Chapter 53: A Father and Son Reunited

Chapter 53: Father and Son Reunite

On the fifth day of the southern inspection tour, an urgent military report arrived from Fujian, stating that pirates had once again attacked several coastal villages in the western part of the province.

That same day, He Huailing set off for Fujian ahead of the main group.

With his brows furrowed, Zhu Yunxuan gazed at the nautical map on the imperial desk, his lips pressed tightly together. Zhu Yunjing pointed at a spot on the sea and gently tapped it, informing him, "This area is where those pirates operate. It's plagued by treacherous winds and riddled with whirlpools and hidden currents. One could easily be swallowed up without a trace if they're not careful. No one has ever truly seen where these pirates' islands are located. This stretch of sea is also the mandatory route to the South Seas for our dynasty. For over two hundred years, these bandits have been lurking in this vicinity, preying on passing merchant ships."

Zhu Yunxuan's heart stirred as he picked up on a key phrase: "Over two hundred years?"

"Yes, these pirates have existed since the founding of our dynasty. According to local folklore in Fujian and Guangdong, they seem to have ties with the remnants of the previous dynasty. It's highly likely that they are descendants of the last emperor and his hundreds of loyal followers who fled overseas."

Hearing this, Zhu Yunxuan's brows knitted even tighter. "Remnants of the previous dynasty... But didn't they only start attacking our coastal borders in recent decades?"

Zhu Yunjing explained, "Yes, around thirty or forty years ago. They grew dissatisfied with just plundering ships at sea and started raiding our Great Yan borders. Although they haven't caused significant chaos, they've been a persistent nuisance. When Imperial Grandfather was on the throne, he attempted to send troops to eliminate the pirates. However, every time, the ships and soldiers sent out never returned. After that, rumors spread that the pirates' domain was protected by sea ghosts and couldn't be touched. When the previous emperor ascended the throne, he also dispatched people to sea, but they too vanished without a trace. Later, he established the Fujian-Guangdong Navy, which has since managed to maintain a semblance of peace along the southern coast, even if it can't completely eradicate the pirates."

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze darkened. "The general who led the naval expedition against the pirates under the previous emperor, did he have the surname Xiao?"

Zhu Yunjing, unsure why he was suddenly asking about this, nodded. "To be honest, I wasn't very knowledgeable about this before coming here. I learned more after accompanying He Huailing to the military and going on a few voyages myself. The previous emperor's decision to send another expedition against the pirates was met with disapproval throughout the court. General Xiao was young and promising, a rare talent. After the earlier failures, everyone knew that such a mission was virtually a suicide mission. Why waste a capable general? But the previous emperor was resolute, perhaps driven by his eagerness to establish his own legacy when he first ascended the throne. He insisted on sending the general, who indeed never returned."

Zhu Yunxuan's hand clenched fiercely beneath his sleeve, but only he knew the true motive behind the late emperor's stubbornness – it was all for the sake of personal affection, willing to sacrifice a promising young general to separate Liang Zhen's two fathers and claim the other for himself.

Unaware of Zhu Yunxuan's subtle change in expression, Zhu Yunjing continued, "After lifting the maritime ban, any merchant ships registered with the Board of Trade are escorted by naval fleets through these waters, significantly deterring pirates. However, occasional small-scale raids still occur, like this recent one. They probably targeted the moment when He Huailing was absent to loot and pillage. Despite his efforts over the years, completely eradicating them remains challenging. That haunted domain is inaccessible, and even their hideout remains elusive."

"Let's take our time with that," Zhu Yunxuan said calmly. He wasn't willing to risk lives or expose He Huailing to danger without adequate preparation. "Ming'er and Rong'er..."

"There's no need to worry about them," Zhu Yunjing reassured him. "The Commander-in-Chief's office is in Quanzhou, far from those villages they attacked. The largest naval fleet is stationed at the Quanzhou harbor. Unless they're seeking death, they wouldn't dare provoke trouble there."

Zhu Yunxuan felt a slight relief but remained on edge. "We should hasten our departure and head to Fujian."

"Agreed."

After staying in Jingzhou for a few more days to settle affairs and ensure the Empress Dowager's comfort, the imperial entourage resumed its journey southward.

As they drew closer to their destination, Zhu Yunxuan found it increasingly difficult to calm his thoughts. He pondered what his first words would be to Rong'er, yet nothing seemed quite right.

Upon arriving in Quanzhou in the mid-afternoon, officials from Fujian and Guangdong had already gathered, eagerly awaiting the emperor's arrival after days of anticipation.

In just a few days, He Huailing had personally led his troops to repel the pirate invaders, capturing dozens alive and recalling most of the scattered fleet to Quanzhou to guarantee no disturbance to the imperial convoy.

Quanzhou lacked an imperial palace, so the emperor's entourage directly took up residence in the residence of the Admiral of the Water Force. From midday until sunset, Zhu Yunxuan received numerous officials in audiences, and they had expected him to intimidate local officials as he did in the south. Surprisingly, the emperor didn't even put anyone on the spot, much less speak much, appearing completely detached and distant, leaving everyone baffled.

After dismissing the last few visitors, Zhu Yunxuan stood up, uncertain about his next move. Just then, Zhu Yunjing entered the room and gestured with his mouth, "Your Majesty, are you free now to come with me to the backyard?"

"Rong'er...?"

"Yuan Bao returned at noon with toys from the south that he shared with Ming'er. The two little ones got carried away and fell asleep an hour ago after playing. They should be awake by now, and dinner will be ready when you arrive."

Zhu Yunxuan's lips curved slightly, "You've told him..."

"No, how could I? I couldn't bring myself to say anything."

Zhu Yunxuan was momentarily stunned before heaving a soft sigh, "Let's go."

The admiral's residence wasn't large, and Zhu Yunjing led Zhu Yunxuan along the way. Before the latter could fully prepare himself, they had already arrived at the courtyard where the children lived.

Upon hearing the faint laughter of children inside, Zhu Yunxuan paused, almost afraid to proceed further.

Zhu Yunjing didn't rush him but waited aside with his arms crossed, observing him with a half-smile.

Zhu Yunxuan hesitated, "Brother, let's not mention it when we meet Rong'er for now. I'm afraid he might not be able to accept it all at once. Let's wait a bit longer..."

"Alright," Zhu Yunjing agreed promptly, "You spend a few days with him first. Tell him when he feels closer to you."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded. "Okay."

In the courtyard, the two children were sitting side by side on a swing. The sharp-eyed Ming'er spotted Zhu Yunjing entering and exclaimed delightedly, "Daddy!"

The servant stopped the swing, and the children were carried down by their nurses. They rushed over and hugged Zhu Yunjing, one on each side.

"Daddy!"

"Daddy! Daddy!"

Their childish voices echoed as they called out repeatedly. Zhu Yunjing had been busy with matters when he returned at noon and didn't have time to see them. Then, they fell asleep. Now, after a month of separation, they were both thrilled to see Zhu Yunjing again.

Zhu Yunjing smiled warmly, giving each child a pat on their cheeks. He then placed his hands on their shoulders, guiding their attention towards Zhu Yunxuan. "This is your little Uncle. Greet him."

Since Zhu Yunxuan entered, he had been completely ignored. His gaze had been fixated on Rong'er ever since, unable to look away. He watched their interaction in a daze, his mind blank.

It wasn't until the identical "Hello, Little Uncle" from both children that Zhu Yunxuan snapped back to reality, forcing a smile on his face. "Good boys."

Seeing him standing there dumbfounded, staring at Rong'er as if he had lost his soul, Zhu Yunjing sighed inwardly and gently patted the child's shoulder. "Go talk to your little uncle for a bit."

The little one seemed to sense the overly complicated gaze Zhu Yunxuan was casting upon him, and he timidly hesitated, looking up at Zhu Yunjing. Zhu Yunjing patted his shoulder again, encouraging him. "Be a good boy and go over there. It'll be fine."

Zhu Yunxuan squatted down, watching the child take steps closer to him. He finally understood what Zhu Yunjing meant when he said the child resembled him. Rong'er bore an almost eight-point resemblance to him, yet one could still see traces of that person in his features. There would never be another child like this, connected to him and that person by blood, inseparable.

Stopping just a step away from Zhu Yunxuan, Rong'er looked at him timidly and asked softly, "Why are you crying, Little Uncle?"

Zhu Yunxuan lifted his hand, caressing the child's face as he smiled through his tears. "Because I'm so happy to see Rong'er, my little nephew."

The child tilted his head, not quite understanding why Zhu Yunxuan would be happy to see him or how happiness could bring tears to his eyes. "Rong'er hasn't seen Little Uncle before..."

"Yes, it's Uncle's fault for not coming to see Rong'er."

Rong'er, though confused, comforted him obediently. "It's okay, Rong'er isn't upset."

Unable to hold back any longer, Zhu Yunxuan reached out and pulled the child into his arms.

Rong'er's body tensed for a moment. Hearing Zhu Yunxuan's choked sobs, he ceased his squirming and, mimicking adults, lifted his tiny hand to pat the man's back soothingly, "Little Uncle, don't cry."

After a long while, Zhu Yunxuan finally wiped away his tears, still staring blankly at his child. Rong'er, feeling somewhat bewildered under his gaze, ventured, "Little Uncle..."

Zhu Yunjing stepped forward, prompting Zhu Yunxuan, "Get up first, let's talk inside."

Once inside the room, Zhu Yunxuan managed to regain some composure. He presented the prepared gifts to the two children – not particularly valuable items, but two charmingly crafted golden zodiac pendants meant to amuse the kids when worn around their necks.

Rong'er hugged his pendant and examined it closely, breaking into a joyful smile, "A little puppy!"

Zhu Yunxuan was momentarily lost in thought before gently stroking the child's head with tenderness, "Mm-hmm."