The boat traveled along the Shu River for two days before finally arriving at Yun Chuan in Yun State.
As the sun was shining, Lin Jiaojiao sat at the bow of the boat, basking in the warm spring sunshine at 09:00. She held the edge of the boat with both hands, reaching to her chest, and lifted her face, eyes closed, to soak in the warmth of the sun.
Xuemei and Qingtao stood nearby, while Chen Qian rested her chin on her hand, daydreaming. For a moment, all that could be heard was the sound of the wind by the river and the chirping of birds in the woods.
As usual, the men on the boat drank tea and played chess. One chessboard represented a whole world; the white and black pieces intermingled, and a silent battle was waged.
"Eh? Are we about to reach the Tian-Shu Grand Canal?" Xuemei asked quietly as she noticed the boat changing its direction.
