#1026 - The end of a journey

Three years later.

Early spring.

Great Han, Le'an Prefecture.

"Husband! Hurry up!"

A carriage stopped outside the courtyard, and Cui'er turned her head and shouted, her voice crisp.

Soon, He Jing walked out of the courtyard with a smile, carrying a small bundle in his hand.

Three years ago, not long after Wei Changtian left, the two were married.

Regardless of how the He family objected, He Jing still overruled all objections and married Cui'er as his legal wife.

After that, he was named on the gold list in the imperial examination, became a Jinshi, and was "exceptionally" allowed to return to his hometown of Le'an Prefecture to serve as an official.

During his three years as an official, He Jing worked diligently and wholeheartedly for the people, deeply loved by the people.

In addition, Su Qi knew that he seemed to have some relationship with Wei Changtian, so this year, at the beginning of spring, he once again exceptionally promoted him to Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, to take office in the capital on a selected day.

In just three years, he had gone from an ordinary Juren to a third-rank official in the capital. He Jing's official career can be described as smooth and unprecedented.

And he also knew what all this was because of, so he was not in a hurry to take office in the capital, but planned to go to Shu Prefecture with Cui'er before that.

First, he had been busy with official duties for three years since their marriage, and had rarely had time to accompany Cui'er to travel and enjoy the scenery. This time, it was to make up for it.

Second, he wanted to visit Wei Changtian and express his gratitude in person.

"Have the gifts been packed?"

Helping Cui'er into the carriage, He Jing asked in a low voice, "And the letter that His Majesty asked me to bring to Young Master Wei, haven't you forgotten it?"

"Don't worry, it's all packed."

Cui'er covered her mouth and smiled: "I'm not that careless."

"That's good, that's good."

He Jing gently took Cui'er's hand: "Cui'er, thank you for your hard work these three years. This time, we will travel and enjoy the scenery all the way, and take a good look at the beautiful scenery of this world."

"Yes, I will listen to my husband in everything."

Cui'er smiled happily, and then sighed softly with some anticipation: "Husband, why does time pass so quickly? Three years have passed."

"Sometimes when I have nothing to do, I think about it, and I always feel that Young Master Wei seems to have left only yesterday."

"I don't know how Young Master Wei is doing now. It's always difficult to get too much news from Le'an."

"By the way, I heard that there are already newspapers in the capital?"

"After we move to the capital, I will buy them every day to see if there is anything related to Young Master Wei..."

"..."

The carriage slowly moved, carrying He Jing and Cui'er out of Le'an Prefecture City, heading east.

After a period of turmoil three years ago, the Han regime is now very stable, and the people are able to live and work in peace, and everything has returned to the prosperity of the Great Qian Dynasty.

Although many people still do not recognize the "legitimacy" of the Great Han, and even still feel that they are people of the Great Qian Dynasty.

But at least, with Su Qi, an emperor who "thinks of the people in everything", everyone really can't find too many reasons to restore the old dynasty.

That's right, Su Qi continued his style as the magistrate of Linchuan Prefecture, and should be the most considerate emperor of his subjects in the world today.

And this is actually one of the most important reasons why Wei Changtian chose Su Qi in the first place.

It's just that he never told anyone about it.

A month later, He Jing and Cui'er traveled and played all the way, leaving the Great Han, passing through the Great Chu, and entering the Xin Feng territory, a border town called "Chengjian".

I don't know if it was because they had rarely traveled continuously like this before, but on the day they entered the city, He Jing caught a cold.

After stopping the carriage, the coachman saw that there were so many people inside and outside Jishengtang, and he couldn't help but worry that Cui'er, a woman, would be easily bumped into.

Cui'er also had this concern, so she nodded and watched the coachman walk quickly into the clinic.

"One qian of ginseng! Two qian of gastrodia! Five hawthorns..."

"Take it, remember to decoct it twice a day, and come back in five days to get more medicine."

"Thank you, Miss Li! This is the twenty coins I owed for getting medicine for my old mother last time. I'm here to send it to you this time."

"It's okay, if you're not financially well-off, you can owe it for a few more days, it doesn't matter."

"How can that be! I can't owe anyone money, especially Miss Li's! I'll be struck by lightning!"

"Okay, then I'll take ten coins, and you can take the remaining ten coins back to buy more wheat seeds this year..."

"..."

"Oh dear, Miss Li is so kind! She also looks like a celestial being! It's really a blessing for our Chengjian City to have her practicing medicine at Jishengtang!"

"Who says it isn't! It's just that I don't know why Miss Li doesn't want to marry. So many people have come to propose marriage to her before, and I heard that they were all politely rejected by her."

"Maybe Miss Li already has someone she likes."

"But I haven't seen Miss Li get close to any man."

"Okay, okay, stop talking, it's your turn..."

Whispers echoed in the front hall. Although several people were seeing patients at this time, only the line in front of Li Wutong was the longest.

And the coachman was new here, so he naturally thought that this beautiful woman had the best medical skills, so he also lined up at the end of the line, and waited a full two quarters of an hour before it was his turn.

"Miss, my master has caught a cold and wants to get a prescription for treating colds."

It was the first time he had seen a woman practicing medicine, and the coachman didn't know what to call Li Wutong. He had just heard that the latter was not married, so he simply called her "Miss".

Li Wutong didn't care either. After carefully inquiring about the symptoms, she shouted at the pharmacy behind her:

"Two qian of ephedra! Four qian of cinnamon twigs! One qian each of saposhnikovia, angelica dahurica, and prepared aconite..."

Soon, the wrapped medicine bag was passed from the pharmacy to the front hall, and Li Wutong handed it to the coachman, saying softly:

"Decoct it slowly for your master, take it twice a day, and he should be better within three days."

"Thank you, Miss."

The coachman quickly took the medicine bag: "I don't know how much silver this medicine costs?"

"Thirty coins."

"Okay... Huh? Thirty coins?"

The hand that was taking out money paused, and the coachman's expression suddenly became a little strange.

He had often done some errands to get medicine before, so he had a general understanding of the prices of various common medicinal materials.

So... this is too cheap, right?

"Miss, why are you only charging thirty coins? Is this medicine made with old medicine?"

Frowning, the coachman immediately frowned and said: "Miss, my master doesn't lack silver, you can just prescribe the most expensive new medicine, no need..."

"What are you talking about!"

A dissatisfied shout came from behind him. Before Li Wutong could explain, someone angrily spoke out to defend her:

"Hmph! You and your master are not from Chengjian Prefecture, are you!"

"Who in the entire Chengjian Prefecture doesn't know that Jishengtang never uses old medicine! Who doesn't know that Miss Li has the heart of a bodhisattva!"

"I think you're asking for a beating!"

"Hurry up and apologize to Miss Li!"

"Yes! Hurry up and apologize to Miss Li! Otherwise, we won't spare you!"

"..."

In an instant, a group of people gathered around, and they were so excited that they wanted the coachman to apologize.

Where had the latter seen such a scene, and where did he know that this female doctor was so loved in Chengjian City, he couldn't help but be stunned on the spot.

Fortunately, Li Wutong quickly stood up to help him out of the siege, which prevented the situation from further deteriorating.

Just as this small storm in Jishengtang was gradually subsiding, Cui'er outside the house suddenly ran down the carriage, caught up with a woman in a pink dress, and shouted breathlessly:

"This, this Miss! Wait a minute!"

"..."

Stopping and turning her head, a trace of surprise clearly flashed in the eyes of the woman in the pink dress when she saw Cui'er.

To be honest, anyone would be surprised right now.

After all, the two looked so much alike.

"This Miss..."

Gently adjusting her breathing, Cui'er got a little closer.

She was bored waiting in the carriage just now, so she opened the car curtain to look at the pedestrians on the street.

As a result, she didn't expect to see such a woman who looked very similar to herself.

Remembering what happened three years ago, Cui'er immediately got out of the car and chased after her.

But now that she had really caught up with the woman in the pink dress, she didn't know what to say for a while, so she simply gritted her teeth and asked directly:

"May I ask Miss... is your surname You?"

"..."

Her eyes suddenly widened, the expression of the woman in the pink dress immediately became extremely vigilant. After taking a deep look at Cui'er, she turned her head and walked directly into a small alley.

Cui'er was stunned for a moment and hurried to chase after her.

But when she stood at the entrance of the alley, there was no one in sight.

Standing blankly on the spot, Cui'er didn't know why the woman had disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Obviously, judging from the latter's reaction, her surname should indeed be You.

As for whether she was the Miss You that Wei Changtian was looking for, Cui'er didn't know, and she didn't understand why the other party would run away.

In short, the person was indeed gone now.

After standing there for a while, Cui'er shook her head and turned to leave.

But just before leaving, she still shouted loudly at the empty alley—

"Miss You! Young Master Wei has been looking for you!"

Three days later, He Jing's cold had cleared up, and he and Cui'er left Chengjian City.

Cui'er naturally told He Jing about the pink-skirted woman.

He Jing couldn't be sure whether the former was the "Miss You", so he asked Cui'er if she had noticed any other details.

Cui'er recalled for a long time, and finally remembered that the woman seemed to be wearing a peach blossom hairpin in her hair.

He Jing didn't say anything more, just silently kept this matter in his heart, planning to tell Wei Changtian after arriving in Shu Prefecture.

In this way, the two traveled east for another half a month, and finally left Xin Feng in early March, crossed the Mang River and a Gobi desert, and entered the Yuan Prefecture area of Da Ning.

Five years ago, the "Yuan Prefecture City Massacre" was too tragic, so both of them had heard of it.

Now, five years have passed, and Yuan Prefecture City is still in ruins, but occasionally Da Ning people will come here to mourn the relatives and friends who died in that tragedy.

However, Pingjiang County, not far from Yuan Prefecture City, has become more and more lively, becoming the closest border town of Da Ning's western border to Xin Feng.

"Husband, I originally thought that Pingjiang was so close to Yuan Prefecture City that people wouldn't dare to stay here."

Walking side by side with He Jing on the long street, Cui'er said with a smile: "I didn't expect it to be so lively."

"Haha, I think it's because after Yuan Prefecture City was destroyed, this city became a place for merchants traveling between Da Ning and Xin Feng to settle down."

He Jing is worthy of being a person who has passed the Jinshi examination and served as an official, and immediately stated the key: "Since ancient times, where there is more business, there is more liveliness. Now that trade between the five countries is close, it is not surprising that Pingjiang can be so prosperous."

"Ah, that's how it is."

Cui'er nodded suddenly, and her eyes became more admiring towards He Jing.

At this moment, the latter suddenly stopped, as if listening carefully to something.

"Husband, what's wrong?"

Cui'er looked at the roadside suspiciously, and then she found a small school not far away.

The wooden plaque engraved with the words "Zhi Zhi" glowed faintly golden in the sunlight, the wooden windows were open, and the sound of children reading aloud faintly floated out from within.

"It's Wei Gongzi's 'Spring River Flower Moon Night'."

Shaking his sleeves, He Jing said softly: "I think the teacher is teaching poetry."

"Wow, Wei Gongzi is so amazing, the poems he wrote are even taught in such a small school."

Cui'er is not a literati, of course she doesn't know Wei Changtian's current status in the world of poetry, so she couldn't help but be greatly surprised to hear He Jing say this.

On the other side, He Jing didn't explain anything, just smiled, and then walked past the school gate with Cui'er, and continued to admire the local customs of Pingjiang City.

Soon, the two of them slowly walked away.

At the same time, in the elementary school named Zhi Zhi, a little boy of about eight or nine years old was admiringly and quietly sighing to his companion:

"Hey, this Wei Changtian is so awesome, I think the poems we recite are the best he wrote!"

"I heard from my mother that this Wei Changtian is not only good at writing poetry, but also very good at fighting!"

"I also heard that the Emperor listens to him!"

"Really? Then he must be very smart!"

"Do you even need to say that? I just don't know who is smarter, him or the teacher."

"I think it's the teacher."

"I think the teacher may not be as good as him..."

"..."

Whispers mixed with the sound of recitation, a breeze passed through the window, brushing the children's hair in the hall.

And that "teacher" was sitting in front of a screen, holding an ancient book in his hand, with a gentle and calm expression.

Since the children would compare this person with Wei Changtian, it shows that this person's talent and wisdom are extremely high in the children's hearts.

The fact is indeed so.

This Zhi Zhi school has only been open for three years, and the scale is very small, but the children who are sent here learn much better than those in other schools.

Sometimes, when a child's family encounters some troubles, he can enlighten people with just a few words, and as long as they do what he says, any problem can be solved easily.

As a result, this teacher, who is not very old and estimated to be only thirty years old, has also been favored by many famous families.

Some people want to invite him to their house to be a private tutor for their children.

Some people want to invite him to be a strategist.

Some people even want to partner with him to do business, without him having to contribute a penny of capital.

Without a doubt, any of the above would inevitably earn more money and fame than opening a school here.

But this person has rejected them all, guarding this elementary school for three years to teach and educate people.

Oh, he also married a very ordinary woman.

She is a girl from an ordinary family in the city.

Her appearance is not outstanding, her figure is not exquisite, and she does not have the knowledge to match him.

But she is kind, down-to-earth, and honest.

More importantly, the girl treats him very well.

Even if the man never told her where he came from, or what earth-shattering things he had done...

In March, the orioles fly and the grass grows, and the early rice has sprouted green shoots.

The carriage was driving slowly and steadily on the smooth official road, with green rice fields on both sides.

The irrigation canal diverted the river water from afar to the fields, and strange steel "huts" were emitting steaming heat, and the water from the irrigation canal was introduced into the rice fields with a "rumbling" sound, which surprised Cui'er sitting in the car.

Two months after leaving Da Han, she and He Jing finally arrived at their destination, Shu Prefecture of Da Shu.

As soon as they entered Shu, the scenery along the way was very different from other places, and the most novel of them was these "iron houses" that could draw water from the irrigation canals.

"Husband, what are these things?"

Cui'er asked blankly, leaning against the car window: "Why have I never seen them anywhere else?"

"It should be called a steam engine."

He Jing must have heard of steam engines before, so he can say the name now.

However, he has never seen the real thing, so he doesn't actually know what the thing does.

"I think it's like a windmill, used for pumping water for irrigation."

"Steam engine?"

Cui'er was still puzzled: "But there is no wind at the moment, why can this steam engine still draw water?"

"I don't know about that."

He Jing shook his head honestly, and sincerely sighed: "Anyway, with Wei Gongzi in Da Shu, it's not surprising that any magical things appear."

"Well, the people of Da Shu must be living very well."

Cui'er nodded and lowered the car curtain: "At least with these iron houses, they don't need to work so hard when farming, and they don't have to be afraid of drought."

"Yes."

He Jing looked into the distance, and the outline of a majestic ancient city appeared at the end of his sight.

It was still early, and the sun had not fully risen.

But even in this hazy morning light, Shu Prefecture City seemed to exude an enviable vitality and freshness.

Cui'er was right.

Nowadays, the people of Da Shu are indeed living very well.

As for how "good" this "good" is... perhaps a glimpse can be seen from a common saying that is now circulating among the people of Da Shu.

Farming no longer needs to ask the heavens, business no longer needs to worship officials, and cultivation no longer needs to seek immortality.

Shu Prefecture City, Weiyang Palace, Jinluan Hall.

"...Your Majesty, regarding the construction of the first railway, this is my opinion."

"Please make a decision as soon as possible, Your Majesty."

Golden dome jade pillars, double eaves and nine ridges.

Nearly a hundred court officials stood in the hall holding their tablets, and the dignified and luxurious Ning Yuke sat on the dragon platform.

You Wenzong, the Prime Minister of Da Shu, had just finished his "summary speech", the most important of which was the "railway construction".

Now, the Tiangong Bureau has manufactured "trains" powered by steam engines.

Then the next step is naturally to build railway tracks and officially promote this new type of transportation.

Building railway tracks is not difficult.

However, considering various factors, the “planned route” of this first railway was particularly crucial.

You Wenzong suggested the route from Shuzhou City to Datong City, and had just listed many benefits of doing so.

However, Ning Yuker would ultimately make the decision on this matter.

But after pondering for a moment, the latter slowly said:

“Lord You, this matter is of great importance, let me ask my husband about it first.”

Ask her husband before deciding?

As the Empress and the highest ruler of Da Shu, Ning Yuke's words sounded strange no matter how one heard them.

But You Wenzong was not surprised at all, and after saying "This humble minister understands", he bowed and retreated to the ranks.

The other courtiers also looked calm, as if they were used to what Ning Yuke had just said.

“Is there anything else to report?”

“If not, court is dismissed!”

Amidst the shouts of the little eunuch, Ning Yuke got up and walked down the dragon platform, disappearing behind a screen.

The courtiers also walked out of the Jinluan Hall one after another, walking towards the inner palace in groups of three or five, talking as they went.

Just as everyone was about to walk down the long white marble steps, a white beam of light visible to the naked eye suddenly soared into the sky outside the palace, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

“That is . . .”

Most of the civil officials looked blank, stunned as they looked in the direction of the light beam.

However, the military officials were much calmer, and someone immediately explained:

“Gentlemen, there is no need to panic. This is an anomaly caused by someone breaking through to the Second Grade. It will dissipate soon.”

“Hmm? So someone in the city has broken through to the Second Grade?”

“That’s right. Judging from the direction, it should be the residence of Young Master Wei.”

“Ah, it should be one of Young Master Wei’s retainers.”

“Hahaha! Great fortune! Great fortune!”

“ . . .”

Their mood changed from tense to relaxed. A group of courtiers looked up at the dissipating beam of light, and then went about their business.

Since someone in the Wei residence had broken through, there was nothing to worry about.

However, they were not entirely correct in their guess.

This beam of light did indeed originate from the Wei residence, but the person who broke through was not Wei Changtian's retainer.

But it was . . .

“Master, Master . . .”

Standing in the middle of the crowd, A'Chun timidly wrung her fingers, looking at Wei Changtian nervously.

“I, I seem to be Second Grade . . .”

“ . . .”

His expression froze, and looking at A'Chun like she was an alien, Wei Changtian cleared his throat after a long while and said:

“Ahem, not bad.”

“However, you are still a little slower than your master was back then . . .”

Hearing this, A'Chun did not question it at all, but the others on the side rolled their eyes.

“Sister Qin'er, why is the husband so shameless?”

“Sister Liu Shi, hasn't the husband always been like this? Sister Yao'er, don't you think so?”

“Ah? I, I think the husband is okay . . .”

“Hehehe! Jing Yao, you! You never dare to say anything bad about the husband! I also think the husband is very thick-skinned!”

“Right! Sister Wan'er, you think so too! Right!”

“Of course! Just take the past few days as an example, he insisted that I wear those stockings . . . Qin'er, why are you blushing?”

“Ah, I, I also wore them . . .”

“Oh? What color?”

“W, white . . .”

“Is that so? Mine are black . . . Liu Shi, have you worn them too?”

“Me? I've been wearing them often for three or four years.”

“Ah?”

“ . . .”

For some inexplicable reason, the topic shifted to a strange direction, and Wei Qiaoling, who was riding a big black dog, looked puzzled, seemingly wanting to ask what "stockings" were.

However, before she could open her mouth, Wei Changtian, with an extremely awkward expression, waved his hand to interrupt:

“Ahem! Don't all stand around here! Let's go back to the house!”

“Oh.”

The women all smiled and cast a glance, and then led a child each out of the backyard.

“Hoo . . .”

Seeing the others leave, Wei Changtian finally breathed a sigh of relief and looked at A'Chun, who was now a Second Grade martial artist.

“A'Chun.”

“Master, I'm here!”

“Well, now that you are already Second Grade, it is time for me to teach you a few powerful moves for self-defense.”

“This sword technique is called Falling Sky, and it is extremely profound. Back then, even with your master's talent, it took me three days to master it.”

“Wow! It took Master three days! Then this sword technique must be very powerful!”

“Hmph, it is naturally extremely powerful, watch carefully!”

“ . . .”

The sword shadows flew up and down, inadvertently cutting down a few green leaves from the trees.

A gentle breeze fell from the azure sky, blowing the leaves high and sending them to a carriage parked outside the Wei residence.

He Jing and Cui'er got out of the carriage, looked at the words "Wei Residence" on the door plaque, hesitated for a moment, and were about to knock on the door.

However, before they could touch the door knocker, a surprised voice came from behind them.

“Young Master He? Miss Cui'er?”

“Hmm?”

Hearing the voice, the two turned their heads and saw a man and a woman standing a few steps away.

The man looked unfamiliar and had never been seen before.

However, the woman who spoke looked somewhat familiar.

“It really is you!”

Taking a step closer, Li Zimu smiled and explained: “Young Master He, Miss Cui'er, I once went to Daqian Jingcheng with Young Master Wei, and I saw you once then.”

“Ah!”

After being reminded by Li Zimu, He Jing and Cui'er immediately remembered the other woman besides Yang Liushi who was with Wei Changtian back then.

“So that's how it is. I didn't recognize you for a moment. I hope you don't mind, Miss.”

Hastily cupping his hands at Li Zimu, He Jing tentatively asked in a low voice: “May I know, Miss . . .”

“My surname is Li.”

Li Zimu smiled and introduced herself, then turned to look at the man beside her: “This is my husband.”

“Tang Chen.”

The man also smiled and promptly gave his name.

He Jing did not dare to neglect, and immediately cupped his hands again: “Ah, I am He Jing, greetings Young Master Tang.”

Tang Chen also cupped his hands in return: “Young Master He is too polite . . .”

“ . . .”

Three years had passed, and Tang Chen had married Li Zimu.

The lives of the other surviving Sons of Heaven had also undergone some changes.

Shen Ran had returned to Da Li and become the leader of the Kui Xing Academy.

Xu Quan and Zhi Li had run off to travel the world, and had just sent a letter back a few days ago saying that they had arrived at the White Hall.

Chu An had escaped the pursuit and was now living in Shuzhou City with Qin He.

And that Ye Xuan, who was ranked first but had never shown his face before, was said to have become the most dazzling young generation in the world besides Wei Changtian . . .

Green leaves gently fell to the ground. Outside the residence gate, the four exchanged pleasantries for a while, and Li Zimu figured out the purpose of He Jing and Cui'er's trip to Shuzhou.

After leading the two into the main hall of the residence to sit down, she immediately went to inform Wei Changtian.

Then, after not too long, the latter's hearty laughter floated over from afar.

“Hahaha! Brother He! Miss Cui'er! Long time no see!”

“Young Master Wei!”

“ . . .”

Somewhat excitedly standing up, He Jing and Cui'er once again saw this familiar man, which also declared that their journey across thousands of miles had finally reached its end.

Laughter rang out in the room, drifting out of the window seams with the wind, picking up the green leaves on the ground and sending them back to the branches.

The years revolved circle after circle, and spring and summer changed several times to autumn and winter.

Everything that had happened in these six years was like a story that was both magnificent and ordinary.

There was love and hate that had not ended, there was a look back at the end of the day, there were sun, moon, and stars, and there were black hair and white hair.

But just like He Jing and Cui'er's journey, although they had come to Shuzhou and met Wei Changtian, their lives had not actually ended.

Therefore, the river of time would continue to flow.

In this way, these seemingly magnificent six years seemed to be just a spoonful of spray, a past that could not be returned to.

As for what these six years meant to this world, it may be difficult for the people in it to say clearly, and perhaps it will be left to future generations to comment on.

However, for Wei Changtian personally, before the story began, he was lonely, selfish, and indifferent.

But by the end of the story, he had at least understood what love is, what responsibility is, and what gratitude is.

No matter how high a spray rises, it is ultimately the river and sea that carry it that truly give it meaning.

Therefore, whether it is ordinary or mediocre, regardless of whether one can see the future, one must always continue to move forward.

After all, the road is still very long, and the new story has not yet begun.

“Brother He, Miss Cui'er.”

“You have worked hard on this journey.”

(End of the book)