The flame is passed on, and the sea and sky are forever peaceful.
Twenty-fifth year of the Xinghuo calendar, spring.
Mingyuan City celebrated a landmark moment in its history: the establishment of its first democratically elected council. After years of discussion, drafting, and public consultation, the "Mingyuan City Constitution" was promulgated and implemented, clearly stipulating that "sovereignty resides with the people." The city lord and all officials at all levels were elected by and accountable to the council for a five-year term, with a maximum term of two consecutive terms.
Zhang Qing, with a head full of silver hair but a vigorous spirit, formally handed over the position of city lord to his successor who was highly recommended by the council in the presence of all the citizens. He was young and strong, deeply loved, and had made outstanding contributions to navigation and the study of things.
There is no hereditary succession, only popular support. The smooth transfer of power marks a new stage in Mingyuan City's institutional exploration.
At the handover ceremony, Zhang Qing looked at his son, who was half a head taller than him and had a calm demeanor, his eyes filled with satisfaction and pride. He personally handed the jade pendant, representing the city lord's talisman, to Zhang Qiming and said solemnly, "Qiming, this talisman is not a symbol of power, but the trust of the people. I hope you will remember the law, work diligently and care for the people, be upright, and innovate. Let the flame of Mingyuan City burn forever!"
Zhang Qiming solemnly accepted it and bowed deeply to his father and the thousands of citizens in the audience. "I, your son (minister), will live up to your father's high expectations and the trust of all the people! I will dedicate my entire life to protecting this city's eternal prosperity and spreading the light of our spark!"
The audience erupted in thunderous cheers and applause. Tears welled up in the eyes of the older generation of pioneers, who had witnessed the miracle of building something from nothing, from weakness to strength. The younger generation, with their eyes blazing, knew they would forge their own era under the new system.
After abdicating, Zhang Qing and Qiongying chose not to settle down in their retirement. Zhang Qing was appointed Honorary Dean of the "Wulüe Academy" of Mingyuan Academy. He occasionally lectured students on military strategies and stories of past battles, but more often spent his time fishing by the sea with his old comrades, reminiscing about the past. Qiongying remained the academy's pillar, dedicated to preserving and compiling medical texts. Her compilations, "Overseas Materia Medica Illustrated" and "Xinghuo Medical Classic," have become cornerstones of the academy and the entire Mingyuan City medical system.
They moved from the city lord's mansion to an elegant courtyard on the outskirts of the city, overlooking the sea. The courtyard was planted with flowers and trees from all over the world, and the study housed a collection of books, charts, and manuscripts accumulated over the years. Every morning, the two would still stroll side by side along the beach, watching the rising sun leap out of the sea, illuminating a peaceful and prosperous city.
This year, the super battleship "Spark," built under the personal supervision of Zhang Qiming and incorporating the latest in navigational technology and defense concepts, was officially launched. Carrying the Mingyuan City delegation and merchant caravan, under the command of Zheng Laoda's grandson (who had inherited the family business and assumed command of the fleet), this massive vessel embarked on the first grand transatlantic voyage to the "Western Ocean" (the Indian Ocean). They brought Mingyuan City's friendship and merchandise, and also brought back insights and knowledge from afar.
Mingyuan City has become a shining pearl in this sea, a unique beacon of civilization. Its inclusive spirit welcomes visitors from all corners of the world, its advanced institutions safeguard internal harmony, and its formidable strength upholds regional peace. Merchants, scholars, and craftsmen from the Song Kingdom, Southeast Asia, and even more distant lands converge here, connecting and fostering mutual understanding, driving the development of this land.
Thirty years into the Xinghuo calendar, it was a sunny afternoon.
Zhang Qing and Qiongying sat under the courtyard's corridor, pear blossoms outside like snow. Zhang Qing held a scroll, but he wasn't reading. Instead, he gazed at his grandchildren playing in the courtyard, his eyes gentle. Qiongying, on a small table nearby, meticulously sorted freshly gathered herbs, her movements still graceful.
"Do you remember that year when I ran away from my marriage and we first met in the forest?" Zhang Qing suddenly spoke, his voice slow and vicissitudes unique to the elderly, but still clear.
Qiongying paused, raised her head, and a gentle smile appeared in her eyes: "How could I not remember? You acted impartially at that time, but you showed mercy when you attacked."
"If it weren't for your superb flying stone skills and your unyielding character, there wouldn't have been so many stories later on." Zhang Qing sighed, "Sometimes when I think about it, it feels like a dream."
"Yes, it's been a dream for decades." Qiongying put down the herbs, walked over to sit beside him, and gently held his hand, which was covered with age spots but still warm. "From Qiu Qiongying to Doctor An, to Qingshizi, and now to Mr. Qiongying... This journey has been full of ups and downs. It's my honor to be able to walk with you."
Zhang Qing held her with his backhand, his eyes traveling through time, as if he saw the stubborn girl in the forest on a rainy night, the wise Taoist in Shijie Town, and the partner who stood side by side with him on the high slope and founded the foundation.
"It's my luck." He responded softly, and thousands of words turned into the warmth of the palms clasped together.
The setting sun dyed the clouds in a brilliant golden-red, and through the gaps in the pear blossoms, cast dappled, warm light on them. A gentle sea breeze brought the faint hustle and bustle of a distant city and the laughter of nearby children.
There was no dramatic ending, only a peaceful and tranquil life. The spark they had ignited had already spread across the prairie, forming a civilization bright enough to illuminate the world. Their ideals became reality on this new land.
The firewood is exhausted, but the fire is still burning.
Between the sea and the sky, there will be eternal peace.
(End of text)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
