Chapter 67 – Never Forget

Xu Chun stood at the bow of the ship, watching the vast river wind. The initial excitement of setting sail had faded, replaced now with repeated thoughts of the letter he had written. Would Jiu-ge feel disrespected that he had departed on such an adventure with just a brief note? Would he think that Xu Chun didn’t value their relationship?

Jiu-ge must have thought him frivolous and impulsive from their first meeting. Now, he surely deemed him even less dependable. Moreover, Xu Chun would be away for months at least. In Jiu-ge’s daily absence, their bond might grow distant.

At the time, Xu Chun hadn’t known what reason to give. If he said he was setting out to achieve something grand, it would seem too presumptuous to boast before he’d even left. What face would he have to see Jiu-ge again if he returned empty-handed?

Furthermore, Jiu-ge still believed that Xu Chun didn’t know his true identity. If Xu Chun suddenly changed his mind and claimed he wanted to join the court to assist Jiu-ge, Jiu-ge would think him fickle, further diminishing his regard.

As for what Xu Chun could learn from sailing, even he wasn’t sure. He just sensed that continuing to read books at home wouldn’t lead to much progress. It was better to venture out, travel thousands of miles, broaden his horizons, and perhaps then he would know what path to take.

His heart was torn, his thoughts swirling like claws that raked at his chest, distressing him further. Sheng Changtian and Sheng Changyun, seeing him so, assumed his illness from the heat hadn’t fully subsided and that he wasn’t accustomed to long voyages. They tried to cheer him up, either by having exquisite meals prepared or by finding ways to engage him in games like mahjong or fishing.

Xu Chun didn’t want to worry his uncle, so he put on a brave face. Alone in his cabin, however, he revised the letter over and over again, contemplating how to send another to Jiu-ge once they reached Minzhou, to make amends.

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Minzhou.

When Sheng Changzhou received word from his servant that Eunuch Xia Wan, the governor of Minzhou, was visiting, he was taken aback. Hastily straightening his clothes, he went out personally to greet him.

Xia Wan appeared in casual attire, accompanied by a servant. Upon seeing Sheng Changzhou, he clasped his hands in greeting. “Little Sheng, last time, I received many fine things from you but couldn’t thank you properly. I’m here today on official business.”

Sheng Changzhou bowed deeply. “Eunuch Xia is too polite. If there’s anything you need, please command me.”

Xia Wan smiled warmly. “No need for formalities. This time, I’m here on someone else’s behalf.”

Sheng Changzhou was startled. “Please, Eunuch Xia, speak your mind.”

Xia Wan’s expression turned serious. “I have been entrusted to deliver a message to Young Master Sheng.”

“Yuling insisted on going to sea. The ocean is treacherous, filled with pirates, and fraught with unknown dangers. I cannot bear the thought of his peril. Therefore, I offer a personal guard, who is quite capable, to be placed under your care. In the guise of a servant of the Sheng family, he will stay close to Yuling, which will ease my worries. Yuling is carefree and unaware of the malice in people’s hearts. I hope you will select seasoned servants to accompany him and give them strict instructions. When traveling, safety should be the priority. During our brief encounter in the capital, I recognized your steadiness and maturity, which is why I entrust this task to you.”

After hearing this, Sheng Changzhou’s face changed slightly. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Is this the instruction of His Excellency the Ninth?”

Xia Wan smiled faintly. “Indeed it is. The noble one has given instructions, and I hope you pay close attention. The guard has no name. His Excellency the Ninth has instructed that you may give him a name.”

Sheng Changzhou looked at the guard behind Xia Wan. His eyes shone with a fierce light, and his temples bulged prominently, indicating he was likely an expert in internal martial arts. Sheng Changzhou bowed deeply. “Thank you, brother, for the trouble of protecting my younger brother.”

The guard returned the bow without saying a word.

Xia Wan leaned closer to Sheng Changzhou and whispered, “Young Master Sheng, there’s also a message from Manager Su. If the Prince is safe, the Sheng family will be safe.”

Sheng Changzhou felt a slight tremor upon seeing Xia Wan’s meaningful smile. He understood the underlying meaning of the words. If anything happened to Yuling, the Sheng family would certainly not find peace. The noble one, who could casually bestow the title of Imperial Merchant on the Sheng family, could just as easily bring about their destruction.

But this message was different from the loving concern expressed by His Excellency the Ninth earlier. Sheng Changzhou realized that this must be the same Manager Su who had been by His Excellency the Ninth’s side when they met previously. His words were both a reminder and a warning, hoping that Sheng Changzhou would privately dissuade Yuling from going to sea.

But Father had taken his two younger brothers to the capital and had yet to return. Did this mean that Yuling had come to Minzhou with Father? And he intended to go to sea? Yuling, who was to inherit the title, was Aunt’s only child. Would Father agree?

That enigmatic Ninth Excellency… Why didn’t he try to stop Yuling?

His mind was in turmoil. He ordered someone to fetch a bag of silver to give to Xia Wan, exchanged some pleasantries, and escorted Xia Wan out. Returning, he settled the guard and instructed a trusted servant to arrange his food and clothing.

In the end, after much deliberation, he went to seek out his grandfather, Sheng Jingyuan, and recounted everything that had happened today. After all, it involved the fate of the entire clan, and he dared not keep it secret.

Upon hearing this, Sheng Jingyuan was surprised. He carefully questioned Sheng Changzhou about his previous encounter with His Excellency the Ninth, pondering for a while. “Last time, you only mentioned that he was a noble person with no interest in Yuling, merely repaying the debt of saving his life. That’s why he bestowed a title on your aunt and gave us the honor of Imperial Merchant. Now, he is worried about Yuling’s intention to go to sea and has sent a guard from the capital to protect him.”

Sheng Changzhou nodded, and Sheng Jingyuan continued, “Have you considered that according to your description, someone who can command the local governor eunuchs and arrange for the Ministry of Rites to bestow titles, who can grant us the status of Imperial Merchant with a single word, and who can determine the safety of the Sheng family with a mere flick of his hand… Such power and at such an age, there seems to be only one person who fits this description.”

Staring at Sheng Jingyuan, Sheng Changzhou was stunned as his grandfather sighed. “This year is the twenty-ninth year of the Yuanhui era. The current emperor ascended the throne as a child, making this his twenty-ninth year on the throne. The chief eunuch of the Office of Palace Attendants is surnamed Su, Su Hua. Only he would dare to admonish our Sheng family in such a manner.

“In your mind, the thunder of realization exploded, leaving you completely stupefied.

Looking at him, Sheng Jingyuan said, “I’ve told you before that as merchants, if we want to make money, we must always pay attention to the movements of the imperial court. Otherwise, we might inadvertently invite disaster upon ourselves. Since becoming Imperial Merchants, I’ve had the eunuchs of the Office of Palace Attendants investigated. You mentioned the surname Su and that he could command Xia Wan. You must understand that the local governors, who have power and influence, are not easily swayed by ordinary people. But if it’s Su Hua giving the orders, it makes sense.”

“It appears that the Emperor couldn’t persuade Yuling, and Yuling likely came to Minzhou secretly. Look at the message conveyed. Yuling’s carefree nature has caused great despair, and there is deep concern for his safety. Yet, there seems to be reluctance to stop him, hence the subtle arrangement of a guard. The guard traveled a thousand miles by land faster than your father and the others did by water, indicating that he traveled day and night without rest, and all checkpoints were smoothly bypassed without obstruction. And Xia Wan, upon receiving the secret order, wasted no time in coming to you to relay the message. This is a race against time to arrange everything before Yuling arrives, demonstrating the capabilities of a ruler, a power not easily wielded by ordinary individuals.”

“The Emperor couldn’t persuade Yuling, but Su Hua hopes that our Sheng family can dissuade him. This is because the Emperor is his master. If anything untoward happens to Yuling, the Sage Emperor would be worried. Naturally, Su Hua prioritizes the Emperor’s wishes.”

Dazed, Sheng Changzhou looked at his grandfather. “The sea is indeed perilous. Why don’t we persuade Yuling to return home? Aunt only has this one precious child.”

Sheng Jingyuan chuckled. “You underestimate your aunt’s vision. If not for the family’s generational prohibition against women going to sea, she would have set sail herself long ago. You also underestimate the breadth of the Son of Heaven’s heart. If he cherishes Yuling, would he hinder his aspirations to venture far? A man’s ambition lies in the four corners of the earth. All three of you children were barely in your teens when you went to sea. Didn’t your parents worry about you?

“But can we protect you forever? Since we can’t, it’s only natural to equip you early with the means to earn a living. That’s true affection. Now, it seems that the current emperor intends to greatly promote maritime affairs and trade.”

“If Yuling only desires wealth and comfort, then let him be. But since he has this ambition, the current emperor clearly supports it, albeit with concerns for his safety. How could we not support him? Choose the finest ships, select the most experienced crew, and have Changtian and Changyun accompany him. This will significantly reduce the risks.”

Worried, Sheng Changzhou said, “The fate of the entire clan rests on Yuling’s shoulders.”

Sheng Jingyuan laughed, his eyes shining brightly. “Our Sheng family has never feared the waves of the sea. Fortune favors the bold. Now, we stand before a rare opportunity for great wealth and prosperity that comes but once in a century. Why hesitate to seize it!”

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In the capital, when Xia Wan reported back that the mission had been accomplished, Xie Yi also received a gift box delivered by Qing Qian, a steward of the Sheng family, through Fang Zixing’s intermediation.

Opening the heavy box, inside were two peculiar objects. Taking them out, one was a cluster of dried hard fruit shells strung together. Holding the handle above, the sound of clear water flowing could be heard, akin to the breaking of bubbles in the water.

The other object resembled a wooden cylinder. When held and rotated in the hand, it produced a sound like rain falling.

Confused, Xie Yi unfolded the plain paper that came with the gift, reading the familiar, lively handwriting of the young man:

“Jiu-ge, after parting from you, the journey has been clear of smoke and mist, and the mountains and rivers have been captivating.”

“I have arrived at the Minzhou harbor and seen many foreign sights. Among them, these two musical instruments are particularly unique. One is called the Fruit Shell Sound Cluster, made from dried hard fruit shells strung together. Its sound is like water splashing over stones, a gentle stream. The other is called the Rain Stick, gently rotating it produces a sound like the rustling of autumn leaves and the pitter-patter of rain.”

“The merchant said they were collected from the farthest reaches of the sea, where the wild shamans used them to heal and soothe the mind, and to accompany offerings to the gods.”

“When I listen to them, I am reminded of that rainy night, the gentle stream, the continuous rain, and the unceasing sound throughout the day, as if Jiu-ge were still by my side.”

“My feelings for Jiu-ge are the same as his for me. I send these to Jiu-ge to play with during his spare moments, to alleviate fatigue and lethargy. If they bring him a peaceful night’s sleep, it would be a pleasant surprise.”

“I hope Jiu-ge does not forget me, nor forget the one who travels far.”

“Your brother, Xu Chun, bows respectfully.”

Xie Yi picked up the Rain Stick and slowly turned it in his hand. The sound of rain falling echoed. Closing his eyes, he felt as if he were in the midst of rain, his soul cleansed. That night, the rain and water sounds were all around, as if they were the only two people in the world. There was no master or subject, no etiquette forgotten.

The wind was as fierce as a mountain being lifted, the rain as heavy as a river being poured. The wine cup overflowed with the golden liquid, the drumsticks struck the kettle drums relentlessly.

Xie Yi opened his eyes and instructed Su Hua, “Suspend these two objects near the window and inside the canopy.”

The boy, despite his sweet talk, was still young, “The elder values time, while the youth takes separation lightly.” The pages were filled with longing and affection, making it impossible to be truly angry with him.

Only sighing, “Thinking of you, I fear you will leave me, the carriage and horses are ready to depart. How happy is your journey, while I alone am unhappy.”