Chapter 343: The Ship is Bought

The shipyard was located near the inland river docks. Once a ship was built, it could follow the river directly out to sea.

The shipyard was government-run. After Gu Zhang and his group arrived, Stone showed a credential to an official, who immediately and politely invited them all inside.

The official led them into an exceptionally tall and spacious workshop, where several half-finished ships were surrounded by hundreds of bustling workers.

After a tour of the interior, the official led them outside, where several large, completed ships were moored along the river channel.

The largest of them was several stories high, over a hundred meters long, and dozens of meters wide. It was truly a behemoth.

The official pointed at the ships and spoke as they walked, “These ships are all made of top-quality nanmu wood. The labor costs alone are over a thousand taels of Silver, and we can only build a few dozen a year.”

Remembering his daughter had told him to buy the largest type, Gu Zhang fixed his gaze on the biggest ship.

He then asked the official, “If I wanted to buy this ship, when could I take delivery?”

The official shook his head repeatedly. “Even if you want to buy one, you’ll have to wait until next year. These ten completed ships were all pre-ordered long ago.”

Gu Zhang was stunned. He had thought he could just show up with Silver and buy one on the spot.

Finally, Stone spoke up. “Since you have them ready, our Young Master Heir will take all ten. As for the other orders, you can take your time and build more. Young Master Heir can’t be kept waiting.”

The official bowed to Stone. “Sir, I don’t have the authority to decide on this matter. Please wait a moment, gentlemen. I’ll fetch my superior.”

The official instructed a few junior clerks to see to his guests, then hurried off to find his superior.

While they waited, the group quickly discussed a plan. If they could secure all ten ships, the Gu Family would take two, Young Master Zhou and Young Master Zhu would each get two, and the Young Master Heir would claim the remaining four.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, the official returned, accompanied by several others.

The man in the lead wore a fifth-rank official uniform. He approached, greeted the party, and then spoke politely to Stone. “These ships were originally commissioned by a rich merchant surnamed Wang. But since the Young Master Heir requires them, we can certainly give him priority. There is just one small matter… the payment for the ships—”

Stone smiled. “Don’t worry about that. We won’t short you. We’ll pay the full price, whatever it is.”

The official breathed a sigh of relief. “In that case… will you be settling the payment now, or—”

Stone replied readily, “We can pay right now.”

Everyone had come prepared, and they were anxious to avoid any complications from delays, so they settled the payment on the spot. With a great deal of tact, Young Master Zhu also slipped each of the two officials a two-hundred-tael silver note.

With the paperwork settled, the purchase was complete. From then on, they could present their credentials at any time to take possession of the ships and sail them away.

Gu Zhang spoke without looking up from his meal. “There’s a great deal to learn about going out to sea. That Master Yu is an old hand and knows a lot. I’ve asked him to help me find a captain and crew.”

“Young Master Zhu also said that if I don’t know what cargo to buy or where to get it, I can tag along with his family’s steward. He says they have connections and can guarantee the best prices.”

Gu Fei nodded. “You’re going to be very busy for a while, Dad.”

Gu Zhang waved a hand dismissively. “It’s my duty. But there are still so many complicated details to handle. Tomorrow, I’ll have to ask your great-uncle and Jin Sheng to help me run errands. It’ll be good for them to learn the ropes of this business early on.”

He continued eating for a moment, then suddenly broke into a grin. “Do you know how you’re supposed to pack porcelain for a sea voyage to keep it from breaking?”

Gu Fei played her part perfectly. “I don’t. Do you, Dad?”