Liberi Reader

Oh, thank you...

Who do you belong to, child?

You're welcome.

Are the mandarins here? When will they take the prisoner away? Is the 'project' finished?

Do you know who is in there? Do you know what the 'project' is?

What did you say? My hearing isn't good, could you speak louder—

......

Yes, I know. I'll just sit here. I'm not going anywhere.

Yes, yes, pay no mind to this old man. You young people are plenty busy.

Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on things here, no one's getting past me.

I've lived a life of hardship, and I won't let you young people go through that. I'll do what I have to do.

......

This should be a westward road now, so I think I'm going in the right direction.

Head straight after that sharp bend, and then turn left after passing the third fork...

But what exactly counts as a fork here...?

Oh, I'm so glad somebody's here!

Nin hao, sir... would you happen to be from the village around here?

Huh? Who are you?

I'm part of the disaster relief team. I heard there was a mudslide a few days ago. I came to investigate the damage, but it looks like my map's not quite right.

Have you heard of any villages around here that were struck by a mudslide?

Us mountain folk have all the paths around here memorized. I've never heard of someone making a decent map of the place.

You must be asking about Moushan, that's where I'm from.

We suffered some heavy rain two days back, and a section of the Chidao got washed away... but the village is unscathed.

What a relief, so I've been going the right way after all...

How do I get to Moushan from here?

Just continue on this road and turn north when you hit the fork in the road. It's about half a day's walk.

Thank you very much!

We've laid the traps as the Elder instructed... but I hope we don't need them.

After all, she's only here to help the village. Let's try not to hurt her, just lead her away.

Well I'm not the thinking type, so I'll do whatever you say.

What a coincidence, huh? This was supposed to be just between us and Heaven, but that stubborn Messenger had to come knocking.

Right, who was that girl from earlier? What's she here for?

Oh, she said she was from a disaster relief team or something and was here to check on the mudslide.

And you let her through just like that?!

The Elder told us to stop any Messengers here. What's that got to do with anyone else?

You idiot! The Elder stationed us here to stop the Messengers, that means he doesn't want any outsiders ruining our plans!

Doesn't disaster relief come from the government?

What if the village isn't ready yet and we've spoiled everything?

I didn't think that far ahead... so what do we do now?

What else can we do?! Take the shortcut back to the village and tell the Elder!

Tell them to hide Fang Xiaoshi in a safe place and make sure he isn't found!

Ugh... how do I even break the news...?

Forget it! You stay here on lookout and I'll go report myself.

Wait—

You didn't tell me how the traps work...

It looks pretty solid though. At a glance, you can't even tell where it is—

What's this now...?

Do you... need help?

Elder! Bad news! The mandarins are here early!

How could this be? Didn't we agree on a time?

*sigh* I don't know myself.

We were waiting at the village entrance to hold off any Messengers, but that idiot Dafu spotted one and gave her actual directions instead.

At this point, there's no turning back...

Well, it was inevitable, and better sooner than later.

There's no need to panic, just do what you've been tasked to do. I'll ready myself and head to the village entrance.

Elder, are you sure you can handle this alone?

I have some inkling of how to settle things.

The rest of you, do not let Fang Xiaoshi escape and make a scene. The mandarins might pay a visit to the hunter's place later.

Right, if he dares make any noise, we'll just drag him out of the village.

I've also tasked someone with sorting things out over at the hunter's place.

We've given him so many days, but it's time for him to place the grave marker.

......

Alright, we'll go with this for now.

Honored ancestors, please bless us... we must pass this test...

Nin hao...

Nin hao, nin hao. I am the Clan Elder of Moushan village. We've been anticipating your arrival.

Your magisterial greatness honors us with your presence, we beg your forgiveness in forcing you to travel all the way to our remote village.

Magisterial...?

Honored Elder... I heard there was a mudslide a few days ago, and wanted to get a deeper understanding of the situation.

Of course, of course. We have to be crystal clear about such an important incident.... we have already finished the preparations.

Shall I take you there now?

Preparations...?

Umm... Okay! I appreciate your cooperation.

(Strange. Why did the government send such a young girl?)

(The bag she's carrying... it doesn't look like it could hold a million.)

Fang Xiaoshi, time to go.

Go where?!

No questions, just come with us.

Oh, looks like you're in a panic. Let me guess, an outsider showed up?

Sure, I'll go right now, and tell them all about your schemes!

Won't you just behave?! Stop making trouble!

You dare headbutt me?!

Grab a rope and come help me tie him up!

Hunter, it's about time.

Just come with us and place the grave marker. Then it's all done.

Why the hurry? Didn't you say the mandarins were coming tomorrow?

I don't know why, but they're here today.

So we have to finish our side of the job early.

But I'm not done carving yet. This 'mu' character is still a few strokes short.

This is a pretty serious thing, so we can't do a shoddy job here.

We don't have time! This is all an act, why worry about stuff like that?!

Fine...

I'm coming.

The mudslide happened a few days ago, overnight, and this boy was at the Chidao worksite.

Fang Xiaoshi was born and raised here in this village. We all loved him as a good boy with a virtuous heart, ever since he was little.

He knew how difficult it was to build roads through the mountains and how important this project was to the village.

He probably wanted to salvage some materials, and as a result...

I didn't expect a tragedy like this, I'm so sorry for your loss...

Disasters are merciless, but at least, wherever they happen, people always look out for each other.

Well said, Madam...

Fang Xiaoshi did not die in vain, at least. He perished for the sake of the village, and we will remember him always.

When things have settled down, we will inscribe his name in our temple.

And for his father, his sole living relative, the village will come together to care for him.

Honored Elder, you have a kind heart.

No, no... I am our Clan's Elder, so this is the least I can do.

Having said all that... we should probably get down to business, no...?

You mean...?

Rude as it is for me to be so forward, I'm afraid I have to ask when the compensation money will arrive...? After you verify things on your end, of course.

Compensation money?

Please, Madam, you mustn't toy with us...

Fang Xiaoshi's death should be considered an accident suffered in the execution of the Chidao project, so it is reasonable to expect some compensation money.

It's not that I hunger for wealth, but this sum of money, is critically important to our village...

I think there's been a misunderstanding, Honored Elder.

I'm not too familiar with the workings of accidental death compensation, but the government should have someone responsible for that.

I'm with 'Chun-qian', a disaster relief organization. I'm here to investigate the cause of the mudslide.

This tragedy is heartbreaking and irreversible, but we have to do our best to make sure it doesn't happen again.

But.... This...

(Anguished moaning)

Don't move, let me take a look...

Seems fine, you didn't break your ankle, at least.

How is it, can you walk?

Thank you...

What's going on? Why are there hunting traps on this path?

Well... uh...

Spring has just begun, and some beasts made their way into the village two days back, so we're taking some precautions.

You still shouldn't lay traps where people walk, though. It's too dangerous... See, you only caught yourself.

Well, I'll come help you after I'm done with my work. I'm pretty good at repelling beasts.

I've got some letters to deliver, so I'd better get a move on.

W-Wait!

Is there something else?

Are you heading to Moushan?

Yeah, what's up?

You... you can't go there.

Why not?

Because...

Oh yeah! In case you didn't know, a mudslide hit this area two days ago and washed out the road!

If the road is out, then how did you get here?

If you could get out, then I can get in. It's just a little mountain climbing, no big deal.

No, wait!

What else?

I... ugh... agh!

I told them I was a horrible liar, and they still put me out here...

Aiyo, I'll just say it. I'm supposed to keep you from going over there.

Even if I have to lie, or convince you or whatever, I can't let you go to the village today. Even if I have to fight you!

I knew it...

You've been acting weird this whole time.

What exactly are you guys trying to pull here?

Oh my, I really... I'm going senile.

*sigh* If you're here about the mudslide, there really isn't much to say...

It happened some distance away from the village, so no one was really affected by it.

I'm sorry you took the trouble to come all the way out here, but the village is fine and there's nothing worth investigating.

Honored Elder, if I could have a moment. There are still some things I want to confirm...

A mudslide is not unusual at this time of year...

But as I understand it, it is standard procedure to build some protective fortifications on the mountain slopes before working on the Chidao proper to prevent these kinds of accidents.

If the fortifications were erected properly, then the Chidao shouldn't have been washed away by the mudslide in the first place.

......

If there were issues with the fortifications here, it means there might be issues with structural integrity elsewhere as well.

That means there's still a chance of another mudslide further damaging the Chidao, or even hitting the village.

So I have to head up the mountain and get to the bottom of this.

You want to go up the mountain...?

Honored Elder, could you show me the way up?

Well...

I'll be frank with you, girl, it's not that I don't want to help you, but it's the height of planting season. Everyone here is busy with farm work, and one man leading the way means one less hand to work the fields.

If you really have no time to spare, I'd appreciate it if you would be so kind as to point me in the general direction, so I can make my way up alone.

The roads in these mountains are rugged and difficult to traverse, with many branching paths, you could find it very difficult...

Worry not. I shall show thee the way.

You–

Young Shifu Saga, what are you still doing here...?

The past few days, I have enjoyed thine care whilst wandering these parts.

Though I may be lacking in agricultural ability and unable to assist thine farming, I am at least be able to serve as a guide.

Young Shifu, now is not the time—

Honored Elder, I don't really understand what's going on.

I get the feeling you really don't want me going up the mountain...

......

This whole time, you've been talking about how much damage the disaster has caused the village...

So why don't you care about keeping it from happening again?

Elder, the hunter...

(*whispering*) Elder, please...

I'll be right there.

Today is the day we put Fang Xiaoshi to rest.

Everyone present will bear witness.

To send off a boy less than half your age is truly difficult. But life and death know not reason.

You have done a meritorious service, dying for the village's sake. I pray you are reborn in a better family and place in your next life, and not somewhere like here.

And thus, I declare, Fang Xiaoshi is dead.

......

Hunter. As his father, I think it would be best for you to place your son's grave marker yourself.

Wait, I have a question...

You say Xiaoshi died for the village, and will be buried here...

But have you truly treated him as one of your own?

Even when we're finished here, will you really let him live in the village?

What are you asking?

Come on, the mandarins might just be around the corner. Don't screw this up for us!

How could I even...? All of you know that I'm hurt and sick, you could say I'm already halfway in the ground, at this point.

I've been long content to live on like this, but for Xiaoshi... let my son live in peace...

Didn't we already agree to that? The Elder even swore an oath in the temple, once we finish this, the village will take care of you both. Why so uneasy?

Hunter! What are you waiting for?

I'm just worried...

You need us right now, but who knows what'll happen after you get your money. How will you treat us then? I really have no idea...

Reminds me of something someone said to me yesterday.

'A man is never truly satisfied.'

Hey—!

We need that money to survive, and tend to the land. What's that to you? Is the Elder's word not enough, do you need the whole village to kowtow before of our ancestors for you to believe us?!

That's not what I mean...

We're out of time, there's nothing else we can do!

Placing that grave marker would defile two lives.

Miss Qiu...

Y-You're still here?!

I've been worried this plot of yours could go past the point of no return.

And I was absolutely right to worry.

Y-You know everything...?

Every last detail.

Then you should know we're just trying to survive here.

These past two days, I've heard something to that effect dozens of times.

A corpse, a name, a sum of money. Can you only survive by trampling the dignity of others?

Girl... no, Honored Master...

This is none of your concern... I know kung fu masters like you fight for justice, but you are a mighty swordswoman, while we're... you couldn't hope to understand our lives!

There is no difference between you and I.

I have spent five years in Jiangqi and another five in Yumen. I have turned on the edge of this blade too many times to count... It feels like if was short a single piece of guidance or wavered in my spirit, I would have become something like the Shanhaizhong...

I understand your struggles, but they are no excuse for injustice.

There is never an excuse for injustice.

I've been reluctant to step in...

But just how far do you intend to take this?!

Fang Xiaoshi...

......

What happened to him?

Zhou Liu and Zhou Si were taking him to the mountain behind the village...

To the summit?

Everyone was afraid he'd make trouble, so we decided to take him someplace far away. We never expected him to...

......

It's not too late.

We're... done for...

Are you the resident monk here, Shifu Saga? You seem familiar with the place.

I have taken a number of momentary respites in my travels, and happened nearby the past couple of days, and so I bore witness to accident.

Now, thou art learned in the methods of disaster relief. Thine undertaking to comprehend the circumstances of the mudslide will indeed help prevent similar disasters in future. A most excellent thing.

Ah, t-thank you for escorting me, Shifu. I don't know what I would do if the villagers kept standing in my way.

Dost thou know the reason for the villagers' relentless obstruction?

Is there something hidden beneath the mudslide...?

Mortal ability is indeed limited, and all that occurs on this plane is merely as one glimpses a beast through a pipe. As to secrets hidden within a Catastrophe, I dare not engage in wanton talk.

I feel there are matters I have yet to comprehend, and so I guide thee up the mountain.

Sight begets truth, and so upon arriving at our destination, thou shalt see with thine own eyes, and come to know the truth.

Hmm...

This is where the mountain broke off...

Well? Hast thou made a discovery?

......

The expression worn upon thy face is... unpleasant...

......

I'm beginning to wonder... was the mudslide really a natural occurence?

There have been a number of consecutive rain storms in the area recently, and I myself took shelter in the village on account.

Northwestern Yan has always been a dry, mountainous region; extra dry these past two years. Rainfalls have been concentrated in spring and summer, and a nearby Catastrophe has also exacerbated the climate change.

Vegetation is sparse and difficult to plant. These are mostly barren mountains with inhospitable soil and rock. What fertility the soil has is only getting worse. Coupled with intense bursts of rainfall, conditions are perfect for natural mudslides.

But... Shifu Saga, take a look over there...

Hmm?

The section that didn't collapse.

Those are... the protective fortifications?

Yan has thousands of Chidaos criss-crossing the wastes and mountains where Catastrophes are frequent. Regular maintenance and rebuilding are necessary, so the initial construction efforts tend to see the most effort.

The more complex the terrain, the more resources the construction gets.

Engineering teams reinforce the mountains on both sides of the Chidao, using solid foundations to ensure it is safe to use.

I have come to understand, that the mountains on either side of the Chidao should have been more secure.

But more importantly...

I've found some... explosive residue.

Explosives...?

Might they be evidence of Chidao engineers drilling holes into the mountain when they established the fortifications?

Hmm...

When I was interning at 'Chun-qian', we worked with Chidao engineering teams on scouting missions, assessments, and rescue operations.

They emphasize 'Precision and Control' during construction, and use standardized explosives developed by the Ministry of Works for their drilling and blasting.

But in the residue I found here, the gunpowder looks really rough.

It looks more homemade.

On my way here, I chanced upon some hunters blocking the entrance to a sand beast cave... with explosives crafted from clay.

But who would bury such explosives on this barren summit?

......

What's wrong, Shifu?

Elder...?

Why... why are you here?

Weren't you supposed to...?

Here's your money, Elder.

What are you... talking about?

Did you forget? You submitted an application two years ago.

The subsidy you've been waiting for, it's finally here.

I set out the instant I got your message.

Yep. After Chunfen this year, the village should have some state-of-the-art farming equipment. And every household can buy a new thing or two.

The government didn't forget about Moushan... it's just that the Catastrophe made for a pretty long delay.

Elder...?

Go, quickly...

Go and release Fang Xiaoshi.

Elder...

Fang Xiaoshi, he... he jumped off the mountain...