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After half an hour of smooth sailing, the boat approached the other side of the river. The workers disembarked and unloaded the tools and equipment, ready for the trek to the harvesting site. Master Zhao led the way, guiding them through the forest path for another twenty minutes before reaching the site.
"This way," he said, pointing to a well-trodden path. "It's a short walk from here."
The harvesting area was a vast expanse of forest, rich with various types of trees, making it ideal for their work. Common species included pine, oak, and cedar, while more precious timbers like rosewood, mahogany, and sandalwood were also present. These premium woods were highly sought after for construction and crafting.
"This place is perfect," Master Zhao noted, pointing to a clear stream nearby. "We can have lunch here and get fresh water for the coming days."
The forest floor was carpeted with lush undergrowth, and a clear, clean stream ran through the area, providing a refreshing spot for the workers to take breaks, have lunch, and even wash their tools. The surroundings were serene, with the sounds of birds and the rustle of leaves creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Wu Chen nodded in agreement. "Let's start gathering wood. We need to make the most of the daylight."
They gathered for a briefing on how to organize the team.
Wu Chen, as the team leader, began designating tasks to each member of the group. "Listen up, everyone," he called out. "Here's how we're going to do this."
Wu Chen: "I'll oversee the entire operation and ensure everything runs smoothly. Master Zhao and Master Jiang, you both have specific roles based on your expertise."
Master Zhao Baiyi: "I'll focus on felling the larger trees and processing them into usable logs. My strength and experience will be best used here."
Master Jiang Liheng: "I'll take care of the detailed woodwork and ensure that the premium timbers like rosewood and mahogany are handled with care."
Wu Chen to Zhao Tao: "As our logistic coordinator, you'll manage the transportation of the cut wood. Make sure the wagons are loaded correctly and the timbers are secured."
After instructing Zhao Tao, Wu Chen took the attention of the four apprentices (Xiao Feng, Xiao Han, Xiao Lin, Xiao Bai)
Wu Chen: "You four will assist wherever needed. Xiao Bai, your talent will be invaluable in supporting Master Jiang with the premium woods. Xiao Feng, Xiao Han, and Xiao Lin, you'll work with Master Zhao on the larger trees."
Not forgetting three escorts (Chun Haoyu, Wu Yunzhou, and Bao Hong)
Wu Chen: "Your primary role is to ensure our safety, but you'll also help with transporting the wood. Escort Chun, you and Bao Hong will stay close to the workers in the forest. Zhouzhou, you'll assist Tao-er with logistics."
Wu Chen began explaining the detailed process of woodcutting to the apprentices and workers, making sure everyone understood their roles.
"First, we need to identify the trees we want to cut," Wu Chen started. "Master Zhao, you'll lead this part."
Master Zhao: "We look for trees that are mature and healthy. Pine, oak, and cedar are common, but we also want to identify rosewood, mahogany, and sandalwood. These are more valuable and require special handling."
Xiao Han: "Master Zhao, how do we tell if a tree is ready to be cut?"
Master Zhao: "We check the thickness of the trunk, the health of the leaves, and the overall height. A mature tree will have a thick, sturdy trunk and healthy foliage. We'll mark the trees with a notch."
Once the trees were selected, the team prepared to fell them. Wu Chen continued, "Safety is paramount. Always be aware of your surroundings and make sure the area is clear before you start cutting."
Xiao Lin: "What tools will we use, Master?"
Wu Chen: "For felling trees, we use axes and saws. Each tool has its purpose. The axes are for making the initial notches, and the saws are for cutting through the trunk."
Master Zhao demonstrated the technique. "Start with a notch on the side facing the direction you want the tree to fall. Then, make a back cut on the opposite side. The tree will fall towards the notch."
The apprentices watched closely, absorbing the information. Once a tree was felled, the next step was to process it into usable logs.
Master Jiang: "This is where the detailed work begins. We strip the bark and cut the logs to the required lengths. For premium woods, we need to be extra careful to avoid damaging the timber."
After the woodcutting process was explained, everyone confirmed their individual roles.
Wu Chen: "I'll monitor the progress and ensure we stay on schedule. If any issues arise, report them to me immediately."
Master Zhao: "I'll handle the larger trees and supervise the apprentices working with me. It's crucial to maintain efficiency and safety."
Master Jiang: "My focus will be on the premium timbers. Xiao Bai, you'll assist me. Pay close attention to the techniques I use."
Zhao Tao: "I'll coordinate the transportation. Once the logs are ready, we'll load them onto the wagons. Escorts Chun and Bao Hong, help me secure the loads."
Xiao Feng, Xiao Han, Xiao Lin: "We'll support Master Zhao with the felling and initial processing."
"Stay focused and work as a team." Wu Chen reminded them.
Wu Yunzhou: "Our main duty is to protect everyone. But me and Escort Bao will lend a hand with Tao-er, while Escort Chun will help with the security in the forest."
Wu Chen then unrolled a long vertical scroll and pinned it to a tree. It contained the guidelines for the operation. "Here are some do's and don'ts to keep in mind," he announced.
Do's:
1. Always wear protective gear.
2. Communicate clearly and regularly.
3. Be aware of your surroundings.
4. Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue.
5. Follow the instructions of the master woodcutters.
Don'ts:
1. Don't work alone. Always have a partner.
2. Don't ignore safety protocols.
3. Don't rush. Quality and safety are more important than speed.
4. Don't leave tools lying around. Keep the work area organized.
5. Don't forget to stay hydrated and eat regularly.
With the instructions clear, the team began their work. Master Zhao and the apprentices started felling trees, while Master Jiang and Xiao Bai focused on the premium timbers. Zhao Tao and the escorts managed the transportation, ensuring the cut wood was safely loaded onto the wagons.
Wu Chen: "Let's make the most of the daylight. Stay focused and work efficiently."
The forest echoed with the sound of axes and saws, the workers falling into a steady rhythm. The apprentices, though still learning, showed promise under the guidance of the experienced masters.
Xiao Bai: "Master Jiang, is this the correct way to cut the rosewood?"
Master Jiang: "Yes, Xiao Bai. Be gentle but firm. Rosewood is precious and can splinter if not handled properly."
Xiao Feng: "Master Zhao, this tree is much bigger than the others. How should we approach it?"
Master Zhao: "We'll need to work together on this one. Start with a deep notch and make sure your cuts are precise."
As the day progressed, the team made significant progress, the pile of harvested wood growing steadily. The clear stream nearby provided a perfect spot for breaks, with the workers taking moments to rest, drink fresh water, and wash their tools.
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As the sun began to set, Wu Chen called the workers together. "All right, everyone, let's wrap it up for today. We need to get back to the cabin before it gets dark."
Zhao Baiyi took charge of organizing the end-of-day procedures. "We'll leave some of the larger tools and non-essential equipment here," he said. "Make sure everything is secured and covered."
The workers began the trek back to the boat, carrying the cut wood and timbers. It was a twenty-minute walk, and the load was heavy, but their spirits remained high.
Upon reaching the boat, they carefully loaded their harvest, ensuring the wood was properly secured for the thirty-minute crossing back to the other side of the river.
Once they arrived, they unloaded the wood and other materials, then began the final ten-minute hike back to the cabin.
By the time they returned to the cabin, night had fallen. Wu Meifen was still at the ancestral home, attending to the vigil, so the workers proceeded with their routines.
Cook Gu had prepared a hearty dinner, which was waiting for them. The menu included steamed rice, braised pork belly, stir-fried vegetables, and a nourishing fish soup. The warm, savory smells filled the cabin, lifting the workers' spirits.
As they sat down to eat, Cook Gu mentioned, "My left kneecap is hurting. I suspect there might be rain later tonight or tomorrow."
Wu Chen nodded, understanding Cook Gu's superstition. "From my experience, his aching joints often predict incoming rain," he said with full seriousness. "Just to be safe, we should secure today's harvested wood indoors."
The workers were skeptical but agreed, and after finishing their meal, they set to work organizing the wood they had brought back.
When Helper Jing returned from delivering dinner to Wu Meifen, Wu Chen suggested, "Mrs. Jing, take Yunzhou with you when the praying hours are over to assist Meifen. She might be too numb to walk back on her own."
"I'll come along too," Physician Chu volunteered. "I can check on Mistress Wu's condition."