On the ninth day of the eighth month in the eighteenth year of Yong'an, Xie Jia'an departed the capital, conferred the title of Hanlin Grand Scholar, bestowed with a golden-hilted sword, and ordered to establish a school.
The weather today was exceptionally fine, the sunlight warm yet not scorching. As far as the eye could see, the sky was azure and the river vast, a scene of great promise.
Two years ago, he had entered the capital. Now, as he left, his original intention remained unchanged, but his state of mind was different, for he was no longer alone.
His mother had told him that she had been Empress of the Great Wei for over twenty years, yet had never done anything for her people. She wished to use her imperial power to ensure his journey was smooth.
A child travels a thousand miles, a mother's heart follows. Xie Jia'an silently recited the last eight characters. This departure might mean years before he could return to the capital, but his mother's earnest heart would accompany him.
"Do not fear the road ahead lacks a confidant; who in the world does not know you? Brother Ziheng, take care on your journey," Yu Mingjing said.
Before Xie Jia'an's departure, he had undergone his coming-of-age ceremony, and the Sage had bestowed upon him the courtesy name Ziheng.
"The sky is high and the sea is vast; we will meet again. Brother Ziheng, take care."
"Everyone, take care. Ziheng departs!" Xie Jia'an cupped his hands in a salute to Yu Mingjing and the others, then turned to board the ship.
His steps were firm, imbued with a resolute spirit.
Life is long; though there are partings, there are also reunions.
"It feels like we've been parting all year," Gu Tingyun said with a touch of sadness.
Yu Mingjing patted his shoulder. "Don't be so dejected. When Brother Ziheng returns, his achievements will surpass those of the ancient sages, far beyond what you or I can achieve."
"Brother Yu, my father intends to send me to an external post," Gu Tingyun said, his gaze fixed on the river, his expression melancholic.
"Why so suddenly?" Yu Mingjing asked.
Gu Tingyun gave a wry smile. "You know, I'm neither skilled in letters nor in martial arts. Unlike you and Ziheng, I have no other path but to achieve some merit through an external post. With my father and Jingzhan in the capital, I don't have to worry, but..." Gu Tingyun trailed off.
Yu Mingjing already knew his thoughts. Mingyue's trip to Qinghe at this time clearly indicated she did not intend to get engaged yet.
He merely wished to know if there was any possibility.
"Tingyun, I know what you mean. We grew up together, and I understand your temperament best. If we were to disregard our families, I would naturally have no objections. However, you see the current situation. My father and I will eventually command troops, and Uncle Gu will surely have a seat in the Grand Secretariat. Furthermore, the Gu family is backed by the Zheng family, and the Yu family by the Cui family. The Sage will not permit a marriage alliance between our two families. Moreover, with Yue'er's personality, her marriage will likely require her own consent," Yu Mingjing decided to lay bare all his concerns.
Gu Tingyun's expression turned dejected. "I also heard from my father that the Sage intends to have Duke [Gongye] succeed the Marquis of Chenliu to guard Yumenguan."
His father had also advised him, yet he remained unwilling to give up.
In truth, the day Mingyue sought out Youyou, he had known that Mingyue harbored no romantic feelings for him.
"It's good for you to be posted externally now. With Uncle Gu in the capital, your path will be smoother. When you return to the capital in a few years, things will be vastly different."
Gu Tingyun gave a bitter laugh. "You know my situation. If I could support the Gu family, my father wouldn't have to let Jingzhan marry into the family."
"Don't underestimate yourself. You have your strengths. Entering officialdom is different from studying. We grew up together, and among us, everyone is closest to you. The title 'Little Mengchang' wasn't given for nothing," Yu Mingjing said with a smile.
"You're teasing me again."
"Cheer up. The future is promising. Have you forgotten our grand pronouncements that year? The road we have to travel is still long, and we are all heading towards the same destination, albeit by different paths!"
"Well said, heading towards the same destination. May we, no matter where we are, contribute our efforts to the people. With Brother Ziheng's farewell wine, I toast to our shared destination." Gu Tingyun poured two cups.
Yu Mingjing took a cup. "To our shared destination!"