Leaving Luofu Port, the merchant ship proceeded upstream towards Yazhi City. The downstream flow of the Roen River was calm, so even without the help of boat trackers, the oarsmen alone could fight against the current, though the speed would be much slower.
However, the ship Luo'er and others were riding was somewhat unusual. It was a rudimentary paddle steamer made of wood and powered by steam engines. It was called a paddle steamer because large paddle wheels could be seen on both sides of the ship.
Driven by the steam engine, the paddle wheels propelled the merchant ship upstream. This was much faster than rowing and more stable than a sail. The ship's body mostly assumed a wooden structure, and only key parts were made of metal.
Seeing the paddle steamer, everyone actually longed more to see the emergence of trains. Over a month of continuous walking had indeed left a profound impact on their psyche, especially in a mountainous country like Masya.
