“Master, young masters, we will soon enter the territory of Lujiang County, it’s about five or six miles ahead.”
“Okay. I will change into casual clothes now, and you all should do the same.”
“Yes.”
Zhao Ying, Qian Xiong, Sun Jiang, and Li Jun, the four soldiers, changed into casual clothes in the forest, storing their official uniforms in a box.
The air in the county town carried a faint smell of various aquatic products, making Yan Ge and the others feel uncomfortable at first, but they soon adjusted. Although Lujiang County was just a county, it was bustling. The streets were wide and clean, and it was comparable to a prosperous city. The sound of horse hooves on the bluestone pavement was particularly crisp.
Mei Fu inquired about the location of the county yamen, and they drove forward along the street. It didn’t take long for them to catch sight of the Lu River. It stretched before them through the dense grove, its narrowest point was at least fifty feet wide. It was called the Lu River because of the lush trees on both banks, their reflection in the water gave the impression that even the river was dyed green. The river flowed swiftly, heading eastward, with a somewhat thrilling momentum. Lujiang County received abundant rainfall in spring, and with the melting of snow from the western mountains, the river surged with waves every March and April.
*LU-GREEN
“Papa, those people aren’t wearing clothes,” Yan Jin pointed in a direction, his face filled with astonishment.
Following his gaze, Yan Ge noticed the various boats moored by the riverbank. Many dark-skinned men, some sitting and some standing, wore only cloth wraps around their lower bodies while leaving the rest of their bodies exposed. Some of them rested quietly, while others drank water or alcohol. Fatigue was evident on their bronze-colored faces.
Yan Ge said, “They are boatmen.” After observing closely, he realized that the boats on the river were propelled by ropes.
Mei Tianzhou said, “Indeed, they are boatmen. The Lu River is almost always deep, making it difficult to build bridges. Whether it’s people or goods like coal, cloth, wood, or daily necessities, they all rely on boats for transportation. When the river is turbulent and rowing becomes difficult, they can only rely on boatmen to pull the boats.” Mei Tianzhou sighed.
“Why aren’t they wearing clothes?” Yan Jin asked, perplexed.
Mei Tianzhou explained, “First, most boatmen come from poor backgrounds. If they wear clothes while constantly having ropes rubbing against their shoulders, combined with sweat and salt, their clothes would wear out quickly. Second, it’s for the sake of preventing illness. They are in and out of the water, sweating frequently. Clothes that get wet and then dry easily lead to sickness. It’s better for them not to wear clothes.”
“Oh,” Yan Jin nodded in understanding.
Mei Tianzhou smiled and ruffled his little head.
Just then, the group of boatmen closest to them stood up.
Mei Tianzhou said, “Do you see the red flag waving on the opposite side? Each boat has its own signal. A few tugs indicate that the cargo on the other boat is ready to be pulled over.”
Indeed, the boatmen pulled the ropes tied to the trees on the riverbank. Each person carried one on their shoulders and the leader of the boatmen shouted, “One, two, three,” and everyone bent down, exerting their strength. Step by step, their muscles tensed, and the ropes quickly became taut, leaving deep marks on their bodies.
The large boat on the other side began to move slowly. The river surged endlessly, causing the boat to sway, making one’s heart rise and fall. However, the boatmen were accustomed to it and highly experienced. They maintained their pace, shouting commands, their backs bending so low that their heads almost touched the ground, gradually pulling the heavy boat closer. Drops of sweat fell from their faces, leaving traces on the ground that quickly evaporating under the sun.
Mei Tianzhou whispered, “The county yamen is on the opposite side. We will cross the river shortly. Zhao Ying, Qian Xiong, you go and discreetly inquire about the county magistrate’s corruption and bribery, as well as the excessive taxation. Be cautious in your inquiries to avoid alerting anyone.”
“Yes, Master.”
After waiting for about a cup of tea, Zhao Ying and Qian Xiong returned with grave expressions.
“Master, the common people are tight-lipped about the county magistrate, unwilling to say much. But it seems that the matter is true.”
Mei Tianzhou remained silent for a while. After instructing Mei Fu to find a place to store the carriage and take care of the horses, the group approached the riverbank with their luggage. A young man who appeared swift in his actions approached them, trying to make a deal. “My Lords, are you planning to cross the river? Would you like to take a large boat or a small boat?”
Yan Ge asked, “What is the difference between a large boat and a small boat?”
The young man smiled and replied, “It’s evident that you are all from out of town. As you can see, the river currents are very strong, and small boats are more dangerous. A slight mistake could capsize the boat. Of course, the price is also cheaper. It’s fifty coins per person, and if you don’t have much luggage, there’s no charge. For larger luggage, it depends on the situation, but at least an additional thirty coins. Large boats are more secure because they have more boatmen pulling them. Each person needs to be paid so naturally, the price is higher, two hundred coins per person. But if your luggage isn’t too much, there will be no charge.”
“Let’s take the large boat,” Mei Tianzhou said. They had a child with them, and he didn’t want him to become scare.
The young man’s smile became even more enthusiastic. Large boats meant more money.
Huang Fu Yuchen said, “We’ll take the small boat.”
Mei Tianzhou looked at him in surprise. “But Little Jiancheng…” He didn’t understand Huang Fu Yuchen’s intentions. Looking at their attire, they didn’t seem like people who were reluctant to spend money. They had been generous with food and drinks throughout the journey. Besides, both Yan Ge and Huangfu Yuchen were there to help him. He had already planned to cover the expenses himself.
“It’s alright,” Huang Fu Yuchen said calmly. “ I’ll watch him.”
Mei Tianzhou looked at Yan Ge for advice. Yan Ge had a slight smile on his lips, appearing calm and composed. He understood that persuading them was pointless.
“Then let’s take the small boat,” Mei Tianzhou said.
The young man looked somewhat disappointed as he led them to a small boat and then walked away to continue his business.
Although it was called a small boat, it wasn’t actually that small. It could accommodate around ten people. After all, if the boat was too small in such rapid river currents, it would be as dangerous as running on a narrow bridge.
On the boat, there were two boatmen, each with an oar which helped control the boat to some extent.
Yan Ge’s group consisted of nine people, plus the two boatmen, making it eleven people. They couldn’t fit in any more. One of the boatmen raised a yellow flag and waved it towards the opposite shore. Shortly after, the boat swayed slightly and began to move.
Huang Fu Yuchen used his true qi to control the boat’s bottom. Despite the boat rising and falling with the waves, it never tilted forward, backward, left, or right.
The two boatmen exchanged a mysterious glance but felt relieved. For boatmen like them who rowed small boats, crossing the river was always a life-risking endeavor.
Mei Tianzhou vaguely guessed that Huang Fu Yuchen was using his inner qi to manipulate the boat and was relieved and held Yan Jin tightly. Yan Jin grinned and reached his hand out over the boat’s side, stirring the water.
Mei Tianzhou pulled his hand back. “Be careful not to catch a cold.”
Yan Ge relaxed, leaning against Huang Fu Yuchen. The water vapor on the river surface grew denser, but under the warm sunshine, it didn’t feel cold at all. Instead, it was quite refreshing.
Although it felt like a long time for the boatmen, for Yan Ge’s group, it was just a short while before the boat safely reached the shore. After the boatmen secured the boat, they wiped away the sweat with the cloth hanging on a tree.
Mei Tianzhou instructed Mei Fu to pay the fare.
Huangfu Yuchen said, “Master Mei, let’s go our separate ways for now. You can visit your old friend, and my wife and I will find an inn to settle in. Once you’re done, come to the inn to meet us.”
“Very well. I’ll trouble both of you to reserve a few rooms for us,” Mei Tianzhou said.
At the entrance of the county yamen, two yamen officials lazily stood there, holding water and fire staffs.
Mei Tianzhou frowned and let Mei Fu approach.
Mei Fu politely spoke while discreetly passing over some coins. “These Official, Master Mei from Fancheng requests an audience with the county magistrate.”
One of the yamen officials asked sluggishly, “What is the purpose of seeing the county magistrate?”
Mei Fu handed over a small silver piece. “Master Mei is an old friend of Master Pan and has come to pay him a visit.”
The attitude of the yamen runner became slightly more proactive. “Wait here. I will go and report.”
In the corridor outside the study, Pan Longmen, the magistrate of Lujiang County, was amusing the birds in a cage.
“Report, my Lord. There is a Master Mei who claims to be an old friend of yours and wishes to see you.”
“Oh? An old friend… Wait a moment,” Pan Longmen said. “This person had conflicts with me in the past. I need to consider whether I should see him or not.”
After speaking in a calm tone, Pan Longmen turned and entered the study, closing the door behind him. He held a vase with both hands and gently twisted it, revealing a hidden door behind the bookshelf!
Below the steps, torches were burning. He descended the steps and arrived in front of a secret chamber. Several lamps were lit inside the chamber, and against the wall, a person who looked exactly like him was sitting silently on the bed.
Upon hearing footsteps, the person raised his head and watched him cautiously.
“Do you have an old friend surnamed Mei in Fancheng?”
A wave of wild joy surged in Pan Longmen’s heart. Mei, Fancheng! It could only be his old schoolmate, Mei Tianzhou! He struggled to contain his excitement. “Yes, we have known each other for over a decade.” To avoid arousing suspicion, he had to give this vague response.
“Hmph!” Guan Batian snorted coldly and said slowly, “Fine, I’ll let you see him. Just make sure you don’t play any tricks. Send him away as soon as possible. Otherwise, your wife, son, and daughter won’t live to see another day.”
“How could I play any tricks?” Pan Longmen forced a bitter smile. “After being imprisoned by you for so long, I have accepted my fate. I only ask that you don’t harm my wife and children.”
Guan Batian snorted again and threw his official robe at him.
After dressing, Pan Longmen walked out of the study, his mind racing on how to convey the message of his captivity to Mei Tianzhou.
Not far away, a strange young servant hurried over to him with a strange smile. “My Lord, I’ll accompany you.”
Pan Longmen’s heart went cold. “Mmm.”
Almost everyone in the mansion had been replaced by Guan Batian, making it difficult for him to find an opportunity to talk to Mei Tianzhou alone. Although Guan Batian was a bandit, he was extremely cunning. Whenever someone familiar to Pan Longmen came, Guan Batian would let him appear personally to prevent any slip-ups. Furthermore, Guan Batian ensured that Pan Longmen lacked nothing, even occasionally allowing him to bask in the sun outside to avoid pale skin from prolonged confinement. The purpose was to ensure that he didn’t arouse suspicion in front of acquaintances. It was evident that Guan Batian was cautious and meticulous.
What should he do? What should he do?
