It is good that you can handle paperwork on your own. As we are now in cooperation, I shall point out any mistakes within these documents. This contingency plan, for instance. I do not believe my name should be under the column labeled 'Pending Repair'?

Those who wish to stop the fighting may wield weapons, but their hearts are filled with kindness. Only dunces who adore conflict would see this as an empty threat… Unskilled in battle? Haha, no, no. Rather, it is an unwillingness to fight. Non-aggression first requires a capacity for aggression. In times of need, this crossbow shall reveal its full might.

It was no easy task bringing this war to a peaceful end. But the things the people of Yan must consider are far from over. How shall the annals about this war be written? How shall that one weiqi stone be judged…? Alas, all the myriad tales of this land had to first be scribed and sung by the people who lived through them.

Doctor, that Nian girl has come to find me in a rush, no doubt to continue our discussion on the remodeling plan, so I shall have to excuse myself. Hmm? That's not why? She just needs one more mahjong player? Feh, smiths should be focused on their craft, on hammering and smelting techniques. Imagine indulging in such wanton pleasures—I shall have to give her a good talking to.

That is the girl who barred ten thousand men with a single sword that day? Not bad. She possesses backbone most chivalrous. She asks for no more than 'justice', but that is such a heavy word, heavier than thirty thousand catties… Though her principles be high, in the end, she shall suffer for them.

Reading about the history of Yan? This book's usage of words such as 'campaign' or 'suppression' is of some interest. I am weary of violence, but I do not completely reject it. Fending off bandits, defending one's home, toppling tyrants, castigating the wicked… Such battles are unavoidable. What I tire of is the unjust war.

The younglings of your Engineering Department oft flee to my workshop when they are idle. It is good that they are so eager to learn, but so many components they discard after only one or two uses. Such wastefulness must be disciplined. What? It's junk? Says who? Allow me to provide them a demonstration!

To peer at the mounts, rivers, lakes, and ponds, and learn of all natural laws they hold… That was the creed of that old carpenter. 'Tis a pity people only remember his wondrous mechanisms, and not his desire to create a better world. Even his apprentices and disciples have become the way they are now. One's intentions can easily change, for the human heart is but a thread of silk. One cannot be inattentive.

Take this burr puzzle. I simply cannot figure out this toy myself… It should be no problem for a dexterous crafter? Haha, the more you ponder its trick, the more agitated your heart grows, until eventually, you forget even the most basic, simplest solutions. Which is why I say no need to overthink it.

Falling into a dream? The hungry must be fed, the cold must be clothed, the weary must be given rest… This Rhodes Island… At times, it truly does resemble an age of peace.

It is my pleasure to finally meet you. I am Ju, a craftsman. We have met before? Haha, perhaps you have met with my creations. Or perhaps, it is simply two lovers of truth recognizing one another.

Skillful use of arms to douse a fire. Beautiful. Precise.

Those with ability are commended. Rhodes Island's ways are proper.

How do you treat those different from you? Rhodes Island's answer has given me much to chew upon. Ahem… My prior frankness was due to candor and determination. Though the world may change, my heart does not. You are much the same.

This battlefield… Just like before.

Listen to me: use defense for offense, use stillness against movement.

With blades drawn, stride forward, you noble hearts.

String your bows, nock your arrows. Harm not those repentant.

With faultless reasoning comes your duty's perfection.

Neither great victory nor great defeat is the way of truth.

All my eyes see are they who seek the unreachable, milling in confusion…

Hold fast to a corner, thus aggressing without attacking.

With fell of swoop, remove all absurdity.

With flash of thought, extinguish all suffering.

With shift of step, separate all falsity.

To insist upon violence is… improper.

A victory of words, effortless yet bloodless. Very good.

A victory with few deaths can comfort the heart.

Though your foe remains, do not chase them like mad beasts.

I shall use other means to defend us. You retreat first.

Cleanliness and neatness are good. If you were to dismantle this couch, you shall save yourself much hassle.

Is aught the matter?

Take care not to startle the fowlbeasts on my shoulder.

Arknights.

I am uninterested in careful consideration of elaborate displays. 'Tis a rare holiday, so this cannon in my hand can prove its worth today! See its radiance, the power of its shock! Hoho, there is no opportunity on normal days to act so rashly. Still just standing there? Not lively enough for you? The next round shall be yours, then.

Shall we discuss whatever ingenious ideas you have?

This thing they call time is too difficult for me to perceive. Perhaps the day of your birth can be used as a different sort of marker along this long journey… Is this what you eat on a marker day? Ahem. Though I often speak of being economical, today is different. Let us have Little Carpenter fetch you a couple of Ding Feng Lou's best dishes!

Dedication to truth is not easy, to walk righteously is especially hard, but what you do, so unlike ordinary folk, is difficult beyond measure. The road under your feet may not be solid, but do not forget to take the time to look behind you. Those following you will happily brave flame and blade for you, unafraid of death… Me? Haha, I count myself among them.