Chapter 1 In Autumn and Winter

In the autumn and winter seasons, the climate in Yinlang County is noticeably more comfortable than in the capital.

The border regions, which the Qian people consider bitterly cold and often the destination for exiled criminals and a forbidden zone for scholars,

are actually south of Yinlang County, which the Yan people consider their "Little Jiangnan."

But for the First Prince Ji Wujiang, who grew up in Yanjing, the capital and its surrounding region held an unshakeable attachment.

Now, this native, simple emotion had been augmented by another:

his child.

And so,

when his procession arrived at the south gate of Yanjing,

looking at the towering and majestic city walls,

the biting autumn wind that brushed his face seemed to carry a hint of warmth.

The welcoming ceremony was ready.

Compared to the grand spectacle of the Jingnan King and the Zhenbei King's recent entry into the capital, this time it was certainly more modest, but still, many commoners had come out to watch.

The Yan people have deep affection for their royal family, a depth stemming from generations of ancestors shedding blood on the battlefield under the leadership of the Ji family emperors, fighting the barbarians and forging a bond of blood.

During the first Eastern Expedition, the Yan Emperor appointed his eldest son, who had grown up in the military camp, as the commander, hoping that the Ji family could produce a figure to carry the banner.

This was welcomed by the court and the common people alike.

Having experienced the powerful clans and the arrogance of the two military power holders, the potential dangers of the royal family controlling military power seemed less important.

After all, the dire situation was right before their eyes.

The two most powerful military figures in the realm, commanding the most elite field cavalry groups of the Great Yan, were surnamed Li and Tian, not Ji.

So, when the First Prince killed the Qian's border commander at the Nanshan Pass front and was granted the title of Military Merit Marquis, the people of Yan were delighted for quite a while.

Of the younger generation's Military Merit Marquises, one was the Marquis of Pingxi, an example for many soldiers and a role that children eagerly vied for when playing war games.

The other, the Marquis of Andong, was a guarantee of safety for the people, for the Ji family had ruled the Great Yan for too long, and everyone had grown accustomed to it.

Several officials from the Ministry of Rites were organizing the ceremony. The Minister himself was not present.

Because during the ceremony to welcome the Zhenbei King into the capital, he had put on a long performance, only to find out that the Zhenbei King had already entered the city in disguise and was enjoying roast duck. The old Minister fell ill as soon as he returned home after learning the truth.

The officials organizing the First Prince's entry into the capital were happy, no, relieved.

The Marquis of Andong was a prince, a member of the family, and would follow the rules;

he wouldn't pull a "roast duck shell game" like the Zhenbei King, nor would he draw his Kunwu blade and shout, "Cleanse the court!" like the Jingnan King.

Only through cooperation could things be done smoothly and perfectly.

Halfway through the ceremony,

the First Prince handed over his saber and command insignia,

a symbolic handover of military power to the Ministry of War.

The Marquis of Pingxi had already falsely issued royal decrees to mobilize troops several times, proving that "tiger tallies" and such things were practically meaningless when the person needing to mobilize troops held a high enough position and status.

As the ceremonial process was nearing completion,

a path was cleared through the crowd of onlookers.

The Marquis of Pingxi, riding a Pixiu and clad in black armor, personally came out of the city to welcome the Marquis of Andong, surrounded by his guards.

The imperial guards and the people maintaining order all cheered.

It felt like the days when the armies of the Zhenbei and Jingnan Marquises marched south below Nanshan Pass.

The two Military Merit Marquises of the younger generation of the Great Yan stood together, displaying a sense of "intimacy," which was a truly wonderful sight for the Yan people.

Ji Wujiang was also somewhat surprised that Zheng Fan would actually come out to welcome him.

Logically speaking, he was a prince, and thus of noble status, but he had long been removed from the line of succession.

He was also aware that, despite the cheers and support from the surrounding people, if he ever dared to aspire to the Dragon Throne, these same people who had cheered for him would immediately turn against him and want to devour his flesh.

What the Emperor wanted,

what the court wanted,

what the people wanted,

was a Ji family member with real military power, a Ji family general leading the troops.

Once some things are done, there is no turning back.

This was not a power struggle, nor was it a competition between factions; it was simply that if he wanted to become the Emperor, it would be the greatest blasphemy against the heroic souls who had died fighting the barbarians for over eight hundred years.

In terms of nobility, they were both Military Merit Marquises, but Ji Wujiang himself knew that his title was not as solid as the other's.

Therefore,

Zheng Fan's coming to welcome him was a show of respect.

Both Marquises were riding Pixius.

The Pixiu under Zheng Houye finally met a peer and subconsciously wanted to show off its skin again;

but Zheng Houye reached out and grabbed a handful of its mane, and it obediently calmed down, feeling a bit aggrieved.

Surrounding them were officials from the Ministry of Rites, a few from the Ministry of War, and a handful of sixth and seventh-ranked officials who had been brought along as escorts.

They saw the Marquis of Pingxi take the initiative to "ride forward,"

and then raise his fist to the First Prince.

Everyone was stunned; was this a provocation?

The First Prince was also taken aback for a moment, but he quickly understood, and raised his own fist, bumping it against Zheng Fan's.

Then,

they both punched each other in the chest armor,

and then,

they laughed loudly together.

"I didn't expect you to come welcome me," Ji Wujiang said.

"We are old acquaintances, after all."

The relationship between the two had not always been so harmonious.

Back then, the First Prince had been kicked to the ground by the Jingnan King for the defeat of the first Eastern Expedition and sent to the Shengle Army to atone for his sins, where Zheng Fan assigned him to Jin Shuke's scout team.

But after the Xuehai Pass was defended and the tens of thousands of wild men who had entered the pass were trapped and destroyed, the grudges between the two disappeared.

It was then that the First Prince began to prepare to stand behind Ji Lao Liu, as he wanted the opportunity to lead troops again;

Zheng Houye, on the other hand, was interested in the First Prince's dowry. In fact, the Keyan tribe was a dowry from the barbarians, a troublemaking tribe considered disobedient by the barbarian court.

The closest relationship is one of mutual need;

further elevated, that's what it is now.

"Imperial decree!"

A red-robed eunuch came to announce the decree.

Since Zheng Fan and the First Prince were both wearing armor and on horseback, they were not required to dismount and kneel to receive the decree, according to the etiquette of the Great Yan.

"The Marquis of Andong Ji Wujiang has toiled in battle and should return to his residence to rest before attending a banquet in the palace tonight."

"This subject obeys!"

After announcing the decree, the eunuch said a few auspicious words.

Zheng Houye casually pulled a silver ingot from the side of the Pixiu's saddle and handed it to Ji Wujiang.

Ji Wujiang reached out, took it, and bent down to hand it to the red-robed eunuch from the Pixiu's back.

Logically speaking,

secretly colluding with palace eunuchs was a great taboo;

after all, not everyone could be like Ji Lao Liu, who could do things subtly and imperceptibly.

But this was a public occasion, and throwing a reward like this was just for good luck.

Having reached the position of red-robed eunuch, he naturally didn't lack this ingot of silver, but the eunuch, surnamed Qu, still thanked him excitedly, his comical posture causing many onlookers to laugh.

Eunuch Qu was not annoyed, but instead deliberately exaggerated his posture even more, amusing many of the surrounding officials.

Then, the ceremony concluded.

Escorted by their respective guards, Zheng Fan accompanied the First Prince back to his manor in the capital.

The two dismounted from their Pixius at the inner gate of the manor, where the barbarian princess was already leading her family, kneeling on the ground to welcome the head of the household.

Zheng Houye watched the long-awaited reunion and exchanged greetings.

Then,

the barbarian princess specifically walked up to Zheng Fan to thank him.

In truth, the princess possessed a sense of ease.

An invitation for a meal was inevitable, but before the meal, the First Prince first went to the side hall with Zheng Fan for tea.

As soon as they sat down, most of the servants retreated, and the First Prince immediately couldn't help but ask his wife:

"Where is Chuanshi?"

Chuanshi, Ji Chuanshi, was the name of Ji Wujiang's son.

"A few days ago, the Fengxin Madam sent someone to pick him up, saying she wanted him to have a playmate with Chuanye," the princess said.

Hearing that his son had been taken to the Fengxin Madam's residence, Ji Wujiang's expression softened.

The Fengxin Madam was the Emperor's wet nurse, and Ji Wujiang had to greet her as "Granny" when he saw her.

Moreover,

children are most likely to develop feelings for each other when they play together as children.

For the imperial family, kinship and blood ties are actually... well, just so-so.

They value the friendship that comes from growing up together.

Moreover, Ji Chuanye was the Emperor's eldest grandson, the eldest son of his sixth brother.

Zheng Houye sat beside them, drinking tea.

Ji Wujiang signaled his wife to lead the maids away,

before turning to Zheng Fan,

and saying:

"How is Zheng Xiong in Jindi?"

Zheng Fan nodded and said, "Every day, I'm roasting snowfield mutton on the grill, simmering fresh Wangjiang fish in a pot, and brewing Chu tea. Life is still comfortable."

Ji Wujiang nodded and said, "Zheng Xiong is not easy."

"Your Highness, I'm not being sarcastic."

"Yes, I know, but to tell you the truth, even when the Qian's army was gathered at Nanshan Pass, and even when Zu Zhuming was transferred there last year, the Qian are still the Qian."

A clear chain of contempt, with the Qian at the bottom.

Ji Wujiang knew why his title of Military Merit Marquis was a little shaky, because he killed the Qian's border commander.

"We're all just defending the country's borders. In fact, the current situation is very good. The Chu and Qian are fighting at their southern border, and we've basically subdued all four sides. We can really rest for a while."

Zheng Fan didn't plan to tell Ji Wujiang about the Emperor, the Nan King, and the Bei King's plans to use troops against the barbarians for the time being.

Besides, it wasn't appropriate to say it here, as it would be like stirring up trouble between husband and wife.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries,

Ji Wujiang got straight to the point,

and said:

"Zheng Xiong, what do you think of the matters here?"

This time, Zheng Fan didn't beat around the bush, but said directly: "I stand on the side of Sixth Highness."

Ji Wujiang was surprised to hear this,

and said:

"Why?"

"Your Highness, that's an interesting question. Aren't I obviously the publicly recognized top henchman of the Sixth Master in the eyes of the world?"

"Zheng Xiong, let's not mince words..."

"Your Highness, I'm just that kind of person. I remember the kindness of those who have been good to me and helped me, and I will repay them. I think that's how people should be.

Without the support of the Sixth Highness back then, I wouldn't have had the means to earn military merit at Cuiliu Fort."

Zheng Houye spoke very sincerely and emotionally, almost convincing himself.

But although Ji Wujiang was a military general and a prince, it didn't mean he lacked political acumen.

In fact, after the defeat at the Wangjiang battle, the reason he ultimately chose to help Zheng Fan, even going so far as to offer his wife's dowry, was to pave the way for his future resurgence in the court.

As it turned out, he had made the right bet. Under Ji Lao Liu's arrangements and instigation, this once-defeated commander had another opportunity to face the Qian at Nanshan Pass, and with Xu Wenzu's cooperation, he had repeatedly achieved military exploits, eventually being granted the title of Marquis.

Ji Wujiang understood that at Zheng Fan's level, he could completely watch the fire from the other side of the river, and there was no need for him to join in.

Could it be that Zheng Fan was now in such a hurry to be ennobled as a king based on his contributions to helping the prince ascend the throne?

"Alright, Zheng Xiong, you really are a man of true feelings."

"What about Your Highness?"

The First Prince smiled: "It's no secret that I support Sixth Brother."

Who supports whom and who stands with whom is never determined by what you say, but by the actual interactions between the two parties.

When the First Prince regained his position, it was obvious that people from the Sixth Master's faction helped to promote it, which was actually more useful than saying ten thousand slogans.

People like Xu Wenzu, who were "deep sea" types, were actually in the minority.

Ji Wujiang put down his teacup and said, "In fact, there's not much we can do. At most, we can kneel down early when the overall situation is set or just beginning to take shape.

Before that, if we really try to do something, it's likely to backfire."

"Your Highness is right," Zheng Fan nodded.

Of course, the main reason was that there were still the Nan King and Bei King above them.

If the troops stationed outside the capital at this time were not the Zhenbei Army, nor the ten thousand Jingnan troops brought from Litian City by the Jingnan King, but tens of thousands of Jindi troops, then Ji Lao Liu would probably have hugged his thigh last night, crying and saying that he wouldn't let him leave unless he agreed.

As for the rise of local warlords and the impact on the authority of the central government, those were matters for later. Ji Lao Liu and Zheng Fan were the most practical people, and nothing was more important than a steady and secure happiness.

"What is the attitude of the two kings towards the matter of the foundation of the country?" Ji Wujiang asked.

"The two kings don't have an attitude for now," Zheng Fan shrugged. "What they want to see is a show."

"A show?" Ji Wujiang couldn't understand. Perhaps because he had returned late, he hadn't experienced the long kneel in the roast duck restaurant, so his understanding of the situation wasn't deep enough.

"The two kings rejected Little Seven, saying they didn't want to see the Great Yan with a young ruler and an uncertain future."

"Little Seven." Ji Wujiang shook his head. "Little Seven is unlikely."

It's not like there aren't other excellent princes. How could they choose the youngest one?

"In addition, the two kings probably mean that one must be chosen, and the other must die, so as to avoid future trouble."

Ji Wujiang frowned,

and said;

"That's very much in line with the character of the two kings and the Emperor. While they are still around, they will expose all the troubles that need to be exposed, so as to avoid future problems."

"Yes, anyway, as long as they are still around, even if there is a big mess, it won't affect the foundation of the Great Yan."

At this moment, there was a sound from outside, along with the happy laughter of children.

"Father, Father!"

Soon, a little chubby boy came running in. The little chubby boy's skin was a little dark, but his features clearly showed that he was carved from the same mold as the First Prince.

Ji Wujiang immediately got up from his seat and picked up his son.

At this moment, He Sisi also arrived, first saluting Ji Wujiang.

Ji Wujiang nodded while holding his child. He was the elder brother, so it was appropriate for him to receive the salute from his younger brother's wife.

Of course, that would be impossible once the younger brother's wife became the empress.

Then, He Sisi greeted Zheng Fan.

Zheng Fan noticed that standing beside He Sisi was also a boy, staring at Zheng Fan with wide and curious eyes.

He Sisi held her son's hand and said:

"Look, this is the Marquis of Pingxi, the great hero you like to play as in games."

This little boy was naturally Ji Lao Liu's eldest son, the eldest grandson of the Ji family's generation, Ji Chuanye.

"Zheng Brother, I don't know why, this child is usually a little bully, but today he seems shy when he sees you."

"Children are all like that."

Zheng Fan bent down and picked up Ji Chuanye.

"You...are you the Marquis of Pingxi?"

"Yes, I am the Marquis of Pingxi, Zheng Fan."

Ji Chuanye smiled with an expression of seeing his idol.

Hehe,

Ji Lao Liu didn't even tell me last night that his son's greatest idol is me!

"Knowing that Big Brother has returned, Chengjue is busy in the Ministry of Revenue. Because there is a banquet tonight, and he has to leave work early, he couldn't come out of the city to welcome Big Brother. This morning, he specifically told me to go to the Fengxin Madam's residence to pick up Chuanshi and bring him to Big Brother's manor, saying that Big Brother must be missing his son.

Who knew that these two brothers played so well together, one wanted to leave, and the other insisted on coming along. The Fengxin Madam said to let both children come over."

"Thank you, Sister-in-law," Ji Wujiang said.

He knew that when he was not in the manor, his wife, the princess, would have more difficulty with external communication.

Not a difficulty with language.

However, he also knew from his wife's letters that He Sisi often came to play with her, taking her out. Whenever any noble family had an event, it was He Sisi who would take his wife to attend. Once, a titled lady spoke to his wife sarcastically, and He Sisi immediately tore down her facade and verbally abused her until she was ashamed.

In fact, He Sisi's own status was not high, as she came from a butcher's family;

but the Fengxin Madam was her official maternal family, and the Fengxin Madam valued her extremely, treating her like her own granddaughter. Moreover, she was the mother of the Emperor's eldest grandson, and her husband, the Sixth Prince, was the one with the greatest momentum in the succession battle.

All these factors led to the fact that in the circle of titled ladies of the noble ministers in the capital, He Sisi could completely walk sideways. Of course, she was also very good at handling people, and she had a refreshing air about her, like a clear stream in the circle of titled ladies, and she had many close friends.

"Father, I want to eat grilled meat," Ji Chuanshi, who hadn't seen his father for a long time, was not at all shy.

"What grilled meat? The dishes at home are all prepared," the princess stepped forward and gently pinched her son's face. The banquet had been prepared to entertain the Marquis of Pingxi.

Ji Chuanshi was obviously afraid of his mother and didn't dare to speak.

Ji Wujiang waved his hand,

and said;

"It's okay, Zheng Brother is not an outsider. If my son wants to eat grilled meat, then let's eat grilled meat, hahahaha, let Zheng Brother help grill it. Let me tell you, Zheng Brother's grilling skills are even better than yours."

It was true intimacy to speak like this, especially in front of the children.

Zheng Fan also nodded and said: "Okay, please trouble Sister-in-law to prepare the seasonings, and I will personally grill it."

"This is not allowed, this is not allowed," the princess said quickly.

"Hey, we're all family, there's no need to be so formal, or we'll be estranged?" He Sisi came up and grabbed the princess's hand and said.

The princess could only nod.

The grill was quickly set up in the courtyard.

Although they said they would let Zheng Fan grill the meat, it was impossible for Zheng Fan to do everything alone.

Ji Wujiang sat over and grilled with Zheng Fan.

The two children were chasing and running around, while the two women sat opposite each other, talking and occasionally telling the children to run slower and be careful not to fall.

"Zheng Brother doesn't have any children yet?" Ji Wujiang asked.

Zheng Fan shook his head and said; "I have a son."

Ji Wujiang was stunned for a moment, then nodded. He knew who Zheng Fan was talking about.

It was okay before, but now, watching the two children playing in front of him, Zheng Fan started to miss Tiantian.

The Lao family's, skin is not as fair as my Tiantian's;

The Lao Liu family's, not as pleasant to talk to as my Tiantian's;

Comparing them, my Tiantian is still the best.

Well-behaved, obedient, sensible;

Oh,

I miss my son.

At this moment, the children stopped running, and Ji Chuanye began to recite poetry, and Ji Chuanshi followed along.

This was a classic program when families with children received guests;

After reciting the poetry, Ji Chuanye began to sing, singing a popular song in the Yan army. There was no specific score or complete lyrics, just a tune.

Ji Chuanshi was a little tone-deaf and couldn't keep up after trying to follow along several times.

He was a little anxious,

and because his father had returned, he didn't want to be outdone, so he simply had a flash of inspiration and started singing on his own.

At first, they thought the child was slurring his words and only felt that the tune was somewhat melodious;

but slowly,

Zheng Fan stopped grilling and looked up at Ji Chuanshi, who was clearly singing a barbarian folk song!

Ji Wujiang, who was sitting on the side, immediately turned cold.

He loved the princess,

He didn't see this marriage as just a superficial political marriage, as outsiders thought.

He had invested emotions in his wife and children;

But,

that didn't mean

he was willing to hear his son, at such a young age, singing that damned barbarian folk song in front of him!

Ji Wujiang immediately rebuked:

"You little rascal, your surname is Ji!"

You are my Ji Wujiang's son,

You are a Yan person,

You are a member of the Great Yan royal family!

Ji Chuanshi was immediately frightened by his father's roar.

And the princess, who was sitting in the distance, immediately ran over, knelt down, and hugged the child, saying to Ji Wujiang:

"Husband, husband, it's not the child's fault, it's not the child's fault..."

"Mom... Wuwuwu..."

Ji Chuanshi started to cry.

Over there, Ji Chuanye stood there, not daring to come over in the face of his angry uncle.

Ji Wujiang walked up to the mother and son,

staring at his wife with a very grim look,

and questioned:

"Is this the good son you raised? Is this the good son you raised for me!"

Zheng Houye sighed beside him. He could understand why the First Prince was so angry.

He could allow his son to have half barbarian blood in his body, after all, this was a patriarchal society. If a Yan man married a barbarian woman, the child, even if he looked a little different, would still be recognized as a Yan person;

On the other hand, a child born to a barbarian man and a Yan woman would not be recognized as a Yan person by the world, but would be seen as a barbarian.

Fortunately, he, the guest, was not an outsider, and fortunately, this was a family banquet. If it were the grand palace banquet tonight, and several royal grandsons gathered together to perform a program to amuse the Emperor;

and then,

Ji Chuanshi sang a barbarian folk song

in front of the Yan Emperor;

Good heavens,

Zheng Houye couldn't imagine what the scene would be like.

Perhaps, Ji Wujiang's anger was also due to this reason.

"Husband, it's not the child's fault. I have never taught him the barbarian language, and this child doesn't know it either. This song is because he heard me humming it alone. I didn't know about this, I didn't know. The child doesn't understand anything, really, the child doesn't understand anything."

Hearing this explanation, Ji Wujiang's expression softened a little.

He snatched the child from his mother's arms, held him up, and looked into his eyes.

Ji Chuanshi didn't dare to cry anymore, just staring at his father.

"Remember, your surname is Ji, you are a descendant of the Ji family, your ancestors, generation after generation, have fought bloody battles with the barbarians, which is why the Ji family has its current foundation, and why there is now the Great Yan!

You are not a barbarian,

You are my Ji Wujiang's son,

Do you understand!"

"I understand... I understand... I am a Yan person... When I grow up, I will also... also go... to... kill barbarians..."

On the side, the princess, who was kneeling on the ground, bit her lip, forcibly suppressing her tears.

She even

wiped the corners of her eyes, sniffed, and smiled.

She had to smile, and she had to accept these words.

This was for her husband, and also for her son.

She knew what kind of country the Great Yan was, and she knew the Yan people's pride in their bloodline. She also knew that if her son thought he was a barbarian instead of a Yan person,

then,

her son would absolutely have no way to survive in the future, none at all!

"Alright, alright, he's just a child, just a child."

Seeing that it was about time, Zheng Houye, as the guest, had no choice but to get up and smooth things over.

Usually, the host would stop scolding the child out of consideration for the guest. This was also one of the classic programs when families with children entertained guests.

Zheng Houye took Ji Chuanshi from Ji Wujiang's arms,

and smiled:

"Come on, remember what your father said. Your father is not being fierce to you, your father is doing it for your own good. Yo, Chuanshi is so heavy. When you grow up, will you follow me to ride the Pixiu to fight?"

Children are easily coaxed, and Ji Chuanshi's eyes lit up when he heard about riding the Pixiu.

At this moment, Ji Chuanye also ran over, hugging Zheng Fan's leg and said:

"Uncle Zheng, Chuanye also wants to ride the Pixiu, and also wants to follow you to fight."

"Okay, okay, we'll go together. When the time comes, we'll have your father pay for the money and food, and we'll fight with all our might!"

Here,

Ji Wujiang helped his wife up. He knew that he had said some things too harshly earlier.

The princess understood Ji Wujiang's meaning, and before the man could say any comforting words, she said:

"Husband, it was my lack of caution, it was my fault, I won't do it again in the future."

"Sigh."

"However, I think that as long as there is no war in the future, and my brother recognizes Your Majesty as his elder, things should get better."

Ji Wujiang nodded when he heard this.

"The High Priest came to the capital a few days ago and wanted to meet me, but I didn't see him."

"The High Priest?" Ji Wujiang frowned slightly. He didn't know about this.

"Yes, it is said that my brother wants to honor Your Majesty as the Heaven Khan of the Desert. My father said in his letter that in the future, the Desert Barbarians will serve Yan with the etiquette of subjects. The royal court will become a vassal state of the Great Yan, and there will never be any more wars."

"Mm."

Ji Wujiang nodded, but his eyes were somewhat overly calm.

And these words were also heard by Zheng Houye, who was playing with the two children.

The Heaven Khan?

Sigh.

Zheng Fan looked at the barbarian princess in Ji Wujiang's arms, and then at the little Chuanshi in front of him, and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

There were not many people who truly knew and understood what the Great Yan would do next, and Zheng Fan was one of those few.

At this moment, Ji Chuanshi looked at Zheng Houye and said timidly:

"Uncle Houye, will you teach Chuanshi to sing? Chuanshi can't sing."

Ji Chuanye also chimed in at this time: "Yes, I want to learn too, I want to learn too."

"Don't be naughty." He Sisi immediately came over, wanting to take the child away when she saw this.

She had said before that Zheng Fan was family, but he and her husband were equal in status, and... to be more realistic, his current status was actually higher than her husband's.

"It's okay, it's nothing. Okay, I'll teach you to sing. I'll say one line and you say one line, and follow along to learn."

"Okay."

"Okay!"

"In the blue sky and the Milky Way, there is a little white boat..."

"In the blue sky and the Milky Way, there is a little white boat..."