Chapter 96: North And South Guards
East Sea Surface east of Taizhou Prefecture.
Under the moonlight, seven Bird Ships sailed westward from Dachen Island.
“We’re almost at the Ling River. Once we’re on the river surface, Brothers, don’t speak loudly. Remember.” On the deck, Zheng Zhilong instructed the crowd behind him.
“Since we can’t talk later, let me speak freely now. Brother Yiguan, what method are you going to use to pass the Haimen Guard?”
Zheng Zhilong grinned crookedly and said, “Just watch, Brother Lei San. I guarantee the garrison soldiers will obediently lower the River Blocking Rope and let us in.”
Lei Sanxiang said, “You’re good at keeping secrets. You’d make a fine storyteller. Helmsman, do you know Brother Yiguan’s method?”
Lin Qian gazed at the Ling River under the moonlight and said, “It’s a good method. No time to explain in detail. Brother Three, just watch from the ship.”
Lei Sanxiang muttered, “You won’t say, he won’t say. It’s infuriating.”
Chen Jiao frowned and said, “Brother Yiguan, there’s a River Blocking Rope on this river surface?”
Zheng Zhilong nodded. “Built during the Jiajing era, over fifty years ago.”
Chen Jiao said, “With a River Blocking Rope, this is tricky. Even if we sneak in, once it’s discovered and the rope is raised, getting out will be hard.”
A confident smile hung on Zheng Zhilong’s lips. “Don’t worry, Elder Brother Chen. After tonight, that River Blocking Rope won’t rise again.”
“We’re almost there. Extinguish the Ship Lanterns.” Lin Qian ordered.
In moments, the Bird Ship extinguished its Ship Lantern, and the six Bird Ships behind it successively extinguished their lanterns following the lead ship.
Under the round moon’s reflection, two patches of warm yellow appeared amid the inky mountains and sea. Those were the lights of the Haimen Guard.
The Haimen Guard was located on the cliffs on both banks of the Ling River, facing north and south like river gates, hence the name Sea Gate.
In the darkness, the garrison lights seemed to float in the air.
As the ships drew closer, the two lights grew larger, gradually illuminating the cliffs.
Sea wind blew head-on, and faint boisterous laughter from the garrison could be heard.
The seven Bird Ships approached the cliff and lowered sails together, anchoring in the cliff’s shadow.
The Bird Ships did not drop anchor, fearing the splash would alert the garrison soldiers. They stayed in place by closely rowing.
So close to the cliff, they had to keep the ship in the shadows while avoiding running aground or hitting reefs on the cliff.
It was almost like requiring the ship to remain perfectly still amid surging waves.
Fortunately, the crew were all skilled at handling ships, and for a short time, they managed with oars.
Lin Qian sniffed. Even from afar, he could smell alcohol in the sea wind.
The smell of alcohol and laughter came from the Haimen Guard’s South Bank garrison, while the North Bank garrison above Lin Qian was in Silence.
Lei Sanxiang said softly, “Brother Yiguan, the South Bank is banqueting tonight. Their defenses must be lax. We should have entered the river from the South Bank.”
A smile appeared on Zheng Zhilong’s lips as he whispered back, “That feast of alcohol and meat at the South Bank garrison is from me.”
Lei Sanxiang suddenly understood. “Oh! You used Meng Han Medicine!”
“Haha, Doctor Su wouldn’t bear to give that much. The medicine I used to drug dogs was begged for with a worn-out mouth. Made into Buns, it was just enough for the dogs, not for people.”
Zheng Zhilong spoke with a laugh, clearly very pleased with his plan.
This was his first time taking charge alone since joining Lin Qian, so he had racked his brains to do it flawlessly and leave an impression on the Brothers.
Lin Qian heard movement from the cliff above and quickly made a silencing gesture, then pointed at the cliff.
All the Brothers held their breath, bodies frozen, not daring to make a sound.
In moments, rustling footsteps came from the cliff above.
The cliff was only two or three zhang high, so conversations atop it could be clearly heard.
“We’re all brothers in the same garrison. Half drink and eat meat, half drink wind and eat dirt! Damn it! That bird-beast bastard is too biased!”
“Sigh! Who’s to say. His Household Soldiers are all on the South Bank, so naturally the good alcohol and meat go to them first.”
“Damn it, I want to be a Household Soldier too. No wars in the Southeast, drinking and eating meat every day. What a carefree life.”
“Heh, you as a military household? Forget it. Be an honest foot soldier and live our hard life.”
As he spoke, the man threw something down from the cliff.
It splashed into the water with a plop, not far from the Bird Ship. Everyone looked to Lin Qian, who slowly shook his head, signaling to hold position.
“I heard the South Bank alcohol and meat was picked up. This afternoon, a cargo ship ran aground on the South Bank, and a whole ship of alcohol and meat went cheaply to those beasts.”
“Robbed?”
“Nonsense. You think they bought it?”
“Plop!” Another object hit the water. It seemed the people on the cliff were throwing Stones.
Lin Qian looked up and saw no one at the cliff top. Probably because it was dark, the speakers didn’t dare get too close to the edge.
Fortunately, high tide had submerged the shoal below the cliff, allowing the Bird Ship to hug the cliff. Otherwise, they’d surely be spotted from above.
“Yo, your arm strength sucks. Watch me throw far!”
Then a plop sounded from the distant sea surface.
Luckily, the two were competing to throw farther. If competing closer, they’d likely hit the Bird Ship and expose them.
“Speaking of which, how could a ship loaded with alcohol and meat run aground near the garrison? Don’t you think that’s suspicious?”
Hearing this, everyone’s hearts on the Bird Ship raced.
Lei Sanxiang’s gaze shot to Zheng Zhilong. If not for the people overhead, he’d demand an explanation right then.
Zheng Zhilong waved him off, signaling to stay calm.
“The more suspicious, the better. It’ll poison that bird-beast bastard. Hahaha.”
The two on the cliff laughed, then continued.
“That ship came from the Outer Seas, probably headed to the Lin Mansion too. Too bad it wasn’t poisoned.”
“The Lin Mansion has been getting a lot of alcohol and meat lately. What’s up? Tired of the Congee Stall, now handing out alcohol and meat to the poor?”
A shout came from afar: “Hey! Stop yapping, you two. Come relieve duty!”
“Got it. After I piss!”
A stream of foul water fell onto the deck, landing right on Lu Zhou’s head as he stood.
Cold sweat broke out on everyone on the ship.
If that water hit the deck and made a hollow echo, in the silent mountains and sea, it would be especially clear and alert the soldiers above.
In an instant, all eyes on the ship turned to Lu Zhou.
Lin Qian stared at him intently, left hand gesturing downward to signal him not to move.
“Damn, no splash?” A soldier’s voice came from the cliff.
“Must’ve hit a Stone and dried up. How many girls you dry-hump to be this tired?”
“Bullshit!”
Fortunately, the flow had stopped by then.
Sounds of pulling up pants came from the cliff, and he walked toward the edge while fastening, seemingly to check where it landed.
Lin Qian looked up and saw half a dark silhouette slowly peering over the cliff.
Just then, his companion said, “It’s the dead of night. Don’t wanna die? Hurry back.”
“I feel something odd below the cliff.”
“Hahaha… I think something’s odd below you! Come on, relieve duty.”
As the footsteps faded, everyone on the Bird Ship breathed a sigh of relief.
Lei Sanxiang pointed at Lu Zhou, then at the sea beside them.
But Lu Zhou shook his head and haphazardly wiped his face with his still-dry sleeve.
“Well done.” Lin Qian softly praised Lu Zhou.
Lu Zhou smiled.
“That was close.” Chen Jiao sighed.
“Brother Yiguan, is this your good method?” Lei Sanxiang voiced his dissatisfaction softly.
Zheng Zhilong looked apologetic and was about to speak when Lin Qian cut him off.
“Quiet! A ship is coming!”
