Chapter 577 - 579: Setting Sail at the Auspicious Time
Chapter 577: Chapter 579: Setting Sail at the Auspicious Time
Wang Li wasn’t worried about Little Fish Village, but he still reminded them, "You guys have to keep a close eye on things. Make sure to inspect every piece of dried goods thoroughly."
Huang Anping said, "Don’t worry, we all remember the lesson we learned last time.
It’s only for one or two more trips, anyway. In the future, instead of spending our time earning that little bit of money, we’d be better off figuring out a way to go fishing.
The brothers and I are pooling our money right now to get a fishing boat. By the time you come back, Brother Li, we’ll have all the seafood you could want."
Wang Li knew they were determined. After all, acquiring even a small fishing boat wasn’t a simple matter. "Do you have enough silver? How about I help you chip in a bit?"
Huang Anping and the others immediately shook their heads. "It’s enough. We’ve been foraging on the tidal flats constantly these past few days and made some silver. We’ve almost got enough.
Brother Li, you should save your silver for yourself. We’ll figure out a way to buy back the house you mortgaged."
Wang Li hadn’t expected them to still remember the matter. His eyes reddened as he raised his cup. "Let’s not say any more. Brothers, tonight, we won’t go home sober."
...
&
Many of the crewmen were like Wang Li, saying goodbye to their friends and family. The next time they boarded the ships, it was the day of departure.
Jin Qianqian was on the ship as well. She saw Ouyang Bing again, only this time he cut a rather miserable figure, being carried aboard on a plank by Mudou and Guo Yurong.
After taking the medicine Guo Yurong had given her last time, Jin Qianqian felt much more refreshed the next day, as if she were back in her prime.
Even the minor ailments left over from childbirth seemed to have vanished. For that reason alone, she had to go over and greet them.
"Brother Guo, your cabin is ready. Space is limited, however, so I’m afraid the three of you will have to share a single room."
Jin Qianqian would have gladly given him a private room, but there was simply no way to arrange it with the limited cabin space.
Some of the crewmen were squeezed seven or eight to a single small cabin.
"This is more than enough. I’m used to roughing it and don’t care about such things." Guo Yurong wasn’t a man who sought comfort, and seeing so many people bustling about the ship, he knew Jin Qianqian was telling the truth.
Jin Qianqian turned her gaze to Ouyang Bing. Since he was right in front of her, it would be impolite not to say something. "Young Master Ouyang, are you feeling alright? The open sea can get choppy; it’s not as stable as dry land.
If you’re not up to it, you can always wait for the next voyage. You shouldn’t force yourself."
Ouyang Bing stared down at his own legs and smiled. "It’s no problem. In a few more days, the splints can come off, and I’ll be up and about again.
I’m not about to miss such a rare opportunity.
Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Gu."
Jin Qianqian had only asked out of courtesy. With a master physician by his side, he naturally had nothing to fear.
Jin Qianqian nodded at him, then turned back to Guo Yurong. "I’ve already spoken with the captain. I’ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on things during the voyage, Brother Guo. If you need anything at all, just let the captain know.
I’ll have someone take you to your cabin now."
Jin Qianqian casually beckoned a sailor who had been waiting on deck. "Take them to cabin thirteen."
Guo Yurong knew that as the owner, Jin Qianqian must be incredibly busy today. He nodded to her and followed the sailor away.
"Madam, it looks like there’s a problem with the loading at the cargo hold..."
Jin Qianqian spared a single glance at their departing figures before turning back to her work.
When she returned to the docks, she found them packed shoulder-to-shoulder with people.
If General Zhou and his men hadn’t arrived, the situation might have truly descended into chaos.
"Thank you for your trouble today, Brother Zhou," Jin Qianqian said, immediately going to thank him as soon as she arrived at the docks.
Zhou Shixiong waved his hand dismissively. "Sister-in-law, what you’re doing is opening a new Chapter for our Rong Dynasty. A small thing like this is nothing.
Besides, it’s their duty.
So, how is everything? All settled?"
Jin Qianqian had been busy these past few days, but now she was in high spirits. "Everything’s taken care of. We’re just waiting for the auspicious hour to set sail.
I knew a lot of people would come to watch the spectacle, but I never expected this many."
Zhou Shixiong glanced back at the crowd. "They’ll disperse once the ships leave the harbor. By the way, how come I haven’t seen Brother Gu today?"
Jin Qianqian replied, "He’s on board right now. There were a few last-minute things he needed to go over in detail. I imagine he’ll be down soon."
Not long after she spoke, Ancient Wen Heng returned to the docks.
Then came the cry: "The auspicious hour is here! Set sail!"
Thunderous applause erupted from the shore as the ships slowly began to pull away from the harbor.
Just then, a delicate, downy snow began to drift from the sky. Ancient Wen Heng murmured, "A good omen."
Even though Jin Qianqian didn’t believe in such things, she nodded in agreement. "It is an auspicious sign."
Seeing the couple’s earnest expressions, Zhou Shixiong couldn’t help but burst out laughing. "It certainly is a day for celebration! On a day like this, you must treat your big brother to a proper feast."
How could Ancient Wen Heng refuse? "This weather is perfect for hot pot. Brother Zhou, would you prefer to come to my estate, or shall we go to Tianfu Restaurant?"
Zhou Shixiong replied, "Is there even a choice? Your estate, of course! It’s been too long since I’ve seen my two wonderful nephews. I need to go catch up with them."
Ancient Wen Heng: "..." ’I suddenly regret my offer...’
Catching her husband’s woeful glance, Jin Qianqian gave a mischievous laugh.
What father didn’t want to be a hero in his own sons’ eyes? Unfortunately, the two little rascals at home absolutely worshipped Zhou Shixiong. It was no wonder Ancient Wen Heng felt a bit put out.
Zhou Shixiong saw right through him. He walked over, slinging an arm around his shoulder. "I took down some river pirates a few days ago. I’ll have to tell Luo Luo and his brother all about it."
Ancient Wen Heng: "..." ’Can I kick him right now?’
’Looking down at his own slender limbs, he sighed to himself. Better not to be an egg smashing against a rock...’
Jin Qianqian knew her husband better than anyone. She walked to his side and said, "Luo Luo was struggling with an essay yesterday. When we get home, remember to explain it to him."
Ancient Wen Heng was instantly reinvigorated. ’If I can’t beat him in a brawl, I can still win with my brains.’
Zhou Shixiong didn’t understand the smug look in his eyes. Later, at the dinner table, listening to an endless stream of scholarly jargon, he suddenly found that the mutton hot pot had lost its appeal.
"This snow is really coming down. Everyone will be starting to hole up for the winter." This was also the quietest time of year at the government office, where they only had to deal with trivialities.
Zhou Shixiong said, "I wonder how that Prince Zuo Tengshang is faring these days.
I really hope he doesn’t consolidate his power too quickly."
Ancient Wen Heng replied, "Actually, I’d rather he consolidate his power quickly."
Zhou Shixiong looked at him, confused. ’Did Brother Gu just misspeak?’