Across the Timeless Sea

Chapter III: Family

The sun rises from the east; from the faraway horizon, rays of light illuminated both land and sea as it rose higher into the sky. Another day, brand new and fresh, at the same time looking no different than usual. Turning a blind eye to a quarter of flecks buried underneath the town's prosperity, the port city of Xian Jing woke up from its sleep to welcome the morning. Ships of all sizes and origins were docked at the harbor, floating above the calm tides. Within the affluent neighborhood, all sorts of activities began to take place. Stores were opened, the market was started; those who had to go to work left their homes and those who only sought to bask in delight roamed the streets of white pavement, feasting their eyes on the intricate murals and colorful flowers.

Before long, the sleeping town had become bustling once again.

At the center of the city, a remarkable building stood amidst the beautiful architecture. Surrounded by a picturesque garden, bordered by sturdy walls and a magnificent gate, with only the most well-trained guards standing at their designated posts, this was Lord Jun Wu's estate, the respectable young Governor of Xian Jing. The office where state affairs were being taken care of was at the front, while his lordship's residence was at the back. Whenever guests or important envoys were visiting the city, they would be brought to wait in one of the magnificent pavilions before being escorted inside.

The day was still quite early and the officials had only started to arrive one by one. Nevertheless, outside the largest pavilion in the garden, a man had been waiting for the Governor to grant him entry to his lordship's presence. His visage was handsome and his eyes the most charming, clearly someone of high status from the fine attire he was wearing. Taking a casual stroll across the lush green lawn and flowers of various hues, he was like a prince walking in the garden of his own palace, rather than a guest to a government official.

"The sun is warm, the morning breeze gentle and the flowers of Xian Jing bloom beautifully," Pei Ming chanted words of praise with a smile; his voice pleasant to the ears, "What a blessing for the eyes. His lordship is truly fortunate to have this scenery laid before him upon his moment of wake every day. Much envy, much envy..."

He turned towards the pavilion.

"Don't you think so, my good brother?"

Inside the structure, hidden under the shades of the roof, a man was sitting in the most obscure spot that no passersby could notice unless they approached this place and stood where Pei Ming was. Having been asked such a question out of the blue, this person only raised his eyebrow slightly.

"Grass and flowers can't fill our stomachs. What is so special about them?" Shi Wudu replied.

"As a matter of fact, they can. Though, when it comes to taste, perhaps a sheep could testify for us."

"You see one good scenery and you can already recite poetry about it. How carefree must your life have been, Pei-xiong," said the pirate captain, snorting as he shook his head.

"It isn't my life that is carefree. Shi-xiong, you are the one without imagination, " Pei Ming placed his hands on his back, walking on slow steps towards the pavilion, "Your purpose of requesting an audience with His Lordship today, is it what I think it is?"

"It is as Sir Ming Guang thinks, indeed."

"You sure enjoy overworking yourself. How many days has it been since you've made berth at Xian Jing? Have you even properly reunited with your family and friends? Why would you plan to depart again so soon, to such a faraway land no less?"

"I am a pirate," Shi Wudu said, "If not at sea, plundering others and venturing unknown lands in search of rare treasure, where else would I be?"

"Yet we all know there is only one 'treasure' you are looking for," Pei Ming sat near him, "Shi-xiong, it's been more than ten years. You've searched everywhere and still haven't found either a good doctor or a good medicine to cure Qingxuan's illness. What makes you think the people of Ban Yue have the answer?"