Chapter 24: Journey to Bianjing Together

After Sheng Wei had the pirates handed over to the local patrol office, he and the Sheng family members thanked Zhao Han and Gu Tingye before the two men returned to their ship.

The water surface gradually returned to calm, with only the gentle sound of the hull cutting through the waves echoing in their ears. Shortly after, Feng Xing approached Sheng Wei with a grave expression.

"Master, I just inspected the bottom hold and discovered that the pirates severed three mast cables and chiseled two holes in the starboard hull. We must stop at the pier for repairs immediately," he reported. "If we continue on, we risk sinking should we encounter any wind or waves."

Sheng Wei frowned at this news. "Doesn't that mean we will miss the deadline? The first day of next month is the birthday of Assistant Commander Mu. Brother Hong has reminded me several times in his letters that the birthday gift must reach the Mu residence precisely on the day."

The "Assistant Commander Mu" he referred to was Mu Liang, the Assistant Commander of the Imperial Guard Cavalry, a position of the lower fifth rank. He had studied alongside Sheng Wei and Sheng Hong at the Duke of Ling's family school in their youth. Although their contact had faded after they followed the Old Madame Sheng back to Jinling, there was still some sentiment between them. This year marked Mu Liang’s fortieth birthday, and for the sake of Sheng Changwu’s future, Sheng Wei had already prepared generous gifts, waiting for the right moment to deliver them.

Feng Xing, having served Sheng Wei for many years and watched Sheng Changwu grow up, was naturally concerned for his future as well. After some deliberation, he turned his gaze toward the nearby ship belonging to the Bai family.

"Since we are heading the same way as Young Master Zhao, why not take the gifts and the two young ladies and join them to Bianjing? Once our ship is repaired, I will set off immediately."

Sheng Wei looked at the tranquil water, weighed the options, and sighed. "That is the only way. Send someone to inform Young Master Zhao at once."

With that, Sheng Wei went personally to explain the situation to his daughters, Shulan and Pinlan. Pinlan blinked and tilted her head, asking, "Father, are you saying our ship is going to sink?"

"Pah, pah, pah! What nonsense are you spouting? Have some sense of propriety!" Sheng Wei quickly pressed his palms together and bowed toward the cabin exterior. "Once we are on the Bai family's ship, you two must strictly observe etiquette; do not be as carefree as you are on our own vessel."

Shulan dutifully agreed, but Pinlan tugged on Sheng Wei’s sleeve. "Father, can you ask Young Master Zhao to teach me archery?"

"You are a girl, yet all you think about is riding and archery. With a temperament like yours, I truly do not know what will become of you in the future." Sheng Wei felt helpless and turned to Shulan. "Shu-er, keep a close watch on this girl and don't let her lose her manners."

"Don't worry, Father," Shulan said with a gentle smile, tapping Pinlan on the forehead.

Soon, Feng Xing returned with hurried steps. "Young Master Zhao and Young Master Gu sent word that at dawn, their ship will dock at the nearby Hong County pier for supplies. Master can bring the young ladies aboard then."

Sheng Wei’s brow smoothed. "Very well, hurry and prepare the items to be taken to Bianjing. We must not keep them waiting too long."

The ship became a flurry of activity as maids, nannies, and the remaining servants worked busily. As the morning light broke, the horizon turned a pale, fish-belly white, and golden rays of sunlight pierced the clouds, spilling onto the river. The silhouette of the Hong County pier emerged in the thin mist, with grey stone steps winding down into the water.

When the ship docked, Zhao Han and Gu Tingye stepped onto the deck. After Sheng Wei directed the servants to move over a dozen wooden crates, he boarded the ship with Shulan, Pinlan, and four maids and nannies.

Shulan, supported by her maid Yue'e, stepped onto the deck. Her lotus-pink cloak was lifted and dropped by the river breeze, casting a pearl-like luster in the morning light. Pinlan followed happily behind.

"I apologize for the trouble again. Once we reach Bianjing, I shall personally host a banquet to express my gratitude."

Zhao Han nodded slightly and said warmly, "Last night, Uncle Sheng said we were all one family and need not stand on such ceremony. Why be so polite today?"

Gu Tingye stood nearby with his hands behind his back, the corners of his lips curling upward. "There is plenty of extra cabin space. Young Master Zhao is my benefactor, so his affairs are naturally my affairs."

Hearing this, Sheng Wei felt a flicker of gratitude, followed by a wry smile. "I have urgent business that requires immediate travel to Bianjing; otherwise, waiting a few days at the pier would be no issue. By the way, you have already met my younger daughter last night. This is my eldest daughter."

As he spoke, Shulan bowed gracefully, her voice clear and melodious like pearls falling on a jade plate. "Greetings, young masters. Thank you both for your help last night."

Her lowered eyelashes cast soft shadows in the morning light. As the river breeze picked up, a stray lock of hair at her temple swayed gently. Zhao Han smiled slightly. "Miss Sheng is too kind. It is windy outside; let us move into the cabin to get warm."

Shulan nodded demurely and, led by the nannies, walked toward the inner cabin.

By the hour of Si (10:00 AM), the river was shimmering like scattered gold. Once supplies were restocked and everyone was settled, the large ship slowly pulled away from the shore, heading toward Kaifeng Prefecture.

Gu Tingye had not originally intended to reveal his identity. However, after their long conversation, he realized that Sheng Wei possessed great strategic insight regarding trade routes and carried himself with the refined character of a scholar, so he decided to stop hiding the truth.

When Sheng Wei learned that Gu Tingye was the legitimate son of a Marquis, he was naturally surprised. He repeatedly warned Pinlan to remain quietly in her cabin, threatening that if she lost her manners, he would have her kneel in the family ancestral hall and study the rules upon returning to Youyang.

Heading north, the scenery along the Grand Canal gradually shifted from the gentle beauty of the south to the vast and majestic landscape of the north. Ten days later, the ship arrived at Chenliu, the final stop before Bianjing.

The river was thick with masts, and merchant vessels of all kinds were neatly docked, waiting for inspection by the patrol office. Because of Zhao Han’s status as a Juren and the flag flying on the bow, the patrol office did not cause any trouble and cleared them quickly.

In the cabin, Pinlan sat listlessly beside Shulan, twisting the tassels on her silk handkerchief. "Second Sister, once we reach Bianjing, I will definitely find a chance to have Young Master Zhao teach me archery."

"He is future husband to Eldest Sister Hualan. If he refuses to teach me, when they marry, I will have Third Brother and Changbo block him from entering the bridal chamber!"

Hearing this, Shulan and Yue'e blushed, while Bian Mama, standing nearby, was so amused that she doubled over in laughter. "Fourth Miss, have you no shame? Do you even know what 'entering the bridal chamber' means?"

Pinlan’s dark, bright eyes darted around, and she shook her head. "I don't care. I just want to learn archery. I saw Young Master Zhao shoot a pirate from a hundred paces with a single arrow. If I can learn even thirty percent of his skill, I will be able to catch plenty of game when I go hunting in the spring!"

Shulan smiled softly. "Young Master Zhao is going to Bianjing to prepare for the metropolitan examination; where would he find the time to indulge you? Have you forgotten Father’s words?"

Pinlan pouted reluctantly. Being confined to the ancestral hall to learn the rules was, to her, a fate worse than death.