The heavy downpour of rain masked the foul stench of blood on his robe.
The Dai Li strolled through the lonely streets at night. Foot gently stepping on puddles as he held the saber horizontally, allowing falling droplets to gradually clean the crimson off the steel. Being a master Earthbender, carrying this liuyedao sword may seem like an inconvenient choice. But the reliability of metal ensures that he possess a lethal weapon that cannot be manipulated by most Earthbenders. Only the rarest ones, few amongst millions, can truly challenge this refined substance. It would definitely be very unlucky to encounter a seditionist who is naturally gifted in such skill.
Regardless of an enemy's strength, the worst of them all still the traitors. Backstabbers who inflict cowardly attacks upon confidants are lesser beings who have polluted this world. It is unfortunate that no one is safe from treachery, not even between family members.
He lamented on this fact. The true nature of humans has been debated for countless millennia. The mainstream stance lead by prominent Earth Sages is comfortable with the moral idea that humans are by nature good.
These naive scholarly gentry, the Dai Li thought. Those so-called great men of literacy clings so tightly to ancient rites and principles, that they became out of touch with reality. Harmony cannot be ensured through blind faith in human goodness. Harmony must be defended with law, strict codes that issues fair rewards and harsh punishments.
He continued alone. The sword has finally become clean after being soaked in the rain. After sheathing the weapon, the man decided to retire for the night. Although his duty is tiresome, exterminating seditionist who plots against the state is a constant fuel for his never-ending quest to ensure order. Treacherous people, especially those coming from the ranks of the brocade guards must be dealt with utmost lethality. One does not simply kill a Dai Li, and that remains true even for him.
It took a few turns to tour throughout this old neighborhood. With majority of the citizens slumbering in their beds, fringe elements of society tend to behave more freely.
As expected, a peculiar scene presents itself before the cultural guardian.
Just across the road is a small dog, probably a few months old judging by its size. The creature whimpered in a sad tone, huddling into a tight ball to shield itself from the cold rain. Its presence is almost unnoticeable by hiding underneath a wooden shed.
The Dai Li tried to turn and leave, but a small commotion once again reinvigorated his attention. He observed from afar.
"Ah, there you are!" A burly man emerged from an alley. He spotted the juvenile puppy, hurried over and grasping it by the tail. The creature yelped in fear, almost pleading to the human to let it go.
"No use running away from me!" The man sneered, toying the dog by brandishing a large meat cleaver. "I took my eyes off you for one second away and you just-"
He stopped talking when the shadow is standing right behind, choosing to reveal himself by glaring down at this abomination.
The butcher froze, slowly turning around, hands beginning to tremble. His flesh felt paralyzed in the presence of that grim theatre face paint.
"S-sir?" he stuttered, acting respectful to someone in a position of power. Despite remaining somewhat elusive in the eyes of the public, every citizen understands that these men in long robes hold considerable amount of authority, the most infamous of which is the jurisdiction to execute without trial.
"I see a transgressor, undermining recent laws that prohibit illicit trade," the Dai Li insinuated. Not much was said, but the message was clear.
The butcher did not immediately succumb to fear. Instead, he tried to reason with this Embroidered Uniform Guard, a common mistake that many made in the past.
"Look, I am just trying to earn a living! I am not causing any trouble."
"Your persistence is audacious and foolish. Common citizens can procure a sufficient livelihood by participating in a wide range of professions that conform with the city's new regulations." He stared into the butcher's eyes, not sparing the tiniest detail. "You dare challenge the state?"
Upon hearing the last words, the butcher quickly released the dog and prostrated to the ground. He even went so far as to press his forehead against the ground.
"Please! I have a family to care for!"
Such desperation is the result of a Dai Li's jurisdiction. These brocade guards are ruthless even against members of the Upper Ring, why would they demonstrate restraint when dealing with common citizens? Each one of them are not too different from executioners, and those who even slightly challenge the state will be met with heavy reprisals.
The Dai Li stepped over the trembling butcher's body, picking up the small, frightened dog and holding it. But he isn't done here yet. This butcher tried to seek leniency by using the 'family card', a simple trick that can work on many people. But by attempting to appeal to his sympathy, the butcher unwillingly committed another crime, one that is perhaps even more serious.
"Citizen, lying to a member of the authority is also a severe violation, do you seriously think that I would be gullible enough to believe a word from you? Even if what you said was true, having a family isn't going to save you. Have you forgotten what I am?"
The butcher became mortified. It is rather surprising that there are people dealing with a Dai Li and underestimating their ruthlessness. Some punishments can be so serious and tyrannical, that the whole family and relatives of the accused would be collectively affected. The people fear Dai Li agents, they are more than reasonable in their paranoia.
The Dai Li continued. "Unlike some of the greatest Earthbenders to have ever lived, I am far from their eminence when it comes to decipher truth and lies. But I am more than confident in my judgement despite not using my bending. When people tell a lie, a small subtle change in their behavior can be detected. It's not easy to notice, but I met many liars in my life, and you certainly wouldn't be the last one." He then stares right into the butcher's eyes, reaffirming his suspicion. "Violators of the law cannot go unpunished, but perhaps I can grant you amnesty if you reveal the rest of your operations. After all, killing you here isn't the most convenient route. It may disturb the harmony during the morning. I also can't burden state resources by asking them to collect a corpse for someone of trivial status. Am I right?"
"Y-yes! You are entirely right in your judgement!" The butcher answered carefully. He sweated profusely. Anxiety gripped the face.
To alleviate the crime of lying to an official, this butcher is ordered show the Dai Li his business establishment. As expected of all things illicit, the Lower Ring has countless places to conceal problematic operations.
The fearful butcher led the inquisitor into a dark room. Even without lighting up the lantern, the Dai Li can already smell the unpleasant odor of rotting flesh, obviously the result of animal carcasses hanging on the walls. There has always been a black market for exotic meat. Despite being surrounded with world-class cuisines, the most indulgent members of the Upper Ring enjoy rare animals both in excessive pursuit of culinary deviation and the desire for elaborate clothing. It is no wonder that endangered species faces extinction from poachers.
While normal humans would be unable to handle this gruesome environment, the Dai Li stood unfazed. Strict adherents of Legalism never question the inherent evil of humans. Seeing such horrific scene is just an ordinary case of proving the legitimacy of this tyrannical philosophy. But as for the dog held in his hand, the creature let out a fearful cry, a testament to its poor treatment here.
"You are alone," the Dai Li remarked. Judging by the size of this hidden room, only the butcher himself works here. Selling exotic meat is indeed quite lucrative especially if some noble from Upper Ring is willing to expend their wealth.
"H-here! Here is the name of the customers!" The butcher presented a list.
The Dai Li received it with no appreciation. Predictably, there are countless numbers of noble families written on the page. In all their hubris, those Upper Ring members are not so subtle in their activities. Some are merchant families while others are clans that serve as the city's lower ranking officials. Obviously, members of military families would not endanger their positions by purchasing something so trivial. Considering that these are not acts of sedition, it would be more appropriate to delegate this to a magistrate.
As a brocade guard, suppressing sedition and protect cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se remains the highest priority. However, killing this butcher isn't outside his jurisdiction. In his eyes, why should a state tolerate such a filthy creature that is clearly incapable of loyalty? Even the smallest transgressions will lead to great rebellion against the state. In this case, silencing this butcher permanently might save the city from future troubles.
Just as he was about to pull out the blade. Two names on the list caught his attention.
The first one is Ximen Qing, that detestable womanizer who recently held a great banquet after disrupting a political marriage. Regardless of how open he is about such disgusting behaviors, that scoundrel managed to foil a political change that could challenge his clan's prominence. If this eyesore is shameless enough to engage in the most hedonistic activities, it truly surprises no one that his name would be found here. But if the crime is not sedition, the Ximen family is legally untouchable.
But the next name surprised him personally. The Dai Li reexamined the list again. The name Shan the White Scholar is written just below Ximen Qing. According to the butcher, this list of customers is the most recent one.
"All customers sent their servants to collect the meat," the butcher revealed.
"Including the White Scholar?" The Dai Li questioned.
The butcher nodded. Upon being further interrogated, he detailed that a few customers tend to send servants with disguises that hid their appearance, prompting the brocade guard to ponder. It is indeed an unexpected surprise to find Shan's name in the most unlikely places. That Zhuangyuan rank scholar is a gentleman who is sharp tongued when confronting other nobles. But most importantly, the White Scholar is a known legalist who maintains a favorable reputation amongst the Upper Ring through calligraphy and poetry. With so much to lose, why would an adherent of Legalism risk so much just to buy felonious meat? It doesn't feel coherent to that man's nature. If it was only Ximen Qing, then it truly surprises no one.
"I am impressed that an inferior being like yourself have dealings with Ximen Qing," the Dai Li demeaned, deliberately straying from the topic of Shan. "Be grateful that your head is still attached to the body."
Despite this harsh statement, this butcher would not dare to object. The rules are meant to be followed, and the common people are easy to punish. The man thanked the Dai Li for demonstrating 'generosity'.
If it wasn't for the identity of the customers, the Dai Li would certainly have no qualm killing this unlawful poacher. For him, no state should tolerate those who might demonstrate sedition in the future. It is here that the inquisitor justified his judgement. However, it is practically much harder to punish those is high positions of power. Ximen Qing, this despicable creature cannot be easily apprehended unless the crime is treason. Since the Ximen clan holds considerable military force, it would be unwise to reduce their power without meticulous planning. If that young delinquent consumed meat prohibited by recent laws, it might not be enough to justify an arrest.
After some more contemplation, it is rather intriguing to find Shan's name on the list, which cannot be ignored easily. This poacher may be more useful alive.
"By the power vested in me, I order you to cease your operations on the ground of protecting Ba Sing Se's cultural heritage," he stated formally. "Illegal trade of prohibited meat threatens rare fauna that is culturally important to our city's artistic development."
Before the butcher can protest, the inquisitor waved his sword. There is a choice to be made here, either accept this once in a lifetime mercy or be killed. A blatant yet rather effective measure. The Dai Li is fully aware that this is just a ploy to force the man to accept coercion. Killing this unsightly creature might also close a few doors in potential investigations.
"I will only allow you to sell the remainder stock to the customers, and they are?"
The butcher hastily explained that a few nobles in the Upper Ring enjoy already chopped meat of endangered animals. Wealthy merchants and spoil sons of officials are alike. Most prestigious of them all is of course Ximen Qing, the biggest customer. Occasionally, a servant from the Upper Ring would collect marinated ribs of dead Sky Bisons and Badgermoles, all taken from killed juveniles.
The Dai Li's face constricted slightly.
"S-sir, if I tell you the names of the hunters, would you allow me to keep running my operation?"
"I am already demonstrating benevolence for your audacity by sparing an inconsequential life," the Dai Li warned intently, making a clear statement that negotiating with a cultural guardian is walking on thin ice. "Perhaps you think you are being treated unfairly?"
"No... " The butcher replied in a quiet tone.
"Good, because I do not see the merit of burdening the state more than necessary, the identity of the poachers will be relinquished to me unconditionally," the Dai Li then give direct instructions to this lawbreaker, an order that must be followed. "For every Upper Ring customer that came by you must inform them of your eminent retirement. After selling all the wares, you must permanently end this asinine business venture."
What the Dai Li didn't say is that once this man's usefulness is depleted, he will learn the same sensation of being dismembered by the same meat cleaver. But for now, leaving this eyesore alive is more advantageous. The Khu Li chose not to inquire about Shan's motive directly, considering the possibility that this could be another one of Ximen Qing's notorious schemes. He also forces the butcher to remain silent about this meeting. The glaring issue of the White Scholar's involvement on this list is rather unexpected. Until further investigation can be done, keeping the opponents unaware is prudent.
"Remember this you miscreant, one wrong word uttered about today and this blade will run red," the Dai Li warned the frantic man. "If you dare slaughter another live creature, it will be a direct challenge to the state, which I believe your life will not recover from the consequences. Blades are blind, but the law cannot be disrespected repeatedly."
With this threat issued, the Dai Li left the room. Pragmatically he still needs this lawbreaker alive to not alarm Ximen Qing. Even misplaying one wrong move on a Pai Sho board can result in the whole grand game being lost. For someone of his talent would understand that gathering intelligence requires years if not decades until fruition. The power of the Ximen clan cannot be easily diminished, but leaving more doors open for opportunity may yield a variety of roads to completion. As for that butcher who trade forbidden meat to certain aristocrats, such people can be exterminated later.
His free hand involuntarily caressed the puppy's head as they both ventured back out to the street. The sky is now clear with no clouds. It seems that the heavy downpour from before has abruptly died down.
How strange, recently all the nightly rains seem to be a bit unpredictable. It is quite a burden that he now has to take care of this dog.
...
Standing on a pile of wooden crates, Satchiko raised her head above the wall near the abandoned temple, seeing Ao Xiaofeng sweeping the floor as usual. They exchanged greetings, remaining on their respective sides to conduct pointless conversations.
For the past few days, not much happened. The boy would rarely reveal anything about this place which he is not allowed to leave. Despite being physically capable, Ao Xiaofeng maintains the stance to not step one foot outside, determine to uphold important rules. It is quite annoying for Satchiko who still struggles to find an opening to uncover the secret of their Earthbending. The other party is content with just talking about very mundane subjects. As for right now, the topic of their trivial discussion is food.
"Well, what we eat in the mess hall isn't too bad, very balanced portions of meat and vegetables, some rice too," Ao Xiaofeng said as he tried to clean some dirt near the wall's base. "Usually, we would have soup too. But when it comes to lunch, steamed buns would be very common to see."
"No fish?" Satchiko asked. For her, life without eating seafood would be quite unpleasant. But the farms of Ba Sing Se are more than enough to produce agricultural goods that would be hard to come by for a fishing village. Life here meant it is easier to access flour and rice. Fish would definitely be slightly difficult since the ocean and large rivers are outside the Lower Ring. "I got to say, you folks in Ba Sing Se need to try more food caught in the ocean. It's fresh, and the sea is nearby too. From where I am from, people would even eat fish raw."
Ao Xiaofeng grimaced upon hearing the last part.
"Raw? When the fish is still alive and moving?"
"It's not as bad as it sounds," Satchiko explained. "The taste is quite fresh if you can handle the buttery flavor of uncooked fish meat."
Although there was an old story about her father fallen seriously ill after trying raw salmon slices for the first time. For people with different diets, adjusting their stomachs can be a very difficult endeavor.
"Anyhow, I will stick to what I normally have, but thanks for the suggestion, maybe I will try it one day," Ao Xiaofeng said.
But his meals seem to be too ordinary. Considering that this is Ba Sing Se, it would be quite a waste to not try other delicacies in the Lower Ring. Luckily, she came prepared.
"Xiaofeng, catch!" She threw an object at him, confident that his reflexes can adequately accept the incoming item.
It did catch the trainee by surprise. He barely caught what seems to be a tanghulu. It's a street snack consists of sweet hawthorn fruit coated in sweet syrup, all skewered together so that people can hold them conveniently. It is a common snack sold by vendors walking around the streets of Lower Ring. Since the last time Batu gave her a sample, she remembered its simple sweetness.
Yet, memories about what happened on that same day never left the naive warrior. No matter how hard she tried to forget, the horror never ceased to torment her once audacious spirit.
"W-what is this thing?" Ao Xiaofeng appears puzzled, but excited at the same time. Watching Satchiko taking a tiny bite out of her own skewered fruit, he did the same. "Wow, I never tasted something this sweet in my life!"
"Yeah," Satchiko masked her sorrow. Watching him eating the snack inevitably reminded her of someone else, a person who lost everything and still cannot even retain her pathetic life. To this day, she still does not know the name of that little girl.
Is she even a warrior if the duty of protecting the weak cannot be fulfilled adequately? One question still lingers. How can that great shame ever be atoned?
"I guess they don't have this in here," Satchiko said. Whatever this 'orphanage' may be, it is clear that even their diet is determined. "By the way Xiaofeng, you are allowed to eat this right?"
Those words made him stop temporarily. Ao Xiaofeng isn't quite sure either. Perhaps the rules within compound walls didn't cover this niche topic.
"Well, all I know is that going outside the walls are not allowed... along with hundreds of other rules."
It is indeed hard to manage oneself when following a strict lifestyle. But what Satchiko does not understand is the purpose of this place. She is a bit afraid to ask who exactly those men in long robe and conical helmet are. But something about that temple bothers her, feeding an urge to discover what lies inside.
"Hey Xiaofeng, you have been sweeping here for days," she said.
"Weeks," he clarified.
"Have you ever wondered what is inside that temple over there?" She pointed at the stone abandoned building that Ao Xiaofeng would circle around to sweep. He is assigned to clean the floor, not the structure interiors. Since it is his duty to simply be a sweeper, there are no incentives to explore that small temple. Judging by its lack of maintenance, the local custodians don't seem to pay much attention to it.
Ao Xiaofeng became curious himself about this matter. He revealed that him and fellow peers are taught the importance of preserving important cultural heritage of Ba Sing Se, and that includes places of worship.
"Technically you are looking at a joss house, a smaller type of temple." Ao Xiaofeng explained. "Many of my superiors take cares of many important sites in the city."
"Then why don't they look after this building here? It looks like a place where a deity resides." Satchiko's comment appears reasonable despite its simplicity. Even Ao Xiaofeng cannot ignore his superior's lack of interest. This is also ignoring the fact that it is situated right inside their base.
"Well, I don't want to take any unneeded risks," he said.
"I know that doing risky things can be dangerous, but sometimes it can reveal things you never known before."
Satchiko confused him. Much to his dismay, she hopped over the wall. Although the time schedule allows for this forbidden act to not be discovered, it still endangers them both.
At this point, Ao Xiaofeng simply accepted that he can't stop her. Despite all his anxiety, he knew that she can immediately run back to the other side if two supervisors suddenly arrive.
With much reluctance, he joined her at the base of the building, near the stone stairs.
The name of this tiny temple is written on a wooden board hanging above the entrance. Satchiko took a good look at the words.
虛子庙
"Huh, just what god is being worshipped here?" Satchiko pondered. At this current point, she still has some difficulty in reading syllables despite Shan's strict tutorage. "Hey Xiaofeng, get over here. Can you read those words up there?"
Ao Xiaofeng has proven to be quite literate himself, recognizing the rare inscription of this abandoned temple.
"It's a temple named after someone's name," he stated bluntly.
Satchiko raised an eyebrow. "Are you toying with me?"
"N-no!" He remedied the situation. "Names can mean many things. Honestly, I am not sure the meaning behind those two words either." He explained that the two first syllables can mean imaginary, but that makes no sense at all in this context. It can also imply imaginary or worthless. Perhaps they need an expert to explain its intricacies.
"Whatever, why should we theorize when we can just go in and take a look?"
Before Ao Xiaofeng can be protest, she pushed the doors open. It didn't even take much effort as Satchiko felt almost no resistance from the wooden frames. It was strange, almost as if entrance opened by itself.
They both stood still as the pitch darkness of the hall lies before them. The duo felt but fear and anticipation. Curiosity can be a cornerstone for new discoveries, but it can also serve as a path to danger.
Usually, Earth Kingdom temples or ancestral halls would be illuminated with candles. But here, they need to manually light up the place. Satchiko took the first bold step inside the room. Gently walking, it is believed that the space is safe.
Ao Xiaofeng followed carefully, carrying the broomstick too. The ground is filled with used incense sticks. Judging by the condition of the floor, this place has not been used for at a hundred years. Satchiko even brushed her finger on the ground to feel the corrosion of time itself.
"What Kam... I mean spirit is venerated here?" Satchiko can feel what seems to be a table at the end of the hall, which likely is used as a platform for the statue. Unlike the wooden shrines back on Kyoshi Island, she learnt from Shan that temples on mainland Earth Kingdom are much bigger and contains more items in the hall. Although the one they are currently entering is smaller is scale, it is already more architecturally designed than the wooden lodges back home.
Upon grabbing what seems to be old sulfur matches made of pinewood, she lit up some candles around the table. Gradually, the entire space brightened slightly, albeit still filled with shadows.
"Whoever was here must have been quite important," Ao Xiaofeng commented.
He used one of the candles as a light source, trying to get a closer look at the mural on the wall. They both marveled at the artwork but was disappointed by the poor condition and lack of repairs. The paint have suffered at the hands of time, many have simply fallen off without care and maintenance. Due to this inconvenience, the depiction is incomplete, but they can still uncover its meaning to a certain degree.
"It seems they are training," Satchiko tried to explain the mural of men donned in green clothing while performing Earthbending stance. With one glance, it is apparent that it's the same uniform that Ao Xiaofeng is wearing, an observation that he easily agrees.
"Hold on, there is more," Ao Xiaofeng led her to the right side of this wall. They found depiction of someone that seems to be an instructor to this group of Earthbenders. Due to the corrosion of the surface, the painting no longer shows a complete picture of this individual. The majority of this part is gone, but this person is noticeably quite tall, almost like a giant.
Ao Xiaofeng commented that the size of people in artworks can often correspond to their status in society rather than actual physicality. Important figures such as rulers, deities, timeless scholars, mighty generals and Avatars would likely be depicted as larger than regular humans. Of course, this rule isn't universal. A simple portrait of a group of people must be similar to real life proportions.
They then turned to the opposite side of the room. Here, the wall painting depicts an equal number of Earthbenders, but this time donned in long robe and conical helmets that conceals their face. They became almost identical.
Ao Xiaofeng felt slightly uneasy. The instructor is no longer in this mural. The only thing that dominates this part of the temple wall are identical rank and file filled with those 'mean looking' people.
"Xiaofeng," Satchiko asked in a slightly more serious tone. "Do you... want to tell me what this place very is?"
He stood silently but chose not to divulge even one word. Understanding potential sensitivities, Satchiko chose not to be persistence.
"Yuko, I know the people here might not look too friendly, but they are the only ones I have." Ao Xiaofeng appears slightly troubled by just saying those words.
She listened silently. This is one of those moments that lending an ear to others would be the most appropriate. It is already established between them that whatever this place is, it functions somewhat like an orphanage, at least that is what Ao Xiaofeng wanted her to believe. But those men, those guards donned in elaborate uniforms always loomed around Satchiko's mind. She may not understand their purpose, but even being seen by them is obviously something that must be avoided. It is highly possible that Ao Xiaofeng no longer has anyone else to depend on. If he does have remaining families, why remain here?
"Anyway," Ao Xiaofeng diverted the topic, trying to not feel bothered by his predicament. "Usually, we know what deity is venerated here by looking at the statue at the back-"
Both of them just realized that the spot behind the table is supposed to have a sculpture or wooden figurine to depict the venerated individual. It lies empty for reasons unbeknownst to them.
"Who would do such a thing," Satchiko cannot help but be ashamed by whoever displaced the object. "Aren't they afraid that the spirits would curse their transgression?"
No matter the degree of superstition a person may have, stealing from a religious building is considered immoral. Ao Xiaofeng claimed that it is possible that this temple once stored a valuable statue for veneration, and a thief covet it.
"It's possible that the figurine is made of gold, regular wooden and stone ones can't sell much," Ao Xiaofeng said. "There is no use overthinking about it. The thief could have stolen it in the past, perhaps before we were even born. But it's weird that it happened here of all places."
"What do you mean?" Satchiko's question went unanswered. Ao Xiaofeng remained secretive, perhaps it may have something to do with those men in darkish robes. "Considering that this temple is desolate, why don't the custodians around this place provide care for the building?"
Despite living here, he isn't fully certain about the daily functions within this compound. Considering all the well-functioning palaces and buildings in this area, the local management does possess the capability to repair this temple. But what explains their inaction?
"Huh? What is this?" She retrieved a long green dress from the closet nearby.
According to Ao Xiaofeng, this is likely something that a statue would wear. There also appears some yellow paper fans and a mask that emits similarity with theatrical actors. The pattern lies under the same design used for many opera performers and the war paint of her people. If the previous items are not obvious enough, the addition of a yellow wooden headdress is a dead giveaway to the deity venerated here.
"Ao Xiaofeng, do you know what deity this is supposed to represent?" Satchiko feigned ignorance, testing his knowledge. Once again, he doesn't recognize the symbolism of this green robe and yellow paper fans. Across the Earth Kingdom, there are many temples and shrines dedicated to a vast variety of figures. The most prominent of which is the veneration of Avatars, who enjoys adoration above normal spirits and humans in the hearts of the masses. Oftentimes these buildings would also have important relics, or in this case, simple replicas of the real things.
"These objects are probably just imitations, otherwise the thieves would have taken them too," Ao Xiaofeng inspected the robe, which is only made of wool. Materials such as silk would be very valuable. Judging by the rather mundane reaction, it seems that he is oblivious to the Avatar this temple is dedicated to.
Satchiko then inquired about Avatars being venerated across the world. In the Earth Kingdom, Avatar Yang Chen in particular is widely beloved for ushering in an era of unprecedented peace. There would be many small temples around the continent built so that the common people can offer food tribute to statues. Lawmen and daofei alike would pray in her name for safety and blessing.
"To my knowledge, only Avatar Yang Chen enjoys such high level of adoration, if you ever encounter a temple dedicated to a single Avatar, it's usually her. Of course, there are other buildings where a pantheon of Avatars is venerated as part of Earth Kingdom's folk religion." Ao Xiaofeng is still unsure the exact purpose of this particular building. Satchiko remained silent, understanding that the exclusive worship of Kyoshi is only present in her home island. Avatar Kyoshi is remembered for her strength, but she is still one amongst countless. Despite having thousands of incarnates, few of them would be remembered as prominent as the air nun named Yang Chen, whose figure are imitated in giant statues and temples across the world.
But it also begs a question, should she consider all other Avatars as the same as Kyoshi, or should they be viewed as separate people? Despite being a Kyoshi Warrior, her spirituality and understanding is actually very lackluster. Perhaps these difficult questions on spirituality should be reserved for her mother, or maybe asking those elusive shrine maidens that live deeper within the island.
"Regardless, it's not our place to repair this building," Ao Xiaofeng emphasized. "I am just assigned to sweep the surrounding area, and you are not even supposed to be in here. If we are caught, then both of us will be in trouble."
Satchiko recognizes this way of thinking. Different scholars would adhere to a school of thought that they believe to be more helpful to society. It just so happens that Shan subscribes to the same philosophy.
"Let me guess, you are also going to say that a society can only be maintained with rewards and punishments, am I right?" Her words resonated with Ao Xiaofeng, who explained that his lessons are taught strictly in a manner of Legalism, which contradicts the vast majority of the scholarly gentry who are mentored in mainstream sagely virtues.
Due to Satchiko's difficulties in the university, Shan's legalistic expertise is not fully utilized. The mainstream lessons demand him to teach a variety of philosophies, diluting Legalism with the other four main school of thoughts. The result meant the pupil have a general understanding of various beliefs but lacks a more specialized comprehension on one particular subject. Above all, learning philosophy and literacy in general is not her strongest trait.
"It's the story about the two handles," Ao Xiaofeng emphasized. "We may be doing certain things out of kindness, but doing the jobs of others isn't coherent with harmony. If anyone should be allowed to fix this temple, it should be artisans and religious figures within Ba Sing Se."
"Xiaofeng, that example was supposed to be used for people within the government, not against trivial matters, besides, I think the spirits would be pleased if at least somebody chose to take some care to this place, like you."
"Me?" He is puzzled. "Why would the spirits be pleased? Do they even exist at all?"
"Well..."
In all honesty, Satchiko herself isn't exactly certain about the nature of the spirits. She heard many about them. Everywhere she went, there will be people that venerates some form of spirits, placing food before shrines, praying for a blessing. But in reality, never in her life has she even seen one. No matter how superstitious the village fishermen behave, they would never question the existence of the Kamuy.
She retrieved a book from her bag. The book that Shan generously gave up is now finally useful. Flipping through the pages, she realized that it's all too complicated to understand. There are too many beings shrouded in mystery, perhaps a generalization of them all would not be accurate.
A thought suddenly requires her attention. For a fellow youngster, Ao Xiaofeng possesses a considerable amount of knowledge in regard to temples, even understanding that Yang Chen is the more recognizable Avatar amongst the masses. If he never left this compound area known as an 'orphanage', where is he getting all these ideas?
Satchiko inquired about his lessons, and he simply stated that it is related to 'preserving cultural heritage', a strong emphasize on anthropology is also mentioned. Of course, she knew that he intentionally left out the detail of grueling Earthbending practice, a topic that should be reserved for the right moment.
"Well, maybe you can ask the people in charge to make you a caretaker of this temple here," she glanced at the aging ceiling and slightly rotting furniture. "This place has certainly seen better days. Well, that is if you want to."
This notion made him feel adamant. Ao Xiaofeng quickly emphasized that overstepping one's office always leads to trouble, a lesson that his instructor repeatedly reminded. But Satchiko does oppose to this notion to a certain degree. There will be situations when a person has to act outside certain boundaries, even if it may inconvenient them.
"Hold on," Ao Xiaofeng raised one hand to pause the conversation. Both can hear distant footsteps in the surrounding area, similar to rocks hitting each other. Satchiko remembered the exact sound when two ominous guards arrived just a few days ago. How can their footsteps emit such strange noise?
"Another surprise inspection?" Ao Xiaofeng is slightly mortified.
Even before he says anything, Satchiko is already dashing towards the entrance of the temple, intending to charge back to the other side of the wall before escape is completely cut off. This attempt was quickly halted when she can sense that the two men outside is marching directly towards the building. Even the most oblivious people would recognize that they have noticed the opened doors.
She tried not to panic, attempting to immediately devise a solution. Although it would be easy to just escape herself, being seen by the guards means Ao Xiaofeng would be punished for letting an outsider into the compound. But remaining inside this temple will guarantee consequences for herself, for there is nowhere to hide in the hall, not even the ceiling is built in a manner that allows concealment.
"S-stay here! I will go out and close the door-"
"No, just go out and meet them, tell them that you are just trying to clean the temple," Satchiko didn't elaborate as she nudged him to the entrance, much to Ao Xiaofeng's horror. Whatever she may be planning does not bring reassurance to the anxious teen. "You have to trust me," she said before running to the back of the hall.
Ao Xiaofeng held his broomstick in an upright manner, trying to appear diligent as the two officer approaches near the entrance. Immediately they inquired about his action.
"You were not authorized to enter the temple," one of them stated in a formal tone.
That alone sent shivers down Ao Xiaofeng's spine.
Despite the lack of apparent anger, nothing about their intentions can be clearly understood. Outward calmness might be just a cover for seething anger.
"I'm just trying to... clean the temple," the youngster replied, stuttering at the same time. He controlled the breathing akin to walking a tightrope. A hastened heartbeat forbidden lengthy speech during the conversation.
Ao Xiaofeng stood frozen as the two men walked pass him, inspecting the interior. One of them looked at the floor, observing the faint footprints. The youngster didn't even dare to turn his head and look at what they are doing. The sound of the closet can be heard opening. Even if Yuko managed to squeeze herself inside that tight space, it would have been a futile effort. Additionally, there is not much room underneath the altar table.
They returned back to him, looking stern as usual. Whatever punishment they will devise, he must unfortunately face them. Such is the price of stepping beyond one's station.
"Considering that the surrounding courtyard is clean, I will overlook this minor misdemeanor," one of them stated. "Although there are no official rules in forbidding entry, it is still unwise to traverse certain boundaries. It would be more propitious if you seek permission from the director first."
This has somewhat alleviated Ao Xiaofeng's anxiety, who thought a punishment is going to ensue.
"We will notify the director. Depending on his foresight, he will decide whether or not you will be assigned an additional role."
As the two robed men left the premise, Ao Xiaofeng quickly turns to the altar area. He was shocked by how Yuko evaded detection. The method was so ridiculous it is surprising that it worked!
At first, he was confused by her absence. There is absolutely nowhere for a person to hide in here. But upon glancing at the religious altar, one additional object is present.
A 'statue' of a woman is sitting behind the table where offerings are normally placed. She is donned with the mask, clothing and headdress. Holding two paper fans in a crossed gesture. She remains still, somehow fooling the two officers by pretending to be an inanimate idol.
"Are they gone?" Satchiko whispered. After confirming that the men left, she emerged from the altar area and stepped back on the floor. It was a very dangerous maneuver. Considering that there is nowhere to conceal, she decided to just hide in plain sight, a tactic so ludicrous that it managed to evade capture. "Trust me Xiaofeng, this is the second time I must trick people using this kind of method." The previous account involves her discarding the armor to trick Huo and the other kidnapper. Of course, the full story cannot be explained here.
"What?" He is both amazed and relieved at the same time.
There was not much explanation about that affair, but Ao Xiaofeng is also confused by this strange appearance. The deity that Satchiko is imitating must have been quite convincing to the two inspectors who actually mistook it as a wooden idol. Luckily, there is a mask that conceals her sweating forehead, which might have been a dead giveaway to sharp-eyed.
"I have never been a spiritual person, but I must definitely thank this Avatar," Satchiko said as she removed the mask, replacing the robe and accessories back to the closet. It's convenient that these items are simply replicas of the real thing, otherwise she might have accidentally damaged priceless artifacts. Just like last time.
Ao Xiaofeng has no time to lament on the matter of clairvoyance. He quickly ushered her out of the hall and shut the temple doors closed.
"Ok, maybe don't do that next time," he said to her. With a face filled with fright, he can finally calm down after Satchiko climbed back to the other side of compound wall.
The consequences of an outsider being spotted within these grounds would be severe, which is why she offers to bring him out to see the local markets. A venture reserved for the future.
"Wait, that's not what I said." Ao Xiaofeng is dismayed. Without much elaboration, Satchiko lowered her head and walked away.
He is rather impressed with the unparalleled level of tactical thinking that evaded the two Dai Li's detection. Who would have thought that disguising oneself as a deity in plain sight would have been so effective?
Regardless, it is rather fortunate that he was no punished. To think that this is even possible has caused him to contemplate on everything. Are the rules very important?
...
"That is all we have to report," the Dai Li said, bowing to a figure sitting on a wooden stool.
The dim room is brightened by nothing but the unforgiving fire. It dances violently, purple flames twirling uncontrollably as a man stare at it.
Such is the true nature of humans. A world filled with chaos must be guided with a firm hand. Just like the flame, it is not dangerous if it remains within its own boundaries. But let it loose and it may potentially burn everything in its path.
"I see," the man said in a solemn manner. "How...intriguing."
He dismissed the two attendants who briefed him on recent developments. "Allow them to continue their little game, it would be interesting to see where it all leads to." Referencing the philosophy of Neutral Jing, new opportunities may present itself at the amplest moment. Some may say his methods are quite unorthodox, inconsistent with the legalistic mantra. He himself also believes that. Certain plans are just so bizarre, that it might even hundreds of years to fulfil.
"Director, are you sure this is wise?" One of the attendants asked. "That juvenile has just arrived here, if he gains any memory of the past, it might-"
"If we are to move into the future, we must eradicate the past." The man said while fixated on the fire. "If that boy can prove to be useful, let us wait and see."
The two other robed men looked at each other, despite their uncertainty, they bowed and exited the room.
He sighed. Sore spine meant standing up slower. The middle-aged man walked over to the desk, passing a pair of hook swords hanging on the wall alongside other objects of equivocal interest. But there is one object he thought is important enough to be placed on the desk.
A fleshless skull.
The man picked it up with both hands, very carefully holding the crumpets so that the chance of it dropping is lessened. He behaves rather sentimental when confronted with this object.
"Forgive me Li Si, perhaps I'm not always the staunch legalist you thought I am." He even chuckled a bit at that thought. "While I am flattered that you see me as the superior literati, it is a shame that we can no longer study together under the same mentor. That boy has broken the rules, yes, but I won't punish him just yet. He is just a child, right? Teacher did state that little infants can be brought to virtues through education. But I am indeed curious to see how he will behave when his environment is introduced with a... disorderly influence." He cannot help but laugh.
Humans are by nature evil.
Humans are by nature virtueless by birth.
But humans are also by nature selfish, driven by interest above all.
An Earth Sage once taught him the hypothesis that human nature is evil and virtueless. Infants born into this world are therefore required to undergo moral education so that their immorality can be suppressed. Without such, they would be steered by their own nature, committing unruly acts.
But morality is also seen as loose, an inefficient tool to govern the mess that is known as humans. While he agrees with his mentor's theory of virtueless birth, wouldn't it be better to pragmatically steer people by exploiting their own interest-driven nature?
He laughed bitterly, putting Li Si's skull back on the table.
Despite all his merits, it is unfortunate that he will never be remembered as an Earth Sage. History will likely only recall this man as nothing more but a minor official serving in Ba Sing Se, accomplishing very miniscule when compared to Avatars, mighty generals or even other warlords.
No, even being mentioned once in the books would be a privilege too great for the path he chose to walk.
But comparing that to his original fate, this man is content with the current circumstances. Unlike Li Si, his own head is still attached. To win in life, one must always plan ahead, perhaps even five steps ahead. Such actions might also mean masterfully misdirecting the whole world.
On one side of the wall lies a giant map of a fractured Earth Kingdom. Each province, prefecture, county and even little islands are all divided to the most meticulous detail. So far, only Ba Sing Se is green, the rest are still grey. The whole set is actually like a puzzle, with solid pieces that can be put together once again.
He can feel it, it wouldn't be too long before the game can resume. Almost everything is prepared.
His grand scheme is still in motion!
End of chapter notes:
-In real life, the name of the temple depicted here would have its name written from right to left.
-I know recently I am trying not to write too much in this section. But I would like to comment that this chapter also aims to demonstrate three varying understanding of Legalism that reflects the different age of each person.
-Additionally, I would like to thank the following users as we have reached the 700000 word mark: Amazing Spectacular Spider Man, Arianna Le Fay, AvatarMR, BethxAngel, Cunning-Fox-Ranger, Curleyfries, Cydo, Denny phantom, Doruk Cider, H.R.C. Stanley, HerondaleSalvatoreGirl22, Hydroelectric Dam, IanLouis23, Ion1015, Jakob1234j, Jeager150, Kxng J, Mantingar, MerlockVonBaron, Midnight Panda X0X0, MoonTides18, Pinday, Private Lancelot, Sakhmet and Hathor, Stripes-Stars-Rainbows, TeamRecktEm, Thanh Hau Tran Do, VisageDeMort, Zeldamaster98, charlesdes056, chubbybunnye, er kebbabaro, haydentwin1, josephvillena44, king Turkey, krizoha2, leahfrmar2003, matwice, mlcantrell4, starwarsBoy123, wewewr, wibeogamer, Alice Phoenix Burke-Fawley, AnimeEl, Cactocylsm, CalvinFujii, Erza Uzamaki, Grimharry77, H3LLF1R3IIOS, Mirai Arashi, Nobody137, PJM 13, Shadows82, TheGrimWarden, Trekkienick, WaterShivers, Yoyoklok, as42790, breeannablackthorn, dancecat25, gothbianmai, gruntsbreeder, i mean come on, jcarbono008, lastfight5, taylorpham25 and many more.
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