He withdraws his hand and staggers backwards. You know you're no match for him, so you take advantage of his surprise, and sprint out into the rain. You run headlong into the rain, not looking back. Within moments you are soaked to the skin. Suddenly a figure cuts in front of you.
Youth: Hey, where are you going?!
You don't answer, and jump back.
Youth: Relax! I killed that guy already.
As he catches his breath, you take to your heels again. Within moments he catch up with you.
Youth: Hey! Why's you stop?!
Xiu Ying: Forget it. I'm pooped.
Youth: [Smiling] You're skittish. How'd you know that guy was up to no good?
Xiu Ying: He claimed he was a hunter, but when he rolled up his sleeves there were bite marks on his arm, which showed he'd recently been in a fight...
Youth: [Startled] Oh! That makes sense... but why are you so scared of me? I've done nothing to alarm you.
Xiu Ying: You said you're taking the Imperial Examination, but the calluses on your hands show you train with a sword.
Youth: I'm just concealing my identity. Who doesn't do that sometimes? You could have asked for my help against that thug.
Xiu Ying: That guy was obviously dangerous, but you... you are not what you seem... which makes me even more wary.
Besides, you can't trust complete strangers. So you chose self-preservation.
Youth: [Sighing] Fine. Be like that. But why don't we discuss it out of the rain... County Lady?
You see him smile, slyly. You let out a breath, relieved to know he is on your side. Back at the old temple, the thug lies dead on the floor. The kid grimaces and throws the body outside. He washes up and comes back in.
Xiu Ying: You're... the Emperor's man?
Youth: [Nodding] County Lady that was your final test. Congratulations. You passed!
Xiu Ying: (Nothing is ever what it seems with this Emperor. Passed his test? Whatever that means...)
Outwardly you smile and thank the kid, though internally you remain skeptical.
Youth: The Emperor said he didn't want you to travel alone. He has sent a guard who will protect you. The guard will arrive in a couple of days. Good day, my Lady.
Saying this, the young man walks off into the rain. He moves quickly, leaving you in the temple lost for words.
Xiu Ying: Hey, wait... You didn't tell me how to get down the mountain...
The thought of the dead man turns your stomach and makes you want to run. You wait until the rain stops, and then leave to search for the path. Your luck holds and you reach Xinghua Town before night falls. You find a tavern. Your plan is to leave for Western Liang the next day.
Xiu Ying: Excuse me, innkeeper...
After dinner you plan to ask the innkeeper if there's a caravan leaving for Western Liang in the morning. Suddenly a woman steps into your personal space and starts yelling.
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Hostess: Shameless hussy!
Xiu Ying: [Baffled] Do you make a habit of insulting strangers?
Hostess: YOU'RE the one who insulted ME! Slut! Trying to seduce my husband in front of all these people!
Xiu Ying: [Furrowed brow] Madame, I think you're overreacting. I have a question for the manager.
Hostess: OH!!! A QUESTION is it?! Girls these days, always finding excuses. I'm sick of hearing it!
Xiu Ying: [Giving up] Yes, a question. Never mind. I'll ask someone else tomorrow.
Hostess: You listen here! STAY AWAY FROM MY HUSBAND!!!
You don't want to argue with her, but she keeps getting louder and louder, and now people in the bar are looking at you, and they're not friendly looks.
Man: [Interrupting] I couldn't help overhearing you accuse this young woman of seducing your husband. She did not such thing. What is wrong with you?
Hostess: Mind your own business!
Man: If your husband does leave you it will be because you chased him away!
Hostess: Ah! You're ganging up on me!
Man: How about some peace and quiet?
The man places a piece of gold on the table in front of her. The innkeeper's wife stops shouting and stares at the gold, her mouth hanging open.
Hostess: Uh, I did not recognize you my Lord! I'm sorry to have disturbed you! I'm so sorry!
Man: If you want this gold, I suggest you also apologize to this young lady.
Hostess: What? You want me to apologize to her? Why? She was trying to seduce my husband!
Man: You still going on about that? Looks like you really don't want this gold.
The man reaches out to take the gold back, but the innkeeper's wife quickly grabs it, then turns to you and apologizes.
Xiu Ying: Forget it. I wasn't trying to seduce your husband I just wanted to ask if there are any merchant caravans heading for Western Liang?
Man: You looking for a caravan to Western Liang? May I ask why?
Xiu Ying: Thanks for your help just now. I have relations there, but I don't want to travel alone.
Man: That's a lucky coincidence! I am Xu Hai. I am taking a caravan to Western Liang. You may travel with us, if you wish.
Xiu Ying: [Pleasantly surprised] Thank you, Lord Xu... I am... Afu.
You notice the "Fu" character hanging up on the wall and concoct a new name on the spot.
Xu Hai: We will leave early tomorrow morning, Miss Afu. Please meet us by the tavern entrance.
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