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The group from Dragon's Edge arrived at the hunter's cabin by late-morning. The journey had been smooth, and everyone was eager to set up their temporary base. Wu Chen immediately started organizing the workers.
As the workers unpacked their belongings, Wu Chen gathered the apprentices. "Apprentices, get the tools and equipment set up and ready," he instructed. "Let's make sure everything is in place before we have a quick lunch, then head to the site Master Zhao mentioned for an inspection."
The apprentices sprang into action, fetching axes, saws, and ropes. They worked diligently, arranging tools and preparing the workspace.
The hunter's cabin, nestled deep within the forest and near a winding river, was more than just a simple shelter. It was a hub of activity and camaraderie for hunters who often spent days, sometimes weeks, in the wilderness. Designed to be functional and comfortable, it had various features that made it a suitable temporary workshop for the Dragon's Edge woodcutting team.
As the workers unpacked and prepared the equipment, Wu Meifen, Cook Gu, Helper Jing, and Physician Chu took a quick tour around the cabin. They were pleasantly surprised by how organized and well-kept the place was.
The cabin itself was a large, sturdy structure built from the local timber. The exterior walls were reinforced with thick logs, and the roof was made of tightly woven thatch, designed to withstand the elements. Surrounding the cabin was a small clearing with several outbuildings, including a stable for horses and an outhouse. The stable, though not large, could house up to six horses, each stall equipped with fresh hay and water troughs.
Upon entering the main cabin, one would find a large gathering hall, the heart of the structure. This room served multiple purposes: a mess hall for meals, a place to gather and share stories, and a space for meetings and planning. Long wooden tables and benches filled the room, their surfaces scarred and stained from years of use.
"The hunters really maintain this place well," Cook Gu remarked, nodding approvingly as they walked through the spacious gathering hall and into the kitchen. "The kitchen is well-stocked, too."
The kitchen was located at the back of the cabin, a spacious area equipped with a large stone hearth for cooking. A long butcher table dominated one side, where hunters could process their game. Hanging above the table were various tools and knives, each designed for a specific task. Shelves lined the walls, stocked with cooking supplies, dried herbs, and preserved foods. A small door led outside to the butcher area, where hunters could skin and clean their catches before bringing them inside.
Wu Meifen smiled. "We were fortunate to get permission from the hunters' guild to use this cabin, even though our request came at the last minute."
Helper Jing looked around with curiosity. "It's almost as if they were expecting us."
"Actually," Wu Meifen explained, "a few hunters were using this cabin up until a few days ago. The hunters' guild master notified them about our plan to borrow the place for a couple of weeks and advised them to clean up and restock the kitchen before they left."
Nearby the cabin was the outhouse, a simple wooden structure, offered necessary facilities, ensuring that the main living areas remained sanitary. Not far from it was a small, shallow clear brook, which provided fresh water; it quickly became a valuable resource for the group.
As they continued the tour, they arrived at the sleeping quarters area. Wu Meifen turned to Physician Chu. "One of these rooms is designated for healers. Let's find it."
To the left of the gathering hall were the sleeping quarters. The hunters had built several small rooms, each furnished with simple wooden bunks stacked two or three high, straw-filled mattresses, and woolen blankets.
Chief Helper Jing decided that these quarters needed to be divided into sections: one for female workers, one for male workers, and a separate room for Wu Meifen.
Wu Meifen's room was modest but comfortable, furnished with a small writing desk, a chair, and a chest for her belongings. The female workers, including Helper Jing, Xiao Bai and Escort Hua Meilin, shared a larger room with several bunks. The male workers, including the apprentices, stayed in a similar setup on the opposite side of the cabin. The three young apprentices, Xiao Feng, Xiao Han, and Xiao Lin, stayed in a similar setup on the opposite side of the cabin.
Master Zhao Baiyi and his son Zhao Tao shared a room, while Master Wu Chen and Master Jiang Liheng shared another. The four male escorts shared a separate large room next to the workers.
They checked each room until they found one at the end. It was filled with healing herbs and medicine, clearly prepared for emergencies, and two wooden bunks to accommodate injured patients.
"It's common for hunters to get injured while hunting, so this is a must," Wu Meifen said.
Physician Chu's eyes lit up with excitement. "I've never been anywhere other than our clinic since I started assisting my grandfather five years ago. I've never even ventured outside our Fenghuang village. This is amazing!"
Wu Meifen chuckled. "Well, we're still within our province of Longcheng, but I'm glad you're with us, Physician Chu."
Physician Chu Feichen, as a guest of honor and vital to their safety, was given a small, private room adjacent to the male workers' quarters right beside the healers' room.
After the quick tour and equipment setup, everyone gathered for a simple but hearty meal prepared by Cook Gu and Helper Jing.
For lunch, Cook Gu prepared a variety of dishes that were both practical and delicious, ensuring that the workers had the energy to start their tasks. The meal included:
Steamed Buns (Mantou): Soft and fluffy, perfect for soaking up the flavorful juices of the other dishes.
Stir-Fried Vegetables: A mix of bok choy, carrots, and bell peppers, seasoned with garlic and soy sauce.
Braised Pork: Tender pieces of pork belly, slow-cooked in a savory sauce with star anise, ginger, and soy sauce.
Rice: Steamed to perfection, providing a hearty base for the meal.
Pickled Vegetables: A tangy and crunchy side dish to complement the rich flavors.
"Let's make the most of the daylight," Wu Chen reminded them. "Master Zhao, lead the way once we're done here."
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After lunch, they hiked along the path from the cabin to the river dock, a trek that took just ten minutes.
The river dock was nearly deserted, with only a few people traveling to and from their destinations, hoping to avoid getting caught in the rainy season. Aside from passengers and travelers, some fishermen and boat owners were docking their boats right on schedule, knowing that the unpredictable summer rains would soon make fishing difficult and dangerous.
The large boat provided by the magistrate was docked securely, the only vessel brave enough to challenge the rough torrents of the river. Most other boats, including smaller fishing vessels and even some larger ones, had been brought ashore and stored in a large, barn-like structure near the dock. This sturdy storage building, designed to protect the boats from the elements, looked almost like a fortress with its thick wooden walls and reinforced doors.
When the workers from Lóng Fámù Zhě arrived at the dock, they marveled at the sight. The river, swollen and raging from the recent storms, made it clear why so many boats had been brought ashore. Xiao Bai couldn't help but wonder how such large boats were lifted out of the water but kept her curiosity to herself, not wanting to seem ignorant. Xiao Han, however, voiced the question on her behalf.
"Wow! What kind of person could lift those huge and heavy boats?" Xiao Han exclaimed, his eyes wide with amazement.
One of the three escorts accompanying them, a patient and knowledgeable man named Escort Chun Haoyu, smiled at the question. "It's not just one person who lifts those boats, Xiao Han," he began. "It's a team effort, and there are specific techniques and tools involved."
Before boarding, the workers and boatmen carefully loaded the equipment and tools needed for the woodcutting expedition. Zhao Tao, Xiao Lin, and Xiao Feng worked alongside the boatmen and other two escorts, Escort Wu Yunzhou and Escort Bao Hong securing saws, axes, ropes, and other essential tools. Two sturdy wagons were also brought aboard, designed to transport the cut timbers, wood, and logs from the harvesting area to the boat and from the boat back to the hunters' cabin.
"Make sure everything is tied down securely," Wu Chen instructed. "We don't want anything shifting during the crossing."
The workers nodded, ensuring all the equipment was properly secured. Meanwhile, Escort Chun explained the process to Xiao Han and Xiao Bai, who listened attentively as they waited for the equipment to be loaded.
"Let me explain," Escort Chun continued. "For small fishing boats, it's usually done manually by a group of strong men. They use ropes and wooden beams as levers to lift the boats out of the water and onto the shore. It's hard work but manageable with enough hands."
He pointed to the barn-like structure. "For larger boats, it's a bit more complicated. We use a system of pulleys and winches. The boat is secured with strong ropes attached to the pulleys, and the winch is used to slowly and steadily pull the boat ashore. It takes a lot of coordination and strength, but it's safer and more efficient."
Xiao Han nodded, fascinated by the explanation. "That makes sense. So, it's not about lifting with pure strength but using tools and teamwork."
"Just like us at Dragon's Edge, we also rely on tools and teamwork," Xiao Bai said in a low voice, though a hint of marvel could be heard as she absorbed the new knowledge.
"Exactly," Escort Chun said. "My father and grandfather were fishermen, and they taught me these techniques. It's all about working together and using the right tools."