Wish You All the Best - Chapter 110

Chapter 110

Six or seven years had passed since the imperial court imposed the sea ban. Quanzhou, an ancient city that had once flourished because of the sea, had now completely declined because of it. The two heavy gates at the entrance of the Maritime Trade Office were shut tight, their paint peeling away and their iron locks rusted and mottled. The old ships anchored in the harbor, unable to withstand the wind and rain, were gradually rotting away.

From the eager anticipation of the early years to the hopelessness of the present, no one dared to bring up the topic of reopening the sea borders. The city's population plummeted. During these years, apart from the elderly natives who had lived there for generations, everyone else had left in search of a livelihood. The streets and alleys no longer hummed with the bustling crowds of the days when the maritime markets were thriving.

Spring departed and autumn arrived, with only the flame-red silk-cotton flowers blooming and falling, year after year, in an endless cycle.

Along with the decline of the ancient city, the Zhen family, once so prosperous, also sank into silence.

Whenever the Zhen family was mentioned in the past, people spoke of them as the giants of wealth in Quanzhou. It was said that their daughter had married a high-ranking official before the Emperor’s throne, and even the old matriarch had been granted a formal title of honor. With the whole family basking in such glory, who wouldn’t be envious? Even now, the people of Quanzhou remembered the lively scene of auspicious omens appearing at the Zhen family shipyard, and how everyone had beaten drums and gongs to deliver the news to the capital. That splendor had stirred the entire city; even today, the old residents recalled it vividly.

Ironically, that very moment seemed to have been the pinnacle of the Zhen family's prosperity, stopping abruptly from that day forward.

For a time, rumors swirled throughout Quanzhou that the Zhen family's son-in-law had offended the Emperor and been exiled beyond the passes. From that moment on, the Zhen family’s threshold grew cold, and government carriages were no longer seen at their door. Although in the last two years, news slowly trickled out that the son-in-law surnamed Pei had been reinstated by the court, his official post was far less glorious than his previous position in the capital. He was now guarding a bitter border town beyond the passes, defending against the Northern Hu, and the Zhen daughter had followed him there. People would sigh for a moment, and eventually, no one mentioned them anymore.

As for the members of the Zhen family, they had experienced several ups and downs over the years. They had seen the hypocrisy of high-ranking local officials who flocked to their door when they were riding high, and they had witnessed the cold faces of those who avoided them like the plague when they fell on hard times. Amidst these changes, they managed to keep their integrity and inner peace. They dismissed the numerous servants and laborers who were no longer needed in the household or at the shipyard, closed the main gate, and kept to themselves. The gate had not been opened for years, and the family entered and exited through a small side door. Now, because the old matriarch was aged and frail, Lady Meng—the lady of the house—though a widow and naturally gentle in disposition, managed the household with great competence. The fields and estates were managed by Zhang Da, and the internal affairs were supported by her daughter-in-law. Although her son had no grand abilities and could occasionally be foolish, he was exceptionally filial. In recent years, he had been blessed with a son and a daughter. Most remarkably, the orphans and widows from the shipyard were still under the Zhen family's care. Whenever this was mentioned, the old residents of Quanzhou would give a thumbs-up, praising the Zhen family for their kindness.

On the afternoon of this day, a fast horse galloped along the yellow mud main road from the direction of the Fujian Provincial Office toward the city gate of Quanzhou.

The rider was a messenger from the Fujian provincial government. As he entered the gate, he galloped toward the prefecture government office while shouting loudly: "By imperial decree, the sea ban is lifted! By imperial decree, the sea ban is lifted!"

It was as if a pool of stagnant water had been stirred into waves. Passersby stopped in their tracks. The cloth shopkeeper, who had been dozing behind his counter, ran out. Several women sitting at their doorways, sunning themselves and sewing shoe soles, stood up. A small child rolling an iron hoop dropped it. Two carters who had been arguing over a collision between their donkey carts and were about to come to blows also stopped.

Everyone stared at the back of the messenger who rode off like a trail of dust, their eyes wide with expressions of disbelief.

Gradually, more and more people ran out of their homes, passing the word to one another. Their faces were a mixture of wild joy and incredulity. Some began to chase after the messenger. One passed it to ten, ten to a hundred. Before long, the entire city was in an uproar. People put down their work and hurried toward the prefecture government office, gathering at the entrance, craning their necks, whispering, and waiting for confirmation.

By evening, an official notice bearing the bright red government seal was posted overnight on the Wind and Rain Pavilion in front of the prefecture government office. Yamen runners beat gongs and drums while patrolling the streets, loudly proclaiming the official decree. The heavy gates of the Maritime Trade Office, which had been closed for years, were opened that very night amidst the creaking of insect-eaten hinges. Before dark, the news had spread throughout the city: the imperial court would soon reopen the Maritime Trade Office and restore overseas trade for all southeastern ports, including Quanzhou.

People beamed with joy, beating drums and gongs as they swarmed the streets. Suddenly, from the night sky over the southeast of the city, a firework whistled into the air with a chirp and burst, blooming into a gorgeous display. It was unclear which family had decided to set off the fireworks prepared for the Lunar New Year early. Then, more and more fireworks ascended, illuminating the harbor outside the city that had been lonely for so many years.

That night, the entire city of Quanzhou was boiling with excitement, lost in an ocean of joy. Even the city gates were opened as an exception, as many people were too impatient to wait and had already lit lanterns to hurry to the seaside to inspect their own ships, large and small, that had been sitting empty for years. The government, yielding to the will of the people, kept the city gates open for the night.

The Zhen house was also brightly lit. Lady Meng went personally to the old matriarch’s room to share the good news.

The old matriarch was now deaf and dim-sighted, but her mind remained sharp. Hearing the news, she leaned on her cane and walked slowly to the window. Looking at the clusters of fireworks in the distant night sky, she murmured: "Is the world about to change? Good news... such good news..."

Zhen Yaoting had Zhang Da summon two servants to bring out firecrackers and fireworks. He brought his five-year-old twins—the son, nicknamed Ping-ge, and the daughter, called Xi-jie-er—and opened the main gate that had been closed for years. He set off the fireworks and firecrackers to wish his distant brother-in-law and sister peace and joy beyond the passes. The two children covered their ears and hid behind their father, terrified yet letting out joyful, giggling laughs. After setting off all the fireworks, he happily led his two children back inside.

As the night grew deeper, the crowds gathered in the streets and alleys slowly dispersed, but the lights in the city remained unextinguished. In many households, fathers saw their sons, brothers called to brothers, and old friends summoned old friends, all sitting under the lamps calculating their future business once the ports reopened. It was the same at the Zhen house. Zhang Da stayed up all night to call back the old hands who were still in the city. Together with the head of the house, Zhen Yaoting, over a dozen people sat around a square table under the oil lamp, discussing business, everyone’s face filled with excitement.

Yuzhu and the cook made some midnight snacks and brought them outside for the cook to deliver. As she returned to her room, she suddenly heard a cry from outside: "Mistress! Young Master! Young Mistress! The son-in-law and young lady have returned!"

Lady Meng didn't even have time to put her shoes on properly. She led her son and daughter-in-law and rushed out. Zhang Da lifted a lantern and followed. When they reached the second gate, they saw two figures approaching, both dressed in casual traveling clothes. The man was nearly thirty, wearing a sedge hat and a dark-colored cloak. Beneath the brim, his face was lean, his brows gentle and refined, and his eyes deep and brilliant. The woman beside him, in her early twenties, was wrapped in a silver-fox fur-lined cape. It was none other than Pei You'an and Jiafu, whom they hadn't seen in years.

Jiafu called out "Mother" and flew toward them.

"Afu!"

Lady Meng was as if in a dream, unable to believe her eyes. Her daughter, whom she had been separated from for years, had suddenly returned and was standing right before her.

She hugged her daughter tightly, her tears falling. It was seven parts joy and three parts heartbreak. As the mother and daughter sobbed in each other’s arms, Yuzhu’s eyes also turned red. She stepped forward to pay her respects to Pei You'an. Zhen Yaoting, standing by, whispered a few words of comfort. Only then did Lady Meng regain her senses. Seeing Pei You'an approach, she knew he was there to pay his respects. She hurriedly wiped away her tears, let go of Jiafu, and went up to meet him, saying joyfully: "Returning is all that matters! It is good to be back! Today the government even sent news that the court is reopening the sea trade, and now you two have returned tonight—this is truly a double blessing! Quick, everyone inside!"

Pei You'an and Jiafu went inside, conversed at length, and visited the old matriarch. That night, Jiafu stayed by Lady Meng’s side. Just like the night before she had been married off, the mother and daughter shared a bed, whispering endlessly, expressing their love. They cried and laughed until the small hours of the morning, when Lady Meng finally sent her daughter back to her room.

Pei You'an was still sitting under the lamp, a book in his hand, but his gaze was fixed, and the pages hadn't been turned in a long time. Hearing footsteps outside the door, he set the book down, rose to open the door, and welcomed Jiafu back into the room.

The couple lay side by side. Jiafu closed her eyes for a moment, her arms slowly wrapping around his waist. She whispered low: "Big Cousin, I am a little afraid..."

Early the next morning, they would be leaving for Golden Dragon Island. That youth of the past, because of an inextinguishable spark in his heart, had become a green kite with clipped wings, losing his freedom, trapped in that narrow cage of Golden Dragon Island.

Day after day, year after year. When they met again, what would that youth have become? Would the vigorous brilliance in the youth’s eyes that had once left such an indelible mark on her still remain?

In that very moment, Jiafu’s mind conjured the scene of Ci-er babbling, using his immature voice to call out "Mother" for the first time. In the depths of her heart, a vague fear suddenly sprouted, as if she were about to lose something.

She knew that her husband, lying beside her, must surely know the source of her fear.

He gazed into her eyes for a long time before slowly pulling her into his arms, kissing her slightly reddened eyelids.

"Sleep."

He coaxed her softly, his voice exceptionally gentle.

...

The next morning, as the first rays of dawn broke, Pei You'an took Jiafu to the naval camp harbor. Dong Chengang and Li Yuangui had been waiting there for a long time. The couple boarded a large ship, the sailors hoisted the sails and rowed, heading toward the open sea.

The day the ship approached Golden Dragon Island, it was near twilight. The sea under the setting sun glittered like fish scales. Jiafu stood at the bow, looking through a lens at the black land that was becoming clearly distinguishable ahead. In her line of sight, the outline of a large ship gradually appeared. As they drew closer, she finally saw clearly that on a flat beach by the sea, a brand-new Fuchuan ship stood. The ship was painted black, with a sharp bow and a wide stern, its ends high and curled upward. The hull was about nine zhang long. There was a small sail at the front and back, and a main sail in the middle. Viewed from afar, the masts towered as if touching the clouds. A figure was standing at the very top of the main mast.

The golden light of the setting sun shone on the giant white sail beneath that figure’s feet, as if outlining a bottom painting with golden edges. The figure, not yet fully in focus, was a moving landscape within the painting, yet he himself was completely unaware. With one arm wrapped around the mast and the other reaching out, his head was bowed, as if focused on arranging the rigging at the masthead.

Jiafu’s heart beat slightly faster. She turned to look at Pei You'an beside her. His eyes were unblinking, fixed on the busy, blurry figure atop the sail.

The ship drew nearer, entering the warning zone. Command flags were slowly raised at the bow, fluttering in the wind. On the observation deck, the guards, who rotated according to the seasons, observed with lenses and signaled the fort hidden behind the reefs to grant passage.

The ship traveled without obstruction and pulled up to the shore. Through the lens, Jiafu clearly saw the busy figure atop the mast: he was a swarthy, sturdy young man.

On the deck, an old man who looked like a veteran shipwright was sitting cross-legged, smoking a water pipe and resting. He saw the official government ship from the sea, rose, walked under the sail, and struck the mast twice with a thud, thud.

The figure atop the sail finally sensed the anomaly from the sea behind him.

He stopped what he was doing, turned slowly, and squinted against the slightly blinding golden sunset, looking at the approaching ship silhouette on the sea.

His figure froze. Suddenly, he abruptly released the dozen or so rigging lines he had been tying around his arm. The sail, losing its control like a kite that had lost its wind, plummeted along the mast. The figure slid down rapidly, quickly reaching the deck. Before he had even stood steady, he turned and rushed to the high, curled bow carved with a lifelike dragon head. With a somersault, he was like a vigorous leopard, flipping off the bow, rolling on the sandy beach, and then leaping up to dash barefoot toward the seaside.

Pei You'an stepped quickly off the deck and onto the beach, walking with long strides toward the youth running toward him.

It was Xiao Yu.

The long years of imprisonment had turned him from a fifteen or sixteen-year-old youth into the young man of adulthood he was today.

Ever since the naval battle many years ago, the vast Golden Dragon Island had become a cage that trapped him. On the island, apart from the guards who were replaced periodically, he had only a mute old shipwright to accompany him.

When he was first imprisoned there, he had been asked what he wanted. The youth was silent for a long time, finally saying he wanted to build a Fuchuan ship capable of ocean voyages.

His request was granted. Over these years, all the materials needed for shipbuilding were shipped across the ocean to him according to his requirements. Along with those materials came the mute old shipwright he called Uncle An.

Uncle An was an old sailor who was also skilled in the art of shipbuilding and had built countless warships for the imperial shipyards. Over these years, under the guidance of this mute Uncle An, the youth began to build his own sea ship. He personally polished every piece of wood, shaping them into what he needed.

Beams, wall planks, deck boards, rudders, oars...

The long days of imprisonment flowed between his fingers like water.

The Fuchuan ship slowly took shape, becoming what it was today, and that youth of the past had also grown into a young man in the day-to-day busyness.

Xiao Yu rushed up to Pei You'an. With a few paces remaining, he suddenly braked hard, staring at Pei You'an, motionless.

Pei You'an walked up to him with long strides.

"Yu-er!"

He reached out both hands, gripping Xiao Yu’s arms tightly.

"Shao-fu!"

Xiao Yu paused for a moment before throwing himself onto Pei You'an’s shoulder, hot tears instantly welling in his eyes.

Pei You'an held this former student of his, who was now the same height as himself, in a tight embrace.

"Ah—"

Xiao Yu suddenly looked up at the sky and let out a long howl, as if venting his innermost emotions at this moment. The howling mingled with the sea wind and carried far away.

Tears also gradually welled in Pei You'an’s eyes. He gently patted Xiao Yu’s back: "Yu-er, your teacher came late, letting you suffer so much hardship and grievance..."

Xiao Yu stopped howling abruptly, wiped the tears from his face, and grinned at Pei You'an, revealing a set of white, even teeth.

"Shao-fu! This is not hardship or grievance! Everything was my own willing choice! I am just happy! I never expected that in this life, I would be able to see you and Teacher’s wife again..."

He looked toward Jiafu, who had stepped off the ship and walked nearby, standing to the side and smiling as she watched him. He gazed at her for a moment, smiled slightly, and nodded. He then took Pei You'an’s hand and led him toward the Fuchuan ship.

"Shao-fu, look, this is the Fuchuan ship I built myself, piece by piece, out of wood all these years! You know astronomy and geography, but no matter how much you know, I bet you wouldn't know which wood to use for which part of the ship! Beams and supporting pillars can use camphor wood, but if you use camphor, you cannot fell it in spring or summer, otherwise it will turn to powder from borers over time. Deck boards can be any wood, but rudder shafts need elm or lang wood. Oars can be cedar, Japanese cypress, or qiu wood. And there is the keel and the main mast..."

Xiao Yu led Pei You'an onto the deck of the cabin.

"It must be built from precious teak! It doesn't fear sun or rain, doesn't fear fire, and isn't eaten by ants or insects. Shao-fu, the keel and main mast of my Fuchuan are extremely sturdy. Just a few days ago, I finished it! In the future, if this ship of mine can reach the sea, it will never fear wind or waves; even if it travels for dozens of years, it will never rot!"

Xiao Yu touched the thick mast, turned his head toward Pei You'an, his eyes sparkling with pride.

"Young Master—"

Dong Chengang, who had come along, also stepped quickly onto the deck. Just as he was about to kneel to Xiao Yu, he was lifted up by him.

Xiao Yu looked Dong Chengang up and down and laughed heartily: "General Dong, you’ve come too? How goes the battle against the pirates? Do you know, the only regret I’ve had these years was being unable to go and fight the pirates with you!"

Tears brimmed in Dong Chengang’s eyes: "Thanks to your blessing, the pirate scourge has been eliminated, and the court has reopened the sea ban. The coastal people are all overjoyed."

Xiao Yu laughed: "Good!" Finished, his gaze moved to Li Yuangui, who had been standing to the side in silence, showing a slight look of confusion.

Li Yuangui said: "Young Master, the Emperor has a decree. Back then, he made a promise to the world that if he ever found the young Emperor, he would welcome him back to the capital. The Emperor commanded your servant to accompany these two officials here to fulfill that promise. I ask the Young Master to return to the capital immediately. The Emperor will personally welcome you at the outskirts, choose an auspicious day to worship at the ancestral temple, announce it to the world, and restore you to the throne to correct the heavenly way."

"Young Master!"

Dong Chengang knelt, his face filled with excitement.

Xiao Yu’s figure stiffened, the expression on his face gradually turning solemn. He suddenly looked at Pei You'an: "Shao-fu, I want to say a few words to you."

...

The next morning, as the sun rose over the sea, the brand-new Fuchuan ship set sail with the rising tide. Xiao Yu and old Uncle An hoisted the sails, utilizing the wind as they gradually drifted away across the sea.

Xiao Yu stood high at the bow, waving to Pei You'an and Jiafu as they saw him off, calling out loudly: "Shao-fu, Teacher’s wife! One day, when I have traveled to the four corners of the world, I will surely return to see you!"

Li Yuangui knelt, paying a respectful and solemn salute in the direction of Xiao Yu’s departure before rising.

Jiafu watched Xiao Yu’s figure, which was gradually becoming smaller, the words he had spoken to Pei You'an echoing in her mind.

He had said, Shao-fu, these years, although I could not leave this place for a single step, my heart was never imprisoned; nor has my heart ever been so at peace.

Shao-fu, I am a selfish person. When I returned to the capital back then, all I sought was my own peace of mind. Now, my heart cannot hold the people of this world either.

Shao-fu, in the ways of the world, even if seven or eight out of ten things are unsatisfactory, the remaining two or three good things are enough to make one yearn for them. I beg you to fulfill my wish: from now on, to break through the winds and waves, with sails in the clouds and the vast sea, then my life will not have been lived in vain!

She thought again of Ci-er far away in the capital. The anxiety in her heart grew stronger.

At this very moment, where was Ci-er, and what was he doing?

...

Spring was gradually approaching in the southern lands, but ten thousand li away, the capital was still gripped by the dead of winter, with white snow flying.

The previous month, the Emperor had excused himself from court for nearly a month on the grounds of recuperating from illness. Not a single official had been able to see him, and they were all anxious. He had finally reappeared the month prior, which had set their minds at ease.

However, ever since that, the Emperor’s health had declined rapidly. Walking was no longer easy for him; he had to use a cane and no longer attended daily morning court meetings. If there was business, he only summoned people to the Imperial Study to discuss it.

On this day, after Xiao Lie finished his business and the officials left, he summoned Ci-er, who had been sitting quietly behind a screen.

Ci-er sat in his place, reading and writing. The Emperor was reviewing memorials. Cui Yinsui carefully added a few pieces of silver charcoal to the stove. The room was warm and quiet.

"Imperial Grandfather, 'Those of antiquity who were good at governing the world calculated the big, not the small; they focused on virtue, not on punishment. When planning for peace, they considered danger; when plotting for benefit, they contemplated harm. Only then could they long enjoy fortune and prosperity.' What does this mean?"

Ci-er took a book he had retrieved from the Imperial Study, went to the Emperor’s side, and asked.

Xiao Lie glanced at it and explained it with a smile.

Ci-er, seemingly understanding but not quite, nodded. After a moment of thought, he asked again: "Imperial Grandfather, I often hear the officials speak of 'the world.' What exactly is this 'world'?"

Xiao Lie thought for a moment, set down his brush, and ordered someone to fetch his regular outdoor clothing. After being helped into them, he personally draped a cloak over Ci-er and put a furry bunny-eared hat on his head.

"Imperial Grandfather, is it that my father and mother have returned? Are we leaving the palace to pick them up?" Ci-er asked, his face full of joy.

Xiao Lie stroked his head: "Imperial Grandfather is taking you out of the palace to see what the 'world' truly is.”