Chapter 112: Yellow Croaker Banquet
A net, by definition, is a net.
The so-called knocking net method, put simply, is to beat the bamboo poles on the fishing net.
This method can create a huge sound in the water. Yellow croakers are extremely sensitive to sound. They are stunned by the sound waves and float to the surface, where they are caught in one net.
The yellow croakers of later generations were thus caught to extinction. It can be said that the knocking net method was even more ruthless than electrofishing, causing great damage to the ecosystem.
However, in this era, productivity was extremely limited, and due to the maritime ban, fishing boats could not go to the deep sea at all. Fishery resources were quite well protected.
The yellow croakers in the sea were likely more than ten times more numerous than people on shore.
In the Great Ming, the knocking net method was not considered overfishing but rather an advanced production technique.
Seeing that Lin Qian remained silent, Da Bing said with some guilt, “Helmsman, don’t worry. We only use this method during the fishing season. The yellow croakers were needed urgently this time, so I went and used the knocking net.”
Lin Qian thought to himself that he had underestimated the ancient people’s reverence for nature.
He stood up and said to Da Bing, “It’s alright, let’s move the fish. Next year, a new type of fishing boat will be built in Nan’ao City. It will be simple to operate and can sail into the deep sea. I’ll let you try it first then!”
“Really?” Da Bing was overjoyed. “That would be wonderful! Next time you want to have a fish feast, Helmsman, tell me, and I’ll catch any fish you want for you!”
Lin Qian smiled and said, “Go ahead.”
Da Bing agreed and went down to the cabin to move the fish.
Lin Qian watched the scene of moving fish, lost in thought.
Fujian-Guangdong is mountainous with a large population and limited land. Chaozhou Prefecture even has the saying “three parts farming, seven parts fishing.”
For the local people, the ocean is a more important resource than farmland.
In the late Ming Dynasty, wealthy merchants in the Jiangnan region, after earning silver, mostly used it to buy land and transform themselves into landlords who practiced farming and studying as a family tradition.
However, wealthy merchants in Chaozhou mostly bought ships and developed maritime transport businesses, which is a reflection of this unique Fujian-Guangdong culture.
If the Qing dynasty had not invaded, it is possible that capitalism would have developed further, and then they could have competed with Western European countries in Nanyang.
Lin Qian walked casually on the beach, watching the ship workers gut and fry fish in front of the oil pot, feeling quite relaxed.
Ever since Zheng Zhilong used fried yellow croakers to break through the Haimen Guard last time, the ship workers had been craving the taste of fried yellow croakers.
Now that the Lin Mansion’s operation had been extremely profitable and they had established a foothold on Nan’ao Island, they decided to hold a feast to allow the ship workers to relax.
Lin Qian had also put aside his work for tonight and was preparing to celebrate with the crew members.
“Helmsman Lin.”
As he was pacing, someone called him from behind.
Lin Qian turned around and saw Huang Hetai approaching with two men, carrying a brocade box about half a person’s length behind them.
Huang Hetai came closer, cupped his hands, and said, “Helmsman, I have come to attend the feast.”
Lin Qian cupped his hands in return. Today was a celebration banquet, and he was amiable, exchanging pleasantries with Huang Hetai with a pleasant expression.
“This is the report of merit for the execution of Li Zhong. Please take a look, Helmsman.”
Huang Hetai said as he took out two letters from his sleeve.
Lin Qian had said he would put aside his work, but with his nature, if work was presented to him, how could he not do it?
Lin Qian took the report of merit and saw that the content was the same as last time, written very reasonably and in detail, with sufficient evidence, leaving no room for criticism.
Military officers like Huang Hetai, in their daily lives, were concerned with how to turn defeats into victories. Now, turning victories into victories was simply a waste of talent.
Lin Qian read both the report of merit and Huang Hetai’s private letter to the Vice General and found no problems. He returned the two letters to him.
“Report it as it is,” he said.
Huang Hetai took back the letters and beckoned to the person behind him. The attendant brought the brocade box forward.
“This is a personal gift from Huang. Please accept it, Helmsman.”
Lin Qian did not accept.
Huang Hetai realized that Lin Qian was wary of him, so he apologized for his rudeness and opened the box. Inside lay a long knife.
The scabbard and hilt were very simple, without any inlay or decoration. The knife was about four feet long. Even before being drawn, it exuded an ancient and vigorous aura.
Lin Qian, having seen many crudely made standard Ming Dynasty military swords, recognized this sword as extraordinary at first glance.
Huang Hetai took out the sword and drew it from its sheath. With a clang, the sword hummed lightly, emitting a sharp glint.
Huang Hetai held the hilt with one hand and supported the blade with the other, the edge facing inward, presenting the sword to Lin Qian.
“In the 44th year of Jiajing, Commander Qi and Commander Yu landed on Nan’ao Island and annihilated the Japanese pirate Wu Ping. After a great victory and leaving the island, they left this sword. The sword is named ‘Demon-Slayer’.”
Since then, the Demon-Slayer sword had been gathering dust in the General’s Mansion. Now that the Helmsman has arrived on the island, it is time for this sword to see the light of day. I present this sword to you!”
Lin Qian mused, “Demon-Slayer? What a domineering name.”
As a sea bandit, he was not short of gold and silver treasures. If he were given ordinary, vulgar items, he wouldn’t even bother to look at them.
Huang Hetai’s personal gift, however, was different. It not only possessed practicality and cultural value but also carried two implied meanings.
The first meaning was to compare Lin Qian to Commander Qi, flattering Lin Qian in a way that he would gratefully accept.
The second meaning was that by giving something belonging to the Vice General from the General’s Mansion, it signified Lin Qian’s allegiance and submission.
Indeed, Ming officials were all shrewd individuals. By simply presenting a sword, they said nothing explicitly, yet conveyed everything.
It was truly presented at the perfect moment.
Lin Qian held the sword in his hand, finding its grip comfortable and its balance perfect.
Looking at it in the setting sun, the spine of the sword was straight, and the blade reflected a chilling light.
The sword’s shape was curved like a young grain seedling. As it was made by Qi Jiguang, it was popularly called the Qi family sword or Miao knife.
Lin Qian lightly stroked the blade with his finger, feeling a slight chill emanating from his fingertips and penetrating into his bones.
The sword was covered in intricate patterns, similar to Damascus steel, indicating it was made of forged iron, with a differential hardened edge.
In this era, this was top-tier craftsmanship.
Compared to ordinary, crudely made military swords, it was not inconceivable that this “Demon-Slayer” could cut through iron as if it were mud.
Lin Qian looked at the blade again, but there were no inscriptions. However, this was not important. This treasured sword itself was already extremely rare and could not be bought with money in the Great Ming.
Lin Qian played with the sword for a while, then sheathed it and called out, “Da Bing!”
In a moment, Da Bing ran over from beside the oil pot. “Helmsman!”
Lin Qian threw the Demon-Slayer sword to him. “This is for you.”
Da Bing caught it, drew the sword to examine it, and exclaimed, “A good sword!”
Lin Qian had no martial arts skills and couldn’t use a sword at all. Da Bing was his sword.
Lin Qian smiled at Huang Hetai and said, “Please come aboard.”
“Please!”
As dusk fell, the earth was bathed in a dim yellow light.
Tables and chairs were set up on the deck of the Santa Ana, and torches were lit.
Lin Qian and his brothers, along with the crew members who participated in the Lin Mansion raid, took their seats on the deck.
Bowls and chopsticks, cups, and other items were already laid out on the tables. Someone began serving various dishes.
In addition to ordinary fruit platters and cold dishes, there was a highlight: fried yellow croakers, several per plate, one portion for each person.
Huang Hetai was initially dismissive. Yellow croakers were not a precious ingredient, and one portion per person seemed rather stingy.
However, as a plate of yellow croakers passed by him, Huang Hetai’s eyes widened.
On the tray were two gold ingots.
The sight of golden yellow gold placed alongside fried yellow croakers was an impact that was difficult to describe in words.
So, the yellow croaker feast actually referred to these small yellow croakers!
Huang Hetai looked around and saw that each portion of yellow croakers on the trays contained gold ingots.
Under the flickering torchlight, the gold emitted a dazzling and enchanting glow, captivating anyone at first glance.
Huang Hetai looked at Lin Qian and saw that the plates of the bandit leaders had even more gold ingots, stacked crisscrossed, forming a veritable tower.
Huang Hetai’s eyes bulged, and he thought to himself that this was probably the most extravagant fish feast he had ever seen in his life.
The income from raiding the Lin Mansion and annihilating Li Zhong, when added together and distributed as bonuses to the participating crew members, amounted to about one hundred and thirty taels per person.
Each gold ingot was worth five taels, so each crew member received about two and a half ingots.
Seeing the gold, the crew members’ smiles widened considerably.
The dishes were almost all served, and all the crew members looked at Lin Qian.
Lin Qian raised his cup and stood up. “Enough of preambles. Let’s take the money, eat meat, and drink wine! Brothers, cheers!”
“Cheers!” the sea bandits exclaimed in unison, raising their cups.
The deck erupted in cheers.
Lin Qian took a sip of wine and sat down.
He tore off a piece of yellow croaker meat. The fish was crispy on the outside and very tender on the inside, with flesh like garlic cloves, steaming hot.
As the fish entered his mouth, a fresh aroma immediately filled his mouth. The crispy skin and tender fish complemented each other perfectly.
The yellow croakers were fresh and all wild. When eaten, the fish meat was tender but not falling apart, truly full of flavor and endlessly delightful.
In just a few moments, Lin Qian finished one fish.
His tray did not contain any gold ingots. As the helmsman, his bonus was over two hundred gold bars, which weighed over sixty catties. The tray could not bear the weight.
Therefore, as usual, Lin Qian deposited his bonus in his account.
The Great Ming was on a silver standard, and gold transactions were inconvenient among the populace. The reason Lin Qian chose to distribute bonuses in gold, in addition to the visual impact,
was also to encourage the crew members to spend slowly and not to squander their bonuses all at once.
Nan’ao Island’s current economic volume was too small. If more than ten thousand taels of bonus silver suddenly entered the market, it would inevitably lead to severe inflation.
Although Lin Qian had decided to hold a celebration banquet tonight and put aside his work,
while eating fish, his mind couldn’t help but ponder future development plans.
Now that he had initially established a foothold on Nan’ao Island, his next step was to extend his reach to the mainland.
He needed to open up trade between the island and the mainland and develop Nan’ao by utilizing the resources of Fujian-Guangdong.
The current clandestine trade between the two places by small merchants was far from sufficient.
On the mainland, he needed an agent for Lin Qian, a “white glove” family.
All commercial trade and collusions with local officials would have to be handled by this white glove to avoid suspicion and the attention of the Imperial Court.
However, finding such a white glove was not easy.
It was obviously unrealistic for him to send people to open businesses on the mainland, establish clans, and build manors.
Cooperating with existing clans made it difficult to guarantee loyalty.
The best option would be Zheng Zhilong’s clan. His family was in the Quanzhou area of Fujian, considered a semi-local power.
However, Zheng Zhilong already had a certain prestige and status within the team. Bringing his clan in might easily lead to the tail wagging the dog, losing control, and causing internal strife.
Therefore, Lin Qian would rather have no white glove available than choose Zheng Zhilong’s clan.
“Helmsman.”
As he was contemplating, Lin Qian heard Zheng Zhilong call him.
“What is it?” Lin Qian looked up and smiled.
The banquet had just begun, and Zheng Zhilong was already flushed from drinking and said mysteriously, “There’s a rumor circulating on the waters of Fujian-Guangdong that a five-clawed flood dragon has appeared. Have you heard of it, Helmsman?”
Lin Qian smiled and shook his head.
Lei Sanxiang wiped his oily mouth. “Is that so? Tell us quickly.”
Zhou Xiucai removed a thorn from a fried yellow croaker’s back. “The world says flood dragons have four claws. Wouldn’t a five-clawed one be a dragon?”
Chen Jiao chewed a piece of fried crispy fish bone and said, “People who live by the sea are particular about their titles. Perhaps they meant a dragon, but they were afraid of offending the Dragon King, so they changed it to a five-clawed flood dragon.”
Bai Qing, chewing fish meat, mumbled, “Stories of flood dragons are often passed down among the Pearl Commoners. Some people have dived deep and even seen them at the bottom of the sea.”
Lei Sanxiang urged, “Brother Zheng hasn’t finished telling the story yet, and you’ve already started. Let Brother Zheng continue quickly.”
Zheng Zhilong smiled. “Actually, it’s not much of a story, just a folk rumor. I’ll tell it as a way to accompany our drinks.
It’s said that about half a month ago, fishermen along the coast of Zhangzhou Prefecture always saw floating wood in the sea, and logs washed ashore on the beaches.
So some people said that a flood dragon had passed through the sea, and the story became more and more fantastical as it spread.
Coincidentally, this autumn, there were continuous heavy rains in the border areas of Fujian and Guangdong, and the saying of a five-clawed flood dragon gradually emerged among the people.”
Lei Sanxiang asked curiously, “Why would there be so much wood in the sea for no reason?”
Lin Qian wiped his fingers. “It’s likely the wreckage of the ship city.”
The attack on Li Kuiqi’s ship city was over a month ago. Counting the days, the debris from the ship city should have been carried to the shore by the waves by now.
Chen Jiao suddenly realized, “So, that five-clawed flood dragon is referring to us, isn’t it?”
Lei Sanxiang raised his wine bowl. “That’s a majestic name. Cheers!”
Lin Qian took another sip of his cup.
Lei Sanxiang drank his entire bowl of wine in gulps, wiped his mouth heartily, then took out his wine jar and refilled his bowl.
Zheng Zhilong casually tossed a fish bone into the sea and asked, “Brother Lei, you were in the Shenji Battalion. Do you have any stories to tell?”
Lei Sanxiang waved his hand. “We only fought losing battles. What is there to tell?”
Zheng Zhilong pressed, “I heard that a hundred Jurchen Tartars could rout ten thousand Ming soldiers?”
Lei Sanxiang angrily retorted, “Nonsense! Last year at Wo’hun E’mo in Liaodong, if General Du hadn’t insisted on prematurely crossing the river and being surrounded by the Tartars at Jilin Cliff, we wouldn’t have been annihilated! That damn bird emperor uses bird-brained generals! Alas! It cost my father and brother their lives…”
After speaking, Lei Sanxiang picked up a bowl of glutinous rice yellow wine and drank it down.
There was a moment of silence at the table.
It was then that everyone realized Lei Sanxiang had been reluctant to talk about the Battle of Sarhū because his father and brother had died in that defeat.
Chen Jiao patted Lei Sanxiang’s shoulder and drank a bowl with him.
Zheng Zhilong blamed himself for saying the wrong thing and also punished himself with a bowl.
Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Lei Sanxiang changed the subject. “However, if it weren’t for the Battle of Jilin Cliff, I wouldn’t be at sea. I’m enjoying the good fortune of my father and brother!”
“Fish maw soup is here!”
As he spoke, Chen Bo’s voice came from the gangway.
He held a steaming bowl of thick soup with his hands protected by a damp towel and placed it on Lin Qian’s table.
“People in Lingnan believe in eating fish maw in winter and mushrooms in summer. This is very nourishing and helps to cut through richness. Please try it while it’s hot.”
Zheng Zhilong stood up and solicitously served soup to everyone.
This task should have been done by a maid.
However, Lin Qian’s group had sensitive identities, and even with money, they dared not hire beautiful courtesans from the mainland to accompany their drinking.
Pouring wine and serving soup were tasks they had to do themselves.
This is also why sea bandits throughout the Great Ming’s history eventually had to be pacified.
Even with a massive amount of silver, if one doesn’t have a legitimate identity or sufficient productivity, it’s useless as it cannot be spent.
Zheng Zhilong placed the soup in front of Lin Qian.
Lin Qian tasted a spoonful. It was rich and smooth, with a fresh, sweet flavor. The fish maw was soft and tender, completely free of any fishy odor. With one sip, warmth spread from his mouth to his stomach, making him feel utterly comfortable.
Huang Hetai took a taste and praised, “This soup is made with the skill of a renowned chef. Your helmsman truly has many capable men under him.”
Lin Qian smiled and did not reply.
The yellow croaker feast continued until past midnight. Everyone was so full they couldn’t eat another bite.
Only a few who enjoyed drinking continued to toast each other in small groups.
At the main table, Lei Sanxiang finished another bowl of yellow wine, and his brothers erupted in cheers like thunder.
Lei Sanxiang wiped his mouth, his body swaying slightly.
Zheng Zhilong smiled confidently and offered another bowl, followed by more cheers.
By this time, the wine jars, each holding over half a kilogram of wine, were empty beside them.
Zheng Zhilong’s expression remained unchanged, while Lei Sanxiang was struggling to stand. The outcome was already very clear.
However, Lei Sanxiang was proud and, maintaining his persona as a Shandong hero, insisted on another jar of wine being opened.
Fearing that if they continued drinking, his two top generals might get drunk and die at the table before being caught by the Imperial Court, Lin Qian quickly stepped in to mediate and call for a halt.
Zheng Zhilong was perceptive. Seeing Lei Sanxiang still signaling for more wine, he cupped his hands and said, “Brother Lei, you indeed have a massive capacity for drink. I can no longer continue.”
Lei Sanxiang slurred, “What do you mean you can’t continue? Fill it up!”
Chen Jiao kicked him under the table, “Third Brother!”
Lei Sanxiang replied, “Elder Brother, don’t stop me. This young man has a great capacity for drink, and today I…”
Before he could finish, Lei Sanxiang fell backward onto the table, and everyone burst into laughter.
Lin Qian had someone carry Lei Sanxiang back to the cabin.
Seeing that it was late, the others bid farewell and returned to their cabins to rest.
Lin Qian said goodbye to his brothers and returned to the captain’s cabin, washed up briefly, and collapsed onto the bed.
Although he was quite sleepy, his mind was still habitually thinking about things.
Lin Qian recalled that before he established himself on Nan’ao Island, Li Kuiqi was undoubtedly the top sea bandit in the Fujian-Guangdong waters.
Yet, a man like that, if he wanted to find women, could only bring them onto his ship and then drug them.
He even lived in a ship city made of hundreds of dilapidated ships, not daring to even occupy a sea island.
Although Li Zhong had a camp on Guantang Mountain, it was also rudimentary, appearing as if he was ready to flee at any moment.
The reason these two were constantly hiding was the lack of support from forces on shore.
Lin Qian now faced the same predicament.
With silver in hand, the most pressing matters on Nan’ao Island were to build a dry dock, granaries, and a reservoir.
There’s no need to elaborate on the dry dock.
The granaries and reservoir are preparations for a future siege by the Imperial Court’s army.
If war with the Imperial Court were to break out, the official army would undoubtedly employ a siege strategy, cutting off trade between the island and the mainland.
Building granaries and reservoirs in advance to store sufficient water and food would be the foundation for withstanding the Imperial Court’s siege.
However, the dry dock, granaries, and reservoir all require large quantities of blue bricks, mortar, tung oil, hemp rope, and lime. Subsequent grain storage would also require massive purchases of grain. All of these need to be procured in bulk from the shore.
Ostensibly, it would be best to have a prominent figure on shore preparing for a major construction project, building a residence, so that bulk purchases could be made legitimately.
If this prominent figure is reliable, one could also use this legitimate identity to approach the County Magistrate of Chenghai, and even the Prefect of Chaozhou.
This would allow Nan’ao Island to develop with full freedom in the future.
Lin Qian’s thoughts gradually slowed, and he fell into a deep sleep on the mahogany four-poster bed.
…
The next morning, Lin Qian woke up full of energy.
After washing up, he summoned Zhou Xiucai to discuss the matter.
Regardless, Zhou Xiucai had studied and prepared to pursue fame and fortune, so he should be familiar with the Great Ming’s officialdom and the collusion of interests among prominent families.
Of course, Huang Hetai would certainly be more familiar with this than Zhou Xiucai, but Lin Qian did not trust him.
In the captain’s cabin, after hearing Lin Qian’s request, Zhou Xiucai fell into contemplation.
Lin Qian then took out a cigar, lit it, and offered one to Zhou Xiucai, who waved his hand in refusal.
“Helmsman, have you considered marriage alliances?” Zhou Xiucai asked tentatively.
Lin Qian nodded. He had indeed considered marriage alliances, but marriage opportunities were precious, and Lin Qian did not wish to waste one on befriending a local magnate.
His marriage should be used for something more valuable, such as marrying the daughter of a Chief Grand Secretary or a party leader, to gain political capital to the maximum extent.
Using up a precious spot for a main wife now would be too wasteful.
Moreover, if things continued at the current pace, war with the Imperial Court was inevitable. Once war broke out, forces on shore would inevitably re-align their allegiances.
Fantasizing about gaining a long-term ally through marriage alliances was extremely naive.
Wait.
Lin Qian’s eyes lit up. He had previously been considering how to gain a long-term ally.
But in reality, finding a short-term ally, using the brief period of alliance to crazily develop his own strength, and then kicking them aside once used, that would be the wise course of action.
With his thoughts opened, a short-term ally wouldn’t require deep entanglement of interests. Marriage alliances, schemes, none of that would be necessary.
Since he was a sea bandit, he should use sea bandit methods.
In an instant, Lin Qian had formed the outline of a plan in his mind.
“Do you remember the merchant who sold us our Fuchuan ships?”
Zhou Xiucai concentrated and recalled for a moment: “Master Hu?”
Lin Qian took a deep puff of his cigar and exhaled wisps of smoke: “That’s him. His family weaves Chaozhou Silk. Before, he built three-masted Fuchuan ships, intending to use Yuegang Port to sell his Chaozhou Silk overseas.”
Zhou Xiucai’s face showed understanding: “Helmsman, you intend to use this person?”
“No, he has Chaozhou Silk, and we have ships. This is cooperation!” Lin Qian smiled. “You and Bai Langzai prepare yourselves and bring enough sincerity. Go talk to him about cooperation in a few days.”
Zhou Xiucai: “Me and Seventh Brother? When dealing with people on shore, why not let Brother Zheng go?”
Lin Qian picked up an Inca gold button from the navigation table and played with it between his fingers on the back of his hand, saying meaningfully: “He doesn’t need to do this. Also, regarding the delivery of goods to Macau, Second Brother doesn’t need to go anymore. I’ve decided to hand it all over to Jose.”
Zhou Xiucai: “Then if we help with the shipping, how much silver should we charge?”
“Second Brother, just handle it as you see fit. As long as we can pull Mr. Hu into this, whether the shipping makes a profit or a loss is not important.”
Zhou Xiucai cupped his hands: “Since that’s the case, I understand. I’ll go ashore with Seventh Brother this afternoon to get household registration and travel permits to make the act complete, so he’ll fall for it.”
Lin Qian smiled: “Second Brother, you’ve thought of everything.”
After Zhou Xiucai withdrew, Lin Qian had someone summon Lu Zhou.
A moment later, Lu Zhou entered and clasped his hands at the navigation table: “Helmsman.”
Lin Qian’s voice emerged from the cigar smoke: “You’ve sailed ships from Nan’ao to Macau. Do you still remember the route?”
Lu Zhou replied loudly: “This route is close to the coast, and I remember all the landmarks!”
“Good. From now on, you will be the navigator for this route.”
Lu Zhou’s face flushed with excitement, and he clasped his hands: “Thank you, Helmsman!”
Lin Qian smiled kindly: “However, being a navigator isn’t that easy. You have another task on the ship.”
“Please instruct me, Helmsman!”
Lin Qian was silent for a moment, his smile turning cold: “Keep an eye on Jose for me. If he makes any moves, kill him.”
“Yes!”
“Go, and also call Jose here.”
“Yes!”
A moment later, Jose entered, smiling fawningly: “Helmsman, did you call for me?”
“Come, sit.” Lin Qian said with a warm smile.
