The Xu family's large boat traveled downstream for twenty-one days continuously through day and night, only reaching Longjiang Pass outside Jinling at the beginning of March.
Longjiang Pass is the primary tax checkpoint on the Ning Dynasty's waterways; only after passing Longjiang Pass can one travel freely upstream and downstream.
Zhang Xia stood at the bow of the ship, silently observing the wide and gentle river. The river was crowded with countless ships waiting to pass through Longjiang Pass, while others sailed out of the Jinling River System loaded with goods, heading north.
On the shore of Longjiang Pass, hundreds of officials in red and blue official robes knelt down upon seeing the red flag on the ship's bow, performing the three-kowtow ritual.
Xiao Man sidled up to Zhang Xia and whispered, "Who are all these people?"
