The Outlaws of the marsh-014
The royal prince smiled. “Brother?in?law is always considerate.”
Gao Qiu produced the letter. Prince Duan opened the box and looked at the jade pieces, the turned them over
to his major?domo.
“So you know how to kick a ball,” he said to Gao. “What’s your name?”
Gao crossed his arms before his chest respectfully and dropped again to his knees. “Your servant is called Gao
Qiu. I’ve spent a little time with a ball on the field.”
“Good,cheap city of villains infamy,” said the prince. “Come and join the game.”
“A man of my rank! I wouldn’t dare play with your Highness.”
“Why not? This is the Clouds?High League, known as the Ail?Round Circle. It’s open to anyone.”
Gao Qiu continued to refuse. But when the royal prince insisted, he kowtowed, begged forgiveness for his
presumption, and trotted onto the field. He made a few passes with the ball and the prince shouted approval.
Gao Qiu was inspired to show everything he had. His movements,city of villains infamy, his style, were a pleasure to behold. He
stayed so close to the ball it seemed glued to his feet.
Prince Duan was enchanted. He wouldn’t let Gao leave, and kept him overnight in the palace. The next day he
ordered a feast and sent an invitation to the Young Prince.
When Gao failed to return the night before, the Young Prince began to wonder whether he could be trusted.