Wishing You Eternal Happiness WYEH - 72

Chapter - 72

By Tea Time Translations

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At dusk, escorted by two fleets of naval ships, scattered sails slowly entered the harbor, appearing within the sight of the crowd.

The shore was already crowded with people who came to welcome the ships. When they first saw the ship’s silhouette, there was a commotion among the crowd. As the ships gradually became clear, cheers erupted everywhere. Those who had family members on the ships were especially tense and excited, pushing forward anxiously, waiting.

Jiafu and Meng Shi had also arrived early and were now waiting at the pier, eyes wide, gazing ahead. As the ships neared, Jiafu finally saw her brother Zhen Yaoting’s figure, standing among a crowd on the bow. Some were crying with excitement, others waving and jumping toward the shore.

It should be known that if merchant ships fell into the hands of ordinary pirates, families might get their people back after paying ransom. But if it was the Wokou (Japanese pirates), usually there was only one possibility — the ship sank and the people died. So even though Gao Huaiyuan had sent the navy to help rescue, almost no one believed the people could really be saved — hope was too slim.

But the most unlikely thing actually happened.

Meng Shi, upon seeing her son’s figure, could not help but weep tears of joy again. Jiafu supported her, her own eyes red.

Zhen Yaoting had already spotted Meng Shi and Jiafu beside her. Overjoyed, as soon as the ship docked and the gangplank was set down, he rushed ashore, calling out “Mother!” to Meng Shi, then turned to Jiafu, calling “Sister,” asking why she had returned to Quanzhou at this time. After Jiafu explained the situation, he spread his arms, turned around, and said, “I’m fine! You all worried for nothing!”

Meng Shi grabbed her son’s arm and looked him over. Apart from being thinner and darker, with several scars on his neck and forehead, he looked indeed fine. Wiping away her tears, she asked about Zhang Da and the others, and learned that although the ship and cargo were lost and one person had unfortunately died, Zhang Da and the others on the ship were mostly unharmed. Those who were injured were not seriously so and would recover after some rest on land. She finally relaxed a little and then bowed a few times in the direction of the Mazu Temple.

Zhen Yaoting said, “Mother, if you are going to pray, don’t forget to pray to the Golden-Faced Dragon King too. If not for him, I might not have come back!”

Meng Shi quickly asked why. Someone else who had just disembarked began telling the family what had happened.

Several days ago, while sailing back, they were chased by the Wokou. The Wokou pirate ships were built differently from ordinary merchant ships — faster and more agile, perfect for sea chases. The Wokou were fierce and cruel; ordinary merchant ships could not fight back. Any slight resistance was met with immediate killing and bodies were thrown into the sea. This time the Wokou wanted to capture people to bring to their base for forced labor building fortifications. They were lucky to survive. Altogether more than ten ships were captured, valuables were looted, remaining ships were punctured and sunk. Hundreds were captured and locked in the cargo holds. When they tried to escape, they unexpectedly encountered the warship of the Golden-Faced Dragon King. A fierce battle ensued; the Wokou were defeated—many died, some were killed, the rest jumped into the sea to flee. The Golden-Faced Dragon King rescued many, including Zhen Yaoting, escorting them back. On the way, they met up with the official navy again. Because of the special circumstances, the commanding general did not attack the Golden-Faced Dragon King and allowed the rescued people to board. Both sides then went their separate ways.

This ordeal cost the ship owners dearly; unfortunately, some people had died, and nearby the sounds of weeping were still heard. The storyteller’s vivid account made the episode thrilling, and the Golden-Faced Dragon King’s image was described as mighty and awe-inspiring. The crowd was captivated, applauding repeatedly.

Zhen Yaoting said a few words, then looked around: “Sister, is Lord Pei here with you?”

Though nominally his elder brother-in-law, Zhen Yaoting was younger and less confident, so he respectfully called him Lord Pei, never “brother-in-law.”

Jiafu turned her head. The shore was bustling with people. She saw a tall figure standing at the bow of one naval warship, Pei You’an. Nearby were Gao Huaiyuan and other officials, along with a middle-aged man in military attire, presumably General Li, who was leading a column of troops to salute him respectfully. Pei You’an seemed to be keeping an eye on them, glanced back, said something to General Li, apparently asking him to wait a moment, then disembarked and came over to Jiafu.

Zhen Yaoting was a bit shy addressing Pei You’an. When asked how he was, he quickly said all was well and even swung his arm to prove it.

Pei You’an smiled, nodded, then turned to Meng Shi and Jiafu: “Mother-in-law, Jiafu, I still have some matters to attend to. It’s a relief Yaoting is okay. I’ll have someone escort you home first. I’ll return a bit later.”

Though dressed in civilian clothes, Pei You’an’s natural bearing and elegance made him stand out like a crane among chickens in the crowd. Nearby civilians had noticed him, and even the Commissioner Gao treated him with great respect. Rumors had long circulated in Quanzhou that the Zhen family’s daughter had married into imperial favor, with the old lady’s title all because her son-in-law was a high official in the capital. Now, people guessed this tall, handsome, somewhat scholarly-looking young man was the Zhen family’s high-ranking son-in-law. Eyes filled with respect, the crowd quickly fell silent as he stepped ashore.

Meng Shi knew there would be official formalities here, especially now under these unfortunate circumstances, so she nodded quickly.

Pei You’an personally saw them onto a carriage. Gao Huaiyuan and others also hurried to escort them. After the Zhen family’s carriage left, he boarded the warship again. General Li followed immediately. Gao Huaiyuan did not dare enter and stayed outside with the remaining officials.

Pei You’an smiled and said, “Regarding the matter of the Zhen family this time, I must thank you. Not only did you protect their household, but you also safely brought everyone back today.”

Commander Li immediately bowed, saying, “You flatter me, Lord Pei. It was my failure and negligence that caused this situation. Even if it meant risking my life, I had to ensure the Zhen family’s safety first.”

Pei You’an replied, “Though you were negligent this time, your response afterward was timely enough to prevent greater losses. Your merits will offset your faults. As for the several suggestions you made earlier, I will carefully forward them to the throne. You must remember, you are guarding not just a single household but thousands of families. Vigilance must never be relaxed. Such incidents cannot happen again!”

Commander Li had been stationed in Quanzhou for many years. Upon meeting Pei You’an, he brought up proposals to establish a patrol inspection office, expand the garrison, increase warships, and upgrade weaponry. He explained that these requests had been submitted to superiors for years but were always dismissed due to a lack of major pirate threats. This complacency caused lax defenses and internal corruption involving Guangdong bandits, leading to this breach. Hearing Pei You’an’s response, he was greatly pleased and immediately knelt to offer thanks.

Pei You’an helped him up and then carefully inquired about the Guangdong bandit leader and the coastal defense situation. He arranged to inspect the terrain the next day and dismissed the commander. Commander Li hesitated briefly but then stepped forward again to bow and said, “Lord Pei, there is another matter I am unsure whether I should disclose.”

Pei You’an said, “If it concerns the imperial government and people’s livelihood, then you should speak.”

Lowering his voice, Commander Li said, “Lord, the safe return of Zhen Gongzi and others was largely due to the Golden-faced Dragon King, whom I dare not take credit from. Two years ago, I was ordered to hunt him down, but the Golden Dragon Island, where he hides, is well concealed and strongly defended. Since he never attacked coastal settlements, the higher-ups ignored him. This time when the Wokou pirates attacked Quanzhou and Pinghai, I heard that those who attacked Pinghai never landed—they were ambushed at sea by forces said to be led by the Golden-faced Dragon King.”

He paused before continuing, “The Golden-faced Dragon King’s aid in suppressing the pirates is a great deed. But in recent years, I have secretly observed him and always felt there was more to him. This time, after finally meeting him, even though only briefly and from afar, I recognized him despite the mask he wears. Judging by his banner and insignia, I boldly speculate that he is actually General Dong Cheng’ao from the Tianxi era.”

Pei You’an asked, “What makes you so sure?”

Commander Li answered, “Lord, you may not know, but I once served as a militia under General Dong. After the general was disgraced and vanished, I wandered until arriving in Quanzhou. Meeting the Golden-faced Dragon King, despite his masked face, I sensed a familiarity, and his banners resembled those once under Dong’s command. So I dare to make this conjecture. If this Dragon King truly is the General Dong, a wronged man who has now done great deeds, it’s likely the Emperor would welcome him back.”

Pei You’an looked at Commander Li steadily and asked, “Have you told this to anyone else?”

Commander Li replied, “This is only my personal speculation, not confirmed, so I have kept it to myself. But knowing you are a close minister of the Emperor, I dared to confide in you and ask you to consider it carefully.”

Pei You’an pondered for a moment, then nodded: “You are loyal and prudent. I will recommend you to the Emperor. I will keep an eye on this matter, but you must not leak it to others.”

Commander Li was overjoyed by the praise and deeply grateful. After bowing again, he left as ordered.

…

Jiafu returned home with her mother and brother, first visiting her grandmother. Afterwards, they inventoried the losses: the warehouse was burned, and a large ship fully laden with cargo was lost. The damage was severe. Because of this incident, the court would likely impose a new maritime ban soon. Once enforced, no one knew when sea trade would resume. For merchant families like the Zhens, who depended heavily on their fleets for livelihood, this was a crippling blow—like having their lifeblood cut off.

But such worldly concerns were secondary; fortunately, the vast majority of people aboard returned safely. That night, the Zhen family held a meal in the main hall to comfort those traumatized, and provided relief funds to the injured and families of the deceased. In the inner residence, they also held a private family banquet. Pei You’an declined an invitation from Lord Gao and instead ate with the Zhen family.

That evening, Meng Shi helped Jiafu and her husband tidy their rooms. After they settled in, Pei You’an left early the next morning with Lord Gao and Commander Li. They inspected coastal defenses, increased garrisons, and coordinated regional troops to hunt the Guangdong bandit leader. It was a busy, exhausting routine of early mornings and late nights.

Finally, news came that the bandit leader who had troubled Guangdong and Fujian for years was captured and executed, with his head displayed as a warning. The people of Quanzhou spread the news excitedly. On the day Pei You’an returned to the city, the entire town celebrated. Citizens flocked outdoors to see the famed minister, and officials and local gentry held successive banquets in his honor. Invitations filled nearly a whole box labeled with the Zhen family’s seal.

That night, Pei You’an accompanied Jiafu after visiting her grandmother Hu Shi’s room where she was ill. Back in their own room, he changed clothes and said he had one more matter and might not return that night. He told her not to wait up and to rest early.

Jiafu clung tightly to his arm, pouting: “What’s so important that you can’t stay? And you have to leave overnight? Don’t tell me it’s some banquet where they bring in ten beauties for you to admire and critique under the lamps?”

Pei You’an had declined such invitations on the pretext of mourning. Jiafu knew this, but seeing him come out only to leave again so soon stirred a bit of frustration. Having been with him day and night for so long, she could tell this night’s business weighed on him differently from previous work. Feeling both worried and unhappy, but knowing he cared for her deeply and wouldn’t truly be angry, she allowed herself a small pout.

Pei You’an smiled, gently pinching her small pouty mouth, then hugged her and softly comforted her. After a while, Jiafu finally let go of his arm and instead wrapped her arms around his waist, looking up seriously: “Cousin, I know you have things to handle. I know I’m useless and can’t help you. But I want you to know your troubles are mine too. Even if I can’t assist, please don’t keep everything from me. I’m really not a child- I’m your wife.”

Pei You’an looked down at her, their eyes meeting for a moment. He spoke softly, “I’ll be back tomorrow. You should get some rest early.”

Jiafu suppressed the disappointment in her heart, slowly released his arm, and smiled gently, “I understand. Then you take care. I’ll wait for your return.”

Pei You’an raised his hand to cup her head, leaned down, and gently kissed her forehead before turning to leave.

How many burdens still rested on his shoulders? And how many secrets did he still carry alone in his heart?

Jiafu watched his back as he left, a wave of melancholy rising within her. She wondered what could be keeping him from confiding in her tonight. Lost in thought, she suddenly heard footsteps approaching. Looking up, she saw Pei You’an had returned.

“Let’s go. I’ll take you with me,” Pei You’an said with a slight smile.