Dawn had just begun to break.
On Poyang Lake, a merchant ship sailed from west to east across the emerald waters, leaving ripples in its wake.
Atop the mast, a flag snapped loudly in the river wind.
The golden-threaded Wan character embroidered upon it was especially eye-catching.
No businessman would be unfamiliar with this flag.
Throughout the Great Ming, only Wan Sanqian, the man said to be wealthier than Shi Chong, could afford such extravagance as having his merchant ships fly flags embroidered with gold thread.
On the deck, a young man in black with short hair leaned against the railing, staring absently at the rolling lake.
The young man was none other than Su Chen.
This was the third day since he had left Hengyang.
From Hengyang to West Lake, Poyang Lake was an unavoidable route. Going around the lake would add at least a hundred li to the journey.
Su Chen naturally could not be bothered to take such a detour.
So, after arriving near Poyang Lake, he went straight to the docks, intending to cross the lake by ship.
As luck would have it, just as he was searching for a ferry, he happened upon one of Wan Sanqian's merchant ships recruiting guards.
There were many water bandits on Poyang Lake, making a living by robbing passing merchants and travelers.
Over time, it had become customary for passing merchant ships to hire Wandering Knights as escorts.
And that suited Su Chen perfectly.
He could cross the lake for free and earn some extra silver on the side. Naturally, he would not pass up such a good opportunity.
Thus, Su Chen smoothly joined the merchant ship's escort team.
As for the payment, there was also an established practice.
If the voyage remained peaceful and nothing happened, the reward