Three days later, Niangniang Temple Wharf.
The cold wind cut to the bone, and the floating ice on the river had yet to melt.
A massive, pitch-black tower ship had already raised its sails and stood ready to depart. Its hull was built from hard ironwood, far surpassing an ordinary cargo vessel.
On the deck, guards clad in the Wu Family's standard blue tight-fitting outfits stood solemnly at attention. Their auras were steady and deep; every one of them was no ordinary fighter.
This was the Wu Family's merchant ship for transporting Treasure Fish.
Chen Qing wore a neat dark-gray tight-fitting outfit, a simple bundle slung across his back.
"Once I've settled down in the Prefecture City, I'll write to you."
He bowed deeply to his mother, Madam Han, and his cousin, Yang Huiniang, who had come to see him off.
Before leaving, he had already bid farewell to Cheng Ming and Sun Shun. He had told them only the time of his departure and politely declined their offer to see him off, determined to keep this journey low-key.
Madam Han fought back tears as she reminded him of one thing after another.
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of Eldest Maternal Aunt."
Yang Huiniang stuffed a bundle into his hands. Inside were thick clothes she had hurriedly made over this period.
"Master Chen, this way, please."
A Wu Family Steward had long been waiting beside the gangplank, his expression respectful.
As Chen Qing stepped onto the deck, the curtain to the cabin was lifted, and Wu Manqing appeared in the doorway.
Today, she was not wearing an elaborate dress. Instead, she had changed into a deep-blue brocade tight-fitting outfit suited for movement, with a cloak trimmed in snow-fox fur draped over it. It retained her noble bearing while making