Jiafu's first reaction was to refuse.
She wanted to be with him, no matter where he went.
But although Pei You'an's tone was as gentle as always, seemingly discussing the matter with her, Jiafu could clearly discern that his words carried an air of finality—as if he had already decided, and she merely needed to follow his arrangements.
Jiafu had grown accustomed to acting coquettishly in front of him, intentionally or not, because she knew it worked. He would relent when she pouted or pleaded.
But she also understood that such tactics didn’t always succeed.
This time, for instance. Her intuition told her he wouldn’t change his mind.
Jiafu stared at him blankly, silent.
"His Majesty has summoned me back, likely to assign me a task. If I take you to the capital and then have to leave again shortly after, leaving you alone there, wouldn’t it be better for you to stay with your mother’s family?"
He pulled her into his embrace. "Fu'er, be good. Once some time has passed, I’ll come to take you back."
The emperor’s decree was urgent, and Pei You'an had to depart the very next day.
That night, he took Jiafu with him to explain the situation to Meng Shi. Zhen Yaoting was also present, and upon learning that Pei You'an would be leaving for the capital the next day while Jiafu remained behind, he was both surprised and bewildered.
Meng Shi had initially assumed her son-in-law would stay for at least half a year, but now, less than a month later, he was already preparing to leave in haste. The emperor’s command could not be defied, so she had no choice but to let him go. She hurried out to personally oversee the packing of his travel necessities for the journey.
Pei You'an asked Jiafu to return to their room first, then called Zhen Yaoting aside, dismissing the servants before asking about his future plans.
Zhen Yaoting had always been somewhat reserved in front of him. Hesitantly, he replied, "With the Sea Ban in place, all ships are docked in the shipyard. We’ve also suffered heavy losses recently, so I don’t have any other ideas for now. I’m no scholar, and I don’t have other skills. I can only wait for the court to lift the Sea Ban..."
Over the past half year, his grandmother Hu Shi’s health had declined, and he had begun to feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He had put in effort, learning from Zhang Da, and had just started to grasp the ropes when this setback struck. As he spoke, he couldn’t help but feel utterly useless, his face flushing with shame.
Pei You'an said, "If my guess is correct, the Sea Ban won’t be lifted anytime soon. After I return to the capital, I’ll arrange for some funds to be sent to you. Zhang Da is steady and reliable—have him accompany you to purchase suitable farmland or estates. If business truly becomes impossible, you can still live comfortably as a landowner in the future. Once I’m gone, I’ll entrust A'fu to your care. I thank you in advance."
Zhen Yaoting was both astonished and moved. "Lord Pei, you needn’t worry! A'fu is my sister. If you have matters to attend to, she can stay at home for as long as she likes—whether it’s a year or even a lifetime, I’ll take good care of her! As for the farmland and estates, how could I accept money from you? Though our family has suffered losses this time, our foundation remains. Feeding one more mouth won’t be a problem. Even if the Sea Ban lasts ten years, we wouldn’t need you to send money for land purchases!"
Pei You'an smiled. "It’s no trouble. What’s mine is A'fu’s—there’s no need to distinguish between us. While I’m away, if you take good care of her on my behalf, that’s all I ask."
Zhen Yaoting eagerly agreed.The officials of the prefecture were also well-informed. That evening, they gradually learned that Pei You'an had been urgently summoned by the emperor and would leave Quanzhou the next day. They hurried to the Zhen family one after another to bid him farewell, inevitably bringing gifts along. Fearing Pei You'an might refuse them, they secretly entrusted the gifts to the Zhen family. Meng Shi, firmly remembering Jiafu's instructions, would never dare to accept them on her own. She had her son and Zhang Da receive the guests politely, returning all the gifts intact.
By the time Pei You'an finished his social engagements and finally returned to his room, the second watch drum had already sounded. The room was brightly lit by silver candles. Jiafu, having just bathed, wore a simple robe with her dark hair cascading over her shoulders. She sat alone at the dressing table, slowly combing her hair with a brush. Hearing his footsteps as he entered, she set the comb down and rose to greet him. But Pei You'an had already stepped behind her, picked up the comb, and continued to gently smooth her freshly dried long hair, careful not to tug at her scalp.
Suppressing the sorrow of parting in her heart, Jiafu gazed at the tall figure standing behind her in the mirror and teased, "So Lord Pei is also skilled at combing hair. I wonder, is there anything in this world you cannot do?"
As the weather grew warmer, Pei You'an gathered her silky, cool hair into a bun atop her head and secured it with a hairpin. Leaning slightly over her shoulder, he admired her lotus-like reflection in the mirror and replied earnestly, "Of course there is. For instance, childbirth—no matter how much I wish to learn, it’s beyond my capability."
His tone even carried a hint of regret. Jiafu was taken aback, then burst into laughter. At first, she clutched her stomach, but soon she was laughing so hard she could barely sit straight, collapsing onto the dressing table with repeated cries of "Oh dear!"
Pei You'an stood beside her, watching her mirth with a faint smile on his lips.
Jiafu laughed until tears welled up in her eyes. Though she tried to stop, the tears refused to cease, rolling down her cheeks one by one. She gave him a light smack and turned away, wiping her face haphazardly while grumbling, "You’re so mean, deliberately making me laugh until I cry..."
Pei You'an bent down, lifted her from the stool, and carried her to the bed. As he set her down, Jiafu grabbed his sleeve and pulled him down beside her. He lay next to her, and she rolled into his embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around him.
She buried her face in his chest, struggling to hold back her tears, unwilling to let him see her cry. Yet the tears defied her, silently trickling down one after another.
"Don’t cry. I’ll come back for you soon," he whispered in her ear.
But Jiafu still wanted to cry. At first, the tears fell one by one, but soon they came in torrents, soaking his robe.
Pei You'an initially comforted her softly, but then he lowered his head and kissed her lips, tasting the salt of her tears.
Jiafu closed her eyes, tears still spilling uncontrollably. She tried to stifle her sobs, but her body trembled against his in little hiccups.
Pei You'an kissed her—her delicate chin, her slender jade-like neck, her freshly bathed skin as smooth as porcelain. Then his lips traveled downward, and he did not stop.
Jiafu felt her legs gently parted, held tenderly yet firmly, leaving her no room to retreat or shy away.A faint, elusive fragrance gradually filled the bed curtains as the beaded drapes swayed gently in the night breeze from the southern window, rippling like water.
Within the hibiscus-curtained bed, the girl with tear-stained cheeks seemed drained of all strength, only her toes remaining taut. As if lost in misty abyss or floating among clouds, she lay supine upon the pillow, unaware of her surroundings. Her eyes closed in dazed confusion until, at the final moment, her body was left with nothing but delicate tremors—like a lotus flower in a pond, swaying without support in the wind, its crimson petals scattering fragrance, dew moistening blossoms beneath the moon.
The girl in his arms finally ceased her sorrowful weeping and, utterly exhausted, curled against his side, falling into deep slumber. Her hibiscus-fair face still bore traces of lingering blush.
Pei You'an held her motionless, remaining awake until dawn.
...
Thus, Pei You'an departed Quanzhou early the next morning, embarking on his journey back to the capital.
Unlike his southbound voyage months earlier with Jiafu, this northward trip followed the faster courier routes. Traveling day and night, he reached the capital in under half a month. Arriving after nightfall, he immediately submitted a memorial at the palace gates and was soon summoned inside.
Xiao Lie received him in the Imperial Study.
The second night watch had already passed. Upon entering, Pei You'an found the hall brightly lit. Xiao Lie, dressed in casual attire, sat behind a desk piled with memorials and petitions. Li Yuangui and several eunuchs stood in attendance. Hearing Pei You'an's footsteps, Xiao Lie set down his vermilion brush and looked up.
Candlelight revealed faint red streaks in his eyes and traces of weariness on his face. After Pei You'an completed his obeisance, Xiao Lie smiled and bade him rise.
Once Pei You'an stood, Xiao Lie inquired about his journey, commending his efforts, then asked about the suppression of Japanese Pirates in Quanzhou. After Pei You'an's report, Xiao Lie's expression darkened with anger as he pointed to several memorials on the desk: "Gao Huaiyuan, as provincial governor, has been utterly negligent, allowing coastal citizens to suffer from pirate raids! Where is the court's dignity?"
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Though the pirate menace has long existed, strengthening coastal defenses with capable commanders would render these bandits insignificant."
"This is precisely our intention. That Li Zhong you recommended in your memorial—we reviewed his petition. Clear and methodical, he shows strategic vision. Tomorrow we shall refer his proposal to the Ministry of War for deliberation."
"Your Majesty's wisdom is profound. Should the pirate threat be eliminated, the Sea Ban could be lifted—a true blessing for southeastern coastal communities."
Xiao Lie's expression softened slightly as he regarded Pei You'an: "We know the Zhen family's fleet has long plied the seas. The Sea Ban must affect their livelihood, but this is national policy. Did you hear complaints among the people?"
Pei You'an replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, this measure serves preventive purposes. The people have long despised the pirates. Once the seas are pacified and the ban lifted, how could there be discontent?"
Xiao Lie nodded approvingly, praised Pei You'an's leadership in capturing the Guangdong bandits, then glanced at Li Yuangui, who withdrew with the eunuchs, closing the hall doors.
Only Xiao Lie and Pei You'an remained. Their candlecast shadows loomed large upon the walls.
Hands clasped behind his back, Xiao Lie paced slowly across the floor in silent contemplation. The vast study stood utterly quiet save for the measured thud of footsteps—heavy and deliberate.He paced back and stopped before Pei You'an, then suddenly turned and said, "You'an, I ask you—aside from what was reported in your memorial, is there anything else you wish to tell me about your journey to Quanzhou?"
Having spoken, he fixed his gaze on Pei You'an, the candlelight flickering in his eyes, making them glimmer faintly.
Pei You'an met his gaze for a moment before replying, "There is indeed one matter. As it was inconvenient to include in the memorial, I thought it best to report it to Your Majesty in person upon my return."
"Speak."
"Your Majesty, regarding the resistance against the Japanese Pirates, I suspect the local officials' reports have omitted certain details. What Your Majesty may not know is that the timely repulsion of the pirates and the protection of the people in Quanzhou and Pinghai were not solely due to the efforts of the government troops. The Golden-Masked Dragon Lord also contributed significantly."
Xiao Lie remained silent.
Pei You'an continued, "This Golden-Masked Dragon Lord has been mentioned in the memorials of coastal officials over the years, so Your Majesty must be aware of him. In the officials' reports, he is labeled a pirate, but the truth is otherwise. The coastal people hold him in high regard, as many have received his protection while traveling at sea. However, this is not the matter I wish to report today. What I must disclose is his true identity—he is General Dong Chengmao from the Tianxi era."
Xiao Lie's expression remained unchanged, showing not the slightest surprise. He murmured as if to himself, "A general of the Tianxi court, driven to exile on the rivers and seas by the treachery of the rebellious Prince Shun'an, reduced to a bandit—what a pity!"
Pei You'an knelt and kowtowed to Xiao Lie, who stood with his hands behind his back. "Your subject is guilty."
Xiao Lie slowly turned his head to look at Pei You'an kneeling on the ground. "What crime have you committed?"
"Your Majesty, General Dong was once a subordinate in my father's army. I learned of the Golden-Masked Dragon Lord's identity years ago, but as it bore no significant implications at the time, I withheld the information. To be honest, during this trip to Quanzhou, an unexpected incident occurred, and I did meet with General Dong."
Xiao Lie studied him for a moment before nodding and smiling. "It matters not. Rise. I am somewhat familiar with Dong Chengmao's past. Presumably, disillusioned with the court, he chose to live incognito at sea. Given his actions, he remains a man of honor. I do not blame you."
He paused, his tone casual, as if making an offhand remark. "You'an, aside from this, did you gain anything else from your journey south?"
Pei You'an remained kneeling, his posture upright. After meeting the emperor's gaze for a moment, he kowtowed again. "Your Majesty, there is indeed one more matter I wish to report."
"What is it?"
"I have news of the Young Emperor Yu from years past."
Pei You'an's voice was steady as he spoke these words, yet the air in the study seemed to freeze instantly.
Slowly straightening, Pei You'an met the gaze of the middle-aged man before him and said calmly, "Your Majesty knows that I once had a teacher-student bond with Yu. Over the years, I have been searching for his whereabouts. Heaven has not forsaken my efforts, and this time, I have finally succeeded. Your Majesty once proclaimed to the world that if the Young Emperor were still alive, the throne would be vacated to welcome his return. Yu entrusted me to convey his deepest gratitude—and his profound apprehension. The Young Emperor is dead; now there remains only an ordinary youth among the people, whose heart yearns for freedom, to wander from the northern seas at dawn to the southern peaks by dusk. He is willing to return the Shouchang Imperial Seal to the ancestral temple as a gesture of allegiance to Your Majesty's reign."
After Pei You'an finished speaking, silence once again descended upon the study.Xiao Lie stared at Pei You'an, his facial muscles twitching slightly, his figure heavy with tension. After a long pause, his expression gradually softened, and he sighed deeply. "You'an, your words truly make me feel ashamed. Since he is still alive, if he truly does not wish to return to the palace, stepping back to live as a peaceful and prosperous prince would still be better than wandering in the wilderness, living a precarious life. You share a teacher-student bond with him. If he finds it inconvenient to see me, you may convey my words on my behalf."
Pei You'an replied, "Your Majesty, though Yu is still a youth, his resolve is firm. Once he has made up his mind, any further persuasion from me would be futile. Moreover, when Your Majesty ascended the throne, it was by the will of Heaven. Yu's willingness to present the imperial seal and pledge allegiance was merely an act of conforming to destiny. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to honor the young man's wishes, as well as the teacher-student bond between him and me!"
Pei You'an's words were filled with utmost sincerity. After speaking, he once again kowtowed deeply, remaining prostrate on the ground without rising.
Xiao Lie swiftly stepped forward and personally helped him up, gazing into his face. Gradually, a gentle light appeared in his eyes as he nodded and said, "You'an, I understand your sentiments now, and I am deeply moved. You must be exhausted from your journey back. Go and rest."
OpenNovel