Read Chapter 29: — LIN ZUO’S DEBT

Lin returned to Zhenjiang in early autumn.

Not for an investigation.

For once, no one was under arrest.

He visited the riverbank where Tang Xiao had died.

The landscape had shifted over the years. Floods had eaten part of the bank. New willows grew where the old tree had stood.

Lin placed a small flask of wine on the ground.

“I found him,” he said.

The river answered with water against reeds.

“I was late. Ten years late.”

He smiled faintly.

“He is nothing like you.”

A pause.

“That is probably good.”

For years Lin had believed he owed his master two things: revenge and protection of the lost son.

Yagyu was dead.

Tang Zheng was alive.

The debt should have felt paid.

Instead, Lin understood that love between teacher and student was not an account that could ever be balanced.

Tang Xiao had saved him when he was a starving orphan.

Lin had spent half his life trying to repay the act.

But perhaps the only repayment that mattered was repetition.

Find someone.

Teach them.

Protect them when you can.

Let them become themselves.

Behind him came footsteps.

Tang Zheng stopped at a respectful distance.

Lin did not turn.

“You followed me?”

“No. I am coincidentally walking through an isolated riverbank carrying two cups.”

Lin sighed.

“Come here.”

They drank together.