615 Set Off, into the Starry Ocean (1/2)

Bright skies and a cool breeze.

A month later, the preparations for the voyage had been completed. 4th month, 5th day, many ships were in the Beihai Harbor waters, while numerous delivery workers moved items about.

The main force of the voyage squadron came from Pei Donglai and Yanhuo Yaonie, who each led one squadron.

The only difference was that Cai Mao would stay behind to train the Yashan Squadron. The Yashan Squadron's current three divisions were all moved under the Beihai Bay Squadron.

With that, the Beihai Squadron became the first squadron under the Nanyang Navy to reach the full member count. Weirdly, even though it was fully formed, it still lacked a fleet admiral.

The navy generals that Zheng He had recruited were basically all chief generals and majors. As for fleet generals, they lacked the skill to take up the role. Even Cai Mao, such a general who had so many contributions, was still not good enough.

This expedition was different from the alliance squadron. Apart from having different types of warships, there were also other ships. Some to carry grain, some to carry freshwater, some to carry livestock, horse boats, and vegetable boats.

There was also items like tea leaves and porcelain on the boats, while they also had specific boats for entertainment like troupes and simple entertainment shows.

All in all, everything needed for the long voyage was prepared. The squadron could last a month without needing to restock.

Apart from that, Ouyang Shuo kept some emergency supplies in his storage bag.

For this voyage, Zheng He also prepared two special items that could be considered secret weapons.

Firstly, the military doctors from the Medical Department.

Based on Zheng He's requirements, every one hundred people needed one doctor. The squadron, sailors, and soldiers totalled at more than ten thousand.

Hence, the military doctors number five hundred, a glamorous formation.

The greatest threat during a voyage was not storms or pirates but illnesses. It seemed unassuming, but it could destroy them.

Amongst which, there was one that was the most terrifying - Septicemia.

During the 14th century,numerous shipmen fell to septicemia onboard the adventure ships that Columbus led. However, the Chinese at that time did not face the same problems.

The root of septicemia was a lack of greens and vitamins. Beans allowed the Chinese to avoid this issue.

Chinese food culture possessed an extremely well researched history. Just beans alone could make tofu, drinks, beancurd, and many other products. Especially beansprouts, which was magical, as it could replace vegetables to a certain degree. Moreover, it had a certain amount of vitamins.

Apart from beans, tea also had vitamins.

This was Zheng He's seafaring secret.

……

This voyage of Shanhai City held a history setting meaning.

All secretary rank and above from the Nanjiang Governor-General House had gathered. The families of the soldiers and sailors sent them off on the dock.

For this trip, who knows how many of them would be buried in the ocean.

Worshipping Mazu had already become a custom every time they left for sea. This ceremony reached a new peak. The harbor held the biggest and grandest worship ceremony, and they prayed for the blessing of Mazu.

Mazu Culture had already taken root in the territory.

After the worship finished, the auspicious time arrived.

Ouyang Shuo bowed to Xiao He and the other officials, cupping his hands, ”For territorial matters, I’ll depend on all of you once more!” During this voyage, Ouyang Shuo had no way to contact them, so he would not be able to care about the territory.

After a short while, Xiao He led them and bowed, ”We await your return!”

Numerous officials and thousands of residents knelt on the ground, forming a stunning black swathe. Such a scene would astonish anyone who saw it.

The Lianzhou Lord already started to have the aura and actings of a king, and these aspects were becoming more and more apparent.

Above the Beihai Bay, this change influenced the fate and prosperity dragon in the skies, and it opened one of its eyes.

Ouyang Shuo vaguely felt it and looked up into the sky. However, he naturally he could not see anything. He nodded his head and once again looked toward Song Jia and Bing'er before boarding Dragon Head.

”Brother, come back soon!” Bing'er shouted.

Ouyang Shuo waved at the little brat before smiling and leaving.

This goodbye would be for several months, or even close to half a year. It was tough on Song Jia; the two of them had just married, but he had to leave her so soon.

After Ouyang Shuo left, internal administrative work would be left to her. With that, Song Jia would slowly become a new heroine in the wilderness.

Song Jia and the others stood at the pier and looked out as the squadron sailed away.

In the end, they became a black spot that disappeared into the distance, only leaving behind small ripples.