Chapter 39: Just Going East
The fifth day of the first month of the lunar year, also the Beginning of Spring.
Song You was packing his traveling bags in the courtyard.
All clothes must be taken.
There weren’t many clothes, so they didn't take up much space.
Water bags, dry rations, pots, bowls, teacups, brush, ink, paper, ink-stone, Yudi Jisheng, also including the leftover meat hanging from the kitchen rafters. Although not many items were taken, none of the essentials could be left behind.
The road ahead would be long. Eating in the wind and sleeping in the dew[1] was inevitable. The spring chill required warm items for the night.
The felt blanket given by Prefect Yu was top-quality, warmer than a mattress. It didn’t take up much space when folded. In addition, bringing another thin blanket bought at the temple fair ensured comfort even in deserted mountains and countryside temples.
In this era, there was also a bedding bag like a saddle bag that he bought at the temple fair. It was commonly used by traveling merchants and soldiers, sturdy and spacious. Once packed, it was placed on the horse’s back.
The conical bamboo hat and woven rush raincoat were hung on top.