Chapter Forty-Eight: Regaining the Lost Fire of Departure

Mr. Mingchuan, it has been three months since we last parted, and I have missed you greatly. The meal we shared lingers in my memory, and I wonder when I might taste it again," Kang Youwei said with a smile, raising his glass.

"It is my honor that my Japanese cuisine left such an impression on you, Brother Guangxia. Tomorrow evening, I shall host a banquet at my home. I hope Marshal Zhang will join us as well," Mingchuan Youzhi replied, beaming.

Zhang Xun and Kang Youwei nodded in agreement, smiling.

While the three continued their polite conversation, Zhou Yi found himself in no mood to linger. To remain in their company would not only thwart his quest for vengeance, but might even endanger his own life. He quietly pondered how best to depart and devise his own plans.

All present were cunning and perceptive; they could easily discern Zhou Yi's intentions, though Zhang Xun and Kang Youwei were unaware of the animosity between Zhou Yi and Zhang Zuozheng.

"Young friend Zhou Yi, forgive us. Mr. Mingchuan and I have not seen each other in quite some time, and we may have neglected you," Kang Youwei interjected smoothly. At this point, Kang Youwei was not yet in power, but his words and actions were deft and experienced.

Zhang Xun, already a figure of influence, cared little for a man without official rank such as Zhou Yi.

"It's no trouble," Zhou Yi replied with a smile, turning to Mingchuan Youzhi. "Did you call me here for something, Mr. Mingchuan? If not, I shall take my leave."

Mingchuan Youzhi raised his glass. "To be candid, my visit to the capital is for the restoration of the Qing dynasty. All present share this ambition. If I am not mistaken, you too are of the Eight Banners. Would you be willing to lend us your strength?"

Zhou Yi frowned slightly, sensing that their plans for restoration had been long in the making, merely awaiting the right moment. He caught a subtle implication: he was somehow linked to their scheme, else Mingchuan Youzhi would not have invited him so persistently.

"I am indeed Manchu, but I do not see what the restoration has to do with me. I ask that you speak plainly, Mr. Mingchuan," Zhou Yi said, choosing directness over speculation and refraining from drinking.

Mingchuan Youzhi glanced at Zhang Xun, who nodded before he spoke. "A few days ago, upon arriving in the capital, I went to Baishan Village to seek you, but you were not home. I know you are versed in the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams. We hope you will assist us in this matter of restoration."

"I am but a commoner. Restoration is a matter of immense consequence, far beyond my abilities. Perhaps you have mistaken me for someone else?" Zhou Yi replied.

Mingchuan Youzhi was not angered by Zhou Yi's refusal; he smiled gently. "I imagine you have ventured into the depths of Changbai Mountain. What lies within needs no further explanation from me. We simply wish you to help us, to let the dragon egg in the mountain's heart hatch and give rise to a new imperial bloodline. The land and the people are ready; only the timing remains."

"You wish to force the growth?" Zhou Yi was startled. What were they planning? Even if the dragon egg within the mountain was left undisturbed, in a few years a new imperial vein would naturally emerge, and that would be the proper moment for Qing restoration.

But now, they could not wait. To force the process would risk the new power failing to mature, leaving future strength lacking, and any mishap would doom the endeavor.

Zhang Xun spoke. "Do not worry, young friend. If you can hasten the hatching of the dragon egg, you will be doing me a great favor. If you have any demands, speak them."

His meaning was clear: if Zhou Yi helped, he need not concern himself with future matters. Zhang Xun shrewdly offered terms, an irresistible temptation to Zhou Yi, who was desperate for the Fire of Separation.

"Marshal Zhang, do you mean it?" Zhou Yi asked.

"How dare you doubt my uncle's word?" Zhang Zuozheng barked.

Zhang Xun's face darkened at the interruption; Zhang Zuozheng fell silent, sullen.

Zhang Xun solemnly continued, "If you succeed, I want the Fire of Separation and the three weapons from the palace. I need not name them, surely?"

Zhou Yi cared little for Qing restoration, focused only on two aims: to collect all eight keys, and to kill Zhang Zuozheng and Zuo Zhi, who sat across from him.

"Oh?" Zhang Xun was uncertain, not immediately agreeing.

"Uncle, you cannot agree to his terms. The Fire of Separation is—" Zhang Zuozheng protested, but Zhang Xun silenced him with a glare.

"Very well, I promise you. As for the three weapons, I do not know their current whereabouts. If they remain in the palace, I shall present them to you once the deed is done," Zhang Xun said after some thought.

"Let me hold the Fire of Separation for now. If things fail, I will return it," Zhou Yi added, wary that Zhang Xun might betray him once his task was done.

"Uncle, the Fire of Separation was hard-won—"

"Enough! If I had known you were so impertinent, I would not have brought you to the capital. Hand the Fire of Separation to young friend Zhou Yi," Zhang Xun thundered, slamming the table.

Zhang Zuozheng, cowed by his uncle's anger, reluctantly removed the Fire of Separation and handed it to Zhou Yi.

Zhou Yi, breath quickened, gazed at the coveted Fire of Separation now within reach. After a month-long quest, he had finally secured two keys. If the dragon vein plan succeeded, and he obtained the three palace keys, the opening of Nurhachi's tomb and the retrieval of the Northern Sea Dark Ice would soon be at hand.

He received the Fire of Separation with both hands, examined it closely, then spoke. "If I am to perform the ritual to hasten the dragon vein, I must return to the mountain's heart. When shall we begin?"

Zhang Xun, delighted at Zhou Yi's assent, laughed heartily. "The sooner the better—ideally, tomorrow morning."

Kang Youwei, ever attentive, raised his glass. "If this succeeds, those present will be founding fathers of a new nation. Allow me to offer congratulations in advance." With that, he drained his wine.

Zhang Zuozheng, deprived of the Fire of Separation and chastised by his uncle, forced a smile and drank, though his mood was sour.

Zhang Zuozheng suffered a setback; Zhou Yi, meanwhile, was in high spirits and emptied his glass.

After drinking, Zhou Yi glanced across the street. Baozi had returned to the opposite building, his expression anxious.

Zhou Yi signaled Baozi to remain calm and follow from the shadows. He did not want Baozi to reveal himself, for Zhou Yi had other plans; the enmity with Zhang Zuozheng and Zuo Zhi would not end here, and Baozi lurking in the dark might deliver a decisive blow when needed.

The gathering dispersed, with the agreement to set out for Changbai Mountain at dawn.

Back at the second floor of the brothel across the street, Zhou Yi recounted the entire dinner with Zhang Xun and the others to Baozi, and the two exchanged knowing smiles.

Upon seeing the Fire of Separation, Xun Feng was naturally drawn to it, emitting soft, affectionate sounds, like the whispering of lovers.

But as Zhou Yi watched Xun Feng and the Fire of Separation, he thought again of Wu Qian...

Where was Hua Hua now?