Fair Trade Ch 63 - Horizon's Call
The hustle and bustle of the docks was just as much as Xueye expected. Even so he couldn’t help the nervous flutter in his chest. It was almost overwhelming to the point he’d subconsciously lingered closer to Jinse or Yushi at any given moment as they walked amidst the crowd.
Jinse picked up on the slight nervous energy and since Yushi insisted on carrying Xueye’s luggage, he wrapped his arm around Xueye’s shoulder and pulled him in closer. Tension visibly left Xueye at the proximity, to a point that Yushi couldn’t even get upset over the gesture, despite the faint jealousy in the back of his mind mostly because he was unable to do so at the moment.
“I forget how busy it is around here sometimes,” Wuye’s voice chimed in from behind them, almost startling all of them.
“Maque, how many times do I have to tell you to not sneak up on people?” Jinse grumbled.
“So sorry, I suppose I should have spoken up sooner,” Wuye shrugged. “I have been following not too far behind for a while now but thought I would give you all some space. However, I’d rather not lose you all in this mess.”
That explains the feeling of being watched at least, Yushi thought to himself. He was still quite surprised someone else could move as quietly and unnoticed as Riluo. Yushi had been scanning around a bit since he noticed the feeling, a bit paranoid that one of the Elian spies were lingering, yet he hadn’t seen him until he made himself known. Yushi was surprised that Jinse didn’t seem to have noticed at all until Wuye spoke up, judging by his annoyed expression.
“I’d say it won’t happen again but it probably will,” Wuye laughed light-heartedly. Ever since taking the role of the God of the Wind his steps and presence became light as air, unless he made his presence known very few would know he was there. It was why he usually was so rambunctious and outgoing when it came to being social so it was least expected of him. “Appologies in advance if I happen to startle you, Young Master. I’ve always been very light on my feet.”
“Something you and Luoshi share in common,” Yushi chuckled softly as he scanned the crowd, wondering if he would catch sight of Riluo yet.
“I’ll be fine regardless,” Xueye shrugged. “Also please feel free to just call me Xueye. I don’t care much for the formality of my title.”
“Very well, Xueye it is then!” Wuye clapped his hands together with a chipper grin. “I believe the ship we are looking for is that one there,” Wuye pointed to one of the ships docked just a little further down the way. “If you want to get out of this hustle and bustle.”
“If you knew that, why didn’t you join us sooner?” Jinse grumbled softly as they followed after Wuye.
“Well you were heading in the right direction and I didn’t want to interrupt your time together,” Wuye shrugged.
Wuye could tell from a glance that Xueye had been getting a little uneasy. He wasn’t certain if it was the crowd or the nerves but seeing Jinse pull Xueye closer. Wuye thought it best to step in, hoping to avoid any tension between Jinse and Yushi in front of Xueye, even if all seemed well thus far. It hadn’t escaped Wuye’s notice, the tension and briefest of fierce looks on Yushi’s face, even if it was gone in an instant. Wuye was more than happy to provide a little distraction where he could and at the very least, despite Jinse’s annoyed tone, he seemed relieved.
Upon reaching the ship, Shizhe’s bright hair stood out amidst those shifting about to prepare for departure. She was standing quietly next to Xinhua as the younger woman spoke to the captain.
“We will have to stop for a short time in Port Yuanwei,” Yushi heard the captain say, even from the sizable distance they were from them. “Since this trip was so last minute we need to ensure an escort from the Jing TIan Sect. Unfortunately, it’s been so busy from what I hear we may be there more than one day.”
“Hmm, hopefully that doesn’t pose an issue…” Xinhua hummed softly. “No chance of proceeding without?”
“It’s too dangerous,” the captain shook her head. “Thus why they are so busy.”
“Patience, my dear,” Shizhe reminded gently. She glanced over and saw the four approaching. Her serene smile brightened as she drifted over to intercept them. She grabbed Xueye’s hands and pulled him close to her. Much to her relief he was still warm to the touch. “Good morning! I’m glad to see you doing well, Xueye! I was so worried. I definitely had to see you off today.”
“I’m glad you seem to be doing better as well.” Xueye could tell she seemed to have much more energy and didn’t look nearly as pale as when he last saw her. “Maque was able to help you rest after all then?”
“Very much so,” Shizhe glanced over at Wuye. “Thank you again, Maque. For accompanying them as well. It means a great deal to all of us, really.”
“It’s my pleasure,” Wuye bowed with dramatic flair. “Actually, I’m quite glad you came to see us off. I wanted to give you this but wasn’t sure if I would have the time to drop it off at the palace before we left.” Wuye pulled out a book, almost seemingly from nowhere. He handed it to her and she eyed it with an excited curiosity. “I thought you might enjoy this one a little more than the one Jinse gave you.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” Jinse huffed.
“Nothing,” Wuye giggled as he skipped off towards the ship. “I’ll leave you all to your little farewells.”
“Don’t take it personally,” Shizhe said to Jinse. “I still found it very helpful. Besides, I quite enjoyed a little training with Xinhua in the mornings, when I wasn’t having trouble sleeping that is.”
“It’s fine. He’s a much better teacher than I’ll ever be anyways,” Jinse shrugged. “You’ll make much more progress in no time.”
“What are you trying to learn now?” Xueye asked curiously.
“Just a few techniques to be able to protect those around me better,” Shizhe smiled as she tucked the book under her arm. “My small stature makes it difficult at times so I’ll take anything I can get.”
“You do more than enough,” Yushi sighed heavily, even if he was glad she was so eager to learn something new.
“Not enough for me,” Shizhe stated firmly. “I always want to be able to do more and now I can.”
“Just don’t overdo it,” Jinse crossed his arms. “With Maque and the doctor going on this trip they won’t be able to help you if something goes wrong.”
“I’ll be cautious. I have much to look after anyways,” Shizhe giggled, glancing briefly at Yushi. “There may not be all that much time to practice what’s here. In any case…” Shizhe reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small envelope and held it out to Xueye, “Here, from your brother. Since he knew he couldn’t be here to send you off, he wrote this last night instead. He said to read it when you have time and he doesn’t need a reply.”
“Tell him I appreciate it,” Xueye took it gingerly as though he were holding onto Qingkong himself. “I hope he’ll be alright.”
“He’s under my care and Lingyao’s, so of course he will be fine,” Shizhe nodded. “You don’t have to worry about him. Just look forward to having tea with us the moment you return, okay? I insist.”
“Right,” Xueye laughed softly. “I can’t wait.”
“Sorry about that,” Xinhua joined them, having finished speaking with the captain. “Everything should be in order soon enough. We just have to wait for the others to arrive and we can be off.”
“I'm surprised Luoshi isn’t already here,” Yushi stated, glancing up at the ship. “I would have expected him to arrive with you.”
“He went to get the doctor,” Shizhe explained. “Likely to help him carry anything he’s bringing.”
“I should have guessed that,” Yushi shook his head with a smile. Yushi knew full well how much Riluo cared for Dr. Jingji. Aside from Yushi, the doctor was the closest thing to family Riluo had left after all.
“They’ll be here soon enough,” Xinhua said calmly. “He did leave the palace with us so hopefully it shouldn't be much longer.” Xinhua held her hand out towards Yushi, “I can take that aboard to where we’ll be staying.”
“I don’t mind carrying it there if you show me the way,” Yushi started walking towards the gangway before anyone else could say anything about it. There was something else he wanted to tell Xinhua, away from Xueye.
“Fine, if you insist,” Xinhua sighed. Before she followed after him, she turned back to the others. “We’ll be right back,” She quickly caught up to him and the moment they were out of earshot of the others, with the exception of maybe Jinse, she couldn’t help but ask, “What is so important you are willing to spend time away from Xueye in these fleeting moments remaining?”
“Look at you learning to tease me,” Yushi smirked, though it quickly faded. “I heard the concerns over the sect in the north. You have express permission to utilize palace resources if it makes things easier. Lord Wen might complain a bit but there is no cost for his safety and health.”
“Y-you can’t be serious!” Xinhua whispered harshly. “You are playing with fire.”
“He doesn’t have to know,” Yushi shrugged. “You and Luoshi are both clever enough on your own to work around anything that crops up. I’m just saying, if it is needed, please don’t hesitate.”
“Only if there is no other option,” Xinhua huffed bitterly. “I will take it into consideration, only because I unfortunately agree with you that there is no cost too great when it comes to him. Just…” She sighed softly, “I would prefer it were my own finances.”
“Then consider what’s mine is yours for now,” Yushi smirked. “We pay you quite well after all.”
“That was going to be my excuse should he find out,” Xinhua grumbled.
“Glad we are on the same page then,” Yushi chuckled victoriously. “While you are at it, ensure the captain is aware that upon returning with you all, they will receive double whatever you paid them upfront.” Yushi held his hand up before she could protest again. “To ensure there is less chance of betrayal and no issue of them waiting for you while in Vual.”
“You make a valid point,” Xinhua grumbled, there was more than one faction that would be after Xueye if the Elians ever did find out about him. “I’ll bring it up to her and see if she is willing. I imagine so long as she didn’t have anything important scheduled it should be fine.”
“If there is, you can offer more if need be,” Yushi stated firmly.
“Understood,” Xinhua said bitterly through gritted teeth. She knew there was no point in resisting the matter any more than she had. She knew he wouldn’t listen, nor be convinced otherwise. It did make the return trip that much easier, so who was she to complain about the situation.
⬦◈⬦
“He didn’t need to do that…” Xueye said with a sigh as he watched the two of them go. “I am more than capable of taking care of it myself…”
“I think he just wants to make up for not being able to help you much yesterday,” Shizhe said with a slight giggle. “He seemed quite upset when I saw him earlier this morning.”
“I figured as much,” Jinse sighed. “It’s why I had him help me make you breakfast.” Jinse placed a hand on Xueye’s head and smiled, “Just let him get away with it this once.”
“Not like I had a choice. He was gone so fast,” Xueye shrugged. He still has a fond little smile as he thought about it in terms of Shizhe’s words. “It’s fine, I suppose.”
“Shizhe,” Jinse spoke almost tentatively. “I know it’s a bit soon to ask since you’ve only had a couple days to recover but, you don’t happen to have anything to say about this trip do you?”
“With a feather’s touch, even a stone will bend to familiar warmth…” Shizhe recited with a smile based on what she’d seen thus far. She couldn’t see the full solution yet but she knew part of the answer at least. “Hmmm, not my best poem really but I doubt it will really help you per say, even if you realize the meaning behind it,” she pointed to Xueye. “I don’t know how this journey ends just yet but I have faith you will return in tip top shape.”
“Perhaps bring it up with the others later,” Jinse stated as he watched Xueye trying to decipher the meaning of her words with a pensive expression. He suspected it had to do more with Wuye and the others joining him were quite smart that surely one if not all of them together could parse through her words as things unfolded. “And another thing…” Jinse took Xueye’s hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. “Stay safe. Do as the others say should danger arise.”
“We’ll be fine,” Xueye squeezed back in reassurance. “I’ve made this trip plenty of times. So have you for that matter. You know it’s usually quite dull sailing.”
“Right…” Jinse sighed. It may have been in the past but he heard the captain’s concerns as well. The sea serpents that dwelled in the northern seas were what worried him. The Water God did have one serving under him after all, and Jinse never found his body following their fight. The sea serpents being restless following the Water God’s return surely wasn’t a coincidence. It made him hesitant to let go of Xueye at all. It had him desperate to be on that ship as well. However he knew that the moment he did, the life he built would be torn down and he needed it to protect Xueye in the future.
“Hey…” Xueye’s smile softened as he caught Jinse’s attention. Xueye wrapped his arms around Jinse who returned the embrace so tightly. “I’ll be fine, just as Shizhe said.”
“I’ll pray for your safe return…” Jinse said softly. He would pray to the two that he knew would care for Xueye at all, even if they couldn’t hear him due to the magic he’d sealed himself off with. He would let them in if it meant Xueye could return safely. If he didn’t survive, then Jinse would challenge even the God of Death to get him back.
“Thank you,” Xueye hummed softly. He didn’t let go, waiting for Jinse to move first. He was more than happy to soak up Jinse’s presence just a little more. So they remained like that for a time.
“Oh, looks like they are coming back,” Shizhe said cheerily in a quiet warning. Jinse reluctantly let go, glancing over to see if Yushi had seen them. If he had, Yushi didn’t show any sign of reacting. He was sure he’d find out during their next sparring session if so.
“Thank you, Shujing,” Xueye said with a sweet smile as they joined them. “ That wasn’t necessary but I appreciate it all the same.”
“It was necessary for me,” Yushi let out an amused breath.
Behind them Yushi caught a glimpse of Riluo and Dr.Jingji approaching. It had been some time since Yushi had seen Riluo in robes that were more suited for combat. If it weren’t for how he normally carried himself most would assume he was only the scholarly type given his typical form of dress. However there was a reason that Riluo was Yushi’s first thought when it came to someone who could protect Xueye. After all, even the General would prefer to spar with Yushi, knowing he couldn’t beat him, over Riluo. Even Yushi had a hard time in the past.
Despite the polearm slung over his shoulder and natural serious expression he seemed much less imposing carrying around a pair of bags and a medicinal box. Yushi wasn’t surprised in the least by the last item. It was a strangely familiar sight, though it had been over a decade since he’d seen it last.
“What’s with that look?” Riluo grumbled at Yushi once they were close enough.
“It’s nothing, I just couldn’t help being reminded of the past,” Yushi shrugged. “Some things never change, hmm?”
“Hush,” Riluo grumbled.
“I appreciate the assistance as always, Luoshi,” Dr.Jingji said, the name was still new to him but he was always quick to adapt to their aliases in the past, given the tumultuous time that Yushi was on the run for challenging the throne. The doctor then turned his attention to Xueye, “You certainly have more color than yesterday. Feeling better I hope.”
“Much,” Xueye nodded and flashed a reassuring smile.
“Hopefully it remains that way as we travel,” Dr.Jingji sighed in relief.
“Is Maque here?” Riluo asked, since he didn’t see anyone new lingering near them.
“Present and accounted for,” Wuye called from the ship, practically draping himself over the edge. “Sorry to say but you were the last ones to arrive.”
“If everyone is here then we best be off soon,” Riluo knew if he didn’t push the notion they may linger longer than they should.
“It would be nice to get to the northern port before it gets too dark,” Xinhua nodded. “Perhaps then we can find someplace to stay that will be warmer than the ship.”
“That does sound like a wonderful idea,” the doctor said earnestly. “Xueye should rest near a fire if possible.”
“Then don’t let us keep you any longer,” Shizhe said in a sweet chipper tone as if she wasn’t going to miss the Meigui siblings terribly. At least she still had one to look after. Shizhe tugged at Xinhua’s sleeve and the taller woman bent down enough for Shizhe to steal a quick, chaste kiss. “Travel safe, okay!”
“Of course,” Xinhua flashed an adoring smile before taking the medicine box from Riluo to help carry things aboard the ship this time, much to the man’s relief.
“Time to go it seems,” Xueye said with a reluctant sigh. “Thank you, Jinse and Shujing for looking after me these last couple days. It has meant a lot. I hope to be able to express my gratitude properly once I return. Try not to miss me too much, okay?”
“Impossible,” both Jinse and Yushi scoffed. They both briefly glared at each other before relenting. Xueye and Shizhe both giggled at the display.
“And you,” Xueye turned to Shizhe. “I know you were likely here more for my sister than me but I appreciate you being here all the same.”
“I could have sent her off at home and remained with your brother,” Shizhe wrapped her arms around him. “I came here to see you, Xueye. I had to see you were doing alright with my own eyes. You are a cherished friend after all.”
“When you put it that way, I feel a little foolish for phrasing it the way I did,” Xueye chuckled softly. “At least you have one Meigui to keep you company still.”
“I’m going to pry all your embarrassing childhood stories out of him, I hope you know that,” Shizhe smirked at him as she pulled away.
“I expect no less,” Xueye flashed an amused smile considering she knew the most about him than anyone at this point. “Just be sure to get some more rest. I’ve been worried about you too.”
“I will, I promise,” Shizhe beamed. She quickly nudged him towards the ship, “Now off with you. I said we wouldn’t hold you up and now I’m the one doing just that.”
“Just a moment,” Yushi closed the gap and wrapped his arms around Xueye. Xueye melted in the embrace, glad to have just a little more time close to him. “Come find me the moment you come back.”
“I was hoping to,” Xueye said softly. When they reluctantly parted, Xueye glanced over at Jinse. “You too. I’ll be sure to visit all of you when I come home.”
“I look forward to it,” Jinse said with a fond smile.
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