Dongluan Commandery
The broad, smooth flagstone road connecting the docks teemed with pedestrians. Shops stood in dense rows on either side, and vessels came and went—not only inland boats, but seagoing ships every dozen or so zhang.
The inland waterways twisted and turned, and travel by water was slow, so the imperial envoy had decided to take the sea route. They could reach the capital in half a month.
Upon arriving in Dongluan Commandery, the local officials naturally came to receive and see them off. The officials were treated to a banquet, the ships docked for supplies, and those aboard could also go ashore to stroll about nearby and clear their minds.
Dressed in casual clothes, Su Ziji walked through the dockside market under the protection of his personal guards. The goods on display were fairly dazzling, putting him in a good mood. He even bought several little trinkets, intending to take them back for Ye Buhui.
"This return journey has brought me more experience. Every official who comes to welcome me along the way is a treasure trove that can be excavated."
"Unfortunately, since I must return to the capital ahead of schedule, I cannot travel as I did before."
"Next, we will head out to sea. I wonder what gains this voyage by sea will bring."
Supplies for the days at sea had to be prepared in full now. The ship would not stop midway then, and such pleasant opportunities as drawing experience while banqueting with local officials would be gone.
"Still, there is not much experience left now."
Su Ziji lowered his gaze and saw half of the Rosewood Pendant.
[Way of Governance] Level 9 (4325/9000)
"The first time, I gained three or four thousand in one go. Now I cannot even get three or