The weather had cleared, and the danger had passed. All the boats on the canal began lowering their full sails and sailing swiftly onward.
Yang Bencai returned from washing up at the stern and naturally headed toward Yi Shuyuan on the forward deck. After last night, he felt that he and Mr. Yi could already be considered friends.
But when he reached the forward deck, he found Yi Shuyuan asking Old Meng about something.
"The Kaiyang Water God's temple?"
Old Meng, who was lowering the mainsail and securing it at an angle, finished what he was doing and looked at Yi Shuyuan with some surprise.
"Mr. Yi, didn't you say you weren't going to take the examinations?"
"I'm not, but I would still like to learn about the sights along the way."
Yang Bencai had only just arrived. Hearing their conversation, he could not help eagerly volunteering his knowledge.
"The River God Temple? I asked about that ages ago! The River God Temple at Cloud Moor Harbor, the foremost temple on the Kaiyang Grand Canal—the place with the most offerings and the most miraculous answers to prayers! The offering money is a little steep, but I've already set it aside. Oh, Elder Meng, will our boat stop there?"
As he spoke, Yang Bencai looked toward Old Meng beside the mast. The old man smiled, nodded, and addressed Yi Shuyuan.
"Young Master Yang is right. The foremost temple on the Kaiyang Grand Canal is at Cloud Moor Harbor."
Old Meng glanced at Yang Bencai and continued.
"But berths at Cloud Moor Harbor are scarce, and the mooring fees are rather expensive. Our boat does need to stop nearby to buy food and supplies, but we won't dock at Cloud Moor Harbor. We'll probably stop at Small River Village, seven or eight