Wish You All the Best - Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Jiafu was as charming as a flower, accompanying Pei You'an by his side from dawn to dusk. As they traveled south, the spring scenery grew increasingly lush. Pei You'an also seemed to gradually unburden the heavy worries in his heart. In the mornings, they played the qin and se (traditional string instruments) together; at twilight, they sat by the window listening to the songs of the boatmen. It was as if life had granted them a momentary respite. Jiafu felt refreshed and happy; if she hadn't been longing to reunite with her family, she would have secretly wished for this journey to never end.

On this day, the boat entered Fujian. By evening, they docked at a small fishing port called Langmen. The boatman went ashore to purchase supplies, intending to spend the night there and continue the journey the next morning. After another five or six days of traveling by water, they would arrive at Quanzhou.

The sky grew dark, and the cabin was lit with lanterns. It was still early for sleep, so as soon as they finished dinner, Jiafu asked Tanxiang to take out the small chessboard and set it on the wide couch by the porthole. She climbed up to arrange it herself, brought out the bowls of chess pieces, and after telling Tanxiang and the others to go off and rest, she forcefully dragged Pei You'an, who was reading, over to keep her company for another game.

Pei You'an was highly skilled in the game of Go. Throughout their journey, they often played to pass the time. Jiafu knew how to play, and her skills weren't exactly weak, but compared to him, she was still no match. Often, by the end of the game, even if Pei You'an wanted to let her win, he would struggle to find a place to put his pieces without it being obvious. Losing again and again, Jiafu’s competitive spirit was ignited, and she had become unwilling to play with him. That day, she had specifically gone ashore to buy a book of chess strategies, becoming so obsessed that she forgot to eat or sleep, studying it diligently. With Pei You'an, a master teacher, to guide her, she had improved significantly in just over half a month—at least that was how Jiafu felt. Just a moment ago, she thought about how she had secretly studied a new strategy behind his back, which she found incredibly brilliant. She truly wanted to see the look of surprise on his face, so as soon as dinner ended, she couldn't wait to pull him over to play.

Pei You'an was dragged over by her and sat down to place his pieces. He played the black pieces, and Jiafu played the white ones; as usual, he gave her a three-piece handicap. Jiafu knelt before the chessboard, concentrating intently and racking her brains, fully focused on the layout. She was trying to lure his "black dragon" into a trap, but he simply wouldn't take the bait. Instead, he leaned idly against the porthole, holding a piece in one hand and a book in the other, appearing to be lost in his reading and enjoying himself. He was clearly distracted. Jiafu stopped her hand and said angrily, "You're bullying me!"

Pei You'an collected his thoughts and glanced at her. Seeing her pouting and glaring at him across the table, she looked quite adorable, yet he couldn't resist teasing her again. He raised an eyebrow, "How have I bullied you?"

"You look down on me! What does it mean to be distracted while playing?"

Pei You'an hurriedly set the book aside and apologized to her, promising that he would play properly. Sure enough, he sat up straight, and only then did Jiafu relent and continue to place her pieces.

However, before many moves had been made, a crisp "snap" sound was heard. He placed a piece in a corner and immediately withdrew his hand, saying, "I accept the victory."

Jiafu stared at the chessboard for a long time before she realized what had happened, and she was instantly dumbfounded.

She had been so focused on setting a trap to lure him in that she had neglected the bigger picture in the corners. The spot where he placed his piece seemed ordinary, but it was actually the vital eye of the formation. It was a move of divine inspiration, connecting his black dragon from head to tail, dominating half the board. The outcome was already decided; even if her white dragon refused to concede immediately and continued to occupy unimportant spaces, it was merely struggling in vain and would ultimately be futile.

Jiafu looked up to see Pei You'an gazing at her with a look of apology, though a smile was clearly visible at the corners of his eyes. Instantly feeling a mix of shame and anger, she swept her hand across the board, scattering the pieces. She shot him a glare, snorted, turned around, and climbed off the couch, ignoring him completely.

Pei You'an laughed aloud behind her. He reached out and grabbed her, forcefully dragging her back and pulling her into his arms. He scrutinized her and nodded solemnly, "My Fu'er is angry. Very well, I shall play another game with you. This time I will definitely fall for your traps properly. Are you satisfied?"

Jiafu had already obediently settled into his arms, but upon hearing this, she realized he had seen through her intentions all along. Not only had he beaten her, but he was still teasing her. She flared up again, struggling to break free from his arms, and said angrily, "You only know how to bully me! I won't play with you! Let me go, I'm going to check on the midnight snack... Hey, what are you doing..."

Amid her complaints, Jiafu was lifted into the air and laid across the couch. Pei You'an flipped over and followed suit, pressing her down. Their upper bodies were lying on the couch, while their legs hung off the edge.

"I don't want to eat. I just want to play with you."

Pei You'an held her as he spoke, his tone filled with playful teasing.

Jiafu’s face flushed red, yet she remained unyielding, making a show of wanting to leave, her body twisting like taffy under his frame. Suddenly, she felt him grow still. He leaned down, placing his lips close to her ear, and whispered a low, slightly hoarse command, "Don't move."

Jiafu was stunned, then immediately understood.

Since her grandmother had passed away, Pei You'an, as the eldest grandson responsible for the mourning rites, had to observe the zhan-cui (highest grade of mourning), during which physical intimacy between husband and wife was strictly prohibited.

Earlier, when the grandmother had just passed, the entire household was immersed in grief, and Jiafu had naturally not thought of such things. Now that the initial period of deep mourning had passed, they were both young and deeply in love. Living together day and night, it was inevitable that they would encounter moments of awkwardness like the current one.

For most people, such mourning was frankly just a performance for others to see; behind closed doors, no one would know about a couple’s private life. But Jiafu knew Pei You'an. While she felt pity for him, she also knew he wouldn't intentionally tease her at such a time. Sensing the physical change in him, she immediately lay still, staring at him with wide eyes.

Pei You'an rolled off her and lay flat on the couch. He raised his hand to cover his face, let out a long breath, and finally sat up.

Jiafu snuck a glance at him, crawled over, and whispered, "Big Cousin, I didn't mean to do that just now..."

Pei You'an leaned close and whispered low, "Fu'er, I have wronged you."

Jiafu shook her head vigorously, "It doesn't matter how long it takes!"

Pei You'an said nothing more, only smiled with gentle eyes and reached out to pull her into his arms.

Silver candles glowed brightly, the water rippled gently, and occasionally there were sounds of the boatman walking across the deck outside.

Jiafu closed her eyes, leaning against his chest like a small bird. As they embraced quietly, she felt a sense of absolute peace.

Suddenly, a rapid sound of gongs erupted in her ears, mingled with vague shouting. Because the distance was somewhat far, she couldn't clearly hear what they were shouting, but she could sense a commotion on the shore.

Jiafu opened her eyes.

Pei You'an pushed open the porthole and looked out.

Jiafu leaned out as well and saw a team of official soldiers on the distant shore, holding torches, beating gongs, and shouting loudly, "Listen, all boatmen! The Wokou (Japanese pirates) are raiding Quanzhou and Pinghai! Official orders have been issued: to prevent the Wokou from coming here, starting tonight, the port is under lockdown! All vessels are forbidden from departing without authorization! Anyone acting recklessly will be treated as a collaborator with the Wokou!"

Jiafu grew up in Quanzhou and was no stranger to the Wokou. Since the founding of the previous dynasty by her ancestors, the coastal areas had been plagued by their raids. Whenever they attacked, Quanzhou was always the first to bear the brunt. After the founding of the Great Ancestor's dynasty, to resist the Wokou, many coastal garrisons were established to train official troops. In the past, Quanzhou had been ordered by the imperial court to close its ports several times due to the Wokou threat, and many merchants, including the Zhen family, were deeply affected. However, for the nearly twenty years since Jiafu was born, Quanzhou had never suffered a large-scale raid. Even when there were incursions, they were usually wiped out before they could even land.

She had not expected that at such a time, there would be a Wokou raid on Quanzhou! It seemed this attack was quite significant; otherwise, how could it have shocked the local government?

"Big Cousin!"

Jiafu's voice trembled slightly.

Pei You'an patted her back gently to reassure her, then got off the couch. He stepped out of the cabin and called for Yang Yun. Before long, Yang Yun brought an official-looking man onto the deck. The man knelt before Pei You'an, "This subordinate is Liu Tong, a hundred-household commander of the Langmen Garrison. I did not know that Magistrate Pei was traveling here tonight. I failed to welcome you, and I ask for your forgiveness!"

Pei You'an ordered him to rise and asked about the situation in Quanzhou.

Liu Tong said, "Magistrate Pei, this time the Wokou have colluded with the great pirates of Eastern Guangdong. They acted in coordination, splitting into two wings to attack Quanzhou and Yongning prefectures simultaneously. They are extremely ferocious. This subordinate heard that not only did they seize over a dozen merchant ships waiting to return to port at sea, but they also took advantage of the slack night defenses at the two garrisons to launch a surprise attack on the city, killing people and setting fires. The Wokou entered through the South Gate of Quanzhou. Although Commander Li arrived in time to drive them back, I heard there were casualties in the South City area. Many large households have suffered, and I hear several have incurred heavy losses."

Pei You'an asked, "Do you have any news regarding the Zhen family?"

Liu Tong replied, "The Quanzhou Zhen family? When the Wokou fled, they set fire to the warehouses near the port. The fire burned for several days before it was extinguished. The Zhen family's property must have suffered losses. As for the family members, this subordinate does not know for certain."

Jiafu, who was inside the cabin, heard everything clearly. Her heart burned with anxiety. As soon as Pei You'an entered, she immediately grabbed his hand and said with a trembling voice, "Big Cousin, can we return to Quanzhou as quickly as possible? My home is in the South City! I’m worried about my mother and the others!"

Pei You'an replied, "I will take you back to Quanzhou as fast as I can. Do not be afraid, I am here."

Nurse Liu, Tanxiang, and the others packed their luggage for the shore. The Langmen county magistrate, because the incident was sudden and the business urgent, did not dare to neglect his duties. He had personally come to the port to supervise, and upon hearing that Pei You'an was passing through, he hurried over to pay his respects. After a moment, the post station sent the necessary carriages and fast horses. Pei You'an thanked the Langmen magistrate, took Jiafu into the carriage, and the group traveled overnight to Quanzhou.

The remainder of the journey was no longer leisurely. Apart from necessary rests, they didn't stop at all, and three days later, they finally arrived in Quanzhou. Soldiers were guarding the city gates, checking everyone entering and leaving. Pei You'an took Jiafu into the city, and as they approached the South City, they saw traces of looting and fire everywhere. Many houses had white funeral banners hanging at their doors, and sounds of weeping could be heard from within.

Jiafu was terrified. When she finally arrived at her family’s front door, she knocked until it opened. A servant peeked out, and upon seeing Jiafu, he jumped up in surprise and turned to run inside to report the news. Lady Meng did not believe it at first, but she rushed out. When she truly saw Jiafu and Pei You'an, she wept with joy and hurriedly welcomed her daughter and son-in-law inside.

Jiafu did not see her brother or grandmother, so she asked about them immediately.

Lady Meng was deeply moved and shed tears, saying, "When the Wokou pirates broke into the South City earlier, they were killing and burning everywhere. Fortunately, Commander Li dispatched troops to guard our area in time, so our door was not breached. However, your brother... he has likely fallen into the hands of the Wokou..."

Lady Meng was overwhelmed by grief and choked up, unable to continue. A servant nearby explained the rest.

It turned out that last month, the Zhen family had a ship heading to Liuqiu. The sea route was not very long, and after Zhen Yaoting obtained the consent of Grandmother Hu and Lady Meng, he boarded the ship with Zhang Da. They were supposed to have returned by now, but unexpectedly, they encountered the Wokou raid. Their ship was seized mid-voyage, along with the Zhen family's other ships and over a dozen other merchant vessels. Grandmother Hu had not fully recovered from her previous illness, and upon hearing that her grandson had fallen into the hands of the Wokou, she was overcome with shock and anger, fainting on the spot. She had been bedridden for the past few days, unable to take any food or water. Lady Meng had been sending people to the government to inquire about news while simultaneously nursing her mother-in-law, and she was physically and mentally exhausted. She had just been preparing to send someone to Beijing with a letter when she suddenly saw her daughter and son-in-law return. How could she control her emotions at that moment?

Jiafu suppressed the panic in her heart and hurriedly comforted her mother.

Pei You'an stood up, "Fu'er, take good care of your mother and grandmother. I will go to the yamen for a visit."

As he finished his instruction and turned to head out, the doorman ran in and said that Governor Gao had arrived.

...

Something this major had occurred in Quanzhou, and if it wasn't handled properly, it would be enough to cost him his official position. When Gao Huaiyuan received the news, he felt as if his rear end was on fire; how could he sit still? While sending news to the capital, he personally rushed to Quanzhou to manage the aftermath, arriving yesterday. Just now, he had been personally arranging coastal defenses when he received a report that Magistrate Pei from the capital had arrived in Quanzhou. He immediately brought his men to visit, and as soon as he saw Pei You'an, he knelt on the ground and kowtowed in deep remorse, "Magistrate Pei! This subordinate is guilty! I never imagined the Wokou would collude with the pirate leaders of Eastern Guangdong to launch an attack! Fortunately, I did not forget to maintain defenses in peacetime and ordered the various garrisons to drill, which is why we were able to repel the Wokou in time! As for the dozen or so seized ships, please be assured, Magistrate, that I have ordered the commander to take the naval fleet out to sea for a pursuit. Although the sea is vast, I will do my utmost. I only hope you can understand the difficulties of this subordinate and put in a good word for me before His Majesty. I would be immensely grateful!"

Gao Huaiyuan was not lying. The moment he heard that the Zhen family's ship was among those seized, and that the young master of the Zhen family was on board, he had felt his heart sink. He immediately dispatched the naval fleet to search for survivors at sea. But to be honest, in the vast ocean with no target, wanting to catch a pirate ship and save the captives was akin to finding a needle in a haystack; the hope was extremely slim. After speaking, he felt a bit guilty and didn't dare to look up for a long time.

Pei You'an told him to rise. Just as he was deep in thought, an urgent report arrived from outside, "Magistrate! Magistrate! Good news! Those dozen seized ships have all returned! They will be able to enter the port today!”