Wish You All the Best - Chapter 74
Chapter 74
The youth seemed to be startled by her as well and hurriedly pulled his head back behind the reef.
Pei You'an quickly rushed over. Seeing Jiafu already standing up with her eyes wide open, pointing at the reef beside her and seemingly too frightened to speak, he turned his gaze toward the dark, blob-like rock in the night. Realizing someone was hiding behind the stone, his expression darkened, and he slowly drew his sword.
"Big Cousin!"
Jiafu reacted, hurriedly grabbing Pei You'an’s sleeve.
"I recognize him! Let me ask first—"
"Don't—"
The youth's voice came from behind the stone.
Accompanied by a rustling sound, his head appeared once again. He shouted at Pei You'an, "Shaofu (Junior Tutor), it’s me! Yu'er. Don't you recognize me anymore?"
Dong Chengmao hurried over. Seeing the youth, he was shocked: "Young Master, how did you come here? Did you follow me?"
Xiao Yu wore a look of slight smugness as he leapt out from behind the reef with the agility of an ape. Before he even stood firm, he rushed to Pei You'an, grabbing his arm: "Shaofu, it’s been so long. You finally came here, but you only called Uncle Long and didn't let me come along! Have you stopped caring about me, Shaofu?"
Pei You'an looked at Dong Chengmao.
Dong Chengmao looked embarrassed: "Eldest Young Master..."
Seeing this, Xiao Yu hurriedly added, "Shaofu, don't blame Uncle Long. It’s just that when I heard you arrived in Quanzhou recently and even quelled the pirate leaders, I guessed Uncle Long would be coming to see you. I kept watch, and when I saw Uncle Long lower the sampan from the large ship at dusk as if to head out alone, I secretly hid under the sampan beforehand, gripping the cable ring, and that’s how I got here."
After Dong Chengmao left the ship at dusk to head out alone, he had occasionally checked his surroundings and behind him to prevent being followed, never imagining that Xiao Yu had been hiding underwater beneath his boat the entire time.
"Eldest Young Master, it is this subordinate’s negligence..."
Dong Chengmao looked ashamed and helpless.
Over these past two years, Xiao Yu had changed drastically.
Although Dong Chengmao knew that before coming to the sea, the boy had lived a hard life of wandering in Quanzhou, he had still worried initially that the former Young Emperor would be unable to adapt to the rough and risky life at sea. Yet, he didn't know which day it started—the boy’s skin had tanned, he had shot up in height, and his temperament had completely transformed. If not for the fact that he watched the boy grow every day, he truly could not imagine that the sturdy, dark-skinned young man before him was the same sullen, reticent youth who used to show flashes of melancholy in his eyes when he first arrived.
The murderous aura that had gathered in Pei You'an's eyes instantly dissipated. He stared at the youth who had suddenly emerged—now almost as tall as his own brow—and gradually began to smile. He sheathed his sword and said to Dong Chengmao, "It is fine. It is just as well that he is here."
Jiafu watched from the side, utterly astonished.
Just now, when the youth revealed his head from behind the rock and smiled at her, although his appearance had changed, Jiafu felt his eyes were familiar—as if she had seen them somewhere before, leaving a deep impression. Suddenly, it occurred to her: he seemed to be the boy she had once saved, who was later rumored to have jumped into the sea on New Year’s Eve.
To find he was still alive and appearing before her like this was too unexpected; that was why she had cried out, attracting Pei You'an.
She knew that Pei You'an and the Golden-Faced Dragon King meeting on this floating reef was a secret that must not be known to outsiders. She didn't know how the boy had rashly appeared, but she felt he had no malicious intent and feared Pei You'an would kill him without asking. That was why she had intervened. She hadn't expected the situation to turn so suddenly; it appeared Pei You'an not only knew the youth, but their relationship seemed quite close.
She suppressed her surprise, thought for a moment, and actively stepped further back.
Dong Chengmao also backed away, leaving Pei You'an and Xiao Yu to talk.
Pei You'an examined the youth: "It is not that your Shaofu did not want to see you, Young Master. It is just that the Wokou chaos just ended, and the commotion is significant. I feared that if an imperial secret agent noticed you, it would be dangerous, which is why I told Uncle Dong not to bring you tonight. I had originally intended to wait for some time until the attention died down before finding another opportunity for you to come out. I did not expect you to follow on your own. It is dangerous underwater; do not be so reckless next time. Do you understand?"
Xiao Yu wiped the water droplets still clinging to his hair and face and grinned: "The water isn't cold. Besides, did Uncle Long not tell you that I can now hold my breath underwater for half a quarter of an hour? Last time, I even killed a shark all by myself! It’s just that the meat was too tough and didn't taste good! By the way, Shaofu, did Uncle Long tell you that this time, when I was out at sea with a few brothers, we encountered the Wokou fleet assembling? I secretly followed them, climbed onto a pirate ship in the middle of the night, and that’s how I gathered the information and rushed back to tell Uncle Long. I didn't expect Uncle Long to be so unloyal—he took the brothers to kill the thieves himself and actually tried to keep me on Golden Dragon Island. How could he keep me down? I killed quite a few Wokou this time; it was truly satisfying!"
A look of relief appeared in Pei You'an’s eyes. He nodded: "The Young Master has truly grown up! You are completely different from before! Your Shaofu is very pleased."
The youth had been rambling on, recounting his experiences with a hint of small boasting, but hearing Pei You'an’s genuine praise, his handsome face couldn't help but flush with embarrassment. He stopped and changed the subject: "Shaofu, it has been so long since we parted in Quanzhou. How have you been these past two years?"
Pei You'an smiled: "Thank you for your concern, Young Master. I am well."
Xiao Yu also smiled: "That is good. Shaofu, I have long wanted to see you. I couldn't help myself this time and followed you, because there are a few things I truly wanted to say to you."
Pei You'an's expression turned solemn: "Please speak, Young Master."
"Shaofu, that imperial jade seal is useless to me; it is like a burden. I want to give it to you. How to dispose of it, you decide."
The youth had been smiling since he first jumped out from behind the reef, and he remained smiling now.
"I know that Third Imperial Uncle has been looking for me since he ascended the throne. He told the world he was willing to welcome me back. I don't know if he is sincere or not. Regardless of whether it is true or false, I have no desire to return to that imperial palace."
Pei You'an fell silent.
The youth’s expression also turned serious.
"Shaofu, do not worry. When you saved me two years ago, I told you then that you owe nothing to my father, nor to me. Back then, Second Imperial Uncle wouldn't let me go and sent spies to hunt me down. You risked your life to find me and save me—that was already enough. Second Imperial Uncle harmed me and stole my throne, but he eventually met a violent end himself; it was heavenly justice. I have no more hatred. If I truly wanted to sit on that troublesome dragon chair, I would have come out when Third Imperial Uncle rose to power and asked you to help me. That was the best opportunity. Now that the world is stable and Third Imperial Uncle is a good emperor for the common people, why should I keep the seal? Besides, those three years of the throne were never meant for me anyway. I had two older brothers, and once they were gone, I was made crown prince and then emperor in a muddle. I know better than anyone what those years felt like. Rather than being an emperor, I prefer a life like this. These are my heartfelt words! The only bad thing is that I still have to hide and skulk around. I have thought about it, and this troublesome thing should just be thrown to you, Shaofu—or destroy it, or you find a way to get it to him. From now on, the 'Young Emperor' the world speaks of is truly dead. Leave me as Xiao Yu, free and unrestrained, with a vast world before me, no longer bound by anything!"
Pei You'an and the youth gazed at each other for a long moment. Ultimately, he said nothing, only raising his hand to pat the boy's shoulder.
Everything was understood in silence.
His eyes held complex emotions, while Xiao Yu seemed to have shed a great burden, his face radiant: "I knew it! Even if the whole world doesn't understand me, you do, Shaofu!"
Having said this, as if remembering something, he turned his face quickly toward the petite figure standing on the other side of the reef. Fearing he might be overheard, he leaned in closer and whispered hesitatingly, "Shaofu, how is it such a coincidence that you brought her? Could it be you guessed I would come? If she hadn't saved me back then, I wouldn't have lived until you found me. I’ve been out at sea these past few years, and I found some decent South Sea pearls. I strung them into a bracelet and brought it tonight. I intended to entrust it to you, Shaofu, in case you had a chance to give it to her on my behalf as a token of my gratitude. I didn't expect she would be here..."
As he spoke, he retrieved a small box tightly wrapped in fish bladder from his person. Carefully tearing open the waterproof layer, he revealed a box carved from agarwood inside. He handed it over, grimacing, "I carved this box myself. It doesn't look very exquisite; I’m afraid she’ll dislike it. I don't dare to speak to her directly—could you help me give it to her, Shaofu?"
Pei You'an was stunned.
Xiao Yu, not caring about the consequences, shoved the box into Pei You'an’s hands after speaking and turned to look at that figure again: "Shaofu, I still don't know her name. Do you know it?"
After he finished asking, he probably felt embarrassed, his face turning slightly red. Fortunately, his skin was dark, and it was night, so it wasn't very noticeable.
Pei You'an finally collected himself, following the youth’s gaze to the petite figure standing under the moonlight, then looked down at the object forcibly shoved into his hand. After a moment's hesitation, he said, "She is... my wife. Since Uncle Dong was coming tonight, I brought her along."
The youth froze, then suddenly realized what he’d said. He hurriedly reached out and snatched the box back: "Shaofu, I truly knew nothing of this! Please don't blame me. I won't give it to her, I won't!"
Pei You'an's expression returned to normal. He looked at the figure again, who still had no idea what was happening, and after thinking, he smiled: "It is fine. Her name is Jiafu. I will take you over; you can thank her yourself and give her the bracelet. She will surely like your gift."
Xiao Yu had been blushing furiously, but looking into the smiling gaze of the man opposite him, he finally steadied himself and nodded.
Jiafu was waiting there. Seeing Pei You'an bring the youth toward her, she went to meet them.
Pei You'an laughed: "Fu'er, you saved him before, but I never told you. He is an old friend of mine named Yu. He has always remembered how you saved him and wants to thank you in person."
Xiao Yu expressed his thanks and presented the gift.
Jiafu opened the box, saw the string of pearls inside, and hearing Pei You'an say he made it himself, she was deeply moved and immediately wore it on her wrist.
"It is beautiful. I love it very much. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Young Master."
Jiafu smiled.
Xiao Yu knew that his Shaofu had been physically frail since childhood. These years of longing and worry, living all alone—now that he finally had a woman to care for him, and seeing her gentle expression as she stood together with his Shaofu under the moonlight, they looked like such a perfect match.
The youth looked at the couple, and gradually, the last shred of awkwardness in his heart vanished, replaced by genuine affection. His face still felt a bit warm as he said softly: "As long as the Mistress does not dislike it. You may just call me Yu'er from now on, Mistress."
Pei You'an let the two continue talking while he went to stand beside Dong Chengmao.
Although Dong Chengmao did not know what Xiao Yu had just said to him, having spent the last two years with them, how could he not sense what the Young Emperor was thinking? Seeing Pei You'an staring at Xiao Yu’s back with a solemn expression, he whispered, "Eldest Young Master, I used to think day and night about how to help the Young Master return to the capital. Now, I have gradually come to understand that every new emperor has his own court. After the chaos of the Shun'an era, the old officials of the Tianxi reign withered away. The current Emperor possesses military might and heroes from all over the world flocked to his side. When he ascended the throne, it was the will of the people. Even if we had tried to restore the Young Emperor then, the wish would likely have been in vain; not only would we have failed, but we would have brought disaster upon the Young Master. Although there are regrets, perhaps it is the will of heaven. Since the Young Master has no intention of seizing the throne and wishes to stay away from the court, please rest assured, Eldest Young Master. From now on, this subordinate will take good care of the Young Master on your behalf."
Pei You'an gazed out at the pitch-black sea in the distance, lost in thought for a moment, and said, "The wind rises from the tip of the green duckweed. In the imperial court, the Emperor's heart is unpredictable, and variables are uncertain. I likely cannot stay here much longer. Uncle Dong, remember what I said earlier; you must not be careless."
Dong Chengmao respectfully agreed.
Pei You'an turned his head to look at the two figures of Jiafu and Xiao Yu not far away. They seemed to have grown familiar with each other, and he didn't know what Xiao Yu had said, but Jiafu let out a few soft laughs.
He watched without walking over immediately, until Jiafu turned her head as if looking for him. Only then did he smile at her and walk toward them.