An Oriental Odyssey

On the boat, Yuan An and Zhao Lan Zhi, armed with crucial clues they found in Ru Yue's room, were about to leave when they were blocked by a man. He was in his twenties, similar in age to Zhao Lan Zhi, with a handsome face and a slender figure. He looked at Zhao Lan Zhi and smiled, saying, "Zhao Lan Zhi! Do you recognize me?"

Zhao Lan Zhi was taken aback but quickly recognized him and became very happy.

Zhao Lan Zhi said, "Is it you? Jiang Ren!"

The newcomer laughed and grabbed Zhao Lan Zhi's arm. "Long time no see, Lan Zhi! I recognized you from far away. Come, let's go over there and have a drink... This young man can join us too!"

Yuan An was a lively person to begin with, and seeing this enthusiastic person named Jiang Ren and the delighted expression on Zhao Lan Zhi's face, she didn't refuse. She followed the two to the table and had a few drinks together. Amidst the toasting, she learned that Zhao Lan Zhi and Jiang Ren had served together in the military, and not only that, they also had some other connections.

Jiang Ren said, "Lan Zhi and I joined the army in the same year and trained together as new recruits. Speaking of which, Lan Zhi once saved my life."

Yuan An said, "Oh? Is that so?"

Zhao Lan Zhi waved his hand dismissively. "It was a small matter, not worth mentioning."

Yuan An became even more curious. "Hey, we have nothing else to do, so why not tell us about it?"

Jiang Ren said, "On that day, we were on a training exercise in the mountains. We were paired up, and when we crossed a stone bridge, there was a deep ditch of about ten zhang below the bridge. I slipped and fell, but Lan Zhi reacted quickly and turned back to grab hold of me. At that time, my entire body was hanging in the air, and I was heavier than him. With just one hand, he held me suspended. I could see that he was struggling to hold on, so I told him, 'Zhao Lan Zhi, let go of me, or we'll both fall!' But he refused to let go and managed to pull me up—it nearly ruined his arm—to save me!"

Zhao Lan Zhi shook his head, smiled, and said, "If it were you, wouldn't you save me? Would you watch me fall?"

Yuan An looked at Zhao Lan Zhi, now having a different impression of him. She took a sip of wine and muttered, "I didn't expect you to have such a kind heart."

Zhao Lan Zhi looked at her and slowly said, "It depends on the person. Jiang Ren is my friend, my comrade, so I'd risk my life to save him. But if it were a murderer, a prison escapee, a reckless aristocrat causing trouble, or a mischievous brat, I wouldn't do the same."

Yuan An got the hidden meaning in Zhao Lan Zhi's words, and she downed a mouthful of wine, feeling annoyed.

Jiang Ren continued, "After the new recruits' training ended, Lan Zhi went to the frontier, and I stayed in the capital. Though we started at the same level, our paths diverged significantly. Now, I am nowhere near his level. He has become a constable, while I'm just serving as a guard for the rich."

Zhao Lan Zhi comforted him, "Gold may be hidden amongst stones, but it will be discovered one day. Jiang Ren, don't be disheartened."

Jiang Ren replied, "I'm not disheartened. As long as I have friends and good wine, life is enjoyable. Come! Lan Zhi, young man, let's drink!"

The three raised their cups and drank. Jiang Ren had brought some wine with him, and after a few drinks, he was already drunk, lying on the table, unable to get up. The sky was turning pale as dawn approached, and the Qianduan pavilion ship gradually docked. The guests, who had enjoyed themselves all night, began to disperse. Zhao Lan Zhi saw Yuan An off the ship, at the carriage and horse stand near the dock, he brought a black horse to her front and said, "You've had quite a few drinks. Go back home and rest."

Yuan An said, "It's nothing. Oh, wait a minute, I didn't come here riding a horse. This isn't my horse."

Zhao Lan Zhi replied, "This is my horse. It's quite far from the Minister's mansion. You can ride it back."

Yuan An said, "You're giving it to me? Thank you! You're not that bad after all. By the way, have you forgotten about my matter? Investigate the whereabouts of that snake and inform me if there's any news!"

Zhao Lan Zhi assured her, "Don't worry!"

As she spoke, Yuan An tried to mount the horse but accidentally stepped on air. If Zhao Lan Zhi hadn't stopped her, she would have fallen to the ground. Instead, she ended up falling into his arms. Yuan An had been drinking, and she smelled the fragrance of almonds from him and her face turned red instantly. But Zhao Lan Zhi seemed oblivious and simply raised his arm, lifting Yuan An onto the horse. He patted the horse's flank and said, "Go!" He didn't realize that Yuan An's face had turned into a ripened tomato.

After seeing Yuan An off, Zhao Lan Zhi went back to take care of the drunken Jiang Ren. By the time he returned to Qianduan pavilion, it was already bright outside, and the guests had left. The beautiful and vibrant girls, who had appeared full of energy, were now resting in their respective rooms. The place was a mess with empty cups and plates, and all the delicious wine had been consumed. The lights were extinguished, and Qianduan pavilion was restored to its quiet elegance. Only a few attendants dressed in coarse clothes were cleaning and tidying up. Jiang Ren was still lying on the table, sound asleep. Zhao Lan Zhi supported him and led him outside, whispering, "Jiang Ren, where do you live? Let me send you back!"

Jiang Ren mumbled in confusion and didn't respond.

While Zhao Lan Zhi was wondering what to do with him, a luxurious carriage with four horses stopped in front of him. Zhao Lan Zhi looked up, wondering who had such a grand presence. The person inside the carriage lifted the curtain lightly, glanced outside, and saw Jiang Ren and Zhao Lan Zhi. After a quick glance, she closed the curtain again. She gave an order, and the coachman came down from the carriage, taking Jiang Ren from Zhao Lan Zhi's hands. "Sir, let me take care of Jiang Ren. We'll take him back to the mansion."

Zhao Lan Zhi let go, and the coachman carried Jiang Ren away.

Who was the woman inside the carriage?