Giant Ship Across the Song Dynasty: My Supplies Come from My Motherland

Chapter 12, High Degree of Autonomy

When the old professor wrote his reply, Lin Zhou stood beside him with his teacup, watching him write in neat small characters in a semi-classical style that Si Hou could understand.

"Look at your strokes," Lin Zhou clicked his tongue twice. "They're quite professional. Unlike me, when I first arrived, I found it difficult to even talk to them. It took me a lot of effort to communicate."

Professor Wang glanced up at him and smiled, "Of course, after all, there's been a nearly thousand-year gap, so language habits and expressions are different. But it's not a difficult thing; we share the same cultural origin, so it's easy to learn."

While the professor was writing the letter, Director Zhao handed Lin Zhou a tablet computer: "Take a look, this is the list of supplies for this trip. Since the Marquis wants us to show some sincerity, then we'll give you something truly useful."

The tablet was densely packed with:

Medications: penicillin powder, sulfanilamide powder, albendazole, pain relievers, antipyretics, bandages, iodine swabs, and simple suturing tools.

"Elementary Epidemic Prevention and Hygiene Handbook": specially bound with Xuan paper and illustrated in the style of woodblock printing, the content covers everything from boiling water, burying feces in the toilet, rodent control to wound cleaning, focusing on operation without explaining the principles, and is based entirely on materials that may have been found in the Song Dynasty. It also includes several illustrations of common herbal medicines.

There are also two bags of hybrid "Champa rice" seeds.

"Isn't this practical enough?" Director Zhao tapped the medication section on the screen. "We didn't give him oral antibiotics; that's too risky, and nobody knows if it will cause problems. We just gave him some fast-acting topical powder and suture tools, enough to handle some external injuries and common infections. Along with that manual, this is the maximum support we can provide in terms of ingenuity and sleight of hand. After all, he needs cooperation; we can't exactly be the ones to bring about an industrial revolution for him."

Professor Wang had carefully sealed the letter in a mulberry paper envelope, secured it with wax, and handed it to Lin Zhou: "I replied to the letter according to Si Hou's format. The core points are as follows: We have no intention of interfering in the internal strife within the Song Dynasty, but we respect people like Si Hou who still care about the nation. Cooperation is possible, but the absolute safety of Lin Zhou and the children must be guaranteed. The assistance we can provide is based on the principle of 'not triggering any major upheavals,' and mainly consists of knowledge, methods, and limited means of improving productivity. If he really wants to know more about the future, he will have to exchange it for something. We don't need gold and silver treasures; what we need are cultural relics, antiques, books, calligraphy and paintings, and as many palace items as possible. They don't necessarily have to be expensive; they need to have lots of words, the more words the better."

Lin Zhou held the envelope, feeling it was considerably thicker than the last one: "Old Wang, how long is this letter? Does he think we're all chatterboxes?"

Professor Wang waved his hand: "It's not long, only about a thousand words. It's in official document style, just need to clearly state the matter. Oh, by the way..."

"You should also tell him that there are many variables in the future, and what we know is not necessarily all certain, so that he can prepare for both possibilities."

Director Zhao put the tablet away and picked up a heavy backpack: "I've given you a new set of gear this time. You can still take the pistol, but I've added five more bullets. Remember to take the safety off when you use it. I've given you an upgraded version of the spray, which is more irritating and has a blinding effect. One stun grenade..."

Then he pulled a dark gray vest from his bag: "It's a specially made stab-proof vest. It looks just like a regular cotton-padded vest, but it's hard for ordinary swords and knives to pierce it. Don't get hit by a hammer. Like I said, survival comes first, don't be reckless."

Lin Zhou picked up the vest and weighed it in his hand. It wasn't heavy, but it felt very solid. "Brother Zhao, why are you being so generous all of a sudden this time?"

"Because you almost got cornered in an alley last time." Director Zhao's expression turned serious. "Whether Si Hou was putting on an act is another matter, but the jealousy from other forces is definitely real. We can't just let you die without knowing why, can we?"

"clear."

"One more thing!" Director Zhao lowered his voice: "Since the Marquis of Si hinted that there are other factions in Lin'an City watching you, possibly even Qin Hui's men, then when you go back this time, besides giving him things and letters, you also need to be more careful. Take good care of the shop he gave you, stock up on goods as needed, sell goods as needed, and really act like a merchant. The more bustling the shop, the more you resemble a profit-driven foreign merchant, and the safer you will be. Give him the really good stuff privately, and don't let a third party see it, not even his son."

Lin Zhou nodded solemnly.

Soon, the round-faced policewoman bought him ten pounds of White Rabbit milk candy and handed it to him: "Eating so much candy?"

Lin Zhou simply smiled and glanced at Director Zhao, while Old Zhao waved his hand and said to Lin Zhou, "Let's go, have a safe trip."

With his backpack almost full and a bulging fanny pack, Lin Zhou activated his ability again.

The dizziness subsided, and when I opened my eyes, it was nighttime in the Southern Song Dynasty again. The surrounding air was chilly and carried a strong smell of firewood, completely different from the atmosphere of modern times.

He didn't rush to the city; instead, he turned back to the deserted village.

The children were all asleep by now, but Xiao'e was still wrapped in the quilt Lin Zhou had given her last time, dozing off by the dying fire.

Hearing footsteps, she suddenly woke up, her hand already reaching for the wood-chopping knife beside her. She only breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that it was Lin Zhou, her eyes sparkling.

"elder brother!"

"Shh..." Lin Zhou lowered his voice and gently put down his backpack. "Are they all asleep?"

"Yes. Brother Yannian came by this evening, bringing some rice and salt, saying that you asked him to buy them." Xiao'e pointed to two earthenware jars in the corner.

Lin Zhou laughed. Xu Cheng, that kid, may have a cold exterior, but he's not a bad person at heart.

He squatted down by the fire, placed the bag of candy next to Xiao'e, and first took out a piece and put it in Xiao'e's mouth: "Here, this is what you wanted."

Xiao'e's eyes curved into little crescent moons: "Brother...you're so kind..."

The rich, sweet milk flavor melted on her tongue. She didn't even bother to chew it, just held it in her mouth, and a hazy moisture slowly rose in her eyes.

Lin Zhou felt a pang of sadness seeing this, and quickly took out a few more bags of milk powder and several cans of luncheon meat: "Keep these safe. Cook them with rice to make porridge, to help you recover. Make sure you eat well while I'm gone, understand?"

Xiao'e nodded vigorously, gently grasping Lin Zhou's hand: "Brother... how long will you be staying in the city this time?"

"It depends. Lord Si gave me a shop, and I need to set it up. I'll probably be living in the city permanently from now on. But don't worry, I'll come back to see you every few days." Lin Zhou patted her shoulder. "And I'll also try to find a way to get Lord Si to bring you to the city as soon as possible. Staying here all the time isn't a solution."

Xiao'e lowered her head and softly hummed in agreement. She knew very well that her identity was extremely sensitive, and it would be almost impossible for her to return to the city. The old scoundrel Qin Hui would definitely not let them go.

But Xiao'e didn't want to spoil Lin Zhou's thoughts. She simply cupped her face and looked up at him, her eyes clearly not those of a younger sister looking at her older brother.

As Lin Zhou stood up to leave, Xiao'e suddenly tugged at his sleeve, took out something carefully wrapped in coarse cloth from her bosom, and stuffed it into his hand. "Brother, this is for you."

Lin Zhou opened it and saw a jade pendant that had been polished until it shone, clearly something that Xiao'e had worn close to her body for a long time.

"This was left to me by my mother... Brother, you should take it with you; it will keep you safe."

Lin Zhou carefully tucked the jade pendant into his bosom and placed it close to his body, then gently ruffled Xiao'e's hair: "Okay, I'll take it. You get some sleep. I'm leaving now, but I'll make sure you live a good life!"

"Yes! I believe in my brother!"

Lin Zhou tucked his backpack in and quietly left the deserted village.

Instead of taking the main road, he followed the shadows of the riverbank toward the city gate. In the stillness of the night, only the faint voices of the night watchmen could be heard from the distant city tower. As he approached the gate, he deliberately circled around to the old willow tree where he usually set up his stall during the day. Sure enough, he found his cart there, with all the wooden buckets, pots, and pans still there, only covered with a thin layer of dew.

Xu Cheng kept his word, Lin Zhou thought to himself, righting the car and checking it over. Everything was there, nothing was missing. It seemed Director Zhao was right after all; if it weren't for the Imperial City Guard's staged performance, the food in the car would have been gone long ago.

Winter was truly deadly for the poor in Lin'an.

Pulling the cart back into the city, he found the shop that Sihou had given him, relying on his memory.

The shop door was tightly closed, and the government seal was still affixed to the door panel, but the seal had been gently torn open in the middle and was left partially hidden.

Several bundles of new thatch were piled in the corner, two large vats filled with clean water were placed under the window, and even the stove had been roughly cleaned and the firewood was neatly stacked.

This was clearly not how the shopkeeper and his family had left in such a hurry. Lin Zhou could almost picture Xu Cheng with a stern face, directing his men to work silently.

He couldn't help but laugh; this arrogant orange...

Lin Zhou didn't rush to pack. He first found a reasonably intact bench to sit on, opened his backpack, and began to organize the things he needed to give to Si Hou. The medicine was wrapped separately in a piece of blue cloth, the manual was wrapped tightly in oil paper, and the tools and seeds were placed separately.

After everything was done, he looked up at the dark shop and couldn't help but sigh. Finally, he had a foothold in the Song Dynasty.

As dawn broke and Lin'an gradually awoke, the commotion outside woke Lin Zhou. After drawing water from the water vat to brush his teeth and wash his face, he skillfully started a fire to boil water.

Soon, the familiar aroma of instant noodles wafted out again.

The first person lured over wasn't a diner, but Xu Cheng. Still dressed in his dog skin, he emerged from the alley across the street, looking dazed.

Lin Zhou was slicing a sausage when she glanced up at him and said, "Cheng'er, good morning. Want some noodles? Here's the first bowl, consider it auspicious for your opening."

Xu Cheng snorted and dragged a stool over to sit down: "You arrived last night?"

"Hmm. Thanks, you even helped tidy up the shop."

"My father ordered it."

"Your father didn't tell you you can't eat my noodles, right?" Lin Zhou ladled the cooked noodles into a rough earthenware bowl, added two extra sausages, sprinkled on some chopped green onions, and handed it over.

Xu Cheng took the sausage and started eating without thinking. Halfway through, he suddenly stopped, looked up from the bowl, and said with a strange look in his eyes, "This sausage... seems to smell even better than the last one?"

That's right, this time it's Shuanghui King of Kings Extra Strength Edition, two yuan a piece. Before, it was eight mao a piece of Shuanghui dog sausage, how can they be the same?

But he said, "It's an exclusive recipe, improved a second time."