplings. Ming-Jui observed that there were five different sauces: hot mustard, soy sauce, chili, sesame soy, and chili soy. Ming-Jui looked at each sauce carefully. There must be a reason Madam Lau put out so many sauces.
“Here,” Tien-Fung said picking up a fried dumpling, dipping it in chili soy sauce and placing it in Ming-Jui’s bowl. “The fried ones are the best, especially in chili soy sauce.”
Madam Lau observed Ming-Jui’s reaction. She remembered when Ming-Jui was little she would only eat the steamed dumplings with sesame soy sauce because the fried ones made her feel nauseated, especially when dipped in chili soy sauce.
“Thank you, but I can’t eat this portion because the mixture makes me feel queasy.” Ming-Jui said taking it out of her bowl. Tien-Fung looked at his mother with a pleased expression that Ming-Jui was the same one he knew when he was little.
Madam Lau picked up a steamed Leek dumpling and dipped it into sesame soy sauce. “Here try this one.”
“Thank you.” Ming-Jui said as she took a bite of the delicious dumpling. Madam Lau smiled approvingly at Ming-Jui. Tien-Fung also smiled to see his mother approve of Ming-Jui.
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Man-Kiem blew some air towards Sui-Ling. She jumped up whacking him. “Stop it! You’re so mean.” She said pushing him away.
He grasped her hand and stopped her from hitting him. “Look!” he said pointing to Sui-Ning. Sui-Ling looked over and noticed Sui-Ning staring at something. Sui-Ling pulled Man-Kiem and tip-toed over to Sui-Ning. “What are you looking at?” Sui-Ling shouted playfully at Sui-Ning.
“Aiya… Why did you scare me like that?” Sui-Ning yelled playfully hitting Sui-Ling on the shoulders.
“What are you looking at?” Man-Kiem asked again looking towards the same direction as Sui-Ning.
“Look over there. You see that little scholar? That big man over there wants to get beat him up.” She said captivated as she pointed at a feminine looking male scholar.
“Why do you seem so interested in a scholar getting beat up?” Man-Kiem asked confused.
“Because I don’t think he’s going to get beat up!”
“Why do say that?” Sui-Ling asked just as confused as Man-Kiem.
“I saw him asking for pocket change from a man earlier so that he could make his trip home, but the man was mean and refused to give it to him. That man was so rude he even tried to beat him up. But…”
“But what…” Sui-Ling said with a raised eyebrow.
“But he beat the other man up, right?” Man-Kiem said confidently.
“How do you know?” Sui-Ning asked in shock.
“Observing his movements right now I can tell that he has a very strong stance. He must have very good kung-fu.”
Sui-Ning smirked nodding her head at Man-Kiem, “Very good, at least you learned something at Third Mountain.”
“Look! Look!” Sui-Ling shouted as she jumped up and down pointing at the little scholar.
Man-Kiem and Sui-Ning immediately looked over to see the scholar running from the big man. But they noticed that he wasn’t running away. Instead he was running in a pattern which would hurt the big man each time he attempted to catch the little scholar.
Man-Luong walked over and patted the three on the shoulders. “What are you guys doing here? We have a transport to take care of.”
“Going!” Sui-Ling said as she ran back towards the transport.
“Going!” Sui-Ning said following Sui-Ling.
“Gone!” Man-Kiem said running right behind the girls.
Man-Luong shook his head in disapproval and looked towards the direction the three were looking at. “Not bad he said to himself as he observed the little scholar.”
The three bumped into Wa-Dang as they ran back. “Watch where you’re going!” Wa-Dang screamed as they ran by her. “No manners at all.” She said brushing out her clothing. She walked up to Man-Luong. “What are you looking at?” she said looking over his shoulder.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.” He replied with a smirk on his face as he walked towards Wen-Fuo and Tui-Yuk.
She immediately followed him. “Hey! What were you looking at?”
“An intelligent lady doesn’t ask too many questions knowing the man won’t answer her.”
“I never said I was intelligent.”
“Well that’s not good. Men don’t like speaking to unintelligent women either.” He said teasing her.
“How dare you!” she pouted pointing her finger at him.
He held onto her hands saying in a hushing voice, “Calm down, men don’t like mean women either.”
She blushed pulling her hands away. “All you do is sweet talk girls. I would be silly to fall into your devilish trap.” she said walking away.
Suddenly the little scholar ran towards their direction. He bumped into Tui-Yuk and caused the steamed bun she was eating to fall on the floor. Without apologizing he continued to run.
Wen-Fuo immediately grabbed the scholar by the shoulders. “You are dress so decently I assumed you would be more polite.” He said.
“I’m sorry, I truly am. I just need to get away from that big scary man!” he screamed ducking to the floor as the big man tried to whack him.
Wen-Fuo pushed the big man away. “Why don’t you pick on someone your own size?” he shouted at him.
“Mind your own business!” the big man said to Wen-Fuo. “Get out of my way!” he shouted as he attempted to hit the little scholar again.
Noticing this Sui-Ning pulled the scholar over towards her. He ended up pressing against her. They looked at each other awkwardly.
Wen-Fuo pushed the big man down. “Now tell me why you’re after the little scholar!” Wen-Fuo demanded.
“That little scholar stole a bowl of wonton from my food stand! He was causing trouble asking each of my clients for money and scaring them away.”
Tui-Yuk pulled out some money from her pouch. “Here this should cover it. Don’t lose your temper over little things or you’ll end up getting hurt.”
The man took the money and ran off. Tui-Yuk walked over to the little scholar who was standing next to Sui-Ning. “So why are you stealing food and bothering clients?” she asked sternly.
The little scholar stuttered replying, “I need to get back home! I went to the capital for the scholar examinations but I was late registering and now I need to get back home, however I didn’t have enough money for my travel back. Can you guys help me?”
Man-Luong circled the scholar and smirked, “What is your name?” he said holding up his chin with his thumb and pointing finger. He could sense that he was actually a girl in disguise. The perfume scent on her was still very strong. His lips were redder than that of a man and he had creamy white soft skin.
“My name is Law-Lan” the little scholar said proudly.
Everyone laughed. “Why is your name so girlie for a guy?” Man-Kiem asked chuckling.
Sui-Ning quickly shook her head, “No! No! I’m sure his parents named him. He didn’t have a choice, right?”she said looking at Law-Lan.
“Right!” She said. “In my home village, we believe that the gods are envious of humans. Since they know we need male heirs to pass on the family name, they sent down spirits to take the souls of male babies away. So when I was born my parents gave me a feminine name.”
Sui-Ning nodded agreeing with him. Man-Luong playfully shoved her head. “What are you nodding about?”
“I’m just agreeing master Man-Luong.” Sui Ning replied looking uneasy.
“Here take this.” Tui-Yuk said handing Law-Lan some money. “Find your way home and stay away from trouble.”
“But… But I can’t go alone. Can’t you guys accompany me?” Law-Lan asked earnestly looking at everyone in the group.
Man-Luong walked around Law-Lan. “Probably on another occasion you could hire us to transport you back home but at the moment everyone in Wind & Rain Transporter is busy.”
“You should go now.” Wen-Fuo said holding his spear firmly in front of the petite scholar.
Law-Lan looked around at everyone once again and realized they were not welcoming her at the moment. She nodded her head and walked away. Sui-Ning’s glance followed Law-Lan as she walked away. Man-Kiem playfully joked, “Why don’t you follow him since you're so infatuated with him at first glance?”
Sui-Ning pushed him away, “Who said I was. Leave me alone.” She said and walked over to Tui-Yuk, who was pleased to push Man-Kiem away. The fact that Law-Lan was a girl was still unknown to everybody but Man-Luong.
Lan-Lan walked around other people asking them to take her to Hang Chow or pitting her and giving her some money to travel there. She didn’t know that she was actually two cities away from Hang Chow and could get there in less than 2 days.
Sui-Ning observed him and decided to asked Tui-Yuk to convince Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo because she knew Tui-Yuk could convince them.
“Miss Tui-Yuk.” Sui-Ning said walking into her room.
“Do you have something to ask me?” Tui-Yuk asked noticing Sui-Ning strange behavior.
Sui-Ning nodded. Can you ask Master Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo to help Law-Lan to Hang Chow?”
“Why are you so interested in helping Law-Lan?”
“He seems so lonely, nobody willing to help him. If we let him rot on the streets, it would be dishonorable of us, and Miss Ming-Jui has always taught us to be honorable people. I can’t stand the thought of Law-Lan so pitiful.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Yes.” Sui-Ning said nodding her head rapidly.
“Okay then. I’ll aske them but no guarantee.” Tui-Yuk said as she got up to ask them.
Man-Luong and Wen-Fuo agreed. They figured he was no harm and for two days, there was nothing Law-Lan could do. Sui-Ning went to tell Law-Lan he could join them.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung were busy with a chess game when they heard a female servant’s scream. Madam Lau walked quickly into the central garden where Ming-Jui and Tien-Fung were sitting. She was followed by her two trusty servants.
The female servant who was screaming ran into the garden. “Madam! Young Master! I… I saw a de… de… dead body in the west lake.” She stuttered.
Everyone was in shock. “Take me there!” Madam Lau ordered.
The servant nodded and escorted them to the corpse. “Who did this?” Madam Lau asked after seeing the body.
“I don’t know.” the servant replied. “I saw Hong, the residence manager walking off suspiciously though.”
Madam Lau ordered a meeting with the rest of the family members and staff. Ming-Jui looked at the body. “Can I stay here and examine this corpse?” Ming-Jui asked Madam Lau.
Madam Lau was astonished that a female, like Ming-Jui would want to observe a dead corpse. But she nodded in agreement since she thought it wouldn’t be harmful. Tien-Fung volunteered to stay with Ming-Jui. Madam Lau allowed her son to accompany Ming-Jui.
Ming-Jui observed the body of the corpse. She estimated that the person had passed away about two weeks ago. The body was definitely a female. Her arms were stretched out as if she was struggling. Her neck even though partly decayed still showed black marks indicating that she was either strangled or hung. Ming-Jui bent down more and reached for the victim’s collar.
Tien-Fung immediately stopped her. “What are you doing? Don’t touch it. It’s not safe.”
“It’s okay. I just want to see if these marks on her neck are caused by self hanging or surprised strangling.” She said assuring him to let her examine the body. He nodded and backed away.
She pulled down the collar and touched the neck. Someone definitely strangled her from behind. Ming-Jui stood up and looked solemnly at Tien-Fung saying, “I believe she was murdered.”
He gasped in shock. “Who would have wanted to murder a servant girl?”
Meanwhile Madam Lau, her two brothers and their wives, along with their children stood in the welcoming quarters talking about the issue. Madam Lau’s eldest brother, Kwok Chin had two wives, who each had a son. Her other older brother, Kwok Yat had one wife who had two girls.
“We must investigate this matter; it would be a disgrace if the martial arts world knew that we couldn’t protect a simple servant.” Kwok Quach, Kwok Chin’s eldest son said.
“That’s right,” Kwok Wat, Kwok Chin’s second son said.
“I suspect the new girl that has been snooping around.” Kwok Chin said pounding the table.
“How could you suspect Ming-Jui? She hasn’t snuck around at all. She’s only been accompanying Tien-Fung.” Madam Lau said protecting her future daughter-in-law.
“Choi-Choi, I know you have become fond of her but before she came we did not have any such thing, especially something like this!” Kwok Yat said patting Madam Lau on the shoulders.
“Brothers, I honestly don’t think it’s her. I think we should locate the killer, capture him/her and bring them to justice.”
“Well I still believe we should hold Ming-Jui as we investigate this matter.” Kwok Chin said persistently.
“I agree.” Kwok Yat added.
“So do we.” The wives said nodding in agreement with their husbands.
“But… but…” Madam Lau started to say. Her speech was immediately interrupted by Ming-Jui’s presence. She walked into the welcoming quarters with Tien-Fung and was immediately surrounded.
“A grand welcoming indeed…” Ming-Jui said sarcastically looking around “...and what do I owe this occasion to?” she said even more sarcastic than the first time as she looked at Kwok Chin and Kwok Yat.
“What are you guys doing?” Tien-Fung asked trying to push down his servant’s blades. “What’s going on mother?” he asked Madam Lau who didn’t reply as she looked at her brothers. He followed her gaze and asked, “Uncle, Why do you need to apprehend Ming-Jui?”
“Sorry, we need to apprehend Ming-Jui to investigate the servant’s death.” Kwok Yat said sternly.
Ming-Jui let out a sarcastic laugh. Kwok Chin looked at her angrily, “What are you giggling about, so close to death and still laughing?”
Ming-Jui smiled as she replied, “You haven’t even taken a look at the body, and you want to arrest me already? Why can’t I laugh?”
“Nothing like this has ever happened before you came here, if its not you, who else could it be?” Kwok Wat asked.
“Can’t it be a coincidence that I was here at the wrong time?” Ming-Jui said smiling sarcastically.
Tien-Fung quickly added, “The servant girl was dead for about two weeks. Ming-Jui has only been here for three days. How could you even suspect her?”
“That’s right.” Madam Lau said. “Let’s take a look at the body and everything will be clear.”
Kwok Chin and Kwok Yat nodded. Yu-Ching, Kwok Chin’s first wife and Gong-Li, Kwok Chin’s second wife nodded and commanded some servants to gather the body and bring it to the welcoming quarter.
As the body arrived, So-Ying, Kwok Yat’s wife kneeled down and pulled off the cover on top of the body for Kwok Yat to investigate the body. After a few minutes Kwok Yat stood up, “Tien-Fung is right. This body has been dead for two weeks. She was strangled to death.”
Ming-Jui smirked turning her face away from them. “Do you still want to arrest me?” she asked.
“We apologize for our accusations.” Kwok Chin said regretfully.
“Its okay, a common mistake anyone could have made in the rage of insults.” Ming-Jui said with a pleasant smile on her face. “It’s more important now to solve this mysterious death.”
“That’s right!” Kwok Chin said enthusiastic that Ming-Jui was gracious enough to forgive him and his family members for their accusations.
Madam Lau was even more impressed with Ming-Jui and growing fonder of her. Kwok Yat ordered all the servants and family members to meet in the Main Yard which was the only area big enough to house the 17 servants, the 9 Kwok family members, Madam Lau, Tien-Fung, and Ming-Jui.
Kwok Yat loudly announced the servant girl’s death and asked if anyone had any clues. Nobody in the crowd responded. So-Ying suggested giving an award to whoever knew. Still nobody answered but murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd.
As the Kwoks were questioning the servants, Ming-Jui looked around at each of the family members and servants around her. She observed everyone’s facial expressions and reactions towards everything the Kwoks said.
After nothing was revealed the Kwoks sent the servants back to work and made them swear to keep the situation private. Kwok Chin, Kwok Yat, and Madam Lau retreated to the study while So-Ying, Yu-Ching, Gong-Li and their children retreated to their own rooms.
Tien-Fung walked Ming-Jui back to her room and apologized as they walked. “I deeply apologize for my uncle’s behavior. They shouldn’t have treated you that way.”
“Apologies not needed. I understand.” She said with a gentle smile.
“You are so gracious to forgive such a misunderstanding.”
“Nobody was hurt. There is no need to be angry.”
“But still I must…”
Ming-Jui interrupted him before he could finish because he was being too apologetic. “Can I speak to your uncles and your mother?”
“Why yes. Of course, I’ll take you there right now.” He stuttered,
shocked that she wanted to speak to them.
“Thank you.” She said following him to the study.
* ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *
Meanwhile Kwok Chin, Kwok Yat, and Madam Lau were talking in the study about the servant girl’s mysterious death. “If nobody talks, we have no clues; it’s really hard to solve this case.” Kwok Yat said.
“I agree brother,” Madam Lau nodded “but we still must not let this matter slip out of our hands. What will the martial arts society think of the Kwok family after hearing about something like this? We can’t even protect a simple servant girl, how could we protect the country?”
The Kwoks were Generals of the sixth rank. They didn’t have a very high status but their relations with the martial arts world helped retain their status in the Royal Legions.
“But what can we do?” Kwok Chin sighed.
Just then Tien-Fung knocked on the door.
“Who is it?” Kwok Chin asked.
“Uncle, it is I, Tien-Fung. Ming-Jui is also here with me. She has something to talk to you about.” He announced.
The three looked at each other puzzled. Madam Lau nodded to inform her brothers she believes Ming-Jui meant no harm. They nodded in agreement. “Come in.” Kwok Chin said.
“Good evening Madam Lau, Sir Kwok Chin, and Sir Kwok Yat. I’m sure you’re surprised to see me, but I have information I wanted to get your opinion of.” Ming-Jui said with a warm smile on her face.
“What is it?” Madam Lau asked with concern.
“This afternoon when Sir Kwok Yat and Madam So-Ying were questioning the servant, I noticed a particular servant, big eyes, creamy white skin, and rosy pink cheeks. While everyone was astonished by the matter she seemed rather alarmed and frightened. She looked away constantly and even jumped when So-Ying announced such a big award for a small matter.” Ming-Jui seriously said.
“Are you saying she’s the murdered?” Tien-Fung asked.
“No, but I believe she knows who the murderer is. I’m 99% sure of it.”
“We should find out who Ming-Jui is talking about.” Kwok Yat immediately said.
“Now is not a good time. We can gather the servants again tomorrow.” Kwok Chin replied.
Madam Lau and Kwok Yat nodded.
“I’ve informed you of what I need to. I bid you all a goodnight.” Ming-Jui said leaving the room. Everyone said their goodnights and left the study together. They all walked towards the Bedroom chambers.
Kwok Chin was the first to enter his room, then Madam Lau. Tien-Fung wanted to walk Ming-Jui but she persisted that she would be okay with Kwok Yat since his room was after hers. Tien-Fung looked at his uncle and agreed. What else could he have done? Ming-Jui had already persisted and his uncle was already walking that way.
When Ming-Jui arrived at her room she said goodnight to Kwok Yat. He nodded politely and walked off to his room. Ming-Jui opened her door, suddenly turned around. “Excuse me, Sire Kwok Yat.” She called.
He turned around. With a coy smile, she looked sternly at Kwok Yat. “Where is your oldest daughter? I haven’t seen her during my entire stay here.” She asked.
“She… she…” he stuttered. Then realized she was not in the residence and had not been there for weeks. “Why do you ask?” he questioned.
Ming-Jui smiled with a mischievous grin on her face. “Remember the servant girl I was talking about earlier?” she asked.
He nodded.
“I believe she walked into a bedroom chamber in the East side, I know it’s not your room or your younger daughter. From my knowledge you have one more daughter.”
Kwok-Yat became confused and startled. Ming-Jui basically informed him that there was still is one more suspect, his eldest daughter.
Ming-Jui didn’t wait for a reply said goodnight again and closed her door.
He walked back to his chambers in deep thought if his daughter could have been the murderer.
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