Clang, clang, clang.
The bronze gong rang.
Startling water birds from the masts into flight.
Huai Dong River Conservancy Office clerks, draped in the night, held short mallets as they trod across the gangplanks, informing the new Donglin clerks one by one: "Lord Ran ordered us to tell you brothers to be careful tonight. Don't leave the anchors in the water. If they're left underwater, two people will need to stand watch! The kitchen has midnight snacks ready—two buns per person, collected after Zi Hour. Is that clear?"
"Clear!"
"No, brother, what do you mean, don't leave it underwater? The ship anchor?" A new Donglin clerk was puzzled. "This anchor is installed on the ship. What, is it just for looking at?"
The old Huai Dong clerk could not be bothered to explain further to a newcomer. "The office sent you here to work, not to draw a salary without working. Do whatever you're told—why all the nonsense? If we tell you to be careful, then be careful. There are posts at the dock. If worse comes to worst, tie on a few more hemp ropes."
"Fine."
The Donglin River Conservancy Office had little experience. Still sluggish from dinner, they got moving at a leisurely pace. Some merely waved a hand, indicating they would do it later. The experienced Huai Dong men had already hauled up their anchors, as though some flood dragon or savage beast lurked beneath the water, ready to melt a Great Anchor on contact.
Sure enough.
Night fell.
Clear water dripped from empty iron chains, shattering the moonlight.
"Ah, damn it, where's my anchor? Where did my huge anchor go? It was just sunk in the water!" The new Donglin clerk spun the winch, then fell to the ground and howled.
"Damn it all, who stole