Chapter 109: The Final Chapter

Chapter 109: The Final Chapter

The East Sea campaign had come to an end, and meritorious officials were duly rewarded. The townspeople who’d followed the Ning brothers also received their share of honors, with some even choosing to remain in the military—becoming centurions and other low-ranking officers, securing a promising future for themselves.

By now, it was clear to everyone that the Ning family was the imperial in-laws, and as a result, even their fellow townsfolk benefited from their connection, enjoying the emperor’s special favor.

As for the Ning brothers, Ning Yinhuai had long instructed them that the Ning family did not seek official positions. If the emperor offered rewards, they were to firmly decline. Knowing this, the Ning brothers naturally refused any official appointments.

The Jingxi Emperor, no fool himself, understood that Ning Yinhuai was no simple figure—he had his own designs, and the emperor grasped his intentions without further explanation.

After speaking with each of the brothers, the emperor learned that Ning Erlang had a keen interest in shipbuilding and shipboard cannons. Thus, he ordered Ning Erlang to remain at the coastal defense garrison, collaborating with artisans from the Ministry of Works and the shipyard to study Portuguese ship parts and artillery. Ning Sanlang would stay at the garrison to train in mounted archery, while Ning Dalang, with no immediate assignment, accompanied A Wu back home.

Upon their triumphant return, the whole town buzzed with celebration. The fall of the Zhen’an Marquis’s estate, the complete eradication of the pirates, and Great Hui’s victory over Portugal had the whole town walking tall.

More importantly, the emperor himself had come to the East Sea, meeting with people from all walks of life. Word was, he planned to lift the maritime ban and build embankments—clear signs of his benevolence toward the coastal people. The future looked brighter than ever, full of promise and hope.

This period coincided with the coastal Autumn Sea Festival, a major local event featuring rituals to cleanse evil spirits. With the emperor’s presence this year, the festivities were grander than ever. Local officials arranged various performances, including children dressed as celestial guardians to drive away ghosts and plagues, praying for blessings from the sea. There were also dragon and lion dances, accompanied by deafening drums and clashing gongs.

Ning Erlang and Ning Sanlang had returned specifically to participate in the festival, much to A Wu’s delight. That day, Ye Han was also present, and the family gathered for a lavish meal—stewed pomfret with shredded radish, stir-fried clams, marinated crabs rich with roe, crispy fried yellow croaker, and sweet fermented rice balls to cut the richness.

After the meal, the family pitched in to clean up together. A Wu took a moment to water the sweet potato sprouts, which were growing rapidly, already beginning to vine.

Just then, as Ye Han was about to leave, Ning Yinhuai said to A Wu, “Why don’t you see him off?”

A Wu was puzzled—Ye Han lived right next door. Did he need seeing off? But after glancing at him, she agreed. “Alright.”

In truth, the Jingxi Emperor had treated Ye Han and the Ning brothers equally. He’d earned honors in battle, and the emperor had considered rewarding him, but Ye Han showed little interest. Now that his village’s vengeance had been fulfilled, he longed to venture out to sea.

A Wu walked beside Ye Han in the crisp autumn air, the scent of osmanthus hung thick in the air, its sweetness lingering in their hearts.

They walked in silence, their shoes scuffing against the pebbled path.

Memories of the past inevitably surfaced—their childhood, their youth, the vows they’d sworn beneath the sky. They had once stood by the sea, dreaming of the future. He had vowed to earn enough silver to buy her hairpins and trinkets; she had promised to give him two sons, two daughters.

Back then, their hearts had been true. In young A Wu’s world, life had been simple—the sea, the boats, the villagers, voyages, fishing nets. It was the way things had always been, the way they would always be.

But then the unexpected had shattered their secluded fishing village. She had stepped beyond its borders, glimpsing a wider world and tasting the bittersweetness of love. Those youthful dreams had faded to memory, a place she could never return to.

Suddenly, Ye Han spoke. “These past few days, I sought out Madam Wang at the town’s entrance.”

A Wu remembered—Madam Wang ran a shop there and sometimes acted as a matchmaker.

She looked at him questioningly.

Ye Han’s dark lashes lowered as he gazed at a cluster of small white flowers blooming nearby.

After a pause, A Wu asked, “What… did you seek her for?”

Ye Han replied, “To arrange a marriage.”

A Wu was taken aback. Though she had always known Ye Han would one day have his own family, she couldn’t help but wonder—wasn’t this sudden?

Ye Han went on, explaining his plans to have Madam Wang find him a match, to marry and settle down properly.

A Wu was silent for a long moment before finally saying, “That’s… good.”

Ye Han's gaze slowly settled on A Wu’s eyes.

A Wu looked at Ye Han too.

She saw his dark eyes filled with a smile, aloof yet tender.

Her nose stung, and a lump formed in her throat.

She thought, if she hadn’t met the Jingxi Emperor, she would surely have married Ye Han, and they would have had—

A Wu stopped herself. She couldn’t let herself think further.

Ye Han: "I will marry and have children. I will cherish my wife dearly."

A Wu nodded. "Yes, Brother Ahan will surely have a happy marriage."

She believed this. She felt that Ye Han was a man of his word—once he married someone, he’d treasure them.

A fisherman wasn’t an emperor or a crown prince. Emperors and princes held high status; they could take as many wives as they wished. But for a fisherman, marrying even one woman was difficult, and once he brought her home, he’d cherish her deeply.

Ye Han held A Wu’s gaze for a long moment, then lowered his eyes, hiding the longing in them.

At this point, if there was anything he could do for her, it was to marry, to find himself a good match, so that from then on, there would be no ties left between them.

The emperor in the imperial city had a heart both broad and narrow. His gaze upon A Wu brimmed with possessiveness. If Lu Yunjian was a thorn in that emperor’s heart, Ye Han knew he was another.

He wanted to remove that thorn.

So he quirked his lips into a faint smile. "I’ll… take my leave."

A Wu listened, finding his voice soft, gentle, yet resolute.

She ached with loss but could do nothing about it.

She lowered her head. "Yes, Brother Ahan. Goodbye."

**********

Ye Han suddenly deciding to marry—A Wu suspected it might be to avoid suspicion. But regardless of the reason, she didn’t want to say anything.

Since they could never go back, it was best for each to find peace. She only hoped Ye Han could find happiness elsewhere.

At first, A Wu felt down, but soon she let it go. Now that her brothers were all back, the house was lively. Every day was filled with eating, drinking, going out—enough to drown out any sadness.

One day, A Wu and her brothers went out to watch the prayers for the sea and bought fresh fish, dried fruits, and pastries.

Amid the festivities, a familiar neighbor rushed over, shouting, "You’ve got a high-ranking visitor! How can you still be here playing? Hurry home!"

The siblings looked at each other.

They vaguely knew that after the successful conclusion of the Eastern Sea campaign and the settling of various affairs, the emperor would likely come to their home to formally propose. But when they asked Ning Yinhuai, he wouldn’t say anything, so they could only wait patiently.

As far as A Wu was concerned, the matter with Lu Yunjian was finally resolved. She didn’t want to think about it anymore—life was easy now.

Hearing about the noble guest, she immediately assumed it must be the Jingxi Emperor, so she hurried back home.

Upon returning, they saw lavish carriages and horses outside, with guards lined up in formation. But upon entering the house, they learned that the visitors were not the Jingxi Emperor, but rather Duke Hu of Hu State, who had traveled all the way from the capital, accompanied by Yang Bin, Minister of Rites, Grand Secretary of the Wuying Hall, and Imperial Tutor.

Both were elderly officials from the previous emperor’s reign, their beards white with age. They had come on behalf of the Jingxi Emperor to deliver a marriage proposal to the Nings.

A Wu froze. She was already the Imperial Noble Consort in the capital—yet here he was again, proposing. Who else would think of such a thing? Sending two old men all this way.

Since this involved wedding arrangements, A Wu felt it improper to appear publicly and withdrew to her room to wait. Glancing out the window, she saw imperial guards and eunuchs carrying flat carrying-poles and chests adorned with red silk ribbons into the house—clearly, these were the betrothal gifts.

The chests arrived one after another, overflowing the small courtyard until they had to be stacked in side rooms, drawing gawking, envious neighbors from all around.

Those in the know craned their necks in curiosity, whispering with admiration: "The emperor himself has come to the Ning family to propose!"

Clueless commoners simply lapped up the drama, spinning wild theories: "The Nings are about to have an empress! They say today’s officials were of the highest rank!"

In the distance, the clamor of sea-sacrifice drums echoed; within the house, celebration hummed with excitement. When the distinguished guests finally departed, A Wu and Ning Sanlang curiously examined the gifts—jaw-droppingly extravagant.

There were ceremonial items like floral hairpins, gold-leafed bridal veils, decorative fans, face powders, and painted ceremonial fruit coins, as well as pure gold and silver vessels, antiques, rare treasures, and luxurious silks piled mountain-high. Even the well-traveled Ning brothers couldn’t help but marvel at such opulence!

A Wu was overjoyed. Though she had already entered his harem and borne him two children, he now played at a “do-over,” ignoring the past and solemnly sending two high-ranking officials on a long journey to propose in person. He showed her proper respect.

Well, points for effort!

Next came local customs—divination, formal betrothal gifts, and setting the wedding date. Finally, the day arrived when the Jingxi Emperor appeared in person.

This time, he traveled light—only a row of guards in tow, so unobtrusive that when he arrived, A Wu happened to be heading out, a woven basket strapped to her back and a rope in hand.

After the sea rites, the coastal market had grown lively, and she had planned to browse for fresh seafood.

But then, there he was.

A Wu cast one glance at the Jingxi Emperor before lowering her gaze.

He was dressed in exquisite finery, while she wore only a plain blue homespun dress, looking like a total mess—like some grubby fishing village girl!

She pursed her lips, glaring daggers at him. Why did he have to show up unannounced? She could’ve at least tidied herself up!

Noticing her look, the emperor’s lips curled into a tender smile.

Instantly, A Wu flushed and turned away, ready to retreat inside.

Just then, Ning Yinhuai gave orders for Ning Erlang and Ning Sanlang to take A Wu to the market to check for fresh seafood for lunch.

Ning Sanlang looked puzzled, but Ning Erlang understood.

Their father and the emperor needed to speak privately, so they were being sent away deliberately.

The child from Lu Yunjian—A Wu’s own flesh and blood—was a matter needing resolution. Ning Erlang had already learned from his father the emperor’s intentions. He had discussed it with A Wu before, and she had made her stance clear: leave it alone. The matter would be handled by him and the Ning family.

Now the emperor had come in civilian clothes, likely to discuss the betrothal details, A Wu’s future, and the child’s specific arrangements with their father.

Such topics were not meant for A Wu’s ears—better to keep her away.

So Ning Erlang promptly ushered A Wu and Ning Sanlang outside. A Wu sensed the reason and quietly complied, changing into a nicer dress before leaving.

As they passed through the courtyard, she noticed the parlor door was open, tea steam curling in the air. Her father sat inside, chatting with the Jingxi Emperor.

The sunlight that day bathed the emperor in a warm glow, accentuating his razor-sharp, gorgeous features—a truly dazzling man!

Just then, as if sensing her presence, he suddenly turned his head. In that instant, A Wu found herself caught in his warm, smiling gaze.

She pressed her lips together, equal parts flustered and pleased with herself, before quickly following her brothers out.

In the fortnight following the sea rites, the coastal town reached its liveliest peak. With the Jingxi Emperor lifting the maritime ban, the market thrived like never before. As Ning Sanlang and A Wu wandered through the stalls, their eyes nearly popped at the spectacle.

Merchants returning from the southern seas brought a mind-boggling haul of rarities—pearls, spices, exotic birds and beasts, as well as potatoes, guavas, and black pepper.

Ning Sanlang took A Wu to see many curiosities and bought quite a few, and they returned thoroughly satisfied.

Just then, the tide receded, and people started shouting excitedly about gathering seafood. A Wu and Ning Sanlang joined in, hunting for shells along the shore. As they did, Ning Sanlang noticed ornate ships approaching in the distance and exclaimed in surprise, "Look over there!"

Soon, a crowd formed to watch the commotion.

A Wu felt little interest and wandered alone along the beach, collecting shells.

It was sunset, and sunlight spilled golden across the sea, painting it in beautiful hues.

Picking her way carefully through the pebbles, she used a small shovel to sift through the sand, slowly searching for pretty little shells.

Nearby, waves crashed against the rocks, filling the air with the familiar sound of the ocean—the sound that had underscored her childhood.

The sound wrapped her in warmth and comfort. Though her former home was gone, and her mother was no longer here, the East Sea remained eternal, with its unchanging waves and shells, along with her father and brothers.

When she had drifted rootless like duckweed, no amount of wealth could steady her heart. But now, back home with her family, even penniless, she felt content, her dreams now bright with color.

As she contentedly sifted through the sand, strolling without purpose, she found quite a bounty—cat’s-eye shells, white scallops, and fan clams, all beautifully shaped.

Then, she spotted something glinting ahead and gently brushed the sand aside, revealing a beautiful shell—cracked and imperfect.

Sighing, she tossed the broken treasure aside. "If only it weren’t broken," she murmured.

Just then, a voice, clear and warm, brushed her ears: "What about this one?"

Hearing it, A Wu paused before slowly lifting her gaze.

The dying light bathed the beach in rich hues, shells of every hue scattered like jewels across the sand, shimmering under the fading glow.

And there he stood, amidst the dazzling colors—his striking features framed by dark hair tied high, his deep indigo robe fluttering in the breeze.

At the sight of him, A Wu felt her heart soften.

She tilted her head and smiled at him.

The Jingxi Emperor stepped forward and opened his palm.

Resting in it was a single perfect shell.

Not particularly large, but exquisitely beautiful—a blend of bright orange and yellow, its surface glowing as if kissed by moonlight, smooth and lustrous.

It was truly the loveliest shell A Wu had seen all day.

She reached out with a smile. "It’s quite pretty..."

The Jingxi Emperor placed the shell in her hand.

Tiny and warm from his touch, it felt delicate and polished beneath her fingers.

She closed her fist around it, rolling it gently in her palm.

Then, the Jingxi Emperor reached out and clasped her hand.

No words were necessary—the moment spoke for itself, everything understood, effortless and natural.

Holding her hand, he led her along the beach, walking slowly as he said, "Do you remember the tune 'Flowing Water'? It would suit this moment perfectly."

A Wu chuckled. "You once said you’d play it for me someday."

Jingxi Emperor: "Should I play for you today?"

A Wu: "Today?"

Jingxi Emperor: "Mhm."

His warm brown eyes held a smile: "The sunset is so magnificent today. I’m lucky to enjoy this view with you, A Wu—don’t you think a song would make it even better?"

A Wu: "Alright."

He was supposed to be at home discussing wedding plans with her father, yet he suddenly appeared here. It was unexpected, but a happy surprise.

A man who ruled with supreme authority always acted with precision and grace. When he chose to put his heart into something, he could deliver the greatest surprises.

Of course, to A Wu now, wealth and status meant little. Amid the sound of the waves, listening to the emperor play the qin was a special treat.

The boat was lavishly decorated, its interior elegant and refined.

Jingxi Emperor led A Wu aboard and played the qin for her.

The emperor’s performance was graceful and refined. As his slender hands glided over the strings, it was as if roaring rivers surged through valleys—thundering with energy, yet leaving behind clear, ringing notes like waves striking rocks.

Amid the vast sea, with waves crashing against the reefs, listening to the emperor’s melody, A Wu gazed at the distant sunset, struck by the vastness of time. Old poetry lines came to her—lines like “unmatched by any before or after,” or “thirty thousand miles eastward the river flows into the sea, five thousand fathoms high the mountains scrape the sky…”

Her chest tightened with feeling.

Jingxi Emperor lifted his gaze: "Did you enjoy it?"

A Wu: "Mm, I did."

Jingxi Emperor: "What else would you like to hear?"

A Wu: "You’ll play whatever I ask for?"

Jingxi Emperor: "Of course."

A Wu laughed: "Why?"

Jingxi Emperor’s eyes softened: "As your husband, being over a decade older, I should make it up to you somehow."

A Wu: "Such as?"

Jingxi Emperor: "Whatever you desire, you shall have. Since you wish to hear music now, I shall play for you."

A Wu smiled tenderly: "You’re so accommodating lately..."

Jingxi Emperor gazed at her with amusement: "Do you like it?"

A Wu gave a soft hum: "No, I don’t!"

Seeing her pretend refusal, his expression turned mock-offended: "Little liar, little troublemaker. Even as emperor, day after day, you deceive me and bully me."

A Wu: "You’re twisting my words!"

Jingxi Emperor stepped closer, closing the distance: "Fine, if you say I’m twisting my words, then let’s talk about what you owe me. Don’t you think you’ve taken something from me?"

A Wu: "What do I owe you?"

Jingxi Emperor: "You owe me eighteen years!"

A Wu looked puzzled.

Jingxi Emperor: "Why couldn’t I have met you sooner? Why weren’t you here when I was young? I feel robbed—you owe me for this!"

A Wu: "You! That’s ridiculous!"

The Jingxi Emperor chuckled, lowering his voice to coax her. "A Wu, don’t stay mad at me. Come back with me, alright?"

A Wu gave him a playful side-eye.

Jingxi Emperor: "I’ve already proposed to your father, and the betrothal gifts have been settled."

A Wu: "What betrothal gifts?"

Jingxi Emperor: "You’re going to love them."

In the sunset’s glow, he looked at her tenderly. "Your father also said these gifts are all yours—he and your brothers are merely holding them in trust for you."

A Wu’s curiosity grew. "What exactly are they? What did you discuss?"

The Jingxi Emperor smiled and took A Wu’s hand. "I’ll show you."

A Wu: "Show me?"

At that moment, the ship eased forward, gradually sailing out to sea. A Wu then saw the golden sunset stretching over the vast waves, with treasure ships standing tall amidst the shimmering waters. The flagship’s prow featured a carved waterbird, its hull adorned with dragons twisting through clouds, their golden scales faintly glimmering in the setting sun—magnificent and resplendent.

The treasure ship was enormous, towering over thirty feet high, its masts like walls, stretching endlessly into the distance.

A Wu turned to the Jingxi Emperor in confusion.

The Jingxi Emperor raised his hand slightly.

With just this gesture, orders were relayed one after another. In moments, thundering drums and gongs echoed. Then, in the gentle sea breeze, banners unfurled, snapping in the wind, their red fabric blazing like fire under the sunset’s glow.

And on those banners was emblazoned a single character: "Ning."

A Wu frowned. "What is this?"

Jingxi Emperor: "This is my betrothal gift—a hundred ships, all in your name, managed by your father and brothers on your behalf, sailing to distant lands."

A Wu was utterly stunned.

She knew her father and brothers, though they had earned some wealth, had only ever dreamed of owning an ordinary merchant ship. Yet before her were two-decked warships armed with Portuguese cannons—not just priceless, but ships the Emperor built to carry the empire’s future.

In other words, possessing these hundred treasure ships meant near-total control over the East Sea’s maritime trade.

More importantly, the Jingxi Emperor’s meticulous efforts were aimed at eliminating threats in the East Sea and securing its trade routes under his control.

Now, having dismantled the Zhen’an Marquis’s faction, he was giving the rewards to her—or rather, to her father and brothers.

She remembered how the Emperor had criticized Lu Yunjian, believing the late emperor had left him a hidden peril. Yet with these hundred treasure ships, he too was planting a potential threat for himself.

Stunned, A Wu frowned, looking at the Jingxi Emperor. "Isn’t this too generous? I—"

Jingxi Emperor: "A Wu, these are betrothal gifts, meant for you. If I dare give them, and your father dares accept them on your behalf, then you may take them."

A Wu lifted her gaze to meet his—the man’s eyes warm and steady, his expression sincere.

Her nose stung with unshed tears, and her throat tightened with emotion.

Their beginning had been one of shameless decadence—she, a calculating social climber; he, a man drawn by lust to a casual dalliance. Yet fate had pushed them together. His overwhelming fury over Southern Qiongzi, the pity that surfaced after his murderous rage, had allowed her to slip into the emperor’s heart. Thus, they became entangled—consumed, bewitched, a mix of affection and lingering regrets.

Now, try as she might to remain cold-hearted, she could no longer escape the net he had woven.

This man, who held the highest power in the world, deigned to bow his head and patiently take her hand.

*"As the saying goes: After seeing the Five Sacred Mountains, no other peaks impress; after seeing Mount Huang, even the Five Sacred Mountains pale."* She was just an ordinary girl, yet after fulfilling her deepest desires, there he remained, waiting. How could she not turn back?

The Jingxi Emperor extended his arms, slowly but firmly embracing her.

In a hoarse voice, he murmured, *"A Wu, the moment I spared your life all those years ago, I was destined to be trapped in your web. If you agree today, the move cannot be undone. I won’t allow you to renege. Should you dare..."*

A Wu tilted her face up, biting her lip as she gazed at him. *"What will you do?"*

His fingers lightly cupped her cheek, his gaze tender yet sharp. *"The wrath of an emperor can dye the Eastern Sea red. Do you believe me?"*

*"I do,"* she replied softly, her laughter light, her eyes smoky as silk.

A flicker passed through the emperor’s gaze as he inclined his head slightly.

Under his deep, tender stare, A Wu wrapped her arms around his neck, lifting her face to press her lips against the strong column of his throat and the sharp angle of his jaw.

The soft fragrance of her enveloped him. The Jingxi Emperor bent at the waist, accommodating her, indulging her capricious, feather-light kisses.

The wind carried the briny scent of the sea. Raising his eyes, his gaze heavy-lidded, he murmured, *"Will A Wu come back with me now?"*

*"Mm."*

Breath bated, his gaze burned with intensity. *"The peonies in Nan Qiongzi are in full bloom."*

A Wu tilted her head, her eyes sparkling. *"Oh?"*

He lowered his forehead to hers, his voice barely audible. *"In the season of blossoms, with peonies in their regal glory… the emperor and empress’s wedding should be adorned with fresh flowers."*

A Wu laughed, her arms still looped around his neck. *"So… wouldn’t it be a shame to miss the season?"*

The corners of his lips curled. *"Indeed. What does Her Majesty the Empress think?"*

Instead of answering, she rose onto her tiptoes, her hands gripping his solid arms.

His eyes darkened as he leaned down to accommodate her.

A Wu clung to his neck, her soft lips brushing the sharp line of his throat before trailing upward, her teeth grazing lightly.

Her eyes lifted, seductive and teasing, her delicate sharp teeth nipping at the Adam’s apple that rose like a mountain peak.

The emperor’s gaze was dark waters—a conflagration beneath.

But A Wu only tilted her head, her laughter playful. *"The empress approves!"*

Light flooded his heart, suffusing him with profound joy.

In one swift motion, he pulled her into his arms, crushing her against him, lifting her as he bent to kiss her deeply.

In that moment, all their past trials and sorrows melted into sweetness, a reward for every mile they had traveled.

Contents | Previous Page