Chapter 47: Bai and Bai
We headed up the sloping stone path, and through the lush firs trees, we could make out the valley below. Smoke drifted lazily from the village as we crested the hill. We all stopped and took a breather, resting packs on the ground as we looked down.
Thawain, for once, was the first to speak, “Now, children, we may be staying here for some time, so we must make a good impression.” It was directed at the children, but it made me stop and consider my state of address. We all had the luxury of bathing at our previous nights’ lodgings but needed another. Also, my undershirt was a mess; I had one that I had saved for this very occasion and stripped off my leather waistcoat and shirt to put it on. Finally ready and presentable, we made our way blessedly downward to our destination, Binyon village.
We could not make out much from our viewpoint, just a jumble of rooftops huddled in the forest. They were clustered around a central square with a shrine or temple at its far end. To the north, we could see terraced rice paddies heading up the hillside.
Entering the village, we were greeted by a woman, Zhang Linlang, who was leaving the village with a large pack on her back.
“Excuse me, but can you help us? We were wondering if we could stay at any plots of land for sale or rent.” I said hopefully. Then bowed as I thought might be respectful. I was doing my best.
“You want to stay in Binyon? Do you have family here? I do not recognize you?” said Linlang quizzically, then seeing all the children, “Oh, my. Are you starting an orphanage? Are you a priest?”
I wondered whether it would be easier to lie for a moment but then stopped myself. But, of course, starting with a lie would not be good, so I just fibbed a little.
“My name is Adam, this is Thawain, and these are children from his village that are refugees from the void war,” I said, waving my hand expansively at all those present. They all nodded or bowed randomly, trying their best smiles.
Linlang stopped crinkling her green eyes and plucked at a strand of her jet-black hair. “I will take you to our village leader, Bai Bo-Xue. Yes, I think he should be here still,” She said, appraising the sky.
We picked up our belongings, and the children and Thawain followed her while I pulled the cart behind.
The central square indeed had a regal-looking temple, and outside a house on the corner sat several men sitting at a table, which held a large bowl of food or other, I presumed.
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One man let out a bellowing laugh, “Linlang, you have been busy, which prey tell is the husband!”
This did cause Linlang’s step to falter, as she replied, “Actually, they are each from a nearby village. They have come here to greet their father.” Some of the men looked at the first. Was this in mock shock or just in anticipation of his rejoinder?
“You have learned well, my little Linlang, your intellect will one day surpass the gods or drive them into such a rage that they smite our village in retribution. Whom may these visitors be? “he replied.
“Bai Bo-Xue, they are refugees from the void wars that have come to seek harbor in our esteemed village,” Linlang said with a proper bow, remembering their names with surprising accuracy.
Bai Bo-Xue gave Adam a discerning look and gave Adam a quick interview, asking, “And what would you contribute… to village life?” cutting to the chase.
“Initially, beast cores. I intend to do a lot of hunting.” So said Adam a hundred percent truthfully this time.
“Our hunter here supplies us with more than enough beast cores. Which are few,” Bai said skeptically.
“Are, but I’m willing to give you a percentage for letting me stay here. I’ve seen you have quite a few unused plots on the outskirts of the village. And here… is my first down payment,” Adam said, taking out the smallest beast core he had and throwing it to Bai.
Bai looked down at the beast core he had caught deftly in his hand, then back up at Adam. “Ok. Mr. Jacobs, this is Binyon,” Bai said, gesturing around them. “Go with Shiau Yongshi here, and find a plot, then come back here, and we will have a nice long chat. I haven’t had much news recently, certainly not of the war.” So this could be a splendid day if I have news that will rival any of my brothers when I see him at the end of the week.
Bai’s brother Bai Zhoo was training to be a magistrate in Weihou and was always lording over his older brother, who had stayed home to take on family responsibilities. Their rivalry was indeed fierce, but Bo-Xue had had little to preen about over the past few years; maybe this would change.
Shiau Yongshi led the procession to a plot west of the village, close to the forest. There were two adjacent plots, one slightly smaller than the other.
Both properties were in an excellent state of disrepair; if there were a competition, it would have to be a draw. However, on closer inspection, he found both needed repairs to roofing before they could even be habitable. The children stared in disbelief, but Adam hoped he could get it decent quickly.
It was a cold but sunny day so it would be all right for one night. He asked Shiau Yongshi where and how far was the best hunting spot. Shiau Yongshi, scruffing the back of his neck, paused and then replied that he was not the expert to ask and that Che Gongnui was the hunter Bai had referred to before. Leaving the others with instructions and with the dilemma of deciding which property they would choose, he set off to find the hunter.
Che Gongnui was outside his house, sharpening some tools. He was a man of advanced years and, from what Adam had been told, advanced skills in tracking. He jumped up when he heard of Adam’s request, as sprightly as a young chick. He grabbed a few things: his bow and a leather bag, and hurried out of his house.
Shiau Yongshi returned to the village square to tell Bai that business was concluded. He shook his head, considering Adam’s strange character and how fortunate they were to have beast cores dropped in their laps. When he received the cores, Bai’s smile was like a lazy cat’s.