Chapter 103: Companionship

**Chapter 103: Keeping Watch**

A Wu hadn’t meant to fall asleep slumped by the bedside—but she did.

When she stirred again, dazed, she felt someone pushing at her shoulder.

Startled, she looked up—and saw the Jingxi Emperor.

He was awake. His pale tea-colored eyes were bloodshot, and he was pushing at her shoulder with his hand, making it clear he wanted her gone.

A Wu lit up, crying out, “Your Majesty—you’re awake! You’re finally awake!”

Her shout sent the attendants and imperial physicians outside scrambling in to check on him.

But the Jingxi Emperor shot an icy look at the physicians before hissing hoarsely, “Take her out…”

His voice was raspy and weak, but his authority still rang through.

A Wu was hurt and confused. “You—”

The emperor struggled to inhale, gritting out, “Go… first…”

Fu Tai caught on immediately and stepped forward, whispering, “Your Majesty, please step outside for a moment while the physicians examine His Majesty.”

A Wu flung a resentful look at the emperor, then followed Fu Tai out.

Inside, she fumed—why? Why was he treating her like this? *I never should’ve come!* So unfair!

But Fu Tai rushed to placate her. “Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. His Majesty just woke up—he’s weak and can’t speak much. He must be afraid the miasma poison hasn’t fully cleared and might spread to you. That’s why he asked you to leave.”

A Wu frowned. “But didn’t they already counteract the poison? Isn’t it just noxious dampness overwhelming him now?”

Fu Tai sighed. “Ah, but His Majesty wouldn’t know—he was out cold all this time! How could he know anything?”

A Wu fell silent.

She muttered, “So foolish.”

Hearing this, Fu Tai quickly glanced around. “This lowly one heard nothing.”

A Wu blinked, then bit her lip and smiled.

Still, whatever the case, he was awake—and strong enough to push her away. That alone eased her heart. Without further thought, she decided to go check on her third brother.

Ning Sanlang was in far better shape than the emperor. When A Wu arrived, he was shoveling in fish porridge with obvious appetite.

Without hesitation, she swatted the back of his head.

Ning Sanlang jolted, looking up in surprise. “A Wu! It’s you!”

She snorted. “You caused all this!”

He flinched. “Who knew it would go this far? Lu Yunjian is too ruthless.”

A Wu snapped, “You were careless! And you got the emperor poisoned!”

Ning Sanlang grumbled, “I didn’t think it’d be that bad. It wasn’t even a strong poison, right?”

A Wu sighed. “Probably because the foreign climate made it worse.”

Ning Sanlang: "How is he?"

A Wu: "Not sure. Looks like he’s hanging on by a thread."

Ning Sanlang: "What?"

Just then, Ning Dalang arrived: "She’s pulling your leg. The Emperor just woke up, and the imperial physicians examined him. He should be fine, but he needs to take it easy for a while."

Ning Sanlang finally relaxed and glared at A Wu: "You always freak me out!"

A Wu: "This is all your fault—you got the Emperor involved!"

Ning Sanlang huffed and said sarcastically, "Oh, I see how it is. You only care about the Emperor, worrying over him. You don’t give a damn about your own brother!"

A Wu gasped: "You—"

Ning Erlang quickly intervened: "Alright, alright, stop arguing."

A Wu: "You’re bouncing around like you could eat a horse—you don’t need my concern!"

Ning Dalang chuckled from the side: "Yeah, but the Emperor’s still weak—he needs looking after."

Previously, Ning Dalang had his doubts about the Emperor, always feeling this guy had tricked their sister. He was on edge, worried she’d get hurt.

But after accompanying the Emperor on this journey, watching him lead troops and ships like it was nothing, they gradually sensed the Emperor’s care and favor toward them—even occasionally teaching them military tactics and strategies himself.

All this left Ning Dalang in awe. When the Emperor spoke of the eastern sea’s strategic layout, maritime plans, and the court’s ambitions for future voyages, it fired him up—he was practically ready to bow down in reverence.

Now that’s an emperor for you!

As he gazed at the distant warships on the vast eastern sea, Ning Dalang wondered—why did he admire this man so much? Was it just because he was the Emperor?

After thinking it over, he decided: nope.

Being older than his siblings, he had learned to read before their father gave up on officialdom. Unlike his younger siblings, he had studied history and later encountered foreign island lords and kings. He knew not every ruler with supreme power possessed the majesty of the Jingxi Emperor.

So now, his heart was at ease. When the Emperor, disguised as a commoner, came to their home, humbly seeking their sister’s hand, and remained unfazed even after being struck by his third brother—there was no denying how much he cared for their sister.

Yet upon hearing this, A Wu said, "Forget it. I don’t think he needs anyone’s care. I’m here to accompany and look after my third brother!"

She tugged Ning Sanlang’s arm: "Third Brother, what do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you!"

Ning Sanlang: "???"

He was touched, but something didn’t feel right.

***********

By evening, Fu Tai came specifically to fetch A Wu, saying the Emperor’s condition had improved slightly and he was ready for dinner.

He sighed, looking troubled: "The servants are all thumbs—no finesse at all. His Majesty is still weak and needs to eat more, but we can’t exactly nag him. You’re the only one who can talk sense into him."

A Wu: "I’m no good at this either."

Fu Tai pleaded helplessly: "Just check on him, would you? He’s barely out of the woods—cut him some slack."

A Wu replied, "I’m sticking with Third Brother!"

Hearing this, Ning Sanlang quickly said, "I’m fine—get outta here!"

A Wu gave him the stink eye.

Fu Tai chuckled and suggested, "Why not go together?"

Upon hearing this, the Ning family's young masters naturally declined, and Ning Sanlang also quickly shook his head and waved his hands.

In the end, A Wu still followed Fu Tai to the Jingxi Emperor’s presence.

A Wu gave him a side-eye. "Don’t push me forward again later, or I’ll ignore him!"

Amused by her pouty attitude, Fu Tai smiled. "No, no, the imperial physician has already explained. The Emperor’s coma had nothing to do with the miasma poison—that was long neutralized and isn’t contagious. That’s why His Majesty is at ease."

He then added sotto voce, "I say, my lady, the Emperor is deeply concerned about you, fearing he might burden you. He cherishes you deeply in his heart."

A Wu pursed her lips in displeasure. "You always speak well of him."

Fu Tai hurriedly replied, "My lady, that’s unfair! Fu Tai isn’t just speaking for the Emperor—Fu Tai has your best interests at heart!"

He looked as if he wanted to wear his heart on his sleeve. "My lady, Fu Tai has been worried sick over you, and yet you say such things!"

A Wu sighed. "Enough, stop talking. It’s giving me a headache."

Though she said this, A Wu secretly felt pleased. She knew Fu Tai cared for her and was on her side.

Fu Tai smiled. "Alright, alright, I won’t say another word."

For a while, the two walked in silence through the coastal garrison.

The buildings here had seen better days. The sea-stone paved paths were damp, and moss crept through the cracks. It was the cusp of winter, and the sea wind rustled the vines, their leaves rustling like the surf.

A Wu recalled what the Jingxi Emperor had once told her—how, just a few years into his reign, he had diverted funds to the coastal garrisons of the East Sea, building embankments and defensive towers. These very structures must have been part of that effort.

Curious, she gazed into the distance. The commanding watchtower by the cliff stood solemn and majestic, weathered by years of sea winds, exuding a deep, salty patina. On its ramparts, the silhouettes of coastal guards stood tall, spears in hand, facing the vast ocean.

Watching this scene, A Wu felt a surge of profound emotion swelling in her chest, making each step she took measured and purposeful.

At this moment, she had to admit that the past had left its mark on her. Held in that man’s embrace, immersed in the classics day and night, she was no longer the ordinary fishing village girl of yore.

As the fierce naval battle raged in the East Sea, her thoughts turned to the empire, to distant voyages, to the boundless ocean—not to fish or the next catch or meal.

Her footsteps halted as she realized with clarity: there was no going back.

Time marched on. She could still receive her father and brothers’ affection, relive the carefree days of her youth, but the man had taken her by his side, let her witness imperial grandeur, let her gaze upon envoys from distant lands atop city walls. These experiences had changed her irreversibly.

A strange thought even crossed her mind—when she and that man became one, when he poured a part of himself into her, he had transformed her completely.

A mighty tree had grown in her heart.

Lost in these musings, A Wu stepped into the room.

In her haste earlier, she hadn’t paid much attention. Now, she saw the room was simply appointed, much like the other quarters in the garrison, though slightly larger.

It was clear that, for the Emperor’s visit, some finer furnishings had been hastily arranged, but they still fell short of the palace’s opulence—downright shabby, even.

Yet this modest space seemed to glow with the man’s presence.

Through the half-drawn brocade curtains, A Wu saw him, apparently just bathed. He wore a snow-white underrobe of soft silk, his raven-black hair slightly damp, spilling carelessly over his shoulders.

His long legs were casually crossed, his eyes slightly closed as he reclined against the pillow.

He still bore traces of illness, but without his usual regal bearing, he seemed to possess a pale, fragile handsomeness.

She suddenly thought of the Crown Prince—young, seventeen or eighteen, full of vigor and strikingly handsome. Yet now, comparing him to the Jingxi Emperor before her, she felt this man could rival the Prince, if not surpass him...

At that moment, the man lifted his gaze to meet hers.

Their gazes met in the medicine-scented air. A Wu stiffened slightly, then her face slowly flushed red.

This was their first encounter, their first face-to-face meeting since their painful separation. She had to admit she felt somewhat awkward now.

She lowered her head, then raised it again, murmuring, "Lord Fu Tai said you were awake and asked me to check on you... He said you’d like supper."

The Jingxi Emperor watched her. "You didn’t want to see me?"

A Wu turned her face away, looking out the window where purple-tinged hyacinth beans bloomed beautifully. As the wind rustled the leaves, the fragrance of greenery mingled with the medicinal scent, sweet and fresh.

She shot back, "No!"

The Jingxi Emperor observed her slightly puffed cheeks, pink as ripe peaches on a branch.

His throat bobbed slightly. "I’m this ill, and you’re not worried?"

A Wu was taken aback.

A thousand warships lay anchored on the East Sea, ready at his command, yet here he was speaking to her in a subdued tone, like a pouting child.

He was wheedling her, seeking her care and affection.

Though the weather had turned cold, A Wu’s heart trembled like petals trembling in spring light, swaying gently in the breeze.

Her face warmed as she whispered, "Do you even need others’ concern? You’re too good at getting what you want!"

The Jingxi Emperor replied, "What good are tricks if you won’t humor me?"

A Wu said firmly, "I won’t!"

The Jingxi Emperor called softly, "A Wu—"

A Wu said stubbornly, "I’m leaving."

She turned to go.

Just then, Fu Tai arrived, still smiling cheerfully, followed by attendants carrying trays of freshly prepared dishes, their rich aroma wafting through the air.

Fu Tai said warmly, "The wind’s picked up, and it’s chilly. Why not eat with His Majesty while it’s still warm? Try it—see if you like it."

A Wu bit her lip, her dark eyes darting toward the Jingxi Emperor.

He sagged weakly against the pillow, his tea-colored gaze fixed on her. "Won’t you try it with me, A Wu?"

The autumn breeze drifted in, yet A Wu could unmistakably sense the man at the pinnacle of power letting his guard down. His expression was cautious, as if afraid she might vanish with a breath.

Hesitantly, she mumbled, "...Fine."

***********

The supper was quite lavish, featuring local delicacies. Though A Wu was supposed to be keeping the Emperor company, he only ate a simple porridge, while she ate most of the food.

Curious, A Wu lifted the lid of a nearby steamer to find tiny, plump dumplings with thin, translucent wrappers, the broth inside nearly leaking through. She took a bite—the golden broth was rich and fragrant, filled with tender crab meat, incredibly tasty.

She took one bite, then another—after all, the buns weren't that big.

Emperor Jingxi was being served porridge by a palace attendant. The porridge smelled fragrant and sticky, but when he noticed Awu eating the buns with obvious delight, he paused and fixed his gaze on her.

Awu was pinching the bun and sucking out the soup when she suddenly realized the emperor was watching her. She felt instantly self-conscious, as if she appeared like a greedy glutton.

Suddenly, she recalled the night she first entered the palace, when he had dined with her—it was their first meal together.

Back then, there were so many rules; she constantly had to perform formalities. Because of her ignorance of the etiquette for eating bear paw, she nearly made a fool of herself.

A mischievous thought crossed her mind: did this privileged emperor find her manner of sucking the broth from a bun distasteful?

A rebellious feeling welled up inside her, and deliberately, she made a loud slurping sound, finishing off all the broth in one go.

Then, wiping her hands with a warm damp towel, she grinned and said, "So delicious! That 'zzii' sound is just so satisfying!"

Emperor Jingxi slowly sipped his porridge and gently dabbed his lips with a cloth. "Is it really that good?"

"Of course!" Awu replied. "The palace buns are decent too, but once you've tasted these hairy crab meat buns, you'll realize how far they fall short. The crab meat inside these buns is sweet, savory, and fresh—an incomparable taste compared to what's available in the palace. By the time seafood from the coast reaches the palace, it's long lost its freshness!"

Watching her speak animatedly, her lips moving rapidly and eyes sparkling with excitement, Emperor Jingxi couldn't help but smile.

He said to her with a grin, "Let me try one too."

Immediately, Awu refused, "No way! These are too greasy. The imperial physician said you're still recovering—you shouldn't eat things like this."

She put on a look of mock sympathy toward him, "What a pity! You'll just have to wait until you're fully recovered before you can eat them."

She especially emphasized the words “what a pity,” just to make him feel more frustrated.

Emperor Jingxi gave a slight glance, and an attendant promptly removed the bowl of porridge.

He himself leaned lazily against the couch, arms casually folded, tilting his head to gaze at Awu. "Once I recover, you must accompany me to eat these buns again."

He was trying to get her to commit, but Awu wouldn't play along. With a smile, she said, "By the time you're well again, I might not even want to eat them anymore!"

Curiously, Emperor Jingxi asked, "What other local delicacies are there? What did you used to enjoy eating?"

Awu looked at him in surprise. "You're the emperor. When touring here, surely officials have presented you with delicacies from all over?"

She imagined local officials would be scrambling to please him, never allowing him to suffer any discomfort.

Emperor Jingxi smiled, his eyes never leaving her face. "But I want to eat what Awu enjoys."

His gaze was tender, his smile gentle, and Awu's heart skipped a beat without warning.

That was just how this man was—always intentionally or unintentionally stirring her emotions, tempting her.

And indeed, he was charming...

Thirty-five wasn't old; his facial structure was handsome, his features striking. Combined with his rich life experiences and profound knowledge, all of it seemed to settle into his light brown eyes, exuding a unique charm.

Not to mention his voice—low, hoarse, and warm. When he spoke softly, it was like aged wine, making one's ears flush and heart tremble.

Awu felt herself beginning to melt, but stubbornly refused to admit it, deliberately huffing loudly, "There are countless delicious foods—too many to list in a short while."

She feigned regret while looking at Emperor Jingxi. "Besides, some flavors can't be truly understood just through description. Unless you taste it yourself, you’ll never really know."

Looking at her tenderly, Emperor Jingxi softly said, "Then after I recover, will you take me to try them all?"

His rich voice sounded innocent, but his eyes were pleading.

A Wu thought to herself that this man was putting on a pitiful act.

With a put-upon air, she said, "Alright."

The Jingxi Emperor’s lips curved slightly.

But then A Wu added, "But now that the war in the East Sea is over, you should be returning, right?"

Jingxi Emperor: "Hmm."

As he spoke, he looked at her expectantly.

Seeing the hope in his eyes, A Wu smiled gently, but her words were merciless: "Then it’s too bad—once you go back, you won’t get to eat any of it! If I find something delicious here, maybe I’ll write to you and tell you just how amazing it is. I’ll make your mouth water!"

Her meaning couldn’t be clearer—when the Jingxi Emperor left, she wouldn’t be going with him.

He wouldn’t get to taste it, but she could keep enjoying it.

The Jingxi Emperor smiled at her. "So A Wu wants to stay here being my taste tester?"

A Wu immediately protested, "Who said anything about tasting for you!"

Just then, a servant brought in the herbal tonic. It turned out that the Jingxi Emperor’s current treatment required different tonics—one taken before meals, another after.

A eunuch moved to tend to him, wiping his hands, but the Jingxi Emperor kept his gaze on A Wu, wordlessly prompting her to do it instead.

A Wu wanted to refuse, but considering he was the emperor, she reluctantly picked up the linen towel and wiped his hands for him.

Those hands were long and powerful, the skin taut, veins faintly visible beneath. As she wiped them, A Wu thought to herself—these were the hands that once held the imperial brush, commanding everything. Yet now, he needed someone to tend to him…

Lost in thought, she lifted her eyes and unexpectedly met the Jingxi Emperor’s steady gaze.

A Wu felt unexpectedly flustered. She tossed the towel down. "Do it yourself. I won’t help anymore."

She was notoriously willful, speaking to the emperor without deference. Fortunately, the attendants were used to the Jingxi Emperor’s ways and were unfazed.

After wiping his hands, the Jingxi Emperor rinsed his mouth and took the herbal tonic.

By now, he was visibly flagging—after all, he had only just woken from a long unconsciousness. Seeing this, A Wu said, "Do you want to rest for a while?"

Jingxi Emperor: "I’m fine."

But then Fu Tai and the imperial physician arrived. The physician naturally insisted the emperor rest more and avoid straining himself.

The Jingxi Emperor could feel his strength fading. After dismissing Fu Tai and the physician, he turned to A Wu. "Will you stay with me while I sleep?"

A Wu shot back, "Of course not!"

The Jingxi Emperor dropped his gaze. "When I was unconscious, I kept dreaming—so many dreams. I was restless the whole time. But after you came, I felt better. Will you stay with me?"

This didn’t sound like the Jingxi Emperor at all. The man who was always cold and self-possessed, who even in intimacy never lost his composure, who off the bed regarded others with detached disdain—now here he was, eyes downcast, voice lonely, needing company, almost pouting.

A Wu studied him. Whether his words were genuine or not, she couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

After a brief hesitation, she grudgingly agreed, "Fine. I’ll stay until you fall asleep, then I’m leaving."

The Jingxi Emperor gazed at her softly, humming, "Mmm."

As he spoke, he closed his eyes.

A Wu watched the delicate, slightly hooded eyelids slowly shut. They looked both gentle and beautiful, carrying the tired peace of a bird settling in at dusk.

Her heart twinged faintly; she thought he must truly be exhausted.

Just then, the Jingxi Emperor suddenly opened his eyes.

A Wu stiffened, feeling as though all her emotions were completely exposed under his stare.

Fortunately, he said nothing.

His soft-hued eyes tenderly met hers as he lifted his hand to take hers, lacing their fingers together and holding tight.

Then he brought her hand to his chest, pressing it gently against his heart.

In a low voice, he murmured, “Don’t leave. When I wake, I want to see you first.”

With that, he closed his eyes again.

A Wu waited quietly for him to fall asleep, then carefully tried to pull her hand away—only for him to tighten his grip, as if he sensed what she was doing.

She lowered her head, looking at their entwined hands, a strange, fluttery feeling rising in her chest.