CHAPTER 1057: CHAPTER 1056 REVERENCE

Song Chongjin noticed that the steersman didn’t want to greet him at all, so he naturally didn’t bother him.

Following the person leading the way, they walked only a few steps to reach the cabin.

Although the steersman didn’t care for them, he arranged excellent cabins for them on the deck, providing three rooms. Though not large, they were fully furnished with beds and chairs, cleaned thoroughly.

This was exceedingly rare.

The person leading the way introduced himself as Xiao Qi, a very clever lad, who explained the ship’s rules succinctly.

They were advised to stay in the cabins during the day but were free during the night. Meals would be delivered daily, or if they preferred cooking, they could use a small stove in the kitchen for boiling water.

When they docked at the major pier, they would be informed of the departure time, allowing them to disembark and replenish supplies as needed. Of course, if they missed the time, the ship wouldn’t wait for them.

The journey to the Capital City would take around a month for the seven travelers from the Song Family, costing a total of one hundred taels of silver.

Song Chongjin and his companions nodded in acknowledgment.

Xiao Qi then indicated that his task was done and took his leave.

Yang Zongbao saw him out, slipping him a piece of Silver Pieces, while inquiring about any taboos on board, and handed over a silver note of one hundred taels for accommodation.

Xiao Qi squeezed the Silver Ingot in his palm and saw Yang Zongbao hand over one hundred taels without blinking, realizing this seemingly ordinary family was quite wealthy.

His attitude softened, giving a few extra reminders before Yang Zongbao sent him away.

Yang Zongbao returned to the cabin, shared Xiao Qi’s cautions, and instructed Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding to fetch water and clean the room again.

After they left, Yang Zongbao remarked, "I observed when boarding; this ship is likely a cargo ship, possibly transporting something important. Let’s not inquire further, pretend we know nothing. I’ve paid the accommodation fee; let’s stay put for a couple of days until we get better acquainted."

Yang Zongbao, having once lived as a Boatman on the rivers seeking vengeance, knew many taboos, especially since this was an official vessel, requiring greater caution.

Naturally, everyone agreed. Besides Song Chongjin, Yang Zongbao was the most experienced; following his advice seemed wise.

Usually, those unaccustomed to boating would feel seasick, but with Imperial Doctor Du onboard, they had two large bottles of seasickness medicine, enough to tide them over to the Capital City, ensuring no worry.

Soon enough, Old Granny Wu and the others fetched water, tidying up the three rooms and laying out their bedding.

Old Granny Wu was naturally persuasive, first striking a conversation with a Boatman to find the kitchen; there, two Boatmen were cooking. Judging by the appearance, they could only cook adequately; concerning taste, these boatmen only hoped not to starve, who could be picky?

Old Madam Ding’s eyebrows twitched seeing this, quickly volunteered to lend a hand.

Onboard, cooking was rotated among crew, the two Boatmen gladly relinquished duties and generously offered a small stove for Granny Wu to boil water for tea.

With Old Madam Ding’s skills and after Old Granny Wu and Gu Yu finished tidying the rooms, they all helped, swiftly preparing lunch.

It was simple, having just docked at Jing County for supplies, they had meat and vegetables available.

Old Madam Ding was quite proficient; the aroma was carried by the wind onto the deck, drawing many Boatmen out by the smell.

"Who cooked today? Damn, it smells amazing!"

"Since when did Er Gouzi get such skills?"

"Damn it, eating grub all the way along, I’m turning into a pig!"

...

As the two Boatmen responsible for cooking served the food in wooden buckets, the Boatmen couldn’t hold back, rushing and grabbing eagerly.

"This is real food—"

"Oh heavens, are you human? Leave some for me!"

"Get away, that piece of meat is mine!"

...

Almost ended up in a fight.

The steersman received his portion separately from the Boatmen, surprise visibly evident upon smelling the aroma.

"Eldest Brother, cooked by the family’s women, smells extraordinary. Try it."

The steersman eyed the Boatman, "Still, be cautious of anything consumed, don’t let anyone tamper with it."

The Boatman grinned, "How could we allow that? We’re watching like hawks, nothing goes wrong. Besides, it’s all from the same pot, they’re eating this too."

Only then did the steersman lower his head, taking one bite with chopsticks, and after pausing, he couldn’t resist speeding up his eating.

The Boatman seeing the steersman said no more, was about to withdraw, the steersman casually remarked, "Tell the Graduate to have their women handle our meals from now on, they can halve the accommodation fee."

The Boatman cheerfully agreed, knowing the steersman couldn’t endure the daily pigfeed anymore.

If they reached the Capital by year-end, the bonus would be generous. Though the accommodation fee from hitching a ride was considerable, splitting it among the crew meant little for each. To escape the fate of eating pigfeed the whole trip, everyone would certainly be pleased.

With the steersman’s approval and the first meal conquered by Old Madam Ding’s culinary skills, the Boatmen’s attitude improved.

Hot water supply became ample, no more restrictions on accessing the deck during the day either.

Yang Zongbao, being eloquent, perceptive, and tactful, quickly bonded with the Boatmen, treating each other as brothers.

Song Chongjin, being a Graduate, was initially regarded with distance despite not looking scholarly. Yet daily, besides reading, he fished on the deck, though dark-faced, he spoke amicably. With such daily interactions, unfamiliarity dissipated.

Latterly, amidst a sudden tempest, the sail was meant to lower but got tightly tangled by wind, the sail whipping, making it seemingly inevitable to crash ashore.

The steersman tried controlling the rudder, helplessly, no one was able to untangle the sail. Amidst crisis, it was Song Chongjin who leaped onto the mast, swiftly severing the tangled ropes, releasing the sail.

He effectively saved the entire ship’s crew.

Thereafter, the Boatmen looked at Song Chongjin with reverence.

Even the steersman’s attitude improved, personally thanking Song Chongjin, returning all the accommodation money and voluntarily providing his name—Duan Chuanzhou.

Upon knowing Song Chongjin was headed to the Capital for exams, Duan Chuanzhou simply reassured, once reaching the Capital, should a place be needed to settle, he’s got it covered.

Since the sail incident, the official ship’s crew were frank men, no longer treating the Song Family as outsiders.