The battle in the Eastern Sea had come to a close, and all those who had contributed were rewarded and honored accordingly. The townsfolk from the Ning family’s district who had joined the campaign were also given rewards. Some even chose to remain in the military, becoming centurions or officers, securing a promising future for themselves.
By now, everyone understood the truth: the Ning family was the imperial family’s in-laws. Naturally, those from their hometown also rose with them, receiving the Emperor’s special favor.
As for the Ning brothers, Ning Yinhua had long warned them that the Ning children would not serve as officials. If the Emperor offered rewards, they must resolutely refuse. The brothers understood this well and would not accept official positions.
Emperor Jingxi was a wise man who knew Ning Yinhua was no ordinary person. He respected this boundary and silently agreed.
After speaking with each of the brothers, Ning Erlang showed a keen interest in shipbuilding and naval artillery. So Emperor Jingxi ordered Ning Erlang to stay at the Coastal Defense Post, working alongside the Ministry of Works and the shipyard’s master craftsmen to study Frangqi ship components and artillery.
Ning Sanlang was to remain at the post to practice horseback archery.
Ning Dalang had no specific plans and accompanied A wu back home.
The whole town celebrated the triumphant return. The Zhen’an Marquis Manor was destroyed, the Maritime Bandits completely wiped out. Great Hui’s victory against the Frangqi was a tremendous relief and a cause for pride.
Most importantly, the Emperor had personally come to the Eastern Sea, meeting with all manner of people, announcing plans to lift the sea ban and build dikes. The people along the coast could clearly see the Emperor’s great benevolence, and the future looked promising and full of hope.
This period coincided with the coastal autumn Sea Worship Festival, a grand local event featuring the Nuo Ritual to drive away evil spirits. With the Emperor’s presence, the festive atmosphere was even more vibrant than usual. Local officials arranged various performances, including boys and girls dressed as the Six Ding and Six Jia, performing exorcisms to ward off disease and praying to the sea for blessings. Dragon and lion dances accompanied booming drums and cymbals.
Ning Erlang and Ning Sanlang had returned specifically to attend this festival. A wu was naturally delighted. Ye Han was also present, and the whole family dined together, preparing a large spread: whitebait stew with shredded radish, stir-fried clams, rich marinated crab, crispy fried yellow croaker, all washed down with sweet fermented rice balls to cleanse the palate.
After their meal, the family tidied up. A wu specially went to water the sweet potato shoots, which were growing rapidly and starting to climb the trellises.
Just then, Ye Han was about to head out. Ning Yinhua asked A wu, “Will you see him off?”
A wu was puzzled. Ye Han lived just next door—did he really need to be seen off?
But after glancing at Ye Han, she replied, “Alright.”
In fact, Emperor Jingxi treated Ye Han and the Ning brothers equally. Since Ye Han had also merited rewards, the Emperor had considered giving him something, but Ye Han didn’t care for official recognition. With the village’s grievances settled, he was eager to set out to sea and explore.
A wu accompanied Ye Han outside. It was deep autumn, and the air was filled with the scent of osmanthus, fragrant and penetrating.
The two walked side by side, their footsteps crunching on the pebbled path, enveloped in silence.
In moments like these, memories surfaced—their childhood, youthful days of happiness and shared promises beneath the heavens.
They had once dreamed of facing the sea together, imagining the future.
He had said he would earn plenty of silver to buy her trousseau, and she had promised to bear him two sons and two daughters.
Back then, it was genuine. In young A wu’s heart, the world was just so vast—the sea, the boats, the villagers, long voyages, fishing nets. Life was simple and passed down through generations.
But fate intervened. Their sheltered fishing village shattered. She stepped out and saw a broader world, tasted the sweetness and bitterness of love.
Those youthful days became memories she could never return to.
Suddenly, Ye Han said, “Following the Emperor, I’ve seen many things—things I never even dreamed of before. He’s a good man. If he weren’t the Emperor, he’d be the best match for you. So, I think this is best for you, and honestly… I’m happy for you.”
A wu lowered her eyes and looked at a cluster of small white flowers blooming nearby.
Ye Han added, “From now on, I’ll treat you like a little sister.”
A wu’s throat tightened, and her nose pricked with tears. “Mm, I already have four older brothers now.”
Ye Han’s gaze softened as he looked slowly into her eyes.
A wu met his gaze.
She saw his dark eyes smiling—both cool and gentle.
Her nose stung with sorrow, and she felt uncomfortable.
She thought, if it hadn’t been for Emperor Jingxi, she would have married Ye Han. They would have had a family.
She stopped herself. She couldn’t think like that anymore.
Ye Han said, “I have no regrets now. I’ll go to sea, just like your father and brothers—on treasure ships, sailing the four seas, hoping to see a broader world.”
A wu nodded. “Yes, Brother Ye Han, you definitely will. When you see or hear anything, write it down.”
Ye Han: “Alright.”
A wu: “Then I’ll feel like I’m traveling with you.”
Ye Han chuckled softly, then looked at her for a long moment before lowering his eyes, hiding the lingering affection.
At this point, if there was anything he could do for her, it was to leave—and go far away.
The Emperor’s heart was both broad and narrow.
He looked at A wu with possessive love.
If Lu Yunjian was a thorn in the Emperor’s side, Ye Han knew he was another.
And he intended to remove it.
He pressed his lips into a smile. “I… will go now.”
A wu listened, feeling his voice was soft and gentle, yet resolute.
She was a little sad but helpless.
She bowed her head. “Mm, Brother Ye Han, farewell.”
***
Regarding Ye Han’s behavior, A wu felt it was likely to avoid suspicion. But no matter what, she didn’t want to pry.
Since she couldn’t go back, they might as well be well.
Besides, if Ye Han went to sea with her father and brothers, that wasn’t a bad path.
She thought she could mention to Emperor Jingxi later—Ye Han had contributed and deserved some reward. Just don’t be stingy.
Thinking this way lifted some of her worries.
Now that her brothers had all returned, the house was lively. Eating, drinking, strolling—the sorrows faded.
On this day, A wu and her brothers went to see the Sea Worship prayers and bought fresh fish, dried fruits, and pastries—a large basket full. Two of the older brothers carried it home.
Just as they were enjoying themselves, a familiar neighbor hurried over, saying, “You have important guests at home! Why are you still out here playing? Hurry back!”
The siblings exchanged glances.
They vaguely understood that after the Eastern Sea battle was over and affairs settled, the Emperor would likely come to their home—formally proposing marriage.
But the details were unclear. When they asked Ning Yinhua, he remained silent, so they could only wait patiently.
For A wu, the matter of Lu Yunjian was finally resolved. She didn’t care much, since life was quite comfortable now.
Hearing of distinguished guests arriving, she immediately thought of Emperor Jingxi and hurried home.
Upon arrival, they found splendid carriages and a retinue of officers. Inside the house, they learned the visitors were not Emperor Jingxi but Duke of Huguo from the capital, and Yang Bin—the Grand Academician, Minister of Rites, and Captain of the Guard.
Both were old ministers from the previous Emperor’s reign, white-bearded and aged. This time, Emperor Jingxi had sent them to formally propose on his behalf.
A wu was surprised. Already an Imperial Noble Consort in the capital, and now this marriage proposal again? She marveled the Emperor could think of this and even send two venerable elders on such a long journey.
Since it concerned marriage, A wu didn’t appear and waited quietly in her room.
From the window, she saw guards carrying boxes wrapped in red silk into the house—clearly the betrothal gifts.
Boxes piled one after another, filling the courtyard. When the small yard was full, they moved into the side rooms, stacked high.
This drew the neighbors’ attention, who gathered to watch the commotion.
Some guessed excitedly, “The Emperor is coming to propose to the Ning family!”
Ordinary townsfolk knew little of the past but enjoyed the gossip, speculating, “The Ning family is about to produce an Empress! I heard the officials coming are very important!”
Meanwhile, distant drums and gongs from the Sea Worship festival filled the air.
Inside, the atmosphere was jubilant and boisterous.
When the guests finally departed, A wu and Ning Sanlang curiously examined the betrothal gifts.
There were ceremonial items: floral hairpins, gold-threaded bridal veils, painted fans, face powder, and decorative money.
There were also solid gold and silver utensils, antiques, exotic curiosities, silks, and brocades piled high.
Even the well-traveled Ning brothers were impressed by the lavishness and extravagance.
A wu was overjoyed.
Although she was already part of the Emperor’s harem and had borne children, the Emperor seemed to be “starting anew,” not mentioning the past but respectfully sending elders to formally propose.
It showed sincerity.
Following this were local rituals: the acceptance of the marriage sign, exchange of tokens, and announcing the wedding date.
Finally, Emperor Jingxi himself visited.
This time, his entourage was modest, only a line of guards—not ostentatious at all.
When he arrived, A wu was carrying a basket and a coil of straw rope, preparing to go out.
Since the Sea Worship, the town’s market had been lively, and she planned to see if there were fresh fish and seafood.
But she saw him.
A wu glanced once at Emperor Jingxi, then lowered her eyes.
He wore a jade crown and a crimson and purple brocade robe. The robe’s collar and cuffs were embroidered with delicate patterns. The whole noble aura illuminated the humble courtyard.
And she—dressed plainly in a simple blue cotton skirt and jacket, carrying her basket and rope—looked like a dusty village fishergirl.
She pursed her lips, a little resentful, shooting him a side glance.
“Why come now? Without a word? I could’ve dressed up!”
Emperor Jingxi caught her gaze and smiled gently.
A wu’s cheeks flushed. She turned away, intending to return to her room.
But Ning Yinhua instructed Ning Erlang and Ning Sanlang to take A wu to the market to see if any new sea goods had arrived, to buy some for lunch.
Ning Sanlang was puzzled, but Ning Erlang understood.
He knew his father and the Emperor had matters to discuss and deliberately sent the two away.
The Emperor’s personal visit, dressed casually, meant a detailed discussion about the betrothal gifts and A wu’s future.
Clearly, it was inappropriate for her to hear, so better to keep her away.