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

The special task force was established faster than Lin Zhou had imagined.

Around 5 p.m. that afternoon, Director Zhao invited him into a conference room. A high-definition screen on the wall silently displayed microscopic images of the Song Dynasty artifacts he had brought.

There were seven people in the conference room. Besides Director Zhao and the round-faced policewoman Chen Wei, there were five unfamiliar faces: two men and three women, ranging in age from their thirties to their early fifties. They were dressed simply, but they exuded an intellectual aura.

"Comrade Lin Zhou, please have a seat." Director Zhao pointed to the empty seat at the end of the long table and sat down in the head seat himself. "These five experts were urgently transferred from the Institute of History, the Academy of Social Sciences, the Institute of Military Materials, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Bureau of Strategic Analysis. They, together with the colleagues in the department, form the core of the special task force and will provide you with comprehensive support under the premise of confidentiality."

Lin Zhou sat down and nodded somewhat awkwardly to everyone. He was not much different from these people, who were practically illiterate, and he still felt a little inferior.

"Relax, Xiaolin." A historian with gray hair and glasses spoke gently. "Let me introduce myself first. My surname is Wang, and my name is Wang Muxing. I am the deputy director of the HZ City Historical Research Institute. In a sense, you are now the eyes of all of us, able to see the past that documents cannot restore, and able to help us find the lost and forgotten glories. This can be said to be a major project that has risen to the level of civilization. The higher-ups have entrusted me with the full authority to be your assistant. Now it is our turn to thank you."

"Professor Wang, you're too kind. I...I'm only partially illiterate...I really can't handle such a big show."

"Alright, Comrade Lin, no need to be so polite. Let's save time and get straight to the point." Director Zhao operated the tablet, and the main screen displayed a document titled "A Preliminary Analysis of the Character Profile and Behavioral Logic of 'Sihou'".

"First, let's answer your question, which is also the biggest question for most of us." Director Zhao looked at Lin Zhou: "How did that Marquis of the Imperial City Guard deduce that you came from an era without an emperor, or even possibly from the future? Based on your account, the team conducted a reverse deduction."

Li Han, an expert from the Strategic Analysis Bureau, chimed in. She wore frameless glasses, had a calm demeanor, a clear, crisp voice, and was incredibly beautiful…

"Comrade Lin Zhou, we have reviewed all the details of your contact with Si Hou and believe that his inferences are based on the cross-verification of multiple key observation points, which demonstrates his extremely high level of insight."

"First, there's a contradiction between the epoch-making nature of the goods and their systemic nature. The steel scissors, high-efficiency medicines, soft toilet paper, and instant noodle seasoning you sell might be explained by foreign technology when viewed individually. But when assessed as a whole, they present a contradiction: why would a power with such sophisticated metalworking, chemical refining, and papermaking techniques only produce these everyday, low-value consumables instead of manufacturing more profitable weapons, luxury goods, or engaging in large-scale trade? This doesn't conform to the behavioral logic of any known ancient power or technological monopoly group. The only reasonable explanation is that these are extremely cheap and readily available everyday industrial goods for you, which suggests a social context with productivity far exceeding that of the Southern Song Dynasty."

Lin Zhou listened intently. When he sold things, he only thought about making money and convenience, never considering what kind of system information these combinations of items would convey.

"Secondly, your indifference to political authority and your forward-thinking understanding," Li Han continued. "When the Marquis asked if you were a Song person, your answers, 'Han people are Han people, Song people are Song people' and 'How can there be such cowardly Han people?' were extremely impactful. This clear separation between ethnicity and political power, and your undisguised contempt for the imperial family, was extremely rare and dangerous in ancient times. This is something that ordinary merchants or hermits could not possess. More importantly, when you described the conditions required for an industrial system, you mentioned 'there must be an emperor who does not betray the country.' Note your choice of words—'must have.' This makes it seem as if the emperor is a component whose necessity and performance parameters can be discussed, rather than the supreme authority that is taken for granted. This deep-seated consciousness is extremely difficult to fake."

Lin Zhou recalled the scene, a chill running down his spine. His casual remark had contained so much information in the other person's ears; if he had truly gone undercover, he would be dead within three days…

"Third, your unique reaction to the concepts of nation and future." Li Han pulled up a simulation analysis chart: "Si Hou asked you, 'Will the future China be able to reclaim its lost Central Plains?' This is a cleverly worded, multi-layered trap question. First, he used 'China' instead of 'Great Song,' catering to your possible Han Chinese identity. Second, the word 'reclaim' presupposes a narrative of loss and recovery. What was your reaction? You didn't deny the concept of the future, but were startled and asked, 'How do you know?' This is almost a tacit admission that you come from the future. A veteran intelligence chief like Si Hou has an extraordinary ability to capture subtle changes in expression and tone; your surprise is the best answer."

Professor Wang added, "Considering his experience as the Director of the Maritime Trade Office, this person had a broad perspective and was familiar with overseas countries. He knew that at that time, there was no known civilization in the world capable of systematically producing your items. Eliminating all impossibilities, what remains, however incredible, is the truth. At least, it is the most likely truth he deduced: you came from a place with technology far superior to our own, possibly without an emperor, and who knew the course of history after the Song Dynasty. Combined with your concern for war orphans, your fellow countrymen, and the fate of China, the future becomes the most reasonable explanation."

The meeting room fell silent for a moment as Lin Zhou digested the analysis.

"So..." Lin Zhou murmured, "I just said a few words to him, and he knows everything? This...this is terrifying!"

"That's one way to understand it," Director Zhao affirmed. "It also demonstrates how formidable this Sihou is. He doesn't rely on supernatural tales, but rather on meticulous observation and logical reasoning. When dealing with such a person, being partially honest might be safer than completely disguising oneself, provided that the content and manner of honesty are carefully planned."

"This is also the focus of our discussion next." Director Zhao switched screens: "Based on our assessment of Sihou and analysis of the situation in the Southern Song Dynasty, we have formulated preliminary operational principles and short-term tasks for you."

The key points are then listed on the screen:

First and foremost, safety: Never proactively reveal the true nature of your time-travel abilities. You may be assumed to be a descendant of overseas descendants or someone with a hidden lineage, possessing special channels to acquire rare overseas artifacts. Neither confirm nor deny; leave it ambiguous.

II. Limited Cooperation: Contact with Sihou can continue, which can be regarded as a window to understand the Southern Song high-ranking officials and exert limited influence, but all transaction details must be reported and evaluated in advance.

III. Core Mission: To ensure the basic survival and safety of war orphans represented by Xiao'e. This is your and our core demand; it may not only become an important pillar in the future, but also a significant repository of national sentiment.

IV. Information Collection: Under the premise of ensuring security, systematically collect information on the economy, politics, military, science and technology, and social conditions of the Southern Song Dynasty. In particular, collect information on the dynamics of the Jin Dynasty, the internal factional struggles between pro-war and pro-peace factions in the Southern Song Dynasty, and the actual living conditions of ordinary people.

V. Material Preparation: The state will provide a batch of rigorously selected supplies for the journey. These include high-energy, easily stored emergency food, basic antibiotics, simple water purification tablets, high-quality steel needle fishhooks and small tools, as well as non-sensitive technical gifts for building trust and exchanging information, such as improved Song Dynasty agricultural tool blueprints, basic hygiene knowledge illustrated manuals, and selected high-yield crop seeds.

Chen Wei then said to Lin Zhou, "We will prepare a detailed list of supplies and operating instructions. The purpose, explanation, and potential impact of each item will be explained."

Sun, an expert from the Materials Institute, said, "We are trying to customize some self-defense equipment for you. Based on the principles of no electronic components and no outdated appearance. For example, a short blade made of modern special steel but with an appearance in the style of the Song Dynasty, soft armor with a high-strength synthetic fiber lining to maximize your protection against assassination, and an ancient version of a powerful self-defense spray."

Lin Zhou felt much more at ease. This feeling of having an organization and support was completely different from the fear he felt when fighting alone before. It was a great relief to him.

"Finally, regarding your next meeting with Si Hou," Director Zhao's expression turned serious. "The team suggests that we can partially satisfy his curiosity, but I should take the lead. You're not going there to be interrogated, but to establish a new, equal dialogue."

"How exactly do we do it?"

Li Han adjusted his glasses: "You can tell him that the people behind you do know some fragments about the future, but this future is not predetermined and can be changed by the choices you make now. You can show him an ordinary object from the future, but it must be something that doesn't contain sensitive information yet can greatly impact his understanding. At the same time, clearly convey a message: you are concerned with the fate of the people on this land and the continuation of its culture, not the rise and fall of a particular dynasty. The basis for cooperation is mutual respect and shared bottom lines, such as not harming innocent people, especially children."

Professor Wang pondered for a moment and said, "As for what to display... I've thought about it for a long time, and photographs and maps are the best exhibits. What do you all think?"

After discussion, everyone agreed that it was feasible.

The meeting lasted nearly three hours. When it ended, Lin Zhou felt a significant weight lifted from his shoulders, but his sense of responsibility and purpose became clearer, and he definitely felt much more comfortable than when he was just wandering around aimlessly.

Before leaving, Director Zhao called him aside and said, "Comrade Lin Zhou, from today onwards, you are no longer a lonely time traveler. Behind you stands your motherland, the collective will that transcends time and space yet remains committed to the preservation of this land's civilization. Act boldly and cautiously. Remember, your safety is paramount, no matter which time or space you are in."

"Okay... Director Zhao, I will definitely do my best to complete the task. But, is there any pay for this? Didn't we say that everything I bring back has to be handed over? I..."

"Don't worry, how could you possibly lose out on this? We'll assess the value of what you bring back and give you a 20% commission based on the normal market price. Serving the country will never leave you feeling cheated." Director Zhao laughed, "You can rest assured."

He then added, "This includes items that are prohibited from sale."