Wu Xun'an boarded the ship and naturally chose the best spot.
The Clerk could not stop him and went to consult with others. Then he came back to report to Wu Xun'an: "Sir, we have discussed it, and your matters are of great urgency. We will set sail to the pier of Heavenly Capital first to drop you off, then we will return to unload the goods."
"Wouldn't this delay your business?" Wu Xun'an asked.
The Clerk hurriedly replied: "Sir, you are concerned about the country and its people; our trivial matters cannot be compared to yours."
Wu Xun'an stroked his beard and said: "You see reason, let's do as you suggest."
The Clerk sighed with relief and quickly took his leave to instruct the helmsman to prepare to set sail.
Wu Xun'an leaned on the railing and gazed east along the river, then asked Xu Qing beside him: "Gongming, what are you thinking about?"
Xu Qing: "Master, something is not right."
"What's wrong?"
Xu Qing whispered: "This ship is carrying salt."
