He knew the unemployed group would be gathered at Mister Joun’s house, since it was the only one big enough for them to gather and gamble. Knocking on their door, Huanshu let himself in. Hearing the commotion, nine people looked up.
Mister Ghurin was the first to respond. “Why are you here now?”
“The lady sent us-” Everyone scrambled up their feet, bounding towards Huanshu. “-letters.”
“Give them here.” Madam Joun impatiently mumbled. Seeing everyone eager to receive news, Huanshu handed out the letters according to the recipients listed on the envelopes. Mister Joun. Madam Ghurin. Madam Shueri. Mister Pooil. And him.
Everyone carefully peeled their letters open. After all they couldn’t rip the letters their Lady had given them, could they? Several moments of silence as each pair of husband and wife and in Huanshu’s case, son and mother, read their respective letters.
The birds continued to choir against the bright blue sky, a contrast to the solemn expressions Pieun’s loyal followers had.
“She left us money even when that abominable excuse of a father took everything away.” Madam Joun choked out a sob.
“Not to mention that he kept her locked up for the entire month.” MIster Gurin added.
“And now her marriage…I can’t believe we’ve just been wasting away all this time.” Madam Pooil shook her head.
“You’re right, we should have done something.” Madam Shueri added.
“Well, what are we going to do now?” Mister Shueri voiced out his question.
“You bastard…Is that even a question to ask? Obviously we’re gonna follow her to Xhirnez!” Mister Pooil exploded.
“Yeah, no matter how far it is, our debt to her is much greater.” Madam Pooil chimed in.
“I know, I meant exactly how we were gonna get there.” Mister Shueri retorted.
Amongst the clamour, Huanshu was lost in his own thoughts, not believing what the paper in front of him was saying.
“The…Lady…doesn’t want me to follow her to the west.” Huanshu’s mouth moved, but he didn’t feel anything. No, perhaps it was more right to say that he was devastated. His soft voice managed to drown the house in silence once more.
Mister Joun placed his hand on Huanshu’s shoulder and comfortingly patted him. “I’m sure she has her reasons. It must be important work that she wants you to do here.”
“I know, it's just… she’s taking everyone else along…”
Soon, comforting words created even more noise than before, and in the end Huanshu felt useful again. After all, his mission was different, so his Lady must have placed her trust in him.
That night, four homes were turned upside down and emptied in a week.
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