Chapter Twenty-Five: Guan Yuan

“The Commandant jests; this object belongs to Brother Wu. I am merely its keeper for the time being. If you have any thoughts regarding it, you should discuss them with Brother Wu.”
No matter the origins of this “Commandant Guan,” even if he were more formidable than the Wu family, Cui Xiu was well aware of what was proper.

Hearing Cui Xiu’s response, Commandant Guan appeared somewhat surprised. He studied Cui Xiu for a moment before nodding. “Very well. Since the item is not yours, I have no business asking you.”

With that, he turned his gaze to Wu Yu.

“Commandant Guan, perhaps you would prefer to speak inside?” Wu Yu, now regaining his composure, looked much calmer, as though he had found some assurance.

Commandant Guan seemed about to say something, but at Wu Yu’s invitation, he looked at Wu Yu thoughtfully and nodded.

“Brother Cui, please.” Once Commandant Guan had entered the main hall, Wu Yu smiled at Cui Xiu and invited him to follow.

“Please.” Cui Xiu returned the courtesy with a slight bow and entered after them.

...

“Brother Cui, this is my father.” Once they were all seated and tea had been served, Wu Yu began the introductions.

Wu Yu’s father was a man in his forties, tall and upright, dressed in a plain blue robe. He was handsome, with a short beard beneath his chin, and carried himself with an air of refinement. He looked more like a Confucian scholar than a wealthy businessman.

“Greetings, Master Wu,” Cui Xiu said, rising to pay his respects.

“And this gentleman,” Wu Yu continued, “as you have already heard, is Commandant Guan Yuan.”

“Greetings, Commandant. I apologize for my earlier discourtesy,” Cui Xiu offered, faultless in his manners.

With the introductions complete, Wu Yu announced, “Father, Commandant, this is Brother Cui Dongshan, my good friend.”

Hearing this, Master Wu frowned slightly, his mind turning over something unknown, but soon resumed his previous manner and merely nodded at Cui Xiu.

Commandant Guan added a few words, though it was unclear what he had in mind. His attention soon shifted to the wooden box Wu Yu had casually placed on the tea table beside him.

“Young Master Wu, I am a man of arms and not one for beating around the bush. You heard my words earlier. May I have that item? Name your price.”

Guan Yuan was clearly impatient, speaking directly to Wu Yu.

Master Wu, still somewhat perplexed by Guan Yuan’s abrupt departure and unexpected return, now understood that the issue lay with his own son. He turned to Wu Yu.

“Yu’er, what is going on?” His tone was serious, not accusatory—he had invited Guan Yuan to help with Wu Yu’s predicament, only to be refused outright, which had been a blow to his pride. Now that Guan Yuan had returned to request something, Master Wu’s mood was unavoidably affected.

“Father, do you remember what I told you yesterday? This box was brought by Brother Cui. Commandant Guan has taken a fancy to the contents and wishes to buy them from me.”

Wu Yu’s explanation was blunt, a result of his lack of experience with worldly matters; otherwise, he might have spoken more tactfully.

Fortunately, Guan Yuan was not one to dwell on such things. He had rejected Wu Yu and his father’s request directly before, and now, for the sake of what was inside the box, he did not hesitate to return, showing he cared little for superficialities.

“As Young Master Wu said, I am interested in what he holds. I believed the box belonged to this gentleman, Cui, but alas, it does not. Nonetheless, even if it is the Wu family’s property, my offer stands. I hope you will give me a clear answer.”

Guan Yuan’s words were straightforward, even bordering on coarse. He seemed unconcerned with the Wu family’s opinions.

Observing his manner, Cui Xiu grew even more curious about the man’s identity. He knew the title “Commandant” had two meanings in the current dynasty. One signified a military officer, a rank with varying status but never low; the other denoted an official within the Dragon and Fish Guard. There, a commandant was a common rank, not comparable to a military commandant, but the Dragon and Fish Guard’s unique role could make their commandants even more formidable.

Whichever he was, this Commandant Guan was a person of influence. His attitude was now easily understood. Cui Xiu could not help but wonder how the Wu family had managed to find such a man.

...

Having listened to both his son and Guan Yuan, Master Wu quickly grasped the situation. After a moment’s thought, he made up his mind.

“If Commandant Guan has need of it, take it. There’s no need for such formality.” Master Wu smiled gently. “Yu’er, hand the item to Commandant Guan.”

“Father, this—” The object in the box was linked to Wu Yu’s very life; how could he be willing? At his father’s words, he grew agitated and tried to protest.

But meeting his father’s stern gaze, Wu Yu’s expression darkened and, subdued, he obediently picked up the box and brought it to Guan Yuan.

“Commandant Guan…”

Guan Yuan was no unworldly youth. He understood perfectly why Master Wu was acting this way. Were it an ordinary matter, he would have declined, but the item in the box was too valuable, leaving him in a dilemma.

So be it.

Guan Yuan frowned, sighed, and took the box directly from Wu Yu’s hands. Rising, he said, “Very well. I shall see to Young Master Wu’s troubles. I will return tomorrow to call on you, and you needn’t fear any further harm.”

Without waiting for the Wu family to respond, he took his leave.

Cui Xiu was left bewildered by the scene, unable to discern what the three were plotting. Master Wu’s actions were clear enough, but Commandant Guan… Could he truly protect Wu Yu? Did that mean he was capable of dealing with that evil spirit? If so…

Cui Xiu began to understand.

“Yu’er, with Guan Yuan’s help, you need not worry. Who would have thought he’d also set his sights on what that evil spirit desired? Perhaps that’s for the best.” Master Wu spoke up suddenly, showing no concern that Cui Xiu was present, and continued, “But these people are all too mysterious. When this matter is settled, you should return to your studies and keep away from such things.”

As he said this, Master Wu glanced at Cui Xiu, his meaning uncertain.

“That’s enough. Entertain your friend well. I am a little weary.” With that, Master Wu left the hall, paying Cui Xiu little mind as he departed.

“Brother Cui, forgive my father. He means no harm, but our family has been troubled lately, and my recent ordeal has weighed heavily on him. If there was any offense, I beg your pardon.” Wu Yu forced a bitter smile.

“It’s nothing,” Cui Xiu replied with a laugh, then asked the question that had been on his mind. “Brother Wu, who exactly is this Commandant Guan? I’m curious—just now, it sounded as if he can resolve the matter of the evil spirit. If it’s convenient, could you tell me more?”