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The meeting room at Dragon's Edge Woodcutters was filled with a sense of urgency and anticipation. Wu Meifen stood at the head of the table, addressing the assembled group. "As you all know, we have received a sudden extensive order from the Magistrate. Large-scale renovations are typically done earlier in the year, but this order must be fulfilled promptly. We need to mobilize our resources effectively."
Master Zhao spoke next, describing a new area he discovered on the other side of the great river with bountiful resources. "The timber there is of excellent quality, and the location is suitable for harvesting," he explained, pointing to a map spread out on the table.
Zhang Mingyu raised her hand. "Mistress Wu, shall I contact our other patrons and inform them of the delay in their orders?"
"Yes, Mingyu. Please offer them compensation to maintain their patronage," Wu Meifen instructed. "We can not afford to lose our loyal customers."
Wu Meifen continued, "The renovation will begin early next week. Our first batch of supplies and materials will cover the first two weeks of work. During this time, we will gather and process additional wood. The hunters' cabin near the river will serve as our temporary base of operations. We will set up equipment and tools there, and the workers will stay for two continuous weeks."
Wu Chen nodded, stepping forward. "I will select a dozen experienced workers for this task, including some seniors who are fast and efficient. We will also send a healer to address any potential accidents."
Zhang Mingyu spoke up again, "I have received a reply from the Zen Clinic and Pharmacy. Physician Chu Feichen will accompany us as the healer."
Wu Chen continued listing the names of those going for the wood gathering job on the other side of the river: himself, Zhao Baiyi, Master Jiang, Zhao Tao—who had taken a sick leave due to flu—Xiao Feng, and three other experienced apprentices: Xiao Lin, Xiao Han, and Xiao Bai, the only female woodcutter apprentice known for her superb talent. Cook Gu and Chief Helper Jing Xiu would also accompany them, along with Physician Chu Feichen.
Scholar Li Ziqian added, "I will ensure that adequate supplies and food are delivered to the cabin. We will need to plan for at least half a month's worth of provisions."
"Indeed," Wu Chen said. "The magistrate has offered us assistance, including escorts and the use of an official large boat to transport materials across the river. The river can be treacherous during this season, so a large boat is crucial."
Wu Meifen then spoke up, "I will join the team at the hunters' cabin."
The room fell silent, and several workers voiced their concerns. "Mistress Wu, it is too dangerous," one said.
"You should not risk yourself," another added.
Wu Chen raised his hand, silencing the room. "There is a significant reason for her decision. The first hundred days of Ling Kai's death anniversary are approaching, and Mistress Wu must complete the 100-hour prayer ritual at the site of his passing."
The workers exchanged solemn glances, understanding the importance of the tradition. "After completing the prayers, Mistress Wu will return immediately," Wu Chen assured them.
Wu Meifen then addressed the two seniors, artisan mistress Liu Min and craftsman master Wang Bo, "While Uncle Wu Chen is away, you will be temporarily in charge of the workshop. Ensure everything runs smoothly and maintain our high standards. Mistress Liu will guide the young apprentices' teachings for the time being."
She turned to Scholar Li and Zhang Mingyu, "Both of you will handle the important business matters as usual."
"We will depart at first light in the morrow." Wu Chen concluded the meeting.
The workers nodded, acknowledging their responsibilities. With the plan set, the meeting concluded, and everyone understood their roles and the urgency of the task ahead.
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The preparations for the two-week work expedition began immediately.
Right after the meeting, Scholar Li Ziqian coordinated with Chief Helper Jing Xiu and Head Cook Gu to organize the necessary food provisions and supplies. They needed to ensure the workers would have enough to sustain them for at least half a month.
In the kitchen, Cook Gu instructed his daughter, Yiyi, who would lead the kitchen in his absence. "Yiyi, make sure to keep the fire going and prepare enough meals for everyone. You have a good sense of what needs to be done," he said, his tone firm but caring.
"Yes, Father. I will handle everything here," Yiyi replied confidently.
Meanwhile, Chief Helper Jing Xiu gathered the young helpers and apprentices. "While I'm away, I expect you to keep the living quarters in order. Clean the dormitories, the outhouse, and the courtyard regularly. Don't slack off," she instructed, her authoritative voice leaving no room for disobedience.
"Yes, Chief Jing. We'll take care of everything," one of the apprentices responded eagerly.
That evening after working hours, The four apprentices going on the expedition—Xiao Lin, Xiao Feng, Xiao Han, and Xiao Bai—were all gathered around at the low wooden platform, where they could unwind, enjoying the night breeze and starlit courtyard. They just finished packing their clothes and tools.
Xiao Lin was excited about the journey, particularly the prospect of boarding a large boat for the first time. "I've never been on a boat before! This is going to be an adventure," he exclaimed.
Xiao Feng, on the other hand, was nervous. "I can't swim. What if something goes wrong?" he muttered, his face pale.
"Don't worry, Xiao Feng," Xiao Bai said reassuringly. "We'll be careful. I'm more concerned about the sleeping arrangements. Not many women are going, and I want to ensure we have some privacy."
Chief Jing overheard their conversation. "Xiao Bai, you, Mistress Wu, and I might share a cabin. You'll have your privacy," she said, putting Xiao Bai at ease.
Xiao Han, always the cheerful one, was excited about everything. "This is going to be great! New experiences and lots to learn," he said, his enthusiasm infectious.
The preparations continued at Wu Meifen's household as well, Wu Meifen informed everyone about her upcoming ancestral vigil and her plans to accompany the workers. "I will be gone for up to five days," she told them. She instructed Mrs. Tang to take care of little Ling Yu and help pack practical but refined clothes for her travels.
The next day, the journey would start before sunrise, beginning at the shop where everyone would meet.
Wu Chen, always thorough, prepared everything in the workshop meticulously. He mentioned the still sleeping Old Man Ping to be the one who would oversee the workshop in his absence and advised Wang Bo on maintaining the operations smoothly. "Listen to Mistress Liu's instructions and keep everything in order," he told the apprentices, ensuring they understood their responsibilities.
Xiao Feng found a quiet moment to talk to Yiyi in the front corner of the shop. "Yiyi, I'll be gone for two weeks. I'll miss you," he said softly.
Yiyi smiled, touching his arm gently. "Take care of yourself, Xiao Feng. I'll be here when you get back," she replied.
Their moment was interrupted by Cook Gu's sudden appearance. "Xiao Feng, you better focus on the work ahead," he said gruffly, though a hint of a smile betrayed his approval.
"Yes, Master Gu," Xiao Feng replied, blushing.
As they prepared to depart, the workers felt a mix of excitement and solemnity, understanding the significance of the tasks ahead and the importance of fulfilling both their professional duties.
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The expedition required careful planning of their journey. They prepared three carriages and two wagons for the trip. The carriages would carry the workers, while the wagons were loaded with food provisions, woodcutting tools, and other necessary materials. Wu Meifen, Wu Chen, and the senior workers would sit in the first carriage, while the apprentices and other workers would occupy the remaining carriages and wagons.
The magistrate provided five escorts, including Wu Yunzhou, to ensure their safety. The escorts would also assist with the transport of materials and provide protection along the journey. Wu Yunzhou would coach the first carriage, leading the convoy.
They traveled through the bustling market district, passing Wu Meifen's residence along the way to pick her up.
Upon arriving at the front of her residence, Wu Meifen was already in front of the entrance's threshold waiting for the convoy with Xiao Li and Mrs. Tang, Xiao Yu-er, was still sleeping in his room since it's currently the dawn of the morning to see her off.
"Xiao Li, ensure the residence is well-protected and maintained while I'm away," she commanded Xiao Li while Wu Yunzhou was taking her bundle of luggage from Mrs. Tang.
"Yes, Mistress Wu. Everything will be in order," Xiao Li assured her.
The route would take them through the scenic outskirts of town, offering views of lush fields and distant hills. They would first stop at their mountain workshop to collect additional woodcutting tools and supplies. From there, they would travel along the northern edge of Mount Lóng, navigating the rugged mountain paths to reach the hunters' cabin on the southern edge near the river.
The journey was expected to take several hours, with the convoy moving steadily through the varying terrains. The scenery would shift from the bustling town to the serene countryside and finally to the dense, untamed forest surrounding Mount Lóng. By late-morning, they aimed to arrive at the hunters' cabin, ready to set up their temporary base and begin their crucial work for the magistrate.