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As Wu Meifen continued her meticulous work, a soft knock echoed from her door. It was Zhao Tao, his silhouette familiar and comforting in the dim light.
"Mistress Wu, I thought you might need some help," Zhao Tao offered, stepping inside and handing over some more parchments. "Since I'm in logistics, best we work together." He showed a warm smile, his familiar grin bringing a sense of ease to the room.
Wu Meifen nodded, grateful for the company. "Thank you, Zhao Tao dage. Let's ensure everything is in order for the magistrate's shipment. The storm may delay us, but we won't let it stop us."
The two of them worked side by side, their shared silence occasionally broken by the sound of rain and the scratching of brushes on parchment. Her cousin-in-law's presence provided a much-needed respite from the oppressive weight of her thoughts. She appreciated his ability to lighten the mood without forcing conversation.
Meanwhile, inside of Master Jiang and Master Wu's shared room, they took advantage of the downtime to finalize the schedule for the coming days, given the unpredictability of the rainy season.
"We need to ensure we stay on track despite the weather," Wu Chen said, spreading out a map on the table.
Master Jiang nodded. "Agreed. Let's prioritize the most accessible areas first and save the more challenging sites for when the weather is more stable."
Together, they worked out a detailed plan, factoring in contingencies for further storms. The clamor of the rain outside seemed a world away as they focused on their task, the map becoming a battlefield of strategic placements and careful considerations.
In the Gathering Hall.
As the storm raged outside, the workers, having organized and secured the materials and equipment in the shed, stayed warm and dry inside the cabin. The mess hall became the heart of their activities. Zhao Baiyi, an accomplished musician, found a guqin left behind in one of the sleeping rooms and began to play. Escort Bao Hong, if he knew the songs, sometimes joined him in a duet, their music lifting everyone's spirits.
Xiao Bai approached Escort Chun Haoyu, her curiosity about boats rekindled by their earlier conversation.
"Escort Chun, can you tell me more about boats? How are they constructed, and what are the different types?" she asked.
Escort Chun smiled, happy to share his knowledge. "Well, Xiao Bai, there are several types of boats. For example, small fishing boats are typically made of lightweight wood like cedar, which is easy to maneuver. Larger vessels, like the one we used, are constructed with sturdier wood such as oak, to withstand rough waters."
As he explained, Xiao Bai listened intently, absorbing the information. "That makes sense. It's fascinating how different woods serve different purposes."
"For larger ships, the hull design also varies," Chun Haoyu continued. "Warships, for instance, are built with reinforced planking and multiple decks to house troops and cannons. Trade ships, on the other hand, prioritize cargo space and stability over speed."
Xiao Bai's eyes widened. "It's incredible how much thought goes into the construction. I never realized how complex it was."
Chun Haoyu nodded. "Indeed. Every detail matters when you're out at sea. The right materials and design can mean the difference between a safe journey and a disaster."
For lunch, Cook Gu prepared comforting dishes to keep everyone nourished: steamed fish, braised pork, stir-fried vegetables, and hot soup. Snacks of roasted nuts and dried fruits were available throughout the day. Wu Meifen and Zhao Tao paused their work to have lunch with the others. The atmosphere was almost like a family vacation, with jokes, stories, and laughter filling the air.
Master Jiang and Wu Chen had a friendly rivalry that extended beyond their work. They competed in everything, from who could cut the most wood in the shortest time to who could eat the most during meals. Their antics often provided entertainment for the group.
The two sat side by side, bowls piled high with noodles.
"Chen, bet you can't finish this bowl faster than me," Jiang Liheng challenged, grinning.
"You're on, Liheng," Wu Chen replied, digging in with gusto.
Xiao Lin and Xiao Han watched, amused by their mentors' antics. "They're like kids," Xiao Lin commented.
"Totally," Xiao Han agreed. "I bet Master Jiang wins this one. He's been eating like a horse lately."
After a spirited contest, Wu Chen emerged victorious, letting out a triumphant laugh. "I told you I could do it!"
Jiang Liheng, not one to admit defeat easily, chuckled. "Alright, alright. You win this round, Chen. But just wait until our next challenge."
After eating, Zhao Baiyi shared a secret about his son. "No one knew, but Zhao Tao was actually seasick during our first crossing yesterday. He hid in the boat cabin the entire time."
Zhao Tao laughed, scratching his head. "I'll get used to it as time goes on since I'll be boarding it almost every day."
Master Jiang Liheng added, "I used to be like you, Tao. But you'll overcome it eventually."
As the rain continued to pour, everyone found ways to occupy themselves.
Master Zhao Baiyi took the opportunity to teach the apprentices some lessons. They gathered around a makeshift classroom setup in the corner of the mess hall, listening intently as Master Zhao explained different types of wood and their uses.
"This here is rosewood," Master Zhao said, holding up a sample. "It's highly prized for its durability and beautiful grain, often used in furniture and decorative carvings."
Xiao Bai, always eager to learn, asked, "Master Zhao, can you show us how to identify it in the forest?"
"Of course," Master Zhao replied. "Tomorrow, if the weather clears, we'll go over some identifying techniques."
Master Zhao continued, "Another important type of wood is mahogany. It's known for its straight, fine grain and reddish-brown color. It's often used for high-quality furniture and musical instruments."
Xiao Lin asked, "How do we differentiate mahogany from other reddish woods?"
Master Zhao smiled. "Good question. Mahogany has a unique, almost sweet scent when freshly cut. Its texture is also more uniform compared to other woods like cherry or walnut."
Xiao Han added, "And what about ebony? I've heard it's very rare."
Master Zhao nodded. "Yes, ebony is rare and very dense. It's almost black in color and has a fine texture. It's often used for fine instrument fingerboards."
Xiao Lin commented, "It's amazing how many types of wood there are and how each one has its own unique properties."
At the same time, the escorts found ways to entertain themselves. Wu Yunzhou challenged Escort Bao Hong to an arm-wrestling match, their competitive spirits lighting up the room.
"Ready to lose, Baobao?" Wu Yunzhou taunted.
"In your dreams, Zhouzhou," Bao Hong shot back, gripping his opponent's hand firmly.
The match drew a crowd, with the workers cheering and laughing as the two men struggled for dominance. Eventually, Bao Hong emerged victorious, much to his delight.
"Aiya! Better luck next time," Bao Hong said, clapping Wu Yunzhou on the back.
In the kitchen.
In the kitchen, Cook Gu, with the help of Chief Jing, spent time preparing for the next meal. The two worked seamlessly together, chopping vegetables, marinating meat, and stirring pots. The warm, fragrant aroma of their cooking filled the cabin, providing a comforting contrast to the storm outside.
"Xiu jiejie, could you pass me the ginger?" Cook Gu asked.
"Here you go," Jing Xiu replied, handing him a small bowl of sliced ginger. "Smells delicious, doesn't it?"
"It does. This should keep everyone's spirits up," Cook Gu agreed, smiling.
As they worked, they chatted about the day's events and plans for the future.
"Do you think the storm will last much longer?" Jing Xiu asked.
Cook Gu shrugged. "Hard to say. But storms like these usually pass after a day or two. In the meantime, we'll keep everyone well-fed and comfortable." He made sure that the hearth was well-stocked with firewood, ensuring that the cabin remained warm throughout the night.
As the evening approached, the group settled in for dinner. Cook Gu had prepared a warm feast: roast duck, steamed vegetables, rice, and a savory broth. The warm, filling meal was just what everyone needed after a long, stormy day.
After dinner, the five escorts decided to share tales of their adventures, facing bandits, protecting nobles, and escorting caravans. Each had thrilling stories to tell. Wu Yunzhou entertained the young apprentices with ghost stories, perfectly timed with the thunder that struck at the scariest parts, sending shivers down their spines.
"And then," Wu Yunzhou said, lowering his voice dramatically, "the ghost of the old woodsman appeared, his eyes glowing red in the darkness…"
The apprentices gasped, clutching each other in fright as the thunder roared outside, perfectly timed to his tale.
Bao Hong, seeing the apprentices' scared faces, added, "And some say the woodsman still roams these forests on stormy nights like this, seeking revenge for the trees that were cut down."
Xiao Han, trying to appear brave, said, "I don't believe in ghosts, but that story was still pretty spooky."
Wu Yunzhou grinned. "Whether you believe or not, it's always good to be cautious when you're out in the forest, especially at night. Strange things have been known to happen."
Xiao Feng shivered, more from the thrilling story than the cold. "I think I'll stay close to the cabin tonight, just in case."
The escorts laughed, enjoying the reactions of the younger workers. The shared stories brought a sense of unity and warmth that contrasted sharply with the raging storm outside.
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Meanwhile, Wu Meifen and Zhao Tao finished their inventory check. Wu Meifen looked out the window, the rain still pouring down.
"Thank you for your help today, dage," she said, her voice softer now. "It made a difficult task much easier."
Zhao Tao smiled warmly. "Anything for you, Meimei. We're all in this together." As they put away the last of the scrolls and brushes.
As the night deepened and the storm showed no signs of abating, everyone found a place to rest. The cabin was filled with a sense of camaraderie and peacefulness that no weather could dampen. The sound of the rain became a lullaby, soothing them into a restful sleep.
Outside, the storm raged on, but inside the cabin, they were safe, warm, and together.