Chapter 70 – Sea Route

“Brother Jiu, the autumn moon hangs high, illuminating thousands of miles, and at nightfall, stars fill the sky. Mid-autumn has passed, with the wind propelling our sails across vast horizons, broadening my view and expanding my heart. We’ve been out at sea for several days now. On board, besides enjoying the scenery, we fish or play mahjong with my two cousins.”

“I caught some big yellow croakers, but out here at sea, I’m tired of eating raw fish, drunken shrimp, and crab. However, we brought plenty of food and vegetables that store well, so our meals have been quite good. We also have ample water supplies and tea leaves. The ship even has special wooden troughs for growing fresh ginger and various vegetables, as well as livestock for slaughter. There’s even a dog and a cat on board to alleviate the crew’s loneliness, which reminds me of the cat back at Bamboo Branch Workshop.”

“My grandfather arranged for many large ships to accompany us. Our fleet alone has three major vessels, and over thirty smaller ones. Each large ship can accommodate four to five hundred people. I’ve heard that when the Sheng family’s fleet sets sail, many small merchants follow along, betting everything they own.”

“The Jin Lin, the ship I’m on – I showed Brother Jiu the model of it. It’s a sharp-bottomed junk, cutting through waves and silver tides, unstoppable. The seasoned sailors tell me it’s the best ship they’ve ever sailed on.”

“Besides Donghai accompanying me, there are several doctors on board, all skilled and well-equipped with medicines. There are also weather-savvy sailors responsible for navigation using compasses, either water-based or star-guided. There’s a technique called ‘star-leading,’ and depth soundings are taken using lead weights. I’m amazed by the endless learning opportunities. I’ve instructed Chunxi and Xiachao to take detailed notes, planning to compile and publish a book upon my return.”

“Even the merchants are fascinating. My cousin found some prominent ones on the passenger list, and every day he arranges for one or two to talk to me and keep me entertained. I record their cargo—red dates, brown sugar, spices, porcelain, cloth, and more. Whatever Brother Jiu can think of, it’s here. It’s like seeing the myriad of life. After living in the capital for over a decade, I’ve never encountered such a diverse group of merchants as I have on this ship in just half a month.”

Xu Chun slowly jots down his thoughts, initially striving for eloquent phrases but eventually opting for plain language, jotting down whatever comes to mind. Though he can’t send letters to Brother Jiu while at sea, whenever he’s idle and thinks of him, he can’t help but want to share his experiences, planning to save them up for delivery once he arrives at his destination.

Sheng Changtian enters and sees Xu Chun gnawing on his pen, struggling to find the right words, and chuckles. “Writing another letter? How do you have so much to write about? You’re asking questions nonstop; I wonder if you’re really planning to write a book?”

Xu Chun replies, “Isn’t writing a book good? I have my own printing hall, and I’ve drawn many pictures. I plan to publish them together. Future generations might find them useful.”

Sheng Changtian asks curiously, “Would future generations really read these?”

Xu Chun says, “Not just future generations, but I think people today would find them interesting too.” In his heart, he thinks that no matter what Brother Jiu decides to do with maritime routes or a navy, these records could prove helpful. Trapped in the capital, though unable to be Brother Jiu’s arm, at least he could be his eyes and ears.

Sheng Changtian leans in and whispers, “Is there someone special waiting for you in the capital?”

Xu Chun’s face flushes slightly, pushing him away. “Don’t make wild guesses.”

Sheng Changtian can tell from his expression that it’s likely true. Before the trip, Changzhou asked him to discreetly investigate whether Xu Chun still had a preference for men. But during these days at sea, he observed Yu Lin spending his days reading, fishing with a few young servants, conversing with experienced crew members, or talking to merchants, showing no signs of frivolity. He didn’t seem to be traveling for business but rather to pursue knowledge!

In private discussions, both Sheng Changtian and Sheng Changyun were impressed with their cousin, recognizing his dedication to the righteous path. Their family had never produced scholars! Now, Yu Lin was going to write a book about their mercantile activities! This was truly remarkable. Would anyone actually read these?

Sheng Changyun inadvertently remarks, “Who knows, maybe his special someone loves stories. His efforts seem like he’s trying to achieve something for his beloved.”

Sheng Changtian is speechless, realizing that Yu Lin’s daily letter-writing might indeed be for that reason.

As he’s about to continue probing, a distant rumble of thunder reaches his ears.

His expression changes, but Xu Chun looks confused. “Thunder?”

Sheng Changtian quickly heads to the deck, where a lookout already has binoculars trained on the horizon.

Xu Chun follows Sheng Changtian outside, noticing that Sheng Changyun has also emerged, both leading their men. They exchange serious glances. Sheng Changyun says, “It sounds like cannon fire. There shouldn’t be pirates in these waters; we’re very close to Yizhou and Dantu.”

Sheng Changtian suggests, “The fleet should find a place to take shelter. Send a few fast boats ahead to scout.”

Sheng Changyun relays the instructions. The experienced crew reports a nearby uninhabited island where they can temporarily hide until they receive news.

The fleet slowly advances, soon spotting an island. As they anchor near the shore, they realize it’s a deserted island, with towering trees and overgrown grass. Xu Chun, having spent several days on the ship, is curious about the events unfolding in the distance but knows that safety comes first while at sea. Now that they’ve reached the island, he can’t resist the urge to explore with his servants.

Sheng Changyun says, “I’ll wait on the ship for news. You go down with Changtian. Take Chunxi and Dinghai with you, and bring plenty of people.”

Xu Chun is delighted that his cousin agrees, quickly changing clothes with Sheng Changtian and disembarking onto the island. As they watch the waves crash against the shore, they survey the vast expanse around them, feeling as insignificant as a single leaf. In the distance, the sun slowly sinks below the horizon, painting half the sky blood-red. The remaining light resembles burning embers, a breathtaking sight that makes Xu Chun think of Brother Jiu. If Brother Jiu were here to see the sea’s beauty, with his excellent literary skills, he’d surely compose numerous poems. Back on the ship, Xu Chun plans to try mixing colors to capture this scene, perhaps painting it and sending it to Brother Jiu later.

Sheng Changtian casually leads him around the island. The guards carry long swords, hacking through trees and vines to clear a path. They reach the island’s highest point, where they can see approaching fast boats cutting through the waves. Sheng Changtian says, “The scout boats are returning. They must have news. Let’s head back.”

They return to the ship, where Sheng Changyun sits in the main cabin, his face grim. Upon their arrival, he frowns and says, “What bad luck. We thought things were peaceful, but it turns out we’ve stumbled upon the Guangyuan King’s navy and Wuhe’s fleet in battle. We rescued someone who said they’ve been fighting for several days. Given the situation, it doesn’t look good to proceed to Dantu or Yizhou. Do we need to change course?”

Sheng Changtian asks, “How did the fight start?”

Sheng Changyun explains, “Apparently, the Wuhe barbarians suddenly started killing Han merchants for no apparent reason, including many from Yizhou. They sought help, and the Guangyuan King dispatched his crown prince’s troops to retaliate. Nearby pirate leaders Zhang Baozi and Su Guafu also took advantage of the chaos, joining the naval battle. Things are chaotic up ahead. With so many cargo ships, it’s best to stay far away from trouble.”