The conversation between Tu Liong and Hiong-ki was tense, with Hiong-ki repeatedly pointing out the errors in Tu Liong's perspective.
Tu Liong was visibly upset by this. He retorted, "Hiong-ki! If you think even the concept of gratitude is wrong, then I want to argue this with you."
"No need to argue; let me explain..." Hiong-ki took a sip of wine, seemingly using the moment to collect his thoughts.
"Tu Liong, your current obsession with repaying debts is making you act blindly, like a buffalo led by its nose. In this world, there are far more significant matters than gratitude."
"What are those?" Tu Liong asked.
"Truth and wisdom," Hiong-ki replied.
"Truth and wisdom?" Tu Liong had heard these terms before.
"Exactly. Gratitude is a narrow definition, while truth is broad and limitless. No matter how great your debt, it should not lead you to disregard your own life or honor. True truth knows no bounds."
"Hiong-ki, your explanation is profound."
"You feel this way because your eyes are veiled by the concept of gratitude," Hiong-ki replied.
Tu Liong was stunned, as if hearing distant echoes.
"Hiong-ki, are you saying all my actions so far have been wrong?" Tu Liong queried.
"Why do you think that?" Hiong-ki had not directly addressed a question before.
"It seems evident from your words," Tu Liong replied.
"Do you consider yourself a good person?" Hiong-ki asked.
"Yes," Tu Liong affirmed.
"Then do you hate evil people?"
"Of course."
"Cu Siau-thian held a grudge against Tiat Liong-san. With his notable martial skills and extensive connections, he incited influential figures against him. Would you say such actions are those of a good person or a malicious one?"
Tu Liong remained silent, lowering his head.
Seeing this, Hiong-ki did not relent. "You already know the answer in your heart. Why don't you just say it?"
Tu Liong drank a large cup of wine and finally declared loudly, "Inciting against Tiat Liong-san is indeed the act of a villain."
"You say your master is wicked, yet you defend him fiercely. Why do you see him as the most important person in your life?"
"Because, to me, he is a good person, regardless of how others view him."
"If a thief robbed everyone but spared you, would you still see him as a bandit? And if he gave you his loot, would you see him as a hero?"
Hiong-ki's words pierced Tu Liong's heart, leaving him speechless.
After a pause, Hiong-ki spoke gently, "Tu Liong, people have different views. An action might seem brutal to one but noble to another. But we can't label the first person as good and the second as evil."
Tu Liong, tired of the complex argument, decided to change the topic. "Hiong-ki, let's get back to our main discussion."
"Cu Siau-thian wronged Tiat Liong-san, correct?"
"That's right."
"Thiat-yan is Tiat Liong-san's only daughter, correct?"
"Correct."
"Avenging a father is significant, so why do you say Thiat-yan won't harm Cu Taiya?"
Here, Tu Liong felt he had the upper hand. He waited for Hiong-ki to be caught off guard.
But Hiong-ki laughed. "Why are you laughing?"
"My words are contradictory, an obvious mistake. Do you think I'd make such a foolish error?"
"You always answer a question with a question. Why not answer directly?" Tu Liong asked.
"Reversing a question helps consider the answer," Hiong-ki explained.
"Helps whom?"
"Both of us," Hiong-ki replied softly.
"But I still await your answer," Tu Liong insisted.
"There is something that might answer you—a letter." Hiong-ki produced an old envelope. "For brother Tan-ping," it read.
"Tan-ping? Boh Tan-ping?"
"Read the letter," Hiong-ki urged.
Tu Liong read: "Dear Brother Tan-ping, follow the plan precisely, act ruthlessly. Remember! Signed, Siau Tian."
"Cu Siau-thian!" Tu Liong recognized the handwriting immediately.
"Tu Liong, Cu Siau-thian and Boh Tan-ping are close. Did you not consider this?"
"I remember you praised Boh Tan-ping's loyalty. He was once loyal to Tiat Liong-san, now to Thiat-yan. But this letter shows his loyalty to Cu Siau-thian. One person cannot truly serve multiple masters."
"Your point makes sense, but you don't understand the full story," Hiong-ki responded.
"Loyalty is essential for a warrior. Loyal to a master, loyal to friends. Boh Tan-ping once swore brotherhood with Cu Siau-thian. Their loyalty is that of friends. As long as it doesn't concern Tiat Liong-san, he'd do anything."
"But now?" Tu Liong pressed.
"Now?" Hiong-ki seemed puzzled.
"Thiat-yan and Cu Siau-thian are enemies. Where does Boh Tan-ping stand?"
"Of course, with Thiat-yan," Tu Liong asserted confidently.
"Your certainty seems rash," Hiong-ki cautioned.
"Do you think he sides with Cu Siau-thian?"
"Why not share your thoughts?" Hiong-ki prodded.
"Do you doubt my sincerity?" Tu Liong asked.
"Perhaps you aren't being entirely open," Hiong-ki suggested.
"Oh? Can you enlighten me?" Tu Liong questioned.
"You said Thiat-yan will never harm Cu Siau-thian, meaning she might never find a way to do so. Boh Tan-ping reports all her actions to Cu Siau-thian, right?"
"Right. Tu Liong, you should investigate yourself. It's more beneficial than me telling you."
"So, Boh Tan-ping isn't truly loyal."
"On the surface, maybe," Hiong-ki admitted.
"He has been Cu Siau-thian's eyes and ears," Tu Liong concluded.
Hiong-ki neither confirmed nor denied this.
"Why didn't Cu Taiya tell me all this?" Tu Liong wondered aloud.
"The answer is simple. Cu Siau-thian doesn't fully trust you yet," Hiong-ki informed him.
Tu Liong drank deeply, then asked, "May I take this letter?"
"No. It's evidence. Remember, you mustn't reveal any of this to Cu Siau-thian."
"And if I do?"
"You might die," Hiong-ki warned.
"Then let me die," Tu Liong said, moving to leave.
Hiong-ki blocked his path. "What do you mean?"
"I've been loyal to Cu Siau-thian, yet he doesn't trust me. What point is there in living?"
"You are a grown man. Dying for truth and justice is noble, but dying over gratitude and emotion is foolish. You understand that," Hiong-ki counseled.
Tu Liong looked at Hiong-ki for a long time before speaking, "Hiong-ki, I'm glad to have a friend like you. I liked you the moment I saw you, not just because you helped me."
Glossary:
- Tiat Liong-san: A character in the story, possibly a martial arts master or leader.
- Thiat-yan: Tiat Liong-san's daughter.
- Cu Siau-thian: A character with a grudge against Tiat Liong-san.
- Boh Tan-ping: A character noted for his loyalty.
- Hiong-ki: A character who engages in a philosophical discussion with Tu Liong.
- Tu Liong: The protagonist engaged in the conversation.