Chapter Twelve: Waving Goodbye

Xiling County lay upstream along the Qiantang River. Xu You watched as Shanzong's figure vanished into the distant grasslands. Zuo Wen whispered, “Did you not say that a naval garrison stands between the Qiantang and Hu estuaries? Why then did you advise him to disembark at Xiling and take this route to the sea?”

“From Shangyu to Jiakou, entering the sea is indeed safe under ordinary circumstances. But that’s only true in times of peace. Shanzong has already been reported to Prefect Liu. If I can foresee this, surely the Prefect’s office, full of shrewd minds, will too. One can almost imagine how many hidden traps and open threats have been set along the Shangyu route, just waiting for Shanzong to walk into them. Military strategy teaches us to make real what appears false. Precisely because everyone believes the Hu estuary to be a dead end, there may yet exist a sliver of hope there! Moreover…”

“Moreover what?”

Xu You turned to gaze at the river they’d traveled, his thoughts drifting back to the golden-bannered ship of last night: beauties thronging, silks hanging, a rotund middle-aged man sitting unmoved, waiting for the men of Moyun Capital to arrive, his eyes agleam with wisdom. Xu You said, “Moreover, Prefect Liu’s gaze is currently fixed on Guo Mian in Qiantang. The pursuit of Shanzong will inevitably grow lax. If Shanzong can seize this opportunity, he may yet break through the encirclement. As for whether he’ll reach the Ming Sea safely, that’s in fate’s hands; it will depend on Shanzong’s own fortune!”

“Guo Mian?”

Xu You nodded. “At first, I thought Shanzong was working for the Prefect’s office, framing Guo Mian. But on second thought, that couldn’t be, for Guo Mian isn’t someone easily trifled with. To plant a thief’s plot so baselessly would unravel under the slightest scrutiny. With the Prefect’s cunning, they’d never leave such a glaring flaw. Considering Shanzong’s words, it’s clear: men from Moyun Capital, while chasing Shanzong, discovered he’d boarded Guo Mian’s ship in secret, and reported this to Liu Quan. The lord who holds half the southeast in his grasp decided to use the situation to his advantage—trap Guo Mian at the river crossing, drag him into the affair. Ha! For a mere merchant, they’ve dispatched three naval warships—what a display of power.”

Zuo Wen admired Xu You’s careful reasoning, yet still had a lingering doubt. “Even so, why was the Prefect’s office careless enough to let Shanzong escape? Even if there were many boats and it was dark by the river, shouldn’t they have had means to ensure he couldn’t hide and would be forced to surrender?”

“That was one of the points that misled me at first. Thinking back, the men from Moyun Capital must have let Shanzong go intentionally. The reason is simple: to avoid Guo Mian discovering Shanzong’s true identity. If Guo Mian demanded a confrontation, or some other means of clearing his name, it would be easy to prove Shanzong and he had no connection. Rather than risk that, better to let Shanzong escape, then send men to hunt him down. After all, to the Prefect’s office, a petty river thief is never truly beyond their grasp. Once both are captured, their confessions are like dough in the Prefect’s hands—he may shape them as he pleases.”

Zuo Wen’s eyes lit with understanding. “That makes sense now. Without your insight, I’d still be lost in confusion.”

Xu You smiled. “I’m only wise after the fact... Had Shanzong not finally become a little more honest and laid out the whole story, we might never have figured it out ourselves.”

“A wise man after the fact—you always speak simply and yet with endless wit.” At the mention of Shanzong, Zuo Wen smiled as well. “Among the pirates of the Ming Sea, he must be a figure of some renown, skilled both in body and mind. Yet it was his misfortune to meet you—no matter how formidable, he could only end up a prisoner.”

Xu You said gravely, “A gentleman may be deceived by rules. Though Shanzong became a pirate, deep down he’s ashamed of it, and as a man of the gentry he still holds to some measure of propriety and honor. That’s why I was able to bind him with the reputation of the Shan clan of Henei, leaving him cautious and constrained, his abilities at best a fraction of their potential. In the future, should you encounter him again, Wind Tiger, don’t take him lightly.”

“You are right, I’ll remember that!”

With the matter settled, the journey passed without incident. Shortly after noon that day, their small boat entered the Qiantang region. Following Xu You’s instructions, they docked at a secluded little pier. Ding Ji, pulling Ding Kuer with him, knelt to thank Xu You for saving their lives the night before.

Xu You hastened to help him up. “Please, old Ding, don’t do this. Qiufen, help Kuer to her feet.” Once Qiufen had helped the girl up, he continued, “You mustn’t be so formal. After all, this trouble began with me. It’s a blessing Kuer came to no harm—how could I bear it otherwise? How could I face you?”

Ding Ji wept tears of gratitude. “I’ve spent decades on these river routes, serving many wealthy folk, but none so kind as you, none who truly saw us as people.”

Xu You shook his head. “I’m no great man, just an ordinary person like you. Life is hard for all of us, merely a struggle to survive—where is the distinction between high and low? We have traveled far together by fate; there’s no need for such words.”

“No, no, I cannot speak well, nor do I understand great principles, but I know you are no ordinary man—you’re destined for great fortune.”

Xu You laughed heartily. “I appreciate the blessing! We’ve come a long way, and you and your daughter have cared for us throughout. I have little to give you on parting—Wind Tiger!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Bring ten thousand coins for Old Ding and Kuer to use on their journey home.”

Ding Ji hurriedly knelt, refusing the gift. “Please, sir, don’t overwhelm me. You already paid us fifty percent more than others for the fare from Jinling to Qiantang—how could I accept another ten thousand?”

Xu You, seeing his resolve, did not insist. “Very well. Since you often travel this river, if you ever come to Qiantang, you can look for me, and we’ll reminisce. And should you face any trouble you can’t resolve, come find me—I may not be able to do much, but at the very least I can offer some advice.”

Zuo Wen went ashore first to hire ox-carts for their party. Qiufen and Ding Kuer sat together at the pier, shoulders leaning together, whispering girlhood secrets. After years in the Xu household, this was Qiufen’s first time befriending a girl her own age from the outside world, her first chance to have a confidante. But cruelly, after only a few days together, it was already time to part.

Two ox-carts trundled over. After bidding farewell to the Ding family, Xu You and Zuo Wen took the first cart, while Qiufen, cradling Lushuang, boarded the second. As the carts were about to set off, Qiufen suddenly lifted her skirts, leapt down, and dashed back to the boat, hugging Ding Kuer tightly. When they finally parted, both were in tears, hands clasped together as they bowed in farewell.

“Take care!”

“You too!”

It was Qiufen, bored on the boat, who had taught Ding Kuer this simple exchange. Yet she hadn’t imagined the first time they’d use it would be now.

In this era, with primitive transport and communication, separation often meant a farewell for life. Once parted, they might never meet again.

So—you take care.

I will too.

Wave and say goodbye.