The ferry slowly passed through the waters crowded with large ships in the rain. Though there were many vessels, they were arranged in good order, leaving a sufficiently broad channel for passage.
Yang Bencai was not the only one who envied Yi Shuyuan, but more people simply regarded the scene at the ferry's bow in the rain as a beautiful picture.
After all, amid the misty spring rain, the man wore a blue-green robe and black outer coat, while the woman in red held an umbrella. Though they shared one umbrella in the rain, they lacked the clinging intimacy of lovers, standing together at the bow with calm, composed bearing instead. That had a charm all its own.
As the ferry continued onward, the sights of Heaven-Bearing Harbor unfolded before Yi Shuyuan through a veil of rain.
"Is anyone here visiting Heaven-Bearing Harbor for the first time?"
The ferryman working the sculling oar at the stern wore a straw rain cape and bamboo hat as he called out his question. A few people in the cabin spoke, but their voices were too quiet-or perhaps they were not answering him at all.
Yi Shuyuan, however, turned toward the stern and replied with a smile.
"This is indeed my first visit to Heaven-Bearing Harbor!"
The ferryman looked toward the bow as he worked the oar.
"Young master up front, Heaven-Bearing Harbor is the largest inland harbor in our Great Yong, renowned as the finest harbor under heaven. It stretches eight li along the river and has nearly two hundred berths for ships large and small. Few places in the world can rival its bustle or prosperity."
As the ferryman spoke, Yi Shuyuan gazed at the harbor ahead. Even with the rain falling, it remained busy. He could vaguely make out dockworkers moving