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absence and anything Min, Tsa, and Ko can do. I can only hope this journey will be useful: that will depend on how the regions sort out their dynastic bickering.”
    “Which has been the case for decades, and no solution has come, as witness the new dynasty in Chang’an,” said Ro-shei with a hint of disgust in his voice. “Whatever the result, you will find a way to accommodate it, or we will leave for the far west again.”
    “We should have to travel fairly soon, in any case,” said Zangi-Ragozh. “I know I will be watched on this journey, and I do not want to give any ruler cause to be dissatisfied with me. Besides, I have not made enough gold for an extended trip, and I’ll have to do that before we return to Europe. Even with the jewels, it would be safer to make more gold. It is accepted everywhere, by everyone,” said Zangi-Ragozh. A sudden oath from one of the servants loading the wagons intruded, and Zangi-Ragozh went to the window to watch them work, remarking, “They’re not usually so careless.” When he was satisfied that all was well, he went on, “Tell me what you would rather do: travel or remain.”
    Ro-shei shrugged. “I assumed that was settled: I will do either, abiding by your decision, whatever it may be. I am prepared to travel in a little while, but I can also stay here, as suits you best.”
    “You humble me, and you may remind me of that on the road,” said Zangi-Ragozh, his voice quietly sincere. “Well,” he went on a short while later, “it is a relief to know Dei-Na has a home of her own to go to now. I would not have wanted to leave her here without some provision for her.”
    “She could have remained in this house,” Ro-shei pointed out. “There is no reason to set her up away from here, is there?”
    “This house—indeed this whole compound and my trading business—is subject to seizure by the Prefecture as the property of a foreigner; the edict was handed down from the Vermilion Brush itself, last year, and it is still in effect in spite of changes. That would be a poor gift to Dei-Na—to leave her with nothing if someone in power should decide to confiscate my holdings.” Zangi-Ragozh shook his head. “No. Better that she has something entirely her own that cannot be taken from her.”
    “Do you miss her?” Ro-shei asked, fairly certain he knew the answer.
    “Of course. She may not have wanted to know me as I am, but she never refused me her dreams, and for that I am deeply grateful,” said Zangi-Ragozh, a certain distance in his eyes.
    “You could have made her willing to have more,” said Ro-shei quietly.
    “Perhaps,” said Zangi-Ragozh. “But then I remembered Nicoris, and I was acquiescent, accepting Dei-Na in the manner she preferred. I would not like to lose another of my blood, especially not by her own hand. Nicoris’ True Death is enough to bear.” He looked down at his handsome display of jade figures. “I may take the lions with me.”
    “Do you want me to find boxes for them?”
    “No. I’ll have Jho do it.” He reached for a small Byzantine bell and rang it. “If you would like to do something for me before we depart, distribute New Year money to the staff for me. I do not want to provide any excuse for complaint.” He shifted to the dialect of the region. “This way, the servants will not say I ignore their customs.”
    Ro-shei spoke in Chinese as well. “Do you have the envelopes prepared, or should I find red paper to make some?”
    “They are ready to be handed out. In the second drawer of my writing table,” Zangi-Ragozh said, pointing. “Thank you for doing this, old friend. You are always a great asset for—” A discreet tap on the inner door claimed his attention. “Come in.”
    Jho Chieh-Jen slid the door open. “The wagons will be ready shortly,” he announced. “How much grain do you want the stablehands to load?”
    “Two medium barrels,” said Zangi-Ragozh. “And a small barrel of oil, as well. Sheh will