Chapter 1658: Chapter 1658: Passing Away
On the journey to Ningzhou Province, the food and supplies prepared by Aunt and Auntie at home were all organized by her on the return. She not only bought extra charcoal but also procured a considerable amount of food.
The maid smiled, “Yes.”
The sound of knocking on the door; the maid opened it, and the young servant of Ming Hui walked in, “The young master’s situation isn’t right.”
Earlier, the young master left his telescope instead of sightseeing. The guard used it to see several small boats quickly approaching the large ship. This area is rife with Water Bandits, and today’s heavy rain is perfect for their exploits.
After hearing the young servant’s report, Ming Hui’s expression turned serious, “Send someone to inform the ship merchant.”
The young servant quickly left, and the guards outside were already stationed at the door.
Yu Yi stood up and walked to the window, “Indeed, this rain is a natural shield.”
Ming Hui noticed his sister didn’t seem scared, “Not afraid?”
Yu Yi smiled, “Our guards are all experts; there is nothing to fear.”
Ming Hui laughed, knowing that the elders at home had dispatched warriors skilled with blades.
As expected, they encountered Water Bandits. Thanks to the early warning, the thirty or so bandits were surrounded as soon as they climbed up, and a fight ensued below. Some bandits reached the top deck, and cries rang out continuously.
Yu Yi heard: “Young Master Zhou, help us, Young Master Zhou.”
Yu Jiao looked at Brother Ming Hui, who rolled his eyes. Shouldn’t they be huddled inside the room at this time? Betting on his kind heart, how foolish!
Ming Hui didn’t move at all; guards stood outside the door. Within a few breaths, the guards were already fighting the bandits. The result was evident as it soon grew quiet outside.
After waiting for a while, the young servant knocked on the door, “Fourth young master, it’s over, and the ship merchant wishes to see you.”
Ming Hui had no intention of bringing others inside and planned to meet outside. He looked at Yu Yi, “Would you like to join?”
Yu Yi knew the outside would be bloody, smiled wryly, “Sure.”
Yu Jiao glanced at her brother and then at her sister, pursed her lips, and reached out to hold her sister’s hand, “I’ll join too.”
Yu Yueyang gazed intently at his fiancée; although he didn’t speak, his attitude was evident.
Ming Hui opened the door, rain washing away the bloodstains outside, and inquired of the young servant, “Was anyone hurt?”
The young servant replied, “Two people suffered minor injuries; they’ve already gone down for treatment.”
Ming Hui nodded, the young servant held an umbrella, Yu Yi observed the bloodstains with some discomfort, her cheeks tight, relieved it was raining heavily, so the smell of blood wasn’t overpowering.
Yu Jiao was still scared; the little girl didn’t want to disgrace the Zhou family. Her hands trembled slightly but remained steady.
Yu Yi noticed a girl sitting in the corner, frightened by the earlier fight, staring blankly, with a pale-faced matron guarding her.
The ship merchant came up, and Ming Hui stood tall, “Were they all captured?”
The ship merchant looked gloomy, having suffered many injuries and a death, “Thank you for the warning, young master. Otherwise, only death would have spared me from accountability.”
Ming Hui said, “Proceed faster; don’t hand over those Water Bandits for now.”
The ship merchant understood; who knows if the local Government Office had been bribed. He was determined, and those who run long journeys usually have some backing; he, too, had connections.
The ship merchant wanted to ask which family the young master belonged to, but his companions told him the top deck guards were rare talents. Seeing the young master had no intention of elaborating, he once again expressed his gratitude and departed.
The ship merchant, while descending the stairs, glanced back at the young master and lady standing together. They were truly brave, and he instructed his men to serve them with care.
Soon after, the ship merchant sent a gift in appreciation, a few fine gemstones, which Ming Hui swiftly accepted.
In the capital, Zhou Shuren and the Retired Emperor sat opposite each other. They had been silent for some time, mostly reminiscing about the past while Zhou Shuren quietly accompanied him.
After a while, the Retired Emperor said, “Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Rong Residence.”
Zhou Shuren wasn’t surprised, “Fourth uncle will be pleased.”
The Retired Emperor continued, “After we see the old master tomorrow, accompany me to the Rong clan’s cemetery.”
Zhou Shuren hurriedly replied, “Retired Emperor, you…”
The Retired Emperor raised his hand, “I’ve already decided.”
Zhou Shuren had no choice but to close his mouth, “I will accompany the Retired Emperor.”
Come to think of it, he had only been to the Rong cemetery once, and once was enough to leave a deep impression.
The Retired Emperor had no desire for conversation or to dismiss Zhou Shuren, and eventually, Zhou Shuren grew restless, “I’ve been in the palace for quite a while.”
The Retired Emperor looked at the clock, “Has it been four hours?”
Zhou Shuren thought inwardly; only now did he realize. He had even eaten a plate of snacks and visited the restroom once.
The Retired Emperor glanced outside; the sky was darkening due to the snowy, overcast weather, making it dimmer, “I won’t keep you any longer.”
Zhou Shuren left, stepping on the snow and reflected that the Retired Emperor referred to himself as ‘I’ throughout today.
Outside the palace, Jin Yan had been waiting, and as Zhou Shuren emerged, he said, “Have you been waiting long? You must be freezing.”
Jin Yan replied, “I’ve been waiting in the carriage, so I didn’t get cold.”
Zhou Shuren smiled, “Let’s head home.”
Upon arriving home, Zhou Shuren entered to see his wife rising to greet him, extending his hand to clasp her plump hand, “Have you been waiting long?”
“I expected you to leave the palace quickly, but who would’ve thought it took nearly three hours.”
Zhou Shuren said, “I made you worry.”
“Are you hungry?”
Zhou Shuren, having eaten snacks, wasn’t hungry, “Not really, have you eaten?”
“I had a bowl of soup at noon.”
After dismissing the maids, Zhou Shuren mentioned accompanying the Retired Emperor in silent reminiscence and spoke about visiting the Rong clan’s cemetery.
The next day, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren accompanied their fourth uncle to the Rong Residence. Upon arrival, fourth uncle appeared considerably healthier, and when the Retired Emperor arrived, fourth uncle was enjoying some sweets.
The Retired Emperor said, “Take good care of yourself.”
Rong Yushang shook his head, “No, I’m ready for some rest.”
The Retired Emperor turned to Ming Teng, “This child is a good one; you can rest assured.”
Rong Yushang’s cheeks turned rosy, as this was an indirect assurance from the Retired Emperor, “Thank you, Retired Emperor.”
The Retired Emperor bore no fear of the Rong family, not only due to their past aid but also because there were few left; selfishly, he desired to protect them.
Afterwards, Rong Yushang began reminiscing about the days when the Rong clan flourished, speaking of academies and so many long-buried memories becoming vivid.
The Retired Emperor left only when the old master was too tired to continue, taking Zhou Shuren to the Rong clan’s cemetery.
The carriage drove out of the city, and Zhou Shuren helped the Retired Emperor dismount. The previous day’s light snow had stayed, the initial snow blanketing the cemetery, covered in white.
The Retired Emperor didn’t approach closely, merely gazing from afar before finally saying, “Let’s return.”
Zhou Shuren caught the sound of the wind, stirring branches, akin to a whispering voice. As he got back on the carriage, he looked back once more.
Early the next morning, Zhulan and Zhou Shuren were still in bed when the cries of the eldest Zhou penetrated the bedroom. Zhou Shuren sat up immediately, suspecting what had happened, and his heartache confirmed it. His eyes reddened, tears falling as he quickly dressed and went out, finding the eldest Zhou deeply sorrowful.
Zhulan used a handkerchief to dab her eyes and instructed Qing Xue, “Make the arrangements.”
Qing Xue replied, “Yes.”
The eldest Zhou was deeply distressed, “Before dawn today, Uncle suddenly got up and spoke to Ming Teng. Realizing something was amiss, I intended to fetch Father, but Uncle dismissed it, sending me away with others to watch.”
Zhou Shuren patted his eldest son on the shoulder, “It’s not your fault, this was your uncle’s wish.”
In his final moments, the old master only wished to remain with the heir of the Rong clan!