Abandoned Woman Busy Farming

Chapter 2359: Chapter 2358: Learning from You

”You truly deserve to be called an old helmsman. We all discussed finding a small island to adjust our course, but we couldn’t get our bearings,” said a sailor, full of admiration.

Old Ding smiled, a hint of pride showing on his face, much like an experienced craftsman being praised for his skills.

”I used to be a helmsman on the Xuanwu for nearly twenty years. Although we never traded with the Fusang Country back then, I made quite a few trips in the Donghai, so I have some experience.”

The five people all showed expressions of admiration. ”Twenty years, that’s quite a bit of experience. None of us five have a helmsman background, and we’ve felt uneasy these past few days. With Old Ding leading us, we feel more at ease now.”

Old Ding smiled, ”I’ll still be relying on all of you; my body is not what it used to be.”

The five nodded repeatedly, all promising to pay more attention.

Seeing Old Ding’s weary expression, Bai Ruozhu dismissed the five. She too was about to leave when Old Ding called her back.

”Bai girl, if you can be at ease, let me teach these five,” Old Ding said.

Bai Ruozhu was taken aback. She had thought that after what happened with Zheng Xin, Old Ding would be both physically and mentally drained, not wanting to take on any more disciples, yet he brought it up himself.

”I don’t know how many days I have left.” Seeing Bai Ruozhu about to speak, he quickly raised his hand, saying, ”I know your medical skills are excellent; otherwise, I would’ve been dead. But my spirit isn’t great. I’m afraid I might not guide you correctly, so I’d rather instruct these five while I’m still awake, making this boat a bit safer.”

He sighed profoundly, ”It’s my sin to bear. Since I taught such a disciple, it’s my responsibility, or I’d not rest in peace even in death.”

Bai Ruozhu hurriedly said, ”It’s best that you’re willing to teach them, but you must also take care of your health and not overexert yourself.”

Old Ding chuckled, ”Ah, you are kind-hearted. If my son were still alive, he might have a granddaughter your age.”

Bai Ruozhu felt moved and wanted to ask about his son, but Old Ding was truly exhausted and had closed his eyes, falling asleep again.

Bai Ruozhu instructed Fang Luo and Qiu Zhi to take good care of Old Ding and arranged for Yizi to set up an array near the room, then she left.

”We still haven’t found the poisoner.” Jiang Yichun shook his head at Bai Ruozhu. ”That person must have impressive martial arts, acting alone without contact with anyone, or he might have already disguised himself as someone on the boat, unnoticed by those around him.”

”His target isn’t Old Ding right now, and it’s hard to draw him out. He might remain dormant for a while. Sort out a list of people on the boat who don’t have any relatives, usually like to be alone.” Bai Ruozhu said.

Jiang Yichun nodded, ”I’ve already given the orders.”

Bai Ruozhu couldn’t help but laugh, ”Does this mean we’re of one mind?”

Jiang Yichun wrapped an arm around her shoulder, ”Isn’t that so? Alright, don’t think too much. As Old Ding said, we should reach Luili Island in a few days. Then we can have a few days of solid rest.”

Bai Ruozhu gave him a mischievous smile, ”Then we can lure out that little mouse.”

”With you, such a clever cat, can he hide?” Jiang Yichun burst into laughter.

Bai Ruozhu laughed and playfully hit him, ”Then what are you?”

”Uh... am I not your obedient husband?” Jiang Yichun remembered her mentioning this term before.

Bai Ruozhu laughed heartily in high spirits.

The next day, Bai Ruozhu went to inform the five of the Zhinan Group of Old Ding’s decision. The five were very excited. They had never thought in their lifetime that they would learn the skills of a helmsman. The knowledge they usually touched was self-taught, not systematic, and had many errors.

”Learn well. If you master it, it becomes your own skill, but I don’t want to see another Zheng Xin. You don’t want to end up like him, right?” Bai Ruozhu asked.

The five’s expressions changed; Zheng Xin’s death was terrifying, and thinking about it made them fear.

The five quickly expressed their resolve, and Bai Ruozhu nodded with satisfaction, saying, ”Respect Old Ding more; even if you’re not his formal disciples, you’re still students he teaches. Remember not to upset him.”

Then Bai Ruozhu took them to see Old Ding. Old Ding looked at them and said, ”In the past, we’d have one master teach one disciple on a boat. No one wanted to let others learn their core skills.”

The five immediately grew nervous; was Old Ding unwilling to teach them?

”But now I realize that kind of thinking is too narrow-minded. Otherwise, things like the case with Zheng Xin wouldn’t happen, which caused harm to so many people.” Old Ding said with deep sadness.

”In recent days, I talked with Qiu Zhi and learned that Master Bai is the leader of the Medical Alliance. Her philosophy is to establish an association for doctors to exchange experiences and organize her medical skills for other doctors to read. In contrast, as a helmsman, I’ve been so secretive and protective; it’s simply too narrow-minded!”

Old Ding spoke sternly, ”There shouldn’t be just one person familiar with the route on a ship; otherwise, things like with Zheng Xin will happen again. So I hope that after I’ve taught you, you’ll also teach others, that way our seafaring level will improve. Otherwise, we’ll decline to the point where we can’t even reach the Fusang Country.”

Bai Ruozhu felt deeply moved. As a modern person, she could impart medical skills selflessly, but in ancient times, knowledge was passed orally, and it was their means of living. It was rare for someone like Old Ding to have such an open mind.

”Old Ding, thank you!” Bai Ruozhu formally bowed, and the others followed suit in haste.

Old Ding waved his hand, ”I should thank you! You saved my old life and let me wake up before I die. Thank you!”

As he was about to bow, Bai Ruozhu quickly helped him up, smiling, ”If it develops this way, our Danliang’s sea vessels can travel the world.”

Seeing the look of hope on Old Ding’s face, she continued with a smile, ”I once read a miscellaneous book saying that by ship there are places far beyond us; the Fusang Country isn’t the only one. There’s a country in the southwest where gold is everywhere.”

Old Ding laughed, appearing ten years younger. ”Yes, yes, I hope I can see that day.”

Old Ding then chatted with the five, mainly about Luili Island; the ship was already sailing in the direction Old Ding instructed, but to avoid major deviations, Old Ding taught them some points to pay attention to. Bai Ruozhu listened with interest but didn’t fully understand, so she simply took notes.

About half an hour later, Old Ding said he was tired and asked the five to leave. Bai Ruozhu was also about to take her leave, but he called her back.