They sailed smoothly with the current, gliding past mountains on both banks that the setting sun had turned to gold. The sight of the shimmering water before them ignited a new hope in Jiang Zhi's eyes.
"Let's stop here." Chen Shaobei moored the boat to a solitary tree in the middle of the river.
Jiang Zhi knelt at the bow, carefully arranging the offerings and candles she had prepared.
She opened a jar of fine wine, poured it into a cup, and murmured her father's name.
Chen Shaobei sat in the boat's cabin, holding a cup of simple tea.
His expression was detached and calm, and the rippling golden river was but a somber reflection in his eyes.
The General sat with his spine ramrod straight, occasionally glancing at Jiang Zhi, who was kneeling at the bow.
She had begun to cry softly to herself.
Chen Shaobei didn't disturb her, knowing this time should be hers alone.
