Five or six days passed in the blink of an eye.
Outside the ancient city of Hanzhong.
Old Wharf in Shibalipu, Hanjiang River.
Chen Yulou and others held the horses and watched as the guys moved the goods box by box into the two large ships, while the horses were sent into the bottom cabin.
Listen to what the locals say.
This ferry has a history of nearly three hundred years.
Since the town was built in the Ming Dynasty, Shibalipu was born. Water transportation was busy and business travel was prosperous. From then on, ships could directly reach the three towns in Hankou.
Thousands of sails sail under the water in Xiangyang.
What is described is the scene of thousands of sails passing by on the Han River.
It’s just that it’s winter now, the river is frozen, and there aren’t many ships coming and going.
Apart from them, there were only two or three ferries or fishing boats on the vast waters.
Yesterday, the team arrived here.
After a night's rest and a brief discussion, we finally decided to split into two groups.
Honggu, Guaizi, Hua Ling and Yuan Hong led their men to escort the artifacts along the Han River waterway, from Hanzhong, through Jinzhou, Yunyang, to Xiangyang, and then all the way to Yueyang City.
Eventually return to the mountain.
As for the few of them, they traveled in light vehicles, carrying only a few days of food and water, across the Qinling Mountains from the ancient city of Hanzhong to Yang County on the edge of the Yellow River.
To be precise.
It’s Fangjiashan.
That is the place where Yang Fang was born.
As for why they took a detour halfway, it was naturally a promise made to him before when they were in Kunlun Mountain.
Find the whereabouts of the golden abacus.
It’s just...
Knowing the consequences, he really couldn’t bear it.
For Yang Fang, Jin Abacus is both his master and his father, and his kindness is as great as a mountain. If he cannot find the whereabouts of his master, how can he feel at ease?
This is exactly the case.
Chen Yulou could not say anything more.
You can only ask him about his worst plan in the tone of a friend when chatting on weekdays.
At least be mentally prepared.
Wow——
While he was thinking.
At the dock, on two large ships, the sailors stepped onto the splints and pulled the sails hard. In an instant, the canvas rose with a roar.
As the strong wind swept across the river, it was blown loudly.
"Shopkeeper, we are about to leave..."
Kunlun, who was following behind, saw that he was slightly absent-minded and lowered his voice to remind him.
“I saw it.”
Chen Yulou nodded.
Looking up.
The kidnappers and the others were standing on the side of the ship, leaning out and waving their hands vigorously at them, their faces full of reluctance.
Especially the two girls Hua Ling and Hong girl.
A red dress is like fire, and a streak of green silk is like a waterfall.
Her beautiful eyebrows furrowed slightly, her lips pursed, a tear gleamed deep in her eyes, and her reluctance was written all over her face.
Seeing this, the old foreigners couldn't help but glance at him secretly.
Everything you want to say is in your eyes.
Chen Yulou didn’t understand what they were thinking.
Just...
This trip is too late.
Destined to be on the go.
It is normal to stay overnight in the wilderness.
Bringing the two girls home will make them unbearable, so it is better to return to Zhuangzi as soon as possible.
According to his plan.
They should be able to make their way back in half a month at most.
“Everyone, hold on.”
“It’s time to set off!”
It won’t be long.
Two large ships.
The ship's head emerged from the cabin.
I greeted several people on the side of the ship, and then each took out a stern from his waist, brought it to his mouth, and blew hard.
The sound of whining whistles spread in all directions.
See this situation.
The crowd on the boat couldn't help but cheer.
The kidnapper and the others are becoming increasingly difficult to let go.
Waving hands.
Speaking of parting words.
Unfortunately, they were too far apart, and their words were quickly obscured by the howling wind.
Seeing that Chen Yulou had no intention of staying.
The old foreigners still don’t understand.
I had to put my thoughts away.
Waving goodbye to everyone.
People were coming and going behind me, and the wind was howling on the river.
The ship also broke through the water, and followed the rushing river water, sailing out from the dock and drifting with the current. In less than a moment, the ship as big as a mountain was reduced to the size of an ant.
Gradually disappeared from the sight of a group of people.
"Huh——"
See this situation.
A few people exhaled subconsciously.
It is not because of relaxation, on the contrary, it is to hide the complicated thoughts in my heart.
After all, we were together yesterday, but we were separated in the blink of an eye.
Even though I am used to seeing this, it feels really sad to experience leaving.
"It was just a brief separation for a few days, how could it be like parting from life and death?"
Chen Yulou withdrew his gaze and turned to the people beside him.
Seeing that they were all sick and unable to cheer up, I couldn't help but joke.
"No... no way."
The old foreigner waved his hand and said with a sly smile.
Although I am really reluctant to give up.
After all, after so many years, they are brothers and sisters, they have always been together and have almost never been separated.
“All gone.”
"Let's go find a restaurant, have a drink to warm ourselves up and go on the road."
Because of the existence of the ancient ferry.
Travelers from Sichuan and Gansu carried horses and camels.
Salt cotton tea paper, gold and silver porcelain are constantly coming in, and they are really a big deal.
This also creates the prosperity of Puzhen.
Although it is a small town with less than tens of thousands of people, in the three hundred years since the Ming Dynasty to the present, the town has been surrounded by four streets and eight streets, and a continuous flow of people.
Especially along the pier, there are hundreds of shops.
High-end hotels, restaurants, food, clothing, housing, transportation, firewood, rice, oil and food are all available.
For this reason, Pu Town is known as 'the largest town in southern Shaanxi'.
When Chen Yulou came from the city early in the morning, he saw many wine shops along the way, similar to the fly restaurants hidden deep in the alleys in later generations.
Business is excellent.
Although most of the visitors are porters working hard at the dock, those who really know the business know that this kind of small shop is often good.
After all, we are doing repeat customer business.
It is large in quantity and cheap, and the taste is okay.
“Okay.”
They left the city early in the morning and had a quick meal in the restaurant where they stayed. Then they went out of the city all the way to the dock, where they contacted the ship and negotiated the transportation.
It was almost noon in the blink of an eye.
Originally, I only cared about saying goodbye, but I was not tired or thirsty.
Now he is a little bit.
A few people felt their stomachs growling constantly.
Where can I refuse?
After crossing Hexi, although the temperature was not as low as in the Western Regions, the damp cooling was straight into the bones, making the whole body unspeakably uncomfortable.
Those passing merchants would light a charcoal stove on their carriage if they could. If not, they would also bring a small copper stove with them to dry their hands.
As for the guys who are on their way.
I can only rely on clothes to keep out the cold, and strong liquor to survive.
Otherwise, people will freeze to death at the end of the day.
Everyone I met agreed.
Chen Yulou couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and smile, "Why are you standing there, let's go!"
Although there are not many ships moored at the ferry, there are those unloading cargo, waiting for work, and carrying cargo. There are quite a few people selling cigarettes and alcoholic drinks back and forth from the cargo boxes.
Walk through the crowd.
Not long after.
When several people arrived at the horse tying place, they did not choose to ride. Instead, they each took their own horses and walked away.
Walk along slowly.
Choose a small store with the best business. It was lunch time, and the store was noisy, with almost all of the people coming and going being dock coolies.
In the cold weather, everyone was wearing thin clothes and gathered around the stove, asking for a few pancakes, pickles, and most importantly, two jiao of turbid wine.
I saw a group of people stopping at the door.
The boss who was greeting the guests was startled.
After all, not everyone can afford to raise a horse these days, especially a first-class horse. Looking at their clothes and appearance, you can tell that they are definitely not poor people in the market.
The boss wiped his hands and hesitated for a while.
I was stunned and didn't dare to come forward to greet the guests.
The originally noisy shop suddenly became quiet.
The porters lowered their heads, not even daring to say anything for fear of disturbing the noble man.
Looking at the evasive eyes.
How could Chen Yulou not understand?
These days, the hierarchy is strict, and the rich are superior. They are just coolies at the bottom who work hard for money. Even if they accidentally dirty the nobles, their lives may not be worth as much as a piece of clothing.
Sighed secretly.
He didn't hesitate, just handed the horse to Kunlun, crossed the threshold, with a gentle look on his face, and asked the boss for two cages of baked buns and a few pancakes.
Have a good time eating.
Finally, he pointed at the large vat of wine in the corner of the store and smiled.
"How to sell this wine?"
"A big money will do."
At this point, the boss suddenly came back to his senses and forced a smile on his face, but the trembling voice still exposed his Inner emotions, holding out a finger.
"Okay, give some of us brothers, each of us a bowl to taste first."
While talking.
Chen Yulou looked back at Kunlun, who had tied his horse and came in. Needless to say, the latter had already taken out two copper coins and placed them on the counter.
"No... Sirs, there is no need for so much."
The corner of the boss's eyes twitched as he watched.
He quickly grabbed it and wanted to return it.
Two copper dollars are enough for a poor family to spend a month.
No matter how good the food is in the restaurant, one meal will only cost five or six grand.
“Take it, if the wine is good, the rest will be the cost of the wine.”
Chen Yulou waved his hand.
After saying that, he walked straight towards the table where the Partridge Whistle and others were sitting.
See this.
The boss, holding two copper coins, stood still.
After a while, he finally reacted, his face lit up, and he quickly went to prepare food and drinks.
The surrounding guests also breathed a sigh of relief.
The quiet shop gradually became lively again.
"Here we come, gentlemen...this is the food and wine you asked for, please use it slowly."
Not even a moment's effort.
The boss came over with drinks and food.
The aroma of the hot baked buns and pancakes aroused the appetites of several people, and they started to take a sip without being polite. Chen Yulou picked up the pottery bowl first and raised his head to take a sip.
As soon as the drink entered my throat.
A strong spicy feeling surged out, as if what he drank was not wine, but a ball of fire.
But he was not dissatisfied, and his eyes suddenly lit up.
“It’s a good wine, boss, what’s the name of this wine?”
“This… is the home-brewed turbid wine with no name. It was praised by everyone, so I started to feel bored. The name of a donkey.”
Suppressing a donkey?
Hear this easy-to-understand name.
Several people at the table couldn't help but look forward to it.
"This is a good name. It looks like strong liquor at first glance. Let me try it."
Yang Fang put down the pancake in his hand, rolled up his sleeves, held the mouth of the bowl, and raised his head to drink. Take a bite.
The next moment.
I saw his fair face turning red at a speed visible to the naked eye.
It was so spicy that I stuck my tongue out.
"Brother Yang Fang, how are you?"
A few people couldn't help looking at each other and laughing. Chen Yulou even rubbed salt on the wound and didn't forget to ask specifically.
“No, no, no.”
“It’s too damn spicy. Even burning knives are no match for this thing.”
Yang Fang, who was originally a little disdainful, now no longer dared to speak harshly.
They had tasted dozens of wines along the way.
Even the Naiman who drank in the Turkic tribe that day was nothing compared to it.
“Is that an exaggeration?”
“Can you do it, kid? That’s really what you said.”
"You can't drink. We will eat at the children's table from now on."
Seeing what he said was so wicked, Kunlun and the old foreigner became more and more curious, but before that, they did not forget to tease him.
"You two are so stubborn."
"Try it and you will know whether what I say is true or false."
Yang Fang is finally convinced, and he is shaking now. My scalp was numb even from the drink, so I just picked up the pancake and continued to eat it.
At this time, even Partridge Whistle couldn't help but feel a little curious, and took a taste of the bowl.
A pungency rushed straight to my forehead.
Immediately, a ball of flame seemed to ignite under his chest.
The whole person felt as if he was on a boat, light and airy, with his feet not touching the ground. After a while, when the alcohol was slowly suppressed, I felt a hint of wine fragrance.
“Suffocate the donkey...it really fits the name.”
After thinking about it for a moment, Partridge Whistle felt emotional.
No wonder Yang Fang, who has always refused to admit defeat, dare not speak harshly after one mouthful.
Seeing that he was silent and did not speak.
Kunlun and the old foreigner had actually guessed it, but they had already said it out loud, so they could only bite the bullet and take a sip each.
Then the expressions on their faces became extremely exciting.
"How about it? If you don't believe in evil, it seems that I, Yang Fang, can lie to you."
Seeing this.
How could Yang Fang miss such a good opportunity to ridicule.
The two of them looked at each other, pursed their lips, and couldn't find a word to retort. They sullenly picked up a toasted bun, ate it and stuffed it into their mouths.
"My lords, this alcohol is too high. If you are not used to it, can I go to the restaurant and get you some good wine?"
The boss on the side looked apologetic.
For his small shop to be able to open on the pier for so many years, still standing, and the business can continue to be like this, Miao Donkey must have a big contribution.
Unloading cargo at the dock is extremely tiring.
Otherwise it wouldn’t be called a coolie.
One sip of wine will refresh you and relieve fatigue. The most important thing is that it is cheap.
Where do these noble people drink from?
“No, no, I think this wine is good.”
Chen Yulou waved his hand.
I felt cold and damp before, but now I feel warm all over.
And.
Slowly come back with the wine.
The mellow fragrance is like tasting tea, and the aftertaste is quite pleasant.
"Then..."
Hearing this, the boss breathed a sigh of relief.
He is not afraid of anything else.
I was worried that something would happen if I drank.
When the time comes, he won’t even be able to afford to pay for the store.
"Okay, boss, you go and do your business. We will drink slowly and call you if we need anything."
I saw him standing aside with a stern voice.
There are people coming and going in the store.
There were only two of him and his wife, and they were too busy at all. Chen Yulou waved his hand, indicating that he could just go and entertain others.
The boss suddenly looked grateful, thanked him repeatedly, and then left quickly.
“Drink slowly, it’s still early.”
Seeing a few people staring at him, Chen Yulou held the pottery bowl and drank to himself.
Wine, especially spirits, is like that.
Can't drink too fast.
Yang Fang was thoughtful, followed his example, gritted his teeth, picked it up and took a sip, and then... he was completely honest, and he didn't dare to touch it again.
"Brother Chen, how do we get through the 800-mile Qinling Mountains? We haven't planned the route yet, okay?"
Half drunk.
Partridge Whistle put down the plate and looked outside. Although it was noon, the sky was gray, which might be a sign of snow.
There are also map routes to the Western Regions.
It is easy to get lost in the vast mountains without a plan when crossing the Qinling Mountains.
“Shouldn’t this matter fall on Brother Yang Fang’s head?”
Chen Yulou was holding a plate of peanuts with chopsticks. Hearing this, he just turned to eat the cake. Yang Fang pursed his lips.
“Me?”
"Oh... yes, last time I came here, I took a small road in the Qinling Mountains."
"I found out about it from an old hunter. It's called the Qinchu Ancient Road. It connects the Zhongnan Mountains and the Qinling Mountains. It has several roads. Thousands of years of history” (End of Chapter)