“Set sail!!”
On the eastern sea of the Great Qin, accompanied by loud shouted commands, the anchor of a large fishing vessel was pulled up.
The burly men, bare-armed and shouting cadence, heaved with all their strength.
The ship cut through the water, sending sprays flying in every direction.
The salty fishy scent of the sea was still fresh, slapping against their faces.
In the morning light of the summer harbor, sound swirled like a hundred thousand stories.
The rustling of oyster shells scraping stone slabs, the rhythmic tapping of fresh tung oil being brushed under ship hulls, the crackling of counting beads at the pawnshop’s counter.
Boys dressed in simple summer clothes carried whole oyster shells as they passed by.
The aroma of fresh sesame cakes mingled with the moist sea air.
The prosperous scene was already on full display.
It was the summer of the first year of the Great Qin’s era of Taiping (Great Peace).
Trade routes had opened across the lands, and Mohist scholars had improved upon ship designs.
Going to sea had become more and more thriving.
At a stall, a stout auntie skillfully spread a mixture of oysters, eggs, and flour onto a searing iron griddle.
This was a local coastal snack, hearty and filling.