Last Part

Ko Houjo closed his eyes, calming himself down. While time was running out, he must double up in his efforts to complete the task. He had all the mixture in the Tian San jars. Just a few more ingredients to make the concoctions perfect. But then he just stopped. He narrowed his eyes. He quickly went out of Blooming Blossoms and spotted someone's white horse. He jumped on it and took the reins. He slipped a token in the hand of the startled horse's owner.

"Go to Yang Mo Trading for compensation,"

The startled then angry man looked at the token, he blinked in disbelieve. He looked at the masked rider's back. The yellow province claim token. Who was this fellow to have such an invaluable item? Meanwhile the invigilators were having a hard time getting a cart pulled by a horse. They only managed to get a cart pulled by a cow.

Mixture, Tian San jars, trade them, and choose an insignificant something from the deputy minister but something that can help the nation but not put a dent in the nation's coffer.

Houjo smiled. What an extraordinary quest. As expected from the Emperor. He urged the horse to increase its speed a notch. The Ministry of Trade and Commerce was just within reach. On the way to the ministry he saw an old farmer, a leper and a small frail looking girl. He sighed, the country has an abundance of wealth.

Unfortunately, the wealth wasn't distributed for the betterment of the people but into the coffers of fat ministers and even fatter aristocrats. When he becomes an official, he'd do something to change even though the change was a menial one but it would still be a change for the nation. He continued his journey. He saw the entrance to the said ministry.

Deputy Trade Minister Xuan XuRu and Palace Food tester, Ri YuMin were waiting for him when he was brought in to meet them. They were taken aback by this mere boy's presence. It wasn't that of nobility but of a much imposing force of nature. The allure of wearing a mask and that imposing force were a dynamic combination that Xuan and Ri were transfixed to the spot.

"Sirs, I've come to complete my quest,"

Xuan shook his head, and blinked at the masked youth. "Ah.. ohh.. yes, well, what have you brought for us?"

Houjo just shook his head.

Ri raised an eyebrow. "You do know that you'll fail if you don't come forth with the items," Ri bit his lower lip, the brat's too good looking. He had to taste he own blood to bring him to reality.

"I do. But I have given them to three deserving people I happen to meet along the way," Houjo informed them as a matter of fact.

He passed a piece of paper to Ri, "These are the ingredients and mixture for the three Tian San jars," He looked unwaveringly at Ri, "They're authentic, and I can guarantee their effectiveness."

The invigilators were ushered into the Deputy Minister's office. Jian Fu heard Ri's comment and he came forward to vouch for Houjo, "Yes, he wrote them down before giving the jars to the three people."

Ri glanced at the paper. His eyes widened in surprise as he read the ingredients mixture. "This…," He stared at Houjo, "where did you learn this?" To be able to mix these common ingredients to an exquisite mixture only a knowledgeable master sinseh would know.

The smile Houjo gave didn't reach his eyes. "I learnt through trial and error." He had taken care of the servants since he was practically one himself. So he had to be independent. He'd make sure he knew the cure for what disease.

"The first jar was given to an old farmer, the liquid mixture was for his eye condition. Two drops for each eye to relieve dryness, eye irritation, redness, swelling, itchiness, puffiness, eye bags, eye strain, cataract, bloodshot eyes, and dark circles. The second jar was for a leper. A paste to be applied on the skin as well as consuming it one teaspoon twice daily. The mixture in the third jar had a texture like honey and has the essential nutrients similar to honey for people who could not afford honey this was an alternative. This mixture was given to a poor malnourished girl."

"In return the old farmer gave me a small pouch of barley seeds. For the old farmer the seeds are as precious as halve of a silver ingot. For me and the commoners, they could feed many people who are in need. I do not intend to trade with you because to me you are but a mere middle man. A middle man will profit from both the farmer and customer."

Xuan raised both eyes. This brat, he's hinting of corruption in the trade office where the pockets of the officer would be heavy while the farmers, fishermen, herders would get pittance. It was as if he'd experience it first-hand.

Houjo continued, "As for the leper, he gave me three fishnets that he had woven himself to be sold off cheaply when you could see how fine his work is. I gave him the second jar because it'd help him resume his livelihood as a fisherman. That means he won't suffer being an outcast, and he has a job to support his family which means a lot to him and his family. A man who supports his family will be able to support his country."

The Tsu Zhu Headmaster smiled. This boy's logic wasn't just for show. He combined it with critical thinking and experience. He wondered what kind of childhood this boy had to become so critical and yet he was able to do something out of the situation. He had turned the tides around with just an action of genuine concern with the brilliance of a merchant and a certain slyness of a tactician. A barter trade was a better and faster way to out throw the middlemen from gripping their throats.

"The third jar, I gave it to a malnourished young girl. She in turn wanted to become my slave as she had nothing to offer. A weak nation that can be divided and conquered will become a slave to other powers. A weak nation will kindle a wild fire among the nation. It can destroy a nation from within without the interference of other powers."

Deep meaning, this boy's statement. The Headmaster from the Confucius school nodded his head, "and did you accept her as your slave?"

"I proposed a different condition on her. If she can pull through her current weak condition then she can be somebody that she can be proud of, and nobody can take her dignity away."

"Are you giving her hope?" queried Tsu Zhu headmaster.

"Sometimes hope is a great motivator to pull oneself out of a rut."

"Sometimes hope can change into a bitter demotivator," stressed the Confucius headmaster.

"Humans carry a lot of baggage, she is no different. Her baggage is her weak health and physical condition. Her baggage gives her the courage to fight for her survival. That is hope and that is something that can't be traded. However, I did propose to her that once she regains her health and still wanted to return my generosity, there's something she can contribute to the nation."

The rest who listened to Houjo could only stare at him in disbelieve and awe.

"What was it?" asked Jian Fu impatiently.

Houjo shifted his gaze to Xuan. "I asked her to come here to meet you for a job as a part-time cleaner without any wages. But only for a month. Since she's paying with free labour, it's only fair that she works as a part-timer." He smiled, "I'll give you the traded goods and another would be labour trade," He continued smiling, "However, if her work is good the imperial office might just take her in as a permanent staff."

"You do know that nothing good comes from assuming something as far-fetched as this," Ri scoffed.

Xuan glared at Houjo, "clearly shooting off your mouth isn't going to be good for your grades,"

"I'm only telling you what's obvious," Houjo smiled rather enigmatically. "It comes as no surprise to me that the imperial officers are underestimating a commoner's abilities. It may cost you," He clacked his tongue, "certain amount of your dignity if you do that,"

"Don't overstep your boundary," warned Ri.

Houjo still smiling shook his head, "Do you really think I would ask her to work for you stingy imperialists without wages? Do you really think I'd trade the goods with you guys? Let me enlighten you once and for all. I have already traded the goods to the nation without even needing to get something from you. As I've said, trading with you guys will just be a waste of all the hard work put in by the people."

"I introduced the girl whom I gave the health replenishing concoction to the old farmer whom had traded his barley seeds for my eye concoction since his own grown son had been drafted for military service and his daughter was recently married so he has no one to help him and he's not too well. The girl agreed to help him out for as long as she can and for as long as he needed her help. Also he will let her use the hut near his field to house her siblings. They can use the produce from the field since he can't give her any money for her effort that was the only way he could pay her."

His eyes widened, the intensity seemed to pin them where they were. For no reason they felt small in the presence of this boy. His words really sliced Xuan and Ri to the core of their beings. He showed them that the way they were thinking and speaking represented the current imperialists' indifferent approach in addressing the peoples' livelihood issues.

"The leper will work as a net and basket weaver until his disease subsides then he'll take on the seas again as a fisherman. The nets I've traded them with three other fishermen and in return I get two handmade fishing hooks, a fishing rod and three river fishes." His eyes glittered, "Unfortunately, I couldn't continue trading. I'd to sell them to end the trading opportunities that seemed boundless for me."

Jian Fu were just as surprised except both headmasters as they were well versed with the nation's problems. This examinee's answer was as broad as his thinking. It was hard hitting, and giving on the spot solutions that was practiced immediately by the recipients. Tsu Zhu's headmaster was smiling broadly, this brat was clearly enjoying and immersing himself in trading that would help his countrymen flourish. He was truly a cut above the current Treasury and Trade officers.

Despite his resentment of the boy, Xuan needed to quell his curiosity, "How much did you make?"

"Tsk-tsk-tsk," a voice which caught everyone's attention. The emperor came into view with a somewhat displeased look in his face while looking at Xuan. "Instead of asking him that, it would have been appropriate to let him tell you what he did with the money." The emperor shifted his sharp eyes from Xuan to Houjo.

Xuan blanched, "Yes, your majesty you are right. Forgive my slight of sight,"

"So young man," The emperor stared at the boy, "let us hear you out,"

"Your Majesty," Houjo bowed politely, "the money was donated to Dian Lian temple where the righteous monks and virtuous nuns of the temple will be able to help with the basic needs most needed by the poor and needy."

"Ahh, I know that temple," the emperor nodded, "a good reputable temple," He smiled at Houjo, "You've done well, young man. I'm impressed that you took it upon yourself to oversee the proceedings of the trading without diverting from the true course. Even though you didn't take something worthless from our flabbergasted Xuan here, yes Xuan and you too, Ri, I'm well informed by my 'shadows' about this young man's activities. He made more progress in a few hours than any of my imperial officers working on the same thing which had dragged on for so long till I can't face the people."

Ri gulped and looked at the floor.

"Judges," the emperor looked at Xuan, Ri, the two headmasters and Jian Fu, "your verdict,"

Tsu Zhu headmaster, "Thorough decisions and bold solutions. Creative doer and critical thinker. Broad range of problem solving methods. I'm impressed with how he could trade goods for more goods. That's talent."

Ri YuMin inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly, "although I'm a food tester, but I'm still a physician. I was truly surprised that he'd the knowledge to cure certain diseases using commons foods and used those precious concoctions to treat ailments. Frankly, I was a bit touched that he decided to trade them to those in need of those concoctions and I'm convinced that he has a sharing is caring kind of spirit. Only those with deep understanding of people and have experienced or analysed certain situations has this sort of spirit."

"Not everything can be resolved with money," Confucius school headmaster said, "as indicated in the theme of the exam that money will not be involved, this candidate had demonstrated his utmost potential and had exceeded my expectations with his tenacity to solve issues at hand and made the best of his surroundings to produce a favourable outcome for all parties with his quick thinking yet considerate actions."

The emperor nodded, then looked at Xuan, "What about you?"

"I'm in agreement with the other judges," Xuan grudgingly said, "He clearly made things easier for me for not asking a worthless something from me, which means he's the type who sees rules as an opening to create opportunities that doesn't put a burden on himself or others but rather takes away their burden and gives just benefits to all."

"So," the emperor raised an eyebrow, "the result is decided unanimously and undisputed. Good, good, good," He glanced at Houjo, "Congratulations, young man," He gestured to his assistant who was holding a box, which the assistant lifted its lid, "I award you the Gift of Revivification," He took it out and handed it to Houjo who took it with respect.

Houjo then slowly took a look at his gift. It was a wooden mask. The only exposed part was the mouth. It was light to the touch. The hollow part was lightly padded. It had the light woodsy fragrance which was refreshing. For the life of him, he was holding something precious but like Yuushun and Reishiin, he couldn't fathom the ultimate signification for having this kind of gift.

To them, they were just ornaments to be kept in a good and safe place until the awards collected dust and from time to time these items would be dusted and cleaned. A day will come when they would know of its true significance and usage. Those who wield these wooden items and those who were in contact with them shall know of their magnificence.

The only year three candidates passed beyond all expectations and beyond any reasoning. This was the only year that the emperor beyond any imaginings bestowed the only remaining sacred items to the three unsuspecting young men. They only knew one thing that day, they were happy that they had cleared their tasks and had passed with excellent grades.

They were happily drinking and eating their fill not caring for anything except to savour their successful victory in passing the imperial examination and gaining access into the prestigious imperial offices that they'd later be commissioned to. But deep down in their heart of hearts they knew something was abound and they'd be in the thick of it.

One thing was certain, these guys would become more than just the unshakeable, immovable pillars of the country. In their own right, they would become titans of epic proportions when they had just cause. One which could not be denied, their destinies were intertwined with the emperor's gifts. A thousand years tree of fortitude was considered as a sacred living tree. A tree of legends that made legendary heroes.

THE END

A/N: As usual, this ending is subjective. I know it's abrupt but it can't be helped. It was difficult to find a suitable ending for this story. I know it's a bummer that it's only 1 chapter and that for this one last chapter I took such a long time to finish it. The last few paragraphs are an indication of a sequel. It may happen or it may not happen (most likely not). So don't get your hopes up sky high. As it is, I do have other outstanding series to complete. Again for those who have read Quintessence and liked it, thank you for your wonderful reviews and support.