Chapter 170: Final Chapter
The conditions of war were harsh, and communication was far from smooth.
Even so, everyone gradually took root in the southwestern rear, slowly rebuilding new factories bit by bit.
Cao Yunzhao, having heard that Lord Bai Jiu had arrived, made a special visit, bringing many supplies. He had previously received Bai Jiu’s help, and now, in their shared hardship, naturally wanted to return the favor. The moment he entered, a wave of warmth greeted him. The house had fewer furnishings than before, yet it was as warm as every past winter.
Lord Bai Jiu sat by the window talking to Xie Jing. Seeing Cao Yunzhao, he paused flipping through his book and asked: “What brings you here? Something wrong?”
Cao Yunzhao shook his head with a smile: “Can’t I just come see you when there’s nothing wrong?”
Lord Bai Jiu had someone move a chair for him and chatted briefly.
As the New Year approached, two factories had already been settled, and the rest were progressing step by step. By spring, the machines would be up and running. The two men were old acquaintances; one in government, one in business, but soon fell into easy conversation.
Cao Yunzhao said, “Meishan is slightly better than here. Whether the workers brought before or newly recruited, some relief grain was sent from above. Looks like they can get through the year. But for the students, I heard some came alone and now face war in their hometowns. Many petitioned to join the army, unable to continue studying…”
Lord Bai Jiu replied calmly: “The path is their choice. If they have the heart to serve the country, let them go.”
Cao Yunzhao sighed and asked: “How is Mr. Huang’s school here? I heard several buildings were bombed?”
Lord Bai Jiu cleared his throat lightly. Xie Jing brought over hot tea. After drinking half a cup, he said: “It’s true. The principal’s office was reduced to a single wall, yet the teacher made light of it, calling it ‘one wall remaining’.”
“Such danger!”
“Yes. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and the school is being rebuilt.”
Xie Jing poured more tea for Cao Yunzhao. The tea was plain, far less refined than usual. He said: “Mr. Huang said that what was destroyed were the results of construction, but the experience remains. Classes are still held daily amid the rubble. The students here are diligent and motivated.”
Cao Yunzhao asked: “Any plans for the New Year celebrations?”
Xie Jing replied: “Discussing with Lord Bai Jiu now.”
Cao Yunzhao looked at Bai Jiu. Lord Bai Jiu paused briefly, then said: “Some cane sugar arrived from the south. We plan to make sweets and snacks to distribute, proportionally. You may have two hundred pounds.”
Cao Yunzhao opened his mouth to refuse, but Lord Bai Jiu shook his head: “No more than this—I have other uses for the sugar.”
Cao Yunzhao swallowed his intended protest.
He thought: Bai Jiu was an interesting person—no matter the circumstances, he always appeared in command, as if others came to him for favors.
Cao Yunzhao pondered much but said nothing, happily receiving two hundred pounds of sugar.
Watching Bai Jiu speak quietly with Xie Jing, he noticed how similar the two had become in their manner. A faint smile appeared on his face.
Mr. Huang had trained two excellent students, but now it seemed Xie Jing was the finest heir—efficient and capable alongside Bai Jiu, every gesture and smile carrying a subtle resemblance.
New Year’s Eve.
Each teacher and student in Sichuan received a small package containing a handful of peanuts and a few candies. Some students sat on the playground, talking and joking to stave off homesickness. This was their first New Year in exile in over twenty years. Many dared not speak of their hometowns, now occupied, for fear they would weep uncontrollably, staring northward as if through mountains they could see their homeland.
Someone began singing.
At first one, then others joined. It was the school song taught by the teachers.
The song carried hope: one day, they would return home.
Xie Jing gave his portion of candy to Mr. Huang, keeping a small share for himself to share with Lord Bai Jiu.
Bai Jiu had several letters nearby. Telegraphs could be intercepted, so letters were the safest communication. These letters arrived along with hundreds of pounds of cane sugar and medicines, sent by Bai Hongqi.
Last year, Miss Hongqi followed Lord Bai Jiu’s instructions to take over business along the southeastern coast. Her letters were sincere, expressing great concern for Lord Bai Jiu and everyone’s safety. One family letter was thick, filled with worry for the Bai family.
After reading the letters, Lord Bai Jiu handed them to Xie Jing. Xie Jing glanced through them and asked: “Master, will you go there?”
Lord Bai Jiu looked up. Xie Jing met his gaze, unwavering.
After a moment, Lord Bai Jiu shook his head: “Let Bai Er go. They have not seen each other since the engagement. Say it was my instruction. Amid the war, formalities matter less. Bai Er can marry there and wait for my news. Fuel prices are lower in the southeast, making it easier to manage.”
Xie Jing nodded, memorizing the instructions.
Lord Bai Jiu continued reading letters, while Xie Jing lit the lamp and stayed nearby.
On New Year’s Eve, under one lamp, the two figures gradually merged as one.
The Bai family business was vast. Lord Bai Jiu’s thoughts were not confined to Sichuan. Alongside letters, he had a marked maritime map, also sent by Bai Hongqi, already reaching beyond national borders.
He studied it for a moment and quietly asked: “In the future, if I take you south, across rivers or even the sea, will you come with me?”
Xie Jing nodded: “Master, wherever you go, I follow.”
Lord Bai Jiu looked at him, then smiled.
How could he ever doubt Xie Jing? He had watched this boy grow; all his thoughts were reflected in those eyes, clear and unguarded whenever looking at him.
Lord Bai Jiu raised his hand. Xie Jing leaned close, brushing his palm lightly. His eyes shone, carrying both light and him.
The past had been rewritten, but this heart remained as before.
A heart as bright as the moon.
Having traversed countless mountains,
It marches to you alone.
[The End]
Translator Notes:
This is the final chapter of the main story. Thank you so much for reading and for supporting this translation and the novel. Translating these last few chapters brought me to tears. Those of us living in peaceful times can hardly imagine how terrifying life was during such turbulent moments in history. Working on this part of the text has made me even more grateful for the life I have.
These chapters felt especially emotional to me, perhaps because I had just finished watching the film Dead to Rights, which depicts the Nanjing Massacre of 1937. If you’re interested in this period of Chinese history, I highly recommend the movie.
Anyways~ Extras will be released soon (there is a whooping 21 extra chapters this time) so stay tune, and happy reading~
