There was an unwritten rule when traveling by boat—never take on strangers of unknown origins midway, let alone these men. Though dressed as ordinary merchants, each looked formidable, especially the one addressed as "Young Master," who carried himself with an imposing, hawk-like demeanor. Zhang Da, a relative of the Zhen family and a long-time steward, was naturally cautious. With the mistress aboard, how could he recklessly allow strangers on board? Just as he was about to politely decline, the man who had called out earlier spoke again:
"Rest assured! We’re merchants heading to Zhennanmen—this isn’t our first trip. We’re in a hurry and couldn’t find a boat, so we hoped to hitch a ride on yours since it looks fast. Travelers should help each other in times of need—it’s good karma for the future!" With that, he tossed a five-tael silver ingot onto the deck.
Zhennanmen was one of Quanzhou’s busiest districts. Zhang Da found his tone sincere and his reasoning sound. After asking a few more questions about business in Zhennanmen—all of which the man answered flawlessly—he hesitated, then asked them to wait while he sought Madam Meng’s opinion.
On the shore, Xiao Yintang’s attention finally shifted from the official ship to the deck. His gaze swept over, but just before it could land on her, Jiafu abruptly turned and dashed into the cabin. In her haste, she tripped over her skirt, stumbling forward and nearly falling before catching herself on the doorframe. Once steady, she frantically shook her head at her mother.
Madam Meng, noticing her daughter’s sudden pallor, hurriedly dismissed Zhang Da and rushed over.
"Mother, don’t let those people on board! I don’t want strangers here!"
Seeing her daughter’s distress, Madam Meng immediately set aside all other concerns. "Best not to invite trouble," she told Zhang Da.
Zhang Da acknowledged and returned to the bow, tossing the silver inget back. "Apologies, gentlemen. Though we’re headed to Quanzhou, we’ll be making several stops along the way, taking at least a few days. We wouldn’t want to delay you—best to find another vessel."
The man’s expression darkened. "We’ll pay more!"
Zhang Da bowed apologetically. "Truly, it’s not possible. With ladies aboard, it’s inconvenient to take on outsiders." He then ordered the crew to raise the sails and oars.
The man’s eyes flashed with anger. With a leap, he boarded the ship and seized Zhang Da’s collar. "After all that questioning and wasted words, you refuse us now? Are you mocking us?"
Zhen Yaoting, still loitering on deck before entering the cabin, saw the commotion—a stranger forcing his way aboard and grabbing Zhang Da. He charged forward. "Release my Uncle Zhang! How dare you cause trouble on our family’s ship?" Before he could act, the man shoved him, sending him stumbling back six or seven steps before landing hard on the deck. Servants, seeing their young master knocked down, quickly surrounded them.
Furious, Zhen Yaoting scrambled up and ordered his men to arm themselves for a fight.Zhang Da was startled, realizing he had encountered unreasonable men today. But this was Fujian territory, just a few days' journey from Quanzhou, so he wasn’t overly alarmed. He merely said, “Sir, please calm your anger! When traveling, everyone faces difficulties. If we can help, we naturally will. But as I said earlier, it’s truly inconvenient. Our master avoids trouble, but if trouble comes, he doesn’t fear it either. We frequent the prefectural offices ourselves…”
“Enough! Come down!”
The young man who looked like a noble suddenly spoke. The intruder who had forced his way onto the boat turned back. Seeing the young man frown, as if intimidated, he immediately released Zhang Da’s collar, shoved him aside, and leaped off the boat to stand behind the nobleman. After exchanging a few inaudible words, the group turned to leave.
Zhen Yaoting had taken quite a fall earlier, and his backside still ached faintly. Humiliated, he refused to let it go. He rushed to the bow and shouted at their retreating figures, “Cowards! Stand your ground! Weren’t you acting so high and mighty just now? Running away now? Spineless turtles!”
Zhang Da tried to stop him, but it was too late. The nobleman abruptly halted and turned, his gaze sweeping over Zhen Yaoting, dark and heavy.
Zhang Da had traveled extensively with his old master since his youth and was a seasoned man of the world. Yet, seeing the young man’s expression, he couldn’t help but shudder, sensing the anger he had provoked. When traveling, it was best to avoid trouble. He quickly ordered someone to drag Zhen Yaoting away while bowing repeatedly to the nobleman, then commanded the boat to depart immediately.
Hidden behind the cabin door, Jiafu watched as Xiao Yintang narrowed his eyes but ultimately withdrew his gaze, shaking his head at his visibly furious attendants. Only then did they follow him away.
Jiafu was so tense she could barely breathe. Only when Xiao Yintang’s group had faded into the distance did her limbs go weak. Opening her palm, she found it slick with cold sweat. Leaning on a chair, she slowly sat down, lost in thought.
Madam Meng had also witnessed the scene and scolded her son for his recklessness. Zhen Yaoting, defiant, retorted stubbornly. Distraught, Jiafu left her mother and brother behind and retreated to her room, collapsing onto the bed in her clothes and closing her eyes.
Scenes from her past life flashed before her like a revolving lantern.
She had thought that by escaping the marriage with Pei Xiuzhi and returning to Quanzhou, no matter what upheavals befell the capital, they would no longer concern her. She never imagined she would cross paths with Xiao Yintang again—let alone earlier in this life than the last. Just as heaven had granted her one favor, it now played another cruel joke.
Recalling the dark look he had cast before leaving, Jiafu couldn’t suppress a shiver.
The third prince, King of the Clouds Xiao Lie, was a man of great talent and vision, adept at recognizing and employing capable men. Yet he was also calculating, ruthless, and deeply patient—traits that allowed him to survive nearly two decades of suspicion under his elder brother, the Tianxi Emperor. In the end, amid the strife among the three brothers, he emerged the ultimate victor.Xiao Yintang was his son, and naturally, certain traits from the King of the Clouds flowed in his blood. Jiafu had accompanied him for many years and, though she wouldn’t claim to understand him deeply, she knew he had inherited his father’s cunning and ruthlessness—let alone his mercilessness.
Those who rise to power all have blood on their hands.
She remembered clearly—in her past life, not even a year after she married Pei Xiuzhi, the current Yongxi Emperor, who had ascended the throne under the guise of assisting Prince Shun’an, moved against Xiao Lie, who had long remained dormant in the southwest. Xiao Lie was not one to wait for death, and the conflict between brothers finally erupted.
Jiafu truly couldn’t fathom why, at such a critical moment, Xiao Yintang, the Heir Apparent of the King of the Clouds, would suddenly appear here in secret and personally head to Quanzhou. What was so enticing about Quanzhou? What did he intend to do there?
Today’s incident wasn’t entirely her brother’s fault, but his recklessness was truly excessive. Sooner or later, it would land him in serious trouble. Clearly, Xiao Yintang’s journey was a covert operation, meant to avoid drawing attention—that was why he had let it go. Otherwise, given the vulgarity of her brother’s insults, how could a man like him simply turn and leave?
Thankfully, it had been a close call with no real mishap, and he had left just like that.
Jiafu’s mind was in turmoil. For several days, she barely left her cabin except when absolutely necessary. Madam Meng noticed her daughter’s listlessness and pallor and initially thought she was ill. But upon checking, it didn’t seem like an illness, and Jiafu wouldn’t speak of it. Frustrated, Madam Meng redirected her anger toward her son, blaming him for frightening his sister that day. Zhen Yaoting, recalling that Jiafu had indeed changed after that incident, felt remorse and tried to cheer her up, again promising to take his responsibilities seriously. Madam Meng had him study the accounts under Zhang Da’s guidance, but within two pages, he was yawning incessantly before collapsing onto the desk in sleep.
Jiafu felt a similar exasperation toward her brother as Madam Meng did—a helpless frustration at his lack of discipline. She could only console herself that one day, he would truly grow up. Seeing her mother’s concern and knowing they were nearing home, she forced herself to rally, preparing to face her grandmother’s displeasure.
Finally, the day came when they arrived back home in Quanzhou.
Old Mrs. Hu had received word half a month earlier, and since some of the accompanying servants were her people, she had long known that her daughter-in-law had ultimately rejected the marriage. She had been deeply displeased, but Madam Meng, unusually defiant, knelt before the old lady without fear and declared that marriage should bring harmony and fortune. This match had been fraught with obstacles from the start—an ill omen. Moreover, she had observed that apart from the old madam, few in the Pei family were decent. Even if her daughter were forced into the marriage, it would likely end in disappointment. Thus, she had taken matters into her own hands. Beside her, Zhen Yaoting also knelt, earnestly vowing to heaven that he would turn over a new leaf, work diligently, and never worry his grandmother again.
What was done could not be undone. With them already returned, Old Mrs. Hu, though displeased, had no choice but to relent. Besides, the year’s end was approaching, and the family’s fleet, shipyard, shops, and dealings with officials demanded attention—countless tasks kept them exceptionally busy. The marriage, once so full of promise, was thus hastily brushed aside.Madam Meng breathed a sigh of relief. She busied herself all day assisting Old Madam with various tasks, while Jiafu helped as well. Her brother was forced to follow Zhang Da around, complaining endlessly every day. Life seemed to have returned to its usual rhythm.
But Jiafu could never forget the accident that had happened that day on Fuming Island.
She had heard it clearly—he was coming to Quanzhou too. Afraid of running into him again, she hadn’t stepped outside even once since returning home. Over ten days passed like this, and Quanzhou remained peaceful, gradually filling with the festive atmosphere of the approaching New Year.
With the New Year coming, Jiafu guessed he must have already left. The heart that had been hanging in suspense all this time finally began to settle.
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