Knife splashing

Chapter 746 Jinan, the City of Springs

The fine rain, like silk threads, veiled the river surface with a thin veil.

The dark green and quiet fields and villages on both sides of the river are shrouded in a misty rain, as if one were in the Jiangnan region.

However, this is the Xiaoqing River waterway outside Jinan city.

Li Yan and his group left from Tongzhou Wharf. If they had traveled by land, they would have had to disembark at Cangzhou, traversing mountains and valleys along the way, which would have taken several days.

Fortunately, the entire journey from Tongzhou to Jinan Prefecture could be done by waterway, following the Grand Canal through wharves such as Linqing, Dongchang, Dongpinghu, and Jining, and then directly reaching Jinan City.

Although it was a roundabout way, it saved at least seven days of travel time.

The only unpleasant thing was that it rained all the way, but the unusual summer rain in recent days did not bring much coolness. Instead, it added a bit of dampness and stuffiness, and the water dripping from the side of the boat never stopped.

The treasure ship "Yunfan" that Fatty Lin found was now so heavy that its sails seemed to be soaked with water vapor, turning a dark black color, and making the boatmen work very hard.

"You idiot, this rain is so heavy it's making our bones moldy."

Shalifei leaned against the cabin door, gazing at the rain and complaining.

His short jacket was half-open, revealing a tuft of chest hair. He kept shaking his clothes, trying to catch the only bit of coolness outside the cabin. His body was wet and smelled of sweat.

As for Wang Daoxuan, he sat cross-legged in a corner of the cabin with his eyes closed, his blue Taoist robe spotless.

He sat cross-legged, holding a Taoist scripture and reading it, without a single bead of sweat on his forehead.

"Master Wang is truly skilled; he can keep things so refreshing even in this stuffy weather," the fat man Lin couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.

Wang Daoxuan slightly raised his eyelids, his gaze seemingly piercing through the ship's deck, and looked south, sighing, "The cycle of heaven and earth has its own laws. This continuous rain is not a sign of the heat of the north, but rather a sign of the dampness of the south. The land of Qi and Lu is protected by Mount Tai and based on springs; such a scene is probably not an auspicious sign."

"Jinan, the ancient capital, was known as the 'City of Springs,' with hundreds of springs flowing through the city and a network of underground rivers beneath it. Under such conditions, the accumulation of moisture was even more pronounced, and the slightest carelessness could lead to unforeseen events..."

This might just be speculation from someone else.

However, since Wang Daoxuan began cultivating the "Five Divine Techniques" and completing his inheritance, he has also mastered various miscellaneous skills he had previously learned. Along the way, he observed the mountains and the moon, correctly guessed the identities of many people, and the crowd has become quite convinced of his abilities.

Kuai Dayou was carving a wooden component with a carving knife when he heard this. He looked up and said disdainfully, "What's there to be afraid of? You are all from the Twelve Earthly Branches. If there really is some evil spirit causing trouble, wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity to make a name for yourselves?"

"We don't have that kind of free time..."

Shalifei shook his head and leaned over to tease him, "But you, you're making this sound so amazing. When are you actually going to be able to do it properly? Don't embarrass yourself in the end."

Just you wait and see, don't go back on your word!

Kuai Dayou smirked and glanced out of the cabin without making a sound.

Two other people were sitting on the outer deck of the ship.

The continuous rain and sweltering heat made the cabin smell terrible. Long Yan'er, who practiced Gu magic, couldn't stand the filth and strange smell, so she set up a shed outside, reading a book while mixing some strange powders with a medicine pot.

Li Yan stood alone at the bow of the boat, the drizzle wetting the edge of his straw hat, which dripped off.

His nose is too sensitive; he can't stand the smell either.

He naturally listened to what Kuai Dayou said.

Luo Mingzi asked him to investigate the situation in Jiangnan and asked Kong Shangzhao to accompany him. He understood the meaning behind it; he simply wanted to take this opportunity to get Kong Shangzhao to join the Twelve Yuan Chen.

Kuai Dayou, who liked to join in the fun, proposed a bet with Shalifei.

Seeing that Lü San and the others had gone through a lot of trouble setting up a temporary altar for Wang Daoxuan that day, he said he could make a mechanical altar that could be used as a basket on ordinary days and transformed into an altar with a gentle turn when needed.

If successful, he and Kong Shangzhao will both join the Twelve Yuan Chen.

Shalifei had long admired these two men.

A person who is well-read, good at reasoning and analysis, and can unravel clues from scattered books and documents.

One is a genius from a family of Northern-style craftsmen, whose hands can turn the rotten into the miraculous.

Although their martial arts skills are average and they are not capable of working independently, they are all invaluable logistical talents.

So, with Li Yan's tacit approval, Sha Lifei went along with the bet.

To be honest, the only thing I had to do was observe their personalities along the way.

The Twelve Zodiacs are all loyal and devoted partners. Many people want to join them, but if they don't get along, even if someone has great abilities, they won't be accepted into the team.

What truly concerned Li Yan was Wang Daoxuan's words just now.

In my previous life, there was also a Little Ice Age at this time.

Logically, the north should still be cool after the start of summer, but instead it has become hot and humid, a condition only found in the south.

All indications suggest that this celestial anomaly is somewhat different from that of the previous life.

In addition, the humanitarian reform has begun, and the unprecedented Gangsha Erqi steam engine has appeared.

What will the future hold?

Li Yan is now unable to make a judgment.

And what exactly happened to Mount Tai?

Just as Li Yan was pondering, the treasure ship had already reached the Banqiao Wharf area, and the noise of people could be heard through the rain.

"Young Master Lin, Banqiao Wharf is just ahead, we're almost there!"

The boatman wiped the rain off his face and shouted a reminder.

Upon hearing this, everyone came out onto the deck.

However, the dock was busier than usual, with boats coming and going despite the rain.

Large and small wooden sailboats, covered boats, and cargo ships crowded the waterways, their sails wet and rolled up or half-drooping.

The shouts of the laborers pulling the boat, the yells of the sailors, and the muffled thuds of the boats colliding, mixed with the cries of vendors on the shore wrapped in oilcloth, created a symphony in the rain and mist.

The stone slabs of the dock were washed black and shiny by the rain. Countless porters wearing raincoats and straw sandals carried sacks and crates back and forth on the deck and the slippery shore, splashing up splashes of mud and water.

The air was filled with the earthy smell of the river, the damp smell of wood, the unavoidable fishy smell of the dock area, and the smell of sweat, all suppressed by the rain, yet stubbornly rising up again.

Jinan's status as a waterway hub is self-evident.

The Xiaoqing River waterway they were traveling on was first built during the Shaoxi period of the Southern Song Dynasty. Starting from Jinan, it flows eastward through Zibo, Weifang, and Dongying before emptying into the Bohai Sea. It is the only artificial canal in Shandong Province that connects the inland and the coastal areas.

Sea salt from the coast was transported upstream along the Xiaoqing River to Jinan, and then distributed overland to central and western Shandong, as well as Yuzhou and Jizhou. Products from Jinan and the surrounding areas were loaded onto ships at the docks and sailed downstream to the Bohai Bay, and then transshipped to Liaodong, the Korean Peninsula, and even Japan.

It was this port that made Jinan an important transit hub for goods from the north and south, as well as goods transported by sea and land.

The closer you get to the city, the more varied the riverside scenery becomes.

Houses with blue bricks and gray tiles stand beside the water, with shops and warehouses with high eaves interspersed among them. Various signs are wet and faded in the rain.

Finally, the massive outline of Jinan's ancient city walls, faintly visible in the rain and mist, came into view.

It took the treasure ship some effort to find a berth and dock in the crowded pier.

The anchor chain plunged into the murky river water, and the plank was placed on the slippery stone steps.

Li Yan and his companions packed their belongings and set foot on the land of Banqiao Wharf.

Upon stepping onto the wet stone slabs, one immediately feels the coolness and stickiness.

Crowds surged in the rain, their straw raincoats and hats forming a gray, mobile barrier. Shouts, arguments, and the sounds of loading and unloading goods were all clearly audible against the backdrop of the raindrops. The riverbanks were lined with shacks and warehouses, exuding a strong sense of everyday life.

Several puppeteers, sheltering from the rain under a shed, manipulated their nimble puppets to amuse the audience, eliciting bursts of laughter from time to time. A tea stall's flag boldly proclaimed "Baotu Spring Water Cold Tea," the steaming copper kettle contrasting sharply with the chilled bowls and cups, attracting many passersby to stop and refresh themselves.

In the distance, at the foot of the city wall, there was a ribbon-cutting shop. The owner was carefully folding colored paper under an oilcloth awning, with lifelike animal and flower paper-cuts hanging around him.

"Wow! This is truly a major port; it's still bustling even in the rain!"

Shalifei tightened his clothes and looked around.

He preferred the everyday life of the city to those famous mountains and rivers.

As for Kong Shangzhao, he stood beside Li Yan, listening to the local dialect around him, his eyes filled with complex emotions, and said in a deep voice: "'Luoshui West Suburbs, Mountains and Rivers, Imperial Capital,' Brother Li, this Jinan City is the capital of Qilu, a thoroughfare on land and a vital waterway, and it is also a well-known port city in the Jianghu."

"My father's shop was in Jinan city, I wonder how it is now..."

"rest assured."

Li Yan patted him on the shoulder, "Yanmen has a branch, right by Daming Lake. When we meet up later, we can ask them about it."

The group struggled through the crowds, left the dock area, and headed towards the city wall.

The towering, ancient city walls appeared a weathered, dark blue-green in the drizzle, and the watchtowers and crenellations were somewhat blurred in the rain and mist.

Not far along the moat flowing with rainwater, you will reach "Luoyuan Gate".

This is the main entrance for the Xiaoqing River's fresh water to flow into the city.

The water rushed swiftly under the huge city gate, with some debris floating on the murky surface.

The crowds inside and outside the water gate were still dense. Pedestrians, holding umbrellas or wearing raincoats, lined up to undergo a brief inspection by the city gate guards. The city guards also crowded into the city gate tunnels where they could take shelter from the rain, idly checking their travel permits.

Upon entering the city, the streets were wider than those at the dock.

Rainwater gathered on the stone-paved road, reflecting the gray brick and wood two-story buildings on both sides and the densely packed shop signs, such as "Ruifuxiang Silk Shop", "Furong Street Pastries", and "Baotu Spring Water, Live Fire Tea Fragrance", which are quite characteristic of the area.

The rich aroma of braised meat, the charred fragrance of fried dough twists, and the slightly bitter herbal scent wafting from the pharmacy blend together with the damp and stuffy air.

Kong Shangzhao could be considered a local strongman, and he led the group through the streets and alleys.

As they walked, he introduced the city, saying, "Brother Li, Jinan is neither too big nor too small. Daming Lake occupies almost half of it, followed by the Prince of De's Mansion. Surrounding it are the Provincial Administration Office, the Patrol Office, and so on."

"What did you call that branch of Yanmen?"

"Yanbo Tower".

"Hmm, I've heard of this place before. It's located by Daming Lake and is the largest brothel in Jinan. My father told me that high-ranking officials, scholars, and literati often go there to drink and make merry..."

During their casual conversation, they left the street.

As we continued onward, the crowd thinned out, and we passed through several quiet alleys with locust trees occasionally peeking out from behind walls. A cool, misty breeze and a faint fragrance of lotus blossoms wafted through the air.

In the distance, a vast expanse of water suddenly appears, like a hazy painting unfolding in a drizzle.

Willows swayed like silk along the shore in the rain, and ripples spread endlessly across the lake surface, with a few painted boats in the distance resembling lone sails in a traditional Chinese ink painting.

Seeing this beautiful scenery, everyone's spirits were lifted.

"Brother Li, this is Daming Lake."

Kong Shangzhao said in a low voice, "Turn around ahead and you'll reach the opposite bank of the river. Right next to the lake is Yanbo Tower."

Li Yan pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "There's no rush to go."

"Not everyone knows about the Yanmen branch. Our group is getting in the way, so let's not cause them any trouble. Let's find a place to stay and rest first. Old Sha and I will come over tonight."

Kong Shangzhao hesitated for a moment, "Brother Li, my father's shop is just two streets away. Why don't we go there first and have someone arrange a clean place for us to rest?"

"Hahaha…"

Shali Fei chuckled, “Scholar, what are you afraid of? Just say you want to see your father. We can pay our respects to him as well.”

"Yes, thank you, Uncle Sha."

Kong Shangzhao nodded gratefully and hurriedly led the way, guiding everyone through the wet bluestone streets to a rather imposing shop with a plaque that read "Kong's Silk Shop".

However, Kong Shangzhao was stunned as soon as he stepped inside.

The shopkeeper sitting behind the counter and the shop assistants busy moving goods were all unfamiliar faces!
"Young...Young Master?!"

A waiter happened to walk in from outside, looking surprised, and then quickly ran inside, looking frightened.

The new shopkeeper behind the counter had already looked up at the sound, sizing up the group. Seeing their distinguished attire and composed demeanor, he put on a smooth smile: "Young master, what kind of fabrics would you like to purchase? Our shop has a full range of goods..."

Before he could finish speaking, Kong Shangzhao rudely interrupted him.

"This is the Kong family's shop! Who are you? Where is my father? Where is the original manager, Kong?"

Kong Shangzhao's voice trembled, and his fingers turned slightly white from the force he exerted.

Shalifei also gave a cold laugh and pressed down on the hilt of his knife.

The atmosphere inside the shop instantly plummeted to freezing point.

The new shopkeeper's smile froze, his eyes darted around, and he stammered, "This... I'm just managing the shop on the orders of my master, nothing else... I really don't know..."

He clearly recognized Kong Shangzhao's identity, but dared not utter a single word.

Li Yan observed coldly, glancing at the new shopkeeper's evasive gaze, his brows furrowing slightly.

Didn't Luo Mingzi say he had already resolved the matter with the Kong family?

Something seems off...

Fatty Lin reacted the fastest, taking a light step forward with his obese body and whispering, "Brother Kong, don't worry, no matter how big the problem is, we'll support you."

As they spoke, he pulled Kong Shangzhao out of the shop and then looked at Li Yan: "Young Master Li, there's a restaurant called 'Yuelai Inn' run by our Jiangzhe Chamber of Commerce not far from here. The manager is an old acquaintance, and the place is quiet. Why don't we stay there for a while?"

"Let's think this through carefully; acting rashly will only alert them."

Kong Shangzhao's chest heaved violently a few times as he stared intently at the new manager. "Let's go!"

The crowd followed Lin the Fat Man silently, the atmosphere heavy.

After several twists and turns, a grand yet elegant inn with the "Yuelai Inn" signboard came into view.

Fatty Lin stepped in first and greeted the gaunt shopkeeper behind the counter, who was wearing a silk shirt and typing away on an abacus, with practiced ease: "Old Qian, we have a distinguished guest. Prepare some of the best rooms with hot water and tea!"

The innkeeper, Old Qian, looked up and saw that it was Fatty Lin. His face immediately lit up with a smile. "Oh, it's Young Master Lin! I'm so sorry for not greeting you properly! Aren't you in the capital? Please come in, distinguished guests! Make arrangements right away!"

He instructed the waiters to greet them while personally leading the way.

The Lin family was the most powerful clan in Jiangsu and Zhejiang, so the manager naturally gave them a lot of face, arranging all the best rooms on the second floor for everyone and busying himself with tasks such as boiling water and cooking in the kitchen.

Seeing that Kong Shangzhao was still pale and lost in thought, Fatty Lin's eyes darted around. He stopped the shopkeeper and said with a smile, "Old Qian, I know you're well-informed in Jinan. Why has the shopkeeper of Kong's Silk Shop changed?"

"You don't know yet?"

Manager Qian looked astonished, then whispered, "The Duke Yansheng is dead. I heard it was this old manager who killed him!"

(End of this chapter)