The sparks are ever-burning, the world is changing

Autumn, fifteenth year of the Xinghuo calendar.

The word "town" no longer adequately describes this settlement. It now has a formal name: "Mingyuan City." The city, backed by mountains and facing the sea, boasts towering, imposing bluestone walls. Banners flutter overhead, and the streets and alleys are crisscrossed with shops and bustling with people. The docks are lined with masts, and hundreds of ships, large and small, are moored. These include passenger and cargo ships plying the islands, as well as merchant vessels sailing to Luzon and even further afield to the Southeast Asian nations.

Outside the city, fields crisscrossed, rice paddies billowed, and orchards wafted fragrance. Sugarcane, imported from Southeast Asia, had grown to a substantial scale, and the sugar mills producing "Mingyuan Sugar," with its unique flavor, became a sought-after commodity for foreign trade. Within the workshop area, not only was the clatter of ironworks and looms constant, but there were also "Gewuyuan" institutes specializing in water conservancy research, improving agricultural tools, and even experimenting with glassmaking.

The school was expanded into the Mingyuan Academy, which not only taught classics, history, and mathematics, but also offered practical subjects such as navigation, medicine, and agriculture and engineering. Students from all backgrounds, including some indigenous people, were welcome to study there.

Zhang Qing and Qiongying are now approaching forty. Time has left its mark on their faces, but it has never dimmed the sparkle in their eyes. Zhang Qing's temples are now slightly frosted, but his posture remains upright. He has simply delegated more routine military duties to the younger, more established generals, while focusing on strategic planning and overall control. Qiongying's demeanor has become increasingly calm and graceful. She remains the headmaster of the academy and a key figure in Mingyuan City's medical and educational system, occasionally consulting personally on difficult and complex cases.

Their son, Zhang Qiming, had grown into a dashing young man. He inherited his father's bravery and his mother's intelligence. Not only was he skilled in archery and horsemanship, his stone-throwing skills had almost reached the level of Zhang Qing's. He also excelled in the academy, particularly developing a keen interest in navigation and the study of things. He often pestered Yan Qing and Zheng Lao Da, asking about their experiences abroad, or spent time at the Academy of Gewu, observing the craftsmen improving their equipment.

On this day, Mingyuan City welcomed two special guests—Lin Yuanhang, the young master of the Luzon Lin Clan Chamber of Commerce, and his sister, Lin Wan'er, fluent in several Southeast Asian languages. The Lin family had long enjoyed a strong trade relationship with Mingyuan City, and their visit was both a routine business transaction and a desire to forge a deeper bond.

The guests and hosts took their seats in the council hall (now a magnificent palace).

Lin Yuanhang was about twenty years old, well-mannered and with a shrewd gaze. He bowed and said, "City Lord Zhang, Mr. Qiongying, I've long heard of your great name. My father often said that Mingyuan City was a wonder of the world, and seeing it today, I can see it's true. Not only are the city walls strong and the commerce and tourism flourishing, but even more remarkable is its flourishing culture and orderly society. It's truly a sanctuary amidst the chaos."

Zhang Qing smiled and responded, "Young Master Lin, you're too kind. Mingyuan City's success today is due to the concerted efforts of all residents, and also the support of trustworthy partners like the Lin family."

After exchanging pleasantries, Lin Yuanhang got down to business. "In recent years, the seas have been quite turbulent. A merchant force called 'Pu' (note: referring to Arabia) has arrived from the Western Ocean (referring to the Indian Ocean), their ships are strong and their artillery is powerful, and their trade tactics are aggressive. Friction has also occurred between the islands of the South Seas. My father sent me here in the hope of strengthening ties with Mingyuan City, exchanging resources, and even providing mutual assistance when necessary."

He paused, glanced at his sister Lin Wan'er, who was sitting quietly beside him, and said, "My sister Wan'er has always admired the culture of the Middle Earth, and is particularly fond of medicine and knowledge. I have heard that Mr. Qiongying is a scholar of great learning, and that the academy is a leader in the country. I wonder if she could stay at the academy for a while and learn from you?"

Qiongying glanced at Lin Wan'er. Seeing her clear eyes and graceful demeanor, she felt a certain favor in her heart, so she gently agreed, "It is an honor for the academy that Miss Lin is willing to stay and exchange ideas."

In the following days, Lin Wan'er moved into the academy. She was truly intelligent and eager to learn. Not only did she exchange medical knowledge and identify Southeast Asian herbs with the academy's teachers and students, she also offered to teach them the languages ​​and customs of the Southeast Asian islands. Her arrival brought a fresh, exotic atmosphere to the academy.

Lin Yuanhang, meanwhile, discussed more specific cooperation matters with Zhang Qing, Yan Qing, and others, including jointly developing new trade routes, sharing maritime intelligence, and coordinating responses to external threats. Mingyuan City, with a more confident and open attitude, was integrating into the broader maritime landscape.

At night, Zhang Qing and Qiongying strolled through the gardens of the City Lord's Mansion. Moonlight streamed down like water, pouring down on the meticulously tended flowers and trees.

"The Lin family's intention to establish a relationship with us is sincere," Zhang Qing said slowly. "It seems that in the eyes of outsiders, our foundation has become a force that cannot be underestimated."

Qiongying nodded. "Yes. Initially, I was just looking for a place to settle down, but I never imagined it would develop to this point. However, as the saying goes, a tall tree attracts the wind. The challenges ahead may not just be the greed of people like Zhu Zhen, but a more complex struggle for hegemony in the sea and the clash of civilizations."

"If an enemy comes, we will fight him; if a flood comes, we will block it with earth." Zhang Qing held her hand, his tone firm. "As long as we remain true to our original aspirations and work together, why should we fear any storm?" He paused, looking at Qiongying. "Thank you for your hard work over the years. Without you, Mingyuan City would never be what it is today."

Qiong Ying smiled. "Between you and me, there's no need for such words. Being able to witness and participate in the creation of the prototype of an ideal country with you is the greatest fortune and achievement of my life."

The two smiled at each other, their eyes showing the tranquility and satisfaction after going through all the hardships.

Not far away, lights still blazed in the direction of the academy. Young students, perhaps diligently studying beneath the lamplight, or perhaps engaged in a lively discussion about their future aspirations, were among them their son, Zhang Qiming, and the distant guest and scholar, Lin Wan'er.

The spark has long burned, illuminating this peaceful and tranquil land. And its light, following the shadow of the exploring sail, quietly spreads to the vast ocean beyond. The story is far from over; it has simply begun a new chapter.