As the sun rises in the east, its golden rays bathe every corner of the Lianshui Wharf. The sky is cloudless, a perfect day for setting sail.
The area around the dock was crowded with people. Mothers and women who came to say goodbye had tears in their eyes and were sobbing silently. No one dared to cry out loud for fear of being scolded by their husbands, or for fear of bad luck.
New recruits and veterans boarded the ship one after another, the veterans all remaining silent. The journey north was fraught with uncertainty, and apart from the young men who had never traveled far and were filled with excitement, the veterans, who had experienced war, felt no emotion whatsoever, and all began to silently pray for divine protection.
Watching nearly twenty ships depart one after another, sailing away into the distance, Qin Mo felt apprehensive, unsure of the outcome of his northern expedition. Yet, he couldn't refuse; the court clearly had designs on him, otherwise they wouldn't have refused to promote him to the rank of prince.
Qin Mo's ambition to build his own empire requires three key elements: ample funds, a formidable workforce, and a secure rear base. While the necessary funds and manpower can be acquired gradually, the stability of his own base currently hinges on the attitude of the Great Xia Empire. Until he has developed his own power base, he must remain compliant and bide his time.
Shake your head vigorously, trying to clear your mind of these worries; tomorrow's troubles will come tomorrow. Mount your horse sideways and head towards Silver Bay, where salt is dried.
Entering the heavily guarded Silver Bay, Qin Mo saw Simon bustling about beside a ship from afar. Her mood gradually improved. Simon was definitely an unremarkable elf—taciturn and not particularly strong. Yet, he was Qin Mo's greatest discovery since her transmigration.
Seaman was skilled in alchemy, and although his technique wasn't advanced, he could make a sextant with remarkable precision. Seaman also knew a little about shipbuilding; according to him, the elves were the most advanced race in the world in terms of navigation and shipbuilding, and he had only learned a tiny bit. But that little bit was enough. Qin Mo drew him a blueprint, and he managed to assemble a ship for Qin Mo.
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