Chapter 436: It’s the End, and Also the Beginning

Chapter 436: An End and a Beginning

Two steeds carried their riders galloping down the broad official road, soon vanishing into the distance.

Qianfeng and Pingan followed like shadows, not too close, not too far.

Emperor Xingyuan stood watching for a long time, unmoving, his gaze now empty.

It was Princess Royale Zhaoyang who spoke first: "Brother, let's go back."

On the way back to the palace, Emperor Xingyuan asked Princess Royale Zhaoyang: "Sister, will Ayou never return to the capital?"

Zhaoyang was frustrated with her brother's confusion, but seeing him like this made her feel a bit sorry. After a moment of silence, she said: "Brother, you and Ayou are father and daughter; blood ties can never be severed. If you focus more on good governance and the welfare of the people, implement new policies, and introduce more beneficial things from overseas, Ayou will see these changes wherever she is. Perhaps in time, she will want to come and visit us. You know, Ayou has the kindest heart."

"I know, I know."

The emperor's sudden ride out of the city had already alarmed the officials, and many ministers had gathered at the palace gates, speculating and worrying.

Emperor Xingyuan had no mood for conversation, gesturing for Sun Yan to stay behind to explain, before returning to the Qianqing Palace.

Empress Dowager and Empress Zhou were both waiting in the Qianqing Palace. Seeing Emperor Xingyuan and Princess Royale Zhaoyang return together, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

"Your Majesty," Empress Zhou greeted him as he approached.

Empress Dowager carefully examined her son, relieved to see him unharmed: "Emperor, I heard you suddenly rode out of the palace. What happened?"

Emperor Xingyuan removed his cloak and handed it to a palace attendant, then warmed his hands with a soft, warm towel before speaking: "Ayous has left the capital."

Empress Zhou's eyes flickered, but she wisely remained silent.

The Empress Dowager's face was full of shock: What is she doing?

Emperor Xingyuan was too weary to speak, a weariness that was not physical but mental.

Princess Royale Zhaoyang replied for him: Ayu has gone on a journey around the four directions.

A journey around the four directions? The Empress Dowager was even more shocked. She’s just a young girl running wild everywhere?

Not alone; Changle Marquis is protecting her.

She took a man with her?

The Empress Dowager gaped in astonishment, looking at her son and daughter with disbelief.

Neither getting married nor settling down, she just ran off with a man?

Knowing her mother well, Princess Royale Zhaoyang twitched her lips and, before her mother could utter something crude, smiled and said: Ayu likes freedom; isn’t this great?

What’s great about it? This is outrageous—

Mother. Princess Royale Zhaoyang glanced at Emperor Xingyuan, reminding the Empress Dowager that her precious son was in a terrible mood.

The Empress Dowager, who doted on her son the most, was reminded and began to console Emperor Xingyuan: My child, don’t be upset over that girl. Think about it, she doesn’t have to deal with social obligations or household chores, she can go wherever she wants. I remember how handsome the Changle Marquis is, and now she has such a young and handsome man accompanying her. How joyful must she be?

Princess Royale Zhaoyang felt increasingly uneasy as she listened: Mother!

Was it just her imagination, or did she detect a hint of envy in her mother’s tone?

Ahem, what I mean is, as parents, we only wish our children to be happy.

Emperor Xingyuan was truly comforted by these words: "Son understands. Mother Empress, Empress, and Imperial Sister, you should all return."

The Empress Dowager nodded and extended her hand to Princess Royale Zhaoyang.

Princess Royale Zhaoyang had no choice but to support the old lady's arm and escort her back to Cining Palace.

Upon arriving at Cining Palace, the Empress Dowager hurriedly inquired about the details.

Princess Royale Zhaoyang did not hide anything and recounted everything in detail.

The Empress Dowager listened with wide eyes and said after a while: "This girl is as stubborn as her mother!"

"Mother, please don't say such things to my brother in the future."

"Do I need you to tell me that?" The Empress Dowager rolled her eyes at her daughter but couldn't help but continue, "This girl is foolish, refusing to be a precious princess."

Princess Royale Zhaoyang certainly wouldn't waste time arguing with her old mother. After listening to the Empress Dowager's nagging for long enough, she was finally allowed to leave.

"Bring the eldest son to this palace!" As soon as Princess Royale Zhaoyang returned to the Princess Royale's residence, she slammed the table and commanded.

Kong Rui was engrossed in studying a new gadget and knew nothing of what had just happened.

"What does Mother want me for?"

"Kneel down for me!"

Kong Rui was taken aback, looking at his mother's dark face, and knelt down in confusion.

Wait a moment. Princess Royale Zhaoyang stopped and instructed the lady-in-waiting to fetch the abacus.

The lady-in-waiting gave Kong Rui a sympathetic glance and soon brought a larger-than-usual abacus, placing it in front of him.

Kneel on this.

Kong Rui obediently knelt down, puzzled, and asked: I wonder what wrong I have done to make Mother so angry?

This abacus hasn't been used for years, yet it's still in such good condition.

Today, Xiao You ran away because of that contraption you invented—the smoke signal. Your uncle caught up with her, Princess Royale Zhaoyang finished, scolding her son, if not for your uncle's timely realization, Xiao You might have been in serious trouble!

Kong Rui listened with a start: Fortunately, my cousin is safe.

That was only because your uncle didn't remain deluded. But who can fully understand another person's thoughts? Without your smoke signal, Xiao You would have left smoothly and wouldn't have gone through today's ordeal.

Kong Rui knew his mother was lashing out due to fear, and he whispered: It's not the fault of the smoke signal—

What did you say?

Kong Rui hurriedly lowered his head: I was wrong, Mother.

On the official road outside the capital, Xin You rode her horse, galloping non-stop until the horse was utterly exhausted and she had to stop.

The sky was vast, the wilderness endless, and for a moment, she didn't know where she was.

Xin You dismounted, and He Qingxiao also got off his horse.

Qianfeng and Ping'an came over, leading the horses to water, giving the two some time alone.

Xin You plunged into He Qingxiao's arms, pounding him forcefully.

Her body trembled violently, still not recovered from the shock of witnessing his resolute self-sacrifice.

He Qingxiao held her, feeling the same lingering fear.

He couldn't bear to imagine or endure the sight of Xiao You dying before him.

He would become a madman, raising his sword to kill, continuing to kill until his last drop of blood was shed, yet unable to alleviate his pain and hatred.

It was only then that he understood what kind of pain Xiao You would experience if she had seen him die.

He was not only terrified of nearly losing Xiao You but also of the pain it would bring her if he were to die.

He Qingxiao, have you ever thought about how I would feel if you took your own life for me? Xin You clung to He Qingxiao's arm, furious and tearful.

Xiao You, I'm sorry, I was wrong.

You were wrong! You would make me relive the pain of losing someone I love, no, even worse! Because you would die for me, and if I sought revenge, I could only turn it on myself! Xin You's tears fell uncontrollably, You want me to suffer first and then pay with my life for you, no one is more heartless than you.

Holding him, feeling his warmth, Xin You had never felt more grateful for her unique eyesight at this moment.

I understand. Xiao You, I promise, from now on, I will cherish my life more than anything. He Qingxiao lifted his hand to wipe away her tears, but they only increased, so he cupped her face, kissing her eyes, her cheeks, her lips.

In the past, his kisses always carried restraint, hesitation, and fear about the future. But now, he wanted nothing more than to use the most intense and profound contact to reassure each other.

A few days later, while tidying up the study, Jiang Shuang found several letters, with hers on top.

Before opening the letter, Jiang Shuang deliberately washed her hands, carefully tearing open the envelope.

Elegant and flowing characters caught the eye: Jiang Shuang, I am truly sorry for leaving without a word. There are some matters I must entrust to you.

After reading, Jiang Shuang wiped away her tears, but could not calm the surging emotions. She first sobbed on the table before proceeding as Xin You had instructed.

There were several letters: one for Xiao Ba, one for Xiaolian, one for the Sixth Chief, one for Hu Boss, and one for Princess Royale Zhaoyang.

Jiang Shuang first arranged for the letters to Xiaolian and the Sixth Chief to be sent out, then dispatched someone to summon Xiao Ba.

Xiao Ba had visited once upon learning of Xin You's departure. Upon receiving the letter, he hurried over, worriedly asking, "Jiang Shuang, what has happened? If there's any trouble, you must tell me."

This is the letter the young lady left for you.

Xiao Ba's face turned slightly red: "I don't read very well."

He had secretly hired a tutor to teach him, but his progress was slow, and the tutor said he lacked a bit of talent for reading.

Shall I have someone read it to you, or shall I read it for you?

I'll trouble you, Sister Jiang Shuang.

So, Jiang Shuang read the letter to Xiao Ba. The content was brief, mainly informing Xiao Ba that if Wuyun Manor ever faced difficulties, he could seek help from Princess Royale Zhaoyang.

Wuyun Manor housed over two hundred people, former bandits who were different from ordinary civilians. Only someone with the stature of Princess Royale Zhaoyang could protect them.

Xiao Ba held the letter and choked up: "The young lady didn't forget us brothers even at her departure."

Jiang Shuang sighed in empathy, then headed to Qingsong Bookstore.

At Qingsong Bookstore, when customers entered, Hu Boss and the others greeted them with all their heart. Once the customers left, they would either space out or sigh, enveloped in gloom these past few days.

Hearing the commotion at the door, Liu Zhou glanced over listlessly, then froze, jumping up: Sister Jiang Shuang?

Hu Boss also rose, his expression turning serious.

If Jiang Shuang has come to the bookstore, it must be related to the Master.

Boss, does the Master have something to tell you? Is it convenient to speak? Jiang Shuang had stayed in the eastern courtyard of the bookstore for quite some time and was familiar with everyone there.

Hu Boss pointed to the reception room and led Jiang Shuang inside.

Liu Zhou gazed at the door of the reception room, sighed, and said to Stone: In the past, it was always the Master and Lord He who talked there.

We'll never see that again.

Liu Zhou felt a pang of sorrow.

Stone, too, was distressed, lowering his head in silence.

Xin You's sudden departure seemed to have stripped away the backbone of Qingsong Bookstore, leaving everyone dispirited.

Jiang Shuang sat down in the small reception room, first placing the box she was carrying on the table and then taking out a wooden case to push across.

The letter the young lady left me says this is a manuscript, and she asked me to give it to the boss.

Hu Boss was taken aback, staring at the square box with red-rimmed eyes.

The Master actually left a new story for the bookstore.

He tenderly caressed the wooden case, over and over again.

This is the letter the young lady left for the boss. Jiang Shuang handed it over.

Hu Boss took the letter and opened it eagerly. As he read on, his hands began to tremble more and more.

By the end, the old man put down the letter and burst into tears.

Although Jiang Shuang didn't know exactly what Xin You had written in the letter to Hu Boss, she had a vague idea from the letter left to her, which instructed her to bring the deed of Qingsong Bookstore.

Hearing Hu Boss's sobs, Liu Zhou and the others rushed to the door of the reception room, asking with concern.

"Liu Zhou, Shi Tou, come in," Hu Boss called out, his voice tinged with tears.

Jiang Shuang said, "Please ask Miss Zhu to come in as well."

It seemed that while the letter to Hu Boss didn't mention Miss Zhu, the one left to her did.

Soon, the three entered, making the already small reception room even more crowded.

"Boss, why are you crying?" Liu Zhou, who was closest to Hu Boss, asked first.

Hu Boss pointed to the letter on the table, gesturing for Liu Zhou to read it.

After reading the letter, Liu Zhou cried even louder than Hu Boss had just moments ago.

Shi Tou looked at Hu Boss, then at Liu Zhou, and was momentarily frightened.

Hu Boss, having recovered somewhat, kicked Liu Zhou and said to Shi Tou, "The owner has entrusted Qingsong Bookstore to us. I'll take four parts, you and Liu Zhou each get half a part, and the remaining three parts will be used for charitable causes like aiding the poor."

Shi Tou was stunned, pointing at himself with his mouth wide open: "I get a share too?"

He could

have a job at Qingsong Bookstore, all thanks to the kindness of the owner and Hu Boss. If even Brother Liu Zhou has one, why should he be any different?

Though Stone was young, he was clear-headed and immediately refused.

Given the profits of Qingsong Bookstore, even half a share would mean a staggering income, and it would come in every year.

Hu Boss said, "This is the owner's arrangement; there must be a reason for it. You think you, a mere apprentice, don't deserve it, but I'm just an old man working for others, and I get a quarter of the bookshop's profits."

In fact, Hu Boss was also puzzled.

The owner had given Stone half a share of Qingsong Bookstore's earnings but hadn't mentioned a word to Zhu Xiaoyue. As for Liu Zhou, it wasn't surprising, as the owner valued sentiment and his relationship with Liu Zhou was deeper than with Stone and Zhu Xiaoyue.

It wasn't that because Stone had it, Zhu Xiaoyue must have it too. But both being an apprentice and an accountant, if the owner considered this aspect, there was no reason to leave out Zhu Xiaoyue.

Unless the owner had some deeper intention—

Hu Boss, being a shrewd old man, didn't reveal a hint of his confusion and continued, "The owner also left one share each for Young Master Duan and Miss Duan."

Jiang Shuang did a quick calculation in her mind and found it complete.

She took out the deed she kept close to her chest and handed it to Hu Boss: "This is the deed to Qingsong Bookstore; please keep it safe, Boss."

Hu Boss took it with trembling hands.

Jiang Shuang then took a box from the wicker basket and handed it to Zhu Xiaoyue: "Miss Zhu, this is a gift from our young lady for your dowry."

Zhu Xiaoyue looked surprised: "From the owner?"

Jiang Shuang nodded: "Isn't Miss Zhu about to get married? In her letter, she said it was a regret not being able to attend your wedding banquet with Minister He."

Zhu Xiaoyue, with red-rimmed eyes, took the box and opened it. Inside was an exquisite set of gold-inlaid ruby headdress, which made her unable to hold back her tears.

Having lost her parents and relatives, she came to the capital alone, determined to avenge their deaths. At that time, she never imagined that she would have a lover, friends, and a peaceful and happy life.

Her tears fell onto the ruby at the tip of the hairpin, making the ruby shine even more brilliantly.

After Jiang Shuang left, Hu Boss arranged for Liu Zhou to invite Duan Yunlang and Duan Yunling.

After Duan Shaoqing lost his position, the Duan family moved out of Shaoqing Mansion and bought two adjacent houses in an ordinary area. The matriarch, now only referred to as the old lady, decided to divide the property between the two brothers.

Despite the Duan family eventually returning all of Kou Qingqing's million fortune, a dead camel is still bigger than a horse. Over the years, they had managed to acquire several shops and a considerable amount of land.

The old lady, favoring one side without any shame, gave the smaller of the two civilian houses, a small shop, and some land to the second son, while the rest went to the eldest son.

Naturally, the old lady also lived with the eldest son’s household.

Duan Wenbo, along with Duan Yunlang, managed the shops they received. Duan Yunlang, with his naturally cheerful personality, greeted customers warmly and thoroughly, making the business better than before.

Seeing Liu Zhou enter, Duan Yunlang showed no embarrassment at having transitioned from a noble scholar at the Imperial Academy to a merchant. He smiled and asked, "Brother Liu Zhou, what would you like to buy?"

"I'm not here to buy anything. Our master has something to leave for Second Master Duan. Please come to Qingsong Bookstore."

"Ai You has something for me?" Duan Yunlang was taken aback, his expression somewhat melancholic.

When he heard the news of Ai You leaving the capital, several days had already passed. It was impossible not to feel a bit upset. Lying awake at night, he often thought that after losing his cousin Qing, he would never see his younger sister Ai You again.

"Yes, please follow me, Second Master Duan."

Duan Yunlang hurriedly waved his hands: "I'm no longer a young master. Brother Liu Zhou, just call me Brother Duan."

Liu Zhou didn't dwell on it: "Brother Duan, the master has left something for Third Miss Duan. Could you please invite her as well?"

Duan Yunling had already married out, so Duan Yunlang took Liu Zhou to her husband's home.

Her husband's family name was Lu, and her father-in-law also held a position in the Taipusi. Before Duan Wensong was dismissed, he was under his command.

When the Duan family fell, the old lady and others were on tenterhooks, fearing that the Lu family would break off the engagement. Fortunately, they didn't renege and married Duan Yunling on schedule.

After Duan Yunlang arrived, he waited in the flower hall while the servant delivered the message inside.

Hearing that her nephew had come to visit, Lady Xu, Duan Yunling's mother-in-law, frowned and said coldly, "Go ahead."

She couldn't really find fault with this daughter-in-law. She was beautiful, clever, and hadn't become timid or petty due to her family's downfall. It was just that whenever she thought of Duan Yunling's fallen family, Lady Xu felt a thorn in her throat.

Her son could have matched with someone better, but the Lu family didn't want to be seen as kicking a man when he was down, so they had wronged their younger son.

"Second brother, why have you come? Is there something wrong at home?" Seeing Duan Yunlang sitting in the hall drinking tea, Duan Yunling's eyes welled up with tears.

Since her identity as Miss Xin was revealed, her life at home had been quite comfortable. But after marrying into the Lu family and becoming a daughter-in-law, she faced no shortage of open and hidden grievances.

She gritted her teeth and endured, thinking of Miss Xin whenever she felt distressed.

No matter how difficult it was, wasn't it even harder for Miss Xin when she first came to the Duan family? In the short time Miss Xin stayed at the Duan household, she taught her bravery. Duan Yunling would never forget what Miss Xin had told her: "Courage is one of the most precious qualities, especially for us women."

She had the courage to face those challenges, and she would make her life better.

Have you heard that Ah You has left the capital?

Duan Yunling's face changed slightly, and she shook her head.

She was still a new bride, not convenient to go out, and her in-laws would not say much to her.

Duan Yunlang simply explained. Of course, what spread among the people was not the version of the father-daughter confrontation, but that Grandpa Emperor could not bear to part with his beloved daughter and personally escorted her out of the city.

Ah You left something for us at Qingsong Bookstore; we need to go there.

Duan Yunling nodded, asked Duan Yunlang to wait a moment, and went back to seek permission from her mother-in-law.

The daughter-in-law needs to go out for a while.

It's already afternoon, what for? Mrs. Xu instinctively thought Duan Yunling wanted to visit her natal home. And given the emperor's displeasure with the Duan family, Mrs. Xu naturally did not want her daughter-in-law to return often.

Duan Yunling said frankly: Miss Xin is traveling far and left some things for me at Qingsong Bookstore.

Miss Xin's name was well-known in the capital, and Mrs. Xu's displeased expression immediately softened as she probed, "You and Miss Xin get along well?"

Duan Yunling lowered her eyes: Miss Xin has always treated me like a dear younger sister.

She would also take advantage of every opportunity available without hindering others to extricate herself from difficult situations.

Sure enough, Mrs. Xu's expression became even more gentle: "Then go, come back early."

Duan Yunling and Duan Yunlang hurried to Qingsong Bookstore and were directly led to the waiting room by Liu Zhou.

Duan Yunlang couldn't help but say: Ah You often comes here to drink tea.

Hu Boss didn't dawdle, handing the drafted contract to Duan Yunlang for review.

Duan Yunlang, after reading it, passed the contract to Duan Yunling with a bewildered look.

After reading the contract, Duan Yunling covered her mouth in shock and looked at Hu Boss.

If you two have finished reviewing, please sign and affix your seals on the contract, and from now on, everything will be conducted according to the terms of the contract.

The six copies of the contract clearly stated each person's share.

Boss, did you make a mistake? We have no connection with Qingsong Bookstore—

Hu Boss smiled and said: This is what our principal left for Second Young Master Duan and Third Younger Sister Duan. You must accept it to honor the principal's goodwill.

Hearing this from Hu Boss, Duan Yunlang and Duan Yunling no longer declined.

Hu Boss invited Zhao Manager, who oversees the printing workshop, to act as a witness. Each of them signed and affixed their seals, completing the contract. The five owners of the bookstore shares and Zhao Manager as the witness each received a copy.

Duan Yunling returned home by carriage, starting to cry silently as soon as she entered the compartment.

Duan Yunlang was puzzled: Third Younger Sister, why are you crying? Shouldn't you be happy that Ah You thinks of us?

He was so happy, Ah You said he considered him a brother, not just flattering him.

Duan Yunling covered her face, tears streaming more heavily: I'm crying because I'm happy.

She didn't spend much time with Miss Xin, but Miss Xin gave her the confidence to face life's storms.

Duan Yunlang returned to his family's shop and, without waiting for his father to ask, voluntarily explained the reason for his visit to Qingsong Bookstore.

Duan Wenbo listened and fell silent for a long time before sighing and calling Duan Yunlang to drink with him when they got home.

This was not a celebration of the sudden fortune that had fallen upon his son, but rather a way to ease the complexity of his emotions, only through drinking could he find solace.

Why did you start drinking as soon as you came back? Lady Zhu asked, puzzled.

After hearing Duan Yunlang's account, Lady Zhu also fell silent for a long time, pouring herself a cup of wine and drinking it silently.

As for Duan Yunling, after returning to her in-laws' home, she revealed a bit of what she had gained, and from then on, their life gradually improved, but that is another story.

After reading the letter sent by Jiang Shuang, Princess Royale Zhaoyang pondered for a while before entering the palace to see Emperor Xingyuan.

After these few days, Emperor Xingyuan seemed to have returned to normal, though he appeared more serious during court sessions, and fewer officials were presenting their affairs.

Do you remember the people Ah You brought back from the south?

I do. What about them?

Brother, you mentioned opening up the seas. I thought perhaps we could ask if any of these people are willing to venture out. Not under the name of the court, just as a civilian attempt at maritime exploration. These people are loyal to Ah You, and if she meets them and is willing to use them, having more people around her would give us peace of mind. What do you think, Brother?

Sister, your suggestion is sound. I will make the necessary arrangements.

Originally, Emperor Xingyuan had planned to lift the maritime ban step by step. He intended to send another batch of envoys this year, hoping to gather more information about the outside world over the next two or three years before gradually easing the restrictions.

But Xin You's departure changed Emperor Xingyuan's plans.

Xinxin was harmed by those gentry because they feared she would return and persuade him to implement new policies and lift the maritime ban.

Now that the new policies have been implemented, but the maritime ban remains in place, who knows if someone might worry about Ah You's return and plot something sinister again?

He told Xiao You that he would not make the same mistake twice, and this applied here as well. He would lift the maritime ban immediately, taking action so that Xiao You would no longer be feared.

Where could Xiao You have gone? Princess Royale Zhaoyang sighed softly.

Xin You and He Qingxiao traveled westward, first to the Western Regions, where they experienced the wildness of the vast yellow sands stretching into the sky. They enjoyed the scenery along the way until it was midsummer in the south.

He Qingxiao, do you still remember where we are?

He Qingxiao smiled at the animated figure before him: Of course I haven't forgotten. This is Ling Mountain County. When we came here last time, it was around this season too.

The hunter's family lives in Ling Mountain County. Let's go visit them.

Alright.

What should we bring?

The two discussed and chatted, just like any other young couple visiting their relatives.

When they arrived at the hunter’s home, they heard faint crying even before knocking on the door.

It was the cry of an infant.

Xin You and He Qingxiao exchanged glances and both smiled.

It seems the hunter has married and even has a child now.

He Qingxiao, you knock on the door. Xin You gently pushed He Qingxiao forward.

He Qingxiao raised his hand to knock, feeling inexplicably nervous.

Who is it? The door opened, revealing the hunter brother's sun-tanned face.

Seeing the two, the hunter brother was taken aback, his eyes sparkling with joy. "Little He, Big Sister! Mother, come quick, Little He and his wife have come to see us!"

Soon, Mother rushed out with swift steps, twisting her son's ear: "Why so loud? What if you scare Baby He?"

After scolding her son, Mother hurriedly pulled Xin You and He Qingxiao inside, her face beaming with smiles. "I was just saying the other day, I wonder when you two would come to visit. Little He, you're still so fair, and your wife has put on some weight since then, looking even more beautiful."

In the courtyard stood a young woman holding a child, Mother chattering away: "This is your sister-in-law. Thanks to you two, not only did your brother get married, but Baby He is already half a year old. Baby He is called Xiao He, after the word for seedling."

The hunter brother explained with a chuckle: "Mother named him as soon as she saw he was a boy. She said calling him would sound like calling Little He's brother, and he will surely grow up to be as handsome as you."

He Qingxiao:

Xin You smiled, pressing her lips together: "Mother really knows how to name children."

When it was time for dinner, Mother served a chicken leg to her daughter-in-law and one to Xin You: "Little He's wife, do you have any children yet?"

Now it was Xin You's turn to blush: "Not yet."

Mother looked at her and said, "It's clear you haven't had any yet. It's about time you should have a baby. Having a baby too early isn't good, but neither is waiting too long."

Xin You bowed her head slightly: "I understand, Mother."

Under Mother's warm invitation, the two decided to stay overnight, and they were naturally given a room.

The mountain weather wasn't as hot, and the night was even somewhat cool.

He Qingxiao held Xin You, his heart warm.

"Aiyou—" he called softly, reaching out his hand.

Xin You caught his hand, her voice even lower: "Not in someone else's home, no funny business."

I know, he said, his hand falling to grasp Xin You’s.

The next morning, the mountains were shrouded in mist. The two bid farewell to the hunter and his family, met up with Qianfeng and Pingan who were staying elsewhere, and set off for Guangcheng.

The decree to lift the maritime ban had already been issued, and Xin You had heard about it on the road. Upon arriving in Guangcheng, they saw the harbor bustling with ships, a scene of prosperity.

Xin You led the way to where they had stayed before, and they met Xiaolian.

Xiaolian ran over and hugged Xin You tightly: "Miss, I’ve finally waited for you!"

After the excitement, Xiaolian bowed to He Qingxiao: "Young Master."

He Qingxiao nodded in acknowledgment, maintaining a calm demeanor, but his slightly red ears betrayed his thin skin.

Inside the house, Xin You took a sip of tea: "How is everything here?"

"We've recruited many experienced sailors, and Sixth Brother is training the brothers from Wuyun Manor."

"The brothers from Wuyun Manor?"

"Miss doesn’t know?" Seeing Xin You shake her head, Xiaolian explained, "They arrived two months ago, a total of eighty people. Sixth Brother didn’t go with the imperial fleet; he stayed behind to teach them—"

Xiaolian hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "They want to follow Miss. I heard that His Majesty and the Princess Royale know about it, but we don’t know if Miss is willing to take them along."

Xin You smiled, "Why not use them? They are better than strangers."

What does it matter if any of them might pass messages to that person? Once they are overseas, they will all be in the same boat. And merely knowing her whereabouts is nothing to fear.

Hearing Xin You’s words, Xiaolian beamed with joy, "That's wonderful!"

Xin You gave Xiaolian a deep look but did not ask about her relationship with the sixth chief.

If they are lovers, there’s no need for others to pry.

The sea is perilous during summer and autumn, so Xin You was not in a hurry to set sail. Instead, she participated in training and conversed with many ship owners to gain a comprehensive understanding of the sea conditions.

With ample preparation, the day finally came to hoist the sails and set out to sea.

"Miss, Master, board the ship!" the sixth chief shouted.

The bandits of Wuyun Village, who later became farmers of Wuyun Village and now crew members of the treasure ship, joined in the clamor: "Miss, Master, board the ship—"

Amidst laughter and cheers, Xin You and He Qingxiao held hands and stepped onto the treasure ship that had been polished over many days and nights.

The treasure ship gradually moved away from the shore, riding the wind and breaking through the waves, heading towards a distant horizon.

Xin You gazed at the land left behind, and her lips curved into a smile.

Overseas was a place she had never been to, a sight she had never seen. While young and while in love, she wanted to go and see it with the one she loved.

A You.

Mm-hmm.

He Qingxiao is the luckiest man in the world.

I think so too.

(The End)