Chapter 13: Holding Up His Side Of The Deal
CLING CLING CLING
The jingle of coins echoed through the alley as Han Yu and his companions reveled in their latest earnings. The small pile of silver and copper coins glimmered under the afternoon sun, their clinking sound more melodious than any lute ever played in the grand halls of nobles.
"Ah! This is better than the best courtesan's singing!" Dan Hu declared, eyes gleaming with joy as he sifted through his share of the loot.
"But, Dan Hu, we've never been to a courtesan pavilion before," Fatty Kui pointed out, his face scrunched in thought.
SMACK!
"You really need to correct everything, huh? You need to go to school and learn some more!" Dan Hu smacked the pudgy boy's head, as he often did.
"Ow! Why do you always hit my head?! I'll grow even dumber like this!" Fatty Kui wailed, rubbing the sore spot.
"You're already at rock bottom," Dan Hu scoffed, rolling his eyes.
"Bah, stop it, you two. I want to go back and count this properly," Han Yu interrupted, feeling particularly pleased with the day's takings.
They had scored big twice in a row, and this time, Han Yu hadn't even needed to put his life on the line.
"We really should target the merchants more often," Dan Hu mused with a nod.
"Yeah, they have so much money," Fatty Kui agreed. "And that one left so easily after losing—it's almost sad."
"Don't feel bad. Merchants fleece more people than we ever could," Han Yu said, utterly guiltless.
"That's true," Dan Hu agreed. "They just complain louder when it happens to them."
The trio reached their usual hideout, a secluded spot behind an abandoned shop, and quickly sat down to divide their earnings.
"Three silvers and eight coppers each—not as much as yesterday, but still good," Dan Hu said, pleased.
"Yeah, if we can get this much every day, we'll be rich in no time!" Han Yu grinned, stacking his coins neatly.
"Oh yeah, are you coming with us to the tavern?" Fatty Kui asked. "I heard they got fresh geese. I want to try some. Roast geese and plum wine! Ah! Just heaven!"
"Nah, I don't like wine anyway. It makes my head go round," Han Yu replied, waving him off.
"That's why you need to drink more and get used to it! You never come drinking with us!" Dan Hu complained.
"Perhaps next time," Han Yu said, standing up. "I have some things to buy."
"Ah, yeah, you're training for that sect recruitment," Fatty Kui recalled.
"The Copper Cauldron Sect, right?" Dan Hu asked.
"Yeah, they're an alchemy sect, so they make the most money. I'll become an alchemist and be rich!" Han Yu could already imagine himself sleeping on a mountain of gold.
"Haha! As if!" Dan Hu laughed. "You've been talking about this for years, but do you really think someone like you can get in?"
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"Just wait and see!" Han Yu wasn't discouraged. "Anyway, I'm off."
"Alright, don't die," Dan Hu joked, waving him off.
Han Yu made his way to the market, weaving through the bustling crowds of vendors, shoppers, and beggars. His first stop was the butcher's shop.
"Boss, how much for the cheap cuts today?" Han Yu asked, already preparing to haggle.
"Ah! You're just in time. Fresh Spike-Horned Deer just arrived today," the butcher greeted him with a smile. "It's two silvers per hundred grams."
"Two per hundred?!" Han Yu's eyes widened. "That's almost fifty percent higher than last time!"
"It's still the cheapest you'll find in town. Most beast meat is going to the war effort," the butcher said, shrugging indifferently.
"Fine... Give me four portions," Han Yu said begrudgingly, handing over the coins.
The butcher quickly weighed and packed the meat. Just as Han Yu was about to leave, he remembered something.
"Oh, wait! Do you have any offal?"
"I do, but it's expensive," the butcher replied.
"I don't mean beast offal. Just normal offal is fine."
"Oh, well, I got lungs, kidneys, spleen, liver, and some heart left."
Han Yu thought for a moment. 'What do foxes like? Liver, if I remember. Weren't there stories about fox spirits stealing human livers?'
"I'll take some liver."
"Fifty coppers for a portion."
"Tch! So expensive! Just give me half a portion."
With that purchase done, Han Yu made his way to a liquor shop and bought the cheapest wine he could find. He then carefully took the alleyways to avoid any angry 'customers' before slipping out through the north gate.
He climbed the hill where the fox hole was and placed the liver on a rock in front of it.
CLAP CLAP
"Thanks for your help. Protect me, O' Fox Spirit!" Han Yu muttered a quick prayer, unsure if it was just a normal fox or something more.
With that done, he peered over the hill.
"Should I take the shortcut?" he wondered. "NAH! I don't wanna die or get drenched again."
Taking the long but safe route, Han Yu made his way to the eastern gate. The guard on duty was different this time, so he left without issue and soon entered the forest.
"Now... where was that fallen tree again?" Han Yu frowned.
Last time, he had been guided by the howls, but now, in the silence of day, he found himself wandering in circles.
An hour later, he finally stumbled upon the familiar site.
"Mr. Ghost?" Han Yu called cautiously. "I brought you some wine."
Silence.
He looked around. The place was empty. Even the wolf carcass from before was gone.
"Strange..." Han Yu muttered.
Just as he turned to leave, a presence loomed behind him.
Han Yu turned—and immediately regretted it.
"GODS OF NINE HEAVENS!" he yelped, nearly dropping the wine.
Standing before him, like a nightmare given form, was the ghostly man from before. The steely gaze pierced into Han Yu's very soul, making his knees feel weak.
"Took you long enough," the man said in a low, almost amused voice.
Han Yu swallowed hard. "I—uh, well—wine! Yes! I brought the wine!"