302 Set Sail, Planning (1/2)

When Happy returned to the game, he sent Phoenix Dances the forty or so equipment and masterpieces he gathered from the royal mausoleum. He then rode on Hoof Shadow to a small port town near Gusu City.

Shanhe [1] was an entrepot for Gusu City, and many merchants sent their goods to Changjiang through there. Then, they would transfer those goods to nearby cities or used the sea to send them everywhere in the country. They might even send the goods out of the country. The convenient maritime transport allowed many merchants to gather in one place, making Shanhe into a small city, and the place bustled with activity.

When Happy stood at the port with the wind against his face, he could see a huge transport fleet nearby. The Murong Clan flag tied to the bowsprit was very eye-catching.

He put away his horse and arrived near the transport fleet. Someone immediately came down from the ship with majestic gait. He was a middle-aged man with a brocade robe. There were two martial artists who looked like armed escorts behind him, so they were probably his bodyguards.

”I am Xu Hong. Greetings, Officer Happy.” The presence of a wanderer was thick around Xu Hong, and he was very wary. When he arrived in front of Happy and wrapped his fist in his palm to speak to him, his two subordinates looked around them warily.

”Thank you for waiting for me for so long, Officer Xu.” Happy wrapped his fist in his palm and returned the salute.

Xu Hong laughed boisterously. ”Officer Happy, you are far too polite. The wind outside is great, so why don't we talk on the ship?”

”Alright, please, lead the way!”

”This way, please!”

The group entered a rather large cargo ship.

Happy noticed that every cargo ship was basically the same. The ship bilge was filled with bags of salt. Around them stood thirty or forty strong and capable armed escorts and archers, so the defenses were not weak.

Under Xu Hong's lead, Happy entered the second level of the cargo ship. It was a quiet and elegant place. His field of vision was also wide while there. A few servant girls brought them tea before stepping away.

”Please, sit down.”

Happy did not put on any acts of courtesy and simply sat down.

After that, they exchanged a few pleasantries before Xu Hong led the topic to the item protection quest.

”Officer Happy, I have to tell the truth. The path we'll be taking is one that I have traveled for a few years. I have gone through hundreds of battles, both big and small. Even though I have suffered losses before, I can be considered to have greeted the pirates in Changjiang and offered them gifts in exchange for their support. They were also intimidated by the Murong Clan's fame, and we have enjoyed around a year of peace and quiet.”

Happy nodded without a word.

Xu Hong's tone changed. ”The escort for the salt ship fleet this time might not be small, but I still have confidence that we can arrive at our destination safely. However, when we were prepared to head out a few days ago, a letter came from our clan, and they delayed our departure with a great sense of urgency. We have been held back for a few days without reason.

”I do not understand what the lady is worried about, however. If we delay our journey any longer, these goods might end up going past their expiry date, and the Murong Clan will be considered to have broken their promise.

”The lady said that the moment I reach the fleet, it may set sail,” Happy said calmly.

Xu Hong's eyes lit up. ”Really?”

”Truly!”

Xu Hong stood up with a whoosh. ”Then, I will be at ease. If we set sail immediately and head forward at full speed, we will be able to send the goods on time.”

As he spoke, he gave an order to a person beside him, and the man quickly walked outside the room.

”Boss Xu gave his order! The fleet is to set sail!”

A loud voice spread across the surface of the river.

The people on board the large ship fleet quickly got to work.

Soon, Happy felt the ship begin moving. Wind from the river blew at his face, which was a really refreshing and pleasant feeling. He then immediately stopped talking to Xu Hong so that he could stand up, draw the curtains, and head out.

”Officer Happy, since you were sent by the lady to escort the ship fleet, if you have anything you need from me, please tell me.” Once Xu Hong finished speaking, he wrapped his fist in his palm toward Happy and left to command the ship fleet.

Happy stared at Xu Hong's back for a while before he redirected his gaze to the rising and falling waves.