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墨書 Inktalez
Look, another ship.
How many is this now?
If I remember correctly, it should be the sixth one. The number of civilian ships is really increasing.
After three months at sea, the fleet was gradually returning to Xiacheng Dock.
Unlike their solitary departure, they were greeted by a steady stream of civilian vessels on their way back.
And those who paid attention would notice that the boatmen on these ships had strange looks in their eyes.
With a century's worth of Internal Energy, Chen Tao had exceptionally keen eyesight.
Even without relying on the monocular telescope granted by the Second Prince, he could see the suspicion and desire lurking in the boatmen's gazes with his naked eye.
If it were just one boatman looking at them like that, Chen Tao might not have thought much of it. However, encountering six ships on their return, each with crew members harboring such expressions, was clearly problematic.
After some contemplation, Chen Tao decided to approach Wu Qianchuan and share his observations.
Wu Qianchuan took it seriously; how could he not? This voyage had been a perfect success—training the sailors and confirming the prince's Sea Chart. They even captured over a hundred pirates along the way.
With such a significant achievement at stake, it would be far from perfect if something went wrong on their way home.
That simply wouldn’t do! He had already sent a message via carrier pigeon to inform the Second Prince of their imminent return; he couldn’t let them become a laughingstock at the last moment!
Orders were issued for everyone to remain vigilant! No one was allowed to let their guard down until they reached the dock!
Chen Tao and Wu Qianchuan’s worries dissipated as the fleet safely returned to port. There were no collisions with reckless civilian ships; perhaps they had been overthinking it.
The dock was even more bustling than before their departure, with dozens of boats of various sizes moored and numerous small shops and stalls lining the shore.
When the dock was initially constructed, the Second Prince had considered future development and ensured it was spacious enough to accommodate many people and vessels.
As members of the Kaihai Division, they enjoyed certain privileges, having designated military berths without needing to compete for space with civilian ships.
The giant ship dropped anchor, coming to a steady halt as sailors disembarked one after another, only to find a crowd of townsfolk gathering together.
The dock was congested with people, some looking eagerly while others cast envious glances at the sailors. "You're back! This is the first group to return from the sea!"
"Did you find any gold? That’s what the Second Prince promised to all the citizens! You can’t keep it for yourselves!"
"Gold! Is there really Ten Million Taels of Gold?"
The townsfolk shouted with fervor, leaving the members of the Kaihai Division in a state of confusion. From Wu Qianchuan down to the rowing sailors, everyone was bewildered. Gold? What gold?
Ten Million Taels of Gold? Did they drink that much? Were they hallucinating?
There was no need for defense; the sailors’ dazed expressions already provided the answer.
"Hahaha! They didn’t find it, they didn’t find it!"
"Yes, that’s right! When they set sail, the former Minister of Revenue Zhao Jue hadn’t even gotten into trouble yet!"
"Quick! Get those lazy laborers to unload the cargo; I want to set sail before dark!"
The sailors were puzzled, their confusion seemingly transformed into a stimulant by some unseen force, which only fueled the townsfolk’s excitement further. Some jumped up and waved their arms; others hurried back to the ship to unload cargo; while some, their faces flushed with excitement, muttered and speculated wildly.
The scene was a fascinating display of human nature.
At the front of the crowd, Wu Qianchuan spotted His Highness's confidant, Song Qiao, and finally felt relieved. He hurried over to inquire, "Old Song!"
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