The Quantum Scroll

The lanterns cast long shadows. The courtyard was silent. Only the rustling of bamboo broke the stillness. I shifted, my worn boots scuffing the stone. "Ah, sure look," I muttered, "another fine mess I've gotten myself into." I'd followed the whispers of a hidden scroll, they said it held secrets. [[The whispers were of quantum physics, describing the universe at the smallest scales]]. It was hidden in the forbidden city. I, Ruslan, was now caught between two worlds. One of emperors and secrets, and another of science. A guard approached, his face grim. "You are Руслан Аюпов?" he asked. "I am," I replied. "And I suppose you've come for the scroll, then?" He gestured towards a looming pagoda. "It is not yours to take." "Fair enough," I said. "But a man can dream, can't he?" He didn't smile. "The Emperor wishes to see you." I followed him into the pagoda. Inside, the Emperor sat on a raised platform. He was younger than I expected. "You seek knowledge, Irishman?" he asked. His voice was calm, but held an edge. "I do," I said. "But knowledge can be a dangerous thing. Like [[quantum entanglement, linking particles across vast distances, so too can knowledge bind people together, whether they wish it or not]]." I felt a chill. This was more than just a scroll. This was a test. "I have three questions for you," the Emperor said. "Answer them correctly, and the scroll is yours. Fail, and... well, let's just say the Middle Kingdom has need of strong backs." He smiled thinly. "Go on then, ask your questions," I replied, trying to sound braver than I felt. "First," the Emperor began, "what is the sound of one hand clapping?" He paused, waiting. I could feel the weight of his gaze. The future was uncertain. The possibilities... endless.