CHAPTER 1063: CHAPTER 1062: THE WHARF

This kind of recipe for saving lives is definitely an exclusive formula by Imperial Doctor Du, likely related to the palace. Who would dare ask more? Are we complaining our heads are too securely on our shoulders?

However, Xiao Qi secretly asked; he was mainly curious, but Wang Yongzhu glossed over it. Later, Xiao Qi was probably reprimanded by Duan Chuanzhou as well, so he never asked again.

Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding, seeing Wang Yongzhu never let anything slip again, eventually felt at ease.

Since Xiao Qi’s illness, the journey was smooth sailing, and they finally reached the Zhili Jetty outside the Capital City at the beginning of December.

This jetty is one of the closest to the Capital City and is undeniably bustling, with cargo and passenger ships coming like clouds.

Moreover, since it was year-end, countless businesses wanted to send their newest and best goods to His Majesty the Emperor’s doorstep to secure a good price in December.

Additionally, tribute ships from various locations were also continuously transporting offering items to the Capital City for presentation to His Majesty the Emperor.

For a time, this jetty was almost person-to-person and hand-to-hand.

Numerous ships were waiting to dock; those unlucky had queued for several days.

Song Chongjin and the others were aboard an official ship, naturally with its own designated docking area, eliminating the need to queue.

They only had a brief wait while the ship ahead unloaded, then a small boat was summoned alongside their ship to carry Wang Yongzhu’s family and the cargo, gently departing the large vessel.

Duan Chuanzhou and his group had to wait for the cargo unloading and coordinate with their superiors before disembarking and heading home. They reluctantly bid farewell while arranging a location for their next meeting with Song Chongjin and his party.

Onshore, seeing their presence, hangers-on gathered around, speaking in chorus: "Sir, are you looking for a quick bite or lodging?"

"Sir, do you need to hire a carriage?"

"Sir..."

Yang Zongbao stepped forward, pulled one of the idlers aside, and whispered something.

That idler grinned widely, shouted, "Got it, sir! Just enjoy!", waving his hand as two lads emerged from the roadside.

"Hire a carriage to take these distinguished guests to the Yuelai Inn!"

The two lads were astute; one immediately dove into the crowd and disappeared, while the remaining one approached with a cheerful demeanor, saying, "Rest assured, esteemed guests, I’ll certainly deliver you safely! Yuelai Inn is one of the top inns in our county, both clean and convenient, no worse than those in the Capital City."

"Is it your first time in our town, distinguished guests? This gentleman here looks like... Oh, my apologies for not recognizing greatness, is this the Old Master Graduate here for the Imperial Spring Examination next February? No wonder magpies were calling today when I left home, they were celebrating you! I might catch some luck from the Old Master Graduate today..."

The remaining lad was extremely articulate, with a sharp eye, speaking with maturity unlike a young teenager.

Surely, talents abound beneath the Capital City’s shadow, even the young solicitors here possess more discernment than those elsewhere.

Song Chongjin wore a stern face, generally keeping people at bay when not smiling; he received a round of flattering from the lad but remained expressionless, prompting the lad to adjust his attitude with respect.

Soon, the lad who had left returned with two carriages, explaining with a smile: "Seeing you have many trunks, I hired an extra carriage to prevent any damage to your belongings."

Yang Zongbao nodded in agreement, instructed the luggage be moved to the rear carriage, and had Old Granny Wu and Old Madam Ding, along with Gu Yu, on the rear carriage to oversee the belongings.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin assisted Old Granny Zhang onto the front carriage, and the two lads each took a seat next to the coachman.

After arranging everything, Yang Zongbao contemplated for a moment and took his place on the rear carriage, beside the coachman, leisurely heading towards Yuelai Inn.

Arriving at the inn’s entrance, even before the carriages halted, an attendant with a white towel over his shoulder approached to welcome them.

The two lads went forward and whispered a few words, making the attendant’s smile even more attentive.

Yang Zongbao inquired about the price, realizing that beneath the Capital City’s shadow, it’s challenging to reside—a small courtyard with three or four rooms costs one tael of silver per night.

First, Yang Zongbao had the luggage unloaded into the lobby, settled the payment with the coachman and the two guiding lads, and had the two grannies supervise.

Old Granny Zhang and Wang Yongzhu also entered the lobby, where fire basins warmed the space much better than the outdoors.

Upon seeing Old Granny Zhang and company arrive, someone promptly served them hot tea and snacks, inviting them to sit by the fire basins. After a while, their bodies warmed up.

Yang Zongbao drank a sip of hot tea, felt warmer, and followed the attendant to inspect the courtyard — though small, it was indeed clean and quiet, thus he directly reserved it.

The attendant was overjoyed, seeing Yang Zongbao’s straightforwardness, no bargaining efforts, decided to extend a courtesy, "Rest assured, sir, hot water will be delivered to the courtyard shortly, and the luggage will be handled, ensuring nothing gets missed."

"Our inn provides hot water in the mornings and evenings, should you wish for meals here three times a day, simply let us know in advance. If you’d prefer to taste something novel outside, inform us, and we’ll gladly run errands on your behalf."

Yang Zongbao thanked the attendant, went to the lobby to usher Old Granny Zhang and the others to the courtyard, as staff delivered the trunks as well.

Rewarding each staff twenty Large Money, those fellows happily pocketed the coins and left.

Shortly after, hot water was promptly delivered by another staff, who, upon receiving a reward, specially inquired: "The kitchen has freshly prepared mutton stew today. Would guests like to try a pot?"

Yang Zongbao hesitated, but Wang Yongzhu quickly replied, "Let’s have a pot of mutton stew, please also pair it with a few vegetarian dishes and meat dishes, then kindly deliver them."

The attendant nodded and swiftly headed to the kitchen with the orders.

After Wang Yongzhu and company finished washing, the attendant arrived with a food box perfectly timed, laying out a steaming feast across the table.

After rewarding the attendant, everyone, feeling quite hungry, deserted formality between master and attendant.

That morning, they hurriedly tidied their belongings for disembarkation and only managed a simple bite to placate hunger before facing the biting wind upon leaving the ship.

Although Wang Yongzhu and company anticipated circumstances and prepared additional clothing during stops along the way, the brief dock delay almost robbed their warmth.

Though a charcoal basin was placed on the carriage, it offered only slightly more comfort than the outside.

Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin had strong constitutions and could endure, worrying mainly for Old Granny Zhang. Fortunately, the wolf-skin robe was brought along, which kept Old Granny Zhang’s hands and feet warm, easing Wang Yongzhu’s concerns.