Chapter 7: The Inspection Station

  The boat continued on its journey, and after a while, they arrived at a small town. As they were about to dock, a group of men with guns appeared on the shore, shouting for them to stop and come ashore for inspection.

  Liu Xianming's face turned pale as he quickly got off the boat and approached the men. Ye Guoqiang and the others followed closely behind him, protecting Liu Xianming from any potential harm.

  The leader of the group, a rough-looking man, asked them what they were doing and what goods they had on board. Liu Xianming explained that they were merchants transporting tea to Yijiang Town.

  The man pointed to a wooden sign behind him, which read "County Goods Inspection Station." He told them that all passing goods must be inspected and ordered the boatmen to set up a gangway.

  As the men began to inspect the tea chests, Liu Xianming grew anxious. Ye Guoqiang intervened, speaking in a low tone to the leader of the group. He explained that they were on a mission to deliver tea to the 108th Regiment and asked for their cooperation.

  The leader's expression changed, and he smiled, saying that there was no need to inspect the goods further. He accepted three silver dollars from Ye Guoqiang as a "tea money" and allowed them to continue their journey.

  As they sailed away, Xu Changsheng and the others expressed their anger and frustration at the corruption they had just witnessed. Liu Xianming thanked Ye Guoqiang for his help and noted that he would remember the three silver dollars as part of his expenses.

  The conversation turned to the recent increase in inspection stations along the river. Quan Shicai, who had been quiet until then, spoke up, saying that similar stations had appeared on the Ningguo side of the river, allegedly to prevent smuggling and aid the enemy.

  Liu Xianming suddenly remembered something and asked Quan Shicai about his business in Ningguo. Quan Shicai replied that he had a small general store there, which barely made ends meet.

  Liu Xianming chuckled and revealed that he had recently purchased a deputy magistrate position in the same county, hoping to use it as a protective charm for his business. However, he now realized that it might be a one-sided wish.