Chapter 221: The Voyage

Chapter 221: Voyage

On the 23rd day of the 10th month in the 24th year of the Yuanhua era, as winter approached with its biting cold winds, the first oceanic fleet of the Great Yu Dynasty set sail from Tianjin Port, officially ushering in a magnificent era filled with gold, adventure, and opportunities.

In the history textbooks of later generations, whether in Chinese history, world history, or the histories of other nations, the events that took place at the newly built Tianjin Port on this day would occupy a significant page, a highlight among highlights.

Qiu Huanian's gaze could not yet see that far into the future. He watched as the towering ships cut through the sea, their sails hoisted to the rhythm of the sailors' chants, gradually disappearing over the horizon. His heart was filled with both exhilaration and a hidden worry.

Mei Wangshu, disguised, had infiltrated the fleet. The entire fleet, comprising dozens of ships along with their escorting troops, included over ten thousand people from various places. For a former top-tier guard skilled in concealment, hiding his identity was as simple and natural as a drop of water merging into the sea.

Zhu Jingcheng and Wei Quan, a merchant from Xiangping Prefecture, were also part of the fleet. They would be among the first merchants of the Yu Dynasty to actively engage in trade with foreigners. This journey was fraught with both opportunities and risks. Since ancient times, to achieve extraordinary wealth and status, one must first dare to take a bold leap.

Su Xinbai also came to the port to see them off. Little Raccoon was almost two years old. The child, intelligent from a young age, could already discern from the adults' reactions that his father was going away for a long time. This morning, he stubbornly clung to the door, refusing to leave unless he was taken to the port.

The port was windy, and Little Raccoon was wrapped in a large fox fur cloak, wearing a woolen hat and a thick cotton jacket, resembling a giant solid plush ball.

When Qiu Huanian approached, the father and son were still facing the direction of the departing fleet, gazing at the empty sea. Their similar faces bore identical expressions.

The uncle holding Little Raccoon greeted Qiu Huanian, who reached out to touch the child's fluffy hair. "The wind is too strong. Let's go back to the carriage. It's not good to catch a cold."

Su Xinbai finally snapped out of his reverie, still looking listless. The fleet would be gone for at least four to five months, and by the time they returned, spring would be halfway over. Since marrying Zhu Jingcheng, Su Xinbai had never been separated for so long. Qiu Huanian could somewhat understand his feelings.

"I wonder who it was that acted so aloof, barely saying a word before Jingcheng boarded the ship, only to turn into a longing stone the moment the ship left," Qiu Huanian teased, leaning closer to Su Xinbai and blinking. "Do you know who this person is, Mr. Su?"

Su Xinbai took a deep breath, glaring at Qiu Huanian in embarrassment, though the gloom in his heart had dissipated somewhat.

The group walked towards the nearby carriage. Qiu Huanian, while playing with Little Raccoon, said, "Since Jingcheng won't be here for the New Year, and you're not returning to Liaozhou, why not come to our place for the celebration? The most important thing during the New Year is to be lively."

"Little Raccoon, do you want to come to your godfather's house for the New Year?"

Children forget quickly, and Little Raccoon giggled, "Yes! Yes! Teach the little brothers to count!"

"Then it's settled," Qiu Huanian turned to the adults. "I'll prepare the courtyard and send someone to pick you up for the New Year."

The Qishu County Princess was decisive, and Mr. Su's protests were in vain.

Su Xinbai looked back once more at the vast, endless sea, praying to all the gods for the safe and swift return of the travelers.

Fortunately, he still had Little Raccoon, close friends, and the affairs of Qimin Bookstore to keep him busy. Otherwise, facing the empty house alone, he wouldn't know what to do.

...

As if in response to Qiu Huanian's statement that "the most important thing during the New Year is to be lively," just a few days after the fleet's departure, Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling arrived in Tianjin.

After two or three years apart, Yun Cheng had grown much taller, now fully resembling an adult. Meng Yuanling hadn't changed much, now standing shorter than Yun Cheng. Upon seeing Qiu Huanian, he immediately wanted to rush over for a hug.

Qiu Huanian, amused and exasperated, pulled him back and steadied him. "You're almost four months pregnant. Shouldn't you be more careful and steady?"

Meng Yuanling laughed, his dimples showing. "It's fine! My baby is very well-behaved, not causing any trouble. Besides having a better appetite, I feel nothing at all."

Qiu Huanian asked Yun Cheng about their journey, and Yun Cheng confirmed that Meng Yuanling was right. Throughout the trip, Meng Yuanling hadn't experienced any nausea or vomiting and could even devour half a plate of pastries for a midnight snack, suffering no discomfort.

"Brother Hua, do you have anything tasty? I'm starving," Meng Yuanling clung to Qiu Huanian's arm, whining.

As Qiu Huanian's status and position rose, many around him became increasingly cautious and respectful. Few were as clingy and fond of acting spoiled as Meng Yuanling. The familiar feeling made Qiu Huanian laugh.

"The kitchen has prepared a feast, but it's not time yet. Let's go inside first, and I'll have them bring some snacks to tide you over."

The group entered the inner residence. Meng Yuanling, sharp-eyed, immediately noticed the dozen or so tomato plants in front of the main house. These tomatoes had been planted a bit late, and by late autumn, their leaves had withered without much growth. Each plant bore five or six tomatoes, with the ripe ones carefully picked. Now, only a few small, unripe ones hung on the branches.

Meng Yuanling had never seen this plant before and leaned in closer, bending over to take a look. "Is this a persimmon? No, persimmons grow on trees, and this doesn’t look like one."

Meng Yuanling got straight to the point, "Brother Hua, can it be eaten?"

"Yes, it's called a tomato. It's an overseas plant and is very delicious. You can eat it raw, stir-fry it with eggs, or stew it with beef."

Meng Yuanling’s mouth was practically watering at the thought. Ever since he became pregnant, his cravings had been out of control, and his greatest daily joy was eating.

Yun Cheng walked over to Meng Yuanling, carefully supporting him to keep him from tripping. Meng Yuanling excitedly gestured, "Can you just pick it and eat it? Do you need to peel it?"

"These are not ripe yet. Your family makes tofu, so you should know that rushing things ruins them."

Meng Yuanling puffed out his cheeks, "Brother Hua, stop teasing me. Let me have a taste."

The harvested tomatoes were stored in the cellar for preservation. The earliest batch had seeds preserved using a special method favored by the seasoned farmers, ready to be planted again next year. Qiu Huanian had someone fetch a few tomatoes, cut them into pieces, sprinkled them with sugar, and served them.

The bright red tomato slices were arranged in a black porcelain square plate, topped with pure white sugar. The rich juice oozed from the slices, releasing a sweet, tangy, and refreshing aroma.

Qiu Huanian pointed at the plate and said, "By the way, this dish is called 'Snow Pressing the Flaming Mountain.'" Before he could finish, he couldn't help but laugh.

Meng Yuanling didn't know why Qiu Huanian was laughing and started eating directly. Yun Cheng thought the name was straightforward yet charmingly rustic, finding it quite interesting. After he said so, Qiu Huanian laughed even harder.

Well, compared to "cold mixed tomatoes," the overly dramatic name "Snow Pressing the Flaming Mountain" at least uses metaphorical language. Couldn't that be considered a kind of progress?

When the fleet set sail, a grand sacrificial ceremony was held at Tianjin Port, with many pigs, cows, and sheep slaughtered. After the ceremony, the beef was sent to a designated facility, where it was made available for purchase by specific groups according to regulations.

Now that the weather had turned cold, the meat could be stored for a long time in a dedicated ice cellar. Qiu Huanian bought dozens of pounds of beef in one go, finally satisfying his craving for beef.

Auntie Yu, who had worked in the prefect's residence for many years, was skilled in cooking beef. Under Qiu Huanian's guidance, she quickly created a Yu Dynasty version of "Tomato Stewed Beef Brisket," once again outshining Yin Chuan.

Today, as Yun Cheng and Meng Yuanling had traveled from afar, this unique delicacy, unmatched in the entire Yu Dynasty, was served at the welcoming banquet.

Meng Yuanling particularly loved the taste of tomatoes and ate three small bowls of rice with the dish. Yun Cheng, worried he might overeat, gently tugged his sleeve under the table. Meng Yuanling didn't say a word, just gave Yun Cheng a pitiful look. After three seconds of eye contact, Yun Cheng sighed softly, took his bowl, and served him a small half portion before placing it back.

"Last half-bowl, no more."

Meng Yuanling nodded repeatedly and continued to bury his head in the bowl, devouring the food.

Qiu Huanian watched their exchange and winked at Du Yunse beside him. The increasingly authoritative Du Yunse sat upright during the meal, expressionlessly picking up Qiu Huanian's bowl and serving him some of his favorite dishes.

Qiu Huanian stifled a laugh. Fortunately, Meng Yuanling was too busy eating to notice his brother and sister-in-law imitating him, or he would surely have blushed and made a fuss.

...

Time flows, and the changing seasons are an unchanging natural law. From the moment the first padded garment was donned, winter arrived unstoppably.

Wu Shen and Min Leyi's marriage was officially settled, with Emperor Zhaoxin personally bestowing the marriage and ordering the Ministry of Rites to assist the two families in preparing the wedding. The emperor's grace was overwhelming, and no one dared to criticize Min Leyi's temperament or eccentricities anymore. Everyone was envious of the young man who could marry General Wu Shen.

Their wedding was held in mid-November, somewhat rushed, but with the assistance of the Ministry of Rites, it was still an extraordinarily grand affair, dispelling the dark clouds that had lingered over the capital since the palace coup.

Qiu Huanian and Du Yunse made a special trip back to the capital to congratulate their friends. Min Leyi's father, Min Taikang, and his grandmother also came from out of town.

As Min Leyi's close friend and half-matchmaker, Qiu Huanian received a warm reception from the Min family. The day before the wedding, Qiu Huanian visited Min Leyi and took a look at his dowry list, which left him shocked.

"Did your family sell all their assets to write this? How is there so much?"

Min Leyi disliked dealing with accounts, and he had only carefully read the dowry list because his grandmother insisted. He took it and pointed, "Only this page—one house, three shops, three estates, and a thousand taels of silver—was prepared by my family for me."

"The rest, from here to here, are the betrothal gifts from the Wu family, which my father and siblings insisted I take with me. From here to here, are the additional gifts bestowed by His Majesty, which also need to be added to the list."

The Wu family had only one child, Wu Shen, and the betrothal gifts they offered were full of sincerity. Together with the dowry, the list was already quite eye-catching. Adding the dowry prepared by Emperor Zhaoxin according to the standard of a princess made it even more astonishing. Even the noble families marrying off their children didn't have such an extravagant dowry.

Qiu Huanian roughly estimated that Min Leyi's dowry, if converted into silver, would amount to thirty or forty thousand taels, equivalent to several years of net income for Qiu's Six Staples.

Min Leyi was completely indifferent to his wealth and excitedly whispered to Qiu Huanian, "Wu Shen told me that once the situation in the capital stabilizes next year, he will probably return to the frontier to command troops. He plans to take me horseback riding and archery on the grasslands!"

Qiu Huanian chuckled, "I think we should skip the wedding and have Wu Shen take you to the frontier on horseback right now. That would make you truly happy."

Min Leyi cleared his throat but did not refute. Indeed, he disliked the tedious rituals and preparations for the wedding and had been convincing himself to endure by fantasizing about galloping across the grasslands in the future.

He dared not share these thoughts with his grandmother or others, only venting to Qiu Huanian. After all, Hua-ge already knew even more embarrassing stories about him and Wu Shen. With so many debts already, what's one more?