Chapter 55: Behind the Mask

Chapter 55: Behind the Mask

At dawn, when the fifth hour of the morning arrived, Zhu Yunxuan arose promptly. Half an hour later, Zhu Yunjing brought several children to pay their respects. Upon seeing Rong'er again, Zhu Yunxuan's heart had calmed significantly. He smiled and waved at the child, who glanced back at Zhu Yunjing three times before stepping forward with encouragement from his father.

Zhu Yunxuan lifted the child onto his lap and offered him a sweet pastry. Rong'er obediently took a bite from his hand, softly expressing gratitude, "So delicious, thank you, Little Uncle."

"Good boy..." Zhu Yunxuan held a handkerchief, wiping the corners of Rong'er's mouth, his eyes filled with warmth.

After eating half the pastry, Rong'er seemed to recall something and leaned close to Zhu Yunxuan's ear, whispering, "Rong'er didn't mean to reject Little Uncle, please don't be angry with Rong'er..."

Zhu Yunxuan chuckled, "Alright, I'm not angry."

After breakfast, Zhu Yunxuan and He Huailing were due to inspect the naval forces. Before they left, Rong'er suddenly rushed out, slipping something into Zhu Yunxuan's hand, looking up at him with wide eyes, "For Little Uncle."

Before Zhu Yunxuan could react, the child had darted back inside. Unfolding his palm, Zhu Yunxuan stared at the colorful candy wrapped in sugar paper, a smile tugging at his lips as a glistening moisture shimmered in his eyes.

It wasn't until he stepped into the carriage that Zhu Yunxuan's emotions settled, regaining his composed demeanor.

It was still early, so Zhu Yunxuan suggested they first examine the live pirate captives. He Huailing accepted the task and instructed his men to bring them forth for interrogation at the naval office. After days of imprisonment and harsh interrogation, most of the pirates were on the brink of death, yet they remained stubbornly unyielding, refusing to divulge any information.

Zhu Yunxuan observed the people below with a cold gaze. Their attire and hairstyles were slightly different from those of the Great Yan, indeed revealing vestiges of the former Chen dynasty's lineage.

The previous dynasty had collapsed over two hundred years ago. The cycle of rise and fall, victory and defeat, was nothing new. During the final days of the Chen dynasty, natural disasters and human calamities were rampant, wars frequent. The Great Yan's founding emperor had started as a lowly soldier, seizing an opportunity to ascend to power and establish the current dynasty's century-long reign. The last Chen emperor, after fleeing overseas, vanished without a trace. The founding emperor even dispatched troops to search for him, but to no avail. It was assumed that they had perished at sea, yet two centuries later, these descendants had become pirates.

The pirates, who had initially closed their eyes, awaiting death, now grew agitated upon seeing the emperor of the Great Yan. They began cursing, using the most vulgar language. He Huailing ordered that the mouths of the loudest be gagged. Zhu Yunxuan's gaze swept over them, settling on a young man kneeling in the back. Unlike the others, he seemed hesitant to speak, as if holding back something.

He signaled to He Huailing, "Bring him forward. I have questions for him."

The young man was dragged to the front, trembling as he knelt before Zhu Yunxuan. His eyes darted around until he appeared to make up his mind, then he forcefully bowed his head and pleaded, "Emperor of the Great Yan, spare my life! I don't want to die!"

Zhu Yunxuan replied coolly, "If you don't wish to die, speak honestly about what you know. If you cooperate, your life will be spared."

"I...I'm just a lowly laborer on the island. I...I know nothing else, not even how to enter or exit the island. But...But once, I secretly saw these foreigners from the South Seas arrive on the island, and they even entered...entered our lord's residence..."

Zhu Yunxuan's expression froze. "Foreigners from the South Seas?"

He Huailing briefly explained the origins of the foreign tribes that occupied the Southern Islands. Zhu Yunxuan wasn't surprised. When he ascended to the throne, these same foreigners had come to the capital to pay tribute, seeking trade negotiations with the Great Yan. They had demanded numerous benefits, and Yan Shixue had been in charge of receiving them. Later, the matter was handed over to the Ministry of Revenue, but due to the foreigners' excessive demands, the negotiations eventually fizzled out. He never imagined they would somehow connect with the remnants of the former dynasty.

Frowning, Zhu Yunxuan instructed He Huailing, "Keep a close eye on developments in the South Seas. Send spies to inquire – what do these foreign tribes intend to do?"

He Huailing nodded in response. "Your Majesty, rest assured, I'll attend to it immediately."

After the interrogation of the pirates, the emperor's carriage finally set off again for the naval dock in Quanzhou where the navy was stationed.

At the fourth hour of the ninth period (approximately 10:30 AM), Zhu Yunxuan boarded the ship amidst a throng of naval officers. The fluttering military banners filled the air as nearly a hundred warships formed an imposing fleet, standing tall amidst the surging waves. Zhu Yunxuan stood at the prow, taking the telescope from He Huailing and gazing into the distance. The endless line of ships stretching towards the horizon seemed boundless, their grandeur even more apparent under the morning sun. The sight was far more awe-inspiring than he had imagined.

After a long while, Zhu Yunxuan put down the telescope and cautiously asked He Huailing, "If we were to engage in battle with those foreign tribes dwelling in the South Seas, would our Great Yan Navy stand a chance?"

He Huailing's response was not unexpected, as he pondered before answering, "Those foreign tribes occupy many island nations in the South Seas, especially those in the Java region, whose forces are the strongest. They have stationed nearly fifty thousand troops there, with about eighty ships. Although their numbers are fewer than our Great Yan fleet, their ships and the power of their cannons surpass ours. A clash between us would likely be a fierce battle."

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze darkened, his expression grave. He Huailing tried to reassure him, "Your Majesty, worry not. The South Seas are far from the Western Continent where these tribes reside. Without adequate supplies, they might not dare to provoke our dynasty. Even if they do come, our Great Yan Navy holds the advantage of geography and need not fear them. As for the remnants of the previous dynasty, they pose even less of a threat; there's no need to overly concern yourself."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded. "It's good that you have a clear understanding."

By the time they disembarked, it was almost noon. As they got into the carriage, Zhu Yunxuan suddenly looked up at the mountains ahead, his pupils narrowing slightly. Gao An softly reminded him, "Watch your step, Your Majesty."

Zhu Yunxuan continued to stare into the distance. Ever since entering Quanzhou, he had felt as though someone's eyes were constantly watching him from behind. Today, this sensation was particularly acute.

The words of Zhu Yunjing from the previous night still rang in his ears. That uncle who had taken Rong'er away...

Seeing his distracted state, Gao An called out to him again, "Your Majesty..."

Regaining his composure, Zhu Yunxuan gently shook his head and stepped into the palanquin.

Throughout the day, Zhu Yunxuan had been occupied with official duties. It was only in the evening that he found some leisure time. Just as he put down his writing brush, Zhu Yunjing approached to say that there would be a lantern festival outside that night. Yuan Bao was insisting on going, and upon hearing this, the two younger ones also expressed their desire to join. They were so eager that they refused to eat their dinner.

"Does Your Majesty wish to attend? However, it's not entirely safe these days. If you do decide to go, you'll need to send more people to accompany you."

Curious, Zhu Yunxuan asked, "A lantern festival? What special occasion is it today for there to be such an event?"

Zhu Yunjing chuckled and replied, "It's just a local folk tale here. Something about a deity ascending to heaven. The common folk hold lantern festivals to make wishes and seek blessings. In essence, it's similar to a temple fair – all about food, fun, and games. Those kids have been pestering me to let them try the street snacks, and I couldn't refuse them. So, I agreed."

Without much hesitation, Zhu Yunxuan nodded and said, "Then let's all go together."

As soon as the sun set, a grand procession of carriages left the General's residence, heading for the bustling and lively West Street in the heart of the city.

It was the time when the lanterns were just being lit, and the streets were filled with a steady flow of people – men, women, young, and old, many of them entire families out together. Laughter and joy could be heard everywhere. The moment they got off the carriage, Yuan Bao announced his intention to play on his own, dragging Zhu Yunqiong along, and they quickly disappeared from sight. He Huailing instructed several servants to chase after them, while Zhu Yunxuan sent four additional imperial guards to follow.

The two younger ones were also eager to explore but were hesitant due to their small steps. Zhu Yunjing held one child in each hand, finding it somewhat strenuous. Zhu Yunxuan knelt down, looking directly at Rong'er, and cautiously asked, "Rong'er, would you like your little uncle to hold your hand and walk with you?"

Rong'er's bright black eyes gazed at him intently. After a moment, he gave a sweet smile and nodded gently. "Okay."

Zhu Yunxuan was taken aback, then overjoyed. He immediately took Rong'er's hand, while Zhu Yunjing signaled to He Huailing. The two of them walked on ahead with Ming'er.

Rong'er walked slowly, often stopping to look around in wonder at everything. Anything that caught his eye, Zhu Yunxuan would instruct someone to purchase it for him. The child seemed a bit overwhelmed by this treatment and whispered, "No more, please."

Zhu Yunxuan simply picked Rong'er up and continued walking slowly with him in his arms. "Why not? Don't you want it?"

Rong'er looked around and noticed that Zhu Yunjing and the others had disappeared from sight, which made him a little afraid. He clung to Zhu Yunxuan's neck and asked, "Where's Father?"

"They've gone ahead, but it's alright. We'll see them soon," reassured Zhu Yunxuan.

Rong'er didn't ask further but held onto Zhu Yunxuan even tighter, pouting slightly. "Rong'er is hungry."

Spotting a wonton stall ahead, Zhu Yunxuan quickly said, "What does Rong'er want to eat? How about some seafood wontons?"

The child obediently nodded. "Yes, please."

Zhu Yunxuan carried Rong'er into the stall and sat down, ordering a large bowl of seafood wontons. He held the child on his lap and fed him mouthful by mouthful.

Rong'er, with his mouth full of food, gazed at Zhu Yunxuan's face, studying him intently. Zhu Yunxuan smiled and asked, "What are you looking at, Rong'er?"

"Big Brother Yuan Bao said that Rong'er looks very much like Little Uncle. Is it true?"

Zhu Yunxuan was slightly taken aback, and his smile grew warmer. "What do you think, Rong'er?"

"I don't know..."

Zhu Yunxuan didn't press the matter further but changed the subject. "Didn't you like the things Little Uncle had someone buy for you earlier? Why did you refuse them?"

"Father says I shouldn't accept gifts from others easily..."

Zhu Yunxuan sighed. "Does Rong'er think of Little Uncle as just anyone?"

The little one bit his lip, unsure how to respond. Zhu Yunxuan lowered his head and gently brushed his cheek against Rong'er's soft hair. "Rong'er, Little Uncle is not just anyone. Little Uncle likes you, and he wants to give you gifts. You should accept them."

Rong'er blinked a few times and then softly asked, "Can I still have a lantern, then?"

Zhu Yunxuan smiled and nodded. "Of course, we'll go buy one after you finish your food."

After feeding the child, Zhu Yunxuan finished the remaining large bowl of wontons himself. He then carried the boy and continued on their way. Along the path, he bought a stick of sugar-coated haws for the child to enjoy. Eventually, they stopped in front of a lantern stall.

The variety of lanterns was abundant, with all sorts of designs available. Zhu Yunxuan allowed Rong'er to choose one for himself. Overwhelmed by the options, the child's eyes finally lit up when he spotted a rabbit-shaped lantern tucked away in a corner.

Before Rong'er could call out, someone suddenly approached from behind them, snatching the rabbit lantern before they could. The stranger threw a few copper coins to the vendor and turned around, his face adorned with a warm smile as he looked at Zhu Yunxuan and the child in his arms.

Zhu Yunxuan froze. The man's upper face was concealed by a mask, but the curve of his lips was identical to the one etched in his memory. Behind the mask, a pair of dark, smiling eyes stared unwaveringly at him.

Confused, Rong'er gazed at the now-unattainable treasure, softly muttering, "Rabbit lantern..."

The man held the lantern in front of the child, blinked playfully, and said with a smile, "Does my little darling like this rabbit lantern? It's a gift for you."