Chapter 614: Yearning for Luoyang
After making some arrangements in Xi'an and entrusting its planning and development to Gao Family Village's administrative department, Li Daoxuan turned his attention back to the Yellow River's banks.
The rising water level of the Yellow River had affected the Dragon Gate Ferry, Qichuan Ferry, and Gudu Ferry. Merchant ships on the river dared not sail. Historically, navigating the upper Yellow River was perilous, and now, with torrential rains, strong winds, and the river swelling, only truly exceptional mariners would brave the waters.
Li Daoxuan scanned the river channel within his field of view, seeing not a single vessel. Even Gao Family Village's motorized boats remained docked, unwilling to venture out. Fortunately, Li Daoxuan had already constructed two grand bridges across the Yellow River – the Longmen Yellow River Bridge and the Linyi Yellow River Bridge. These two bridges proved invaluable now that river travel was impossible.
Gao Family Village's logistics teams were now transporting all supplies via these bridges, just barely managing to maintain the flow of goods.
As May of Chongzhen Year 5 began, the heavy rains showed no sign of abating; in fact, they grew more relentless.
Li Daoxuan was sitting before the diorama box, enjoying a bowl of sour fish soup.
The box's view was fixed on the Gudu Ferry. Rain poured down inside the box, and the little figures mostly sheltered indoors, with few outside. There wasn't much to see, but then, a group of people suddenly emerged from the downpour, busily loading oilcloth-wrapped salt bags onto carts, one after another.
Li Daoxuan let out a soft "Oh?" and used the "focus" function. Upon closer inspection, he recognized the man he had saved in the Yellow River a few days prior: Jiang Cheng, a merchant from Luoyang.
In late April, Jiang Cheng had set out from Luoyang, piloting his merchant vessel towards the Gudu Ferry. Encountering a fierce storm, his ship was nearly capsized. Li Daoxuan had lent a hand, lifting both him and his ship to the Gudu Ferry. Unexpectedly, over ten days had passed, and the man was still at the Gudu Ferry.
His men understood, meticulously loading the salt bags onto several carts, piling them high, and then covering them securely with oilcloth. Only then did Jiang Cheng declare, "All right, let's go! Time to depart!"
He was directing his subordinates to leave when, suddenly, the Heavenly Lord embroidered on his chest seemed to grin, a low chuckle escaping its lips. "Such heavy rain, and you're in such a hurry to leave?"
"Ah, greetings, Heavenly Lord!"
Jiang Cheng and all his subordinates immediately bowed deeply. The previous experience of being scooped from the Yellow River by the Heavenly Lord's giant hand and flown to the dock had left them profoundly shaken. Now, they were all devout followers of the Heavenly Lord Daoist Sect.
Jiang Cheng respectfully reported, "Reporting to the Heavenly Lord, this humble one came to Yongji to transport salt. Due to the torrential rains, we've been delayed for many days. I am quite worried about my wife, children, and elders back home. My subordinates feel the same; everyone is anxious."
Li Daoxuan understood. How could a man away from home for so long not worry about his family? Even in the fiercest storm, the desire to return home was a natural human sentiment.
"The river is dangerous," Li Daoxuan kindly reminded him.
"We understand," Jiang Cheng replied respectfully. "So this time, we won't use boats. We plan to transport the salt by cart to Fengling Crossing. We'll wait for a lull in the rain and wind to take a ferry across the river to Tongguan Road, then travel overland to Luoyang."
"Traveling by land, then? That's not a bad plan." Li Daoxuan offered no further comments, falling silent.
Jiang Cheng waited for a long while, certain the Heavenly Lord had departed, before finally sighing in relief. He then beamed with joy. "The legendary Heavenly Lord's divine manifestation appeared on the embroidery on my chest! Hahaha, I experienced it! This means the Heavenly Lord has accepted me as one of his followers!"
His subordinates cast envious glances at their master. If the Heavenly Lord were to manifest on their chests, how wonderful that would be! Just one such appearance, and they'd be able to strut around the Gudu Ferry, revered by all.
In any case, they now had renewed vigor.
Jiang Cheng and his group swiftly set to work, pushing their carts south from the Gudu Ferry, following the official road to Fengling Crossing.
Puzhou was now completely under the control of Gao Family Village, with the newly appointed Puzhou Deputy Commander, Lao Nanfeng, in charge. Development here was excellent, with cement roads laid everywhere. Large satellite villages and towns, built around the factories, were spread throughout Puzhou, appearing frequently along the way.
Jiang Cheng and his men pushed their carts onward, passing through vast cotton fields. Ahead, a small town appeared, named Yongle Town.
This was the renowned hometown of the famed Yang Guifei, Yang Yuhuan.
Jiang Cheng and his group intended to rest here briefly, entering the town and heading into an inn for a hot tea. Unexpectedly, the inn was packed with people.
All of them were soldiers of the Gao Family Village Militia, armed to the teeth!
The soldiers sat or stood in the inn, clearly guarding a woman in the center. She was in her early twenties, delicate and graceful, exuding a comforting aura. She sat at a table, sipping tea.
Jiang Cheng gasped. A legendary figure flashed through his mind, and he quickly made a deep bow: "Greetings, Saintess!"
His guess was correct; this woman was indeed Gao Yiye.
Gao Yiye had been spending a lot of time recently in Puzhou, overseeing the cotton fields. Hearing that this was Yang Guifei's hometown, she had come to sightsee, but the incessant rain had dampened her spirits, so she settled for drinking tea in the inn, listening to the rain.
Seeing Jiang Cheng bow, Gao Yiye smiled gently. "Master Jiang, I commend you. Transporting this salt to Luoyang by land will be much harder than by water."
Jiang Cheng was momentarily bewildered. He thought: *How does the Saintess know my name? And that I'm going to Luoyang by land? I only told the Heavenly Lord.*
Wait, I'm being foolish!
It's not strange for the Saintess to know what the Heavenly Lord knows. Of course!
Jiang Cheng became even more respectful. "Thanks to the Heavenly Lord's blessing, and the Saintess's, this humble one's journey will surely be safe."
Gao Yiye smiled. "The Heavenly Lord says he enjoys traveling far and wide. Seeing you sparked his interest in visiting Luoyang."
Jiang Cheng responded, "This humble one is deeply humbled."
Gao Yiye added, "You must reach Luoyang safely, you know."
Jiang Cheng replied, "Thank you, Saintess, for your blessing."
He and his subordinates retreated to a corner of the inn, not daring to disturb Gao Yiye further. They quickly finished their meal and tea, rested for a short while, and then resumed their journey to Luoyang.
Gao Yiye watched their retreating figures, sighing softly. "Oh, I wish I could visit Luoyang too! I hear it's one of the ancient capitals, a very grand city."
The Heavenly Lord embroidered in gold on her chest chuckled. "No hurry! Wait a little longer, until we confirm Luoyang is safe, then you can go and have fun."
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