homing pigeon

The next morning, Big Head promptly returned my call, asking if I missed him. With a clear conscience, I mentioned some good things and invited him over. He inquired if I had a change of heart, suggesting a comprehensive experience. I assured him of a diverse array of delights, including ice and fire, urging him to come quickly. Big Head mentioned having some matters at hand but promised to come over after finishing them.

While browsing through my contacts, I hesitated momentarily before finding Lao Wan's number. We didn't have much acquaintance, especially since leaving Zhenling Platform; our contact had been minimal. Seeking help from him felt a bit awkward, but considering the current situation of Longshan Pavilion, I gritted my teeth and made the call.

Lao Wan, skilled in interpersonal dealings, answered my call without revealing any awkwardness or surprise. After exchanging polite greetings, he took the initiative to inquire, "Second Master, do you have some matters to discuss? We consider each other 'friends through life and death,' so feel free to speak."

Given this opening, maintaining a semblance of face, I didn't feign indifference. I replied, "Indeed, there are matters."

I didn't conceal anything, narrating the current situation of Longshan Pavilion to him, avoiding unnecessary details. Lao Wan listened quietly, and after I finished, he remained silent without giving a definitive response. In the midst of my inner turmoil, Lao Wan slowly spoke on the phone, "In fact, I've long heard about the current situation of Longshan Pavilion. I won't conceal it from you; even here in Changsha, there are eyes observing the situation in the capital. A lone tree cannot make a forest, and the antique business requires more than clinging to old ways. They say our Changsha gang is united, but that was before the founding of the nation. Nowadays, unity is hard to come by. Behind the scenes, there have been many backstage bosses and outsiders exchanging glances for a long time. It's just an unspoken understanding among us."

Lao Wan touched upon various aspects in his words. I couldn't say much, and if not for his age, I might have addressed him as "father." Thanking him, I hung up the phone, lying on the bed contemplating the future of Longshan Pavilion. This was a critical juncture for the pavilion, a chance for a turnaround. Without Hansheng, the skilled subordinates might not be as obedient. Attending Zhao Jindou's feast was necessary, a crucial opportunity to change our fortunes.

Chatting with Lao Wan had added another layer of complexity to my already burdened mind. My father and Second Master's affairs were like intertwined threads, making my life precarious. I sent a text message to Big Head, asking him to visit the shop soon, and after that, I tried to get some rest. However, sleep eluded me as the weight of responsibilities pressed upon me.

The next day, after being called for lunch by Nanbei, I headed towards the backyard. Passing through the moon gate, I noticed a lad carrying two large white plastic buckets. Intrigued, I stopped him and inquired. He explained that these were formulas left by Second Master for mixing coarse grains, not for pets but for pigeons. Second Master had been raising pigeons for many years, entrusting him with their care. Curiosity piqued, I asked him to take me to see the pigeons.

As we traversed the inner courtyard and passed through the screen wall, we reached a corner with a substantial wooden frame holding two rows of pigeon cages. There were at least twenty pigeons inside.

Observing them closely, I noted their robust build and the faint circular markings on their leg joints. The lad informed me that these pigeons weighed between 400 to 600 grams for males and 350 to 500 grams for females. He maintained their weights meticulously as per Second Master's instructions. I nodded, surprised by the well-trained pigeons.

Curious about their release routine, I asked the lad. He pointed to a set of cages on the left, explaining that, following Second Master's habit, two cages were released separately. The first cage, unfed the day before, was released, and when it returned the next day, the second cage was set free. The pigeons displayed remarkable foraging abilities, returning only after satiating their hunger.

The revelation struck me – these were not ordinary pigeons; they were well-trained homing pigeons. I realized that Second Master used this ancient form of communication. Despite the advanced technology available, I hadn't considered the possibility of someone using such an outdated method.

I inquired about the last time Second Master personally tended to the pigeons, and the lad mentioned it was around April. After that, Second Master...

I patted the lad's shoulder, telling him to continue caring for the pigeons. We fed the pigeons together, and as I observed the faint ring-shaped marks on their leg joints, it dawned on me that these pigeons were likely used for communication. My mind raced, considering the identities of those in contact with Second Master.

As I pondered whether to initiate contact with them, I received a visit from Xue Dongqing. He handed me a key, mentioning that Lao He had instructed him to pass it on to me. Surprised by the promptness, I examined the new but antiquated tooth-patterned key. I immediately checked the flights to Hami, confirming that there were morning flights in the next few days. Without any urgent matters, I booked a ticket for the day after tomorrow.

With minimal leads on hand, I couldn't afford to overlook any potential clues. This key, which I sensed could lead to unexpected results, fueled my anticipation.