Night of the Broken Gliph

Lam Chun raised his thin eyebrows at Chui Yim. He didn’t look fierce, yet this simple action enveloped the room with pressure. The eunuch fell to his knees, trembling. 

Chui Yim was a bright boy who seemed boorish because he spent too much time studying. He didn’t make it obvious, but when Chor Huet Zhin passed away, Kan Hang’s presence had deciphered many mysteries for him. 

Chui Yim started investigating Kan Hang and discovered his identity as the previous Emperor Lam’s shadow, which helped him discover Princess Ming Sum and many other secrets. However, Chui Yim didn’t intend to meet Ming Sum. She probably has a carefree life in the palace. Today’s invitation allowed Chui Yim to see Lam Ming Sum’s living environment and learn more about her father.

He had seen Lam Chun during the funeral, but since Lam Chun summoned him purposefully, Chui Yim decided to officially meet his best friend’s father.  

“You’re not afraid of me?”  

Chui Yim’s odd response piqued Lam Chun’s interest. He waved his hands, signalling the eunuch to leave. 

“It depends on who’s speaking to me. I’d be extremely afraid if it’s the Lam dynasty’s emperor.” Despite Chui Yim’s words, he was as unfazed as before. “But why should I be afraid if you are speaking as my best friend’s father?” 

“Good. Indeed Sir Chor’s descendant.” Lam Chun nodded in satisfaction. “The reason I called for you today isn’t just to look at the successor that Sir Chor decided on, but also to look at the first person Zaa gave his crown prince badge to.” 

“And you’re indeed special.” Lam Chun waved his hands, inviting Chui Yim to sit.  

Since they made themselves clear, Chui Yim didn’t treat Lam Chun like an emperor. He sat down casually and asked, “What’s the crown prince badge?” 

This made Lam Chun even more curious. He simply took it as a child being fearless due to their lack of knowledge and age. “Holding a crown prince badge represents one's relation to the current crown prince. He or she will become a core member of the next generation's Lam Dynasty. 

“Of the current grand chancellor, Chui Yi, and my four generals, most received the badge from me in the past. You are the first person Zaa gave his crown prince badge to,” Lam Chun said, standing up with his hands folded behind him as he looked out the window. 

“I value Sir Chor a lot. His knowledge and strength were indispensable for the Lam Dynasty. I’d like to know his successor better. Moreover, calling you into the palace will make anyone eyeing your special quota wary. It’s a way for me to pay back Sir Chor, at least partially for his contributions to the empire.”  

Chui Yim was left speechless.  

“How’s Lam Ming?” He spoke after some time.  

“Ming Sum’s doing well. She broke through her innate chamber a while back, successfully becoming a gliphist.”  

“That’s great.” With that, Chui Yim stood up, bidding Lam Chun goodbye.  

He left the Evergreen Palace soon after.  

Chui Yim was still childish after all. He was never good at mind games and politics in his past life, and things were the same even now. Lam Chun summoning him seemed simple, but that alone held many hidden meanings. Chui Yim had to admit that Lam Chun was helping him whether he liked it or not.  

Currently, he was too weak. Even with the Tse and Chor Clan backing him, many figures could still crush him easily. He needed to rely on Lam Chun’s power before he broke through or gained the ability to defend himself.  

“So everything goes back to my lack of strength?” Chui Yim looked up at the skies as he walked alone under the moonlight. “Such a complicated world.”  

“Brother Chin Kee…” Lam Ming Sum called out, but then stopped subconsciously when she saw how focused he was. She followed his line of sight as he looked ahead. 

The scene that appeared made her hold her breath. In front of Kam Chin Kee was a block of wood half a person’s height! 

Kam Chin Kee rapidly worked on the wooden block, wood splintering all over the place. His movements were so rapid that a tiny tornado formed as he moved. The wooden splinters seemed to have a life of their own, congealing together to form a tiny dust devil that swirled around. 

After some time, Kam Chin Kee finally stopped. The wooden dust devil vanished, but Lam Ming Sum couldn’t tear her eyes away from the final product. 

He had carved a tiger.  

Both the tiger’s front paws were raised, its hind legs braced against the ground like it was about to pounce. Lam Ming Sum’s heart skipped a beat; it was an extremely realistic visage of a hungry, predatory tiger staring at its prey. 

How is it possible to carve such a realistic tiger?   

“Oh, Ming Sum?” Only now did Kam Chin Kee notice Lam Ming Sum. “How is the tiger? Good?”

“More than that…” Lam Ming Sum mumbled. “This is the largest work of yours that I’ve seen.” 

Kam Chin Kee smiled on hearing her as if something had come to mind. “I need to earn more to deal with that money grubber.” 

Chui Yim did not return to his residence. He was feeling moody, so he decided to take a stroll around South Imperial City, which sparkled under the moonlight.  

Since it was the imperial city, it was still brightly lit even late at night. Chui Yim spotted countless sexily dressed beauties, throwing passing men flirty looks. He only glanced at them before ignoring them, continuing to his destination.

South Imperial City was huge, but coming on Lam Zaa’s carriage had saved him a lot of time.. But now, he had to leave on foot.  

He was a heavy eater; besides lunch, he didn’t have time for dinner because he had visited the palace. Thus, after looking around, Chui Yim chose a restaurant which seemed to have a long history and went in. 

An energetic voice greeted him instantly. “Welcome!”

It startled Chui Yim; it was rare to see such an energetic waiter. 

“Table for one? Dining in?”  

“Yes. Table for one.” Chui Yim nodded.  

“Okay, please follow me.” The energetic waiter led Chui Yim upstairs with a smile to a single seat next to the window. “Sir, you can see the beautiful scenery of South Imperial City at night from here!”

“Thank you. A few side dishes and a bottle of wine.” The waiter’s manner put a smile on Chui Yim’s face.  

“Wine? Can you really drink, sir…” The waiter hesitated.  

 His reaction didn’t bother Chui Yim, who placed a few silver taels on the table with a smile. “Just bring me some.” 

“Alright! Give me a moment!” The waiter laughed and went to work, leaving the money on the table.