The young boy seemed equally startled by her and quickly ducked his head back behind the reef.
Pei You'an swiftly approached and saw Jiafu standing there, her eyes wide, pointing at the dark reef beside her, too shocked to speak. He glanced at the shadowy rock in the night and, realizing someone was hiding behind it, his expression darkened as he slowly drew his sword.
"Cousin!"
Jiafu snapped out of her daze and hastily grabbed Pei You'an's sleeve.
"I recognize him! Let's ask first—"
"Don't—"
The boy's voice came from behind the rock.
With a rustling sound, his head popped out again, and he shouted at Pei You'an, "Grand Tutor, it's me! Yu'er! Don't you recognize me?"
Dong Chengmao hurried over and, upon seeing the boy, was stunned. "Young Master, how did you get here? Did you follow me?"
Xiao Yu wore a faintly smug expression as he leaped out from behind the reef, agile as a monkey. Before his feet even touched the ground, he had already flung himself at Pei You'an, grabbing his arm. "Grand Tutor, it's been so long! You finally come here, but you only summoned Uncle Long and didn't bring me along! Have you abandoned me?"
Pei You'an looked at Dong Chengmao.
Dong Chengmao looked embarrassed. "Eldest Young Master..."
Xiao Yu quickly added, "Grand Tutor, don't blame Uncle Long. I heard you'd arrived in Quanzhou recently and even captured the pirate leader. I figured Uncle Long would come to see you, so I kept an eye on him. At dusk, when I saw him lowering a dinghy from the ship, seemingly heading out alone, I hid under it early, holding onto the ropes, and came along."
After Dong Chengmao left the ship alone at dusk, he had occasionally checked his surroundings to ensure he wasn't being followed. Yet he never imagined Xiao Yu had been clinging to the underside of his boat underwater the entire way.
"Eldest Young Master, this subordinate was careless..."
Dong Chengmao looked both ashamed and helpless.
Over the past two years, Xiao Yu had changed dramatically.
Though Dong Chengmao knew the boy had endured years of hardship in Quanzhou before coming to the sea, he had initially worried that the former Young Emperor wouldn't adapt to their rough and perilous maritime life. Yet, at some point, the boy's skin darkened, his height shot up, and his temperament transformed entirely. If not for witnessing the change day by day, Dong Chengmao would never have believed the tanned, agile youth before him was the same reserved boy who had once carried a shadow of melancholy in his eyes.
The killing intent in Pei You'an's gaze vanished instantly as he studied the boy who had suddenly appeared before him, now nearly as tall as his own eyebrows. Slowly, a smile spread across his face. He sheathed his sword and said to Dong Chengmao, "No matter. It's good he came."
Jiafu watched in astonishment.
When the boy had first peeked out from behind the reef and grinned at her, though his appearance had changed, his eyes struck her as eerily familiar—as if she had seen them somewhere before, leaving an indelible impression. Suddenly, it dawned on her: he resembled the boy she had once saved, the one rumored to have leaped into the sea on New Year's Eve.
He was still alive, appearing before her like this. The shock was so overwhelming that she had screamed, drawing Pei You'an's attention.She knew that Pei You'an and the Golden-Masked Dragon Lord were meeting on this floating reef tonight, a matter that must not be revealed to outsiders. This young man had somehow appeared so rashly, yet she felt he bore no ill intent. Fearing Pei You'an might kill him without question, she had spoken up to stop it. But she hadn’t expected the situation to take such a sudden turn—Pei You'an not only recognized the youth but seemed to share a deep connection with him.
Suppressing her surprise, she thought for a moment and voluntarily stepped farther away.
Dong Chengmao also retreated, leaving Pei You'an and Xiao Yu to talk.
Pei You'an studied the young man. "It’s not that the Junior Tutor didn’t wish to see you, Young Master. But with the recent Japanese pirate unrest causing quite a stir, we feared drawing the attention of imperial spies to you. That’s why I asked Uncle Dong not to bring you tonight. I had planned to wait until things quieted down before arranging another opportunity to meet. I didn’t expect you to follow on your own. The waters could have been dangerous—you mustn’t act so recklessly next time. Understood?"
Xiao Yu wiped the lingering droplets from his face and grinned. "The water wasn’t cold at all! Besides, didn’t Uncle Dragon tell you, Junior Tutor? I can hold my breath underwater for half a ke without trouble now. Last time, I even killed a shark all by myself! Though the meat was too coarse—not tasty at all! Oh, and Junior Tutor, did Uncle Dragon mention that this time, it was me who led a few brothers out to sea when we stumbled upon a fleet of Japanese pirates gathering? I secretly followed them, climbed aboard their ship at night, and gathered the intel before rushing back to inform Uncle Dragon. But he was so unfair—he took the brothers to fight the pirates and left me stuck on Golden Dragon Island! As if he could keep me there! This time, I killed quite a few pirates myself—it was exhilarating!"
Pei You'an’s eyes shone with approval as he nodded. "Young Master, you’ve truly grown! So different from before. The Junior Tutor is very pleased."
The youth had been chattering away, recounting his exploits with a hint of pride in his tone. But now that Pei You'an genuinely praised him, his handsome face flushed slightly with embarrassment, and he stopped. Changing the subject, he asked, "Junior Tutor, it’s been so long since we last parted in Quanzhou. How have you been these past two years?"
Pei You'an smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master. I’ve been well."
Xiao Yu grinned. "That’s good. Junior Tutor, I’ve been wanting to see you for a long time. I couldn’t hold back anymore, so I followed on my own. There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you."
Pei You'an’s expression turned solemn. "Please speak, Young Master."
"Junior Tutor, that imperial jade seal—it’s useless in my hands, just a burden. I want to entrust it to you. You may decide what to do with it."
From the moment he had leaped out from behind the reef, the young man had worn a smile, and it remained on his face now.
"I know Third Imperial Uncle has been searching for me since he ascended the throne. He tells the world he wishes to welcome me back, but I don’t know if he means it. Whether he does or not, I have no intention of returning to that palace."
Pei You'an fell silent for a moment.
The young man’s expression gradually grew serious as well."Grand Tutor, do not worry too much. When you saved Yu'er two years ago, I already told you that you owe nothing to my late father, nor to me. Back then, Second Imperial Uncle wouldn’t let me go and sent assassins after me. You risked your life to find and save me—that was more than enough. Second Imperial Uncle harmed me and stole my throne, but in the end, he met a violent death. It’s the way of heaven, and I hold no grudge. If I truly still wanted to sit back on that cursed Dragon Throne, I would have come forward when Third Imperial Uncle Wu Ding raised his rebellion, asking for your help—that would have been the perfect opportunity. Now the realm is long settled, and Third Imperial Uncle is a good emperor for the people. Why should I keep the imperial seal? Besides, those three years on the throne were never meant to be mine. I had two elder brothers above me, both much older. When they were gone, I somehow became the Crown Prince and later the emperor. I know well how those years felt. Compared to being emperor, I much prefer the life I have now—these are my sincere words! The only downside is having to hide like this. This cumbersome thing—I’ve thought it over and can only leave it to you, Grand Tutor. Either destroy it or find a way to deliver it to him. From now on, the Young Emperor in people’s mouths will truly be dead, leaving only Xiao Yu, free and unbound, with the vast world before me!"
Pei You'an and the youth gazed at each other for a moment, but in the end, he said nothing, only raising his hand to pat the boy’s shoulder.
Some things were beyond words.
His eyes held complex emotions, but Xiao Yu seemed to have shed the weight from his shoulders, grinning brightly. "I knew it—even if no one else in the world understands me, you do, Grand Tutor!"
As he spoke, he suddenly seemed to remember something and quickly turned his head to glance at the petite figure standing on the distant reef. As if afraid of being overheard, he leaned in slightly and lowered his voice, hesitating. "Grand Tutor, how is it such a coincidence that you brought her here? Did you guess I’d come too? Back then, if she hadn’t saved me, I wouldn’t have lived long enough for you to find me. Over the years, I’ve dived into the sea and gathered some fine southern pearls, stringing them into a bracelet. I brought it tonight, hoping to entrust it to you—if the chance arose, you could pass it to her someday as a token of gratitude. Who knew she’d actually come…"
As he spoke, he pulled out a small box tightly wrapped in fish bladder, carefully peeling away the waterproof layer to reveal a dry sandalwood-carved box inside. Handing it over, he grimaced. "I carved this box myself, but it’s not very refined. I’m afraid she’ll dislike it. I don’t dare say it myself—could you pass it to her for me, Grand Tutor?"
Pei You'an froze.
Without waiting for a response, Xiao Yu shoved the box into Pei You'an’s hands and turned to look at the figure again. "Grand Tutor, I still don’t know her name. Do you know it?"
After asking, he seemed embarrassed, his face flushing—though his dark skin and the night hid it well.
Pei You'an finally snapped out of his daze, following the youth’s gaze to the petite figure standing under the moonlight. He then looked down at the object forced into his hand and hesitated briefly before saying, "She is now... my wife. Tonight, thinking of Uncle Dong’s visit here, I brought her along."The young man was stunned at first, then suddenly realized what had happened. He hastily reached out and snatched back the box: "Young Tutor, I truly didn’t know about this! Please don’t blame me. I won’t give it anymore, I won’t!"
Pei You'an's expression had already returned to normal. He glanced once more at the figure who remained oblivious to what had just occurred, then smiled slightly and said, "It’s alright. Her name is Jiafu. I’ll take you over, and you can thank her in person and give her the bracelet. She will surely appreciate your gesture."
Xiao Yu, who had been flushed with embarrassment, gradually calmed down under the other man’s gentle gaze and nodded.
Jiafu was waiting where she stood. Seeing Pei You'an approaching with the young man, she went to meet them.
Pei You'an smiled and said, "Fu'er, you once saved him, but I never told you—he is an old acquaintance of mine, named Yu. He has always remembered your kindness and wanted to thank you in person."
Xiao Yu expressed his gratitude and handed over the gift.
Jiafu opened the box and found a string of beads inside. Hearing from Pei You'an that the young man had made it himself, she was deeply moved and immediately put it on her wrist.
"It’s very beautiful. I like it very much. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, young master," Jiafu said with a smile.
Xiao Yu knew that the Young Tutor had been frail since childhood. Over the years, burdened with worries and alone, he had finally found someone to care for him. The woman’s gentle demeanor, standing beside the Young Tutor under the moonlight, made them look perfectly matched.
As the young man gazed at the pair before him, the last traces of his awkwardness faded away, replaced by admiration. Still, his face remained slightly warm as he said softly, "As long as you don’t mind it, Shimu. From now on, you can call me Yu'er."
Pei You'an left the two to continue their conversation and walked over to Dong Chengmao, stopping beside him.
Though Dong Chengmao didn’t know what Xiao Yu had just said to Pei You'an, after two years of interaction, how could he be unaware of the Young Emperor’s thoughts? Seeing Pei You'an watching Xiao Yu’s retreating figure with a grave expression, he lowered his voice and said, "Eldest Young Master, in the past, I often pondered how to help the young master return to the capital. But now I’ve come to understand—each reign has its own officials. After the chaos of Shun’an’s misrule, the old ministers of Tianxi’s court have dwindled. The current emperor, stationed in Wuding, has been strengthening his forces, and heroes from all over the land flock to him. When he ascended the throne, it was the will of the people. Even if we had tried to restore the Young Emperor then, our efforts would likely have been in vain, bringing only disaster upon him. Though it’s regrettable, perhaps it’s the will of heaven. Since the young master has no intention of reclaiming the throne and stays away from court, Eldest Young Master, rest assured—from now on, this humble general will take good care of him on your behalf."
Pei You'an gazed at the dark expanse of the distant sea, lost in thought for a moment, then said, "Winds rise from the tips of grass. In the imperial court, the emperor’s heart is inscrutable, and uncertainties abound. I likely won’t be able to stay here much longer. Uncle Dong, remember my earlier words—do not let your guard down."
Dong Chengmao bowed respectfully in acknowledgment.
Pei You'an turned his head and looked toward the figures of Jiafu and Xiao Yu not far away. The two seemed to have grown familiar, and whatever Xiao Yu said elicited soft laughter from Jiafu.
He watched them for a while but didn’t approach immediately. Only when Jiafu turned her head, as if searching for him, did he smile at her and walk over.
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