Great Ming Black Sail – Chapter 123

Chapter 123: It Happens Naturally

“General, absolutely not. You must keep yourself alive!”

“We will accompany the General to fight our way back!”

Ma Chenglie roared, “Let go of me, don’t hold me back!”

The surrounding household soldiers naturally refused. Ma Chenglie struggled in vain and wept, saying, “I have practiced martial arts since I was five and joined the army at thirteen. When have I ever suffered such a crushing defeat and such a profound humiliation? I am ashamed of the Emperor’s grace and have no face to live in this world. Do not stop me, let go!”

“General, our great revenge is not yet avenged! Please, General, lead us to attack the island!”

“Attack the island?” Ma Chenglie gave a bitter smile, tears flowing into his cracked lips, both salty and bitter, “Our ships are all destroyed. Shall we paddle ashore in sampans?”

The surrounding household soldiers searched their minds but could not come up with a single word of comfort. They fell silent, and the atmosphere became exceptionally awkward.

Fortunately, Ma Chenglie’s resolve to die was postponed. After this delay, it vanished. He slumped to the ground, his eyes hollow, silent for a long time.

Just then, a household soldier pointed into the distance and exclaimed, “General, look.”

Ma Chenglie followed the direction the household soldier was pointing. In the distance on the sea, a Haicang Ship was towing a Bird Ship.

That Bird Ship was taking on so much water that most of it was submerged, and it was being towed by the Haicang Ship as it moved across the sea.

It was likely that the sea bandits found the ship too heavily damaged to repair conveniently and did not want to keep it, so they sent it back to the navy.

They actually stole the food and then complained it was stale! And they dismissed the Deputy General of Nan’ao like a beggar!

This is too much! Too much!

Ma Chenglie’s eyes were about to split. He clutched his chest with one hand and pointed at the Haicang Ship with the other, roaring with all his might, “Send troops, send troops! Kill the sea bandits on that ship! Send troops!”

The surrounding household soldiers exchanged glances, wondering if their General had gone mad from anger. There were only sampans left in the water village; how could they send troops?

The household soldiers were powerful fighters and believed they could massacre the sea bandits in a boarding battle. The problem was, would the sea bandits let them get close?

The soldiers all vividly remembered the gunfire and cannons from the sea bandits on the night of the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month.

Paddling forward in sampans would be like being targets.

Therefore, for a time, none of the loyal household soldiers moved.

The crowd on the hillside watched as the Haicang Ship slowly sailed to the outskirts of the water village, slowly untied the ropes connecting it to the Bird Ship, and then slowly turned to change sails and depart.

Ma Chenglie’s head pounded, and he roared through tears, “How dare those scoundrels insult me like this! I…”

Before he could finish, Ma Chenglie finally couldn’t hold on. His vision went black, and he fainted.

After an unknown amount of time, Ma Chenglie slowly woke up and found himself lying in the camp. He asked with difficulty, “How long was I unconscious?”

The surrounding household soldiers gathered around and said, “The General was unconscious for one to two hours. Someone has already gone to fetch a doctor.”

“Where am I?” Ma Chenglie’s voice was weak.

“Zhelin Village.”

Ma Chenglie struggled to sit up and said, “There’s no need to fetch a doctor.”

The household soldiers hurried to help him up. Just as they were about to persuade him, the General interrupted them: “Send someone to… to Chaozhou Prefecture to retrieve my memorial. And… and prepare a ship.”

The household soldiers looked troubled. “General, fetching the memorial is no problem, but the ship…”

He dared not continue, fearing he would make Ma Chenglie faint again.

Ma Chenglie said, “Just find a merchant ship that can cross the sea. I want to meet this Five-Clawed Flood Dragon.”

“General?” The surrounding household soldiers were greatly surprised.

“My decision is made. Do not try to dissuade me. Hurry and prepare.”

“Yes.”

The household soldiers withdrew from the barracks one after another.

Ma Chenglie lay back down on the bed. After fainting, his boiling blood receded from his head, and his intelligence regained the upper hand.

He realized that in the current situation, his only option was to defect to that bandit leader.

With Zhelin Village destroyed, the navy’s warships lost, and the household soldiers lost in the surrounding garrisons, these losses were something Ma Chenglie alone could never cover up.

And the sea bandits sending heads and official gazettes first, and then a leaking Bird Ship, were clearly gestures of goodwill.

Thinking from their perspective, the sea bandits certainly did not wish to break ties with the Imperial Court and wanted to rely on him, the Deputy General of Nan’ao, to mediate.

If they could join forces, both sides would get what they needed, and it would be a win-win situation.

Therefore, Ma Chenglie made the decision to go to the island.

As for the disastrous naval defeat, the profound humiliation, the loss of territory and power, and the Emperor’s immense grace, what were they compared to his life and safety?

The next morning, everything Ma Chenglie needed was prepared.

The household soldiers found a two-masted Fuchuan Ship. Just as he was about to board, a sobbing cry came from afar: “Master.”

Ma Chenglie turned and saw that it was his most beloved concubine, Runiang, who had followed him.

Runiang was in her early twenties, in the prime of her youth, with a graceful figure, delicate skin, and enchanting eyes. She was from a respectable family and had been an actress in her early years. Her voice, like a silver bell, was melodious, and in intimacy, her cries were like the songs of orioles and swallows, capable of melting bones.

Since taking Runiang as his concubine, Ma Chenglie had spent his nights in revelry and had spared no effort on her.

However, after the great defeat, with his life and fortune not even guaranteed, he had no interest in romantic affairs and had been neglecting her, causing her status in the household to plummet.

Upon hearing that her Master was at Zhelin Village, Runiang had grasped at a straw of hope and rushed over.

Ma Chenglie was extremely annoyed and was about to scold her away, but seeing her beautiful and charming appearance, he changed his mind and said, “You’ve come? Good, let’s go together.”

Runiang was overjoyed and, lifting her skirt, boarded the ship with small steps.

……

As Ma Chenglie’s ship left Zhelin Bay, it was spotted by the Sea Wolf Ship, which was ordered to maintain surveillance there.

Facing muskets and Franchise Cannons, Ma Chenglie, with his heart in his mouth, explained his intentions.

That afternoon, Ma Chenglie’s two-masted Fuchuan Ship, towed by the Sea Wolf Ship, docked at Houjiang Bay.

The entire group on the two-masted Fuchuan Ship had their eyes covered and their hands bound behind their backs before being taken to the deck of the Santa Ana.

After a very thorough search, Ma Chenglie was led forward a few steps and stopped.

A voice came, “Are you Ma Chenglie?”

“I am the Deputy General of Nan’ao, Ma Chenglie.”

In the officer’s restaurant, Lin Qian remained noncommittal, his gaze shifting to Huang Hetai beside him.

Huang Hetai recognized the General’s voice and nodded to Lin Qian.

Lin Qian then asked, “What is the purpose of your visit?”

Ma Chenglie said loudly, “I have come specifically to pledge my allegiance to the Helmsman!”

“Heh…” Lin Qian let out a light laugh, and the brothers around him all burst into laughter.

After the laughter subsided, Lin Qian teased, “Deputy General Ma, you, a high-ranking Deputy General, are coming to pledge allegiance to me, a sea bandit?”

Ma Chenglie’s defection was an unexpected bonus for Lin Qian, and he was eager to welcome it. However, he first wanted to test Ma Chenglie’s sincerity and, second, to break his pride and make him understand his position, which would make future cooperation easier.

Ma Chenglie was indeed a high-ranking military officer. Despite being ridiculed by Lin Qian and his brothers, he remained calm and said as a matter of course, “Helmsman, you are as brave as the heavens. Although I have occupied the position of Deputy General, I have always admired you deeply in my heart. I have brought with me a memorial reporting the maritime affairs of Nan’ao, which is in my possession. Please examine it, Helmsman.”

Lin Qian gave Bai Langzai a look. He stepped forward, took the memorial, and handed it to Lin Qian.

Lin Qian opened it and read it carefully, feeling that Ma Chenglie was mediocre in fighting but excellent in reporting.

It was clearly a crushing defeat, yet he managed to describe it as a tactical retreat, exonerating himself while subtly conveying a sense of tragic heroism.

Coupled with a few veiled criticisms of the Donglin faction, he might truly be able to escape punishment with this report.

The description of Lin Qian’s unit in the memorial was also appropriate, neither exaggerating nor downplaying them to the point of being insignificant.

It was placed in a rather awkward position.

It made the Imperial Court feel that they could not casually send governors and inspectors to suppress the rebellion as if it were a policing action, nor was it worth mobilizing a large army for a massive campaign that would incur excessive costs.

In terms of political maneuvering, deceiving the Imperial Court, and embellishing the situation, Ma Chenglie was an expert. Even if Lin Qian had written this memorial himself, he could not have done it as well.

To ensure completeness, Lin Qian also showed the memorial to Zhou Xiucai and Huang Hetai. Both had no objections.

“Well written,” Lin Qian said calmly.

Ma Chenglie’s spirits soared, and he continued to demonstrate his sincerity: “In coming to the island this time, I have also brought my family members.”

“Oh?” Lin Qian looked at the temporary shipmaster who had escorted Ma Chenglie to the island.

“There is a woman,” the temporary shipmaster replied.

“Her name is Runiang, and she is my concubine,” Ma Chenglie explained.

Lin Qian’s voice turned cold: “This is what you call your family members?”

Ma Chenglie quickly said, “I came to the island in haste and was not well-prepared. Once I return to shore, I will send the rest of my family.”

Lin Qian leaned back in his chair, silent, playing with the edge of his tea cup.

In the current situation, Ma Chenglie had no other recourse but to defect to him.

The household soldiers of the garrison commander had suffered casualties, and compensation was required.

The water village was destroyed, and some ships would need to be borrowed to maintain appearances.

After the memorial was reported to the Imperial Court, he would need to make arrangements.

Each of these matters was beyond Ma Chenglie’s ability to handle alone.

He must draw Lin Qian in as an external supporter.

At the same time, Ma Chenglie’s collusion with the sea bandits and deception of the Imperial Court was essentially a pledge of allegiance, putting him on the same ship.

If Ma Chenglie ever became disobedient, they could find a Censor to expose the matter, and Ma Chenglie would certainly be held accountable by the Imperial Court.

Having been immersed in the factional struggles of the Great Ming for many years, Ma Chenglie’s attitude towards defecting to Lin Qian was extremely resolute.

After defecting to Lin Qian, Ma Chenglie could not only cover up his mistakes but also continue to serve as the Deputy General of Nan’ao, and even cooperate deeply with Lin Qian, collecting heads of sea bandits from Lin Qian as military achievements every now and then.

It was a win-win situation with multiple benefits.

Even sending his family members to the island was, to some extent, beneficial to himself. After all, such collusion with sea bandits and deceiving the Emperor was a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan. If the matter were ever exposed, he could directly flee to the island and have a fallback.

Compared to Huang Hetai’s hesitant attitude when he defected to Lin Qian, Ma Chenglie’s defection was far more decisive, worthy of someone who could be a high official.

Lin Qian repeatedly pondered, feeling that accepting Ma Chenglie’s defection was definitely a worthwhile transaction.

After a while, Lin Qian finished his deliberations. Since he had decided to accept the defection, why not expand the scope of mutual benefit?

He picked up the memorial from the table and said playfully, “Since the General has such intentions, I think this memorial should be revised?”

Ma Chenglie inwardly disagreed, thinking that while the “Five-Clawed Flood Dragon” was indeed formidable in naval combat, altering his memorial was sheer bravado.

Every word in this memorial had been carefully considered and written by him. It was designed to deflect blame while showing responsibility, a delicate balance to strike.

Ma Chenglie had been navigating the bureaucracy for over twenty years, pouring his heart and soul into writing this memorial, believing not a single character could be altered.

The Five-Clawed Flood Dragon was merely a sea bandit; what qualifications did he have to alter his memorial?

However, now that he had defected, he had to show deference. He did not reveal any of his disdain and maintained a sincere attitude, cupping his hands and saying, “Please enlighten me, Helmsman.”

“Since Garrison Commander Huang is still on the island, how can Nan’ao Island be considered occupied by sea bandits? It should be stated that the General fought valiantly and defended Nan’ao,” Lin Qian said slowly.

Ma Chenglie furrowed his brow into a tight line. Fortunately, his face was covered by a mask, so his expression was not visible. He weighed his words and spoke cautiously, “But the entire Chaozhou Prefecture knows that the Helmsman led his men to land on the island. The Imperial Court is not foolish. Even if I conceal it, paper cannot wrap fire forever…”

Lin Qian smiled. “I did land on the island, but who says the ones who landed were sea bandits?”

“Ah?” Ma Chenglie was momentarily confused.

Lin Qian patiently explained, “I ask you, according to the Ministry of War’s records, how many garrison soldiers and warships were stationed on Nan’ao Island?”

Ma Chenglie honestly replied, “Nan’ao Island had a garrison of five thousand soldiers and three hundred warships of various sizes; Zhelin Bay had a garrison of one thousand soldiers and one hundred warships of various sizes.”

“Excluding those who were on the payroll but did not serve, what were the actual number of garrison soldiers and warships?”

“Combined, there were over two thousand soldiers and less than two hundred warships.”

Ma Chenglie was reporting the data from before the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month. The latest data indicated that there was probably only one waterlogged Bird Ship left. At the same time, he began to understand something.

Lin Qian: “I have over three thousand men and nearly a hundred warships. What is the total?”

The number of people and ships on Nan’ao Island was not a secret; Ma Chenglie had already learned about it from merchants who had traveled to the island.

As for the more than a hundred warships Lin Qian mentioned, this included the Haicang Ships, Cangshan Ships, and Bird Ships that did not have cannons installed, as well as the ships recently captured from Zhelin Bay.

Hearing this, Ma Chenglie felt as if a light bulb had gone on. According to the Ministry of War’s data, there should be five thousand people on the island, and there were nearly five thousand people. This seemed reasonable, didn’t it? It matched perfectly!

The presence of both men and women on the island could also be easily explained. Garrison soldiers stationed in one place for extended periods often had accompanying family members.

As for Nan’ao City, it was even easier to explain. Hadn’t he, the Deputy General of Nan’ao, genuinely built it?

In this light, the sudden appearance of a large city on Nan’ao Island was not a sign of occupation by sea bandits, but rather a significant achievement!

Of course, Ma Chenglie was not foolish enough to report Nan’ao City as an achievement to the Imperial Court. For him, as long as he could explain it if asked, that would suffice.

In the Great Ming, officials primarily responsible for acting as eyes and ears of the court and inspecting local areas were of several types.

First were the Governors and Governors-General. Nan’ao Island had a unique situation, being jointly managed by Fujian and Guangdong. Nan’ao Island had little profit, so neither the Fujian nor Guangdong Governors-General paid much attention to it.

Second were the Imperial Guards and Embroidered Uniform Guard. By the late Wanli era, these organizations were severely corrupt and had gradually shifted towards law enforcement functions. They could barely monitor imperial officials, let alone local areas.

Third were the Circuit Intendants. Guangdong established the Circuit Intendant of Military Preparedness for Huizhou and Chaozhou, located at the border of Fujian and Guangdong, specifically to monitor maritime defenses. Over the years, these had all become old acquaintances of Ma Chenglie.

Ma Chenglie had been absent from his post for an entire year, spending his time drinking with the Circuit Intendant in Chaozhou Prefecture, yet no one had said anything.

Fourth were the Imperial Censors. These were special appointees of the Imperial Court, changing annually. Like the Governors-General, both Guangdong and Fujian had one. However, Imperial Censors held high authority and were responsible for civil administration, criminal justice, and finances. As long as one made an effort to deceive them, passing scrutiny should not be difficult.

As long as the report to the Imperial Court stated that Nan’ao Island was not lost, what did it matter if there were some losses? And let’s not forget he had two hundred heads as military achievements!

Moreover, this way, the veiled accusations against the Donglin faction in the memorial could be omitted, avoiding political entanglements and greatly increasing safety.

This memorial only needed to explain the naval battle on the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month and the naval battle at Zhelin Bay.

With Ma Chenglie’s writing skills, combined with the escalating factional strife, he was absolutely confident that the memorial would reach the Ministry of War and cause barely a ripple.

With his thoughts opened, Ma Chenglie’s literary talent suddenly surged. He felt that everything suddenly made sense, from the Five-Clawed Flood Dragon landing on the island to the naval battle at Zhelin Bay, not a single event could not be explained, and not a single explanation was unreasonable.

Truly, his literary talent flowed like a spring.

He only wished he could pick up his brush on the spot and revise the memorial.

In an instant, Ma Chenglie froze again, wondering if the events from the Five-Clawed Flood Dragon’s landing to the naval battle at Zhelin Bay had all been planned by this “Helmsman”?

Otherwise, why were his forces exactly three thousand men, perfectly matching the deficit on Nan’ao Island?

At this thought, everything from the Five-Clawed Flood Dragon building the city, to the execution of Li Kuiqi, to the naval battle on the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month, to the surprise attack on Zhelin Bay, to sending him heads and official gazettes, all became unfathomably profound.

Each event seemed to pave the way for the next, everything flowing naturally, effortlessly, and logically!

Ma Chenglie was dumbfounded, his mouth dry, his body trembling with fear. He thought to himself, “Does such a person truly exist in this world who can plan so far ahead? Is this truly… human?”

Because Ma Chenglie was wearing a mask, Lin Qian did not see his terrified expression and could not guess his thoughts.

In fact, what Lin Qian had just said was all impromptu. He was not a god and could not see a hundred steps ahead. Often, others thought he had a premeditated plan simply because he reacted quickly.

Lin Qian was contemplating how to expand the cooperation further and maximize Ma Chenglie’s value.

After pondering for a long time, Lin Qian spoke, “After you return ashore, do two things. First, bring all your family members here.”

Ma Chenglie quickly replied, “I will do it immediately after I go ashore.”

“Second, send someone to the capital to make arrangements in advance, especially to arrange things with two people. Please take note.”

“I am all ears!”

“One is a eunuch named Wei Zhongxian, or Wei Jinzhong, or Li Jinzhong. This person is from Northern Zhili and is the ‘paired partner’ of Emperor’s wet nurse, Madam Ke.”

“Yes,” Ma Chenglie replied loudly, his heart filled with extreme shock. He wondered what kind of celestial being this Five-Clawed Flood Dragon was, to know such secret palace affairs as the Emperor’s wet nurse’s paramour.

And this Wei Zhongxian, who is unknown, must not be a eunuch from the Directorate of Ceremonial.

The Five-Clawed Flood Dragon specifically pointing out this person must be paving the way for what comes next. His plans are so far-reaching, it’s truly terrifying!

“The other is the Emperor’s wet nurse, Madam Ke. She is also from Northern Zhili. You can start by targeting her family.”

“Yes.”

Ma Chenglie’s voice trembled, his conviction growing even stronger.

Throughout history, those who curry favor with a new Emperor are mostly former officials from the imperial prince’s residence. It’s unheard of to curry favor with the Emperor’s wet nurse!

The Five-Clawed Flood Dragon’s aim is so precise. This keen insight is likely beyond even the reach of cabinet ministers. Truly… truly he is incredibly powerful.

Ma Chenglie’s body trembled slightly. At this moment, he was completely and wholeheartedly convinced, thinking that his defeat was indeed not in vain.

Lin Qian paused, then continued, “I will allocate eight thousand taels of silver to you. Use it to compensate for the losses of the household soldiers killed or injured in the garrison. The remainder will be used for dealings in the Capital City.

In return, you can continue to pocket the ghost pay for Nan’ao Island yourself; I will not take a single cent.

Furthermore, I will send people to Zhelin Bay to establish a presence. To ensure the safety of my subordinates, you must clear Zhelin Bay and hand it over to me.”

Ma Chenglie gritted his teeth and agreed.

“That’s all for now. You can go back. Remember, after you finish writing the new memorial, show it to me first.”

“Yes!” Ma Chenglie responded loudly. He paused and then added, “Helmsman, I have a favor to ask.”

“Speak.”

“May I have the honor of seeing the Helmsman’s true face?”

“Next time, when you bring your family members to the island, you can remove the hood,” Lin Qian said with a light laugh. He then got up, patted Ma Chenglie on the shoulder, and whispered, “Welcome aboard.”

After Lin Qian left, the brothers filed out one by one.

Ma Chenglie was led by hand onto the two-masted Fuchuan ship they had arrived in, and his hands were untied from the rope.

The Haicang ship that brought them was about to tow them away from the harbor.

Ma Chenglie called out, “Wait a moment.”

He then asked, “Runiang, are you there?”

A sweet voice came from the crowd, “Master~”

Immediately after, a scent of perfume wafted over, and soft jade entered his embrace. Ma Chenglie pushed her away and whispered in her ear, “You will stay on the island. From today onwards, you are the Helmsman’s woman.”

“What?” Runiang exclaimed in shock, asking in disbelief, “Master, you’re giving me to the sea bandits?”

“Slap!” Runiang’s tender cheek received a slap.

Ma Chenglie, blindfolded and worried about Runiang’s appearance, did not hit her hard. His voice was as cold as ice: “Dare to utter those two words again, and I will beat you to death.”

Runiang collapsed to the ground, crying bitterly and begging her master not to abandon her.

Ma Chenglie pulled her up and cursed, “Stop crying!”

Then, he calmed down and said earnestly, “Not only will you stay, but you must also serve the Helmsman well. Use all your skills and find every way to please the Helmsman.

As long as the Helmsman is willing, you must endure whatever he desires!

If you do this well, I will ensure your family on the shore lives in comfort and luxury. Otherwise, *heh*!”

Runiang ultimately could not resist Ma Chenglie and disembarked.

Ma Chenglie explained to the guarding crew members that Runiang was a gift for the Helmsman. The crew members, finding it difficult to refuse Lin Qian, allowed Runiang to return to the pier.

After the two-masted Fuchuan ship departed, the crew members reported Runiang’s situation to Lin Qian.

Shortly thereafter, the crew members returned, removed Runiang’s hood, and brought her to an unoccupied civilian residence.

Runiang, accustomed to the luxurious mansions of the General’s residence, found this ordinary two-room dwelling with a separate alcove extremely uncomfortable and insisted on seeing the Helmsman.

However, outside Runiang’s door, two armed female guards stood sentinel day and night, never leaving her side, even watching her when she used the restroom.

Runiang, with all her skills in pleasing men, had nowhere to apply them, feeling a sense of a hero with no battle to fight.

…

After the first lunar month.

Ma Chenglie, as promised, brought his entire family to the island, a total of twenty to thirty people, men, women, and children.

Lin Qian allocated an entire section of civilian housing on the south side of the island for his family to reside in.

Ma Chenglie’s family, accustomed to a life of comfort and luxury in Chaozhou, found it extremely difficult to adapt to the harsh living conditions on the island and cried, demanding to return.

Ma Chenglie asserted his authority as the head of the household, suppressing his family’s objections.

At the same time, Ma Chenglie also brought the roster of soldiers stationed on Nan’ao Island and issued recruitment notices and waist tokens to each of Lin Qian’s subordinates.

Unlike hereditary garrison soldiers.

The Nan’ao Island Navy consisted of enlisted soldiers. In plain terms, it was a system of recruitment where service was not hereditary and they did not belong to military households. Compared to garrison soldiers, enlisted soldiers were more personally dependent on their commanders.

For example, the famous “Qi Family Army” was comprised of such enlisted soldiers.

The roster of enlisted soldiers was compiled and kept by the General’s yamen and filed with the Ministry of War.

In order for Ma Chenglie to collect ghost pay, the recruitment notices and waist tokens for the enlisted soldiers were readily available. There was no need to create new ones, let alone report them to the Ministry of War. They could be directly distributed to Lin Qian’s subordinates.

Everyone on Nan’ao Island, from top to bottom, received a new identity.

Lin Qian’s sworn brothers even received officer status, directly issued with Battalion Commander waist tokens.

Lin Qian himself was even given a rank of Battalion Commander, with his waist token reflecting that.

It turns out that in the Great Ming, the practice of collecting ghost pay extended not only to ordinary soldiers but also to officers. It was truly terrifying.

With the waist tokens, they gained official identities, which would make their activities on shore more convenient in the future.

Of course, recruitment notices and waist tokens alone were not enough. To create a complete forgery, household registration would also need to be supplemented for proper documentation.

This would require future efforts to win over the County Magistrate and Prefect.

Ch

According to the agreement.

Ma Chenglie cleared the Water Village in Zhelin Bay. Lin Qian dispatched twenty warships without cannons installed to station in Zhelin Bay, while delivering eight thousand taels of silver and also sending some pearls and treasures that were hard to convert to cash.

With the silver to compensate the garrison officers’ Household Soldiers and repair the Water Village, plus Lin Qian’s warships to put up appearances.

The miserable state of Ma Chenglie’s defeat was concealed to the maximum extent, not only preserving his position as General, but also allowing him to continue drawing empty pay. With Lin Qian helping to suppress the sea bandits in the Fujian-Guangdong Sea Area, his days truly improved visibly.

Of course, after Lin Qian and his group gained Official Army status, they would do less plundering around Nan’ao Island.

After all, with Nan’ao Island barracks soldiers “fully equipped and staffed” and waves of sea bandits suppressed, if merchant ships in the Nan’ao Island seas still kept having incidents, even a fool could guess there was something fishy.

However, not plundering does not mean no revenue generation; for sea bandits, Ship Robbery is merely the most basic and primitive revenue method.

The Official Army has its own revenue methods, such as collecting sea protection fees.

Sea merchants have their revenue methods, such as ocean trade.

Lin Qian now has an identity spanning both underworld and officialdom; with ships, men, and cannons at his disposal, continuing the old business of banditry and robbery would be too foolish.

In Lin Qian’s vision, there were three paths for the future.

The first was to go north, eliminate Li Dan, and annex the Japan market.

Although Great Ming people saw Japan as merely a petty little country, in reality Japan’s small size was relative to Great Ming; its territory spanned nearly as much as Europe.

Moreover, Japan abounded in silver and copper, and had extreme demand for Great Ming’s raw silk, Silk, Porcelain, cane sugar, and other goods.

It could be called Great Ming’s most important trade partner.

Of course, the drawback of going north to Japan was touching the Portuguese interests, potentially leading to a dilemma of two-front warfare against the Portuguese and Li Dan.

Lin Qian currently lacked sufficient strength to challenge these two powers and still needed to hunker down and develop first.

The second path was to go south and seize the Southeast Asia market.

Southeast Asia abounded in spices, deerskin, rhino horns, ivory, rice, gems, beeswax, and more, all excellent trade goods.

Especially for shipbuilding, the most vital Teak was also distributed there.

To establish maritime hegemony, ships were indispensable, and Teak was the prime choice for shipbuilding, making Southeast Asia a vital contested maritime area.

Of course, Asia was not without oak; Great Ming’s northeast produced Turkish oak, of the same genus as the white oak widely used in European shipbuilding.

On this point alone, the Jiannu usurping the northeast already courted death.

That was a later story.

In any case, Southeast Asia was also very important at present.

However, Southeast Asia currently had a complex array of powers, with Spaniards, Dutch, and Portuguese all major forces, and the British in the South Asia region not easy to provoke either.

Rashly entering would still be dangerous.

As for the third path, it was to go east and pioneer Dongfan Island.

Dongfan Island was rich in natural resources, with vast plains in the west, and currently a barren wilderness, perfectly suited for reclamation.

Even how to develop after occupying Dongfan Island, Lin Qian did not need to figure out himself.

The Dutch colonizers in history had already set a fine example.

Dongfan Island’s climate was extremely suitable for sugarcane planting and developing sugar production.

In the Age of Sail, white sugar was called white gold, expensive with extremely high profits, and much loved by European and Japan markets.

Meanwhile, sugarcane bagasse could be repurposed to brew Rum, a veritable hard currency at sea, earning another fortune.

Furthermore, Dongfan Island had massive deer herds, abundantly producing deerskin.

Deerskin was a strategic material for Japanese armor and bowstrings, as well as Noh theater costumes; Japanese lacquerware also required deerskin polishing. With few deer native to Japan and severe local supply shortages, market demand was extremely high.

For labor, Dongfan Island Indigenous People already hunted deer for livelihood; acquiring deerskin from them solved labor and supply issues while giving Indigenous People earning opportunities for better lives, avoiding attacks on colonizers.

For sugarcane and grain planting, Han People were innate farming experts; Great Ming suffered severe land concentration and intense man-land conflicts, no trouble recruiting immigrants.

Even how to attract immigrants for Dongfan Island reclamation had historical precedents.

That was Zheng Zhilong’s historical “three gold one cow” policy: immigrants to Dongfan Island got three taels of silver each, one plow ox per three people.

Involving direct economic aid and production materials, the slogan was simple and catchy.

Presumably, directly copying the Dutch and Zheng Zhilong’s methods would not fall short.

Moreover, at this juncture in Tianqi First Year, there was a place with extremely abundant labor that Lin Qian had long planned to send recruiters to.

Of course, pioneering Dongfan Island had difficulties.

The foremost was silver; three taels per person and one plow ox per three was no small sum.

Moreover, colonial reclamation involved harsh conditions and massive upfront investment; Lin Qian set the base on Nan’ao Island rather than Dongfan Island for this reason.

Next was the Dutch potential threat; historically, the Dutch Fleet entered Fujian-Guangdong Sea Area in Tianqi Second Year, first failing to attack Macau, then seizing Penghu, and thus formally encroaching on Dongfan Island.

One island cannot tolerate two dragons; for Lin Qian to develop on Dongfan Island meant inevitable battle with the Dutch sooner or later.

Comparatively, these difficulties could all be overcome.

Thus, Lin Qian’s next step was to prepare pioneering Dongfan.

Of course, choosing to pioneer Dongfan did not mean abandoning Japan or Southeast Asia; it was merely sequencing.

Rice is eaten bite by bite, enemies killed one by one.

……

Tianqi First Year, second month, tenth day.

Chenghai County new County Magistrate Cai Yang assumed office; a juren by background, he belonged to the “turbid stream” of Great Ming officialdom, topping out at county magistrate lifetime.

Were it not for Great Ming’s dire official shortage and Chenghai being a remote fringe county, this county magistrate post would not have fallen to Cai Yang.

County Magistrate Cai did not belittle himself for juren origins, harboring drive to shine in Chenghai and achieve accomplishments.

Unfortunately, right upon assuming office, reality’s iron fist struck hard.

Externally corroded by local gentry and rich households, internally checked by yamen clerks, presiding over a yamen with depleted funds and grain, owing the Imperial Court taxes for over a decade.

County Magistrate Cai toiled half a month to no avail; instead, cutting clerks’ income streams led to framed accusations, nearly costing his official hat.

Fortunately, good gentry existed; the Hu family weaving Chaozhou Silk spent silver to settle for him, preserving his post.

After this, County Magistrate Cai fully recognized his place, drawing closer to Hu Manor and accepting ever more benefits from it.

Hu Manor’s master Hu Zhaoyuan was Chenghai County’s model righteous citizen, tolerant to subordinate weavers and personally funding a righteous granary to stabilize grain prices.

On the righteous granary completion day, Chenghai County held a grand ceremony; County Magistrate Cai personally inscribed the four large characters “Benefiting the Common People” and signed with seal.

Hu Zhaoyuan beamed, immediately ordering the words made into a plaque hung on the righteous granary gate.

Since inscription was given, a brush fee was inevitable.

County Magistrate Cai returning home afternoon discovered his home now had a set of Lake brushes and Duan Inkstone, fifty taels of silver, plus two beautiful concubines.

Cai Yang personally taught the beautiful concubines poetry and painting, feeling the county magistrate post finally had flavor.

……

Tianqi First Year, late second month, dusk.

North Zhili, Dingxing County, outside a great household.

A mounted traveler too drunk fell from horse, collapsing drunk on ground.

Though late spring, North Zhili climate remained cold; without aid, this drunk lying outdoors overnight would surely freeze dead.

Fortunately, that household’s gatekeeper heard noise, came to check; nearing a few steps, smelled heavy booze.

Gatekeeper picked a tree branch, nose covered one hand, poked the drunk other.

“Hey! Wake up!”

Drunk severely intoxicated, slept soundly; his horse stood aside awaiting master.

Gatekeeper saw traveler’s fine attire and horse, deemed some status, sought good karma: tied horse, dragged man into manor, stashed in woodshed, makeshift overnight.

Unexpectedly next day waking, drunk insisted noisily seeing master family to thank lifesaving grace.

Gatekeeper: “I saved you; thank me.”

Drunk pulled five taels silver from bosom, gave gatekeeper, thanked lifesaving grace, yet still demanded see master to thank.

Gatekeeper helpless, cautioned drunk not reveal private manor entry, then reported inner residence.

While gatekeeper tangled with drunk, in manor rear main chamber, Ke Yinyue dressed before mirror.

Over thirty this year, yet skin smooth firm, hair jet black, eyes autumnal, figure graceful; calling her twenties fit perfectly.

Behind Ke Yinyue, brother Ke Guangxian antsy as hot-pan ant, paced room ceaselessly.

“Good sister, dressed yet? Dressed, hurry road, don’t late!”

“Hurry what?” Ke Yinyue lipsticked lips, admired alluring reds in mirror, softly: “Let School Brother wait nicely.”

Ke Guangxian paled shocked; despite in manor, glanced about fearing overheard, lowered voice anxiously: “Why still call him School Brother? He is Emperor!”

Ke Yinyue mirror-smiled alluringly: “Even Emperor, still my School Brother. Come, help sister pick clothes.”

Ke Yinyue rose from vanity selecting Clothes, wearing only close inner garments, bosom naturally revealing heart-stirring quiver.

Brother startled, turned away, continued: “Sister, not still mad Emperor drove you from palace? Think, ancient to present, which emperor post-wedding keeps wet nurse beside? Emperor gave ample grace honor to you our family; don’t self-ruin!”

Ke Yinyue donned big red robe, mirror-admired, mouth: “You don’t understand men. Harder gotten, more men crave taste; easy obtain, no cherish.”

Knowing sister’s nature, words still twitched Ke Guangxian’s face; he ignored her ties to Emperor or catamite eunuchs, so long as sister kept imperial favor.

Post-Tianqi Emperor enthronement, not one month, appointed him Ke Guangxian Jinyiwei Battalion Commander, titled sister Ke Yinyue “Madam Fengsheng”; favor depth evident.

But Ke Yinyue wet-nurse status, staying palace post-weaning already exceeded precedent.

Titling sister “Madam Fengsheng” irked Donglin Party hypocrites more.

Repeatedly petitioned Emperor demanding drive Ke Yinyue from palace.

Emperor citing “mother-son bond” never assented.

By Tianqi First Year early second month, Emperor grand-wedded adult; per folk rules should move out independent, no rationale sharing with wet nurse.

Donglin Party rehashed, urging Emperor expel Ke Yinyue.

Emperor perhaps believed grown-up rhetoric, or tired of Donglin Party; anyway assented, sent Ke Yinyue from palace.

Donglin hypocrites celebrated hat-flicking; court public deemed Ke Yinyue disfavored, his Jinyiwei Battalion Commander post powerless too.

Fortunately not one month, Emperor nostalgic decreed Ke Yinyue return palace serve.

Ke family poised regain influence; how not anxious.

Mid-persuasion, maid outside: “Madam, visitor gate seeks.”

Ke Guangxian: “Who?”

“Gatekeeper says passerby, yesterday overdrunk, sheltered front eaves wind-beaten night, specially thanks.”

Ke Guangxian raged: “Beggar dares tread Ke family gate? Chase off!”

“Hold.” Ke Yinyue commanded: “Bring in.”

“Yes.” Maid assented departed.

Ke Guangxian anxiously: “Sister, this hour, palace haste priority; why see beggar!”

Ke Yinyue calmly: “See first, then speak.”

Moments later drunk brought main hall; Ke Guangxian impatiently received, queried identity.

Drunk cupped hands self-named: “Undersigned Household Retainer Chang Lei under Nan’ao Vice General Ma the General; tasked by General hither business, unwittingly overate wine drunk roadside. Sans noble manor, life lost; thus special thanks.”

“Understood.” Ke Guangxian fly-shoo waved dismissal.

“Humbly this item express intent.” Chang Lei proffered Cloth Bag from bosom onto table.

Ke Guangxian saw palm-sized bag stuffed full, unknown contents.

But retainer surely valueless, paid no mind, coldly dismissed.

Chang Lei task done, no linger, cupped: “Take leave.”

Person gone, Ke Guangxian to lackey: “Check the junk.”

Lackey approached, bag-mouth opened glance, dumbfounded: “Is… bag Pearls.”

“Bumpkin look!” Ke Guangxian cursed: “Bring see.”

Pearls in Capital City not rare toys; small bag valuable yet not in Ke Guangxian eyes.

But bag handed, Ke Guangxian peeked, eyes bulged.

Bag Pearls each plump round, lychee-pit size, lustrous white, some faintly pink.

This… High-grade South Pearls! Each priceless.

Small bag yet heavy gift!

……

Next day Ke Yinyue reached Capital City, soothed little Emperor, returned residence Xian’an Palace.

Soon new Directorate of Ceremonial chief eunuch Wei Jinzhong arrived.

“Here~” Ke Yinyue eyes watery, cheeks rosy.

“All out.” Wei Jinzhong stern to attending eunuchs maids.

Half shichen later Ke Yinyue flushed-faced, limp abed, bosom heaving, rough-panting.

Wei Jinzhong fetched silk, tenderly wiped Ke Yinyue sweat, wiped own three fingers too.

Ke Yinyue panted, recounted yesterday pearl delivery.

Wei Jinzhong slight pause: “Bag High-grade South Pearls? Gift substantial.”

Ke Yinyue rolled viewing ally: “Say accept gift? That General seek favor?”

“Delivered, keep.” Wei Jinzhong laughed: “This house reckons good-karma tie; timing your palace-exit… Nan’ao Vice General intriguing.”

……

Third month first day.

Nan’ao Island Dry Dock completed.

Dry Dock sited Yandun Bay southeast Nan’ao Island, near Yun’ao.

Yandun Bay faces South China Sea, natural deepwater fine harbor; even posterity national ten-thousand-ton port site, ideal large naval port.

Dry Dock construction simple: shore-rectangular pit dug, mortar stone paved bottom slopes, resembling giant cement basin.

Over month-plus curing, cement basin hit strength; time demolish Cofferdam water-test.

East of Yandun Bay Dongtun Cape heights arrayed Table and Chairs fruits tea; Lin Qian brothers tea-sipping awaited.

Stonemason Chu attended, spittling Dry Dock details.

“Yandun Bay Dry Dock full-length thirty zhang, width eight zhang, depth three zhang…”

“Dear mother.” Lei Sanxiang interrupted: “Galleon scarce twenty zhang total; why build so vast?”

Stonemason Chu: “Sizes per Helmsman order, margin for Galleon entry scaffolding etc., facilitate larger ships.”

Query cleared, Stonemason Chu: “Dock entrance per Helmsman faces Southwest, evade direct Monsoon; thus winter-summer side winds aid entry-exit. Dock cement mortar mixed Helmsman method, cough… behold Cofferdam…”

Dry Dock cement mortar differed initial, natural volcanic ash subbing coarse pottery powder; stronger cement, hydraulic might, ideal underwater.

Historically self-healing Roman cement used natural volcanic ash raw; stability even exceeds modern cement.

Great Ming volcanic ash “plunder ash” waste unused; Lin Qian’s Hu Zhaoyuan List least notable.

Jiangnan lacks volcanic ash; shipped Qiongzhou Prefecture vessels, high freight low yield.

Fortunately Dongfan Island North volcanoes; post-pioneering local mine far easier.

Mid-talk Dry Dock Cofferdam-opening prepped.

Stonemason Chu deep-breath boomed: “Ready open Cofferdam; Helmsman order!”

Lin Qian: “Open Cofferdam.”

Stonemason Chu yelled Dry Dock: “Open Cofferdam!”

His order, craftsman by Wooden Stake Cofferdam hefted hammer, cautiously mounted, roped middle Wooden Stake hole.

Rope other end wooden Gantry, myriad Rope Pulley combos linked upward ropes Dry Dock-side Winches; dozens captives per Winch.

Craftsman hammer-struck roped wooden stake repeatedly; light force high cadence, loosening base soil adhesion.

Dozens strikes, craftsman halted yelled: “Up!”

Captives shoved Winches unison; harbor rang effort chants.

Winches turning ropes stake-fixed taut-straight; Gantry Winches stake creaked.

Craftsmen: “More force! First out eases rest; heave!”

Captives faces effort-twisted, throat-low-roars.

Finally Winch slackened; stake uprooted whole, seawater surged gap Dry Dock.

Base iron pre-buried keel pier slowly seawater-submerged.

Stout Wooden Stake seawater-rushed Dry Dock interior, Rope-tethered ceaseless-shaking; endless seawater influx Dry Dock, majestic.

Nature’s power then fully manifest.

Dongtun Cape atop, Lin Qian’s Brothers this scene amazed utmost.

Even Lin Qian big-project-accustomed shocked; sans eyewitness, hard credit mere Labor Wood iron-nails mortise-tenon such vast feat.

One shichen later Dry Dock water scant half-filled.

Lei Sanxiang grumbled: “Water too slow; old Chu, more Wooden Stakes?”

Stonemason Chu smiled: “Slow fill best; fast scours walls ill; full-water buoyancy eases pulls.”

Lei Sanxiang to Lin Qian: “Helmsman, we idle-wait?”

Dry Dock vital future-impacting; Lin Qian uneasy, on-site inspected.

Chen Jiao: “Less chatter.”

Zheng Zhilong seed-cracking: “Island four departments lately busy; daily duties heavy, sea-view relaxing. Right, no Brother Bai?”

Lin Qian distant Sea Surface-pointed: “On Da Fu Ship.”

Zheng Zhilong followed saw Yandun Bay Sea Surface anchored ships; Zhelin Bay-captured Hull No. 2 Da Fu Ship Hull towering conspicuous.

Lin Qian tea-sipped: “Dry Dock ready, this Da Fu Ship first entrant.”

Dry Dock trial-inexpert craftsmen; Lin Qian risked not Santa Ana, Da Fu Ship testwater, convenient refit.

Yandun Bay west Yun’ao flatland; Dry Dock thousands daily rested dined there, months spawned Barracks.

Nearing noon Yun’ao Barracks lunch prepped, to Yandun Cape sent.

Lin Qian lunching: “Right, test questions reviewed fine; issue thus. Exam date?”

Zhou Xiucai rice-swallowed: “Ten days hence.”

Lei Sanxiang: “Exam finally; new Clerks taken, swap me off Military and Guard Department Head quick.”

New Department Head interested officialdom; unknowing Military and Guard Department documents-daily, illiterate misery; Lei Sanxiang preferred ship cannon-firing.

Chen Jiao teased: “You blind-eye, clinging Department Head hard.”

Lei Sanxiang fury-bicker Chen Jiao; Brothers roared laughter.

Laughter fell silent-moment, Lin Qian: “Elder Brother, post-exam Construction Department shelve; big task entrust.”

Chen Jiao: “What?”

Lin Qian: “Premature now; tonight Captain’s Cabin.”

“Got it.” Chen Jiao assented.

Lunch done subordinates cleared tableware, swapped tea snacks.

Then Dry Dock water near-complete; Gantry-side Winches turned-on, stakes hoisted high over Cofferdam, sea-dropped dock-outside.

Centipede Boats were already waiting on the sea surface. They untied the ropes connecting the wooden stakes and gantry, tied them to the Centipede Boats, and with more than a dozen people rowing together, brought the wooden stakes to the shore.

Such thick timber capable of withstanding seawater pressure was extremely rare and needed to be recycled for reuse.

On the cofferdam, the artisans used the same method to successively pull out the remaining wooden stakes.

Then, Bai Langzai piloted the Da Fu Ship, aligning its stern with the dry dock entrance, and animal power dragged the Da Fu Ship into the dock.

The dry dock used a pontoon-style dock gate, entirely wooden, floating on the sea surface when not filled with water, like a strange ship.

After the Da Fu Ship entered the dock, ropes and Centipede Boats dragged the dock gate to its predetermined position at the dock mouth, then opened the sea valve to fill with water and sink.

The process of the dock gate filling with water and descending used the principle of the communicating vessel, requiring no external water input, and the dock gate sank very quickly.

There were scales on both sides of the dock gate, with artisans at the dock mouth closely watching the scale readings. Once it approached the bottom, they informed the artisan operating the sea valve to turn the knob, narrowing the valve opening to slow the descent and avoid damaging the bottom from collision.

At the bottom of the dock mouth, there was a groove matching the length and width of the dock gate. Hemp rope soaked in tung oil, straw, and other materials were laid in the groove in advance to ensure watertightness.

After the dock gate fully settled on the bottom, the ten animal-powered pumps at the rear of the dry dock began operating.

The selected pumps were eight screw pumps and two chain pumps, with their upper pump outlets all connected to drainage channels. Water was discharged back to the sea surface by gravity.

Screw pumps were suitable for pumping turbid seawater with sediment, while chain pumps were suitable for precise operations in low-lying water collection areas. The two types of pumps complemented each other perfectly.

The onshore part of the screw pumps also had a special chain transmission structure, allowing greater force with a smaller rotation radius to drive the screw pumps to rotate quickly, increasing drainage volume and maximizing the use of animal power.

This entire set of dry dock design was partly existing Great Ming technology and partly Lin Qian’s “inventions and creations.”

Looking down from Dongtun Corner, one could see more than a dozen winches turning nonstop around the dry dock, ropes crisscrossing in a dazzling array. Countless ships, people, and animals labored around the dry dock, with seawater pouring down the four drainage channels like white waterfalls—a truly shocking scene.

Seeing such a sight gave a strong sense of human triumph over nature.

Just one dry dock consumed so much labor, no wonder after the early Ming, Great Ming no longer built treasure ships for sea voyages.

All the brothers watched intently.

Even Lei Sanxiang sighed in admiration: “This scene is somewhat similar to a military formation. This trip was not in vain.”

Zhou Xiucai recited poetry with emotion: “Southern Song’s Lu You had a poem: ‘In ochre clothes, they carve through the sea mountain roots, the pillar stands towering at the sea gate.’ Today, we’ve witnessed the scene in the poem.”

Chen Jiao murmured: “I’m afraid even the dry dock for the treasure ships back then was no more than this.”

Zheng Zhilong said nothing, but thought to himself: “I thought Macau’s dry dock was the best in the world, but compared to the one on the island, it’s like a small sorcerer meeting a great one.”

Then he stole a glance at Lin Qian, sighing inwardly: “The helmsman is proficient in navigation and naval warfare, yet he also knows how to build dry docks. Can anyone in this world really know so much? I used to pride myself on self-studying Portuguese, but compared to the helmsman, I feel utterly ashamed…”

Pumping lasted half a shichen, and it was now near dusk when someone in the dry dock shouted loudly: “Stop!”

All the pumps stopped at once, and the water flow in the dry dock’s drainage channels gradually lessened.

Then artisans took sounding lines to measure the water level inside the dry dock.

Stonemason Chu was somewhat nervous: “Gentlemen overseers, this is checking the dock gate’s watertightness; we need to wait one shichen.”

One shichen later, it was completely dark, torches were lit on the dry dock, and the artisan remeasured the water level: “Water depth two zhang three chi.”

As soon as the words fell, cheers erupted around the dry dock.

Stonemason Chu received the message, his face beaming with joy, his excited voice trembling: “Gentlemen overseers, in one shichen, the water level barely changed… It’s done! We’ve succeeded!”

“Good!” Lei Sanxiang punched the air forcefully.

The other brothers looked at each other and laughed heartily.

Stonemason Chu, overcome with emotion, kept wiping his eyes with his dirty sleeve. Lin Qian, seeing this, tore a piece of cloth from his own clothes and gave it to him.

“Helmsman…” Stonemason Chu dared not accept it, tears washing trails through the dust on his face, carving deep furrows.

Lin Qian said kindly: “We left in a hurry and didn’t bring handkerchiefs, but fortunately my clothes are clean. Don’t mind it; use this to wipe for now.”

“No, no, no…” Stonemason Chu waved his hands hurriedly, unsure if he meant he dared not take it or that he didn’t mind.

Lin Qian stuffed the cloth piece into his hand and said: “You’re a meritorious minister for building the dry dock; you can’t ruin your eyes. Use this for now. When I return to the city, I’ll send you handkerchiefs made of Chaozhou silk—one three per person—and bonus silver, twenty taels per artisan involved in building the dry dock, ten taels per apprentice!”

Stonemason Chu wept uncontrollably and bowed: “This old man thanks you on behalf of everyone, Helmsman!”

Artisan status in Great Ming was legally good commoner but practically semi-menial, much discriminated against; when had they ever received such respect from those in power?

Stonemason Chu had also been plundered onto the island by Lin Qian; when he first arrived, like others, his heart was filled with fear and resentment, pondering escape every day.

But over time, he discovered the island had simple folkways, no government oppression, no gentry discrimination, and working for the helmsman truly paid wages.

Wages were much higher than on shore—not by just a little. Though prices on the island were high too, with high wages, one could live decently, far more comfortable than on shore.

Over time, thoughts of escape faded, and he even grew content with it.

Lin Qian’s high pay satisfied his survival needs; the island’s stable political environment satisfied his safety needs.

His family had all been brought to the island; he had no ties on shore anyway, and with no discrimination against artisans on the island, his needs for love and belonging were satisfied.

Later, Lin Qian taught him the method for making cement mortar and put him in charge of dry dock construction. He felt the weight of responsibility, worrying day and night, pouring heart and soul into it, not daring the slightest error, fearing to fail the trust.

Now, with the dry dock’s great success and Lin Qian’s affirmation, his needs for respect and self-realization were all fulfilled at once.

Stonemason Chu naturally didn’t know Maslow’s hierarchy of needs; he just felt deeply satisfied, with nothing more to ask, thinking that throughout history, being a stonemason to this extent was the pinnacle.

At this moment, even if someone tied him and took him back to the mainland, he would find a way to return to the island.

Not just him; when drinking and chatting privately with his old brothers, everyone thought the same.

While drinking, they said the helmsman planned to build big houses with courtyards and wells on the island, even four-point-gold or grand ancestral halls.

Whenever work got tiring, Stonemason Chu would think of four-point-gold and grand ancestral halls, feeling the days had direction and gaining more strength.

Actually, artisans and commoners’ demands weren’t high—just fairness, able to distribute according to labor.

Unfortunately, shore gentry didn’t understand this, nor did Great Ming rulers.

Their minds filled with stratagems and classics had no idea who created the world’s wealth.

It was late.

After measuring the water level, the artisans returned to their barracks to rest, while the ten pumps beside the dry dock continued running automatically.

Thanks to the cattle and mules Hu Zhaoyuan sent to the island, the pumps could operate day and night, with cattle and mules working in shifts—animals rest, but machines don’t.

Even at this intensity, draining the dry dock would take three to four days before work could begin inside.

Lin Qian called Mute Huang, gave instructions on Da Fu Ship repair precautions, then took the brothers back to Houjiang Bay port by boat.

The crew had stayed long on Nan’ao Island and were familiar with the seas around it, so even sailing at night was safe.

……

At midnight, Chen Jiao, following Lin Qian’s orders, went to the captain’s cabin of the Santa Ana, knocked and entered, finding Bai Langzai there too.

Chen Jiao cupped his fists in greeting: “Helmsman, Seventh Brother.”

Lin Qian said: “Sit. Elder Brother, pour your own tea.”

“No need, drinking tea late at night keeps one awake.” Chen Jiao waved it off.

Lin Qian: “Fine then. It’s late; no more chit-chat. Bai Langzai, give the item to Elder Brother.”

“Yes.” Bai Langzai responded, took a pamphlet from his bosom and handed it to Chen Jiao, then brought over a wooden box half a person’s height with a lock on it.

Chen Jiao recognized at a glance it was the box containing the sextant, always kept by Bai Langzai as navigator; others weren’t even allowed to touch it. Why bring it out for him today?

Bai Langzai unlocked the box, took out the sextant, and said: “This is something the helmsman made, called a sextant, used for measuring latitude. Elder Brother should know. Today, the helmsman ordered me to hand it to you.”

That pamphlet has the sun altitudes and North Star altitudes I’ve recorded. From now on, Elder Brother must measure and record daily at noon and midnight, without interruption if possible.

Chen Jiao was quite surprised and asked: “Seventh Brother, are you going somewhere?”

“It’s Elder Brother who’s setting sail.” Bai Langzai shook his head.

Lin Qian continued: “I’ve decided to appoint Elder Brother as governor to develop Dongfan Island. The journey is dangerous; the sextant can prevent deviation from course.”

Chen Jiao wanted to speak but was stopped by Lin Qian raising his hand: “Elder Brother, rest assured; it won’t be too long. Once Dongfan Island is stable, you can return anytime.”

To Lin Qian, Dongfan Island was a treasure island.

But to Great Ming people, Dongfan Island was a barbaric wasteland; the name alone showed their attitude.

Though Nan’ao Island also lacked productivity and was far from a prosperous world, it at least had feudal society’s living standards. Going to Dongfan Island was like returning to primitive society.

Chen Jiao’s concerns were normal.

After hearing Lin Qian’s explanation, Chen Jiao’s expression improved. After thinking, he said: “I’ll follow the helmsman’s arrangements! When do we depart?”

“First day of the fourth month.”

“So soon?” Chen Jiao was slightly surprised.

If history hadn’t changed, the Dutch would land on Penghu in Tianqi 2, i.e., next year, then formally colonize Dongfan Island.

He didn’t have much time to establish a foothold.

Lin Qian: “For this trip, take Sea Wolf Ship Four, Sea Wolf Ship Five, and Changfeng.”

“Changfeng?”

“That’s Jia No. 2 Da Fu Ship.” Lin Qian said, taking out a cigar, lighting it on the candle, and exhaling a long puff of smoke. “In a month, it will be repaired, equipped with twelve Siren Cannons, stern cabin reduced by one level, more suitable for sea surface combat and ocean voyages.

This ship belongs to the new Sea Lion-class frigate; I’ve temporarily named it Changfeng. In the future, Elder Brother will be its ship master. If Elder Brother doesn’t like the name, you can change it.”

Chen Jiao said: “Good name; let’s call it Changfeng!”

Lin Qian took a pamphlet from the table and had Bai Langzai give it to Chen Jiao.

Chen Jiao received it; the first dozen pages were precautions and countermeasures.

Starting from page twenty, it was densely packed lists. Lately, he had attended literacy classes occasionally and could basically recognize all characters.

The lists detailed all personnel, supplies, etc., he would take.

Including 150 crew members, 50 various artisans, 200 captives, 1,800 shi of rice and flour as main grain, 15 transport ships.

Plus various side foods, farm tools, tools, building materials, weapons, ammunition, medicines, silver, etc.—virtually everything.

Each item had specific quantities, even artisan names marked.

Lin Qian exhaled smoke: “This list is just a draft I wrote in spare time; many omissions. Discuss with Second Brother and island artisans before finalizing. Since Elder Brother is Dongfan governor, this task is yours.”

“Yes.” Chen Jiao cupped his fists.

Then Lin Qian explained Dongfan Island’s general situation and future development direction.

When Chen Jiao heard Lin Qian planned to plant sugarcane on the island, he frowned: “Helmsman, farming needs lots of labor. The 400 people going are all seafarers or artisans, none know farming. Reclaiming fields and planting staple crops is already hard.”

Lin Qian smiled mysteriously: “Don’t worry about farming labor; I’ve arranged for Bai Qing to handle it.”

“Oh.” Chen Jiao was skeptical.

“It’s late; return to your cabin and rest. Developing Dongfan is major; we have a month to discuss in detail.”

……

Next morning early, as Lin Qian was eating breakfast, he suddenly heard a knock.

Bai Qing’s voice came from outside: “Helmsman, are you up?”

Lin Qian swallowed his rice porridge, wiped his mouth: “Come in.”

Bai Qing pushed the door open, saw Lin Qian eating breakfast, and said apologetically: “My fault for coming too early; Helmsman, eat first. I’ll come back later.”

Lin Qian stopped her: “No need; finishing right away.”

Then he gulped down two mouthfuls of rice porridge, set aside bowl and chopsticks, and wiped his mouth again.

“How’s the reading going?”

Bai Qing replied: “I can recognize all characters now, but those classical Chinese phrases, I still don’t understand.”

“Vernacular writing is enough.” Lin Qian said, pointing to the navigation table. “Open that box on the table and see.”

The box was about half a person’s height, unlocked. Bai Qing opened it, revealing a complex instrument made of lenses and wood.

“This is a sextant, newly made of camphor wood by Uncle Huang. You’re Bai Langzai’s sister; you must have heard of it.” Lin Qian said.

Bai Qing gently touched the wooden frame of the sextant: “I’ve only seen my brother use it from afar; he never said anything else. First time knowing the name sextant.”

Lin Qian briefly explained the sextant’s function, then said: “How to use it specifically, have Bai Langzai teach you.”

“Us?”

“And my Elder Brother Chen Jiao.” Lin Qian paused. “You two will both go to sea.”

With that, Lin Qian stood, went to the file cabinet, took out a map—hand-drawn by him of Great Ming’s coastline, with latitudes marked prominently.

The method was simple: using Nan’ao Island at 23° N and Pearl River Estuary at 30° N as benchmarks, marking other latitudes equidistantly with a ruler.

The map wasn’t highly precise, but compared to those sold in Great Ming bookstores, the proportions of main peninsulas, islands, and land were roughly accurate.

Lin Qian signaled Bai Qing to put away the sextant, spread the map on the navigation table, and pointed to where Fujian-Guangdong met the sea.

“Here is Nan’ao Island, where we are. North along the coastline: Fujian, Zhejiang, South Zhili, Shandong, up to here… Liaodong.”

Lin Qian’s finger stopped on the peninsula in Great Ming’s northeast.

“Your destination this trip is Liaodong.”

……

Ten days later, Bai Qing led three Sea Wolf Ships, six Haicang Ships, twenty Cangshan Ships out of port heading north toward Liaodong.

The fleet also brought the Spaniards’ caravel, fast-sailing and suitable for messaging, named Carrier Pigeon by Lin Qian.

Per Lin Qian’s orders, the fleet always sailed in the outer seas, with Bai Qing measuring latitude daily at noon and night, recording in the sea log.

In March, northwest monsoons weakened, often shifting uncertainly with southeast monsoons—not ideal for sailing.

But Bai Qing’s fleet were all boating experts; changing sails seven or eight times in the time of one incense stick was routine, fearless of fickle winds. Sailing straight outer seas without coastal zigzags, speed was extremely fast.

Just twenty days later, they reached 39° N; per Lin Qian’s map, this was Liaodong latitude.

Bai Qing ordered the fleet west; this was unfamiliar waters to the crew, who sailed very cautiously.

Around noon, the lookout shouted joyfully: “Land! We’ve reached shore!”

Bai Qing stepped out of the stern cabin, shaded her eyes with her hand, looking toward the bow, seeing a green line on the horizon.

Bai Qing ordered: “Course northeast, sail along the coast, search for islands.”

Before departure, Lin Qian had instructed her: Jiannu in Liaodong were skilled in archery and horsemanship; crew weren’t opponents in land battles. But Jiannu had no sea ships, so first find an island to base in Liaodong, then plan other tasks gradually.

Orders received, the fleet turned collectively northeast.

Liaodong had many islands; in just two shichen, the lookout spotted a large one.

Bai Qing ordered two Sea Wolf Ships to scout around the island; after confirming safety, the fleet landed and set camp.

The fleet brought ample supplies; upon shore, crew unloaded ceaselessly.

Bai Qing set the camp on a flat area in the island’s center.

While setting camp, a small boat was seen afar on the sea. Fearing news leak, Bai Qing sent Zhong Aqi with Sea Wolf Ship Two to capture them.

One shichen later, Zhong Aqi brought three sturdy fishermen, tied up, before Bai Qing.

The three knelt, faces terrified, kowtowing nonstop, mouths muttering incomprehensible words: “Babu na… Babu na…”

Bai Qing felt a slight headache and asked: “Are you Han people? Do you speak official language?”

After so long on the island, Bai Qing’s official language was decent, still heavy Cantonese accent, but no hindrance to communication.

The fishermen glanced at each other, eyes showing joy mixed with wariness.

One cautiously probed: “May I ask… are you Great Ming Navy?”

Spoken in official language too, extremely heavy Liaodong accent; Bai Qing barely understood.

She nodded, took out her badge: “I’m Captain under Liaodong Regional Commander, Zhao Qian.”

This identity was set by Lin Qian; Great Ming official army identity convenient for Liaodong activities, but claiming Fujian-Guangdong navy too fake. Claiming under Liaodong Regional Commander made authority logical.

Bai Qing’s badge indeed said Zhao Qian, small print noting affiliation with Nan’ao Navy Camp soldiers.

This minor discrepancy didn’t matter; badges were usually just flashed.

If closely checked, excuse of urgent Liaodong military situation, temporary conscription, badge not yet changed.

Hearing Bai Qing’s reply, the fishermen fell silent, then suddenly wailed loudly, three young men sobbing shockingly.

Drawing side glances from surrounding crew setting camp.

“What crying! I’m not killing you!” Bai Qing was baffled and scolded loudly.

She thought inwardly, even Pearl River Estuary Tanka seeing official army wouldn’t cry like this. Could Liaodong official army be worse than Fujian-Guangdong ones?

In her view, Fujian-Guangdong official army were already the most vicious; she couldn’t imagine how bad Liaodong ones must be to reduce people to this.

Unexpectedly, the fishermen’s next words stunned her.

“Military lord! We’ve been waiting for you!”

The fisherman cried to the heavens, as if venting all pent-up rage, then wept and kowtowed nonstop.

The kowtowing force even stronger than when begging mercy in strange words earlier; all three did so.

Bai Qing sternly: “No more crying, no more kowtowing! What happened? Tell it straight, you three big men, don’t be sissies!”

The fishermen wiped tears, held back sobs: “General probably doesn’t know yet; over half a month ago, Shenyang fell… Days later, Liaoyang also fell… Those damn Tartars fit to kill a thousand times!”

Even with tears, mentioning Tartars made fishermen grit teeth, faces ferocious.

“Tartars in our village killed… so many… We three brothers live near sea, barely escaped. Alas, villagers all…”

Bai Qing’s face unchanged; actually, Jiannu capturing Liaoshen—Lin Qian had told her before sailing.

Her main task this trip was to shelter Liaodong refugees.

What truly surprised Bai Qing was: per fishermen, Jiannu took Liaoshen half a month ago, but Lin Qian told her a month earlier.

Even the sequence of city falls, Jiannu atrocities, Han suffering matched helmsman’s words exactly.

Even knowing helmsman had divine foresight, Bai Qing couldn’t help being shocked now.

It was just that Bai Qing, illiterate in deeper matters, didn’t grasp such military affairs’ importance; if Zheng Zhilong, he wouldn’t be so calm.

Bai Qing had fishermen stand, untied ropes, gave dry biscuits to eat, asked: “That ‘ba-something’ you said first, Tartar language?”

The three wolfed down biscuits, choking speechless, finally thumped chests, swallowed: “Yes, Tartars’ bird tongue! Know only a few phrases for begging mercy.”

Bai Qing asked again: “Where’s your village? Far from here?”

The three stopped, looked at Bai Qing.

“Does the General want to go ashore to rescue people?”

“That’s natural.”

Bai Qing said in a scholarly tone: “Since I am part of the Official Army, I naturally have the duty to defend the land and protect the people. How can I sit idly by while the Han People are slaughtered by the Tartars!”

These weren’t Bai Qing’s own words; Zhou Xiucai taught them to her to explain to others the purpose of her coming to Liaodong.

A fisherman, upon hearing this, stuffed the dry biscuit into his pocket and immediately knelt down: “If the General wants to go ashore to rescue people, count me in.”

The other two fishermen also knelt down.

“Count me in too!”

“All three of us brothers are willing to follow the General!”

Great Ming commoners rarely enlist in the army and are even less willing to associate with the Official Army. Their behavior today showed extreme hatred for the Jiannu.

Bai Qing smiled and said: “Get up first. Before rescuing people, we need to clarify the situation.”

In the evening, the camp on the island was set up.

Bai Qing, the ship masters, and the three newly attached fishermen brothers sat around the campfire chatting.

The three brothers, from oldest to youngest, were called Zhang Haisheng, Zhang Tiemao, and Zhang Ganchao. They had lost their father young and were raised by their mother, making a living by fishing.

According to the Zhang brothers, the island under their feet was Guanglu Island, located on the East Sea Surface east of Liaodong. The nearest city from here was Jinzhou, which had now been occupied by the Tartars.

The three brothers’ ancestral home was not far east of Jinzhou, in a village called Wanghaiguo Village, which had been massacred by the Tartars yesterday, and their mother had died tragically under the butcher’s knife.

Wanghaiguo Village and Guanglu Island were basically within sight across the sea, so they had just happened to be encountered by Bai Qing.

The crew members brought wine and handed it to the three brothers, offering some comfort.

Bai Qing’s heart surged with anger. She forcibly suppressed it, picked up a thick tree branch, stirred the bonfire, and asked: “What do the Tartars gain from slaughtering people wantonly?”

Zhang Tiemao said angrily: “The Tartars aren’t human. They kill for fun—old people, children… even those with big bellies they don’t spare!”

Zhang Haisheng patted his brother’s shoulder and added: “To say they killed everyone isn’t accurate. According to refugees who fled from Jinzhou, the Tartars kept some young and strong men, all captured to Tuokesuo as Aha.”

“Tuokesuo? Aha? What do those mean?” Zhong Aqi lifted his wine bag, took a gulp of wine, and asked.

Zhang Haisheng shook his head: “I don’t know. I only know that becoming an Aha means shaving your head. If you don’t shave it yourself, the Tartars grab you and shave it. If you struggle too much, you’ll be hacked with a knife.”

“Shaving heads?” Shi Kai, the ship master of the three Sea Wolf Ships, found it very strange. “How do they shave?”

Zhang Haisheng gestured on his head: “Like this—shave the hair front, back, left, and right, leaving just a small tuft on the back of the head, tied into a whip. All Tartars have this hairstyle.”

“Barbarians!” Shi Kai spat.

Bai Qing knew that Tuokesuo meant farmstead, and Aha meant slave or serf. These were things Lin Qian had told her before departure.

Although both involved forced labor, compared to the Jiannu Aha, the captives on Nan’ao Island lived practically in paradise.

Bai Qing gazed at the bonfire and asked: “How many Tartars massacred your village, and where are they now?”

“More than thirty, ten on horseback, twenty walking, all armored, very good with bows and arrows. They weren’t moving fast with the Aha, along the main road toward Guifu Fort in the northeast.”

Zhang Ganchao added: “The Tartars kill along the way, leaving hardly anyone in the places they pass. General, to rescue people, you need to get ahead of the Tartars.”

Bai Qing thought for a moment and ordered: “Zhong Aqi, Shi Kai! You two set out to sea tomorrow. Take the Zhang brothers on board as guides, scout along the shore to the north and south separately, and report back immediately if you encounter Han People refugees or Tartar traces!”

“Yes!” The two Sea Wolf Ship ship masters cupped their hands in unison.

……

The next morning, Sea Wolf Two Ship and Sea Wolf Three Ship set out to sea as Bai Qing instructed.

They returned to the island in the evening.

Shi Kai reported: “Just as the Zhang brothers said, the south is basically a wasteland. Wanghaiguo Village was burned clean by a fire. I sailed southwest along the coastline for half a day and saw no living people. I could see Jinzhou City from afar, but worried about encountering Tartars, I didn’t dare approach.”

“Mm.” Bai Qing pretended to ponder deeply, then asked Zhong Aqi, “What about the north?”

“All the way north, no living people in sight, but plenty of corpses.” Zhong Aqi paused, then said, “I think the Tartars are garrisoned at Guifu Fort.”

“Guifu Fort?” Bai Qing murmured, then asked, “Did you approach that place to look?”

Zhong Aqi nodded: “I did. It’s a small garrison city camp, about two li in circumference, with traces of Tartar activity around it.”

“How far is this place from the sea?”

“About five li. The road to the shore is flat, with no cover.”

Bai Qing recalled Lin Qian’s instructions before departure: this trip focused on rescuing refugees, avoiding conflict with the Jiannu as much as possible, especially land battles with the Jiannu.

Naval and land tactics were worlds apart. Their sea bandit force had no training, no horses, and fighting on the Liaodong plains without horses was a huge disadvantage.

Moreover, since the team’s formation, they had only fought downwind battles, bullying Great Ming garrisons, camp soldiers, and sea bandits.

Suddenly clashing head-on with Jiannu cavalry left them uncertain.

Their only advantage was advanced firearms; nearly every crew member had a Franchi matchlock gun.

But early matchlock guns reloaded too slowly and could only fire one volley against a cavalry charge.

If routed by the Jiannu, their matchlock guns would aid the enemy—a grave sin.

Thus, Bai Qing hesitated. After weighing it for a long time, she said: “Don’t move on Guifu Fort for now. Stay by the shore to gather refugees. A small Tartar squad of just dozens can’t kill all Liaodong Han People; there must be some hiding in the mountains and forests.”

……

The next day, Bai Qing personally led three Sea Wolf Ships and six Haicang Ships to anchor by the coastline between Wanghaiguo Village and Guifu Fort.

Bai Qing ordered people to light bonfires on the coast and gathered fallen pine wood, pine cones, damp moss, etc., to burn by the bonfires.

Soon, thick black-gray smoke rose high from the bonfires, visible from ten li away.

Bai Qing intended to use this method to attract refugees.

The method was crude, but since they stayed near the coast, it guaranteed safety.

The thick smoke rose from morning until noon, with no human figures on the coast, main road, or mountain forests.

Fortunately, Liaodong had abundant timber, plenty of wood to burn.

On the ships, the crew members had finished lunch and were bored waiting.

The lookout suddenly pointed to dust rising on the distant dirt road: “Someone’s coming!”

“Seems like Tartar cavalry!” A crew member shaded his eyes with his hand and squinted toward the dust.

“Perfect timing!” The crew, having heard the Zhang brothers’ encounter, hated the Tartars to the bone. With repeated victories, they didn’t take the Tartars seriously and had long wanted to fight them.

Without Bai Qing’s order, the helmsman on the ship had already told the crew to ready their muskets, with the Franchi Cannons prepared for loading.

“Hold it!” Bai Qing stopped them.

“Ship Master!”

“Ship Master! Let us fight!”

Knowing Bai Qing’s stance, the crew begged.

Crew with guns blew hard on the match cords nonstop; the glowing cords were red-hot.

The artillerymen had loaded chambers into the cannons, with another in their arms.

Seeing the ship full of arrogant, fierce soldiers, Bai Qing smiled and said gravely: “The Tartars aren’t fools. Seeing our powerful firearms and us on the sea, they won’t come close. We need a way to lure the Tartars over and kill them all!”

Under Bai Qing’s orders, all Haicang Ships detached to the outer seas, and one small boat carried over ten crew members rowing to shore. The crew disembarked pretending to tend the bonfire.

Jiannu cavalry leader Muli Han reined in his horse before the coast, his ten cavalry behind him also reining in to stop.

“Why stop, commander?” A subordinate asked in Jurchen.

Muli Han looked at the three large ships on the sea three hundred paces away, vigilance in his eyes. “Southern barbarians have powerful firearms. We don’t know where these three ships come from—be careful.”

As he hesitated, the dozen or so by the bonfire spotted the Jiannu cavalry, got scared, and ran toward the large ships.

The three large ships panicked even more, directly hoisting sails to turn, apparently preparing to flee, abandoning the dozen on shore.

From afar, Muli Han could see chaos on the galleon decks, crew scrambling to hoist sails and turn the helm, but in disarray. After a long time, the sails weren’t up yet; seven or eight had tripped over ropes.

From afar, panicked shouts from the crew could still be heard.

A subordinate urged: “Commander, they’re clearly a bunch of weak hares. Don’t hesitate—let us charge!”

Another said: “Hesitate more and the barbarians will sail away!”

Hearing this, Muli Han drew his bow, spurred his horse, and charged forward, shouting: “Lads, follow me to kill!”

The ten Jiannu cavalry were superb riders; from halt to full gallop in moments, all drawing bows and arrows, yelling as they charged the Han People on shore.

Their cries thundered; though only ten, they had an unstoppable momentum.

As the distance closed, Muli Han was shocked to see the dozen Han People who had been pacing nervously by the coast, not daring to enter the water, suddenly strip off their clothes and dive into the sea like fish, vanishing.

The three panicked ships also calmed their chaos. In an instant, the world was quiet except for hoofbeats.

Then.

“Boom boom boom…”

“Bang bang bang…”

Gunfire and cannon fire erupted densely like beans spilling from a bamboo tube.

Muli Han came to his senses too late. He watched a cavalryman beside him have his arm turn to blood mist; before the man could cry out, his head exploded. With more bullet rain, the whole man sprayed blood, his warhorse neighing and becoming scattered flesh along with him.

Muli Han’s courage shattered. Then his warhorse neighed, forelegs buckling, and fell.

He rolled twice on the ground. When he looked back, his men had hit an invisible scythe, spraying blood, all lifeless.

Those hit multiple times were blasted into unrecognizable chunks.

The entire beach was soaked in blood, a shocking crimson.

“Urgh!”

Muli Han suddenly vomited blood. Looking down, he saw three or four bloody holes on his body, blood gushing out.

Strength drained from his limbs; he couldn’t stand and knelt.

In a daze, he heard a woman’s voice by his ear: “Stop, spare his life… let the Zhang brothers do it.”

At Bai Qing’s order, the Zhang brothers each grabbed a dagger. Without waiting for the small boat, they jumped into the sea and swam to Muli Han in moments.

Muli Han, bled out, was at death’s door. He barely opened his eyes, saw the men before him, and bared bloody teeth in mockery: “South…”

Halfway through, the Zhang brothers’ daggers fell. Muli Han was stabbed dead in a few blows.

The brothers’ daggers didn’t stop, stabbing dozens more times, nearly turning Muli Han’s corpse to mince, before exhaustedly stopping, collapsing nearby, panting and sobbing.

Bai Qing ordered the battlefield cleared. Jiannu and horse corpses were burned, remains and bloodied sand thrown into the sea.

This was just to cover tracks, not to help bury the Jiannu.

After finishing, night had fallen. The departed Haicang Ships returned; one ship master reported that Guifu Fort’s garrison hadn’t moved rashly.

……

Over the next half month, Bai Qing lit bonfires at multiple spots along the Liaodong coast, using the same method to lure Jiannu cavalry to kill.

Though the trick was old, they left no survivors, so Jiannu cavalry often fell for it.

The Jiannu had just captured Liaoshen, with limited control over Han lands. Most forces concentrated on key towns and passes along the Liaoshen line; from Jinzhou to Zhenjiang in southeast Liaodong, defenses were very weak, mostly Jiannu old and weak remnants and small units.

Each time tricked, they died painlessly under saturation attacks from matchlock guns and Franchi Cannons.

As more cavalry squads died, Jiannu control over southern Liaodong gradually weakened.

Some Han People refugees had followed the smoke to Bai Qing’s fleet.

Liaodong was vast, Tartar cavalry few; many villages survived unscathed and were taken by Bai Qing to the island.

In half a month, the camp had taken in nearly two thousand refugees.

Per Lin Qian’s instructions, Bai Qing tallied the refugees’ identities and occupations.

She selected thirty craftsmen of various types to board Carrier Pigeon and send first to Nan’ao Island, along with a letter informing Lin Qian of events since landing in Liaodong over the past half month.

……

As Carrier Pigeon set sail.

Nurhaci in the Hun River barracks also received news from southern Liaodong.

In the tent, Nurhaci wore cotton armor, gaze icy, face muscles twitching.

Great Jin had just fought major battles, capturing Liaodong and bloodily battling Ming forces at Hun River. They should rest, consolidate rule, and prepare for next year’s autumn-winter campaign to press on Guangning.

For this, Nurhaci had just implemented the “Liaoyang New Policy” to conciliate Han People for stable rule.

He hadn’t expected Han resistance so swift—a slap to his face.

“Southern barbarians truly don’t know gratitude. I let them live, and this is how they repay me?” Nurhaci gnashed, voice like a bear’s low growl, deeply grating.

In the tent, the four Beile and banner lords stared at the ground, not daring to breathe.

Nurhaci always thought highly of himself, despised Han People, resented them for his father and brothers’ deaths and Ming oppression.

Since rising in arms, he won victories; using Mongol inside agents, he broke Liaoshen, forcing Great Ming Liaodong Grand Coordinator Yuan Yingtai to self-immolate.

His authority peaked.

But Hun River victory cost heavy casualties, frustrating Nurhaci. Now news of Great Ming Navy harassing southern Liaodong, Han People fleeing to sea, enraged him further.

Great Jin had no navy; close-quarters mounted archery useless against Ming navy at sea. He could only suffer raids helplessly.

After long thought, Nurhaci looked up sinisterly: “Since southern barbarians won’t accept kindness, don’t blame me for ruthlessness. Send orders to Tong Yangzhen at Zhenjiang: slaughter all southern barbarian commoners from Jinzhou to Zhenjiang!”

Everyone in the tent was shocked, heads rising, but none dared dissuade.

After hesitation, fourth Beile Huang Taiji steeled himself: “Father Khan, Liaodong is vast and sparsely populated, with years of heavy snow and poor harvests. The farmsteads still need these Han Aha to farm. Killing them all risks insufficient army grain for next year’s Guangning offensive. Better… to relocate them by sea.”

Nurhaci cared little for civil affairs, focused on command. Hearing this, he considered his Guangning plans, suppressed anger: “Go on.”

Huang Taiji said: “Relocate all southern barbarian commoners from Jinzhou to Zhenjiang line to central Liaodong interior. Those who can’t move, settle near major cities like Jinzhou, Fuzhou, Haizhou, Gaizhou, Zhenjiang. Abandon coastal small garrison forts, burn coastal mountains and forests, clear the fields solidly—no more worry of Ming navy raids.”

Nurhaci pondered long: “Your plan is sound. Do it.”

Huang Taiji knelt in salute.

“But Jurchen warriors’ blood can’t flow in vain.” Nurhaci’s icy voice resumed: “Great Ming Navy killed over a hundred of my warriors; I’ll kill double the Han People. Order Tong Yangzhen to kill two hundred Han People, display heads on stakes—let southern barbarians know rebellion’s consequences!”

……

End of April.

Nan’ao Island Yandun Bay dry dock.

Lin Qian held his designed sloop blueprint, discussing with Mute Huang and shipwrights, carpenters, ropemakers.

“This ship differs from Great Ming ships; the hull is streamlined…”

Seeing the shipwrights puzzled, Lin Qian rephrased: “For example, Great Ming ships are like flying birds; this ship is like a fish.”

The craftsmen showed realization.

Lin Qian pointed to the blueprint: “This ship is three zhang long, one zhang wide, three chi draft, for one to two crew. Sharp bow, flat stern design; stern waterline indents nearby, hull bottom lifts upward, reducing wake.”

Lin Qian pointed to the sailboat mast on the blueprint: “Single mast, can rig lug sail or fore and aft Bermuda Sails.”

Lin Qian pointed to a Bermuda Sail diagram beside the blueprint.

Bermuda Sail is strictly a triangular sail, but differs from Santa Ana’s fore triangular sail.

Santa Ana’s triangular sail used an oblique yard as pivot, hung diagonally from the bow via ropes—strictly, a lateen sail.

Bermuda Sail has larger area, whole mainmast as fore edge of sail, like a right triangle hanging over the hull.

Compared to lateen, Bermuda Sail has better aerodynamics, stronger upwind, less manpower needed.

Nearly all modern sailboats, especially yachts, use Bermuda Sails.

Including the ship from Lin Qian’s previous life that had the accident.

Thus, Lin Qian was very familiar with this sail.

Of course, while crushing contemporary sails, it had drawbacks: large, heavy sailface needed modern materials like Dacron film, carbon fiber.

Portuguese sailmakers’ carefully sewn cotton-linen sails could barely substitute, but minimize sail area—so ship designed three zhang long.

Lin Qian drew this blueprint before landing on Nan’ao Island; now it was finally useful.

Lin Qian explained other concepts: multifunctional modular layout, standardized sizes, etc.

Craftsmen asked repeatedly; Lin Qian answered patiently.

In his view, designer-constructor communication was crucial for progress; early talk saved trouble, boosted efficiency.

Discussion lasted over an hour; Lin Qian drank two pots of tea, ate lunch; afternoon, craftsmen continued asking.

The ship blended Eastern-Western methods plus Lin Qian’s innovations; many questions normal.

Lin Qian first had them build this to practice hands.

Problems surface on small boat, cheaper to fix.

Pave way for future large ships, battleships.

Lin Qian chatted with craftsmen till evening; questions mostly answered.

Mute Huang gestured wildly to apprentice Xiao Jiu, who said: “Master says use camphor wood, mainmast spruce or camphor wood. Excluding timber gathering, minimum three to four months.”

Mute Huang gestured more; Xiao Jiu added: “Master says ship small, no need dry dock; build on beach. Master asks helmsman: how many to build, when start?”

Lin Qian said: “Build ten first. Start after Yunfan exits dock.”

Yunfan was Zhelin Bay’s Hull Three Da Fu Ship; sister ship Changfeng completed and launched end of March, gone far to Dongfan Island with Chen Jiao.

With Changfeng refit experience, Yunfan stronger; entered dock early April, nearly a month now.

Yunfan replaced damaged hull boards, removed one stern cabin level, installed Siren Cannon; ready to exit dock these days.

“Also, after Yunfan exits, Santa Ana enters dock: modify cargo hold, add gun deck.” Lin Qian added.

Hearing this, craftsmen smiled bitterly: refit galleon, build ten small sailboats, some craftsmen to Dongfan Island.

They knew Lin Qian’s temperament: workaholic, all projects urgent.

Even split in half, couldn’t keep up.

Mute Huang gestured bitterly; Xiao Jiu said: “Master says your sloop design about 130-ton ship. Ten at once uses much labor; plus galleon refit, truly overwhelmed. Helmsman, more silver won’t help—not sleeping can’t keep up.”

Lin Qian laughed: “Don’t worry, I’ll add men—thirty more carpenters. Enough?”

Craftsmen exchanged glances; some coastal village carpenters in luck again.

On Nan’ao Island, rough labor by captives; craftsmen mostly fine work or directing.

Thirty more carpenters equaled thirty teams; productivity boost decent, perhaps cope.

Mute Huang pondered long, nodded.

Lin Qian clapped: “Settled. Tomorrow start small sailboats—oh, new type nameless. Call it eagle ship.”

Great Ming single-mast bird ships had sharp pointed bows, long straight hulls, fast speed.

Lin Qian’s sloop superior replacement, thus named eagle ship.

Lin Qian continued: “Tomorrow, first send captives up mountain for timber.”

“Yes.” The new Construction Department department head acknowledged while noting Lin Qian’s order.

This person is called Fang Ju, a native of Nan’ao Island. In the first clerk examination on Nan’ao Island, he took first place with outstanding ability and thus became the Department Head of the Construction Department.

Besides the Construction Department, the Department Heads of the other three departments had all been replaced.

Zhou Xiucai and Zheng Zhilong became the chief and deputy heads of the Nan’ao Government Affairs Office, respectively, overseeing the four departments.

While speaking, a ship lit its Ship Lantern and sailed over from the east.

Judging from the ship’s rail illuminated by the Ship Lantern, it was not a coastal Fishing Boat.

As it approached, the Ship Lantern flickered regularly a few times. This was the island’s signal, changed every three days to identify friend from foe at night.

Seeing the incoming ship send the signal, the guards around the Dry Dock relaxed.

As the ship drew near, its two-masted lateen sails became visible. Lin Qian recognized it as the Carrier Pigeon and said to the surrounding artisans, “Your helpers have arrived.”

The Carrier Pigeon sailed up and docked at Yandun Bay.

First, over a dozen Crew Members disembarked and formed a circle, then the passengers got off the ship.

Most passengers wore thick clothes with frightened expressions on their faces. Some had shaved heads, leaving only a queue-like braid.

The Carrier Pigeon Ship Master disembarked, trotted to Lin Qian’s side, cupped his hands, and said, “Helmsman, by order of Captain Bai, I have brought thirty Liaodong artisans. This is the artisan list.”

Lin Qian took it and saw that the list simply recorded names, ages, trades, and such, mostly Carpenters, along with Tilers, stone masons, Blacksmiths, and others.

After reviewing it, Lin Qian handed the list to Construction Department Department Head Fang Ju for registration.

The Carrier Pigeon Ship Master took out a letter from his bosom. “Helmsman, this is from Captain Bai for you.”

Lin Qian took it, opened the letter, glanced over it, and said, “You’ve worked hard. Go ahead with your tasks.”

“Yes.”

……

The next day, Lin Qian gathered several artisans who had been Aha in the Yun’ao camp and inquired about the Liaodong situation.

After one night’s rest, the artisans’ spirits had improved greatly. They changed into light summer clothes, cleaned their faces, necks, and hands, but since hair wouldn’t grow back on their heads, they found the queue braids too ugly and simply shaved bald.

Hearing Lin Qian’s question, some artisans lamented relatives’ deaths, some sighed at the hardships of escape, and most bitterly cursed the Tartars.

Someone said hatefully, “Those dog Tartars are all beasts. When Shenyang fell, they killed on sight, robbed on sight, even dragging Governor Yuan’s charred corpse with horses to humiliate it…”

Lin Qian knew Governor Yuan referred to Yuan Yingtai. In the first year of Tianqi, March, Liaoyang fell, and Yuan Yingtai set himself ablaze for the country.

The Ming History records that after Yuan Yingtai died, Nurhaci praised his loyalty and righteousness, ordering his remains collected and buried with rites. But it was political showmanship after all, and since the Ming History was written by Qing themselves, its truthfulness is questionable.

Another artisan said, “The Tartars killed my whole family. Only I survived…”

“Tartars entered villages killing the elderly, weak, and scholars specifically. The rest were relocated; resisters killed too. Village girls all smeared faces black; harsher ones cut with knives. If Tartars discovered a woman… alas…”

The artisans tearfully accused. Lin Qian felt anger building in his heart.

Once the artisans had vented enough, Lin Qian asked about Tuokesuo and the southern Liaodong coastal cities.

The answers matched historical records and Lin Qian’s speculations.

After Liaoyang and Shenyang fell, other Liaodong forts and strongholds had basically no resistance.

Jiannu quickly controlled over seventy large and small cities including Zhenjiang, Fuzhou, Jinzhou, and others.

Due to the Battle of Hun River, these places post-occupation had few Jurchen troops. Defenders were mostly Ming Surrendered Soldiers and officers.

Most Jiannu farms with captured Han People were around these large cities.

Bai Qing’s three Sea Wolf Ships lacked siege capability, helpless against large cities and forts.

Lin Qian hadn’t sent gunboats to Liaodong earlier because Santa Ana guarded Nan’ao Island, and Changfeng and Yunfan refits unfinished.

Now different: Yunfan could launch soon to guard Nan’ao Island.

Chaozhou Prefecture politics stable; Ma Chenglie reported monthly to Lin Qian. Hu Manor influence growing; new County Magistrates in Chaoyang, Huilai, Chenghai thoroughly corrupted.

External environment very stable.

Perfect for sailing north to Liaodong.

……

That evening in Santa Ana Officer’s Restaurant, Lin Qian summoned Zhou Xiucai, Zheng Zhilong, Lei Sanxiang, and Bai Langzai.

He announced preparing to send gunboats north to Liaodong.

Hearing Lin Qian’s plan, Zhou Xiucai looked grave. “Helmsman, Liaodong dangerous. Why wade in? Manpower for Dongfan development can be recruited slowly from Fujian-Guangdong.”

Lin Qian: “Dongfan needs many people—at least five thousand initially, more later. Recruiting all from Fujian-Guangdong attracts Imperial Court notice and high costs. Liaodong recruitment safe, saves refugees—win-win.

Tartar cavalry formidable, true, but no navy. Fight them without leaving sea, safer than Fujian-Guangdong sea battles.”

Lin Qian had another worry: eventual clash with Great Ming. Once war erupts, court pours funds southeast, neglects Liaodong; Jiannu grows.

Ethnically, Lin Qian unwilling to see Jiannu strong, entering pass to claim Central Plains.

Liaodong now devastated, people in misery; save one more if possible.

Not false mercy—responsibility as fellow Han People.

Strategically, Jiannu cavalry strong; ruling Central Plains to contend world harder for Lin Qian than Great Ming.

Historically, north-south pincer on central regimes, south never fared well—Northern Song, Southern Song examples.

Personally, even if beating Great Ming impossible, Lin Qian had retreats: hold Dongfan, Nanyang south, develop Australia.

But letting Jiannu unchecked, or tacit play, alliances—if botched, Divine Land sinks, tragedy repeats.

Lin Qian sinner for ages.

Even if not emperor or overlord, Lin Qian cannot be sinner!

All present trusted; Lin Qian shared Jiannu growth worries, told Liaodong atrocities.

Zhou Xiucai righteously: “Helmsman has such ambition. I read sages in vain, missed this—ashamed!”

He stood, cupped hands, bowed to ground.

Zheng Zhilong blood boiling, thought: “Great Ming officials petty power grabs daily.

Macau Governor, Councillors stink of money, sell own mothers for it.

Li Dan on Kyushu Island hoards huge fleet, content in corner, no ambition.

Helmsman in Nan’ao embraces world—this vision shames them.”

Zheng Zhilong stood, clasped fists loudly: “Helmsman, send me!”

Lei Sanxiang hoarsely: “Yiguan brother, wrong there…”

He slowly rose, head down, fists clenched, arms, shoulders, neck muscles taut trembling—intimidating.

“Tartars killed my father, brothers! To kill Tartars, I’ll stake life! Liaodong trip, old Lei must go!”

Zheng Zhilong knew Lei Sanxiang’s temper, didn’t push, sat.

Lei Sanxiang looked up, big eyes pleading at Lin Qian: “Helmsman, send me!”

Bai Langzai cupped hands: “Helmsman, I go with Third Brother!”

Lin Qian smiled: “You two—one Galleon Helmsman and Navigator, other Galleon stern master—no fight; both going.”

“Good!” Lei Sanxiang relaxed, then surprised: “Helmsman said Galleon—you going too?”

Lin Qian unspecified ship; all thought newly launched Yunfan northbound.

Lin Qian considered Yunfan.

But Yunfan slow, can’t match Carrier Pigeon speed, wastes time.

Yunfan escort ship, six Siren Cannons per side, weak firepower—all solid Cannonballs; dubious vs. high-spirited Jiannu cavalry.

Santa Ana fourteen guns per side safer.

Santa Ana fast, Carrier Pigeon guides route—round trip month-plus.

Even with fighting, refugee boarding, max two months; Nan’ao stable, Zhou Xiucai, Zheng Zhilong handle issues.

Nan’ao short Shipwrights now; Santa Ana sails, artisans build ten eagle ships—no idle productivity.

Settled; Bai Langzai, Lei Sanxiang prepare voyage.

Lin Qian kept Zhou Xiucai, Zheng Zhilong, instructed course details.

Discussions to late night.

……

Next day, Lin Qian called Jose to Captain’s Cabin.

Half-month to May 15th—final galleon cargo delivery with fat Councillor.

Post-delivery, contract done, no ties.

Future cannons, Bugao Foundry open.

Jose entered Captain’s Cabin, sat easily; Lin Qian gave Firearms procurement list.

List mainly Gunpowder, Cannonballs, Bullets.

Santa Ana sailing, no short-term refit—no need cannons yet.

Stockpile Ammunition for strategic reserves.

After Macau precautions.

Lin Qian took instrument from drawer, placed on table: “Astrolabe—know how?”

Won from Spanish sailor gambling Manila tavern.

For drawing Scale on Sextant; post-use, dusted in drawer till now.

Jose fiddled: “Yes, but why me?”

“You’re sailing.” Lin Qian smiled. “Your route map.”

Lin Qian drew map: Great Ming south coast, Indochina Peninsula.

Memory-drawn, imprecise but rough proportions, directions—not blind sea bumping.

Lin Qian pointed Indochina Peninsula: “Many states: Toungoo Dynasty, Ayutthaya Dynasty, Lan Xang Kingdom, Nguyen clan, Mac clan, etc. Common: rice abundance. Your trip: buy rice here.

Your fleet: two Fuchuan Ships, two Sea Wolf Ships. Post-Macau delivery, one Fuchuan carries Firearms, silver to Nan’ao, one Sea Wolf Ship escorts. You lead other two for rice…”

Currently, Nan’ao Island’s ten Sea Wolf Ships.

Sea Wolf One, Two, Three with Bai Qing to Liaodong.

Sea Wolf Four, Five with Chen Jiao to Dongfan Island.

Escorting Jose: Sea Wolf Six, Seven.

These two gone, Nan’ao left Yunfan, three Sea Wolf Ships—barely enough.

Recently built batteries at Guanyu, Anyu, Lieyu defending Houjiang Bay, Shen’ao Port, Yandun Bay.

Batteries with 24-pound Apostle heavy cannons—powerful, relieves defense greatly.

Lin Qian: “Rice silver deduct from delivery. Ancestors sea-made; buy low sell high, guide roads, shore middlemen—you know.”

Jose mercenary smile: “Heard spices, gems, rhino horns too—profits exceed rice.”

Lin Qian: “Cabin full rice. Others in Stern Cabin—your silver.”

“Good! Helmsman rest assured!” Jose energized.

……

Days later, Santa Ana, Carrier Pigeon, Jose fleet sailed from Houjiang Bay.

Northeast, southwest respectively.

From Captain’s Cabin porthole, Lin Qian watched Jose fleet, Nan’ao Island fade sea-sky.

Thus far, three fleets outer seas, three major tasks.

Chen Jiao fleet: Changfeng, two Sea Wolf Ships, transports—Dongfan Island prelim work.

Jose fleet: two Sea Wolf Ships, transports—grain supply to Dongfan Island.

Bai Qing fleet: three Sea Wolf Ships, transports, plus Santa Ana, Carrier Pigeon soon arriving—immigrants to Dongfan Island.

Historically, Dongfan Island reclamation took century-plus, generations.

If Lin Qian smooth, shortened greatly—returns fastest one year.

Lin Qian skyward: sky azure, cloudless.

“May all go well.”

……

Half-month later, Santa Ana off Guanglu Island; Lin Qian, Bai Langzai Small Boat ashore.

Island temp camp large-scale; afar, huts, tents endless.

Barracks between muddy trod paths—long-term living evident.

Island Soldiers knew Lin Qian, no block, reported Bai Qing.

Awaiting Bai Qing, Lin Qian observed camp folk.

Most sorrow-faced, numb, little talk—camp Oppressive stifling.

Moments later, surprised female voice beside Lin Qian: “Helmsman, why here?”

Lin Qian turned: Bai Qing striding over, Zhong Aqi, Shi Kai, other Crew Members behind.

Close, Crew Members clasped fists: “Helmsman!”

Lin Qian noted Crew Members grave-faced too: “What happened? These expressions?”

Bai Qing sighed: “Lately, Tartar troops north massacred, captured Jinzhou-area folk… alas! Nearby coasts nearly lifeless.”

Lin Qian brow twitched faintly: “Details.”

Zhong Aqi: “Helmsman, not standing—water in Barracks?”

Lin Qian nodded, Bai Qing group led.

Passed many Liaodong refugee camps: mostly young men, few women, scarce elderly/kids.

Camps crowded, surroundings dense; conditions poor, some wounded crudely bandaged.

Lin Qian ordered ship’s Doctor treat refugee wounds.

To camp center: spacier, less cramped; log sections benches around extinct fire pit, green smoke wisps.

Lin Qian etc. sat fireside.

Bai Qing: “Half-month ago, Tartar cavalry Jinzhou-area mass-relocated Han People, killed noncompliers, burned villages/mountains… Tartars wised up, shunned coasts—I helpless.”

Zhong Aqi urgent: “Helmsman, land fight slaughter Tartars! Didn’t see shore acts! Heads chopped, Wooden Stakes shore-near—beasts…”

Shi Kai fists: “Helmsman, no more watching Tartars Killing! Land fight! Muskets beat Tartars!”

Lin Qian: “Jinzhou, Zhenjiang—Tartar Soldiers how many each?”

Bai Qing: “Tartars strict guard, ships can’t near; escapees say each city ~200-300 Tartar Soldiers, hundreds Ming Surrendered Soldiers.”

Lin Qian: “People know terrain?”

“Many Jinzhou, Zhenjiang natives, born there.”

Geographically, Jinzhou modern Dalian—seaport itself.

Zhenjiang modern Dandong; inland but Yalu River mouth—Santa Ana enterable.

Historically, Mao Wenlong Tianqi year 1 July ship raid Zhenjiang, inside-out broke it—Zhenjiang Victory.

Now late May—Mao Wenlong likely unsailed.

Bai Qing raids caused Jiannu reinforcements Jinzhou/Zhenjiang; without Lin Qian act, Mao Wenlong hard historical Zhenjiang Victory.

Unwittingly, small butterfly wings stirred history.

Lin Qian pondered long, ordered: “Tomorrow fleet depart, take Zhenjiang escapees too! Kill Tartars!”

……

Days later.

Yalu River tributary Ain River upstream, Xan Shan Fort forests.

Dozens Jiannu cavalry hunted, herded Han People group, shot freely bows.

People held sickles, hoes, poles mostly—but Jiannu heavy bows/arrows made them props.

Arrows pierced merciless; all-sides arrow rain—people tree-hid dodging, shrill screams.

Jiannu cavalry guffawed; one arrow two kills, companions cheered loud.

Jiannu deputy Chen Liangce frowned, reported leading Guerrilla Commander: “Ezhen, Han People dead-end; excess kill useless. Zhenjiang surrounds wasteland—capture as Aha.”

Zhenjiang Guerrilla Commander Tong Yangzhen sneered: “Rebel southern barbarian folk—Great Khan order none spared. Field Aha? More plenty; Liaodong Han People grassier, unkillable.”

Tong Yangzhen eyed side deputy, slits ferocious: “Deputy Chen, surrendered, Han—can’t stomach southern barbarian casualties?”

Chen Liangce shocked, defended hastily.

Tong Yangzhen ignored, hand-raised shouted: “Stop!”

Cavalry eased strings; encircled Han People mostly dead, survivors shot—short-lived.

Tong Yangzhen threatening: “Deputy Chen, Great Khan: rebels southern barbarians decapitate stake. Your men do; finish living.”

Chen Liangce shuddered, scanned: Jiannu cavalry eyed him, arrows nocked.

Chen Liangce 100+ Soldiers Ming Surrendered Soldiers—low morale, bowless horseless; hesitate, fate like rebels.

Eaves under, head bowed.

Chen Liangce led men; dismounted forward, past strewn Han corpses—warm blood soaked boots.

Chen Liangce stifled, chest fire burned—helpless; drew Saber, severed heads.

“Southern barbarians, retrieve arrows!” Jiannu cavalry yelled, others roared laughter.

Chen Liangce silent, pulled arrows quietly.

Jiannu cavalry accurate—scarce tree/ground hits.

Pulling, bodies’ blood still warm.

Subordinates fetched thick branches surrounding forest, ground-stuck; heads impaled—ghastly bloody.

Jiannu few, barbarians—rule folk ignorant, only barbaric scare tactics.

Han People trait: sliver lifeline, endure deathly; none, innate ferocity amazingly brave.

Jiannu stupidity not only failed, incited peripheral folk revolts constant.

Zhenjiang Yalu bank, Joseon across—Jiannu rear, reinforce hard; surrounds pacification all Zhenjiang Guerrilla Commander Tong Yangzhen.

Tong Yangzhen inkless chest, cruel stupid—thorough terror policy; chaos multiplied, casualties heavier.

Tong Yangzhen unworried, delighted.

Chen Liangce skyward, inwardly cursed heaven beasts ravaging mankind.

“What looking? Continue!”

Daze instant, Jiannu cavalry urged again.

Hour later, 78 head stakes roadside, blood-drenched.

Tong Yangzhen smug admired long, led return; Chen Liangce unit trailed listless.

Evening via post road to Zhenjiang.

Zhenjiang “Liaodong big city” relative; mere fortress—walls nine li, four gates, few folk; Jiannu post-entry, near none.

Governor Yuan time, garrison ~1000.

Now fewer: 300 Jiannu Soldiers, 400 Great Ming Surrendered Soldiers.

Chen Liangce men followed Tong Yangzhen in; gates shut, Tong turned stared him.

Chen Liangce wolf-stared unease, cupped: “Ezhen further orders?”

“Great Khan recent order: all southern barbarian Surrendered Soldiers, folk shave heads. Deputy Chen, you first?”

Chen Liangce turned pale with fright, cupped his hands and said, “When we surrendered, the Great Khan personally promised we did not need to shave our heads. How can you go back on your word now?”

Tong Yangzhen dismounted and tossed the reins to his subordinate. He took a towel to wipe his face, removed his hat, wiped his bald scalp, and smiled sinisterly. “The Ahas have all shaved theirs. Why shouldn’t you surrendered soldiers? Blame your stupid southern barbarian emperor for sending people to raid the Liaodong coast and angering the Great Khan.”

After speaking, Tong Yangzhen looked to his sides and said sternly, “What are you waiting for? Seize them and shave their heads! Everyone shaves!”

The surrounding Jiannu soldiers obeyed the order, seized Chen Liangce’s arms, pressed him to the ground, drew small knives, and were about to start.

Chen Liangce roared and struggled without cease. The Jiannu cavalry tightened their grip on his arms until they were twisted to the limit. He let out miserable screams as his hands swelled purple-red.

The soldiers behind Chen Liangce were all seized as well. Even those not yet seized dared not move an inch.

Chen Liangce’s face was smeared with tears and dirt. He stared blankly as countless strands of hair scattered.

The Jiannu shaved heads extremely roughly, cutting directly with small knives. One slash severed Chen Liangce’s topknot and tossed it aside.

They then scraped the scalp directly with knives, leaving the head covered in wounds with blood dripping everywhere.

Seeing this, Tong Yangzhen said, “Wait! Don’t shave them at the city gate. Escort them into the city. They all have to shave anyway. Let the other southern barbarians see the consequences of resistance.”

“Yes!”

The surrounding Jiannu cavalry obeyed the order and dragged Chen Liangce and his surrendered soldiers away like dead dogs.

The head-shaving continued until nightfall. Only when the Jiannu cavalry wanted to sleep did they stop.

At this time in the surrendered soldiers’ barracks, Chen Liangce had been shaved. Strands of broken hair still dangled from his head, countless streaks of blood flowed down his face and neck, congealing into scabs. He looked extremely miserable.

The surrounding Ming surrendered soldiers who had been shaved were more or less the same.

Those not yet shaved had equally miserable expressions. After all, everyone had to shave, and tomorrow it would be their turn.

Hundreds looked at each other in silence. The atmosphere in the barracks was oppressively intense.

Finally, someone couldn’t help whispering, “Garrison Commander, let’s rebel!”

These words were like pouring oil on boiling water. Immediately, others responded.

“Suffering the humiliation of head-shaving leaves no face to live. Better kill a few Tartars to back us up before dying!”

“Among those killed today were several of my fellow villagers. I want to avenge them!”

“We outnumber the Tartars. Let’s rush into the Ezhen manor, grab the Tong fellow, and hack him to death!”

“Right! Can’t let the Tong fellow go. Chop this dog Tartar into pieces and feed him to the dogs!”

……

“All shut up!” Chen Liangce scolded loudly and angrily. “Since we have surrendered to Great Jin, we should be loyal to the Great Khan. Shaving heads is only reasonable. How can we recklessly talk of rebellion over such a trifle? Today, considering our brotherhood, I let it pass without blame. Say such things again and beware—I will turn hostile!”

The surrounding soldiers’ faces showed extremely vivid expressions upon hearing this: astonishment and confusion, anger and resentment, even relief and regret.

Regardless of their inner thoughts, after hearing such demoralizing words, no one mentioned rebellion again. The surrendered soldiers returned to their numb misery and each went back to the barracks.

In front of Chen Liangce’s barracks, it was suddenly cold and quiet.

One of his confidants asked, “Garrison Commander, your subordinate feels the troops’ morale is usable. Why doesn’t the general try?”

Chen Liangce smiled bitterly. “There are three hundred Tartars in the city and we have four hundred. It seems we outnumber them, but most of these four hundred have no fighting spirit. How many would truly follow? Hasty action would only leak the news and lead to pointless deaths. To succeed in rebellion, we must have inside-outside coordination.”

At this point, Chen Liangce sighed to the heavens. Inside-outside coordination was easy to say but who knew how hard to achieve.

Zhenjiang was the easternmost point of Liaodong. Waiting for the Great Ming royal army to recover Liaodong and fight to Zhenjiang—who knew what year or month that would be? Chen Liangce did not know if he would live to see that day.

“All disperse,” Chen Liangce said to his subordinates.

After everyone left, Chen Liangce raised his head to gaze at the moon, his eyes full of sorrow. His lips moved as he silently recited, “The tears of the remnant people exhausted in the Hu dust.”

With a long sigh, Chen Liangce returned to his barracks to sleep.

What he did not know was that just moments ago, a small force had been approaching Zhenjiang City.

This group of about twenty-odd men carried no torches and spoke not a word. They moved exceptionally quietly, each with a Portuguese matchlock gun on their back and a saber at their waist.

Under the guide’s lead, the team sneaked to three li outside Zhenjiang City by the post road. They selected a bend and clearly divided tasks: some stood sentry, some set horse-tripping ropes, and some buried gunpowder by the roadside.

In the latter half of the night, one gunboat leading three small gunboats sailed into the Yalu River.

Tonight the southeast wind blew fiercely, the Yalu River was full of water, and its surface broad—perfect for sailing upstream.

The four gunboats slowly reached the outskirts of Zhenjiang City. The gunboat’s gunports swung open, dark muzzles protruded, and under the moonlight, the bronze barrels gleamed with cold light.

Half-dreaming and half-awake, Chen Liangce suddenly heard muffled thunder. He jolted upright in bed, touched his forehead, and found it covered in cold sweat. Only then did he realize it was a nightmare.

He accidentally touched his shaved head and could not help but feel sorrow well up. Just as he was about to lie down and sleep again, he suddenly heard a huge rumble in the city, like the earth dragon turning over.

Chen Liangce perked up, grabbed the saber by the bed, rolled out of bed, and in a few steps reached the tent exterior.

He saw several distant houses collapsed, smoke and dust rising far off, and Jiannu soldiers cursing loudly.

“Garrison Commander, what happened?” His confidant subordinate emerged from the tent, walked to Chen Liangce’s side, and peered into the distance.

Chen Liangce shook his head. He already had a vague guess in his heart but did not dare believe it was true.

“Boom boom boom…”

Soon another burst of dense thunder came from the river outside the city.

Immediately after, the Zhenjiang city tower was struck like by a heavy hammer. Bricks and stones flew, half the tower collapsed, and smoke and dust filled the air.

Some Tartar soldiers were hit by flying stones, fell injured to the ground, and screamed endlessly.

Now Chen Liangce heard clearly—it was distinctly cannon fire. The Jiannu had no cannons of such power, nor any sea ships.

The arrivals… were the Great Ming Navy!

After a while, the other soldiers emerged from their tents and stood beside Chen Liangce, staring at the city in dumbfounded silence.

Chen Liangce’s heart pounded wildly. He forced himself to calm down and ordered his subordinates, “Old Three, take fifty men to the east gate and open it to let the heavenly troops in! Old Geda, pick twenty good hands and come with me into the city to settle accounts with the Tong fellow!”

As Chen Liangce was about to move, a subordinate blocked him. “Garrison Commander, cannon fire is ongoing. It’s dangerous in the city!”

As if confirming his words, another series of cannon booms came from afar. Then the city wall took a heavy blow, as if struck at the waist by an invisible iron cudgel. Battlements and wall bricks shattered and fell, exposing the rammed earth inside.

Chen Liangce angrily shoved his subordinate aside. “Even if I’m blasted to death by a cannon today, I must first take some Tartar dog lives!”

Then he thought for a moment and said to his subordinate, “Dog Egg, take the rest of the brothers and scatter through the city. Just shout that the Ming army has come and the heavenly troops have arrived!”

“Yes!”

With that, Chen Liangce strode toward Tong Yangzhen’s Residence.

His men were few but familiar with the city layout and all skilled. With chaos filling the city, they walked the alleys without being spotted by Tartar soldiers.

Along the way, cannon fire continued nonstop from outside the city. Solid iron shots crashed into the city, overturning countless houses. Crushed stones and tiles littered the streets, several places were aflame, and startled horses ran wildly through the streets. It was utter chaos.

Chen Liangce vaguely felt that these cannons’ power exceeded even the Ming army’s heavy Franchi Cannons, and their continuous prolonged booms suggested no fewer than ten guns.

The Ming army had actually brought such warships to Liaodong?

Chen Liangce could not figure it out, so he simply stopped thinking and led his men straight to Tong Yangzhen’s Residence.

At this time, shouting voices came from afar.

“The Ming army has entered the city!”

“The heavenly troops have entered the city!”

“Everyone, kill the Tartars!”

The Tartar soldiers had not anticipated the night raid at all. Leaderless in the haste, they fled separately. Not even Tong Yangzhen’s Residence had guards in front.

Behind the manor gatehouse, Tong Yangzhen’s family members and servants were packing belongings to flee.

They were spotted by Chen Liangce.

The womenfolk and servants, seeing Chen Liangce’s ferocious face and his long knife in hand, were all terrified.

Chen Liangce wasted no words, raised his knife, and killed. Regardless of men, women, elderly, or young—as long as they were seen, all died under his blade.

The group killed their way inside, Chen Liangce at the fore. He rushed straight to the backyard and kicked open Tong Yangzhen’s bedroom.

The bedroom was empty.

Since his family members had not left, Tong Yangzhen should still be in the manor.

Chen Liangce ordered, “Search out the Tong fellow!”

His men rushed into the rooms and ransacked roughly. Moments later, they dragged Tong Yangzhen out from under the bed.

This Zhenjiang Guerrilla Commander and Tartar Ezhen was clad only in underclothes, with his armor half donned. His narrow eyes were full of terror—none of the murderous demon king’s ferocity remained.

Tong Yangzhen recognized the Ming surrendered soldiers’ faces and said angrily, “Good, you all…”

Halfway through his words, a knife hilt smashed into his face.

The surrendered soldier struck heavily. Tong Yangzhen’s nasal bone broke, nosebleed gushed wildly, and tears flowed uncontrollably.

“Ba… Bubuna, Bubuna…” Tong Yangzhen begged repeatedly in his native tongue. Realizing, he switched to Han words: “Spare life…”

A surrendered soldier beside him raised his knife to stab his belly, but Chen Liangce stopped him. “Hold! Leave this dog’s life for the arriving general to dispose of. Take him away!”

Outside the room, Chen Liangce said, “Take this dog thing out of the city and hand him to the navy on the river. Search the rest of his manor thoroughly—no Tartar spared!”

“Yes!” The surrounding soldiers cupped their fists and obeyed.

……

Meanwhile, on the post road outside Zhenjiang City, a team of Jiannu cavalry galloped along.

As they galloped, they kept looking back at Zhenjiang. They saw flames shooting into the sky in the city, and booming cannon fire nonstop from the river to the east.

The cavalry guarding Zhenjiang were originally Jiannu old and weak. After months of security duties, they had grown arrogant and lax in vigilance. With the night raid, they were leaderless and feared a large Ming encirclement, so they withdrew from the city and scattered in flight.

The leading Jiannu cavalryman felt endless after-fear in his heart. He had been present at the attacks on Liaoyang and Shenyang, where he had seen the Ming great general cannons and Franchi Cannons—nothing special. When had they ever shown such power?

Moreover, the gunboats boomed without cease, as if to blast Zhenjiang to a white wasteland. That resolute ferocity was truly chilling.

Fortunately, they had escaped. Once he reported the Zhenjiang matter to the Great Khan, the Great Jin main force would return to aid.

No matter how powerful your cannons, they would fall to the Jurchen warriors’ iron hooves and arrows. Then these Ming surrendered soldiers and commoners would all be killed, none spared.

As he pondered, his horse suddenly stumbled on its front hooves and fell. Immediately, gunfire rang out around them.

The lead cavalryman was greatly alarmed. He barely struggled up when a huge blast erupted roadside, knocking him down again with the blast wave.

His ears buzzed. He vaguely heard shouts of killing around him, followed by endless sounds of blades piercing flesh and screams.

Before he could react, a knife slashed his neck. Blood gushed like a spring, and in a few breaths he collapsed.

Though the other Jiannu cavalry were ambushed repeatedly, they fought fiercely in close quarters once they reacted. The crew members needed several to one to barely subdue them, and several were wounded.

After half an incense stick’s time, the fighting on the post road ceased. The crew members treated the wounded and cleared the battlefield.

Lei Sanxiang wiped the blood and water from his face and instructed the crew members, “Stab each corpse a few times and stir around to check for big officials. Move fast—we withdraw soon!”

A subordinate crew member said, “Helmsman, why not wait longer and kill more Tartars?”

Lei Sanxiang angrily scolded, “You think Tartars are so easy to kill? We used horse-tripping ropes and matchlock guns and gunpowder, and still five or six of our own are wounded. Waiting for the next wave of Tartars would be suicide!”

Hearing the scolding, the subordinate dared say no more and silently went to stab the corpses.

Lei Sanxiang circled the corpses. Seeing no richly dressed ones, he regretted not killing a big official but considered exchanging five light wounds for twenty Tartar lives a rare achievement.

After clearing the battlefield, the group withdrew toward the Yalu River.

……

At dawn, a white flag rose atop Zhenjiang City’s walls.

The cannon fire gradually ceased.

Chen Liangce and his men, escorting Tong Yangzhen and his family members and servants, halted before the riverbank.

“Kneel!” Chen Liangce said coldly.

Tong Yangzhen had been beaten all night until only half alive, his head swollen like a pig head with no arrogance left. He obediently led his family members and servants to kneel.

Chen Liangce narrowed his eyes toward the river and saw four warships anchored midstream: three Great Ming Haicang Ships and one with high ship’s rails of unknown type.

Chen Liangce took a deep breath and shouted loudly, “I am Great Ming Liaodong Zhenjiang Fort Garrison Commander Chen Liangce. I hereby present the captured thief chieftain Tong Yangzhen for the general’s disposal!”

No one replied, only the rushing river water could be heard.

Chen Liangce shouted several more times and had his brothers shout along with him.

A long time later, flags stirred atop the gunboat as one Haicang Ship sailed near.

After the Haicang Ship sailed a stretch, Chen Liangce saw its deck covered in crimson glows. Up close, he realized they were match cord tips.

Nearly every soldier on that Haicang Ship held a matchlock gun! Each side of its ship’s rail mounted three Franchi Cannons—truly well equipped.

At this time, all the deck guns and cannons aimed at the shore, their soldiers all on alert.

Chen Liangce was shocked. Equipped with so many firearms—this was a Border Army elite unit!

The Imperial Court… had not forgotten Liaodong after all!

Chen Liangce felt both astonishment and emotion in his heart. For some reason, his eyes grew hot…

The Haicang Ship stopped near and clarified Chen Liangce and the others’ identities before asking about the situation inside Zhenjiang City.

Chen Liangce explained in full detail, “Many houses in the city have collapsed, the cannon fire startled the horses, and the Tartars are dead or fled. My unit has now occupied the city. Please enter the city, General.”

The people on the ship asked about the captives’ identities, and Chen Liangce told the truth.

After questioning, the Haicang Ship departed and returned to the gunboat to report.

A long while later, the gunboat issued another order. Several men in a small boat sailed over under escort by the three Haicang Ships.

Chen Liangce suddenly noticed that all three Haicang Ships were the same, covered in the red glows of burning match cords.

From afar, it was truly scalp-numbing.

Before the Haicang Ships reached shore, they turned broadside, training all their side-rail firepower on the bank.

Someone then shouted from the ship, “Put down your weapons!”

The shout was in the official language without a Liaodong accent.

One of Chen Liangce’s subordinates said, “If we put down our weapons, the Tartars will run!”

“Hahahaha…” The ship erupted in laughter.

Moments later, someone said, “Rest assured, they can’t run from this close. Put down your weapons!”

Chen Liangce ordered his men, “Everyone retreat three steps and throw down all your gear!”

The subordinates obeyed.

The people from the ship then jumped down, matchlock guns in hand, and surrounded everyone.

“Squat down!”

Chen Liangce squatted on the ground with his subordinates.

Then the small boat from the galleon slowly drew near. Chen Liangce raised his head. Before he could make out the arrivals, an intensely pungent sulfur smell washed over him first.

Lin Qian said to Bai Langzai, “Send men to check their waist badges!”

“Yes!” Bai Langzai obeyed and inspected all the Great Ming surrendered soldiers’ waist badges.

Fortunately, these men had surrendered recently and still harbored loyalty to their homeland without discarding their badges. The verification found no issues.

After some discussion, Bai Langzai brought Chen Liangce before Lin Qian. “Helm… Battalion Commander, this is the Zhenjiang Garrison Commander.”

“Zhenjiang Garrison Commander Chen Liangce pays respects to the Battalion Commander. Dare I ask under which lord you serve?”

By rank, a Garrison Commander outranked a Battalion Commander; properly, the Battalion Commander should salute first.

But Chen Liangce, seeing men of his homeland, was too excited to mind protocol.

Lin Qian returned the cupped-fist salute. “Battalion Commander He Ping under Liaodong Xiong Jinglue.”

Chen Liangce’s face lit with great joy. He pointed at Tong Yangzhen and said, “He Battalion Commander, this is a Tartar Zhenjiang Guerrilla Commander highly favored by the thief chieftain. I captured him and present him to you!”

Lin Qian glanced at Tong Yangzhen.

This man was historically obscure, but his clan held great importance in Later Jin. His grandson or niece married the future Shunzhi Emperor and bore Kangxi. His clan became the emperor’s maternal kin with immense power, known as the “Tong Half Court.”

Lin Qian walked before Tong Yangzhen and asked, “How many Tartar troops are there around Zhenjiang?”

Chen Liangce translated into the Jurchen tongue and questioned him sternly.

Due to prolonged frontline contact with Jiannu and General Li Chengliang’s policy of using barbarians to control barbarians, Border Army men often dealt with Jiannu—especially mid- and low-level officers, most of whom knew some Jurchen words.

Tong Yangzhen had been beaten into submission and answered honestly, “From here north to Changdian Fort and south to Huanggu Island Fort, only three hundred men.”

“Where have the Han people been relocated?”

“Tuokesuo. North along the Yalu River from here, there are over a hundred large and small Tuokesuo.”

Lin Qian had no further questions. He waved his hand, and the crew members advanced to neatly slit the captives’ throats and bleed them.

Tong Yangzhen watched his family members and servants die one by one like chicks. His courage shattered. He kowtowed nonstop and pleaded in broken Han words, “General, spare me! I am Great Jin… no, Jiannu Guerrilla Commander. I have a Jiannu secret letter. Let me see the Great Ming Emperor!”

Lin Qian’s face was expressionless as he calmly watched the Tartars struggle and scream, bleeding to death one by one.

The execution line drew ever nearer to Tong Yangzhen. He trembled like chaff, snot and tears streaming down his cyan-purple swollen face, yellow water trickling from his crotch.

“I am Tong Yangzhen, deeply favored by the Great Khan! You cannot kill me. If you do, the Great Khan will avenge me and stain the entire Yalu River with blood!”

“Spare me! I know I was wrong. I am a beast—I shouldn’t have killed those Han people! Doesn’t Great Ming most emphasize benevolence and kingly transformation? I am willing to surrender—truly willing!”

Terrified into delirium, Tong Yangzhen now begged in Jurchen, now in Chinese.

Chen Liangce whispered to Lin Qian, “He Battalion Commander, this man is indeed highly favored by the thief chieftain. His clan sister is the thief chieftain’s principal wife. Sparing him to offer to the Imperial Court would be great merit.”

The so-called thief chieftain’s principal wife was precisely Nurhaci’s main wife, whom the Jiannu called “di Fujin.” It was due to this marriage tie that Tong Yangzhen held such exalted status among the Jiannu.

However, Lin Qian said flatly, “No need. Kill them all—none spared!”

Chen Liangce was stunned but paused and gritted his teeth. “Then… He Battalion Commander, may I have Tong Yangzhen to kill myself?”

Lin Qian agreed.

Chen Liangce walked before Tong Yangzhen and looked at him with a half-smile. “Dog Tartar, never thought you’d see this day, huh?”

Tong Yangzhen kowtowed without stop, saying, “Garrison Commander, spare me and I’ll praise your merits before the Great Ming Emperor. You are a bahadur among Han people. As long as you spare me, I’ll obey you in everything…”

Chen Liangce drew his saber.

As if pricked by the cold gleam, Tong Yangzhen desperately dodged, the stench from his crotch growing stronger.

Chen Liangce weighed the saber in his hand and sheathed it again.

Seeing this, Tong Yangzhen’s face lit with joy, thinking he would live. He kowtowed repeatedly. “Thanks to the Garrison Commander, thanks, thanks for the grace of not killing…”

But Chen Liangce’s next words froze the smile on Tong Yangzhen’s face.

“Bring a big axe!”

Chen Liangce’s men were all covered by matchlock guns and dared not move.

Lin Qian gave Bai Langzai a look. Bai Langzai selected a short-handled axe from the weapons on the ground and handed it to Chen Liangce.

Chen Liangce took the axe, tested its weight, and checked the blade edge.

By now Tong Yangzhen was paralyzed on the ground, lips mumbling soundlessly, eyes full of terror—worse than a lamb to the slaughter.

Chen Liangce gripped the axe one-handed, raised it high overhead, his face ferocious as he shouted sternly, “Dog Tartar!”

Tong Yangzhen started in fright and involuntarily looked at Chen Liangce.

The sharp axe fell, cleaving into the center of Tong Yangzhen’s skull. The skull cracked, the blade nearly splitting the head in two before stopping at the nose.

The hand axe was pulled out. Tong Yangzhen’s body toppled, gurgling from his throat as he convulsed on the ground for a long time before going completely still.

White brain matter and bright red blood splattered far. Chen Liangce was covered in red and white gore, resembling a ferocious asura.

The scene was utterly gory.

By now, not a single Tong family captive remained alive.

Lin Qian calmly flicked the few bits of white brain matter that had splashed onto him and said to Bai Langzai, “Cut off all the Tartars’ heads.”

Bai Langzai knew what Lin Qian was thinking: “Do we still need to find some wooden stakes?”

Lin Qian shook his head: “No, severing heads and staking them—that’s the Tartars’ practice. We will build an Imperial Observatory.”

When it comes to cruelty, terror, and boasting of military achievements, nothing has surpassed the Imperial Observatory since ancient times.

Because it is too barbaric and does not conform to the Confucian standard of a benevolent and righteous army, after the Qin and Han dynasties, Central Plains dynasties mostly explicitly prohibited the construction of Imperial Observatories.

But there are always some remote barbarians who fear authority but harbor no virtue, treating benevolence and righteousness as weakness.

Lin Qian wanted to repay in kind while also letting the Tartars know that even in bloody terror, they were far inferior to the Central Plains dynasties.

Bai Langzai did not understand the meaning behind the Imperial Observatory. When the helmsman told him to cut off heads, he went and cut off heads.

On the contrary, Chen Liangce was quite surprised. He wholeheartedly approved of building the Imperial Observatory, but he worried that once it was built, it would easily subject Battalion Commander He to attacks from the court and officials, turning a great achievement into a disaster.

But before he could persuade, Lin Qian said to him first: “Garrison Commander Chen knows how to build an Imperial Observatory, right?”

Chen Liangce was stunned and nodded.

Simply put, an Imperial Observatory is piling up heads or corpses, but what shape it takes and how to pile it high and large also has its methods.

If one does not know the method and piles blindly, it would at best be a corpse heap—how could it embody the rites and laws demeanor of the Central Plains?

Professional matters should be handled by professionals.

“Then entrust the building of the Imperial Observatory to the Garrison Commander.” Lin Qian said.

Chen Liangce cupped his fists: “Yes.”

Only then did he react—he had clearly wanted to persuade, yet he had taken on the task himself?

Moreover, his official rank was higher than that of a battalion commander, yet in conversations with Battalion Commander He, he always felt like he was facing a superior?

Before Chen Liangce could think deeply, Lin Qian said again: “One more thing, trouble the Garrison Commander to send subordinates on fast horses to spread the news of Zhenjiang City’s fall along the Yalu River to each Tuokesuo, and bring the abducted Han People to Zhenjiang City.”

Chen Liangce’s eyes lit up. He cupped his hands and accepted the order, then asked: “May I ask how many soldiers the battalion commander brought to Zhenjiang this time, and how to garrison it?”

“Garrison? Who said anything about garrisoning?”

Chen Liangce’s mind was full of land warfare thinking and could not understand Lin Qian’s words. If not garrisoning, what was the point of capturing Zhenjiang City?

Lin Qian said: “Just follow orders.”

“Yes!” Garrison Commander Chen responded reflexively, cupping his fists to accept the order.

After cleaning the battlefield, the Battle of Zhenjiang had killed a total of 115 Tartars, with Chen Liangce’s men suffering 95 dead and wounded.

Among them, those wounded by cannonballs were the majority; the rest were killed by the hasty counterattacks of Tartar soldiers.

Lin Qian ordered the burial of Great Ming soldiers’ bodies while sending all the Tartars’ heads to build the Imperial Observatory.

At the same time, Bai Qing led three Sea Wolf Ships up the Yalu River, coordinating with Chen Liangce’s cavalry. The two forces advanced in parallel, capturing Jiannu farmsteads and rescuing enslaved Han civilians.

The Jiannu ruled Liaodong with terror, creating extremely sharp contradictions. Han resistance flared up everywhere. Upon hearing of the great victory at Zhenjiang, people rose up in rebellion one after another, with over a hundred li along the upper Yalu River surrendering without a fight.

For a time, the post roads were filled with civilians fleeing to Zhenjiang.

The remaining transport ships frequently shuttled between Zhenjiang and Pidao Island, transporting civilians to the island.

Lin Qian’s transport ships in Liaodong totaled six Haicang Ships and twenty Cangshan Ships. Packed tightly, a single voyage could carry about 1,200 people.

Zhenjiang and Pidao Island were not far apart; the round trip took at most two days, or even just one if the winds were favorable.

Such transport efficiency was extremely high.

In just ten days, Pidao Island had gathered 5,000 refugees.

After Liaodong fell, civilians either fled across the river to Joseon or died miserably under Jiannu blades. There were not many captured for farmsteads to begin with. With over twenty sea ships ferrying them, some ships even had space left.

Lin Qian sent the Carrier Pigeon back to Nan’ao to summon more sea ships, opening the maritime transport route between Pidao Island and Nan’ao Island.

As for rations for Pidao Island refugees, they came from Zhenjiang’s granaries. After the Tartars broke Zhenjiang City, they had gathered all the grain in one place, which now served perfectly to aid the refugees.

Not only that, Zhenjiang City, especially Tong Yangzhen’s Residence, held large amounts of gold and silver treasures, which Lin Qian confiscated and sent on small boats to sell to Joseon border folk for grain.

Meanwhile, when the Santa Ana sailed north to Liaodong, its cargo hold carried large amounts of dry rations.

With these grain supplies, plus future Imperial Court grain provisions after Mao Wenlong landed on Pidao Island, the refugees should have no shortage of food.

……

Just as large-scale refugee evacuation from Zhenjiang was underway.

Liaoyang, in the Governor’s Mansion.

Nurhaci was having his principal wife Hahana Zhaqing massage his arm.

Since their eldest son Chu Ying was implicated in a power struggle and executed on Nurhaci’s orders, this was one of their rare tender moments.

Nurhaci’s right arm muscles were hard as wrought iron, due to archery practice that day.

Today, he had discussed with the Beiles and ministers the two major matters of moving the capital to Liaoyang and attacking Guangning, feeling pleased. In the afternoon, he led everyone out for a hunt.

Nurhaci, over sixty, mounted his horse with bow in hand, his arrows unerring. He hunted 13 wild rabbits, two sika deer, and even shot a lynx.

His haul was the largest, earning praise from Beiles and ministers.

Of course, his right arm now ached and trembled slightly—that was the price.

After all, at over sixty, Nurhaci deeply felt his age. Though his ambitions were strong, he lacked the vigor of his youth.

At this moment, Nurhaci was unarmored, reclining in a rocking chair with eyes comfortably narrowed, looking no different from an ordinary Liaodong farmer.

Principal wife Hahana Zhaqing softly advised: “For riding and hunting, why do it yourself? Leave it to Daisan and the others. You are the Great Khan; Daisan and they are your hounds and arrows.”

Nurhaci opened his eyes and chuckled hoarsely twice.

“The southern barbarian emperor thinks that way, so he sent a scholar to guard Liaodong.

Scholar Yuan Yingtai thought that way too, so he accepted surrendered Mongol soldiers. I used inside agents and outside forces to break the city, and he turned into a lump of charcoal!

A commander must know soldiers. Mounted archery is the foundation of us Jurchens; it must be remembered at all times. Even as Great Khan, I must hunt myself—there’s no reason to hand over the bow and arrows to others.”

Hahana Zhaqing laughed: “You always have so many reasons.”

“Heh heh.” Nurhaci laughed smugly twice.

The two fell silent, enjoying the rare intimacy.

Suddenly, footsteps rushed outside to the door, the voice panicked: “Great Khan!”

Nurhaci sat up straight and sternly rebuked: “What happened?”

“Zhenjiang… Zhenjiang City has been captured by Great Ming troops!”

“What?” Nurhaci’s thick brows furrowed, and he immediately said gravely: “Summon all the Beiles and ministers here for council!”

“Yes!”

“Wait!” Hahana Zhaqing stopped the messenger, her voice trembling as she asked: “What about my clan uncle? How is Tong Yangzhen?”

The messenger said: “Replying to the principal wife, the Ezhen… his fate is unknown…”

Hahana Zhaqing felt the world spin before her eyes.

Nurhaci stood and headed to the main hall.

Hahana Zhaqing grabbed his sleeve: “Great Khan, you must avenge my clan uncle!”

Hearing of Zhenjiang’s fall, Nurhaci feigned calm on his face but was shocked and angry inside.

Shocked that the Great Ming troops reacted so quickly—Liaoyang and Shenyang fell in March, and by less than June, their revenge had come.

Moreover, they struck straight at the most vulnerable rear of Great Jin.

If other southern barbarians learned the Great Ming army had returned, they would surely rise in response, throwing the hard-won Liaodong situation into chaos again.

Angry that just a month ago he had ordered Tong Yangzhen to sever Han heads and stake them, yet not a month later, Tong Yangzhen’s Zhenjiang City was captured.

Was this not the same as slapping Nurhaci in the face?

Thus, hearing Hahana Zhaqing’s words, Nurhaci impatiently shook her off and said coldly: “State affairs are no place for you to speak!”

With that, he quickly went to the front hall.

Great Jin military discipline was strict; the Beiles commanding troops arrived very quickly, and important ministers soon assembled.

In the front hall, over a dozen soldiers who had escaped from Zhenjiang knelt on the ground, awaiting the Great Khan’s inquiry.

Seeing everyone assembled, Nurhaci said gravely: “What exactly happened in Zhenjiang? Speak in detail.”

The soldiers chattered, describing that night’s events.

The more Nurhaci listened, the tighter his brows furrowed; the surrounding Beiles and ministers were secretly alarmed.

Did Great Ming have such powerful gunboats? Could they reduce an entire city to rubble?

Actually, saying “reduced to rubble” was an exaggeration. The Santa Ana had only fourteen Siren Cannons per side. Zhenjiang City covered nearly 1.26 square kilometers, over 1,900 mu. After a night of bombardment, only three or four in ten houses collapsed.

Lin Qian’s capture of Zhenjiang relied mainly on the terrifying momentum of the cannons, the panic of Tartar soldiers, and Chen Liangce as inside agent, making it so easy.

But when Tartar soldiers fled, ignorant of Great Ming strength, gripped by fear, with fires everywhere in the city and darkness falling, it gave rise to the notion of the whole city bombed to rubble.

Nurhaci looked to the newly surrendered Han general Shi Tingzhu and asked: “Do Great Ming firearms have such power? What kind of firearm is this?”

Shi Tingzhu braced himself: “It should be heavy Franchi Cannons.”

Nurhaci neither confirmed nor denied, asking again: “How many Great Ming troops attacked?”

“Unknown, but definitely not few. When I left the city, the whole city was filled with Great Ming activity!”

At these words, surrounding Tartar soldiers nodded in agreement.

“When I exited the north gate, I also heard Great Ming voices.”

“When I left from the south gate, I saw Great Ming troops too, and on the road were over twenty Great Jin cavalry corpses—clearly a recent fierce battle.”

The generals pondered: With such powerful cannons and guards at each gate of Zhenjiang City, plus intercepting routed soldiers on southern roads, Great Ming troops must number at least two thousand, and surely elites.

This Great Ming incursion was fierce; Liaodong’s favorable situation faced the danger of collapse and required a serious response.

At that moment, someone reported from outside the hall.

“Great Khan, report from the Guerrilla Commander of Phoenix Fort.”

“Speak.” Nurhaci said gravely.

“On the 21st of the fifth month, Zhenjiang City was captured by Great Ming troops. They advanced north along the Yalu River, breaking many Tuokesuo. Forts and camps within a hundred li around surrendered without a fight.”

After the messenger finished, the hall fell silent, so quiet a pin drop could be heard; the atmosphere became oppressively heavy.

The worst fear of the Jiannu had come: Han People rising in rebellion against rule.

Even if Jurchen warriors were fierce enough to kill all the rebels, who would farm the fields? Where would military grain come from?

Everyone knew deep down: This trend must not spread. The Zhenjiang Great Ming forces must be eliminated quickly.

Nurhaci pondered long, then said: “Amin!”

“Great Khan!” Second Beile Amin stepped forward and knelt.

“Within one month, assemble the Bordered Blue Banner and retake Zhenjiang!”

“Understood!” Amin responded loudly.

……

From mid-June, fewer and fewer Han civilians arrived daily at Zhenjiang; those nearby who could flee had already done so.

Those far away wanted to flee but could not.

By the end of June, nearly all civilians along the Yalu River had been brought to Pidao Island.

At this point, Pidao Island’s civilian total neared 30,000. They felled trees to build huts, surviving on one meal a day.

Though life was hard, at least they had escaped the Tartars’ clutches and no longer lived in fear.

On the 28th of the sixth month, the Carrier Pigeon returned, bringing many transport ships—roughly over thirty, covering a vast sea area. From afar, it was truly impressive.

The fleet anchored near Pidao Island, drawing refugees to the shore to gaze.

The Carrier Pigeon sailed alone to Zhenjiang to report to Lin Qian.

That evening, in the Santa Ana’s captain’s cabin.

The Carrier Pigeon’s acting ship master handed Lin Qian the fleet list and supply inventory for this voyage.

It listed: four Haicang Ships, nine Cangshan Ships, and eighteen Bird Ships sailing to Liaodong this time.

This was all of Nan’ao Island’s assets except for the three outer sea fleets of Chen Jiao, Bai Qing, and Jose.

Even Bird Ships unsuitable for outer seas had come.

Including this batch of new ships, Liaodong now had nearly fifty transport ships: ten Haicang Ships, twenty-one Cangshan Ships, eighteen Bird Ships, and the Carrier Pigeon barely counting as one.

Though the number seemed intimidating, most were small boats with limited capacity. At full load, they could only carry 3,000 people.

Even the largest Haicang Ships, packed tightly, could carry only 100 people.

This was still with the Santa Ana and three other Sea Wolf Ships helping load supplies.

No helping it: Since Great Ming’s maritime ban, shipbuilding technology had plummeted; even navy warships were mostly these small boats.

Rough counts over these days showed Pidao Island with 28,000 civilians, plus 2,000 from Guanglu Island—over 31,000 total.

Impossible to transport them all back to Nan’ao.

Even if they could, Nan’ao Island lacked the capacity.

Choices had to be made.

Lin Qian pulled out a list from the table: recent statistics on the two islands’ civilians.

“Select people to board according to this list.” Lin Qian said. “Start with artisans and doctors, then farmers. Those selected can bring family members.”

Of course, those not selected did not mean waiting to die on the island. By the dates, Mao Wenlong was nearly at Zhenjiang. Once he arrived, these civilians would receive Imperial Court aid.

Even if the court ignored them, developing Dongfan Island required much labor; Lin Qian’s fleet would return for more.

The Carrier Pigeon’s acting ship master took the list. Lin Qian instructed: “Tomorrow, I’ll have Bai Qing, Zhong Aqi, and you return to Pidao Island together to select boarding civilians. Move fast—we must leave the island by the fifth of the seventh month at latest.”

Lin Qian thought and added: “When civilians see us leaving, they’ll scramble to board. It won’t be easy; stay firm.”

“Understood!”

“Go.”

……

The next day, Zhenjiang City’s west gate tower.

Lin Qian inspected the newly completed Imperial Observatory.

The Imperial Observatory resembled a grave mound, about half a zhang high and two zhang in diameter, piled with Tartar heads, sealed around with rammed earth.

Rising abruptly from the plain, it stood out starkly, sending chills to the heart at a glance.

According to Chen Liangce, this was just a small Imperial Observatory, burying fewer than 200 heads. One built with tens of thousands could resemble a small hill, truly shocking.

Hearing this, Lin Qian laughed: “Have you seen such an Imperial Observatory?”

“I read about it in books.” Chen Liangce said. “Back then, after Emperor Yang of Sui’s disastrous defeat against Goguryeo, they built a hill-like Imperial Observatory.”

Lin Qian withdrew his gaze, looking at ruined Zhenjiang City: “In a few days, the navy withdraws south. Tartar counterattack is coming soon. Come with me?”

Chen Liangce smiled and shook his head.

Lin Qian rarely persuaded others, but after days together, he saw Chen Liangce as scholarly and martial, steady, beloved by subordinates, and felt a talent’s pull.

Days ago, Chen Liangce’s scouts on the northwest post road spotted over a thousand Jiannu troops—likely coming to retake Zhenjiang. Compared to that force, Chen Liangce staying was like a mantis blocking a chariot.

Lin Qian could not help saying again: “What’s the point? Hair grows back after shaving. Your surrender then was forced by the tide… Knowing death awaits, why throw away your life?”

Chen Liangce’s gaze was resolute: “I am Great Ming’s Zhenjiang Garrison Commander. How can I abandon the city without fighting?”

Lin Qian sighed, then lowered his voice: “If the Garrison Commander fears court punishment, I have a place for you.”

Chen Liangce cupped his hands: “I appreciate the battalion commander’s kindness.”

Then, he pointed to his head, newly stubbled: “But having suffered this great humiliation and lost honor before, I have no face to return to Great Ming. I only want a blood battle to wash away the shame. This time, I won’t flee!”

Lin Qian was moved by his resolve and silent for a long time, then patted his arm: “Good. Don’t forget our agreement!”

Chen Liangce laughed loudly: “Hahaha, a deal!”

Lin Qian sighed, cupped hands in farewell. As he descended the tower, Chen Liangce called: “Battalion commander, I am a dying man. May I have your real name?”

“Lin Qian.”

Chen Liangce murmured the two words, then cupped hands: “Brother Lin, take care!”

……

Early seventh month, the Santa Ana departed Zhenjiang.

Zhenjiang City fell silent.

In the gate tower, Chen Liangce sharpened his blade, focused and meticulous.

Beside him were over a hundred volunteer Great Ming soldiers—the entirety of Zhenjiang’s defense.

On the west gate tower, a great flag fluttered fiercely in the wind.

The flag was triangular, red background, edged with red flame patterns. In the center was a large “Ming” character.

This Border Army flag, made by rough men, was crude: stitches showed, flames sewn crooked.

But the material was sturdy, the whole flag soaked in Tartar blood.

The central “Ming” was in Chen Liangce’s own hand, bold and majestic.

With the abruptly rising Imperial Observatory beside the flat post road outside the west gate, the scene was murderously somber.

Just one glance chilled the skin with goosebumps.

Days later, at noon, Bordered Blue Banner’s lord Amin, accompanied by generals, reached the northwest hill of Zhenjiang and saw this scene.

Seeing the flag and Imperial Observatory, the generals knew what happened and raged, clamoring for battle with Amin.

Amin furrowed his brows, pointing diagonally at Zhenjiang City with his horsewhip: “Send one team of scouts to circle and probe the city. Send two more teams to scout twenty li up and down the Yalu River.”

His personal guards immediately relayed orders.

A company commander said: “Banner Lord, no cooking fires or lights in the city—the southern barbarians must have been scared off long ago. Why be so cautious? Just send men to attack!”

Amin’s face remained cold, unspeaking.

Born riding to battle with his father, achieving merits young, battle-hardened among the four great Beiles second only to elder brother—how could he be ignorant of warfare?

Could he not see few Great Ming troops in Zhenjiang City?

But that gunboat’s power was terrifying; caution was needed.

Though no gunboat shadow on the river now, it might lurk upstream or down. If engaged and bombarded, casualties would mount.

From his knowledge of Great Ming official army, they rarely abandoned cities easily.

Zhenjiang so vital, hard-won back—failing to garrison heavily meant something amiss; Amin had to treat it carefully.

Two hours later, scouts returned one after another.

“Beile, no Great Ming troops ten li south of Zhenjiang City.”

“Beile, no Great Ming traces upstream on Yalu River.”

“No Great Ming banners in the city; walls empty and deserted—can’t tell troop numbers.”

Amin thought to himself: “They really fled? Southern barbarians truly timid as rats!”

Bordered Blue Banner company commander: “Banner Lord, no more waiting—let me lead men in!”

Surrounding deputy and company commanders pressed for battle; warhorses neighed restlessly, pawing the ground.

Amin eyed the sky—near dusk, only one or two hours to dark—not ideal for attack. Safest to assault at dawn tomorrow.

As he hesitated, a subordinate said: “Beile, look!”

Amin looked: A bamboo pole extended from the wall, dangling a rotting Jurchen head.

The head’s braid was tied to the pole with rope, looking comical.

Below the head hung a small flag, corners weighted with stones. Faintly visible were bold red characters, but too far to read.

Amin sent a scout to check.

Moments later, the scout galloped back.

“Beile, the flag reads in Jurchen: ‘Head of Rebel Chief Tong Yangzhen’.”

“Outrageous!” Amin raged. “Sabing’a, take two cow-led infantry companies to assault the main gate. Akdun, take one cow-led cavalry company to shoot and skirmish below the walls.”

“Yes!”

Messengers galloped to relay; soon, large cavalry burst from woods, racing wildly below the walls, bows ready, eyeing the ramparts.

Meanwhile, about 400 infantry, shields up, ladders borne, advanced slowly on Zhenjiang City.

Amin eager for merit, had come light: no battering rams or heavy siege gear, only 1,500 men, ladders sole equipment.

Amin had not fought the Hun River bloodbath, still deeming Great Ming troops mere rabble. Absent the gunboat fear, his Bordered Blue elite guards alone could retake it.

Now below Zhenjiang, gunboats gone, no Great Ming main force—he grew even more contemptuous.

Far off, Great Ming on walls played turtle, letting 400 infantry reach the base, raise ladders, and climb.

Amin smirked coldly: “Great Ming are indeed rats—only steal grain in barns, too scared to fight cats.”

Then loudly: “Order Sabing’a and Akdun: After breaching, spare the southern barbarian commander’s life!”

After all, Great Ming main movements and gunboat details must be pried from that commander.

“Yes!” Messengers galloped wildly across the field, shouting orders.

In a flash, infantry had climbed halfway, walls in sight. Then, Great Ming on the walls moved.