Chapter 76: Parting Sorrow

Chapter 76: Farewell Melancholy

Past midnight, the night was pitch black, with moonlight barely illuminating the ground beneath their feet. Zhu Yunxuan carried Rong'er and smoothly exited the general's residence through the back door, gradually increasing his pace.

The island, once bustling with life due to the fireworks display a few hours ago, had now sunk into slumber. Occasionally, a summer breeze would blow, carrying a warm sensation. Rong'er, nestled on Zhu Yunxuan's shoulder, stirred awake. His eyes spun for a moment before clarity returned, and he softly asked, "Daddy, where are we going? Where's Papa?"

Zhu Yunxuan patted his back gently. "Your big daddy is coming to fetch us. We're going home. Papa will find us in two days, so don't worry."

The child's eyes widened. "Where's big daddy?"

Zhu Yunxuan chuckled softly. "We'll see him soon."

With doors left unlocked throughout the island, the night guards patrolled only during the early and late hours. At this time by the sea, not a soul could be seen. The sea was calm, and as Zhu Yunxuan stood at the pier with the child in his arms, his heart was also tranquil.

Fifteen minutes later, a falcon suddenly appeared, swooping down from the sky to land on Zhu Yunxuan's shoulder. It affectionately tilted its neck to nuzzle against him. Rong'er let out an "Ah" of delight, reaching out to touch the bird.

In the distance, a boat pierced through the thick fog, drawing closer to the dock. Zhu Yunjing stood anxiously at the bow of the ship, gazing in the direction of the pier.

Rong'er's eyes lit up instantly. "Daddy, Daddy! Big daddy is here!"

The boat docked at the pier, and Zhu Yunjing stepped off, relieved to see Zhu Yunxuan and Rong'er. Without time for more conversation, he urged, "Hurry up, we'll talk once you're on board."

"A Xuan."

A familiar voice echoed from behind, making Zhu Yunxuan pause abruptly and turn around. Indeed, it was Liang Zhen, standing just a few steps away, gazing intently at him with a serious expression.

Zhu Yunjing frowned, instinctively drawing his sword to stand protectively in front of Zhu Yunxuan. The archers on the ship nocked their arrows, ready for action.

"Brother, take Rong'er and get on the boat first," Zhu Yunxuan said, his eyes flickering with a touch of helplessness as he looked at Liang Zhen.

Zhu Yunjing's brows knitted together. After a moment of tense standoff, he reluctantly took Rong'er from Zhu Yunxuan's arms and boarded the vessel.

The archers remained on high alert, their bows still drawn, watching Liang Zhen closely. Leaning on Zhu Yunjing's shoulder, Rong'er asked softly with a hint of fear, "Daddy, what's wrong between Daddy and Father?"

The child had always called Zhu Yunxuan 'Little Uncle' in front of Zhu Yunjing. Perhaps frightened by the current situation or simply out of habit, his choice of words now caught Zhu Yunjing's full attention: "Father? You call him Father?"

The child blinked innocently, "Daddy told me to."

Zhu Yunjing fell silent, lost in thought.

Zhu Yunxuan stood still, quietly observing Liang Zhen in front of him. Their eyes met, and after a moment, Liang Zhen strode forward. Zhu Yunxuan lifted his hand, halting the arrow that was nearly released by the boatman.

Stopping just one step away, Liang Zhen asked in a deep voice, "Are you leaving?"

Zhu Yunxuan frowned slightly. "Weren't you asleep? Did you know I'd put a drug in the wine?"

Liang Zhen gazed at him peacefully and sighed. "A Xuan, you've been restless these past few days, especially tonight. I couldn't help but notice. The incense burning in the room has detoxifying effects; I use it all year round. Ordinary drugs won't work on me."

"Whatever that was wasn't a drug to impair your senses; it was just a calming medicine to ensure a peaceful sleep," Zhu Yunxuan said, pressing his lips together. "I left you a note. I... "

Liang Zhen interrupted him. "You still don't trust me?"

"I do," Zhu Yunxuan lowered his gaze, his voice strained. "Liang Zhen, you have your missions, but I have my responsibilities as well. I am the emperor of Great Yan, not someone you protect behind your back. You should trust me too."

Liang Zhen's expression softened for a moment. "I misunderstood. When did you find out about all this?"

Zhu Yunxuan pointed to the hovering falcon. "It's been following me. As soon as I landed on the island, it delivered my brother's letter. In truth, I've been waiting for you to tell me personally."

His smile faded as he spoke, a tinge of self-mockery creeping into his tone. "Why wouldn't you tell me? You shared your plans with your brothers but refused to speak directly to me. Do I really mean so little to you?"

"If it were three years ago, Liang Zhen's actions would have sparked another argument and mutual suspicion between us," Zhu Yunxuan mused. "But now, I don't want to overthink things. I choose to trust you, Liang Zhen, with all my heart. All I hope is that you'll trust me too."

Liang Zhen took Zhu Yunxuan's hand, looking him in the eye with sincerity. "I was afraid you wouldn't agree. My decision wasn't only for your sake; I had my own selfish motives. The Emperor understands that the people on this island want to return to Great Yan, and your imperial decree won't solve that. They need to earn their place back by serving the country. I kept you here because I didn't want you to put yourself in danger."

"Zhen," Zhu Yunxuan's gaze softened, but he remained resolute. "I am the Emperor of Great Yan. Even if I can't personally lead the frontlines against our enemies, I cannot hide on this isolated island. Besides, do you truly believe it's safer here than in Quanzhou?"

Liang Zhen gazed deeply into his eyes, falling silent for a moment before softly sighing. "When I took you and Rong'er to Rainbow Island, I planned to leave you with the Qins. It's the safest place untouched by conflict. But I couldn't bear to part from you, so I brought you back. Yet, A Xuan, even with thousands of troops to protect you in Quanzhou, you must promise me not to take risks. Leave the battles to Duke Ding and the others."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded. "Agreed."

Relieved, Liang Zhen's eyes lingered on Zhu Yunxuan's face, murmuring, "I forgot that my A Xuan has long grown into a capable emperor. I shouldn't underestimate you."

Zhu Yunxuan met his gaze, his lashes fluttering slightly, his eyes as deep as still water. Liang Zhen suddenly stepped forward, pulling Zhu Yunxuan into a tight embrace.

Startled, Zhu Yunxuan closed his eyes and returned the hug.

Zhu Yunjing, holding Rong'er at the ship's prow, observed this with a stern expression. He commanded, "Put down your bows and turn away."

The archers promptly turned, and Rong'er giggled, whispering to Zhu Yunjing, "Is Father and Daddy playing kissy again?"

Zhu Yunjing said expressionlessly, "Do they often engage in affectionate acts?"

The child nodded happily, "Yes, indeed!"

Zhu Yunjing: "..."

At the dock, the two remained entwined. Liang Zhen whispered into Zhu Yunxuan's ear, "A Xuan, three years ago when you came to visit me in prison, I hugged you like this before you left. Do you remember?"

"Well,"

Liang Zhen chuckled softly, "Back then, I even thought of ending it all with you. I never imagined we'd have a day like today."

Zhu Yunxuan frowned, reminding him, "I told you, don't talk about death. I don't like to hear it."

"A Xuan, wait for me to return. You promised me, you'd make me your Empress. A king's word is law."

"I have no intention of going back on my word. If I've given you my promise, I'll definitely keep it," Zhu Yunxuan said, exhaling softly. "You... must come back safely."

A gentle laugh echoed in his ear again. "Of course, I'm still waiting for Your Majesty to marry me with a grand wedding procession of ten li."

Liang Zhen spoke in a lighthearted tone, intentionally trying to amuse Zhu Yunxuan. Listening to him, the slight sadness that had arisen in Zhu Yunxuan's heart due to their impending separation gradually dissipated. He knew that Liang Zhen was deliberately saying this to reassure him.

Slipping out of Liang Zhen's embrace, Zhu Yunxuan lowered his gaze and fell silent for a moment. He then unfastened a jade pendant from his waist and handed it over to Liang Zhen. "Keep this."

Taking it, Liang Zhen gently stroked the pendant and looked at Zhu Yunxuan with a smile. "Is this a betrothal gift?"

Zhu Yunxuan averted his eyes. "If you say so, then it is."

Watching Liang Zhen carefully tuck the jade pendant away into his bosom, Zhu Yunxuan finally felt completely reassured. Zhu Yunjing, who was already on the boat, was urging him. Liang Zhen gave Zhu Yunxuan's hand one last squeeze. "Go now. I'll come find you in a few days."

Zhu Yunxuan nodded, but as he was about to leave, another matter came to mind, causing him to turn back and frown at Liang Zhen. "How did you find out about Zhu Yunqiong?"

"That," Liang Zhen replied with a smirk, "was because my aunt, Zhu Yunqiong's grandmother, didn't actually die when the emperor's men ransacked the Liang family home. She was rescued. Three years ago, I happened to encounter her on my way south. She was just an ordinary wealthy merchant's daughter from the Jiangnan region, yet someone risked their life to save her. How could I not be curious? So, I had her abducted. That woman was a coward; with a little coercion, she spilled everything. Her maiden name was Chen, and she's a descendant of the former dynasty's royal family. The wealthy merchant family in Jiangnan was their spy network in Great Yan. The Liang family, being greedy, allowed her to marry into the Marquis of Anle's household as a merchant's daughter. She then gave birth to a daughter who became the previous emperor's favorite concubine and eventually a young prince who was almost crowned emperor."

Zhu Yunxuan fell silent after hearing this, and seeing his troubled expression, Liang Zhen reminded him, "A Xuan, Zhu Yunqiong's identity is a liability. You... "

Noticing Zhu Yunxuan's even more furrowed brows, Liang Zhen chuckled and changed his tone. "Forget it. I'm not suggesting you kill your own brother. It's up to you to decide what to do."

"I have a plan," Zhu Yunxuan said, giving Liang Zhen's hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's late. You should go back and rest. I'll take my leave now."

Liang Zhen embraced him once more, holding him in silence for a moment. It was only when Zhu Yunjing, on the boat, impatiently reminded them again that Zhu Yunxuan finally released his hold and stepped aboard with reluctance, turning his head back thrice.

As the vessel set sail and drifted away from the dock, Zhu Yunxuan stood at the stern, his gaze fixed on the diminishing figure on the dock until it was no longer visible.

Zhu Yunjing, cradling Rong'er who had already dozed off in his arms, nudged Zhu Yunxuan with his chin. "Can't see anymore. Can we go into the cabin now?"

Zhu Yunxuan snapped out of his reverie, coughing awkwardly before he chuckled softly. "Let's go in then."