Anecdotes
The tales you hear about each place, from the people and the things you find there, in the game's own words. Pick a region, or find one by a name or a line you remember.
Kaifeng City · 149
Southeast Kaifeng boasts both the bustling prosperity of Grand Imperial Temple and the lively Fairgrounds, as well as the desolation found in Forsaken Quarter and underground canals. This area captures the full spectrum of the city's…
- Taboos of the Ghostlight MarketChen LaoguaiAt the third watch, the Ghostlight Market lights its lanterns. When the rooster crows at dawn, the gates swing wide. Those from the living realm must…
- Legends of the Malefic SpiritsChen NanfengOnce the rooster crows, the market belongs to the dead. Spirits roam freely, and the living are all but lost.
- Phantoms' HollowLin XiaolinDeep within the Phantoms' Hollow of the Ghostlight Market lies a secret no one dares speak aloud. Even Nine Mortal Ways disciples are forbidden to…
- The Thousand-Faced KillerDing DaoqingThe assassin with a thousand faces is said to have died in a bloody brawl years ago. But he may still walk among us. Some claim he now lives…
- The SeamstressGranny GrayGrannie Silver of the Pale Stitches is a strange one. It's said she stays in the market out of loyalty to some long-forgotten promise.
- March of The DeadMaster First CaveSixteen years ago, when the Ghost Gate opened wide, an army of Spectral Soldiers surged out and slaughtered a band of invading Khitan raiders to the…
- The Fourteen Fiends of Ghost StreetChu DaierThe Fourteen Fiends of Ghost Street are infamous. Some have joined the Nine Mortal Ways, others merely struck a deal with the Dao Lord to guard this…
- The Four Orders of Nine Mortal WaysLi HuairenThe Ghostlight Market is overseen by the Coin Division, one of Nine Mortal Ways' four branches. Their disciples go undercover among the guests…
- Chang Xi and Chang LeKun the YoungestKun the Youngest used to be close with the twins Chang Xi and Chang Le. But ever since they encountered a strange figure one night, the brothers have…
- Hong Si's RebellionFreckled ManHong Si, leader of the Unbound Cavern, was once a disciple of the Nine Mortal Ways. But during the Khitan invasion of Kaifeng, he betrayed his sect…
- Ghost MasterChen MishanThe suona blares, hard to say if it's for a wedding or a funeral. The one they call Ghost Master, neither man nor spirit, roams the streets punishing…
- The Night Watch and the GatekeeperMoqi AnshanThat strange old man by the Naihe Bridge is Ghostlight Market's Night Watch. He guards the living until dawn, and the Gatekeeper watches over the…
- Twin LionsMei YiyiKun the Youngest has a tender heart and cannot bear to see others suffer. Many of his brothers have ended up in Ghostlight Market, any who find their…
- Drunk Martial ArtistPu NiannianPu Niannian had an old friend named Drunk Martial Artist, a man who lived for wine. But ever since that man saw a stranger in Ghostlight Market, he…
- Perils Within and WithoutGuoxiaWith malevolent spirits causing havoc within and the Unbound Cavern pressing from without, the Nine Mortal Ways now fights for survival. Beset on all…
- A Nobleman's PromiseJin YunhaiJin Yunhai serves as both ferryman and gatekeeper. He once made a promise to keep vigil with the old companions of Ghostlight Market, life after…
- Hong Si Cleanses the Unbound CavernUnbound Cavern MemberBefore Hong Si rose to power, the Unbound Cavern was little more than a den of cutthroats, each man his own king, all chaos and no unity.
- Nine Mortal Ways Attacks the Unbound CavernForsaken Quarter CivilianJust days ago, the Dao Lord of Nine Mortal Ways stormed the Unbound Cavern's den. The Forsaken Quarter residents wait with bated breath, hoping to be…
- Yingying and Her GrandmotherYe XianAccording to the neighbors in Forsaken Quarter, Yingying and her grandmother have lived there for years. The two depend on each other, their bond as…
- Poverty in the Forsaken QuarterForsaken Quarter BeggarThe magistrate's violent tax raids have devastated the already impoverished Forsaken Quarter residents. Misery piles atop misery.
- Scraping ByChen XianyuMigrants who come to Kaifeng seeking a better life often carry unseen sorrows. To save money, they settle in the ruins of Forsaken Quarter, enduring…
- Ghost Revelry HallSwordsmanWithin Unbound Cavern lies a place called Ghost Revelry Hall, famed for its music and wine. But without a special token, no one gets through the…
- The History of the Forsaken QuarterForsaken Quarter CivilianForsaken Quarter was once part of the vibrant Havens, until the Khitan siege reduced it to rubble over a decade ago.
- Dao LordWu JiangjiangThe Dao Lord of Ghostlight Market is a six-armed, three-headed creature, a monster of terrifying might.
- The Official StanceOld YuThe Unbound Cavern controls Forsaken Quarter's underground. The authorities once tried to purge it, but the labyrinthine tunnels cost them too many…
- The Arrogant PoetZhang the PoetA proud, arrogant poet lives in Forsaken Quarter. He draws inspiration from the suffering of the people.
- The Landlord's SonBighead LiA man named Bighead Li lives in the Forsaken Quarter. He was once a noble's son. But during the chaos of the Five Dynasties, his family lost…
- Ghostlight MarketForeign TraderBeneath Forsaken Quarter lies a hidden Nine Mortal Ways' garrison. Many martial artists and merchants covet what lies below—the Ghostlight Market and…
- A Mysterious Trading SpotForeign TraderDeep within Unbound Cavern, a mysterious marketplace thrives. Rumor has it the place is filled with ghost slaves.
- Buddha's BoneJingqingWithin the West Stupa of Grand Imperial Temple rests the mummified body of its founding master, Master Huiyun. Many come to circle the tower and pray…
- Prayers For RainJinghuiThis year brought drought to many provinces. Grand Imperial Temple even caught on fire not long ago. Monk Jinghui, cannot bare to see the people's…
- PunishmentPure Wisdom, Pure MindfulnessThe kitchen monk at Grand Imperial Temple was caught hoarding meat and punished by Zen Master Hongjing. He was sent to dredge the Bian River. These…
- Year of CalamityLi TianyunIn Huainan, famine has struck. The provinces of Yang and Qiu are littered with the dead. Many devout believers of Kaifeng flock to Grand Imperial…
- East of Beast ReverieLiang Sa, Kuang AnpingTwo young men whisper beside the Beast Reverie. Turns out they helped build it, but this version is fake. The real reverie has been lost for ages…
- The Bian RiverLiang JingLook, my friend, at the ferry where sand is washed. How many souls has it carried to the underworld? Everyone knows the name of the Bian River, but…
- Wei's Purple PeonyNing XixiThe famed Wei's Purple Peony first bloomed in the gardens of Wei Renpu. When it debuted, visitors had to pay a hefty sum just to board a boat to view…
- Master Qianqiu IChi XiaonanThere's a popular storybook writer in Kaifeng known as Master Qianqiu. But because all their tales end in tragedy, most call them "Master of Tragedy."
- Master Qianqiu IIWan Jingming, Shen MiaoqianMaster Qianqiu's real name is Shen Miaoqian, and few know that she's a woman. Lately, she's been receiving letters filled with outrageous nonsense…
- Xianqiao TeahouseDaoist WangXianqiao Teahouse is one of the oldest in the Wazi district. Its owner, Mrs. Zhou, is a peculiar soul. Her teahouse only serves women. Rumor has it…
- Imperial Artisan CourtWang Xiuzhu, Wang XiaotuWhen news of the construction of Imperial Artisan Court broke, apprentice Wang Xiaotu grew excited and asked his master Wang Xiuzhu whether their…
- The Coin DroughtJin Kui, Chen ShengChen Sheng, newly arrived from Shezhou, was questioned by Jin Kui, owner of the Southern Foods Inn. He was asked about conditions in Jiangnan. While…
- Catch On FireXu Lingqiu, Zhang JinghuaiDays ago, some Unbound Cavern members sailed straight into Jiexinghan, robbing travelers. They knocked over some river lanterns and caused a small…
- Iron CoinSun Yong'anThe court has now banned iron coins, yet many still suffer. Smaller shops without deep pockets have already shuttered. The wiser merchants have…
- Ghost in Broad DaylightYi XiaowuWhile packing props backstage, troupe member Yi Xiaowu saw a monster, horned creature dart out from Huaixin Post. Its speed was like lightning…
- AtonementSenior Nun HuimingSenior Nun Huiming of Embroidery Lane spends her days in prayer, not to seek blessings, but to atone. For her kin, her friend, and the world. The…
- Office of Martial and VirtueLiu Baiyu, Wu ZhongThe Office of Martial and Virtue has been unusually active, investigating the Imperial Guards for signs of conspiracy. Though their main focus is on…
- Under WatchWang Lezheng, Han QingyangNine Mortal Ways disciple Wang Lezheng and Han Qingyang are posted at the Oil Umbrella Garrison in the Wazi, keeping an eye on the Khitan envoys at…
- The Thirteen ChambersQi TianyuanQi Tianyuan of the Thirteen Chambers once crossed paths with Jiang Yishui, a courier from the Tianjing Dock. Jiang came on behave of the Imperial…
- Silken Veil Society IWang PuchengWhere Silken Veil Society now stands was once the domain of Pan Tower. It's said that southern envoys were unable to endure the austerity of Huaixin…
- Silken Veil Society IISi ShisanWithin the halls of Silken Veil Society, exquisite music and graceful dance are displayed. A maid explains that the melodies are composed by Jiang Yi…
- Silken Veil Society IIIYu Hongxin, Gao YingThe Maid Aroma is a high-ranking attendant from Jiangnan's royal court, now overseeing affairs at Silken Veil Society. Since its rise, Jiangnan…
- Beauty's Garment SilkMaid, Si ShiwuWhispers say the Beauty's Plume—carried north by the Silken Veil Society—has vanished without a trace. And the surviving fragments of the fabled…
- Eminent Lady's ManuscriptBulletin Board, Ye Yidong, Mi Xia, Xia QiuIn Temporal Pavilion, the offspring of officials crowd to purchase umbrellas at extravagant prices, hoping for a chance to enter the fabled umbrella…
- Horse Trader's LaneLi Hua, Zhang ChongSince Silken Veil Society took over Pan Tower, the area from Fair Grounds to Horse Trader's Lane has grown more vibrant. But spies from various…
- Twelve ImmortalsHuo Li, Zhou WanranThe Beauties of the Twelve Immortals are all the rage in Kaifeng. Wealthy ladies are clamoring for their portraits. They say his artistry is so fine…
- Visitor from ShuShi XiThese days, more Shu nationals have appeared near Silken Veil Society, said to be part of the Shu Crown Prince's retinue. Though his visit is…
- Infinite VistaSang Lüyun, Shen LingIt is said the Revelry Hall Master keeps a fan known as Infinite Vista. Such an artifact belongs only to the crown jewel of the Velvet Shade Flowers…
- Peach Blossoms and Fated LoveBai YaoyaoThe Peach Note Match is a matchmaking ritual exclusive to the Radiant Pavilion. Those seeking love write their traits and desires upon the note, and…
- Han Wei, Forgotten by the WorldDong LantingHan Wei, former master of Grace Pavilion, once shared the music world's twin crown with Jiang Yi. The two would often compose and perform together in…
- Lingering MusicKong ShanEvery season, Grace Pavilion holds a music contest, with the finest composition hung high for all to admire. This tradition was started by Han Wei…
- Scarlet ImportsYu Hui, Li PanThe Scarlet Imports of Velvet Shade offers treasures that wealthy merchants and officials covet. Its top-selling wares spark frenzied citywide…
- River Lanterns of FateYue LanfangIn Velvet Shade, an old pastime endures: releasing river lanterns to seek a fated one. Upon a slip of paper, one writes thoughts and wishes, then…
- Beauties from the HillsSi Zhounuan, Li YouxinThe Heroes Assembly permits entry only by invitation. As tradition goes: "When beauties appear, heroes take their seats." Such is the way of Velvet…
- A Second BloomHuo Tinglan, Mu HuaishanTop performers in the Springseeker Pavilion may earn a place to perform in the famed Revelry Hall. But competition there is brutal. Just as many…
- Radiant Grace ServantBai ZhenzhenRadiant Pavilion is led by its mistress and her two disciples: Bai Yaoyao and Bai Zhenzhen. Some say both possess mystical gifts. Yaoyao can link…
- Well of Heaven DivisionGao Ning, Feng ZhongjieThe Springwave Pavilion of Velvet Shade has become a favored haunt of the Well of Heaven Disciples. Since its opening, they have filled its halls day…
- Festival of FireworksZhao Rui, Sun JinyuanEvery few days, Velvet Shade hosts dazzling fireworks festivals by night. The wealthy of Kaifeng delight in sponsoring such events in their honor…
- Ten Ballads of Pearlglow LakeWen Chang, Xiang PengyuanYears ago, the gifted Jiang Yi and Flower Messenger Han Wei once challenged Bianxian and Duanzhen, the legendary Guqin Saints, to a musical duel at…
- Bustling AbodeQuan WumouThe Bustling Abode serves not only as residence for Velvet Shade disciples, but also as their rehearsal hall. Here, whispers of events such as the…
- A Scholar's TasteGe Nanxing, Wen XiuUnlike the opulence and fanfare of Revelry Hall, Nimbus Tower rests quietly in a secluded corner—elegant, serene, and beloved by poets and scholars.
- The Splendor of Revelry HallQi Wuyu, You LezhiVelvet Shade is famed for the Twelve Floral Vistas. Some argue that each has its own unique charm, yet many claim Revelry Hall reigns supreme: where…
- Romance of the Flourishing TangZhuo Yulin, Guo JinrongThe origins of Velvet Shade lie in Guangling of Jiangnan. Its founder remains shrouded in mystery, though legends speak of her as the sworn sister of…
- Stop at Masked TroupeYe Zhiqiu, Xu LijunThough both known for music and dance, the Masked Troupe values refined artistry and inner discipline, shunning all vulgar excess. Disciples are…
- Guests from All DirectionsQi Qin, Zhong YingVelvet Shade's dances are celebrated throughout the realm, drawing visitors to Kaifeng simply to behold their magnificence with their own eyes.
- The Signboard of Revelry HallJi Shuiyun, Shao ShanThe plaque hanging in the heart of Revelry Hall reads, "Moonlit Blossoms in the Spring Breeze," penned by none other than The Shimmer of South…
- The Solitary Pavilion of Revelry HallShe Bo, Li MuyuOn the third floor of Revelry Hall lies its most lavish private room—Solitaire Suite. The name alludes to the peony reigning among flowers, a blossom…
- Vigilance Garden IImmortal TreeAfter the Khitans destroyed the Baifang District, a single ancient tree remained. Most of it withered and scorched, yet one branch sprouted anew…
- Vigilance Garden IIWan GuangmingIn the newly renamed Vigilance Garden stands a ruin called Withered Chess Tower. One of its walls is covered in poetry, verse left by countless…
- Vigilance Garden IIIVigilance Garden Stone TabletThirteen years ago, in the Dingwei year, during a time of chaos, the Khitan army invaded Kaifeng, unleashing fire and slaughter. The people rose to…
- Incomparable TavernYi ShuyunAs suspected, the Incomparable Tavern conceals secrets of its own. Yi Shuyun of Lone Cloud has uncovered traces of a hidden space, and the shop owner…
- Secret RecipesThirteenth Lady Wu, Twelfth Lady WuThere's something odd about the menu at the Incomparable Tavern, that all the dishes follow a pattern of location, grade, and food type. One recent…
- The Phantom Thief of the NightYan ShuangerThe famed thief Yan Shuang'er reportedly broke into the Imperial Suite of the Office of Martial and Virtue, claiming it held a priceless artifact…
- Desires AlignedThirteenth Lady Wu, Straw-Hat WandererThirteenth Lady Wu of the Incomparable Tavern caught wind that the Nine Mortal Ways and Velvet Shade are secretly working together to wrest an item…
- Hopewell AcademyScratch Marks on the GroundThe yellow earth is etched with crooked characters, snatches of Thousand-Character Classic, Nine Chapters on the Mathematical Art, and more. Paper is…
- Demolition CompensationDyerThe court demolished the old West Market to build the Imperial Artisan Court. Every household was given silver as compensation. Yet during last…
- Artifacts BureausChai FangTwo years ago, during renovations of the Zheng family estate in West Market, workers unearthed a hidden chamber filled with treasures buried a…
- The Zheng Clan of Xingyang IJing YuThe Zheng family estate once stood here, a branch of the prominent Yingyang Zheng clan. Today, the Imperial Works Bureau and Curio Office both sit…
- The Zheng Clan of Xingyang IIShao QingA century ago, the Zheng family matriarch passed away. Her funeral was grand, her tomb built southwest of Kaifeng. Rumor had it she was buried with…
- The Zheng Clan of Xingyang IIIDou YueIn the eighth month of the third year of Qianfu, rebel king Wang Xianzhi stormed Henan, capturing eight counties in ten days. The news drove the…
- Heirs of the Zheng Clan IOld Account BookIn the first year of Qianyou, Zheng Lin commissioned a Tang-style saber from the old blacksmith in West Market. He named the blade "Judgment".
- Heirs of the Zheng Clan IIZheng Lin's NoteIn the fourth year of Kaiyun, when the Khitan invaded, Zheng Lin was rescued by a girl barely in her teens. She never made it off the battlefield.
- Heirs of the Zheng Clan IIIForging NotesIn the third year of Qianyou, Zheng Lin traveled north to Qinghe and was never heard from again. The once-proud second branch of the Zheng family…
- Tales from the West Market ILu JingzongThe teahouse owner in Linhe Lane has run his shop for decades. He still remembers two customers who once swapped parcels by accident. One was the…
- Tales from the West Market IILu XiYoung Lu Xi from the teahouse once said he'd heard the tale: thirty years ago, a pregnant woman was knocked down by a thief near the Zheng estate. It…
- Tales from the West Market IIIMadam YuanMany in West Market know the story of Ding Pu. His wife died giving birth to their daughter, Ding Mu'er. But at the funeral, someone unexpected…
- Tomb Raider IGrave RobberA grave robber's journal notes that a branch of the Zheng clan lies buried just outside Kaifeng. Thirty years ago, an infamous "Tomb Raider" stirred…
- Tomb Raider IIConstableThat robbery of the Zheng family graves thirty years ago caused quite a scandal. The thief had terrible luck, he broke into the tomb only to bump…
- Tomb Raider IIIZheng ZhonglinThirty years ago, just near the Zheng estate, a pregnant woman was struck by a man, who was the suspect that robbed the Zheng family graves…
- Theft with No Trace ILe MingLong before the Nine Mortal Ways was founded, Kaifeng's God of Gambling was already acquainted with Dao Lord Zhu Yousheng. Much stolen loot passed…
- Theft with No Trace IITai XuanThirty years ago, a tomb robbery rocked Kaifeng. The culprit desecrated the Zheng family graves. Rumor says the God of Gambling once bought a fine…
- Theft with No Trace IIIHe ZhiWest Market records note a curious case: the God of Gambling was once arrested in West Market. But the contraband was a pile of children's toys.
- Xie ZhiWei ZhengCarved into the shadow wall outside Kaifeng Prefecture is the image of a "Xiezhi", the mythical beast of justice. It's said that during a…
- Appealing to Heaven for JusticeShi ShouyiIn front of the Kaifeng Prefectural Court stood the Drum of Heavenly Vindication, said to have been installed by order of Emperor Shizong in the…
- The Magistrate May ProceedCourt RunnerThe rear gate of Kaifeng Prefecture is reserved only for the Governor and the Emperor. None may pass but those two. In the martial world, it's called…
- Ghost Bride I - Embroidered ShoesWang Chengjin, Zhao GuWord on the Jianghu is that a bride died unjustly after being betrayed by her husband. Her ghost now haunts the coroner's hall, leaving behind a pair…
- Ghost Bride II - Murdered WifeBigeye Zhao, Wang AnningA male prisoner wails endlessly in his cell. Listen closely, and you'll learn that the wife he murdered has inexplicably returned to life. Yet he…
- Ghost Bride III - The InformantLin ZhiyuanConstable Lin was punished with three months of floor-sweeping for failing to solve a case. To swap corpses within the prefecture, someone inside…
- Evil Shall Not PrevailCourt RunnerThe Governor's residence lies in an uncanny spot. Flanked by the prison on the west and the morgue on the east. Folk say this is a Fengshui setup…
- Kaifeng Imperial ExamLiang ShengshuTeachers from Hopewell Academy and Tongwen Academy have petitioned to use the Hanlin Hall to host mock exams for child scholars. Citywide, students…
- The Blabber and the IronmouthIronmouth Wang, Beggar FangTwo of Kaifeng's most infamous orators make their name through sharp tongues. "Blabber" flays his targets with endless jabs, while "Ironmouth" is…
- First Torch PassedWen ZijingClaiming themselves to be the orthodoxy of letters, Inkbound Order does not serve the imperial court directly. Instead, they take upon themselves the…
- Professor BacktrackLiu ZhiranLiu Zhiran of the Inkbound Order is famed for his vast knowledge and mastery of the classics. But his lectures are so dry that students often fall…
- Bald-Brush Strategy OfficerSu BuInkbound Order Disciple Su Bu hails from Kuaiji in Wuyue. His family has a long tradition of legal scribes. From a young age, he penned flawless…
- The Office of Six ForbiddensZhang Dayuan, Ma SanRumor has it Kaifeng Prefecture employs six eccentric agents from the martial world to handle strange and difficult cases. They are: – Liu Baiyu…
- Hard to Heal the HeartXing'er, Yue'erMrs. Wang of the Wang estate has recently developed a mysterious illness. None of the city's physicians can help. She claims that only An Hanli of…
- A Golden Needle's GraceChen ZhaoyuDoctor Liang Conglu of the Imperial Medical Academy is renowned for his "Golden Needle Method," a technique for treating inner injuries among martial…
- Silverberry Everywhere IIICheng Miao, LianxinThe Zhuyu Soup consumed by commoners outside the city was once the costly Ginseng–Lotus Renewal Decoction of Silver Needle. During the Khitan…
- Imperial Medical AcademyLiang CongluThe Imperial Medical Academy oversees the healers of the realm, headed by an Imperial Steward and staffed with imperial physicians. Once, common folk…
- Silverberry Everywhere IForsythiaThe Zhu Yu Pavilion is said to have been built by Emperor Shizong himself, in commemoration of Zhu Yu's heroic healing. Dogwoods are planted by the…
- LovesickAn Ziliang, Wang LiuyueMrs. Wang from the city's northern district fell ill. None could treat her, only Doctor An Ziliang from Imperial Medical Academy can treat this…
- Ailment of the HeartTian YunniangSquireling Wang, a wealthy merchant in Kaifeng, is arrogant and reckless, but fiercely filial. Since his mother was diagnosed with a heart condition…
- Turbulent TimesForeign envoys have arrived to pay respects to the Song court. The Ceremonial Bureau and Zhao Pu are overseeing the banquet, but tensions between…
- All Creatures Great and SmallRumor has it that a folk vigilante team known as "Birds Beasts Bugs and Fish" roams Prosperity Haven, helping those in need. Many hope they'll step…
- Trouble at the InnTrouble's been brewing in Tranquil Haven. Just days ago, another foreign merchant vanished from the Eastern Fence Court.
- Mysteries Foreign MerchantOddly, the merchant's companions filed no report, as if they'd rather keep the matter quiet.
- Exploiting the ChaosWord is the missing merchant was no merchant at all, but a spy. He'd come to steal Kaifeng's defense blueprints while the civil and military factions…
- Unexpected DisasterA blacksmith from the Armaments Bureau believes the disappearance of their genius technician is caused by the ongoing Civil and Martial Strife.
- Armaments Bureau in PerilThe Armaments Bureau has already reported the missing engineer to Kaifeng Prefecture, but no leads have surfaced.
- Shadows of the AssassinZhao Pu and the civil officials suspect that the assassin who attacked him recently was trained as a soldier, and that military men in the Personnel…
- The Craftsman's SecretChen Shu has been missing for days. His close friend He Panshan is deeply worried.
- Reach for the StarsYears ago, a master thief known as Star Stealer rose to fame. With unmatched agility and a righteous heart, he stole from the rich and gave to the…
- Canglang SwordRumor has it Star Stealer recently reappeared inside Zhao Pu's estate, just days after the manual of Canglang Sword was stolen. Wherever he goes, the…
- Civil and Martial StrifeSince the "Wine and Saber" incident, civil officials have risen, while generals have lost their power. The rift between the two has only deepened.
- Silverberry Everywhere IIYiming TowerFrom the Yiming Pavilion of the Imperial Medical Academy hangs an aged folding fan. Upon it is painted a landscape, faint bloodstains and the…
- Whispers Beneath the WillowsGossip WillowThe Willow of Admonition was planted, it is said, by Emperor Shizong alongside Elder Changle of Inkbound Order, meant as a symbol that scholars must…
- The Ghostlight Market Grain RouteGhostlight Market guests say that coins dropped by ghosts can buy grain here. Desperate for food, many try their luck despite the risks.
- The Story Lives On, So Do the SwordsmanOne Leaf, One LifeThey say the Undying Hero has returned to Kaifeng. Yet fifteen years ago, the hero was a red-sleeved maiden, and now, though the face has changed…
- Eight-Sect BanquetZhang Ximei and Jin LiziA major event for the Nine Mortal Ways, where disciples gather to showcase their con artist skills. The Ember of East, Zheng E, Murong Yuan, and the…
- Cheaters' Stare-DownYe Xin and Weng JiayingThe Nine Mortal Ways doesn't scam its own. That's based on a strict rule: conning a fellow disciple demands a tax, and failed scams bring penalties—a…
- Promote Our Rat MajestyZhao LurenDuring the war against the Khitans, the Nine Mortal Ways was mocked as sewer rats. Zhu Yousheng embraced it. Rats are tough, so he adopted the rat as…
- Zhu Hai and Hou YingJian FengThe Nine Mortal Ways founders Zhu and Hou once lived among commoners in Liang. After Zhu killed a Wei general, Hou gave him a city map for escape…
- Little Fu's Milk BottleMilk BottleLittle Fu has always loved drinking milk. She heard from Xue Chou that children need to drink milk to grow tall.
- Training GroundsHan XuNine Mortal Ways disciples train martial arts here, often tested by elders. Survival in the jianghu demands sharp words and strong fists. Here…
- Calling a Cat a MouseLu MaoEveryone knows cats catch mice, but mice can also use themselves as bait to trap the cat. When cats catch mice and mice catch cats, who can really…
- Two childrenZhang Yan and Jiao XinSixteen years ago, during the chaos in Kaifeng, Hong Si kidnapped two children from the Nine Mortal Ways base.
- Lifesaving BenefactorZhao XiangnanYears ago, when the Khitans drove deep into Kaifeng in pursuit of the Nine Mortal Ways, Li Xia gave his life to protect them. With his dying breath…
- Mei Liang's True PurposeFang GuochunThe author of The Nine Mortal Ways Guide to Wealth, "Mei Liang," is actually A'xin under a pseudonym. The book urges disciples to open their minds…
- Unbound & WorriedSong WenNine Mortal Ways disciples repeatedly slipped into the Unbound Cavern to free women and children from the human markets. Stealing prey from a tiger…
- "Poison" of Spectral SoldiersXie Ao and Li YingIn 946, when the Khitans seized Kaifeng, Hong led forces underground to exterminate the hidden people. Trapped, Zhu and his men entered the toxic…
Jadewood Court · 50
Jadewood Court unites might and grace — from the fortified Martial Temple by Jinming Pool to the vast Imperial Gardens blooming with pavilions and spring flowers. Each year, scholars and townsfolk gather here to witness the imperial…
- The AstrologerXing XuanA self-proclaimed master astrologer recently appeared at the Spring Market, quickly drawing the attention of curious young women.
- A Tangled Crowd IWang DacaiWonton stall owner Wang Dacai has had quite the headache. Recently, odd customers have shown up asking not for food, but for grain transport…
- A Tangled Crowd IIChen ShengOfficial Chen Sheng has been sternly briefing the guards escorting grain. Word is that several enemy spies were caught hiding among the springtime…
- Expanding the Constructions IWang DazhuangWorkers at Yiqiu Gate are hauling materials day and night, mostly for the Imperial Mausoleum. But overheard chatter suggests the materials are…
- Expanding the Constructions IISun DaluThe city is drowning in building supplies. Laborers work around the clock, claiming it's all for the Imperial Mausoleum.
- Warship Diagram ILiu HuaiA merchant with a Shu accent has been snooping around, asking for warship blueprints. He also mentioned being sent to investigate the Song navy.
- Civil Over SwordWen YuNow that the Emperor favors scholars over warriors, many swordsmen have laid down their blades to take up the brush. Yet the disciples of Inkbound…
- Jade Grove BanquetZheng QianThe emperor was to host newly minted graduates in the Imperial Garden. But before the banquet even began, vendors at the Mountain Fair were already…
- Annual Tribute from JiangnanXu RanAt the Mountain Fair, a man named Xu Ran praised the Imperial Garden's beauty, comparing it to Jiangnan. But when asked if he'd ever been south, he…
- Warship Diagram IIMo WuBroadsword Chen, who runs the fish sashimi stall, seems to have a hidden past. Recently, he intercepted blueprints from a master artisan, and now…
- Ban on Private MilitiasTea Stall OwnerOfficials across Kaifeng are now cracking down on the mercenary case. Any who possess weapons without sanction have had them confiscated.
- Delayed Rations ICaptain WuAfter years of delay, the workers' long-overdue wages may finally be paid thanks to a former general who stepped in to help.
- Iron Shipment IIIGong JiangIron goods traded secretly across Jianghu are said to come from stockpiles hoarded by soldiers themselves.
- Overrun with PeopleTian MeiniangArtisans summoned to the capital for Imperial Garden construction have packed the inns of West Kaifeng to the brim.
- Delayed Rations IIDou YiThe long-overdue wages for the artisans were only partially paid. The sum scraped together by the general without an army still fell short of…
- Iron Shipment IIZhang ZhanqiThe hilltop where the Martial Temple now stands is rumored to be the very place where "iron goods" began leaking into the black market.
- The Mo TraitorWang ZhiGeneral Murong Yuan was once a disciple of the Mohist Hill. Her defection broke not just the bond with her master, but also the sect's core tenet of…
- Pottery OrderLi ErbaoEarthen jars sealed with shale oil are highly flammable, and are now critical supplies stored at Jinming Pool. Strangely, Murong Yuan has ordered far…
- An Unholy ProphecyWu SanSince the day the Martial Temple was completed, a tale has circulated: "God of Killing heeds the call, filling up the arsenal."
- Color MarketXiuA bustling marketplace has sprung up around the Masterwood Hamlet, all sorts of rare good are up on the shelf. Painters and artisans flock here to…
- Iron Shipment ILi WeiNear the Masterwood Hamlet, a curious category of contraband known as "iron goods" is being traded in whispers. Accepted only in secret, every…
- Jinghu MinesRuan AluOre sold at the color market has plummeted in price. Word has it that the turmoil in Jinghu forced the mine owners to dump their stock cheap.
- Martial Temple PigmentsDong DanqingMaster painter Dong Danqing treasures a special pigment blend, made solely for murals in the Martial Temple. But there are no murals on the walls…
- Tribute GoodsShi DahaiAmong the tribute from Shu came not just peculiar trinkets, but a sizable load of grain, silver, and gold.
- Tribute from ShuNiu WuRecently, many Shu cargo ships have moored at Petalfall Crossing, carrying their tribute upstream.
- Foreign ArtisansQin DaliKaifeng has become a gathering point for artisans from all corners of the realm.
- Mysterious Horse MerchantQuan YirenOutside the tavern stands a strange horse merchant. If you don't answer his riddles correctly, he won't sell you a horse.
- Diverting the WaterwayZhang YuThis canal draws water from Kaifeng and feeds into Pipa Chasm. According to the workers, it's far wider than any standard irrigation channel.
- Round-the-Clock DredgingBig LinShifts change daily, but the digging never stops. Day or night, the canal workers keep at their work.
- The Sacred TreeElder QinIn the middle section of the old canal stands a banyan tree, its roots now exposed. But soon, it must be uprooted despite being a sacred tree to…
- Farmland in RuinMi NongFarmers once planted wheat in this area. After the land was seized for canal work, they were relocated east where the fields have since been plagued…
- ZiplineZhang ChunhuaThe construction of the flying ropeway at Pipa Chasm has halted. Commoners now have to take the long mountain path to reach the Imperial Garden.
- The Sacred Martial TempleFang QingThe Martial Temple enshrines the great generals of the past. To honor them, the Song court has stationed elite guards here year-round.
- Strange Tales of the Martial TempleLiu HaiVisitors report strange happenings at the temple. Though the building is complete, security remains unusually tight, especially around the Wucheng…
- Secrets of the GeneralsChen XuAfter the "Wine and Saber" incident, many founding generals resigned or claimed illness to retire. Yet soldiers say these same men often visit the…
- The Private-Forged Armory CaseSu DuThe Office of Martial and Virtue recently received word from an informant. It claims that Shi Shouxin, under cover of temple construction, has been…
- An Unholy ProphecyRen HuaijinThe Martial Temple holds an old prophecy: "God of Killing heeds the call, filling up the arsenal." They say whoever finds the missing God of Killing…
- Nighttime DisturbanceBai KaoEvery midnight, mercenaries are seen transporting goods into and out of the Martial Temple. But with the temple finished, what are they delivering?
- Imperial GardenWu ErbaiOnce restricted to royals and officials only, the Imperial Garden is now open for the springtime pleasure of the commoners.
- Echos of the Archery HallZhang BuliuThe Archery Hall once served as a military training ground. Now, rumor has it, new weapons are being developed within its walls.
- Banquet HallWu YouA banquet hall once planned for construction was instead seized by disciples of Velvet Shade.
- Meeting at the Martial TempleAccording to Martial Temple workers, ever since military power was stripped by the Wine and Saber edict, General Shi and other retired generals have…
- The Mechanical BirdBai LianIn Jadewood Court, someone spotted a massive mechanical bird soaring through the sky, no one knows who built it.
- The Drunken Old ManLiu NiuerBeneath the Dreamfall Cliff, an old drunkard displays startling martial prowess. Even trained soldiers struggle to match him. Perhaps he's worth a…
- Crackdown on MercenariesFeng SandaoFeigning a search for a lost sachet, Feng Sandao turned out to be a disguised inspector of the Office of Martial and Virtue. The case of General…
- The General Who Never Shows His FaceWang DajiuAccording to intel from Jinming Pool, General Murong, commander of the navy, has not been seen in quite some time.
- Statue Commission at the Martial TempleLu BuzhiThe stone grotto carved beneath the Martial Temple is its annex. The central statue is Jiang Taigong, God of War. But among the "Ten Martial Sages,"…
- Seeking the Dragon VeinLi LiThe mountain strata of Kaifeng are uneven in hardness, which is why a lot of scattered trial caves remain in the mountains. Some say they were used…
- The Oar Strike on the Great ShipHuThe stone quarried for Buddha statues was originally meant for paddle locks at Jinming Pool. Once the shipworks finished, the leftover slabs were put…
- Mozi TabletZhu Liu'er, Wang San'erOnce revered, the Great Master of Mohist's tablet was discarded like trash. The ideals of "universal love and non-aggression" is yet to be fulfilled…
Roaring Sands · 81
Roaring Sands lie to the north of Kaifeng by the Yellow River. This area is home to eerie oddities and endless legends. On Ethereal Mountain, the prophecy of the "Purple Star Calamity" has long circulated; in the valleys of Fishwood River…
- Star Ascension RiteA mysterious noble recently ascended to Jianlong Temple, commissioning a Daoist ritual known as the "Star Ascension Rite." Few have seen the noble's…
- Northern Dipper ScriptureThe Star Ascension Rite calls for chanting of the Beidou Scripture. The Seven Stars of the North are believed to govern fate and calamity alike…
- Talisman WaterA wandering Daoist from Jiangnan named Master Tan is said to be able to treat any illness with talisman water. But some claim they've seen him…
- FaithlessYears of war have driven even the skeptical to temples. One small prayer might mean the world.
- WishRumor has it that tossing coins into the spring beneath Jianlong Temple grants wishes. The Daoists, however, are plagued by headaches thanks to coins…
- The Vanished Xuanyuan CultDaoxian claims that at midnight, strange figures from the Xuanyuan Cult appeared in the Hall of Three Purities. Yet when several senior brothers…
- The Uses of the Golden PillAlchemical pills are said to prolong life, though many Daoists have blown up their cauldrons trying. Explosions aside, some say the blasts might…
- Xuanyuan's Evil TrailXuanyuan Cult members have been seen near Jianlong Temple, likely drawn by the nobleman's visit.
- The Missing Prince of JinA young noble known as Jin Zhongyuan went missing after ascending the mountain with Ma Shao. Clad in white, he vanished without a trace.
- The Daoist DescendsDuring the flood two years ago, a number of Daoists descended from the mountain to quell the chaos. But man is no match for heaven's wrath, some now…
- A Heart for LearningA peasant by dawn, a courtier by dusk. All have a heart for learning. As schools grow and learning spreads, even the gatekeepers of Kaifeng yearn for…
- The Idle GentlemanLady Wang of the Fu family often dreams of her husband wounded on the northern front. She only hopes her son will give up his dreams of sword and…
- Scholars ExcludedZhang Cuo, head of the Jade Serpent Hall, keeps his manor closed to most, but welcomes scholars. According to anonymous Jianghu folk, he's working…
- Lost and Forgotten TomesIt is believed in the Jianghu that Zhang Cuo is assembling a team to recover a lost martial manual once lost to the Yellow River. But it turns out…
- A Son to Be Proud OfMerchant Xu Tang once watched lines of scholars parade across the roads between Kaifeng and Luoyang, he sighed, "This is how one should raise their…
- Traces of XuanyuanDaolingRecently, many robed Xuanyuan Cult disciples have been seen slipping through the forests of Ethereal Mountain. Their purpose remains unknown.
- The Seven Swords of TaiqingHu LuniangFifteen years ago, when the Khitan invaded, the Seven Swords of Taiqing were sent down from the mountains. Some had a healing touch, others struck…
- Vermilion-Stained Red SleevesMadam ZhangIt is said that the Zhang clan of Roaring Sands deceived innocents for years. Their reign ended when Zhu Yu of Silver Needle intervened, slaying…
- An Old Friend in This PlaceLiang MengjinYears ago, four young boys ventured into the Abandoned Zhang Manor. One in green turned out to be the last scion of the Zhang family. What he sought…
- A Hollow Hard to FillShen Zhu'erThe repairs to the Huzi Dike have drained resources. Bloodscale Hall's coffers are nearly empty, and the dam is far from complete.
- The Pawned DowryDu Lian, Tian JianTo fund the fifty thousand emergency sandbags, Bloodscale Hall's leader Feng Ruzhi pawned away her own dowry, a gift from her late parents.
- The Noble MissJia YuwangOnce the young lady of the Dragon Hall, she stood tall after the split, keeping Bloodscale Hall alive and earning the people's love.
- QueShi LiuSparrow, a Mohist Hill disciple, oversees engineering on the Huzi Dike and the Gonggong Crane.
- Tracing Chief ZhuCrabbyTwo years ago, the Dragon Hall leader Zhu Yu perished near the Huzi Dike.
- Gathering BonesOld DingTwo years ago, there was a great flood. Many commoners perished in the disaster, bodies floated through Fishwood River. Now that the waters have…
- Strange SoundCui JieLately, strange sounds echos from Fishwood River. Some call it the Dragon's Cry. Rumor has it there's treasure hidden beneath the water, drawing…
- Ocean Treasure TokenYe WeilanLegend has it that the River Master possesses a relic known as the Ocean Treasure Token. Said to have crushed the Khitan army fifteen years ago, it…
- When the Roof Breaks, It RainsHalf-Finger ImmortalStorytellers speak of the River Master's fate, afflicted by Kanlıca Hypha, stalked by betrayal, plagued by floods. Just like the saying: When it…
- River Master?Hua TuanAccording to the storytellers, the River Master shifts form at will: warrior, healer, fan-dancer, axe-wielder... Could such a person truly exist?
- StorytellerGai XiaozhiOutside Fishwood River at Drunken Bowls, a street speaker called "Half-Finger Immortal" regales listeners with River Master tales. Yet nearby, a…
- Riversong TheaterLu Sheng, Yin YaoniangRiversong Theater is Kaifeng's Fair Grounds pleasure house. Patrons watch performances from flower-decked boats, an experience unlike any other.
- The Cracked-Gong GuanyinSu Da'anThe Cracked-Gong Guanyin is Riversong Theater's star act, famed for her haunting voice and fluid grace. She appears rarely, always with Bloodscale…
- Bloodscale HallWang Daqian, Ling Yidao, Pan Bu'anRough laborers lingering around Riversong Theater are former Bloodscale Hall thugs, now eking out a living. Word is, the young lady of Bloodscale…
- Fragrant GardenFeng LanxiangA nobleman, admiring The Cracked-Gong Guanyin, once came to Riversong Theater only to miss her performance. In her absence, he bought out an entire…
- Dog CompanionsQu'erThanks to the kindness of the guesthouse owner, Riversong Theater's little tune acts found shelter. Thanks to Guanyin's fame, the hall found its…
- The Shi SistersShi CunqingThe Shi sisters, once bookshop owners in the city, fell on hard times after Lord Shi came and collected all the Tang coins. Thanks to The…
- ParodyYue Xiaonu, Fan TasselRumor has it that Riversong Theater drew inspiration from the famed Revelry Hall. A local villager, seeing the profits, staged their own shows, not…
- A Martial FramePei Yuan'erThe performers of Riversong Theater are surprisingly agile. Less like trained actors, more like martial artists raised in the Jianghu.
- The Red and Green GhostsSang XiaoshiGhosts and spirits, real or imagined? Some children swear they saw a red and green ghost leap into a well on a moonless, windy night, but no adult…
- One Life, One PriceLing Quan, Wen YuanThe principle of One Life, One Price has long stood as the foundation of Silver Needle. Yet how that promise is fulfilled lies in each healer's…
- Silverberry SoupMadam WangThe silverberry soup was first brewed during Zhu Yu's defense against the Khitan fifteen years ago. It was sharp and bracing, can revive the mind. It…
- The Khitan TongueTian ErxiaoLi Jiutian, a local thug of the Unbound Cavern, reportedly picked a fight over his crush on Pan Xinniang. As a Kaifeng native, he somehow speaks…
- The Oriole BehindJia SancaiQuiet by day, certain men of the Jianghu linger by walls at night, eavesdropping. Listen closely and you'll catch a Khitan accent. Some say they're…
- Khitan Secret TreasureMo XiaomiAfter Zhu Yu repelled the Khitan at Verdant Hill Village, she hid their treasure there. Today, it's become legend.
- Return of the River Master IImperial SoldierIn the teahouse north of the city, Luo Xiaoxiang the tea master claims the River Master is returning. Is this true intel from Bloodscale Hall, or…
- Woman in BlackFeng YanA woman in black once stared out at Jinming Pool and called it Taotie, a gluttonous, insatiable beast. She said that one day, it wouldn't stop at…
- Military Granary TownFan Fan, Hu MuWansheng Town, a key hub on the Bian River, is under Jade Serpent Hall's control. With the Song court gearing up for war, the town thrives by…
- All for NothingYu XianThe townsfolk of Wansheng, led by Jade Serpent Hall, are "voluntarily" working overtime. Their pay hasn't changed, but at least they're not out of a…
- QueMo ShuiluThe master engineer "Que" of Dragon Hall is a top disciple of Mohist Hill. She crafted every hydromechanism in the Dragon Hall. Since the split…
- Brothers of the Four SeasWang Qingsheng, Zhang ErgouAmong the refugees who joined Jade Serpent Hall were many with nowhere else to turn. But under Dragon Hall's old rules, all who join, noble or…
- The Bowed Pride of Jade Serpent HallZhang Sheng, Wang YidaoWansheng Town owes its prosperity to Jade Serpent Hall's decision to bow to the Song court. Though Dragon Hall once clashed with the court, letting…
- Return of the River Master IILi Baihui"North of the Yellow River, south of Yanyun, where Song ends and Khitan begins." A message from Raging Tides hints at the River Master's northward…
- Fiery SoupZhang DaliangWhat Dragon Hall members miss the most is a hot bowl of pepper soup. They say the River Master's fish stew inspired the perfect recipe, it was the…
- The Noble Going Up the MountainLi Liu'er, Ding JiA mysterious noble recently visited Ethereal Mountain in secret. No one knows the reason, but it may relate to the recent trouble stirred by the…
- The Curious HyphaLi Minzhi, Sun ShenghaoIn the wilds east of the city, a strange hypha has appeared. Touch it, and you'll be struck with cold fever.
- The Bridal CoffinBoredom WanA coffin, meant to be plain and quiet, was lacquered bright red as if for a wedding. Inside lies a swordswoman of the Zhang clan, returning from…
- Nameless TombBoredom WanAn unmarked grave, honoring those forgotten by history. Some say it holds a fallen warrior, others claim a defiant descendant of the Yanyun legacy…
- NightmareA'jiAt night, A'ji is haunted by dreams—visions of the Khitan invasion, smoke clouding the sky, and a homeland forever lost behind the flames.
- Spy from the NorthYan XiaoliuA secret report from Kaifeng Prefecture suggests a northern spy has arrived. Some in the Jianghu believe the man is none other than the elusive River…
- The Postmaster's White HorseAn SuojiThe station steward of Baima Station, Wan Shixiu, once rode a fine steed named Lingxue—white as snow, swift as wind. Ever since returning from…
- The Heavy CoffinWang SanshuiJust days ago, local boatmen hauled an unusually heavy coffin, twice the weight of a man.
- Orphan of YannanA'nianA'ji and A'nian hail from the Yannan. Eight years ago, Wan Shixiu rescued them and brought them to Baima Station. A'ji was so young and barely…
- Booming BusinessBai Kong'erAccording to Bai Kong'er, a coin-stamper at the Baima Station, recent business has been booming thanks to chaos stirring in Khitan lands.
- Seven Sufferings - Labor for PenniesShopkeeper HuoOne of the Seven Sufferings of Heavenfall Crossing. Need cheap labor? Head to Heavenfall Crossing Crossing. Strong-backed, humble, and…
- Seven Sufferings - Wine and WoeWine LadyOne of the Seven Sufferings of Heavenfall. Watered-down wine sells best. One coin per jug, clearly priced. But who knows if you're tasting wine in…
- Seven Sufferings - Rise of a Salted FishMadam FishOne of the Seven Sufferings of Heavenfall Crossing. The stinkiest salted fish sells the fastest. It's just one-fifth the normal price. Some say its…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Legend of the River MasterGrannie Pan, HuziLong ago, humanity settled the Yellow River's fertile banks, believing in their own hands over any god's mercy. The heavens grew jealous. Rain…
- Seven Sufferings - Self-Made BitternessCao XieCao Xie of the Nine Mortal Ways found profit deceiving the wealthy and earning silver in Well of Heaven. He once intended to roam the jianghu, but…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Nuo Dance MaskElder NuoThe Dragon Hall Code: all members must wear Nuo Dance Masks. Green for Serpent, red for Dragon. Outsiders may not wear them, unless considered a true…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Little Wooden EagleCui XiaolianGeneral Murong of Jinming Pool once built the mighty Quintadent Warship. Her symbol is a wooden eagle. Strangely, one just turned up in Lady Que's…
- Seven Sufferings - No Place to StandMadam A'guoTwo years ago, disaster struck Sister Guo's family. Her husband perished, and she lost the ability to stand. A'cai and Guo'er now shoulder the world…
- Seven Sufferings - Calamity and ChaosLi Ya, Li Ge'erThe flood two years ago, many say it's the real reason Heavenfall now lies in ruin. But locals believe that behind the disaster, there was more than…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - The Beggar God of WealthBeggar Zhang, Beggar HuEven the beggars of Kaifeng, flush with a few dozen coins, love to stroll through Heavenfall Crossing. Playing the part of a rich man, worshipped…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Highway RobberyUncle ShuiIn the northeast of Heavenfall Crossing, bandits roam unchecked. They are former members of the Dragon Hall, now leaderless after Chief Zhu's death…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Dung King JinbaoShi JinquanThe Nine Mortal Ways guards four "Golden Treasures," said to descend from the Warring States hero Zhu Hai. It's said whoever gets them will truly…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Perfumed Red SleevesHuang DalangThe Red Sleeve Special was once known for its fine brews, crafted by its shopkeeper, Madam Hong Sanniang. Merchants praised it as a place of…
- Dragon Hall Mysterious Tales - Mercy of PorridgeJiang XiongTo get through hard times, the Bloodscale Hall of Heavenfall now hosts communal meals, at least everyone can still get a spoonful of thin porridge.
- Seven Sufferings - Jobless at Thirty-FiveWang ShunziIn Kaifeng, many shops hire only laborers under thirty-five.
- Business ProdigySomeone in Verdant Hill Village held a public martial arts contest for marriage. Crowds gathered to watch, and even the rarely sold silverberry soup…
- Short on HandsLü LangTo supply Jinming Pool with grain, the Jade Serpent Hall has been hiring hands across the city.
- No Man's LandSu MingHeavenfall has changed drastically in just two short years. No one knows what became of its Dragon Hall chiefs, Feng Yi and Zhu Yu.
Granary of Plenty · 69
The Granary of Plenty rests in southeast Kaifeng, its golden fields a promise against hunger. South, silent granaries and ridges hold old stories; north, mist hides villages and tombs. Past the main street, wine, laughter, and wandering…
- Cheng'en Grain StoreWith grain from Plainfield, shipping via Harborlink Crossing and the court backing it up, Cheng'en Grain Store has rapidly grown into the largest…
- Rising Wheat PricesThanks to government grain levies, famine in Jiangnan, and poor harvests in Plainfield. Cheng'en's wheat prices continue to soar, burdening merchants…
- Cheap Grain from the Black MarketOne of Cheng'en's dockhands claims that when strapped for cash, you might try the black market where Plainfield's finest wheat sometimes sells for a…
- Mill OwnerHe Yuexing, head of the Milling Guild, seems to share a long-buried grudge with folks from Gracetown. Though he wishes to let the past go, some old…
- Official Petition by Chang PingshiIn response to the famine down south in Jiangnan, Shen Yilun, Master of Grain, proposed lending military stocks of grain to the people, but the court…
- Surging Rice PricesWhile wheat prices climb steadily, the cost of rice in Wheatwind Bazaar has skyrocketed. It now sells more than double the price due to tightened…
- The Assassination Attempt on Chang PingshiShen Yilun, the Master of Grain, after submitting his grain-loan proposal, was ambushed while returning from Jiangnan. He now recovers at Autumn Dusk…
- Zheng Clan of KaifengZheng You'an, who sells fried pancakes in Wheatwind Bazaar, is indeed descended from the prestigious Kaifeng Zheng clan, one of the Five Great…
- The Smallest Patrol and Inspection AgencyThe Patrol and Inspection Agency outside Kaifeng's South Gate is the smallest of the eight outer agencies. With poor pay and little perks, most…
- The Flower Girl of Willow PavilionWillow Pavilion beyond the gate is a favorite spot for farewells. There, flower sellers gather to offer their blooms to passing travelers.
- The Donkey Cart TradeAt Harborlink Crossing, the donkey cart business is chaotic and overpriced, most of it run by silver-tongued middlemen. First-time visitors to…
- The Second Innkeeper of Harborlink CrossingThe Harborlink Crossing ferry inn is run by two sisters. The younger sister, Lu Yufang, brews fragrant herbal drinks and is known for her grace and…
- The Innkeeper of Harborlink CrossingThe elder sister, Lu Guifang, makes a mean bowl of he'le noodles. Warm-hearted and spirited, she's endured famine and widowhood with unshakable…
- Southern FamineIn the third year of Jianlong, famine ravaged Huainan. Starvation spread across Yang, Ci, and other southern provinces.
- Dread Beneath a Bountiful YearOn the far side of the mountain, strange blight has struck the fields. Though Gracetown enjoys a good harvest this year, some villagers fear the…
- Seeking a HusbandWang Lingyue's two older brothers are looking to arrange her marriage. They've taken a liking to Zhang Xukang, but he seems to have landed himself in…
- A Midnight TrystChen Tiezhu had been sneaking out lately until his wife caught him. Now he's been locked down for several nights, though someone's apparently been…
- The DrifterVillage Chief Xie has been away often in recent years, mostly visiting Sorrowfield Village, or sitting alone at the mountain pavilion. Just recently…
- Stories to Quiet the ChildrenChief Xie loves telling bedtime stories to his youngest daughter. His tales always end well, these are stories about justice served, mistakes…
- Autumn Festival DayWith the Autumn Rites approaching, the Harvest Shrine in Gracetown is bustling. Many villagers are pitching in for the celebrations.
- Sworn BrothersMayor Xie Yuanting and the Grudge Blade's boss He Yuezhi were once sworn brothers. But something happened between them, and they eventually went…
- Abandoned Wife and DaughterFearing food shortages, some villagers have begun suggesting they abandon the elderly and infirm to save supplies. It's not the first time Gracetown…
- Change of Village ChiefGracetown once had a different village chief, a man named He. For reasons long buried, the villagers drove him out. But since then, he's been waiting…
- Bad Guy at the Village GateLately, some shady figures have been spotted near Gracetown. The adults seem to know something about it and have told the children to stay away…
- Master of GrainWord is that the current Master of Grain is originally from Gracetown. But many here seem to hold a grudge against him.
- Returning the LandChief Xie seems intent on returning some land to the people of Sorrowfield Village, but the proposal has stirred resentment from both sides.
- The BoatmanMost of the boatmen at Harborlink Crossing hail from Roaring Sands. But conflict within the Dragon Hall has split them into two rival factions.
- Linjin's Green BannerThe Green Banner faction is led by the You brothers. The elder, You Haomiao, is mild-mannered, while the younger, You Haobo, is a firebrand…
- Linjin's Red BannerThe Red Banner faction follows Wang Haizhou. Though You Haobo's harassment and price-cutting have made their life hard, many still endure it out of…
- Master of the Cargo AgencyLiu Feihu, who manages the Linjin Cargo Agency, comes from Gracetown. He longs for a simple, peaceful life like that of his brother and…
- Cheng'en Cargo AgencyHarborlink Crossing is jointly run by the court and Gracetown, and most of the cargo here is grain. Naturally, the management of the crossing along…
- Hairpin Split, Mirror ShatteredA few years ago, Miss Zhou Lijuan, daughter of a wealthy Kaifeng household, fell in love at first sight with Li Meng of Gracetown. The two married in…
- Storm's RespiteEleventh Lady Chu, owner of Clearsky Pavilion, is known in the Jianghu as "Pause in the Pour." No matter how loud the storm one brings, step into her…
- Relic of the Mistveil ForestRumors swirl around the Mistveil Forest, said to conceal a treasure capable of granting immunity to poison, reviving the dead, even bestowing…
- Secrets of the TeahouseThose seeking treasure in the Mistveil Forest often stop at the teahouse in Crosswind Bazaar to gather intel. What truth they find, or whether it's…
- Treasure Hunt RecruitmentThe bulletin board in Crosswind Bazaar is covered in treasure-hunting recruitments for the forest. Half are likely fake. Those hoping to find real…
- Jianghu Blade TrialsHeartless, who runs the weapons shop in Crosswind Bazaar, and his infamous brother Steady Eyes of Ghostlight Market, are a pair feared across the…
- Fencing the TreasureRong Zhishui, the frail-looking owner of the Treasure Hall in Crosswind Bazaar, has an eye for value and a ruthless streak. They say he's tight with…
- The Real and Fake ChangxingThe vendors near the Treasure Hall are master storytellers. But their wares? Ten fakes for one genuine item, and no refunds.
- A Debt of GratitudeAfter a pricing conflict on the medicinal herbs, the Lin brothers opened two rival medicine shops on opposite ends of the bazaar. Locals call them…
- For the People's GoodCharitable Pharmacy is overseen by physician Wang Congyun from the Imperial Medical Academy. With fair pricing and honest care, the bureau has earned…
- People's Aid and ProsperityBehind the Charitable Pharmacy lies Anji Hospital, a modest facility for treating the poor and gravely ill. Its physicians hold to the belief that…
- Miracle Medicine of ApricotThe Bureau of Harmonized Remedies sources its top-grade rehmannia, yam, and chrysanthemum from Apricot Village up north, renowned for quality and…
- A Remedy for the MassesWang Guangyou, chief physician of the bureau, reviews every prescription with care—especially the complicated ones. To him, every case is more than a…
- Clinic's Monthly TrialsPhysicians at both bureaus must pass monthly exams set by the Imperial Medical Academy. Come exam season, the back garden library burns with lantern…
- Peaceful WishesBefore the plague that even the most gifted healers could not fully cure, Zhai Xu, disciple of Silver Needle and chief physician of the Imperial…
- Taiping AcademyApricot Village's Taiping Academy is a charitable school run by Zhai Xu of the Imperial Medical Academy. Here, any child with the will to learn can…
- The Herbal OverseerZhai Chun is the steward of the Apricot Village's herb-prep workshop. She's earned widespread respect for stepping up in disasters, but few remember…
- Keeper of the ApothecaryZhai Qiu, in charge of the Pharmacy, is bold and brash by nature. Her heart still longs for the Jianghu. But for the sake of kin and home, she paused…
- Preparing RehmanniaApricot Village's steamed and sun-dried rehmannia goes through a nine-fold process, renowned in both the capital and the Jianghu for its superior…
- Apricot Village's Former GroundsEast of the Apricot Village once stood the original settlement, now known as the Mercy Hall. Eight years ago, an epidemic forced the villagers to…
- Silver Needle PactIt was through the aid of Silver Needle healers that the villagers of Apricot Village survived and settled. In gratitude, Fu Ling and Fu Xuan…
- The Kanlıca Hypha SourceThe disease of Dawn-to-Dusk Bloom traces back to the notorious poison doctor Sun Buqi, long reviled for his experiments with Sleeping Puppets.
- Propagation of Fresh Poria CocosSince last year, under Song Yu and Zhai Xu's guidance, Apricot Village has begun cultivating fuling based on the propagation technique recorded in…
- Frost LaborersMany laborers from Frostgate Crossing have crossed half of Kaifeng to help the Apricot Village villagers sow crops, hoping to earn their daily bread.
- Seizing the PlantationWhen the Yellow River receded, it left rich soil north of Apricot Village. Zhai Li led the villagers in growing fruit and melons there, and their…
- Dredged Mud FertilizerIn Jiangnan, dredging river mud for fertilizer was once common practice. With Zhai Xu's research into the Silver Needle Notes, Apricot Village…
- Silver Needle Medicine PlantingThe rehmannia seedlings and planting techniques of Apricot Village trace back to Silver Needle. With the healers' guidance, the villagers now…
- The Six-Ailment MysteryThe disaster that struck the Mercy Hall during the flood night two years ago remains a mystery. Since then, ruins have been occupied by Jianghu…
- Finding Another WaySome villagers, plagued by strange crop diseases, are now seeking new futures. Their plans seem tied to old chapters in Gracetown's history.
- Grain Levy for War FundsTo raise war funds, the Zhao court handed over the fertile Plainfield to the people of Gracetown Village, disregarding the blood feud from twelve…
- Old Tales, Old NamesWang BingjieLiu Feibao and his wife are deeply in love, but he never mentions his former name in her presence.
- Bond of MarriageZhang TiemengBack in the day, Zhang Tiemeng won over Chen Tongrou's heart by weaving her flower crowns. Years later, the habit remains.
- Selling Grain, Selling SoulsSun YueSun Yue, with nothing left to eat at home, began to consider selling her daughter.
- Veiled MaliceZhong MoZhong Mo suspects that villagers from Gracetown sabotaged their fields, and now repeats his theory to anyone who'll listen.
- Lazy Since BirthZhou YueZhou Xi is the village layabout, known far and wide for his laziness. His younger brother, Zhou Yue, is oddly tolerant of him, a fact Zhang Jiqiang…
- No Where to Find KinZhao XiaokaiThe Zhao brothers traveled to Kaifeng in search of their kin, Zhao Ya, after a family death. But Zhao Ya has vanished, and Zhao Xiaokai fears the…
- Hard to Smile TodaySun XiaoxiaoTurmoil from the forced coin collection in Kaifeng has driven many to seek life elsewhere. Shops shuttered, homes abandoned.
- Blessed by the LandGranny YangGrannie Yang brought offerings to the Earth God, her household's finest foods. She believes that in times of famine, the gods must be honored with…