Every August marks the hottest period of the year in Quanzhou and the peak of the trading season. In previous years, the harbors would be packed with newly arrived ships of all sizes, while the docks swarmed with merchants from all over coming to purchase goods. The bustling crowds were a daily sight. But this year, the ports had become desolate. Even in broad daylight, only a few white-headed seabirds could be seen hopping on the prows of empty vessels, searching for food.
Most of the city's residents relied on the sea for their livelihood. Now that their source of income had been abruptly cut off, anxiety spread among them. At first, they gathered daily at the Maritime Trade Office to seek news, but now even its gates were shut tight, with only a closure notice posted at the entrance and not a soul in sight. No one knew when the Sea Ban would be lifted. The destitute had no choice but to find other means to survive, while those who still had some means to get by wore gloomy expressions, sighing in despair.
This once-vibrant ancient city seemed to have had the life sucked out of it overnight, leaving the entire town lifeless.
Amid this dire situation, the Zhen family was no exception. Though the previous upheaval had not dealt them a crippling blow, the losses were still substantial. Now, with no ships allowed to sail and nothing to do, they had no choice but to distribute three months' worth of relief provisions and wages to the sailors and laborers who depended on them before gradually disbanding the workforce and closing down the shipyard. Only widows and orphans remained to carry on. Meanwhile, Zhen Yaoting and Zhang Da took advantage of the idle time to repair ships and rebuild warehouses in the shipyard.
That afternoon, the entire Zhen household was quiet. Jiafu had just returned from her grandmother’s quarters to her own room. Too restless for a nap, she sat by the window, chin in hand, gazing absently at a cluster of banana leaves outside. Just as she was lost in thought, Liu Momo came to report that Yuzhu had arrived from the capital and was currently paying her respects to Meng Shi in the flower hall. Meng Shi had immediately sent for Jiafu to join them.
Overjoyed, Jiafu hurried over. When she arrived, she saw her mother holding Yuzhu’s hand, chatting and laughing with her. Yuzhu looked slightly thinner but in high spirits. The moment she spotted Jiafu, her face lit up with delight, and she stepped forward to greet her with the same formal courtesy as before. Jiafu quickly stopped her. "Now you’re just like us—no need for such formalities," she said, pulling her to sit down. After exchanging a few words about Yuzhu’s journey, Jiafu couldn’t help but ask about Pei You’an’s recent situation.
He had been gone for several months. Last month, she had received a single letter delivered via the Official Post Station, assuring her that he had arrived safely in the capital and was well, urging her not to worry and to remain in Quanzhou for the time being. Since then, there had been no further news. Jiafu had considered making the trip back herself, but remembering his instructions before he left, her obedient nature made her hesitate. Torn between hope and anxiety, she had recently felt as though each day dragged on like a year. Now, seeing Yuzhu’s sudden arrival, she was both thrilled and vaguely sensed that her visit must be related to Pei You’an. After a few pleasantries, she couldn’t resist asking—and sure enough, Yuzhu explained that he had been recalled by the emperor to handle the resettlement of displaced people in the southwest. Before leaving, he had arranged for Yuzhu to come to Quanzhou, hence her journey.
Meng Shi asked how long he would be gone. Upon hearing it would take at least a year or more, she couldn’t help but exclaim, then glanced at her daughter and quickly added with a smile, "Well, that’s good—it shows how much His Majesty values him. Even a year will pass quickly. It’s already August, and the year’s end isn’t far off. Once the new year arrives, he’ll surely be back."Jiafu felt a pang of disappointment but kept a smile on her face as she sat with Yuzhu a while longer. Knowing Yuzhu must be weary from the journey, she and Meng Shi led the servants to prepare a spacious, bright room in her own courtyard. After settling everything, she took Yuzhu to pay respects to Hu Shi. By evening, Zhen Yaoting returned from the shipyard and was overjoyed to hear of Yuzhu’s arrival. From then on, Yuzhu stayed with the Zhen family as Meng Shi’s niece. The servants, seeing her refined manners and grace—surpassing even those of local gentry daughters—and noting the warm welcome from the mistress and young lady, naturally treated her with respect, addressing her as "Miss."
That night after dinner, Jiafu brought chilled summer fruits to Yuzhu’s room, where she was organizing small items with a maid. Yuzhu hurried to greet her, and Jiafu said, "I came to see how you’re settling in. If you need anything, just let me know—don’t hesitate."
Deeply moved, Yuzhu replied, "Since my arrival today, from Old Madam to everyone in your household, I’ve been treated with nothing but kindness. How could I possibly feel neglected? If anything, I’m the one who feels undeserving of such generosity."
Jiafu smiled. "We’ve always been close—no need for formalities. Besides, you’re self-sufficient; it’s not as though you’ve come to rely on us. You’re here out of loyalty, honoring Master’s arrangement to assist my mother. Though our family’s affairs aren’t vast, they’re no small matter either. With Grandmother unable to manage things now, the burden falls entirely on Mother. Having you here has brought her immense relief."
Though Yuzhu had been sent by Pei You’an, her initial unease gradually eased under Jiafu’s words. Resolving to repay the Zhen family’s kindness, she said, "Rest assured, Madam. Since I’ve come, I’ll do my utmost to be of help."
Jiafu nodded, then steered the conversation to her true purpose. "Sister Yuzhu, when Master came to Cien Temple to find you, what exactly did he say? Could you recount everything—his words and how it unfolded?"
Yuzhu agreed and relayed Pei You’an’s instructions in full, adding, "After his final words, he paid respects at the Ancestral Hall before the Lotus Tablet and spent the night in the Scripture Depository. By dawn the next day, he’d already left. The monks said he descended the mountain before daybreak."
Jiafu pressed for more details but learned nothing further. After a brief visit, she urged Yuzhu to rest early and returned to her own room. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Pei You’an, exempted from mourning by imperial decree, had been dispatched to the southwest to resume the unfinished task of settling displaced civilians. Before leaving, he arranged for Yuzhu to come to Quanzhou—both to assist Jiafu and to provide a path for Yuzhu, who had originally vowed to tend the old madam’s spirit. It was a logical arrangement. Yet, recalling his uncharacteristic tenderness and reluctance the night before his departure, Jiafu’s heart remained unsettled, as though sensing something ominous on the horizon.Before Old Madam Pei left, she revealed to Jiafu the secret between the emperor and Pei You'an. Jiafu understood that in the old madam's eyes, this might be a major obstacle in Pei You'an's life. She feared her grandson wouldn't be able to overcome it and hoped that when the time came, Jiafu could stand by his side to offer support.
But Jiafu was genuinely afraid. She worried whether she would have the strength to stand beside Pei You'an as his grandmother expected when that day truly arrived.
She couldn't help but recall that night when he took her out to sea to the reef island and they encountered the youth named Yu. After the boy left that night, Pei You'an didn't elaborate further, and Jiafu didn't ask. But she had heard the boy address Pei You'an as "Shaofu."
In this world, what kind of student would have the privilege to call their teacher "Shaofu"?
Jiafu thought of rumors from the previous dynasty and some past events from Pei You'an's youth. Over these days, she had gradually begun to understand.
Pei You'an had his own principles and integrity—this much Jiafu knew well. But from the moment she realized the boy's identity, she had been holding her breath for him.
He moved between day and night, appearing effortless, yet every step he took in these years was like walking on knife edges.
Jiafu also remembered something her brother mentioned casually upon returning in the evening. He said that during the day at the shipyard, there were rumors that someone had spotted over a dozen imperial warships setting sail recently. They had heavily recruited experienced fishermen familiar with sea routes as guides, supposedly to raid the lair of the Japanese pirates.
Her brother spoke of this with great excitement. Indeed, if the pirates could be eradicated sooner, it would mean the maritime ban could be lifted earlier—certainly good news.
But Jiafu felt uneasy. She had a bad premonition.
Pei You'an was still keeping something from her—and it was something major.
...
Cui Yinshui accompanied Pei You'an to Jingxiang. Though the journey was arduous, he dared not slacken, diligently attending to his duties the entire way. Upon reaching Nanyang, they were only a few days away from their destination, the newly established Anhua Prefecture. That night, exhausted from travel, they arrived at the courier station. The stationmaster, recognizing Pei You'an from the travel permit and knowing he had returned to resume his duties, greeted him warmly, saying with a smile, "Lord Pei, your virtue and generosity are widely revered. The people still fondly remember you since your abrupt departure last time. To have you return now is truly a blessing for Jingxiang!"
Pei You'an inquired briefly about local affairs before settling in. Late into the night, Cui Yinshui knocked on the door under the pretense of bringing tea and found him still seated behind the desk, seemingly engrossed in writing a letter.
Not daring to approach, Cui Yinshui stood by the door, waiting. Gradually, his eyes grew heavy, and he urged, "My lord, the journey today was tiring, and we must rise early tomorrow. You should rest. Before I left, my foster father reminded me that this assignment is arduous and instructed me to serve you well. If you exhaust yourself, I fear he would reprimand me."
Pei You'an was usually swift with his brush, but tonight, for some reason—perhaps due to the nature of the letter or its recipient—he paused several times. Hearing Cui Yinshui's words, he looked up and slowly set down his brush. "Very well. I'll retire now. You should rest too."Cui Yinshui hurriedly spread out the bedding for him. After Pei You'an had settled onto the bed, Cui extinguished the lamp and quietly exited, closing the door behind him. The night passed without incident. The next morning, Cui rose early and waited outside for Pei You'an to wake. After a long while with no movement inside, he cautiously pushed the door open, only to find the Quilt neatly arranged on the bed—Pei You'an was nowhere in the room.
Alarmed, Cui immediately summoned the stationmaster, who said, "Lord Pei departed at the fourth watch. He said you’d had a tiring journey and instructed me not to disturb you."
Cui was stunned.
For this southwestern journey, aside from his usual duties, he had also been tasked by Li Yuangui to keep an eye on Pei You'an’s movements. If anything seemed amiss, he was to report it immediately to the local Secret Agency. The entire journey had been uneventful, yet now, unexpectedly, Pei had left without a word. Cui stamped his foot in frustration and turned to leave in haste, only to be stopped by a fellow guard, who smiled and said, "Eunuch Cui, Lord Pei has given orders. He said you’ve worked hard on this journey and instructed us to keep you here for a few days of proper rest. You may seek him out once you’ve recovered."
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