Chapter 205 1/3

If the Shen family’s fleet wasn’t rushing, their journey to the capital followed a fixed routine, stopping at designated places every night.

That night, the fleet docked near a small town.

Although it was a small town, it was quite bustling due to its proximity to the canal.

As soon as the fleet docked, local residents rowed over in small boats to sell various goods.

These sellers offered a range of food and daily necessities. If the travelers needed something not available, the sellers could procure it for them for a fee.

People on the boats could also take the small boats to the nearby town for better lodging and meals.

Staying in town was undoubtedly more comfortable than on the boat.

Wu Baichuan, on the neighboring boat, discussed some matters with Li Qingzhi and mentioned that if he needed to buy anything, he could rely on Wu’s trusted contacts to avoid being cheated.

“We’re well-stocked for now,” Li Qingzhi replied with a smile, chatting with Wu Baichuan.

“Brother Li!” Du Yongning called out.

The boats were docked closely together, with Du Yongning’s boat next to Li Qingzhi’s.

Li Qingzhi laid a plank between the boats and walked over to Du Yongning’s boat.

“Brother Li, you’re brave to walk on such a narrow plank,” Du Yongning remarked in admiration.

Li Qingzhi thought to himself, “…” The plank he used was already quite wide.

At the docks, laborers often carried loads over a hundred pounds across narrow planks without issue.

Li Qingzhi gifted Du Yongning two bottles of sauce: one of sweet bean paste and another of chili sauce, both made by Chang Zhan and very flavorful.

He also took a tour of Du Yongning’s boat.

Wu Baichuan’s boat was primarily for cargo, though it had been modified with some furniture, making it less comfortable. Du Yongning’s rented boat, designed for wealthy passengers, was beautifully decorated and well-furnished.

After a brief chat, Li Qingzhi returned to his own boat.

The living quarters on his boat were small and somewhat stuffy.

Luckily, it was winter. In summer, the cramped, hot quarters would be unbearable.

Their cabin was so small they couldn’t fit a large bed. The one they had was about 1.3 meters wide, leaving only a narrow passage after placing the bed. Clothes were stored under the bed.

Despite the small space, Li Qingzhi and Jin Xiaoye found it cozy and warm lying close together.

Sleeping on the boat, they felt the gentle rocking throughout the night, which made even Li Qingzhi a bit dizzy in the morning.

Additionally, the wind was strong that day…

Madam Qian’s two maids, who were already feeling unwell the previous day, were worse and couldn’t get up.

Madam Qian herself felt nauseous and lethargic. Seeing this, Li Qingzhi quickly used his “golden finger” to treat her.

“I feel much better,” Madam Qian exclaimed in surprise, realizing her seasickness had subsided.

Already prone to seasickness, her pregnancy made her expect a very uncomfortable journey. However, a few pressure point treatments from Li Qingzhi alleviated her discomfort.

“You’re getting used to it, too,” Li Qingzhi smiled.

Traveling in ancient times was indeed uncomfortable, but being wealthy, they managed quite well.

At least they had beds to sleep on, unlike the crew who slept on the wooden planks.

Despite this, the crew was happy and content.

On previous trips to the capital, meals were simple and infrequent. They ate cold food while traveling during the day.

This time was different.

Li Qingzhi brought two cooks along. These cooks not only prepared meals for him but also for the crew, providing hot food and tea during the day.

The food was delicious!

Being a boat crew was tough, and they needed meat to sustain their energy. The merchants in the convoy typically provided meat for the crew.

But the crew’s own cooking was nowhere near as good as the dishes prepared by Chang Zhan’s disciples.

Additionally, Li Qingzhi bought plenty of firewood to ensure there was always a fire burning on the boat, providing hot water and warmth.

In summary, Li Qingzhi’s expenses significantly improved the crew’s living conditions.

The boats sailed for several days, moving further away from Chongcheng County.

Li Qingzhi noticed changes in the surrounding environment.

Chongcheng County had scarce land. In Miaoqian Village, the villagers had no land to cultivate.

With little land and many mouths to feed, families often sought work in the county.

But the north was different, with plenty of undeveloped land.

Families with little land could clear new fields.

Though hard work, clearing land could increase a family’s holdings.

Meng County, for example, had vast, sparsely populated land with much undeveloped territory. Because of this, families preferred having more sons to work the land.

Environmental differences led to varying lifestyles among the people.

Farmers in Chongcheng County worried about dividing scarce land among many sons, while those in Meng County wanted more sons for additional labor.

One day, the fleet docked early at a county town.

As usual, locals rowed over to sell goods, and those without boats sold from the dock.

A ten-year-old boy with bright, intelligent eyes was among the vendors, engaging people while calling out his wares.

So young and already earning a living—it was tough.

While observing, Wu Baichuan approached Li Qingzhi. “Mr. Li, tonight you can go ashore to a guesthouse, have a nice meal, and rest.”

Previously, the fleet often docked after dark, yet some merchants still went ashore for lodging. Today, many planned to disembark early.

Li Qingzhi’s group was no exception.

They followed the merchants to a nearby guesthouse, planning to rest and buy supplies.

“Pork and similar items are best bought tomorrow morning for fresh quality. For now, you can buy other necessities,” Wu Baichuan advised.

Jin Xiaoye had already listed everything they needed. She gave the list and money to Zhang Zao, instructing him and the cooks to purchase the supplies.

There was still plenty of rice and grain on board, but they needed more vegetables.

Some merchants bought salted duck and preserved meat, which they didn’t need, having brought plenty from home.

While Li Qingzhi and Jin Xiaoye had many concerns, Du Yongning was carefree, with his steward managing everything.

“Traveling by boat is tolerable for a day or two, but it’s really uncomfortable for long periods,” Du Yongning complained to Li Qingzhi before heading to a bathhouse.

Li Qingzhi and his group didn’t plan to visit the bathhouse, opting for a simple wash at the guesthouse before eating.

It was already evening, and while many shops in the county were closing, the dock area remained bustling with people.