The Sword Dancer by Jeanne Lin Page A

pinched as if smelling something funny. She had a way with words. He fit the description perfectly.
    ‘I am here regarding the theft of a shipment of jade.’
    ‘Well?’ His tone was haughty. ‘What of it?’
    ‘General Wang Shizhen has apprehended one of the thieves.’
    At the mention of the warlord, Cai Yun’s eyes widened with alarm. He glanced fearfully towards the salt agent before rising and pulling Han aside so they could speak privately.
    ‘What does he want?’ Cai Yun asked through his teeth.
    Han kept his tone neutral. ‘The general still seeks the jade.’
    ‘Tell him—’ He stopped himself, lowering his voice just above a whisper. ‘Tell him we will need more time.’
    Cai Yun must have assumed Han was sent by the general. Though Cai Yun said very little, Han assessed his mannerisms. The man’s superior manner had disappeared and tension gathered along his jaw as they spoke.
    ‘Wang Shizhen is not a patient man. Your master should know that,’ Han ventured.
    ‘He’ll get nothing more out of threatening us,’ Cai Yun retorted. ‘Or interfering with our business here.’
    ‘There is one other matter.’ He hadn’t forgotten Li Feng. ‘A jade pendant engraved with a phoenix was recovered. There was speculation as to whether it was part of the shipment.’
    Cai Yun stared at him incredulously. ‘I have no recollection of what was in that chest,’ he said impatiently. ‘Do as you see fit. Find the thieves and save us some trouble.’
    Han bowed in farewell and stepped back. Cai Yun returned to the official and they resumed their conversation in much quieter tones, casting Han a few disparaging glances as he retreated back to the village.
    His gamble had paid off. He now knew that Cai Yun was working for someone else. Han also had the impression that his master must be a man of some influence. As a servant, Cai Yun carried himself with the arrogance of someone who was used to being obeyed; someone who had a protector powerful enough to stand up to the warlord Wang Shizhen.
    * * *
    ‘We have a cat!’
    Li Feng decided she had ‘rested’ enough and finally made it down from the loft to be met by the little boy at the bottom of the stairs. He was an irresistible creature, mostly head with eyes that took up most of his face. His hair was gathered into a little knot over the top of his head and he stared up at her expectantly.
    ‘He catches mice,’ he announced, when she didn’t respond.
    ‘He must be a very good cat,’ she said.
    The boy continued to stare at her, unblinking and utterly fascinated, until his mother called for him. He ran through the dining room on wobbly legs that carried more intention than co-ordination.
    The tavern was relatively empty this late in the morning. A group of elderly men sat in the corner, drinking tea and talking of this and that. There were several workmen moving about, carrying sacks and baskets into the kitchen.
    The tavern keeper’s wife came to Li Feng from across the room. The boy promptly wrapped his arms around his mother’s knee as soon as she stopped. He peered out at Li Feng from his position of safety.
    ‘Little Sister, you should be lying down.’
    ‘I feel much better. Thought it would be good to get some air.’
    In truth, her stomach fluttered with anxiety, wondering what Han had found out.
    ‘It’s almost time for the mid-day meal. We’ll eat together.’ She was already heading for the kitchen, making it impossible to refuse. ‘My name is Yiyi.’
    ‘Li Feng.’
    ‘That’s a grand name for you. You’re so tall.’
    At some point, little Ping transferred his allegiance over to Li Feng, tottering along at her heels as she trailed after Yiyi. The smaller woman slipped through the curtain that divided the kitchen from the main room and Li Feng followed her.
    The smell of hot oil and spices assailed her. The kitchen was a bustle of activity in contrast to the quietness of the dining room. There was a large stove with several pots on