newbobooks Chapter 196 An Unforgettable Night
Chapter 196 An Unforgettable Night
While the Qin state was engaged in tense discussions with the Qi, Chu, and Wei states regarding matters related to the economic zone, Lord Changping and his entourage had already painstakingly established a foothold on the distant Baga Island.
When they first embarked on this voyage filled with unknowns, everyone was full of enthusiasm, filled with anticipation and longing for new lands. However, as the ship continued to sail on the turbulent sea, the initial excitement was gradually replaced by physical discomfort.
The first to be affected were Li Xin and Li You, who began to experience seasickness. At first, they only felt a little dizzy, but as time went on, the seasickness became more and more intense, and the two of them swayed and had difficulty maintaining their balance when walking on the boat.
Among them, the one suffering the most from seasickness was young Hu Hai. He was vomiting almost constantly, and even drinking a sip of water would trigger violent vomiting. In just three months, the once chubby and adorable Hu Hai rapidly lost weight, becoming a pitiful child, skin and bones. Hu Ji held Hu Hai in her arms with heartache, tears streaming down her face. She prayed day and night that Hu Hai would recover his health as soon as possible.
Looking at Li Xin and Li You, who were so seasick they could barely stand, and then at Hu Hai, whose face was haggard, in Hu Ji's arms, Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, felt a deep sense of worry and confusion. Despite their unease, whether they liked it or not, they could only grit their teeth and continue sailing forward, following the instructions left by Zhao Gao's experienced crew.
On this vast and boundless sea, as far as the eye can see, there is only endless blue, with no trace of land in sight, seemingly without end. Day after day of long voyages, the atmosphere in the entire group has become increasingly dull and oppressive, devoid of life. Even young and vigorous men like Li Xin and Li You, due to the long journey, have gradually become numb in expression.
Especially at night, the pitch-black sea appears particularly eerie and terrifying, making the massive ships seem as small and fragile as a drop in the ocean. Apart from the sound of waves crashing against the hulls, there is only endless darkness and silence, sending chills down one's spine.
Even though three long months had passed since he arrived on Baga Island, Changping-kun Xiong Qi would still often wake up in the middle of the night from nightmares. He would repeatedly dream that his ship was struggling to move forward on the turbulent sea, when suddenly a gale arose, torrential rain poured down, and the raging waves relentlessly pounded against the fragile hull, eventually capsizing the entire ship in the vast ocean.
Although such a terrible situation never actually occurred, Changping Jun could never forget that stormy night. At that time, the wind howled and swept in, and large raindrops fell rapidly like dense arrows. The ship was violently rocked by the fierce impact of the wind and waves, as if it would fall apart at any moment, accompanied by a deafening roar.
The young Hu Hai was so frightened by the terrifying sight that he burst into tears, his terrified cries echoing throughout the cramped cabin. The beautiful and charming Hu Ji was also pale with fright. She huddled tightly in the corner of the cabin, clinging to Hu Hai, her body trembling uncontrollably, tears streaming down her face.
Li Xin, standing nearby, tried to step forward. He staggered towards the cabin door, wanting to go out and check the situation. However, the pitch-black sea had already swallowed everything, making it impossible to see anything. Just as Li Xin was groping his way forward on the swaying ship, a sudden, huge wave crashed in, throwing him violently to the ground. If he hadn't reacted quickly and clung tightly to the ship's railing, he would likely have been thrown overboard and drowned.
When Changping Jun rushed over upon hearing the news, he found Li Xin lying on the ground in a sorry state, his hands tightly gripping the railing and refusing to let go. Several brave crew members worked together and, with great effort, finally managed to rescue Li Xin from his dangerous situation.
Whenever he recalls this harrowing experience, Changping Jun can't help but feel a lingering fear. The terror of being on the brink of death, with his fate uncertain, is deeply etched in his heart, making it difficult for him to let go.
Once again awakened by a nightmare, Changping-jun sat bolt upright in bed, cold sweat beading on his forehead, his heart still pounding. He sat there motionless for a moment, his thoughts still trapped in that terrible dream, unable to pull himself out. Finally, he decided he could no longer endure this tormenting insomnia, got up, dressed, and slowly walked out of the simple thatched hut.
It was the dead of winter on Baga Island, and the biting wind lashed at him like a sharp whip, but Changping seemed oblivious, simply walking slowly alone. The path beneath his feet was rugged and uneven, and the grass on either side rustled in the wind, as if concealing countless unknown secrets.
After an unknown amount of time, Changping-kun finally arrived at the seaside. The sea was unusually calm tonight, like a giant mirror reflecting the starry sky. A gentle breeze carried a salty scent. Changping-kun stood there quietly, gazing into the distance, his thin and lonely figure appearing particularly desolate.
His departure naturally attracted the attention of many soldiers on night duty, one of whom immediately reported it to Li Xin. Upon hearing this, Li Xin quickly got out of his warm bed, put on a thick robe, and quietly followed Changping Jun's footsteps. When he saw Changping Jun's lonely figure, a feeling of pity welled up in his heart.
Li Xin knew that he would be able to return to his homeland and reunite with his family after completing his mission; however, this Lord Changping might be trapped on this isolated island for the rest of his life, cut off from the world. Li Xin didn't know how Lord Changping had offended the king to such a severe punishment, being exiled to this desolate place. But he understood that since the king had sent Lord Changping so far away, he clearly didn't want to see him again.
Despite his deep sympathy, Lee Shin did not approach Changpyeong-jun to ask why he had come here alone so late at night. He simply walked silently to Changpyeong-jun's side, gazing at the boundless sea, letting the tranquil and profound atmosphere envelop them both.
Just then, Changping broke the silence and asked softly, "Do you... remember what happened that night?" His voice was as light as a wisp of smoke in the wind, as if it would dissipate into the air with the slightest effort.
Upon hearing Changping Jun's words, Li Xin quickly realized that he was asking about that night, so he replied, "How could I forget? I think I'll never forget it!"