Only when Chen Qing returned to the Fishery did the tension finally leave him.
The people at the Fishery crowded around him to report on what had happened in his absence.
"Steward, you're finally back!"
Old Zhao wrung his hands. "We were all on pins and needles while you were gone, Steward. We were afraid some trouble from Nine Waves Island would spill over to us. Thank goodness, everything was peaceful."
Sun Xiaomiao chimed in, "The winter hunt is over, Steward! It was a great success! Thanks to you, the ice was thick this year, and the Treasure Fish were large. The harvest was twenty percent greater than previous years! All the Treasure Fish, Clam Pearls, and Jade Lotus Buds have been sorted and stored according to regulations. The accounts are all in order, just waiting for your review."
He handed over a thick ledger.
