Yecao Cao sneezed as the cold air hit his face. The city of Dongzhou was filled with people constantly moving between the high and colorful buildings. Buzzing from the people hit Yecao Cao’s ears and he instantly wanted to enter the carriage again if only to escape it. Seagulls flew over the grey sky towards the harbor, their sounds signaling the sea was close. Yecao Cao could see the port from where he stood and the unfamiliar, salty air reached his nose making him sneeze once again.

The sails of the ships of Tian was visible even from where they were. They might not be as large as those from Faraheim or Diamanas as the ships of Tiandi was not built to cross the deep sea but was made to go up the plentiful rivers of Tiandi. Not that crossing the sea was an easy feat for any ship as monsters lurked in the deep. Sea serpents was ready to attack any ship entering their territory and the large but gentle Leviathan always swam close to the surface to accidently knock over ships sailing too close to them.

“I can see a ship from Diamanas from here,” said Wang Yu Jían and nodded towards the large frame of a ship at least three times as big as the ships from Tiandi.

“Yes, I wasn’t aware that we expected a ship from the Vans.”

“They arrive on their own schedule.”

Yecao Cao understood his meaning. The Vans of Diamanas was civilized compared to the ruthless Titans of Faraheim but they were also arrogant. Tiandi traded with both countries but avoided them otherwise. Fortunately, both these races had no interest in the small continent of Tiandi. If the rumors are true, the two rivals are fighting for a larger continent southeast of Tiandi, across the eastern sea of Qinghai.

“Is this a coincidence that they are here during the attack,” said the leader of the guard, a older man named Qia Hiu. He gave the ship a dark look at it was apparent that he did not like the foreigners.

“Don’t be silly. What purpose would they have to attack us in such a small scale? It would only waste their resources,” Yecao Cao replied with a snort.

“True, Tiandi might be rich but we don’t have an abundance of any rare material making it worth attacking us. They would just waste resources they could easily and cheaply have gotten through trade,” Wang Yu Jían concurred. “But they are neutral. If we want a reliable witness then they might be able to provide us with some information on the attack.”

Yecao Cao lit up. “I would love to meet a Van!”

Wang Yu Jían chuckled cheerily, ”I might give you the opportunity to do so but be wary. They are a people who keep secrets close to heart. They even have the ability to transform into other races. It is one of the reason’s why they aren’t trusted.”

“I have never heard of such a skill. Is it alchemy?” Yecao Cao asked, thinking of the alchemist’s pills that had a variety of uses from healing, cultivation, longevity and even certain transformation. Though he has never heard of a person being able to transform into another’s race. That requires one to change one’s Qi and meridians. “Or is it an illusion?”

Wang Yu Jían shook his head,” We do not know. From what we can tell, it’s a born given gift that even children have but where it comes from or how it is used is a mystery.”

It was obvious why many races feared them if that was the case. If they could truly change into another race then it could be a useful skill to blend in and hide spies.

“I think it could be fruitful to speak with them,” Yecao Cao finally said and Wang Yu Jían nodded before going into the estate of the main Shu family.

The estate was in no way humble but compared to the large estates of the capitals, this estate had a more rural feel to it. The only change was that the Shu family put all their foreign objects on display to showcase their trade with Faraheim and Diamanas. Barbaric spears of the Titans, strange and crude pottery from Diamanas. Compared to Tiandi who had a flair for beauty, a lot of the foreign trinkets were crude but sturdy. It was built to hold for hundreds of years but not to showcase ability.

There was also a lot of strange flowers, not seen in Tiandi, and carpets made from animal’s from far off places. It made the place look peculiar and according to Yecao Cao, tacky. Most of the things though were most likely expensive because of their rarity. One of the most expensive and most desired things from the Diamanas was sculptures and gold jewelry.

In Tiandi, sculptures were rare and most of them belonged to the royal family or the gods but Diamanas had an abundance of sculptures in gold, marble, silver, bronze and in some material’s not seen in Tiandi like obsidian. All these were made in higher skill than in Tiandi and most important, in more abundance. Even the common people often had bracelets made of bronze over in Faraheim and Diamanas. Here, only the Emperor and some rich noblemen could afford such a thing. Our trinkets such as hairpins are, at its most expensive, made out of jade.

That is the reason why anyone with royal blood, such as Wang Yu Jían, holds the title Yu which means jade. The noblemen without imperial blood are called Jin, gold, and those under them are called Yin, silver, and Tóng, copper. It was a way to tell the value of the people by associating them with the most valued materials.

There are of course titles outside those such as the two military titles Gáng, steel, and Tié, iron. Or the none nobles traders and workers called Méi, coal, and the lowest of all classes Yánshí, stone, that consists of farmers, slaves, beggars, and thieves.

The Yecao family had ones been of the Méi rank before getting a promotion to Tóng for their successes in the past. It was not uncommon that the wealthiest of the traders get a promotion but according to all other ranks, it wasn’t much difference between them. Yecao Cao had to concur, the title Tóng was most likely just a way to reward the rich merchants keeping the Tian alive and well so that they would not move on to other pastures.

An old man rushed out from the main building of the patriarch, he stumbled as he saw the jade, dragon hairpin in Wang Yu Jían’s hair, symbolizing his status as relative to the Emperor. His young age made it obvious who he was and the old man fell onto the ground.

“Honor to you and your family, Wang Yu!”

“And honor to yours, steward. We have come to investigate the attack on the harbor and request housing from the glorious Shu family,” Wang Yu Jían said with a gentle smile. Yecao Cao rolled his eyes at the man’s splendid ability to sugar his words.

“And this is?” asked the steward and peered at Yecao Cao.

“News must surely travel slowly. This is my dear nephew's Zhiji who has come to represent the Emperor himself,” Wang Yu Jían said with a chuckled as he saw the steward's eyes going wider for each word.

“Pardon my rudeness, Zhiji. This steward did not know,” the servant stammered and Yecao Cao could feel several of the maids’ eyes peeking at him with interest. He could clearly feel their thoughts like they were his own, “How can the Emperor desire such a simple man when he has so many beauties at his disposal?”

Yecao Cao did not care for their gazes though and looked over at the steward,” Please, announce our presence to your master.”

The steward did not hesitate to rush inside and it only took mere moments for someone to exit the building to greet them. The person though, left Yecao Cao grimacing as he knew that face all too well. He had kicked him awake quite a few times in the past during Yecao Cao’s time as a Ling in the Ministry of Ceremonies.

“This Ling greet’s you, honored Wang Yu Jían,” Shu Qiang said and made no efforts hiding his cold gaze when he peered at Yecao Cao. Yecao Cao let out a humph as he watched the nephew of the Minister of Ceremonies bow in front of the Wang who looked at both of them with perusing eyes.

“I assume that you both know each other. If I recall correctly, you both worked as Ling in the Ministry of Ceremonies.”

“Just so, Wang. Though, Ling Cao apparently had other ambitions than to do honorable work,” Shu Qiang chuckled with ill hidden venom in his voice.

“I had to leave. Otherwise, you would never get a chance to shine, Ling Qiang,” Yecao Cao said and didn’t bother to bow to Shu Qiang as he was of far higher rank than him. Shu Qiang looked like he had swallowed something sour and glared at Yecao Cao who merely hummed cheerily.

“I think that being a mere Ling would be a waste for the Zhiji. Wouldn’t you agree, Ling Qiang?” Wang Yu Jían was smiling but his words were sharp. Especially at the words Zhiji and Ling making sure that Shu Qiang’s disrespect had not gone unnoticed by the Wang.

“I’m sure that Mei yu Huayuán is fully suitable for his new position and is serving the glorious Huángdi most admirably,” Shu Qiang said and bowed to Yecao Cao but everyone could see his smirk at the mention of Yecao Cao’s court name. The name still made Yecao Cao clench his teeth and he quietly cursed the Emperor and all his descendants.

“I most certainly am, I even gained the trust to handle this investigation. I truly am favored by the Emperor. By the way, how are things going for you, Ling Qiang? Have you been announced as the next Taichang yet? That was your ambition, was it not?” Yecao Cao chippered as he followed Wang Yu Jían who walked past Shu Qiang into the building as drops of water had started to fall from the sky.

Shu Qiang threw Yecao Cao a harsh glare behind the Wang’s back but ignored him to lean closer to the Wang who pretended not to listen to the two. Yecao Cao could see though that the Wang was slightly leaning closer to hear them better as he walked. Even slowing his steps to not leave them behind.

“I would like to offer my assistance, honorable Wang. I know this city far better than anyone else. I can be of use,” Shu Qiang said with a calm voice but Yecao Cao could see the greed in his eyes. This was a good opportunity to garner favor from one of the most powerful people in Tian.

Yecao Cao let out a snort,” that is surprising considering that you were sent to live with your uncle in the capital at the age of six. Your memory must truly be astounding, Ling Qiang!”

That earned him another sullen glare which only made Yecao Cao feel warm inside.

“I appreciate your offer and commend your loyalty to Tian but this task was assigned to me and the Zhiji. We should not put the burden on others or our ancestors will curse our names,” Wang Yu Jían said smoothly as they entered the main hall of the building.

Shu Qiang bowed to his father Shu Yong Heng before going to his mother’s side. Yecao Cao wanted to snort when he saw the people in the room. Shu Yong Heng made no efforts of hiding his ambitions as he had gathered all his daughters and nieces in the room. All accompanied by their mothers who watched the prince with greed and excitement in their eyes. The young girls wore their prettiest dresses and were all beauties. They threw the Wang glances from the corner of their eyes in a shy manner and all gave Wang Yu Jían fair smiles in hope of getting his attention. They must have known of the arrival of the Wang for them to be prepared to this state.

“It must be hard to be an unmarried, young Wang,” thought Yecao Cao with sympathy and he did not envy the attention Wang Yu Jían garnered from their hosts. Wang Yu Jían seemed used to it though and ignored all the girls giving the Patriarch of the Shu family a polite smile.

“Wang Yu Jían greets the Zhondu of Dongzhou,” Wang Yu Jían said with a bow and Shu Yong Heng was quick to return the greeting with his own bow.

“Dongzhou is honored to have you as their guest,” Shu Yong Heng said and Yecao Cao took notice that he had not taken note of Yecao Cao’s presence. Something Yecao Cao suspected but he was surprised by the blatant neglect of his presence. He was still the so-called Zhiji of the Emperor. Few would dare to ignore a man of such status so blatantly.

Something that apparently did not go unnoticed by Wang Yu Jían as he said,” You would do well to remember to greet the Zhiji as he is both your superior and favored by Huángdi.”

Shu Yong Heng frowned and turned to Yecao Cao who almost burst out into a laugh when he saw the old man’s bitter face. “I beg your pardon for my negligence and greet you, Mei yu Huayuán.”

Yecao Cao gave Shu Yong Heng a sweet smile,” Now I see from were Shu Qiang gets his most gracious personality. He is truly suited to be a Ling!”

Yecao Cao was most satisfied when he heard gasps from the women and witness Shu Yong Heng’s hand grow white as he clenched his fists. He could not help but to applaud the old man’s grit as he forced himself to smile at Yecao Cao. “Thank you for your compliment, Zhiji.”

“Might I ask why you are here?” Shu Yong Heng said with a stony face.

“No,” Yecao Cao humphed and Shu Yong Heng choked. Wang Yu Jían cleared his throat while trying desperately to keep a straight face.

“As you are well aware, we are here to investigate the attack and ask to stay at your estate as guests during the investigation.”

Shu Yong Heng’s face returned to its normal color as he heard the Wang’s calm words. “You are of course welcome to stay. I’m sure that my daughters can see to your needs.”

Many of the girls bowed to the prince with shy smiles but they soon faded when the Wang’s words cut through their excitement,” No need. Just show us to our rooms, I would prefer them to be close to each other, so that we can settle in, most gracious Zhondu.”

Wang’s stern voice left no room for arguments and Shu Yong Heng had no choice to send them on their way. They soon arrived at the large pavilion with several guestrooms suited for their visit. As the door closed Yecao Cao chuckled when he heard the long sigh from the Wang.

“I would suggest getting married soon or you might be overrun by unmarried maidens.”

Wang Yu Jían grimaced,” and that is why I was on the constant move or living deep in the mountain.”

“I have never heard of a man so desperate to run away from marriage that he became a hermit.”

Wang Yu Jían bowed with a smirk. “Glad to be of service, Zhiji.”

“What do we do now?”

“We rest, for tomorrow we will visit the harbor.”