The people stood on the deck of the Cao Boat, gazing into the distance.
At the junction of the Huitong River and the Wei River, the sunset dyed the river surface a golden red.
On both riverbanks, watchtowers and checkpoints were scattered.
Black-robed minor officials, sallow-faced oarsmen, merchants, porters…
People of all sorts coming and going, their noisy chatter even drowned out the sound of rushing water.
The river mouth was completely blocked by a tall wooden canal gate.
Dozens of Cao Boats and passenger boats crowded at the gate, anxiously waiting.
"Let's open the dam——!"
As the elder official at the gate struck the copper gong, the Cao workers swiftly set up the gangplank.
"Heave ho~"
Shirtless oarsmen on the shore shouted as they pulled the ropes, sweat rolling down their bronze backs.
As the winch turned, the massive wooden gate slowly lifted.
The long-awaiting boats immediately sailed into the lock.
