Su Ziji had hired a fast boat, the narrow sort of sailboat that could only accommodate a few people. Traveling light, they set off and headed straight down the canal toward the river mouth where it met the sea.
They departed in the afternoon, paying double passage for the boat to travel through the night, and reached the sea entrance by the following morning.
The red sun rose in the distance, scattering flecks of gold across the sea in the morning light. Ships heading out to sea had to replenish food and fresh water here, and returning ships would also rest and refit. Arrow towers built to ward off pirates stood straight and tall. Though dawn had not fully broken and lanterns still burned at the docks, ships could vaguely be seen moored everywhere, while crowds of early risers bustled along the shore.
"We don't need to fight for a berth. We'll stop on the beach nearby." Su Ziji called Wild Daoist over and smiled.
The two disembarked. There was nothing much to say about it—the entire dock reeked of fish, with countless rotten fish strewn about. Fishermen called out in uneven cries, "Fresh fish, just hauled from the sea! Cheap!"
"Sea prawns, two cash a jin!"
"Hairtail fish—fresh, delicious flesh! One cash each!"
The winter wind by the sea was cold and damp, but neither Su Ziji nor Wild Daoist cared. Their attention was wholly fixed on the fish stalls lining the way.
Pointing at the stalls, Su Ziji said to Wild Daoist, "You've seen it yourself. Even in winter, the sea is still so full of life. What do you think of making seafood the main business of our new restaurant?"
Wild Daoist naturally knew the price of seafood in the Capital City, but he still had to