Golden wind and jade dew, oath to the vast ocean
After establishing a fragile trade relationship with the indigenous tribes, the camp won a precious period of peaceful development. As spring passed and autumn came, when the mountains and forests were dyed with the first golden color, this new overseas land had begun to take shape.
Rows of stilt houses stood in a staggered pattern, their roofs thickly covered with palm leaves or thatch, providing ample protection from wind and rain. The corn in the communal fields bore heavy ears. Although the farming was crude, the yields couldn't compare to the intensive cultivation of the Central Plains, the sight of the golden fields filled everyone with the joy of harvest. In the central open space of the camp, a rather respectable meeting hall had even been built from logs. A simple flag hung in front of the door—a sea-blue background with a white wave embroidered in the center, symbolizing their journey across the sea and their rebirth here.
Life is still hard, but hope has taken root.
Zhang Qing's arrow wound had long since healed under Qiongying's meticulous care. It was a blessing in disguise, even. Forced to rest and recuperate during this period, he had lost much of his former battle-hardened temper, becoming more composed and reserved. His responsibilities remained undiminished: defending the camp, negotiating with external forces, and coordinating internal affairs—many matters required his decisive decisions. Qiongying, on the other hand, served as the soul and brains of this new collective. Healthcare, education, institutional design, and even the details of dealing with the natives were all dependent on her wisdom.
The two men spent their days together, their tacit understanding deepening. Whether it was heated debates in the meeting hall, quiet conversations while inspecting the camp, or standing side by side on the high slopes at dusk gazing at their home, a bond beyond comradeship had quietly grown through countless life-and-death experiences and shared ideals, a tacit understanding that only needed a chance to be revealed.
This night happened to be the Chinese Valentine's Day.
The Milky Way above the island was exceptionally clear and brilliant, stretching across the sky like a shimmering river. Though far from home, the people of the camp still preserved ancient traditions. Women and children laid out fruits and melons in the moonlight, threading needles toward the Milky Way, praying for dexterity. Children, laughing and playing, looked up to see the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
Zhang Qing finished his day's work and strolled out of the meeting hall. Moonlight streamed down the quiet camp like water. He saw Qiongying standing alone on a high slope overlooking the bay, gazing up at the starry sky. The evening breeze ruffled her long hair and clothes. Her back, framed by the moonlight, seemed a quiet figure, yet possessed an indescribable tranquility and strength.
He had an idea and walked up slowly.
Hearing footsteps, Qiongying turned around and saw Zhang Qing. She smiled slightly and asked, "Are you done?"
"Yeah." Zhang Qing walked over to her side and looked up at the starry sky with her. "The stars are so brilliant tonight. It reminds me of a line from a poem: 'When the golden wind and jade dew meet, it is better than countless things in the world.'"
Qiongying was slightly startled when she heard this and turned to look at him. In the moonlight, Zhang Qing's profile was clearly defined, his eyes bright and focused, looking deeply at her. Her heart suddenly beat faster for no apparent reason.
"I didn't expect General Zhang also understands poetry." She said softly, with a hint of tenderness in her tone that she herself was not aware of.
Zhang Qing smiled, a smile that was a bit embarrassed, but more frank. "My father did hire a teacher when he was young, but later... he gave up literature to pursue martial arts, and hasn't touched on such things for a long time. But in this situation, these words... couldn't be more appropriate."
He paused, his gaze deepening as his voice deepened, "Qiongying, ever since that day we met in the forest, you and I have been drawn together by an invisible thread of fate. You saved me from pursuit, and I aided you in danger; you orchestrated strategies and guided the way from behind, while I forged ahead, blazing new trails and creating new opportunities. Along this journey, we've stood together through thick and thin, through life and death. Without you, Zhang Qing would have long been a pile of bones, let alone the foundation we have today, a place where so many brothers can make their living."
His words were sincere and fervent, like the sunshine that never lacked on this island. "I, Zhang Qing, have always been proud and upright, speaking my mind without reservation. I... admire you, not because of your status as a princess, not because of your unparalleled wisdom, but simply because you are Qiu Qiongying, the woman who would rather break than bend, who cherishes the world, and who has walked side by side with me to this day."
He took a step forward, his eyes blazing with the decisiveness and commitment that only a soldier can muster. "The heavens and the earth bear witness to this heart, the stars bear witness to it. I wish to be with you not only as a co-builder of this overseas enterprise, but also as a lifelong companion. I wish to hold your hand and grow old with you. I wonder if you...will accept my offer?"
The sea breeze was gentle and the stars were quiet, as if they were waiting for her answer.
Qiongying looked at him, the man who had transformed from a "pursuer" to her most steadfast ally. She remembered his letting go on the rainy night, his trust in the posthouse, his blood-stained yet still-standing figure in Black Wind Gorge, and the support and tacit understanding they had shared over the past few months... The ice in her heart, part of a modern soul, had long since melted, melted by the sincerity and passion forged by him and this era.
She traveled here, broke free from her shackles, and sought to change her fate, seeking nothing more than freedom and worth. And the person before her was undoubtedly that worth.
She didn't answer immediately, but reached out and gently grasped his nervously clenched fist. Her fingers were slightly cool, yet they held a reassuring power.
"Zhang Qing," she called his name, her voice clear and firm, "I don't want to be alone anymore. Although this world is vast, I'm lucky to have you by my side."
There are no fancy words, no shyness, only calmness and delivery after going through the ups and downs.
Zhang Qing's eyes instantly burst into irrepressible ecstasy, and he held her hand tightly with his backhand, with such strength that it seemed as if he was holding the most precious treasure in the world.
The two smiled at each other, their affection unspoken. Behind them was the home they had built together, where they slept peacefully under the stars; before them was the sparkling sea, leading to infinite possibilities.
The golden wind and jade dew, meeting on the shore of the vast ocean, are indeed better than countless things in the world.
A few days later, a simple yet solemn wedding ceremony took place in front of the meeting hall, witnessed by all the camp members. Qiongying wore no phoenix coronet or bridal veil; she wore a neat, clean suit, with a single, brightly colored flower, picked by Zhu Wu and his companions, pinned in her hair. Zhang Qing also wore casual clothes, standing tall and handsome.
The two men bowed three times to the sea, to the camp, and to all the brothers who had shared life and death with them.
"I bow to the heavens, the earth, and the sea, and grant me a new life!"
"I bow to my parents and distant relatives, may they bless me with good health!" (Towards the northwest homeland)
"Husband and wife bow to each other, with one heart and one mind, and will never let each other down!"
When the ceremony was over, the camp erupted in thunderous cheers and blessings. Bonfires were lit, and people took out their treasured fruit wines, singing and dancing to celebrate this marriage that was conceived in adversity and blossomed on new land.
That night, the sparks not only illuminated their homes but also warmed their hearts. A new bond more closely linked the destinies of this isolated island and its people.
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