Many people followed to watch the spectacle, not just the scholars, because many traveling merchants were also aware of the Insect Demon matter, but this is precisely the hardest to avoid.
The Lyuzhou Canal extends to the north, and it can also connect to the Northern Sea and West Sea. Although traveling to the north means shorter trips, those with enough capital aim for the Western Ocean—there lies the real fortune.
Yet, to do business at sea, one inevitably ends up eating fish to satisfy hunger, as no matter how much dry food is prepared, it can run out. Many times, to save the emergency provisions, fresh seafood is considered a priority.
Most Insect Demon cases can be avoided by cooking thoroughly, but it's not completely safe. There have been numerous incidents where eating cooked fish still led to trouble.
