After the ship left port, its sails were unfurled, and it sailed smoothly along the canal.
Yi Shuyuan had been watching the bustle on deck for quite some time before other passengers began emerging from the cabin.
The scholar traveling to take the examinations came onto the deck, yawning and stretching. Though Yi Shuyuan was not an examination candidate, he was at least a learned, courteous man, so the scholar naturally came over to stand beside him.
"Ha, these boatmen have such loud voices this early in the morning. Oh! So many ships! A thousand sails passing through, just like countless candidates heading to the capital for the examinations. Someone is bound to sail ahead of the rest!"
Yi Shuyuan leaned against the railing, admiring the scenery on the water near and far. Some ships were leaving port, while many others were approaching along the canal from behind. The vessels of varying sizes made quite an impressive sight.
Only upon hearing Yang Bencai's words did Yi Shuyuan turn to look at him.
"A fine ambition."
Yi Shuyuan answered casually, then glanced toward the top of the mast. His Gourd was already sitting up there, absorbing the power of the sun without budging despite the ship's rocking.
Yang Bencai looked in the same direction, but saw nothing besides the mast and sails, so he turned his attention back to Yi Shuyuan.
The cabin had been dim yesterday, and everyone had been busy settling in and unpacking, leaving no opportunity for a proper look or conversation. Now he noticed that the man before him was handsome and looked perfectly healthy, yet his hair was already graying.
"Er, Brother Yi, are you going to Heaven-Bearing Prefecture too?"
"You could say that. Is this your first trip to the capital for the examinations?"
Yi