The Crown Princess is busy fishing

Lin Yuge's boat is under construction at Zengjia Shipyard.

After her hand injury healed, she went to sea again with the Rebirth.

Every time she returned from her voyage, she would rush to Zengjia Shipyard without hesitation.

You can see the skeletons of ships gradually taking shape under the careful craftsmanship of artisans.

Her eyes were filled with anticipation.

As the weather gradually gets colder, the fishing boats in the village have stopped operating again.

Qiu Ming finally brought up the matter of shipbuilding.

He found Lin Yuge and said with a slightly hesitant expression:

"Fisherman's Song, after much deliberation, I have decided to build only one more boat."

"As you know, your mother has her workshop in the village now."

Many people feel that working in a workshop provides a stable income and avoids the risks of going to sea, so their willingness to go to sea is not as strong as before.

With just one ship, the cost can be controlled; this is a decision I made after considering many factors.

"Uncle Qiu, it's alright. It's understandable that everyone wants a peaceful life."

Although only one ship is built, it can achieve the ultimate in quality and functionality.

We can design this boat as a multi-functional fishing vessel. It can perform both conventional fishing operations.

"It can also handle the transportation of small goods when necessary, thus improving its utilization rate," Lin Yuge patiently explained.

Qiu Ming's eyes grew brighter and brighter, and he excitedly slapped his thigh.

"Yuge, you're the quickest-witted one."

"We'll do it your way. I'll go back and tell everyone to get ready to start work."

"Alright, I'll finish the blueprints in the next couple of days. While everyone's on vacation, we can get the ship built before the New Year."

Lin Yuge readily agreed.

She became even busier after that, not only helping with shipbuilding in the village.

It was to go to Zeng's shipyard to check on the progress of his ships.

Occasionally, it will even go out to sea with the "Rebirth" ship.

After several months of adjustment.

The crew members also became more and more in sync, and operated the ship with increasing skill and efficiency.

The sea breeze howled, and the waves surged.

This was the last time they went out to sea before the New Year, so Lin Yuge and Lin Qingzhou both went along.

Everyone put in their best effort, enduring several days of drifting at sea in the dead of winter.

On this day, the "Rebirth" finally slowly returned to port.

The ship had just entered the bay.

Lu Ziheng's shopkeepers on the shore spotted them.

So when the ship docked, Lu Ziheng was already there with his men waiting.

First came baskets of mackerel, then large yellow croaker, sea bass, and various kinds of grouper.

Many plump crabs and fresh shrimp were also brought ashore.

Lu Ziheng greeted them with a smile, his gaze sweeping over Lin Yuge and Lin Qingzhou.

They breathed a sigh of relief after confirming that the two were safe and sound.

"We've been waiting for you to come back! This trip has been quite fruitful!"

Lin Yuge disembarked and greeted him with a smile.

He said, "Brother Lu, this journey has been truly difficult, especially in the dead of winter with such poor sea conditions."

Fortunately, everyone was experienced and highly motivated, which enabled us to achieve this result.

Lin Qingzhou followed behind, directing the crew to move the fish.

He also shouted:

"Let's all work harder so we can unload the goods and go home to rest early and have a good New Year!"

All the fish catch has been counted and the accounts have been settled.

Lin Yuge distributed wages and bonuses to the crew members.

He then allowed the crew members to disperse and reunite with their families.

The villagers of Longtang Village also took the money they had just received and went to buy New Year's goods for their families.

Lin Yuge and Lin Qingzhou followed Lu Ziheng to Tingtao Tower.

He ordered a sumptuous meal to be prepared.

He then warmly invited the two to sit down.

"You've had a tough time on this voyage. Take a good rest here today."

After a few rounds of drinks, he put down his glass, as if he had remembered something important.

She turned slightly to the side, looked at Lin Yuge with sincere eyes, and brought up her shipbuilding project.

"Little Sister Lin, those ships you've been so meticulously preparing to build should be finished soon, right?"

I heard they're going to be launched after the New Year. Do you have any big plans for the future?

Lu Ziheng's eyes were full of expectation and inquiry.

Lin Yuge, who had been looking out the window, turned her gaze toward Lu Ziheng.

A clear gleam of interest appeared in his eyes.

She tilted her head slightly and asked, "Brother Lu, there seems to be a deeper meaning in your words. Why don't you speak frankly?"

A confident smile appeared on Lu Ziheng's face.

He pointed north, his voice filled with excitement and anticipation.

"Look, we've been struggling in this Lingnan region for so long, and although we've achieved some success."

But the world is vast, and the north and other places are like a treasure trove waiting to be explored for us.

Once your new ships are launched, we might as well gather a batch of the highest quality and most distinctive goods and ship them directly north.

This journey wasn't just about delivering goods; it was about exploring a completely new trade route.

It's important to understand that if you want to make a major breakthrough in business, opening up new business avenues is a step you'll have to take sooner or later.

Let's go scout ahead first, get a clear picture of the situation, so we can have a better future.

Lin Yuge fell into deep thought upon hearing this.

Lin Qingzhou chuckled and teased, "Ziheng, my little sister's boat hasn't even been launched yet, and you're already eyeing it."

However, to be fair, it is indeed a very attractive proposal.

Lin Yuge raised her eyes and slowly said:

"Brother Lu, your idea is certainly bold and full of opportunities, but we cannot ignore the risks involved."

The harsh climate in the north, with frequent blizzards and freezing temperatures in winter, poses a significant challenge to navigation safety.

Moreover, we know very little about the market demand and trade rules in the north. If we go there blindly, the losses will be incalculable if our goods become unsaleable.

Lu Ziheng smiled slightly and said patiently, "Little Sister Lin, I have naturally considered all the concerns you have."

The reason for planning to depart after the New Year is that the weather will not be so cold then, and the low temperature is extremely beneficial for the preservation of goods.

Regarding market demand in the north, I am not unprepared.

As he spoke, he raised his eyebrows, a look of pride on his face.

"When I returned to Beijing with my cousin last time, I made a point of observing and inquiring about things."

I've discovered that there's a significant demand inland for our southern specialty products, such as spices, seafood from your mother's workshop, and pearls.

However, due to inconvenient transportation, the supply is scarce.

I originally planned to purchase a merchant ship and start this business on my own once I had enough funds.

Unexpectedly, our thoughts now coincide perfectly; isn't this a godsend?

Lin Yuge frowned slightly, then asked:

"Brother Lu has decided to head north. Does he have a final destination?"

Lu Zixuan slightly raised his head, his eyes revealing determination and longing.

"My idea was to go all the way to the capital and open up a trade route from Lingnan to the capital."

As you all know, I can't stay here for long; I'll have to go back to Beijing eventually.

The capital city is the center of the world, a gathering place for powerful and wealthy people.

If goods from Lingnan can be successfully transported to the capital, the profits and the vast market potential will be immeasurable.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yuge couldn't help but gasp in admiration:

"Brother Lu, your plan is quite ambitious!"

However, the journey was fraught with checkpoints and heavy taxes. Not to mention the hardships of the long journey, including wind, rain, snow, bandits, and river pirates.

Simply getting through all the bureaucratic hurdles and obtaining the operating license is by no means an easy task.