by Guy Salvidge
“Ji Tao. I've never been to Ximing.”
“Don't bother. Waste of time.”
“We're from Baitang,” Ji Tao offered. “We've come here for the market.”
“Time's up,” the shower monitor said to Jia Li and two others. “The rest of you have one more minute.”
More women were coming in. “Three minutes!” one of them exclaimed.
“It's not really three minutes,” Ji Tao said. “Just get on with it.”
When Ji Tao was finished, she dressed in clean clothes and put her dirty ones in to be washed. This was a free service for traders.
“You got them dirty enough,” the woman at the laundry desk said. “What did you do, swim up the Wu?”
“What would you know?” Ji Tao countered. “There could be a thunderstorm outside and you'd be none the wiser.”
“Hmph,” the woman said. “Don't expect these back today.”
Ji Tao went out into the kitchen. It was almost lunchtime and the smell of greasy food was in the air. Sovann and Kalliyan were sitting at a table; Ji Tao went over to them. “Did you find your sister?” she asked Kalliyan.
“Yes,” Kalliyan replied. “Thank Heaven for that!”
“What did she say about Rame?”
“I haven't discussed it with her yet.”
“Well, it wasn't your fault anyway,” Sovann said. “What did you say your sister's name was?”
“Ambika. Her husband is called Qiang.”
“You'd better hurry up if you want a shower,” Ji Tao told them, “I think there'll be a rush on later.”
“We'll go now,” Sovann said. They took their shower bags and left. Ji Tao sat alone at the table, looking out the window. Something still did not feel right. She should be elated at having reached Luihang safely, but there was a nagging feeling, as though she had forgotten to do something. Restless, she slung her bag over her shoulder and made her way through the corridors to the east wing, where they had been quartered. She threw her bag down on a bed in the corner, thus claiming it. Time for some fresh air, Ji Tao decided. Perhaps she was just unused to free time after a week on the road.
Out on the streets of East District, Ji Tao's claim to the laundry lady that a storm might be brewing proved prescient. The shield's glow was dimming perceptibly, a sure sign that clouds were gathering outside. The main street was unusually quiet for this time of the day. The shops were mostly empty. “What is wrong with everything today?” Ji Tao said to nobody. Her mood seemed to be reflected in her surroundings.
“Watch out!” a cyclist said. Ji Tao had strayed onto the bike path. Perhaps she should go back to the hall for lunch. Kalliyan and Sovann would be out of the shower by now. And besides, she didn't have any money on her.
The afternoon passed like this—sighing to herself over a pot of noodles in the hall, then trying unsuccessfully to nap.
“Come for a drink with us,” Liang said. “You must be bored.”
She was, and she did. The unnamed bar was at the far end of the main street. It was full of music and the hubbub of people talking.
“Four beers,” Liang said to the bartender. Ji Tao helped him with the beers, and then they sat down with Cheng and Sovann.
“You look tired, Ji Tao,” Cheng said, sipping his beer.
“I'm all right,” Ji Tao said. The beer was slightly too warm, and had a yeasty smell, but she drank it gratefully.
“Thirsty today,” Liang observed. “Now tell me what's wrong. You've barely said a word all day.”
“I'm all right,” Ji Tao protested. To prove this, she drained her glass and went to order another round. They did not need money here; Tuan had a tab.
Sovann joined her at the bar. “I can't drink any more of that horrible stuff,” she said. “What else do you have?” she asked the bartender.
“Hmm, for the ladies...I've got some rice wine. It's not bad.”
“Okay, one of those,” Sovann said.
“And three beers,” Ji Tao added.
Back at the table, they had been joined by Kalliyan, who Ji Tao thought looked stunning in her black tunic and pearl earrings.
“I didn't get you a drink,” Ji Tao said. “What would you like?”
“I'll get you one,” Liang said.
Liang stood up to go to the bar, and there was an awkward pause.
“What do you think of Luihang so far?” Cheng asked Kalliyan.
“It seems nice. Have you been here many times?”
“Too many.”
Silence again. “You look great,” Ji Tao said to her.
“You make me feel drab in these farmer's clothes,” Sovann added. “You can tell I'm a widow.”
“I feel overdressed,” Kalliyan said. “ I wasn't sure what to wear.”
“You'll turn a few heads here,” Cheng observed. And then to Sovann he said, “is that rice wine?”
“Luihang's finest,” Sovann replied, screwing up her face.
“They must have a lot of water here if they're able to grow rice,” Cheng said.
Gradually they all began to relax, and the afternoon passed quickly. How many beers had she had? Three, or was it four? Ji Tao jumped up to go to the toilet and Kalliyan came with her.
Standing in front of the mirror, Ji Tao looked at herself. You look so tired. Comparing herself to Kalliyan, she felt distinctly inferior. Kalliyan was taller, prettier and had a better figure than she did.
“Liang does seem nice,” Kalliyan said, washing her hands.
“I think he likes you too,” Ji Tao said.
“Do you think he does?”
“He's a fool if he doesn't.”
Sovann came into the bathroom. “I'm going back to the hostel,” she said.
“What's wrong?” Ji Tao asked. “Aren't you having a good time?”
“Not really,” Sovann said, going into a cubicle.
“I'll get us another drink,” Kalliyan said. “Beer?”
“I've had enough beer,” Ji Tao said. “I'll try the wine.”
“You want another drink, Sovann?” Kalliyan asked.
“No.”
Kalliyan went out. Ji Tao dried her hands. “What's wrong with you?” she asked when Sovann came out of the cubicle.
“Nothing's wrong, I've just had enough for one day.”
“Do you want me to walk back with you?”
“If you would....”
Outside, it was starting to get dark. Ji Tao wondered where the day had gone. Ji Tao tended to stride purposefully when drunk, and Sovann kept asking her to slow down. It wasn't far to the hostel.
“What do you think of Liang and Kalliyan?” Sovann asked.
“Might happen,” Ji Tao said. She thought of what Liang had said and wondered whether she should mention it to Sovann. Better not. “You don't seem so happy about it,” she observed.
“Kalliyan seems like a nice girl.”
“I just thought you were upset about it.”
“Me, upset about those two? No, I'm just depressed.”
“Why?”
“You didn't feel too good yourself until you got some drinks into you.”
“I just needed to relax. So what are you depressed about?” They were almost back at the hostel.
“I don't know, everything. I'm going to bed.”
Sovann held the door open for her but Ji Tao waved her hand.
“You're going back?”
“They make a good meal there.”
“See you later.”
The street was dark now, the only light coming from people's houses. Ji Tao put one foot in front of the other. She could hear the music a long way from the bar. Then she had an urge not to return to the place of people and laughter. Looking at the exterior draped with light—illuminated faces seen through windows—Ji Tao saw them as a bubble of life when all outside was darkness and death. Why, then, was she reluctant to return to the living? What choice did she have, save to go back to the hostel and spend the evening with her family and friends? She returned.
“I just took Sovann back to the hostel.”
“Anything wrong?” Liang enquired.
“She's just tired.”
“Well, you're just in time for dinner,” Liang said. “Chilli chicken.”
The chilli was hot, but Ji Tao was used to it. As she ate, her mouth and throat burned, her forehead becoming moist. The chilli breathed life back into her. She resisted the temptation to ask for water.
“Try the tofu,” Liang said.
The meal was excellent. When it was over, Ji Tao sat back contentedly, a fresh beer in front of her.
“My sister eats and drinks like a man,” Cheng said proudly.
“Just because I like to drink beer?” Ji Tao said. But she was proud of his pride in her. It was just about the only thing they had between them. “Baitang beer is better,” she said.
The beer was cool and refreshing. She could barely taste it after the chilli. The conversation lapped over her; she was aware of it and yet disengaged of any need to join in.
A little later she noticed that Cheng had gone off to another table, leaving Liang and Kalliyan to speak more intimately. They were slowly moving closer to one another. She wanted to give them her blessing but the muscles in her throat seemed to have seized up.
Suddenly becoming aware of Ji Tao, Kalliyan asked her if she was feeling okay.
“I'm fine,” Ji Tao said, discovering that she could speak after all.
“Do you want another drink?” Liang asked.
“No, I've had enough.”
For a period of time Ji Tao was lost in her thoughts. It was as though her past was a dream. But then who was dreaming her? She became aware of the seat covering against her cheek. She must have nodded off. Now her throat was dry. There was a glass of water on the table before her.
Kalliyan and Liang had gone, having been replaced by Cheng and a man Ji Tao had not seen before. The man had a round, perspiring face and a small, neatly trimmed moustache. I don't like the look of you, she wanted to say. She tried her hardest to understand the words they were saying.
“What about natives?” Cheng asked.
“No, they stay away altogether. They think its cursed.”
“It seems dangerous.”
“It is dangerous,” the man agreed, “but the rewards are worth it. I've made a fine living off of what I find there. Strange things.”
“Maybe you're right,” Cheng said.
“I am right. You don't want to go back and forth from Baitang to Luihang your whole life, do you? And besides, it's all finished with. Luihang has all the basic goods it needs.”
“And your administrator encourages this kind of work?”
“I don't work for Min Jian.”
“Who do you work for, then?”
“Silex.”
“Silex of Baitang?”
“That's correct.”
“Perhaps my uncle could be persuaded,” Cheng said.
Ji Tao reached forward to pick up the glass from the edge of the table. This proved quite difficult, but she managed to do it without spilling the water. She drank the whole glass, reviving her parched mouth. It felt good. She put the glass back down.
“Ji Tao,” Cheng said. “You're awake. Bao Min, meet my sister Ji Tao. I thought I was going to have to carry her back to the hostel. She's had a few too many.”
“Pleased to meet you,” Bao Min said.
Ji Tao nodded.
“It's almost closing time,” Cheng explained. Looking around, Ji Tao saw that the bar was nearly empty.
“Your brother was just telling me about your family's business,” Bao Min said. “Chen Tuan is well regarded in these parts.”
“He's a good man,” Ji Tao said, not wanting to admit that she had overheard their conversation.
“Shall we get going then?” Cheng said. “Here, I'll help you up.” Ji Tao was unsteady on her feet and appreciated the assistance.
Cheng said goodbye to Bao Min, promising that they would catch up tomorrow. Then they began to walk.
“Where did Kalliyan and Liang go?” Ji Tao asked her brother.
“They went back a while ago,” Cheng said.
“Together?”
“I think so. I wonder what Rong Li will say.”
Later, Ji Tao did not precisely recall how she had got to bed, but clearly she had, for when she woke in the night she was thirsty again. Trying not to disturb the sleeping women, she drank two glasses of water and splashed some more water on her face. Then she fell back into bed and slept late into the morning.
When Ji Tao did manage to get out of bed, light was streaming in through the window. The other beds were all made already. Scratching her head, she went out into the main hall.
“What time is it?” she asked the laundry woman.
“After ten already. You had a late night.”
“I need some breakfast,” Ji Tao said, shuffling toward the canteen.
“Don't you want your clothes?” the laundry woman said.
“I'll come back later,” Ji Tao said over her shoulder.
The canteen manager had a kind face. “Okay, sleepyhead,” she said. “I'll see what I can do for you. You sit down and I'll bring something out.”
Ji Tao sat by the window. It was a sunny day outside.
“Here you go,” the canteen woman said, putting a plate of food in front of her. Then she returned a few moments later with a glass of water and a cup of willowbark tea.
“For your headache,” the woman said, chuckling. “Eat up, you'll feel better if you do.”
Ji Tao thanked her and proceeded to eat the noodles and meat. Soon she felt strong enough to take her greasy plate back to the canteen and pick up her clean clothes.
“Next time, keep to the path,” the laundry woman said. For a minute Ji Tao wondered what the woman had meant by this, but then decided it was simply an extension of her joke from the previous day. But in a sense, Ji Tao knew she had strayed from the correct path by drinking too much. But it was too late to be wise now. A shower would cheer her up.
Washed and dressed, Ji Tao decided she had better make an appearance at the trader's hall. The whole family would be there. By the time she reached the hall, it was nearly eleven. Vendors near the entrance sold food, trinkets and clothes.
“Authentic green jade from Myanmar,” a vendor said. “Lovely earrings for a beautiful lady.”
“No money,” she said briskly, stepping inside.
It took her a while to find her family. Ji Tao pushed past butchers, weavers, farmers and gardeners, all hoping to ply their respective trades. “I'm selling, not buying,” she protested. “Let me through.”
The main thoroughfare was completely blocked by a throng of people in front of a particular stall. Ji Tao recognised the vendor as Bao Min, Cheng's friend from the night before. She could hear his booming voice:
“Look at these treasures, plucked from the 'jewel in the crown' itself!” Bao Min said. “My colleagues and I have gone to extraordinary lengths to retrieve these artefacts for your pleasure. Look at the craftsmanship, the elegant lines. This triangular item will make an excellent centrepiece.”
“What does it do?” someone asked.
“What does it do?” Bao Min repeated. “It represents the power and splendour of the ancient world! With this item in your possession, you can command the authority of the ancients. Just look at the finish on that. Now this spherical item is of particular interest—”
Ji Tao walked away, navigating the smaller aisles in search of her family. Their stall was tucked away in the corner of the hall. Only a handful of people were looking at their goods.
Rong Li glared at her. “Sorry I'm late, aunt,” Ji Tao said. “I slept in.”
“Yes, we know all about your exploits,” Rong Li said. “Now go and help your uncle.”
Tuan was trying to convince some people of the superiority of Baitang sugar.
“It's the highest quality,”
Tuan said. “And we have the best rates.”
“No thanks,” the man said politely. He and his wife moved on.
“Sorry I'm late, uncle. How's it going?”
“Terrible,” Tuan said. “The worst in years.”
“At least we sold the wheat,” Liang said, joining them. He patted Ji Tao on the shoulder. “Are you all right now?”
“Fine. What did you get for the wheat?”
“Barely enough to justify the trip,” Tuan said. “ Once I've got rid of this sugar, we'll start packing up. Liang, see if you can get a good deal on some potatoes. Try and get at least two hundred kilos.”
Liang nodded. “Ji Tao can help me.”
Together they went off into the market. “I've never seen Father this depressed,” Liang confided.
“It's really that bad?”
“No one wants our stuff. We're virtually having to give it away.”
“We've never had a problem before.”
“I know,” he said. “I don't think Father knows what to do. We can't make any money out of potatoes and he knows it.”
“Why not save the money?” Ji Tao asked. “There's no profit in selling them in Baitang anyway.”
“Maybe we won't go back to Baitang,” Liang said.
“What happened last night?” Ji Tao asked. “You and Kalliyan disappeared.”
“Um, I'll tell you later on.” They were at the potato farmer's stall. “What price?” Liang asked.
“Two-twenty a kilo,” the man said.
“Hah, that's steep. We need two hundred kilos.”
“Two hundred? Hmm, make it one-eighty. Special deal.”
“I'll think about it. See you later.”
“I could go as low as one seventy-five,” the potato seller said.
“Later,” Liang said.
“Where will we go, if not Baitang?” Ji Tao asked.
“Your brother has a crazy idea that we should go to Shulao. Apparently there's acres of stuff there to be scavenged. He hasn't mentioned it to Father yet.”
“Shulao?” Ji Tao said. So that was what Cheng and Bao Min had been referring to. Shulao, the 'jewel in the crown,' capital of the ancients. “He won't go for that, surely?”
“He might,” Liang said. “If things are bad enough.”
This put a different spin on the situation. The thought of travelling to the old capital excited her. “Liang, you have to convince him,” she said.
