The Crown Princess is busy fishing

"By the way, Yuge, you have to be careful when installing the sails next, that's a crucial job."

Lin Yuge nodded quickly and said, "Yes, Uncle Zhang, I'm all ready."

"The sails are already being made and should arrive in a couple of days."

"I'll need everyone's help with the installation then."

Shi Liang smiled and said, "No problem, we've got it covered."

At this moment, Qiu Ming walked over with a smile on his face.

He asked with concern, "Yuge, when do you plan to launch your boat for a trial voyage?"

"Everyone is eagerly anticipating to see how it performs in the water."

Lin Yuge thought for a moment.

"Uncle Qiu, I plan to wait until the sails are installed."

"After checking and testing all the small parts, we'll choose a good day to launch it for sea trials."

"I also hope it goes smoothly and that nothing goes wrong."

Then everyone installed the three winches in place.

First is the winch at the bow, which is mainly used for anchoring operations.

Lin Qingzhou, along with Zhang Meng and Li Er, were in charge of this area.

They first carefully placed the winch in the pre-designed position at the bow of the ship.

Then, the winch base is tightly connected to the hull using a combination of wooden dowels and iron nails.

Qiu Ming and the other villagers were responsible for the winch in the middle of the boat.

This winch is larger than the one at the bow.

Because it needs to withstand a heavier load from the fishing nets.

To ensure its stability, some reinforced wooden strips were installed around the winch for support.

The winch is tightly connected to the structural beams of the hull.

Finally, there is the winch at the stern, which is mainly used for some auxiliary operations.

Used for towing small boats or adjusting the direction of a boat in special circumstances.

Its installation is relatively simple, but it is still necessary to ensure that it can work properly.

After all the winches were installed, the group conducted a detailed inspection and test on them.

Make sure everything is working properly.

The busy day finally came to an end, and everyone felt tired but also full of a sense of accomplishment.

After a few more days, the team further refined all the details on the ship.

The beds, tables, and chairs in the rest cabins have all been prepared.

Secured to the hull to prevent movement.

Several rows of shelves were also built inside the storage compartment to store items that are prone to moisture.

During this time, the ship owner, Zeng, sent someone to deliver the completed sails.

I also brought over the anchor that Lin Yuge had ordered from the blacksmith's shop.

After Lin Yuge checked and found no problems, he quickly had several items installed and secured.

After several more tests, it was confirmed that there were absolutely no problems.

At this point, the two craftsmen who were invited finished filling all the gaps.

Then they proceeded to waterproof the entire ship.

Lin Yuge and the others also helped out.

With each coat of tung oil applied...

The hull was gradually stained with a deep and glossy color.

Each layer of tung oil needs to be applied and allowed to fully penetrate and dry over time.

Everyone patiently carried out this step, leaving no corner unchecked.

Finally, as Lin Yuge requested.

The two craftsmen then applied a waterproofing layer to both the inside and outside of the boat's bottom.

At this point, all preparations are nearing completion.

Just wait for the last layer of tung oil to dry completely.

After nearly half a year of being busy, I can finally take a break.

Thinking of the lychee grove on the back mountain that Zhang Meng and the others mentioned.

Lin Yuge offered Lin Qingzhou some advice.

"Brother, let's take a break these two days and go for a walk in the back mountain tomorrow!"

"Little sister, you want to go to the back mountain to pick lychees, right? I'm craving them too. Zhang Meng, are you guys going?"

"Sure, we finally have a break, of course we have to go."

“That’s right, if we don’t go soon, all the lychees will be picked.” Li Er quickly chimed in.

At this moment, Da Tian asked somewhat embarrassedly, "Can I bring my sister along? She's been saying she wants to go lychee picking these past few days."

Lin Yuge immediately replied, "Sure, I was just worried about having no one to keep me company!"

"Anyone who wants to bring someone can do so; it'll be more fun if everyone goes together!"

The three young people nodded in agreement, discussing who else from their families would be going.

The other married people smiled and shook their heads, indicating that they wouldn't join in the fun.

"Then it's settled. We'll meet at the village entrance first thing tomorrow morning and head to the back mountain together."

After saying that, everyone dispersed.

The next morning, the village entrance became lively.

When Lin Yuge and Lin Qingzhou arrived, everyone else was already there.

Da Tian was with his younger sister, Daya.

Da Ya is one year older than Lin Yuge, and just turned fifteen this year.

She was wearing a simple floral print dress.

Her hair was neatly pulled back, and she exuded a refreshing air.

She greeted Lin Yuge and the others with a smile.

"Yuge, you've arrived! I've been looking forward to picking lychees today."

Lin Yuge replied, "Sister Daya, me too."

Li Er also stood to the side, dressed in a neat short-sleeved outfit and looking very energetic.

His friend Shunzi was beside him.

Shunzi was an honest and kind young man, and he smiled and nodded to everyone.

A girl followed behind Zhang Meng.

Lin Yuge recognized her as Ge Cuicui, the youngest daughter of Boss Ge, and she stood shyly behind Zhang Meng.

Zhang Meng scratched his head sheepishly.

He explained, "I ran into Cuicui when I went out this morning. She heard that we were going to pick lychees and wanted to join in the fun."

"I figured we'd all be together anyway, so I brought her along. You guys don't mind, right?"

Everyone laughed and said they didn't mind.

Lin Yuge stepped forward and took Ge Cuicui's hand.

"Cui Cui, come quick, let's do it together."

Ge Cuicui blushed slightly and said, "Thank you, Sister Yuge. I was just bored at home and wanted to go out for a walk."

At this moment, Lin Qingzhou said, "Everyone is here, so let's set off."

So, everyone headed towards the back of the mountain.

Along the way, Lin Qingzhou and his group led the way.

Lin Yuge, Daya, and Cuicui walked behind.

Da Ya looked at Lin Yuge with envy.

"Yuge, you're really amazing. You're able to help build a boat and go to sea."

"You know so much about navigation. I wish I could be like you."

Lin Yuge smiled and said, "Sister Daya, you have your strengths too."

"Your needlework is so good, many people in the village praise you!"

Cui Cui nodded in agreement, "Yes, Sister Daya, Yu Ge is right."

"But I also think Yuge is amazing, he can do so many things that boys can't do."

Daya sighed, "I hope we can go out more often in the future!"

After saying that, she shook her head. "Sigh! Let's not talk about this anymore. Yuge, what delicious things should we make with the lychees we picked?"

Lin Yuge's eyes lit up when food was mentioned.

He said excitedly, "It can be used to make canned lychees."

"After peeling and pitting the lychees, put them in a jar, add rock sugar and water, and boil them together. After boiling, seal the jar."

"It can be stored for a long time, and you can take it out whenever you want to eat it. It's sweet and delicious."

"It can also be used to make lychee wine!"

Cui Cui asked curiously, "Lychee wine? Is it delicious? I've never had it before."

Thinking of the lychee wine he had drunk, Lin Yuge's face was full of reminiscence.

"It's delicious! It's sweet and has a lychee aroma. I'll teach you how to make it when we get back."