True Dragons Emerge from Shallow Waters (4k)

Liang Qu's heart stirred.

The imperial officials are certainly more adept at catching Treasure Fish than the peasants in the countryside.

Even at the very least, they use good nets, Treasure Fish can enter but not leave, unlike fishermen who often end up being dragged into the water.

The only problem is, will the Flood Dragon discover me if I enter the Deep Water Area? "How deep Deep Water Area?"

Xu Yuelong spread his five fingers. "It's at least 500 li. A trip takes seven or eight days, or ten days. If you can stay on the ship and have enough supplies, and you're skilled enough, it could take half a month. As for where to fish and how much to fish, it depends on the fleet's own ability."

Those with great abilities can go to the center of the Great Marsh Swamp and fish up that Flood Dragon. Making dragon meat soup won't bother you. However, the leader of the boat is responsible for the fleet. If they fail to fulfill their duties and lead the fleet astray, they will be dealt with according to military law.

"How much is the dividend?"

"Not yet determined," Ran Zhongshi replied. "The river Water Court Lake River Conservancy Office in the west accounts for 15%, and the Chizhou Prefecture north of the Jiang Huai Great Marsh accounts for 20%."

Each body of water is different, with varying degrees of danger and opportunity. The distribution of profits depends on the specific circumstances; in dangerous areas with few fish, the profit is greater, while in safe areas with many fish, the profit is less.

Therefore, for the first few months, we will record the profits and tentatively distribute 10% as dividends. After several more trips to the River Conservancy Office to ascertain the specific situation, we will determine a more concrete figure, which will also compensate for the initial trial period.

Liang Qu asked, "Where is Wei Lin?"

Ran Zhongshi said, "It's the same. People live off the land and the water. Farmers do this, and so do Martial Artist. Forming a fleet is not our invention. It's the same in all the River Conservancy Office."

In the first six months, we were new to the area, short-handed, and not well-established. Many things in Shenzhen and Hong Kong hadn't been developed yet. Moreover, there weren't enough Martial Artist, so even if we caught Treasure Fish, we couldn't sell them for a good price.

What I'm busy with right now is finalizing supply and sales agreements with several chambers of commerce. The largest of them, you've seen, Celestial Ship Merchant Guild.

Policy implementation requires a foundation.

In the inland northwest, there are no River Conservancy Office at all.

The local people only knew about the Demon Subduing Division, but not the River Conservancy Office.

Conversely, in areas near Great Marsh lakes and marshes, the River Conservancy Office wields far more power than the Demon Subduing Division.

Fishing in Deep Water Area was not a sudden whim of Xu Yuelong.

Each River Conservancy Office would formulate a development plan for the Great Marsh, with the formation of a fleet being the most basic step.

Fishing for Treasure Fish in Deep Water Area is a combination of government-produced and government-sold products and government-produced and commercially sold products.

Ping Yang County has not developed. Before it was established as a prefecture, its foundation was not deep enough. A single trip by the River Conservancy Office might result in a loss, and the money earned would not be enough to cover compensation and losses.

The gradual establishment of numerous large chambers of commerce and prominent Lineage has triggered a series of chain reactions, accelerating the growth of Ping Yang County.

Five hundred li away, seven to eight days, roughly no more than three thousand li...

Liang Qu's eyes flashed. Considering the vast waters of the Jiang Huai Great Marsh, this distance did not really touch the core of the true Great Demon. It was mostly inhabited by Spirit Monster and Great Monster Spirit, with only occasional appearances of demons.

The Fat Catfish often go together, and so far they have never encountered a demon, only a few encounters with the Great Monster Spirit.

Moreover, the River Conservancy Office should have preventative measures in place to deal with the Water Demon in the center of the Great Marsh.

I've seen incense made with the blood of special Demon Beast in Liang Qu's Small Merit Exchange Ledger. It's worth two hundred Minor Merit per stick and can ward off all kinds of Spirit Monster when lit.

The River Conservancy Office bureau must have some high-quality products with even better results.

Ke Wenbin ate his noodles in big bites, slurping off half of them. "People will be busy then. The Fish Monster in the northern Great Marsh are incredibly powerful, and the River Conservancy Office there doesn't have many people willing to lead the monthly fleets."

"I think our situation is different. I heard it's a bunch of Toad who haven't caused much trouble. The Demon Beast in their territory are all of the same lineage and hardly move. Even if they occasionally run into a few Great Monster Spirit, they won't be at a loss, and they might even fight over who gets to lead the team."

Liang Qu thought of a giant Toad.

They haven't caused much trouble and are quite easy to talk to.

With its horned frog-like appearance, it has to be said that it's hard to imagine it being very intimidating.

"Damn it, this is the most annoying thing. I heard that the Demon King in the west is a thousand-year-old tortoise. His subordinate Demon King can't even see him. The Hengshui Envoy from the River Conservancy Office Bureau is leading a team to fight for him."

What's truly despicable is that the team leader himself is cutting back on his share of the profits! From 15% to 13%, and I heard it's less than 10% now.

"Damn, is that true?"

"Our southern region isn't truly safe," Xu Yuelong said, peeling open a crab shell. "Whether there's demonic calamity is another matter, but human-caused calamity is inevitable. Have you forgotten the Ghost Mother Sect?"

"Oops, I almost forgot about that!"

"The Ghost Mother Sect hasn't caused any trouble for months, I've almost forgotten about it. Come to think of it, we cut off one of their branches, and they're so well-behaved now?"

"It's not that they're being well-behaved. There have been clandestine activities throughout Huaiyin Prefecture, but they're all being reported to me, so you're probably not aware of them."

I suspect they're worried about an ambush in Pingyang and haven't dared to make a move. Once we've assembled our fleet, they won't let us catch the Treasure Fish.

So I told Zhong Shi that our team leader's profit sharing hasn't been finalized yet, because of the Ghost Mother Sect; the situation is completely different from other places."

"That's a bit of a problem."

The Ghost Mother Sect to fire and move on, hiding in the Great Marsh and refusing to come out, but they don't really have any good methods.

Last time, the branch that contributed the most to the sacrifice was the one with so many deaths, leaving too many traces.

In addition, Ping Yang County detained two key witnesses, one of whom was a direct descendant. Through searching and divination, they finally managed to uncover the base of operations.

Moreover, human-caused disasters are different from demonic disasters. When facing demonic disasters, there are many ways to avoid confrontation.

When faced with a man-made disaster, they will truly be watching you closely, giving you no chance to breathe. Once you fall into a disadvantageous position, you are very likely to be wiped out.

"Look at the dark cave ahead, it must be the thieves' den. I can't help but rush forward and wipe them out. As the saying goes, 'Nothing ventured, nothing gained.'"

Ke Wenbin sang a line of lyrics with great enthusiasm, then turned to Xiang Fangsu, "Fang Su, how could I possibly compete with you for such a great opportunity to get promoted and make a fortune? From now on, I'll entrust all the team leadership duties to you; I won't fight you for it!"

"Such delicious Crab Roe buns can't shut you up!"

Xiang Fangsu picked up a Crab Roe bun with her chopsticks and forced it into Ke Wenbin's mouth.

"Come on, you think you're afraid of me?!"

The Martial Artist had a great appetite. Liang Qu had prepared Crab Feast for eight days, and they ate more than half of it in just over an hour. The head chef in the kitchen was sweating profusely, but fortunately, everyone present ate their fill.

With his belly protruding, Oolong turned his head away and politely declined the Crab Roe that Ran Ying offered to his mouth, then ran to the courtyard to lie down and sunbathe.

The lively atmosphere lasted until late afternoon. After strolling around Liang Qu's house for a while and looking at the pond, everyone left.

Inside the kitchen, the still-burning fire pit emitted residual heat.

The master and his helpers were sweating profusely, each sitting on a bench to rest. Empty red crab shells were piled up everywhere on the ground, and the smell of steamed scallions, ginger, and garlic mixed with the fishy smell of crab filled their nostrils.

Disassembling crabs is the most time-consuming and laborious task, especially requiring a lot of patience, which can be exhausting.

But this is just a temporary rest. After a while, the masters and helpers, having finished their preparations, will immediately make room, grab their tools, and head to the Yang Martial Hall in Ping Yang County to begin a new round of busy work.

As evening fell, the sky was ablaze with crimson clouds.

The shadows of people were reflected on the wall. The apprentices, who had finished their day's training, came out of the hall one after another and greeted Liang Qu, calling him "Senior Brother Liang" repeatedly.

This immediately elevated Liang Qu's seniority, making the audience feel exceptionally warm and friendly.

Hu Qi and Xiang ChangSong waited in the Martial Arts School, and then moved a table out from under the osmanthus tree in the backyard and laid out a tablecloth.

Liang Qu entered the kitchen.

In the Martial Arts School, apart from the lowest-ranking apprentices, many apprentices are provided with food and lodging. There are dozens of people to eat, and the portions of food required at each meal are quite large. Therefore, the kitchen is much larger than that in Liang Qu's home, and there are also more people to help.

More than thirty helpers were busy, but the place didn't feel crowded at all.

But one of the "helpers" was out of place.

Liang Qu stepped forward and put his arm around Xu's shoulder. "Master isn't here, why is Senior Brother Xu sneaking a bite all by himself?"

Xu Zishuai felt no shame whatsoever. "Junior brother, you are mistaken. Senior brother just wants to taste it for Master first."

"Did you taste anything?"

"Fresh! Sweet and delicious!" Xu Zishuai gave a thumbs up. "But I haven't tried the Crab Stuffed Orange yet. I have to try it for my Master. My junior brother brought so many big crabs. We can't waste the ingredients. If there are any problems, please point them out quickly."

After saying that, Xu Zishuai walked to the stove, lifted the lid of the orange, picked out the crab meat inside, and ate it in big bites.

Liang Qu asked with a smile, "What do you think, Senior Brother?"

"Excellent! This is the best! The chef is truly skilled."

The head chef smiled and said, "Crab Stuffed Orange is one of Lang Yun Tower's signature dishes. Both ingredients are seasonal. Not to mention the skill, just the freshness of the two ingredients ensures that the dish will turn out well."

Crab Stuffed Orange is made by cutting off the top of a large orange, scooping out the pulp, leaving only a little juice, stuffing it with crab meat, Crab Roe, and crab oil, and finally steaming it with a mixture of wine, water, and vinegar. It can be eaten after being sprinkled with salt.

Oranges also ripen and come to market in mid-to-late October, so both are seasonal and taste absolutely delicious.

"Hey, Senior Brother Xu! We were busy outside and just wanted to ask you for help, but we didn't expect you to be waiting in the kitchen. I'm going to tell Master you're stealing food!"

Xiang ChangSong stepped across the threshold, he shouted.

Xu Zishuai vehemently denied it. "What do you mean by stealing food? It was just a taste test. Don't talk nonsense, Junior Brother!"

Hu Qi, who was outside the door, found it amusing. "Senior Brother Xu, if you steal one now, you'll have to break ten to pay for it."

"A taste test, junior brother, it's a taste test!"

Xu Zishuai continued to be stubborn.

The three exchanged a glance, and their tacit understanding dissipated.

Hu Qi went to get the eight tools for dismantling crabs, Liang Qu went to count the crabs, Xiang ChangSong went to close the door. Then the three of them surrounded Xu Zishuai.

Xu Zishuai hurriedly put down the oranges and leaned against the stove.

"Three junior brothers, what are you doing! Have you forgotten your oath? You must not kill your fellow disciples! You must not kill your fellow disciples!"

As the moon rises above the branches, a soft white light shines through the tree canopy, casting swaying shadows on the branches.

Yang Dongxiong and Xu Shi arrived together.

Having experienced similar situations many times before, Liang Qu was quite adept at it and invited the two elders to sit down.

Yang Dongxiong didn't care about those rules and regulations. He first served Xu Shi a plate of Crab Stuffed Orange, and then served himself a plate of crab meat wontons, urging everyone to start eating.

"Don't wait until the crab gets cold, because once it's cold, it'll have a fishy smell and won't taste as good as when it's hot!"

"Yes, yes, eat up! Master and Master's Wife, try the Crab Roe buns I made with the crabs I peeled myself!"

Xu Zishuai rolled up his sleeves, pulled out a steamer of Crab Roe buns from the middle, and placed them in front of the two elders.

Yang Dongxiong hesitated, reluctant to pick up his chopsticks. "You really have this kind of heart?"

Xiang ChangSong said, "Master, I can testify! It really was Senior Brother Xu who peeled it, but the reason is..."

Xu Zishuai interrupted, "No matter the reason, Junior Brother, just tell me if I peeled this crab!"

"Indeed." Hu Qi nodded. "He was caught stealing food, so he peeled ten more as compensation for each one he ate. It really was Senior Brother Xu who peeled them."

Yang Dongxiong burst into laughter upon hearing this.

Cao Rang laughed and said, "That's something Senior Brother Xu would do!"

"There are exactly ten Crab Roe buns. Let's each have one and see if the crabs peeled by Senior Brother Xu are even more delicious."

"Mmm, really, it tastes much better!"

Everyone chimed in with their own comments and responses.

Xu Zishuai wasn't embarrassed at all. "Eat as much as you like. If you want to eat crabs next time, just ask me to peel them for you. Don't worry, we're all fellow apprentices, so I'll definitely give you a discount! Half a tael each, how about that?"

This statement was met with boos from the audience.

Zhuo Shaoqin wiggled her fingers, looked around, and was quite surprised by the size of the crabs. For a moment, she didn't know which one to choose. "Junior brother, all of your crabs are quite big. I don't see a single one weighing less than seven ounces."

"Senior sister has such discerning eyes! Not a single female crab weighed less than seven taels, and not a single male crab weighed less than eight taels. All the ones smaller than that were used to make Crab Roe buns. Does senior sister prefer to eat both the roe and the paste?"

Zhuo Shaoqin replied without hesitation, "Of course you have to eat the roe when you eat crab, the crab paste is so delicious."

"This one weighs seven ounces and eight ounces. It's a large female crab. Senior sister, please try it. Add ginger, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, or whatever you like. Mix it yourself."

Liang Qu picked one out and presented it to Zhuo Shaoqin.

"Wow, such a grand Crab Feast! This is the first time I've ever eaten anything like it. Jianghuai Brother, you're incredibly generous! No wonder you received the Sacred Emperor's Edict, so magnanimous!" Cao Rang opened the jar of Yellow Wine and poured himself a cup. "And I think, since Junior Brother is treating us, shouldn't we offer him a toast?"

"Huh, I almost forgot." Xu Zishuai raised his wine glass. "Come on, I wish my junior brother a bright future, that he will soon rise to prominence, become Grandmaster, and Martial Saint!"

"Haha, Senior Brother Xu is right. I wish Junior Brother a bright future, that he will rise to prominence soon, become Grandmaster, and become Martial Saint!"

At the table, ten hands clasped together, and a few drops of wine were spilled.

The head chef in the kitchen got busy again.

Plates of steaming hot dishes were served, the aroma of meat mingling with the fragrance of osmanthus, making one's mouth water.

During the meal, everyone ate and drank for a while, and then shared their recent situations. Liang Qu talked the most.

Of the ten people present, Liang Qu's recent situation is particularly remarkable. He has been involved in water management and received imperial edicts, which is worthy of being recorded in a local history.

At the same time, Liang Qu told his fellow students about the boat fleet organized by the River Conservancy Office Bureau to catch Treasure Fish.

"Master should know."

Yang Dongxiong nodded. "Yue Long told me about it, so he knows quite a bit. It's not just about official production and commercial sales. If a merchant caravan is willing, it can build its own ships and go to the Deep Water Area with the River Conservancy Office. The River Conservancy Office will only take 20% of the profits."

"Twenty percent? That's so low?"

Xiang ChangSong looked up abruptly, but he quickly realized something was wrong.

Xu Shi put down her chopsticks. "Chang Song, think about it carefully again. There's no such thing as a free lunch."

Xiang ChangSong vaguely realized. "To avert disaster?"

Yang Dongxiong nodded.

Xiang ChangSong suddenly realized, no wonder.

The waters are complex, and many of the Demon Beast there are unheard of.

Putting aside everything else, the obstruction of sight caused by the water is a major problem; there's no way anyone would know that Demon Beast is right below the ship.

If something goes wrong, it will be a major incident, and there will be no time to react.

When you encounter a bear, you don't need to run faster than the bear, you just need to run faster than your companions.

Needless to say, in ordinary dangers, River Conservancy Office can earn their fair share of profits, but in real times of crisis, even protecting themselves is difficult, and insignificant merchant ships can only become the targets of disaster.

It sounds cruel, but didn't the merchants who set sail know this? They all knew it, but the high risk, high reward, and such low profit margins from the River Conservancy Office meant that merchants would flock to it.

Moreover, with the River Conservancy Office protecting them, they only need to find some ordinary Martial Artist. If something really goes wrong, the cost is still acceptable.

Both sides get what they need, so be prepared if you're going to follow along.

"Making money isn't easy," Xu Zishuai sighed, then raised his glass again. "My fellow disciples, if you ever become successful in the future, never forget Senior Brother Xu Junior Brother Xu!"

Yu Dun laughed and said, "Among everyone in the sect, I'm afraid Senior Brother and Junior Brother are the rising stars. Even Senior Brother is slightly inferior to Junior Senior Brother Xiang. You've asked the wrong person for help."

"Ninth Junior Brother is truly terrifying. He's only been a disciple for a year, and he's probably already facing Wolf Smoke."

"I said there was nothing wrong with his Fate Standard back then. Who says a true dragon can't be raised in shallow water? Junior Brother is a true dragon!"

"Come, let's drink another toast to the true dragon!"