Dear Elder Brother, Lately, Chang'an is rife with gossip and mockery, all saying that a disciple of the Maske…
Dear Elder Brother,
Lately, Chang'an is rife with gossip and mockery, all saying that a disciple of the Masked Troupe came to his end in a common brawl with street ruffians. Even our own records note your passing as "death in a street fight."
You lived your whole life with straightforward honor, and yet now you are left to be misread and sneered at by all. Though I know the truth of your staged death, I cannot rid my heart of the grief and indignation it has left there. You did what you did to recover the treasure taken away by the Prince of Wuwei, and you did it to save the world from ruin.
My illness grows heavier by the day, and I feel myself fading. In the idle fears that come with sickness, I find myself thinking: if you should one day return and find both the Master and me already gone, who will be left to speak for you and clear your name? I ask that you keep this letter, Elder Brother. Should the day come when you need it, let these words stand in my place and bear witness to your loyal heart.
I pray you keep well and take care.