Wish You All the Best - Chapter 76

Chapter 76

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 ever, sounding as if he were discussing it with her, Jiafu heard the clarity in his words. There was a sense of command in them—as if he had already made the decision, and she only needed to follow his arrangements.

In daily life, Jiafu had developed a habit, whether intentionally or not, of acting coquettishly toward him, knowing that it worked on him and that he would yield because of it.

However, she also knew that coquetry didn't work every time.

For instance, this time. Her intuition told her that he would not change his mind.

Jiafu stared at him blankly, unable to utter a word.

"The Emperor has summoned me back this time likely to assign me duties. If I take you to the capital and have to leave again after only a few days, what would be the point of leaving you alone in the capital instead of at your mother’s home?"

He pulled her into his arms: "Fu'er, be good. After some time passes, I will come to fetch you."

The Emperor's decree was urgent, and Pei You'an was set to depart the following day.

That night, he led Jiafu to explain the situation to Meng Shi. Zhen Yaoting was also present, and upon learning that Pei You'an was leaving for the capital the next day and leaving Jiafu behind temporarily, he was both surprised and shocked.

Meng Shi had originally thought her son-in-law would stay for at least half a year, never imagining that not even a full month had passed before he would have to leave so hurriedly. Since an imperial decree could not be defied, she had no choice but to let him go, bustling about to personally lead the maids in packing his luggage for the road.

Pei You'an told Jiafu to return to their room first, then called Zhen Yaoting out. Dismissing those around them, he asked about his plans for the future.

Zhen Yaoting had always been restrained in front of him. Hearing the question, he stammered: "With the imperial court banning sea trade, all ships are in the docks. Plus, we lost a lot recently, so I don't have any other ideas right now. I’m no good at studying, and I can't do anything else, so I can only wait for the court to lift the ban..."

Over the past six months, Grandmother Hu’s health had declined, and he had begun to feel the weight of his responsibilities. He had been putting in effort and working with Zhang Da, just beginning to find his way, when this happened. After saying this, he felt completely useless, his face flushing with heat.

Pei You'an said: "If my guess is correct, this sea ban will not be lifted quickly. After I return to the capital, I will have someone send over some funds in a while. Zhang Da is steady; have him accompany you to purchase some suitable farmland and manors. If you truly cannot do business, you can become a farmer in the future, ensuring you have food and clothing for the rest of your life. After I leave, I entrust Afu to your care, elder brother. I thank you in advance."

Zhen Yaoting was both surprised and agitated: "Rest assured, Lord Pei! Afu is my sister; if you are busy, she can stay at home as long as she likes. Let alone a year or two—even if it’s for a lifetime, I will take good care of her! As for farmland and manors, how could I dare to accept your money to buy them? Even though our family suffered losses this time, the foundation is still there. It’s just one extra mouth to feed. Even if the imperial court bans the sea for ten years, it wouldn't reach the point where you, Lord Pei, need to send money to buy land for my family!"

Pei You'an smiled: "It is fine. What is mine is Afu’s; there is no distinction. When I am away, your taking good care of her for me is exactly what I wish."

Zhen Yaoting agreed repeatedly.

The local officials also had sharp ears, and by that evening, they learned of Pei You'an’s urgent summons by the Emperor and his departure from Quanzhou the next day. They rushed to the Zhen residence one after another to bid him farewell, bringing gifts as a matter of course. Fearing Pei You'an would refuse, they secretly entrusted them to the Zhen family. Meng Shi, remembering Jiafu’s instructions, was careful not to accept anything on her own. She had her son and Zhang Da receive the guests, remaining polite, but returned every single gift unopened.

By the time Pei You'an finished his social obligations and finally managed to return to his room, the second watch had already sounded. The room was brightly lit with silver candles. After bathing, Jiafu was dressed in robes as fluid as water, her dark hair draped over her shoulders. She was sitting alone at her dressing table, slowly combing her hair with a comb. Hearing his footsteps, she set the comb down and rose to greet him. Pei You'an had already walked behind her and picked up the comb, helping her to continue smoothing out her long, just-dried hair. His movements were gentle and meticulous, without pulling her scalp in the slightest.

Suppressing the sorrow of parting in her heart, Jiafu looked at the tall man standing behind her in the mirror and smiled: "Lord Pei is unexpectedly good at combing hair, too. I’m curious, is there anything in this world that Lord Pei cannot do?"

The weather was getting warmer. After Pei You'an finished combing, he pinned her silk-soft hair atop her head with a hairpin and leaned slightly behind her shoulder, examining the face in the mirror—as delicate as a lotus blossom in clear water: "Naturally, there are such things. For example, a woman giving birth. Even if I wanted to learn, I could not."

He said it with a straight face, his tone even carrying a hint of regret. Jiafu was stunned, and then, unable to hold it in, she let out a peal of laughter. First, she held her stomach, and finally, she laughed so hard she couldn't even sit straight, collapsing onto the dressing table and letting out small cries of "Ouch, ouch."

Pei You'an stood by, watching her laugh, a smile playing on his lips.

Jiafu gradually laughed until tears streamed down. She stopped the laughter, but the tears wouldn't cease. A single tear rolled from her eye, and she gave him a playful, resentful swat, turning her head and wiping her face in a mess as she complained: "You are so bad, deliberately trying to make me laugh until I cry..."

Pei You'an bent down and lifted her entirely from the stool, carrying her to the bed and setting her down. Jiafu reached out to grab his sleeve, forcibly pulling him down to lie with her. Pei You'an lay beside her, and she rolled over, curling into his embrace and wrapping her arms around him.

She held him tightly, burying her face in his chest, trying her best to suppress her emotions, unwilling to let him see her shed more tears, but the tears wouldn't listen, silently rolling down one by one.

"Don't cry. In a little while, I will come to fetch you."

He whispered in her ear.

Jiafu still wanted to cry. At first, the tears just fell one by one, but later, they surged out, soaking a patch of his robes.

Pei You'an initially offered comfort, but then he lowered his head toward her, kissing her lips and the tears covering her face.

Jiafu closed her eyes, the tears still spilling, but because she was trying so hard to hold back, her breath hitched, and her body shuddered in his arms.

Pei You'an kissed her. Her exquisite chin, her slender jade-like neck, her white body like a clear jade bottle fresh from the bath—he continued downward, showing no sign of stopping.

Jiafu felt her legs being gently parted, a touch both tender and firm that held her fast, allowing no retreat or avoidance.

A faint, lingering fragrance gradually filled the bed curtains. The beaded screen was gently stirred by the night wind from the south window, rippling like water.

In the lotus-patterned bed, the girl with tear-stained cheeks seemed drained of all strength, only her toes curling tightly. Like falling into a misty abyss or floating on clouds, she lay on her pillow, not knowing where she was. With eyes closed, she felt dazed and muddled; by the end, her body was left with only fine tremors, like a water lily in the lotus pond wind, swaying as red blossoms scattered and dew moistened the flowers and moon.

The girl in his arms ceased her sorrowful weeping. Exhausted, she curled up against his arm and fell into a deep sleep, her lotus-blossom face still bearing a residual flush.

Pei You'an held her, unmoving, staying awake until dawn.

...

Thus, Pei You'an left Quanzhou the following morning and set out on the road back to the capital.

Unlike the journey south a few months prior when he accompanied Jiafu on a boat, this trip north was along the swifter relay roads. Traveling through the starlight and moon, pushing hard, he arrived at the capital in less than half a month. It was already night, so he presented a memorial to the palace and waited outside the palace gate. Before long, he was summoned.

Xiao Lie met him in the Imperial Study.

The second watch had passed. As Pei You'an entered, he saw the palace brightly lit. Xiao Lie sat in plain robes behind his desk, which was piled high with memorials and reports. Li Yuangui and several eunuchs stood on the side. Hearing Pei You'an’s footsteps, Xiao Lie set down the vermillion brush, and looked up.

In the candlelight, his eyes were slightly bloodshot, and his face showed a faint weariness. After Pei You'an finished his obeisance, Xiao Lie smiled and told him to rise.

Pei You'an rose, and Xiao Lie asked about his journey, expressed sympathy for his hardship, and asked about the Wokou pirates in Quanzhou and Pinghai. Pei You'an gave his report. Xiao Lie’s face showed anger as he pointed at the memorials on the desk: "Gao Huaiyuan, as a provincial governor, merely holds his post without performing his duties, leading to our people along the coast being poisoned by the landing of these pirates! Where is the dignity of the Imperial Court?"

"May Your Majesty calm your anger. Although the Wokou menace has existed for a long time, if the court increases coastal defense and promotes capable men to lead in various regions, the pirates are but clowns and nothing to fear."

"I have exactly that intention. I read the memorial from that Li Zhong whom you recommended; it is logical and clear—he is a man with true vision. I will send his memorial to the Ministry of War tomorrow, instructing them to discuss this matter."

"Your Majesty is wise. If the pirate threat can be eliminated this way and the sea ban lifted, it will truly be a blessing for the people along the southeastern coast."

Xiao Lie looked at Pei You'an, his expression softening: "I know the Zhen family fleet has sailed the seas for years. With the court's ban, their livelihood must be affected, but this is a grand national strategy. While you were there, did you hear the people complaining about me?"

Pei You'an’s tone was respectful: "Reporting to Your Majesty, this action by the court was also done for the purpose of prevention. The people have long hated the pirates. As long as the court is determined to clear them out, and once the seas are calm and clear, the ban will naturally be lifted. How could the people be dissatisfied?"

Xiao Lie nodded and praised his supervision of the arrest of the Great Guangdong Pirates. Finally, he looked at Li Yuangui, who led the eunuchs out and closed the palace doors.

Only Xiao Lie and Pei You'an remained in the hall. The candlelight projected their shadows onto the wall—dark and looming.

Xiao Lie paced the floor slowly with his hands behind his back, appearing lost in thought but remaining silent. The vast study was perfectly quiet, save for the monotonous sound of his footsteps, which sounded heavy and dense.

He paced back and returned, stopping in front of Pei You'an. He suddenly turned and said: "You'an, tell me, on this trip to Quanzhou, besides the matters in your memorial, is there anything else you wish to report?"

After speaking, he stared at Pei You'an. The candlelight flickered in his eyes, causing his gaze to flash slightly.

Pei You'an met his gaze for a moment and said: "There is indeed one matter. Because it was inconvenient to state it in the memorial, I thought I would report it to Your Majesty in person upon my return."

"Speak."

"Reporting to Your Majesty, regarding the anti-Wokou efforts, I suspect there are details not mentioned in the local officials' reports. Your Majesty may not know that the reason the pirate attacks were repelled in time to protect the people of Quanzhou and Pinghai was not only due to the government troops, but the 'Golden-Faced Dragon King' also contributed significantly."

Xiao Lie remained silent.

Pei You'an continued: "This 'Golden-Faced Dragon King' has been mentioned periodically in the reports of local coastal officials over the years; Your Majesty must know of him. In the officials' reports, he is a pirate, but that is not the truth. The coastal people respect him quite a bit, as those who sail the seas have often received his protection. But this is not the matter I wish to report today. What I wish to report is this man’s true identity. He is the former General Dong Chengmao of the Tianxi Dynasty."

Xiao Lie’s expression remained normal. He showed no surprise at all, only saying as if to himself: "A general of the Tianxi court, harmed by the usurper of Shun'an, and thus reduced to roaming the seas as a pirate—truly a pity!"

Pei You'an knelt and kowtowed to Xiao Lie, who stood with his hands behind his back: "I am guilty."

Xiao Lie turned slowly, looking at Pei You'an, who was kneeling on the floor: "What is your crime?"

"Reporting to Your Majesty, General Dong was once a former subordinate in my father's army. I have known the true identity of the Golden-Faced Dragon King for several years, but considering there was no critical conflict, I kept it concealed and did not report it. To be frank, Your Majesty, this trip to Quanzhou was unexpected, and I did have a meeting with General Dong."

Xiao Lie watched him for a while, then nodded and smiled: "It is fine, you may rise. I also know some of the old history concerning Dong Chengmao. He must have lost heart toward the court, which is why he lived under an assumed name, wandering the seas. Given his actions, he is still a man of character; I do not blame you."

He paused, his tone becoming a bit nonchalant, as if speaking off the cuff: "You'an, besides this, did you have any other harvest from this trip south?"

Pei You'an remained on his knees, his body straight. He looked at the Emperor for a moment, then kowtowed again: "Reporting to Your Majesty, besides this, there is indeed one more matter I wish to report."

"What matter?"

"I have news regarding the former Young Emperor, Yu."

Pei You'an’s voice was steady as he spoke. The air in the study seemed to freeze instantly at these words.

Pei You'an slowly straightened his body, met the gaze of the middle-aged man before him, and said frankly: "Your Majesty knows that I shared a teacher-student bond with Yu’er in the past. These years, I have been searching for his whereabouts, and heaven did not fail my efforts; this time, I finally achieved my wish. Your Majesty once proclaimed to the world that if the Young Emperor were still alive, you would empty the throne to welcome his return to the capital. Yu’er asked me to convey a message to Your Majesty: he is extremely grateful and even more terrified. The Young Emperor of the past is dead; now, there remains only an ordinary youth among the common people whose heart yearns for freedom—to roam the northern seas in the morning and the Cangwu Mountains by dusk. He wishes to return the Shouchang Jade Seal to the ancestral temple to express his support for Your Majesty’s reign."

After Pei You'an finished, the study fell into silence once again.

Xiao Lie stared at Pei You'an. The muscles of his face twitched slightly, and his presence felt heavy. After a long while, his expression gradually eased, and he sighed: "You'an, these words of yours truly make me feel ashamed. Since he is still alive, if he truly does not wish to return to the palace, he could at least live as a king in peace. Wealth and honor in this life are better than wandering in the wilds, life hanging by a thread. Since you share a teacher-student bond with him, if it is inconvenient for him to meet me, convey my message in my stead."

Pei You'an said: "Your Majesty, although Yu is still just a youth, his character is quite firm. Since he has made up his mind, further persuasion from me would be useless. Moreover, Your Majesty’s ascension was the will of heaven. Yu wishes to offer the seal and support you, merely to comply with that destiny. I implore Your Majesty to fulfill that youth’s wish, and also fulfill the teacher-student bond between him and me!"

Pei You'an’s words were utterly earnest. After speaking, he kowtowed until his forehead touched the floor, remaining on his knees.

Xiao Lie stepped forward quickly, personally pulling him up from the floor. Gazing into his face, his eyes gradually softened, and he nodded: "You'an, I know your heart. I am deeply moved. You must be tired from rushing back; go and get some rest.”