Chapter Thirteen The Wang Family Fleet

The Hun River, stretching a hundred yards wide, resembled an enormous lake. It was said that the river was divided by lakes, with a new lake merging every few hundred miles, and thus, every such stretch of the Hun River was ruled by a different Water Lord. For ordinary folk, the spirits within these waters were not to be trifled with. Each Water Lord demanded the construction of temples in their honor, so shrines lined the riverbanks, their incense offerings flourishing. Before setting sail, merchant ships—large and small—would visit these temples to hold ceremonies, offering livestock and gifts, presenting red flowers as tokens, in exchange for a jade talisman to hang at the bow of their vessel, signifying respect.

These jade talismans were about two inches long, engraved with the image and name of the Water Lord governing that section of the river. For instance, the jade talisman from the De Yang Prefecture temple bore the inscription: “Imperially Appointed Hun River De Yang Water Deity, True Seat.” As for how mortals could know the appearance of each Water Lord—it was simple. Whenever a new Water Lord took power, spirits would send dreams to the local gentry and elders. Such minor tricks were standard; a Water Lord without them would be a laughingstock.

Listening to the idle chatter of the steward and servants outside his carriage window, Yang Nan could not help but be amused. He had already encountered mountain gods and ghosts; now, venturing into the river, he expected to meet its water spirits as well. Chiyang had told him that most river spirits were greedy, and as long as their appetite was satisfied, the journey would be peaceful. But if offerings of cattle and sheep were withheld, a mighty wave could arise, destroying ships and lives. The jade talisman, he mused, was much like a pass from his previous life; without it, ordinary people would find it impossible to travel even a single step along this river.

Chiyang soon returned, approaching Yang Nan’s carriage window and speaking in a low voice, “There are no large ships for hire at the dock today. We must travel to Kunlun by sharing passage on another’s vessel.” Chiyang carried great wealth, and when Yang Nan set out, the old Duke had entrusted him with gold and treasures. Money was not an issue, but disguised as a young lady, sharing a ship with strangers posed great inconvenience. After pondering for a moment, Yang Nan smiled, “You worry too much, elder brother. Traveling with others offers mutual protection. We simply need to choose a fleet with strong capabilities.” Yang Nan knew that river travel was not like journeying on land; no matter how skilled in martial arts or magic, one could not contend with the river dragons. Joining a large merchant fleet was the safest option.

Chiyang thought likewise. Seeing Yang Nan’s agreement, he went to negotiate with the merchant ship owner—a wealthy trader from the Western Continent named Wang Chang, whose plump face radiated prosperity. His fleet was bound for the Eastern Sea islands to purchase goods. Upon seeing an official’s daughter accompanied by servants and paying in ample gold, Wang Chang assured them, beating his chest, “Sir, my fleet has sailed the Hun River countless times. The Water Lords always honor us. Rest assured, you’ll be safe.”

Chiyang felt reassured by the ship owner’s confidence and long experience. Wang’s fleet consisted of over ten merchant vessels, each about ten yards long, carrying silks, tea, and ceramics from the Twelve Provinces of the Great Yuan—cargo destined for overseas, worth a mountain of gold. The flagship measured twenty yards in length and five yards in height. Yang Nan had calculated that a yuan yard and foot corresponded to modern metric units: one foot equaled one meter, one yard about three feet, so each large ship was roughly thirty meters long. The flagship was over sixty meters long and fifteen meters high—a true giant.

The flagship could carry a thousand sailors, divided into three levels, with platforms and pavilions throughout—more a floating mansion than a ship. Upon boarding, Yang Nan noticed several naval officers by the ship owner’s side, a contingent of soldiers stationed aboard, and even hired Daoist priests, suggesting the owner’s extensive connections in both court and religious circles.

With such a formidable fleet, safety was assured, and the owner’s boasts were well-founded. Once on the river, Yang Nan need not feign too much. He reckoned that even Yang Cheng’s reach could not extend into the naval command. The Great Yuan Dynasty’s military branches each operated independently; Yang Cheng, a commander of land forces, would have little influence here.

Wang Chang observed Yang Nan’s delicate demeanor and had no doubts about his ‘official’s daughter’ identity. The Daoists beside him were weak in cultivation, most not even at the level of formal practitioners, unable to discern that the two beautiful attendants beside Yang Nan were actually spirits in disguise. The steward was steadfast and reliable, the servants sharp and capable, and Chiyang, the family guard, looked fierce—all reinforcing Wang Chang’s belief.

Once Yang Nan boarded, Wang Chang greeted him with a smile, “Miss Li, river travel can be a little bumpy at first, but you’ll soon grow accustomed. Your room has been specially prepared and cleaned. While aboard, you may enjoy the scenery along the Hun River—it will be a memorable journey.” Yang Nan found the ship owner bold and generous, and felt some goodwill. Bowing his head, he replied softly, “Thank you for your arrangements, Master Wang. I have never traveled by ship before, so I will follow your guidance in all things.” At twelve years old, his voice was still childlike and clear, and it was hard to detect any flaw.

Wang Chang was pleased by Miss Li’s gentle and obedient manner, laughing heartily, “Well said! Perhaps I may seek help from your esteemed father someday.” Yang Nan’s assumed identity was that of a magistrate’s daughter, and Wang Chang, skilled in forging connections, welcomed the prospect of associating with a powerful official.

Yang Nan gave Chiyang a meaningful glance, and Chiyang stepped forward, saying, “My lady is delicate and cannot withstand the wind. She must decline, Master Wang, and asks your pardon.” Wang Chang nodded, “Naturally. I shall have my staff prepare nourishing dishes for her.”

The flagship had three levels: the lower for sailors and servants, the middle for soldiers, Daoists, and family guards, and the upper reserved for the owner and esteemed guests. Yang Nan found the division amusing—upper, middle, and lower cabins, much like modern ships.

Wang Chang sent servants to escort Yang Nan to the third-story pavilion. Suddenly, a group arrived at the dock—over ten servants leading a refined young gentleman aboard. Wang Chang greeted him with a smile, “Young Master Yun Cang, you’ve finally arrived! I’ve been waiting for you.”

Yun Cang, scholarly and elegant, bowed respectfully, “I was delayed in De Yang Prefecture, discussing poetry and painting with friends. My apologies!” Wang Chang shook his head, laughing, “Young Master Yun Cang, you must be traveling for poetry and art, to admire the scenery. Unfortunately, I am a rough man and cannot accompany you.”

Speaking of poetry and painting, Yun Cang grew animated, shaking his head and sighing, “The ancients said: ‘Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles.’ If scholars do not witness the grandeur of mountains and rivers, what use is reading? The ancients spoke true!”

Yang Nan was ascending the pavilion with his two attendants. Bai Yi, dressed in white, listened to the bookish young man’s scholarly speech and found him amusing. She turned and laughed, which caused trouble. Yun Cang noticed three elegant maidens ascending the stairs, and when Bai Yi smiled, her freshness and refined beauty struck him. He exclaimed, “A beauty indeed! Stunning! A single glance, a hundred charms—truly a peerless maiden of national grace and heavenly fragrance…”

Wang Chang, seeing Yun Cang openly praise a young lady’s beauty in public, found it improper and coughed, “Young Master Yun Cang, she is the daughter of a magistrate, and those beside her are her attendants. You must not be rash.”

Yun Cang waved his folding fan, laughing, “A gentle lady is a gentleman’s desire. If even the attendants are so refined, how divine must the lady be? I simply must make her acquaintance.”

Wang Chang, realizing Yun Cang would not heed advice and was determined to meet the young lady, sighed and let him be. Fortunately, Yun Cang was merely naïve, not malicious, and at worst would be rebuffed. He came from a distinguished family and had never known disappointment. Perhaps Miss Li might even take a liking to him—if so, Wang Chang would be the matchmaker!

Chiyang remained on the second level to rest, while Yang Nan and his two attendants returned to their cabin. Bai Yi teased, “Did you hear, master? That bookworm has taken a fancy to you! He even said you’re as beautiful as a celestial maiden, haha!” ‘This mischievous girl is truly a source of trouble!’ Yang Nan replied irritably, “It’s all your fault for attracting attention. That bookworm is just an ordinary person; if he really pesters me, I might as well give you to him!”

Bai Yi feigned fear, “Master, I will not dare again, please don’t give me away…” She wiped imaginary tears from her eyes, though a sly glint appeared in them.

Die Yi spoke gently, “Enough, enough. The scholar isn’t a bad person, but now our master will have to deal with him. Bai Yi, don’t speak out of turn again.” Die Yi was far more prudent than Bai Yi, aware that spirits meddling with mortals could only bring trouble.

Yang Nan regretted not resuming his male form before boarding. Bai Yi was mischievous and lively, unlike the gentle Die Yi, but Bai Yi’s liveliness had its own charm. If everyone were like Die Yi, the world would be too dull. So long as Bai Yi’s trouble fell on her own shoulders, it was tolerable—but hearing Yun Cang’s words, he wondered if the scholar was truly interested in his supposed ‘miss’ identity.

‘Let him be, who cares…’

He dismissed the matter from his mind and focused on practicing the Xuan Yi Azure Water Art. After more than ten days of cultivation, Yang Nan sensed the azure dragon in his dantian was about to take shape. The first step of the Daoist realm—the Soul of the Elixir—was close at hand; at this moment, he cared little for Yun Cang or any other scholar.

The two attendants, Die Yi and Bai Yi, seeing their master close his eyes to train, dared not laugh aloud. Though Yang Nan was gentle to them, he commanded respect when serious. Bai Yi sat quietly to absorb the river’s water essence, while Die Yi carefully tidied the cabin.

Bai Yi could practice water Dao techniques, but Die Yi had no wind-based arts yet. Still, following Yang Nan, and with entry to the Kunlun Sect ahead, she would lack nothing in the future.

Thus, Die Yi was not worried, humming mountain tunes and fluttering about the room with colorful wings, cleaning and arranging Yang Nan’s boudoir.