Chapter Sixty-Seven: Father Yun's Letter

Although he had to shell out a considerable amount of silver to reach the required hundred thousand taels, at least there was still some left. The expenses of the entire household were nothing to worry about for now, and the payment for the book manuscript was yet to be settled. The arrival of a hundred thousand taels seemed to him little more than a fleeting dream. He understood clearly that from this moment onward, he stood truly on the opposite side of Magistrate Qin and his wife. Now, he had two paths to choose from: either pack up and leave this county to seek survival elsewhere, or use Duke Jing’s connections to align himself with another power and secure protection.

After much deliberation, Gou Ye leaned toward the first option. All roads lead to new opportunities; if the east is dim, the west may shine. He had enough silver, after all, and moving to another city would not be impossible. With this in mind, Gou Ye began planning to finish "The Immortal Eagle Companion" soon—so as to end what he had started and give a proper explanation to the readers who cherished his work. Then, he would take Yun Niang and the others to a new city to make a living.

Sitting in his study, Gou Ye pondered these calculations. "Caisheng! Caisheng, come here."

Caisheng dashed into the study. "Master, you called?"

"The business in the village is suspended, and there’s not much for you to do here now. I have an errand for you in the county: go and sell our old shop. Sell it for whatever you can get; a lower price doesn't matter. I want your answer within ten days. And during this time, you can spend some days with your family." Gou Ye admired Caisheng’s abilities, but since Caisheng had a family, it wasn’t right to keep him at his side. Before leaving, Gou Ye would leave the house in Tumeng Village to him. At least Caisheng could manage it well, and with a good livelihood arranged, it would be a proper farewell.

Caisheng, unaware of Gou Ye’s deeper intentions, gratefully accepted the task and set about his work. At that moment, Yun Niang entered the room and saw Gou Ye’s troubled face. She walked slowly up to him, and embraced him. Gou Ye nestled in her arms, lifted his head, and gazed at her youthful face, her large eyes blinking at him.

"Yun Niang, if I were to say we’re moving away from Tumeng Village to live in another city, would you be willing?"

Yun Niang smiled gently. "It’s not about willingness. Wherever you are, Gou Ye, that’s where I’ll be. Whether rich or poor, I’ll always follow you."

Her answer brought Gou Ye immense comfort. If Yun Niang stayed by his side, he felt he would always have a home. "Yun Niang, is there any place you most wish to go?"

Yun Niang shook her head, pondering for a long while before saying, "I want to go to Yangzhou."

Gou Ye had expected her to say, "Wherever you go, I go," but to his surprise, she had her own wish. "Why? You’ve never been to Yangzhou before."

"My father told me about it. He said he’d been there, that the scenery was beautiful, and in those days he often traded there, taking my mother several times." As she spoke, Yun Niang’s eyes sparkled with longing, as if she could see her parents standing by the riverside.

"Your father? Was that in the letter?" Yun Niang nodded, "Gou Ye, let me show you." With that, she hurried him into the bedroom.

From a box, Yun Niang took out the letter and handed it to Gou Ye without hesitation. Gou Ye hesitated, "Is it proper? It was written for you." Yun Niang blushed. "He’s your father, too. Read it. There are no secrets between us." Gou Ye lowered his head and took the envelope. Her words, "There are no secrets between us," made him feel a wave of shame, recalling his entanglements with Wan Xiang.

Gou Ye carefully drew out the letter, afraid to tear its delicate edges. The handwriting was leagues above his own; though not versed in calligraphy, he could see the script was beautiful, each line as if engraved.

"Yun Niang, seeing these words is like seeing me. When you open this letter, I trust you have grown. Forgive your father for abandoning you and your mother, for failing to care for you, for not being there as you grew. I hope you do not resent me; if your mother has told you the truth, I hope you understand your father’s helpless reasons.

I leave you two things: one is the jade green creeper, your dowry. I bought it in Yangzhou, Ming Country, intending to give it to your mother, but she disliked jewelry, so I saved it for you. How I long to witness my daughter’s wedding, and in years to come, to hold your child with your mother and enjoy the happiness of family.

I have been in business for forty years, meeting all the great merchants in the world, none could rival me. I advocated for the governance of Chen, making it the foremost nation. Yet the whirlpool of court and politics is like a raging current; I disdain the power-hungry. In this era that values agriculture and suppresses commerce, I have the talents of a merchant but cannot compete with those in power. It is painful, but I do not regret it. Each person has his own path; I am fulfilled by my achievements, and most of all, your mother bore you for me—a treasure greater than mountains of gold and silver.

I settled you and your mother in Ming. Live well, and do not seek revenge for me; the past is but a fleeting cloud. You should not carry hatred through your life, nor clash with the powerful and risk harm; that is what I least wish to see. All is fate. I leave with peace and no resentment in my heart.

Ming’s land is bountiful and beautiful. Your mother and I often visited Yangzhou; its tranquility and countless scenic wonders, its renowned cuisine, its many scholars and literati who dwell there. In ordinary days, one can learn much from them. I stayed for two years and benefited greatly. There is a Ming Temple in the city; your mother often accompanied me there to worship. The monk True Dharma is an old friend. When you come of age, I do not know if he still lives. If you go to Yangzhou one day, greet him for me.

Your good days are still many. I hope the peace so many have won for you will be cherished. Power and gold are empty; only days of safety and joy are the true path. May my daughter find lasting happiness.

Signed, Yun Shang."

Gou Ye finished reading and was deeply moved. That line—meeting all the great merchants, none could rival me—how bold and proud it sounded. One could imagine how spirited her father once was. When would he, Gou Ye, ever attain such supreme glory?