Chapter 157: Returning to the North (2)
A scholar said, “There are quite a few small towns to pass by on the way up the Huaihe River. This lowly one is untalented, but I am willing to go ahead to recruit other scholars to join us!”
In this way, scholars throughout the journey were recruited to pull the rope for the Princess’ boat. By the time they reach the capital, how many people would they have?
When Wu Heng heard of this idea, he was excited to no end!
“So that’s the case, thank you all very much! I kindly ask for the scholars to depart immediately. They… are going to arrive soon!”
The head of the scholars was a white-haired old man. The reason why he proudly stood there was because he truly believed that the Crown Prince was a good man who deserved their aid.
He loudly said, “Mister, please wait a moment. We are going to change and then gather by the river to pull the ship for the Crown Prince!”
Other peasants chimed in, “We are also willing to follow the ship and wait!”
Wu Heng felt a great mass of positive energy stirring in his heart, unable to be contained! He once again bowed deeply and suddenly jerked his head up, his finger pointing in a certain direction.
“Then at about an hour later, I will be at Huaihe Wharf welcoming everyone!”
By the time Changxi arrived at Huaihe, he couldn’t help but be shocked silly by the huge crowd waiting for them by the river on both banks!
What was even more peculiar was that the crowd was made up of students wearing their uniform: sky blue, long-sleeved scholarly robes with square, scholarly hats. They seemed to be waiting here to welcome them.
Feeling startled, Changxi asked the person standing at the front with displeasure, “What is happening here? Why are there so many people gathered here?”
When Wu Heng met this number one expert in the country, his heart couldn’t help but fear. However, there were thousands of scholars supporting him, so he recovered his breath!
“Gong Gong, please look!”
He pointed at a huge ship not far away! “This ship! That was something the Princess spent over a year on, costing both blood and sweat to create! Originally, the Princess wanted to gift this boat to his Majesty. However… since Gong Gong is in a rush to return to the capital, it has become the best method of transport now. It is large and stable, perfect for the Princess and the Crown Prince to recover from their injuries…
“As for these people…” Wu Heng smiled, “They are all in the debt of the Princess and Crown Prince. Hearing that his Majesty was in a rush and that big ships are typically slow, they spontaneously and willingly decided to pull the ship!”
Changxi’s mouth twitched, his face extremely unsightly. In the end, he pointed to the scholars at the front, “They have no strength in their hands, how are they supposed to pull the boat?”
“There’s also us!”
At this time, quite a few workers came from far and wide. They all wore working clothes, clean and spirited! “We are also willing to go, to open the way for the ship!”
The scholars added, “Even though we have no strength in our hands, we are sincere. The sun and moon pass through the sky, we ask for your Excellency not to stop us. Please grant us fellow scholars our true heart!”
With this said, all the scholars got down and bowed. What else could Changxi say? After all, these scholars had high statuses, it wasn’t like he could completely suppress them by himself.
Thinking of that still-unconscious little princess, Changxi let out a long sigh. This could also be considered his silent approval…
Everyone’s face brightened! Now, everything was in place.
The ship was about to set off!
On both sides of the boat, a blue rope was looped through the scales of the ship. There were a total of 500 on the left and right sides. Hanging from the sides, they were like two giant blue wings!
Some guards stood at the very front, scholars in the middle, farmers at the very end. They all gave a single shout!
“Set sail!”
The ropes straightened at once! The scales all flipped around at once! Under the sun, they gave off a brilliant cold light!
It began to move! Like a giant beast! Its huge body carried an unspeakable pride and dominance! The two sides were escorted by countless people, giant waves left in its wake. It was the leader of its kind! It seemed to represent a new era, slowly opening the gates to a new future!