Where Winds Meet: Apricot Village & Zheng’s Letter

To find Apricot Village and complete Zheng’s letter drop-off in Where Winds Meet, head to the southwestern edge of the map in the Yellow River region, then look for the village elder standing near the large apricot tree at the village’s center. The letter is given to you by Zheng after you complete his short quest chain, and you deliver it to the elder, who rewards you with a skill point and some crafting materials.

Background: The Quest and Its Context

Apricot Village (æ��花æ�‘) is a small settlement in the game’s open world, introduced as part of the “Breeze in the Willows” questline. Zheng is a wandering merchant you encounter near the village’s outskirts, complaining about a lost package. The letter he asks you to deliver is actually a personal note to the village elder, thanking her for sheltering him during a storm. The quest is a classic fetch-and-deliver side mission, but it’s notable for its environmental storytelling—the village is tucked into a valley that’s easy to miss if you’re following the main story path.

Finding Apricot Village on the Map

Apricot Village is located in the southeastern part of the Yellow River region, roughly at coordinates (450, 320) on the world map. The easiest way to find it is to fast-travel to the “Yellow River Ferry” waypoint, then head southwest along the riverbank until you see a cluster of houses and a distinctive pink canopy of apricot trees. The village is not marked on the map until you’ve discovered it, so look for the following landmarks:

• A wooden bridge crossing a small stream
• Three windmills on the hill to the east
• A large, ancient apricot tree with a rope swing in the center

If you’re having trouble, use the game’s “Guiding Wind” feature (press the touchpad on PlayStation or the G key on PC) and select “Apricot Village” from the list of known locations—it will show a glowing trail once you’re within 200 meters.

Zheng’s Letter: Starting the Quest

Zheng is found near the village’s entrance, sitting on a rock next to a campfire. He’ll approach you first if you walk past, but if not, talk to him directly. He explains that he’s a traveling merchant who was robbed on the road, and he asks you to deliver a letter to the village elder, Wang, as a favor. The letter is sealed with wax and has no return address—Zheng insists it’s just a thank-you note.

Delivering the Letter: Step-by-Step

1. Accept the quest from Zheng. He’ll hand you the letter and mark the elder’s location on your map.
2. Walk to the village center. The elder is usually standing under the big apricot tree, next to a small table with tea.
3. Interact with her and select the dialogue option “Deliver Zheng’s letter.”
4. She’ll read it, smile, and give you a reward: 500 experience, 2,000 coins, and a “Skill Point” item.
5. Return to Zheng (optional). He’ll thank you and mention he’s heading to the capital, which triggers a follow-up quest if you want to escort him.

Note: If you’ve already completed the main story, the elder may be in a different spot—check the village’s inn if she’s not under the tree.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them

Players often report three issues with this quest:

• Can’t find the village: The map marker only appears after you’ve discovered the area. Use the Guiding Wind or ask a guard in a nearby town for directions.
• Zheng isn’t there: He only spawns during the day (in-game time). Rest at a campfire until morning if he’s missing.
• The letter won’t deliver: Make sure you’ve actually accepted the quest and have the letter in your inventory (under “Key Items”). If it’s missing, reload an earlier save.

Why This Quest Matters

While it’s a simple fetch quest, completing it unlocks a hidden achievement called “Gratitude’s Reward” and adds a permanent NPC to the village who will sell you rare apricot seeds (used for cooking recipes). The letter itself also hints at a larger lore point: Zheng is actually a spy for the Song dynasty, and the letter contains coded information about troop movements. This is revealed later in the “Shadow in the Bamboo” questline, so keep an eye out for Zheng in the capital.

Alternatives and Similar Quests

If you enjoy this type of delivery quest, there are similar ones in the game:

• “The Missing Jade” – deliver a jade pendant to a merchant in the Eastern Plains.
• “A Letter for the General” – a longer chain that involves multiple deliveries.
• “The Herbalist’s Request” – collect herbs and deliver them to a healer in the mountains.

These quests are all available in the early game and reward similar amounts of experience and crafting materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happens if I read the letter before delivering it?

You can read it in your inventory, but the quest dialogue won’t change. The elder will still accept it, and you’ll get the same reward. However, reading it adds a journal entry that hints at Zheng’s true identity, which is a nice touch for lore hunters.

Q: Can I fail this quest?

No, the quest is not timed and can be completed at any point. The only way to fail is if you accidentally sell or discard the letter—but since it’s a key item, you can’t drop it. If you somehow lose it, reload a save.

Q: Where is Zheng after the quest?

After you return to him, he packs up and heads to the capital city of Bianjing. You’ll find him near the east gate, and he’ll offer a follow-up escort quest. If you skip the escort, you can still find him later in the city’s market district.

Q: Is Apricot Village worth exploring?

Yes, the village has several hidden chests and a secret cave behind the waterfall to the north. There’s also a shrine that gives a permanent +10 health bonus if you pray at it. The apricot trees can be harvested for fruit, which is used in healing recipes.

Q: Does the letter affect the main story?

No, it’s a side quest and doesn’t influence the main plot. However, the lore about Zheng’s spy activities is referenced in a later main story mission, so doing this quest adds context to that scene.

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