Wang Dapeng hadn't expected that Gu Qingcheng had already planned how to utilize the iron mine.
Gu Qingcheng told him to rest for a week, after which she would descend the mountain with Dapeng, bringing the blacksmith along.
Upon hearing that Gu Qingcheng intended to visit the iron mine site, Hu Lanfang was quite worried. She urged her not to go and to leave the matter to Wang Dapeng.
The current state of the outside world was too chaotic. While Phoenix Village offered safety, venturing out was uncertain.
Gu Qingcheng smiled and said, "Mother, don't worry. You allowed me to freely train for half a year before. Now my experience is deeper and my knowledge is broader, why are you more worried now?"
"Yes, don't worry, Mother. Sister and I will go together," Mi Guo chimed in.
"I will arrange for skilled guards like Da Xiong to follow me. I will be fine."
Gu Qingcheng tried to set her mother's mind at ease.
Hu Lanfang always felt a faint unease, a premonition perhaps. She didn't know why, but this time she strongly wished her daughter wouldn't go out.
However, such inauspicious words were difficult to utter, as nothing had happened yet.
Helpless, Hu Lanfang hardened her heart, gritted her teeth, and said,
"Fine, if you want to go, then go. But remember to be extremely careful. If something happens, don't rashly rush forward yourself; your martial arts aren't the best."
"Mother, I understand."
Gu Qingcheng nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Sister and I will go out together. I will definitely protect her safety."
Mi Guo patted her chest confidently.
"Ha, you're bored staying on the mountain and want to go out and play, right?"
Gu Qingcheng teased.
"Hehe, you could say that." Mi Guo didn't deny it.
Hu Lanfang thought about it and realized that having Mi Guo along would be an added help. After all, Qingcheng was a woman, and being amongst a group of men could lead to many inconveniences.
If Mi Guo could mediate, she would feel much more at ease.
"Alright, you both go, and be sure to be safe."
Hu Lanfang said resignedly.
Wang Dapeng, thinking that he would be dispatched to the iron mine by Young Master Gu, had a passionate reunion with his wife, Zhang Yu, upon returning home.
Zhang Yu felt that the situation had gradually stabilized and also wanted to have a child.
Unexpectedly, after being married for nearly three months, she still hadn't conceived. She herself was fine, but her mother was getting anxious. Her mother would occasionally cast furtive glances at her belly, seemingly wanting to ask if there was any news, but likely feeling it was still too early to urge her.
Previously, Zhang Yu had concerns due to the uncertainties of life. But now that there was a water source, her husband's fleet was operating successfully downstream, and his business was booming, Zhang Yu herself also desired a child.
Wang Dapeng, experiencing the joy of a reunion, found himself swept up in the affectionate intimacy.
Time flew by, and seven days passed in the blink of an eye. Wang Dapeng was ready to set off again.
Zhang Yu reluctantly saw Dapeng off to the mountain pass outside the village.
On the water below the mountain, a line of Phoenix Village merchant ships was docked. The scene was bustling with people loading and unloading goods, preparing for departure.
Gu Qingcheng passed by and saw Zhang Yu looking so reluctant. She couldn't help but tease:
"Madam Zhang, do you want to come along? If not, you'll soon become a waiting stone."
Hearing this, Zhang Yu blushed and ran off.
Wang Dapeng, standing nearby, let out a hearty laugh, a hint of shyness on his face.
Gu Chaobei and his wife were also secretly there to see them off. Although they tried to blend into the crowd, Gu Qingcheng still spotted them. She playfully waved at them before heading for the ship without looking back.
Watching her daughter board the ship, Hu Lanfang seemed lost in thought.
Gu Chaobei asked, "Wife, why do you seem so distracted?"
"Alas, I don't know why, but I have a terrible premonition about Qingcheng's trip. It feels like something is about to happen."
"You're overthinking. Honestly, every time she goes out, I feel the same way. I worry too, I just don't show it.
Don't worry, she took good care of herself when she left us for half a year, and even established Phoenix Village in these chaotic times. Now that she has so many people around her, she will surely be fine."
With her husband's comfort, Hu Lanfang felt a bit better. The couple then rose and headed home.
The fleet set sail.
A village flag of Phoenix Village fluttered high on the bow of the lead ship, embroidered with a golden phoenix in mid-flight.
Gu Qingcheng, Mi Guo, and Wang Dapeng were on the largest ship, with the other vessels following behind.
Gu Qingcheng said with satisfaction, "Dapeng, the training results of your sailors are good. Do all 30 ships now have enough crew?"
Gu Qingcheng had initially acquired 21 ships, but later purchased 9 more, bringing the total to 30. She intended to acquire more merchant ships if the opportunity arose.
"Yes, Young Master Gu. On one hand, we have trained a group of people, and on the other hand, we recruit people with relevant expertise whenever we arrive at a location.
The entire Great Zhou Dynasty is in chaos. If people can find a way to make a living, they will clamor to enlist."
Wang Dapeng didn't take all the credit for himself, explaining the situation clearly.
Gu Qingcheng appreciated his steady attitude.
The group sat on the deck, enjoying the gentle, cool breeze. The air carried a hint of moisture and humidity, but it wasn't stifling.
Along the way, Gu Qingcheng saw that the former Wangchun City was now completely submerged. Even the tips of the towers that could have served as landmarks had disappeared beneath the water.
Occasionally, as the ships passed through clear water, they could see the eaves of some submerged houses through the surface, evoking a sense of being in another world.
Gu Qingcheng sighed inwardly.
She remembered the disaster dream she had on her first night here, and how it had all come true.
Fortunately, she had taken the dream seriously and actively prepared.
She recalled that in the later part of the dream, there was also a wind disaster. Gale-force winds, and even tornadoes in some areas, swept across the country, destroying many ground structures and harming crops and livestock.
Thinking of this, Gu Qingcheng felt that building houses with blue bricks in Phoenix Village had been the right decision, as they wouldn't be blown away by the wind. Wooden houses, however, were somewhat risky.
She planned to push for all the houses in Phoenix Village to be gradually converted into brick and tile structures upon her return.
Although blue tiles might be blown away, replacing them would be relatively easy.
The ship sailed for a day and a half. As noon approached, Dapeng excitedly announced to Gu Qingcheng,
"Young Master Gu, we've arrived at Chaliao Island."
Gu Qingcheng hadn't seen a proper town for some time, and seeing one now was quite breathtaking.
Human adaptability was indeed boundless. As long as they were given space to survive, they would tenaciously take root and endure.
Having stayed in Phoenix Village for a long time, Gu Qingcheng and Mi Guo stood on the deck, their eyes filled with joy as they looked at this new port city.
"Young Master Gu, this is the liveliest commercial street on Chaliao Island, and our shop is located here."
Wang Dapeng led the way. Mi Guo and Da Xiong flanked Gu Qingcheng, acting as her loyal guards. Chen Sheng and Wu Guang followed behind them, constantly looking around vigilantly to protect Gu Qingcheng.