She hurriedly propped the window open again, gripping the sill with both hands as she leaned out to look.
The servant boy named Pingzhi instantly widened his eyes, trying his best to appear alert and spirited. Strangely enough, though the boy had a pleasant and decent appearance, even the simple act of opening his eyes seemed to carry an inexplicable touch of absurdity.
He bowed and nodded repeatedly, answering in a rush, “Ah, yes! Has the young master gotten seasick?”
No sooner had he spoken than he slapped his own mouth. His young master had once traveled by ship before and was even more at ease on board than on land—it was like returning home for him. How could he possibly get seasick?
Pingzhi cautiously raised his head to steal a glance at his master’s expression, his heart filled with anxiety.
The handsome young man paid no mind to such trivial matters, his expression unchanged. “Take it to the cabin next door.”
Pingzhi immediately responded with a loud and clear affirmation. He had been assigned to serve the young master by the mistress later on, unlike Duanzhi, who had been by the young master’s side from the start—steady and reliable, and far more familiar with the young master’s temperament. If Duanzhi hadn’t been sent away on an errand by the young master, it wouldn’t have been Pingzhi’s turn to handle this task today.
Pingzhi gathered all his determination, vowing to carry out this task flawlessly this time.
Thus, when he knocked on the door of the neighboring cabin, he carefully measured the force of his knocks, rehearsing it repeatedly in his mind.
When Granny Wang asked suspiciously through the door who it was, Pingzhi beamed with a smile, even though no one could see him. “Elder, I am a servant from the guest in the cabin next door. I heard that the lady of your household is suffering from seasickness, and it so happens that we have medicine on hand. I was specially ordered to deliver it.”
Pingzhi’s voice did sound familiar. Granny Wang vaguely recalled that the servant boy from next door who had spoken with the laborers during the day had this same voice.
She carefully slid open the bolt, leaving just a crack wide enough for her eyes to peer through. After confirming his appearance and verifying that it was indeed him and not some ill-intentioned imposter, she relaxed slightly.
It was also fortunate that their group had brought along biaoshi, who were staying nearby and took turns keeping watch at night. However, Granny Wang had just asked the biaoshi on duty to fetch some hot water from the ship’s kitchen, which was why he wasn’t at the door at that moment. Otherwise, no matter what was said, Granny Wang wouldn’t have dared to open the door.
Faced with something from a complete stranger, Granny Wang was hesitant to accept it. But since the other party meant well, she forced a smile onto her deeply wrinkled face. The dim, flickering lamplight from behind cast an eerie glow on her stiff expression.
“Young man, please convey our gratitude to your master for his kindness. However, I’ve already given her anti-vomiting pills bought from the market, and they haven’t worked.”
Pingzhi had initially been startled, but as Granny Wang spoke, the kindly Madam Cen stepped forward, holding an oil lamp that illuminated her gentle features, making her appear more human. Finally reassured, Pingzhi continued with enthusiastic fervor, “This is different from what’s sold in the market. It’s my master’s secret recipe, extremely effective.”
Granny Wang and Madam Cen exchanged a glance. Granny Wang let out an “oh” and took the initiative to ask, “I wonder how much it costs…”
Before she could finish, Pingzhi cut her off, his expression shifting to one of indignation—both hurt and angry. “Please don’t insult us! Our young master sent me to deliver the medicine out of goodwill. How could a dignified Juren like him care about a few coins?”
He had almost blurted out “the son of the Vice Councilor of State Affairs,” but remembering that the young master had forbidden them from flaunting their status, he swallowed his words and changed his phrasing.
Nevertheless, his proud and self-satisfied demeanor was enough to dispel Granny Wang’s doubts.
Granny Wang immediately changed her expression, smiling warmly and speaking with enthusiasm, she apologized profusely, “A country old woman, ignorant of etiquette, has offended the noble gentleman. Please do not blame me, do not blame me!”
She took the bottle of medicine, appearing immensely grateful, “Please, young brother, convey my heartfelt thanks to the Juren master when you return. Here are a few spare coins for you—running this errand at night is truly arduous. These coins are just for buying a cup of hot tea.”
As she spoke, Granny Wang stuffed a large handful of copper coins into his hand.
Pingzhi directly shoved them back. As a servant of the Vice Councilor of State Affairs’ household, he too had pride—how could he accept such money? He immediately refused with righteous indignation.
Anyway, they had accepted the medicine bottle, and the task assigned by his master was completed. He returned with a stern face, appearing dignified and unapproachable. Yet, the more he acted this way, Granny Wang felt more reassured. She had truly seen servants from noble households—though bound by servitude, they served masters of high status, thus cultivating a proud and lofty demeanor.
Watching Pingzhi’s angrily departing figure from behind, she nodded imperceptibly.
This was very noble!
It seemed the person who sent the medicine was not of low status, and the medicine likely wasn’t too bad either.
After returning, Pingzhi indignantly complained to the handsome youth.
The handsome youth showed no reaction and didn’t believe that traveling abroad required everyone to flatter and respect him. Putting down his refreshing hot tea, he calmly interrupted, “When traveling abroad, being vigilant is common sense. Do not harbor resentment.”
Pingzhi immediately agreed but involuntarily lowered his head, somewhat disappointed.
Seeing this, the handsome youth gently said, “You did well.”
Pingzhi looked up in surprise, overjoyed, feeling sweeter than honey in his heart—he had actually been praised by his master. At this moment, he also forgot about fussing over the old woman next door who failed to recognize good intentions, immersed in the joy of being praised.
The handsome youth then waved him off to rest, wanting to be alone in quiet.
Once Pingzhi respectfully exited, shut the door with both hands, the room instantly quieted, except for some faint noises from the neighboring cabin.Could faintly hear they seemed to be exclaiming, their voices carrying joy, the sound of continuous movement, rustling softly. It wasn’t very noisy, but it wasn’t quiet either.
He paid no further attention— eavesdropping was not what a gentleman would do.
He walked to the window, propping it high with a bamboo prop, allowing moonlight and cool breeze to flow into the room.
On the pitch-black river surface, a full moon floated on the water, connecting with its reflection. One person, one boat—compared to it, insignificant.
Strong winds blew in gusts, causing the handsome youth’s partially tied hair to fly and his robes to flutter.The sound of waves slapping against the hull of the boat was in my ears.
He stood quietly before the window, listening to all sounds, his heart also becoming calm and broad.
Though his father disliked the family’s former shipping business, in his childhood, he greatly enjoyed going out on boats with his grandfather, being carried on his grandfather’s shoulders, and watching the night scenery while his grandfather recounted various sailing tips.
He still remembered his grandfather’s weathered and powerful voice, and the refreshing coolness of the night wind on his body—this was something never experienced ashore.
If one cannot even board a ship, they absolutely cannot manage the shipping business. No matter how shrewd, one cannot avoid being deceived.Only a good swimmer can command a boat.The image of my grandfather speaking to him with a loud laugh is still before my eyes.
Today’s questioning from his cousin and the confusion of others found an answer in his heart at this moment: “How can one be an official if one does not care for the people’s livelihood?”
To govern a region is to bring benefit to all.
His knowledge and experience were still far too shallow. Rather than continuing with the imperial examinations, he should broaden his horizons. Otherwise, no matter how well-written his policy essays might be, they would be nothing but castles in the air—empty talk.
The bright moon hung high above. The young man in the boat was only seventeen or eighteen years old. Though his figure appeared slender in the wind, his gaze was sharp and bright, full of spirit.
He did not know how much time had passed, but even the neighboring cabin had fallen silent.
The medicine must have taken effect by now, and that young lady should be feeling much better. What a pitiful family of elderly and weak—he hoped their journey would be a safe one.
The handsome young man’s brows relaxed slightly, as if he too was glad for their comfort.
However, he thought to himself, he should assign his cousin more schoolwork these next few days.
Lest he truly have nothing to do and disturb their peaceful journey.
Just a wall away.
Yuan Niang lay on the bed, two pillows propped behind her so she could lean comfortably. Though her face was still pale and her lips chapped from dehydration, her eyes finally had some life in them, no longer the unfocused gaze from earlier when she had been vomiting.
Chen Kuo Cang was stirring malt candy into a bowl of hot water. The malt candy had a few more impurities, and as it gradually melted, the originally clear water turned yellowish, with some residue settling at the bottom of the bowl.
In truth, there was also snow-white sugar and rock-like sugar frost available nowadays, but both were more expensive. The ship had purchased some, but it was all locked away. The servants guarding the kitchen at night had no keys and dared not take the liberty of exchanging it for money. If they were to go find the steward and wake him in the middle of the night just for some non-life-saving sugar, they would surely earn his displeasure.
Fortunately, Chen Kuo Cang had some malt candy in his bundle. Steeped in water, it served the same purpose—both could replenish energy.
After much effort, he finally stirred it evenly. Madam Cen took over and began feeding Yuan Niang spoonful by spoonful.
It wasn’t that Yuan Niang was putting on airs. Though the medicine had stopped her vomiting and she had regained a bit of strength, she had thrown up so violently earlier that her legs were still trembling, her hands shaking, and she had no energy at all. Even leaning against the pillows, her body kept sliding down involuntarily.
After being fed half a bowl of sugar water, Yuan Niang seemed to regain some energy. With teary eyes, she grasped the hands of Granny Wang and Madam Cen. “Mother, Grandmother, I’m feeling much better. The medicine must be working. You’ve both worked hard all day. Get a good night’s sleep and don’t stay up with me.”
Granny Wang sternly patted Yuan Niang’s thin wrist, making a crisp sound, though the force was much lighter than usual—so light it felt like being hit by a cloud, not painful at all.
“What business does a child have meddling in adult affairs? Go to sleep.”
Thoroughly suppressed by Granny Wang’s sternness, Yuan Niang could only pout in grievance and obediently lay down. Then, her gaze fell on Chen Kuo Cang, who was also keeping watch by the bed. She reached out and ruffled the two neat little buns on his head, leaving the hair ties crooked and askew. Only then was she satisfied, her eyes curving into a smile. “Xi Lang was very good today.”
Chen Kuo Cang, with the tender face of a seven- or eight-year-old child, endured his older sister’s bullying expressionlessly.
But he didn’t leave. He watched as Yuan Niang yawned and drifted off to sleep before Granny Wang finally shooed him to bed.
During the night, he sat up several times, straining his ears to listen for any sounds from his sister. Only when he heard her sleeping soundly did he feel at ease.
The night passed without dreams.
When Chen Yuanniang opened her eyes and woke, a beam of golden sunlight happened to shine through the window onto her cheek, illuminating the dust particles floating visibly in the air. She stared blankly for several breaths before her mind slowly cleared. Sitting up from the bed, she stretched her limbs left and right and was startled to find that her hands and feet had regained some strength, and she no longer felt nauseous.
She glanced around the room—no one was there.
So, she hastily slipped on her shoes, walked to the window, and pushed it open, wanting to see if the ship had stopped or if they had reached shore.
Otherwise, how could she not feel the slightest bit dizzy, with the discomfort of nausea in her throat completely gone?
But she had misjudged the sea’s wind and waves. As soon as she propped open the window, a cold, damp wind rushed in abruptly. Caught off guard, her clothes billowed, and she instinctively shielded her eyes. The window fell shut again, rattling heavily.
The loud sound of the window slamming shut seemed to draw the attention of someone nearby. Yuan Niang faintly heard a clear, pleasant male voice as if inquiring.
She hurriedly propped the window open again, gripping the sill with both hands, and turned her head to look.
Even though the hardships of the voyage had left her face pale, her features were delicate, giving her a pure, unblemished beauty like a lotus in clear water. Her disheveled hair and green silk hair ribbon fluttered in the wind.
Finally, she got a clear view of the opposite side—a gentle, refined young man with delicate features.
Yuan Niang instantly smiled, radiant and beautiful, more captivating than the shimmering waves of spring water. “I’m fine!”