Chapter 13

The sunlight slanted, casting alternating shadows and light. Her face turned toward the sun, half of her body bathed in a bright orange glow. Her almond-shaped eyes, always luminous, caught the gentle radiance, and her pupils seemed to ignite with two dazzling sparks.

She arched her eyebrows at Xie Ci with a playful smile. "Well? Are you so happy you could burst?"

Xie Ci was momentarily stunned. "You want to go?"

He had always refused to let anyone accompany him; the family had debated this endlessly. Gu Wan wanted to open a small tavern, sell wine behind the counter—a simple, peaceful life. Xie Ci not only had no objections, he wholeheartedly supported her. He was deeply grateful to Gu Wan, eager to help her achieve whatever she wished, and felt guilty for not being more useful. He had never considered involving her in his troubles.

He also refused to let Second Sister-in-law Xie go with him, since she had two young children who needed their mother.

Xie Ci opposed the idea fiercely. No one could persuade him, so he insisted on traveling alone.

But could it be said that there was truly no trace of hesitation in Xie Ci’s heart? Not entirely. Spring had passed, summer was fading, and he was only sixteen. His family had been destroyed in sudden catastrophe, like a boulder crashing down, devastating everything. The road ahead was bleak, and he was alone.

So when Gu Wan suddenly declared her intention to accompany him, after his surprise, he felt as if a heavy stone suspended above him had finally been set down—he hadn’t even realized it was there until it was gone. Suddenly, he was no longer so alone.

This was a comfort to his soul. He and Gu Wan had traveled thousands of miles together, relying on one another; it was a feeling no one else could give him.

"...Really? But didn’t you say you wanted to open a tavern?"

He was incredulous. After Gu Wan nodded, he was still at a loss.

Gu Wan couldn’t help but laugh. "A tavern, huh? Now that I think about it, I’d have to buy stock, taste wines, preserve them, and if they're not good enough, I won’t be able to sell them. I don’t want to do it anymore!"

She dragged out her words, teasingly troubled, shaking her head as she finished. She grabbed Xie Ci’s hand. "Come on, we need to help load the cart!"

Her laughter was unrestrained and genuine, with no hint of reluctance. Xie Ci quickly accepted that she truly wanted to go, and felt joyful.

They ran together down the narrow hallway, bursting out into the sunlight. Their faces, damp with sweat and tousled hair, immediately felt the blazing heat. Xie Ci hurriedly said, "Don’t worry about the divorce letter—I’ve already discussed it with Mother. We can write it later!"

It was the only thing he could do for her, and he wished he could do it immediately.

...

In the end, however, they didn’t manage to separate.

Madam Xun was gentle and weak by nature; Xie Ci was her son, and Gu Wan, whom she had raised since childhood, was like her own. Both were equally precious to her. When she saw they both shared the same intent, she was saddened but ultimately gave her consent.

Yet the divorce letter never materialized; Second Sister-in-law Xie stopped him.

Now, Xie Mingming’s injuries had greatly improved; the old physician said he was no longer needed.

The Xie family didn’t plan to stay and trouble others any longer. Before Xie Ci and Gu Wan headed north to Qu County, the family discussed their future. On their way back, they traveled along the Fen River, eventually finding a suitable medium-sized fishing boat with cabins, which they purchased.

Coincidentally, the upstream embankment had burst, and many water-dwelling families scattered, seeking new homes. This boat was ideal—mobile, inconspicuous among the others, easy to anchor unnoticed. The Xie family decided to live as water residents for a year or two, or even three, until they found a suitable place to settle, then return to land.

By the time Xie Ci and Gu Wan left, Second Sister-in-law Xie had cleaned up the town’s affairs. The goat-bearded man was timid and had been pressured by the old physician until he could no longer manage; he packed up and fled, leaving her speechless.

Second Sister-in-law Xie followed for a while, determined the family was cowardly and wouldn’t dare retaliate, so she let them go and returned.

As for the old physician, he had relatives at the county yamen; he said frankly, "On this road, I’ve been forced to treat more than one bandit. Now that you’ve cleaned up, you can leave without worry."

Everything that needed to be settled had been, and the Xie family had little luggage. They packed daily necessities into a trunk, bought some items needed for the boat, and when Xie Ci and Gu Wan returned, everyone bundled up their clothes and shoes, and bade farewell to the old physician’s family.

They left in several groups; after all, five children with unfamiliar faces would attract attention. Gu Wan took Madam Xun, Big Sister-in-law Xie, Third Sister-in-law, and the baby girl to depart first. Xie Ci and Second Sister-in-law Xie took the three older children and followed. Xie Mingming stuck on a fake mustache, dressed as a short man, and messed up his hair and clothes so he wouldn’t be recognized from afar.

Xie Ci and Second Sister-in-law Xie loaded the big trunks onto the cart, tying them tightly with hemp rope. Xie Ci explained, "Second Sister-in-law, she doesn’t like me."

Because of those two incidents, the family had quarreled; Second Sister-in-law Xie was the first to support him going to the border. She had been silent for a while, then stepped forward to back him, but insisted someone must go with him.

Now, Gu Wan had changed her mind, and everyone was happy, but Second Sister-in-law Xie still disagreed about the divorce.

Madam Xun knew herself to be soft-hearted, and that her second daughter-in-law was clever, capable, and could hold down the household, and she also trusted Xie Ci and Gu Wan’s good intentions. Persuaded, she hesitated again and urged Xie Ci to reconsider.

So Xie Ci had to explain himself to Second Sister-in-law Xie first.

—True, with a mother obeying her son, he was now grown and could insist on writing the divorce letter himself. But Xie Ci didn’t want that. At this point, every relative was precious. He wanted to resolve this matter with his mother and sister-in-law's approval and kindness.

Bright afternoon sunlight shone down as Xie Ci knelt on the ground, holding the tightened ropes Second Sister-in-law Xie had given him, tying them to the cart. His youthful face had shed its childishness; his thick, arched brows hinted at maturity, and his Adam’s apple was prominent.

His features remained handsome, but his appearance was now unmistakably masculine, already showing the beginnings of a strong, iron-willed character.

Second Sister-in-law Xie was filled with emotion. She was more than ten years older than Xie Ci. When she married into the Xie family, he was still a small child. She and Big Sister-in-law Xie had managed the household together, and she had watched this child grow into a man.

Hearing his words, she smiled softly and stopped him. "Listen to your sister-in-law, or you’ll regret it."

She recalled the young woman who stood with her sword, smiling brilliantly, and felt a little sorrow, "In this life, to find a partner who stands by you in wind and rain, and fits your soul—it’s not easy."

She thought of Erlang, the gentle youth who came in red robes, his smile dazzling the years; her eyes grew moist.

The customs of Great Wei were open; second marriages were common, but for Second Sister-in-law Xie, it would never happen again. She would remain with the Xie family her whole life.

She would not marry again.

"Give yourself a year," Second Sister-in-law Xie said, looking at the boy, still somewhat naive about love, "After mourning for your parents, you must observe filial piety for twenty-seven months. You can’t neglect this and wrong yourself and her."

Mourning lasted three years—actually twenty-seven months. This was the second year already; in families with older or eligible children, the last few months were often used to consider future matches.

Give yourself another year, and if you still wish to separate, you can decide then; both are young, after all.

Xie Ci realized, "So that’s how it is."

He nodded immediately, ashamed. "It’s my fault."

Too many upheavals; his eagerness to do something for Gu Wan made him overlook this tradition. It was his mistake.

Xie Ci was restless, wishing he could immediately pay respects at his father’s grave and apologize, then do the same to Gu Wan.

Second Sister-in-law Xie patted his shoulder, "Silly child, no one will blame you."

You are a good child, so very good!

...

Second Sister-in-law Xie then explained all this to Gu Wan.

Gu Wan nodded, "It’s all right, it’s all right."

When in Rome, she understood the customs; there was no rush, so she quickly said, "It’s fine to wait three years."

She made a gesture of penitence; after all, Xie Xinchong had raised her for more than ten years, practically a father.

Second Sister-in-law Xie let out a long sigh. Unknowingly, nine months had already passed. She said, "Don’t worry too much. If their spirits linger, they surely wouldn’t want us to be constantly hindered and harmed."

"Mother said, be flexible."

At this point, many things could no longer be cared for. People had lost their peace; as long as the major customs were observed and no one could find fault, it was enough.

Madam Xun was soft by nature, but not muddled.

Gu Wan felt Second Sister-in-law Xie was very much to her liking. "Second Sister-in-law, you’re wonderful!"

Second Sister-in-law Xie couldn’t help but laugh softly.

The boat broke through the water, the river flowed past the hull, and the afternoon sun shone on Gu Wan’s battered straw hat. The young girl crouched on the deck, glancing back at the tiny dot of the town’s dock, then lowered her head and continued hammering away.

—The family was repairing the fishing boat, which had lain idle for some time. The two of them were tasked with hammering the slightly raised planks back into place.

Sunlight glittered on the ripples, reflecting onto Gu Wan’s cheek. The young girl, after all she’d endured, seemed transformed, suddenly grown.

Second Sister-in-law Xie watched her with a smile, then leaned over. "Fourth Brother is really something. Are you sure you don’t want to try?"

"He has a good complexion, handsome features, and he’ll grow taller. Years of martial training will make him strong and healthy," she winked at Gu Wan, "Xie family men are faithful. Don’t let someone else snatch him!"

My goodness!

Second Sister-in-law, you’re not what I expected.

What fierce words!

Gu Wan: "..."

Is it what I think it is?

My goodness, are ancient times really this open?

...

Though Second Sister-in-law Xie was a bit bold, she was very reliable.

Since Xie Ci was preparing to head west, she didn’t let him and Gu Wan meddle in the rest. Getting familiar with the fishing boat, learning to steer and cast nets, handling all matters aboard and ashore, she soon had everything arranged neatly.

The Xie family gradually grew accustomed to life on the boat.

They finally settled near a port in Huangzhou, paid the local fees, and made their home there.

Xie Mingming’s injuries fully healed.

At last, on the second day after the Mid-Autumn Festival, Xie Ci and Gu Wan began their journey.

They knelt before Madam Xun, who was tearful, received countless instructions, hugged each member of the Xie family, and finally, Second Sister-in-law Xie escorted them to the dock and saw them onto a small boat.

"This farewell is only temporary—we will meet again one day!" she said sternly, looking into Xie Ci’s eyes.

But when she turned to Gu Wan, her expression softened, showing affection and care. She stroked Gu Wan’s hair; Gu Wan was sixteen, just a little older than Xie Ci.

The two children were saying goodbye to their family, setting out on their journey.

She hugged Gu Wan tightly, patting her back, and after a moment released her. "Remember, we are family. Even if you and Xie Ci aren’t together in the end, you will always be our sister—we are family!"

"If, when you return, you still decide to separate, I’ll preside over it for you!"

She patted Gu Wan’s shoulder, then took out a sword she’d acquired after leaving the exile convoy, now altered so no trace of its original style remained. It was the sword she had always carried.

Today, Second Sister-in-law Xie gave this sword to Gu Wan. "Flowers for beauties, swords for heroes!"

Gu Wan was the hero of the Xie family.

She must take care of herself.

Second Sister-in-law Xie once had a treasured sword for over twenty years, and she regretted that it wasn’t with her today.

This one would have to do.

"You are the hero of our Xie family! With you, we are thrice blessed!"

She placed the sword in Gu Wan’s hands, and they embraced tightly.

"Remember what I told you—you both must come back safely!"

This journey, no one knew when they’d return.

A thousand words condensed into one: Take care!

Second Sister-in-law Xie stepped back, smiling through her tears as she watched the two—tall and slender, handsome and lovely, standing together in the wind, a perfect pair.

She couldn’t help but laugh again.

Gu Wan jumped onto the small boat first; Xie Ci was about to follow when Second Sister-in-law Xie grabbed him.

He turned, and Second Sister-in-law Xie whispered in his ear, "They say when the woman is older, she brings wealth; same age, everything fits."

"Yuan Niang is a good girl. Wake up soon, don’t let your wife slip away!"

Xie Ci: "???"

He hurriedly glanced at Gu Wan, lowering his voice. "Second Sister-in-law! What are you saying?!"

Second Sister-in-law Xie glared at him, pulling him forward. "Remember, what’s past is past. From prison to now, it’s been nearly a year. You can’t live in the past forever, and I won’t teach the children to hold onto hatred."

She said, "From today onward, I want them to live happily. You too—take things slowly!"

"If you meet someone you like, don’t let them slip away."

Her last words hinted at something.

She winked at them, slipping two small notes into their hands.

With the sun setting, she briskly stepped back onto the dock, waving, "All right, go now!"