Fifteen years had passed in the blink of an eye. Jianyu often marveled at how Liang´an , once foreign and cold, had become a place he now called home . The city , with its winding alleys, vibrant marketplaces, and towering imperial courtyards, had witnessed his growth from a broken child to a man of quiet strength and wisdom.

He now wore the robes of an imperial official , their soft blue silk embroidered with the subtle symbol of his rank. Afetr years of rigorous study, countless hours at the academy , and a lifetime of internal resolve, he had finally passed the imperial exams, securing a place among Liang´an´s elite scholars and strategists. The quiet courtyard where he once watched others play Weiqi was now a place he frequenetd , a place where he , too was a respected voice.

As Jianyu entered teh courtyard this morning , he took in teh familiar scene - the same ages trees casting dappled shadows, the faint rustle of bamboo and the soft murmurs of debate among the weiqi masters ,. Today , however the tranquill setting was distrupted by a praticularly heated argument.

Mater Lui, his face flushed and his beard trembling, glared at his opponent , Master Feng. Beside them, a small crowd of onlookers gathered, their expressions shifting between amusement and sympathy for Master Lui´s latest tantrum.

" It is unthinkable that you would move so brashly, Feng! Have you no respect for strategy? I demand we reset the board!" Master Lui´s voice thundered through the courtyard, his finger toward the offending stone.

Master Feng , ever teh picture of calm , raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. " A bet , once made, is a bet honored, Master Lui. Or have you forgotten teh perious jug of Lushan wine that you so confidently wagered?"

Jianyu stiffled a laugh as he watched Master Lui´s face turn even deeper shade of crimson. The Lushan wine - a rare and highly coveted brew, sourced only once a year from the misty Lushan mountains - was a famous for its taste as it was for its scarcity. Losing such a prize had clearly cut deep.

"Jianyu!" Master Lui´s voice broke through his thoughts and suddenly, Jianyu found himself the focus of the master´s ire. " You are an imperial official now! Surely you won´t allow such dishonor to stand?"

Jianyu, stepping forward with a respectful bow, regarded the board and the masters. " Master Lui, honor is shown not only in victory but in accepting the cleverness of the opponent. Perhaps Master Feng´s stratefic prowess."

Master feng grinned, his eyes twinkling with approval. "Listen to the young man, Lui. Wisdom beyond his years."

Laughter rippled through the courtyard, and despite his chargin, Master Lui softened, grumbling under his breath as he reluctantly agreed to forfeit the wine. The small crowd began to disperse, and Master Feng clapped Jianyu on the soulder. "You have quiet the way with words, Jianyu. It´s no wonder you passed teh exams with such grace."

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Jianyu offered a humble bow, though his gaze shifted to the chessboard, studying the moves with a quiet , reflective intensity. The years of training , the countless hours of study and osevation, had forged him into a man of calm conviction. Here in Liang´ an , he had built a life filled with purpose, yet his mind never fully left the ashes of his past.

Tian: The rise of a Merchant prince

While Jianyu had become a prominent figure in the imperial circles, Tian had carved out his own empire in Liang´an. What had started as small trades - spices, skills and ceramics- had evolved in to a vast network of commerce that reached every corner of the Zhao Empire. Tian had become one of the city´s wealthiest and most influential merchants, known as much for his sharp mind as for his generosity.

His status granted him access to Liang´an´s elite, and Tian knew how to wield influence as deftly as Jianyu wielded a blade. Through subtle alliances , he had positioned himself as a trusted confidant to some of the wealthiest officials and scholars, allowing him to build a network of contacts and allies. Yet for all his success, he remained grounded, his his loyalty to Jianyu as unwavering as it had been fifteen years ago.

They had both come to recognize teh value of maintaining close ties within Ling´an. Through Tian´s network, they stayed informed on news from Chang´an and the Tang empire. Over teh years, tehy had set up quiet channels - discreet couriers, trusted merchants , sympathetic scholars - who relayed information about the shifting tides of Tang politics. Though they rarely spoke of it openly , both men shared an unspoken commitment to one day reclaiming what was lost.

As Tianreturned from a morning meeting with one of Liang´ an´s most influential official, he spotted Jianyu emerging from the courtyard, his expression contemplative.

"Master Lui lost another round, I see," Tian observed, his voice colored with amusement.

Jianyu raised an eyebrow. "and he sought my intervention to restore his honor. I doubt I´ll be welcomed at his table after denying him his beloved Lushan wine."

Tian chuckled, shaking his head. "It would do hom good to lose every now and then. Humility builds character, after all."

Jianyu gave a soft smile, though his gaze drifted past Tian, as if his thoughts lingered elsewhere. Tian recognized that look. Despite the life they had built, the memories of the Lin family´s fall remained close, their loyalty to one another forged in the fires of that tragedy. He placed a reassuring hand on Jianyu´s shoulder.

"Remember, Jianyu." Tian said gentky , " We´ve built something here. Your family´s honor endures in your achievements. And when he time comes, you won´t face it alone."

Jianyu met Tian´s gaze , gratitude flickering in his eyes. "Thank you, Tian. You´ve done more than i could ever repay."

" No need for thanks between us," Tian replied , his voice steady. "This journey is our, no matter where it leads."