Chapter 160: The Sea Is Merciless, All Tribulations Resolve Themselves

Though he thought this way, Ye Xianggao still put on a genial expression and gestured for Lin Qian to speak.

Lin Qian took a sheet of paper from his bosom and said, "These are the crimes of the eunuch supervisor Qian Zhong in Chenghai County. But I am but a rough soldier, unversed in letters, and fear my memorial would be improper in form. I wished to ask the Grand Secretary and the Minister how the wording and argument should be framed—I humbly beg your guidance."

Ye Xianggao's heart gave a start, and he inwardly cursed that Lin Qian, young and successful, was full of wild frontier habits and understood nothing of the perils of the court.

Was a eunuch supervisor so easy to impeach?

A eunuch supervisor exercised imperial authority by proxy. Even under a wise ruler, a general submitting an impeachment memorial could easily arouse suspicion—let alone when the present His Majesty was one so "lacking in vigor."

Add to that the powerful eunuchs in control of the government, and nine times out of ten such a memorial would never reach the Emperor's presence.

As a general, what became of one who angered Wei Zhongxian—Ye Xianggao knew this all too well.

The very thought of Wei Zhongxian flying into a rage and driving Nan'ao to revolt gave Ye Xianggao a considerable headache.

At the same time, however, Ye Xianggao rather admired Lin Qian's courage.

In these days when the eunuch faction ran rampant, a naval commander who refrained from aiding the tyrant could already be called loyal and upright—and here was one who even dared to submit an impeachment memorial in support of justice. Truly rare.

He then looked at the list of crimes, finding it written in fine, dense script, packed tight with characters.

"Second year of Tianqi, fifth month, thirtieth day: Eunuch Supervisor Qian Zhong demanded a bribe of five hundred taels from Vice Regional Commander Ma Chenglie of Nan'ao.

Second year of Tianqi, sixth month, second day: Eunuch Supervisor Qian Zhong sent troops into Chenghai County to extort funds for military pay, obtaining three thousand two hundred thirty-five taels and seven qian of silver.

Second year of Tianqi, sixth month, fifth day: Eunuch Supervisor Qian Zhong sent troops into Chenghai County to extort funds for military pay, obtaining one thousand one hundred ninety-three taels and five qian and two fen of silver.

The paper was written in the utmost detail, recording nearly every misdeed Qian Zhong committed on each day.

Especially the bribe-taking, extortion, and embezzlement of military pay—these were recorded with such appalling thoroughness that it seemed he wished to note even every copper coin stolen.

Every one of the above matters had the testimony of those involved, with witnesses affixing their signatures, and all corrupt silver was recorded in account books.

One could say the evidence was conclusive—gathering it must have cost no small effort.

Even so, relying on these to topple one of Wei Zhongxian's confidants still could not be done.

But at least Lin Qian was striving through official channels, which better demonstrated that this man was loyal to the Great Ming, would not lightly rebel, and was upright in character, unwilling to wallow in the mire with the eunuch faction.

Ye Xianggao nodded inwardly, looking upon Lin Qian with somewhat greater favor.

But then he gave a sudden start, wondering—could this "evidence of crimes" have been deliberately staged for his benefit?

Perhaps it was meant to create the illusion of a loyal minister who loved his country.

If so, this man's scheming would be far too deep.

Ye Xianggao cast a subtle glance at Huang Ke beside him, and saw him staring at the eunuch supervisor's "list of crimes" with a face full of anger, the wariness in his eyes toward Lin Qian diminished, replaced by a sense of kindred spirit.

He looked again at Lin Qian, whose gaze was clear and bearing open and aboveboard; when he spoke of the eunuch supervisor's misdeeds, his indignation was genuine, with no trace of pretense—and for a moment Ye Xianggao was at a loss.

Soon, under Huang Ke's guidance, a memorial of impeachment was written.

Ye Xianggao hesitated again and again, but in the end goodwill won out, and he advised, "Now that powerful eunuchs dominate the court, even if this memorial is delivered to the Office of Transmission, it will hardly reach the imperial ear—rather, it may invite disaster upon oneself. In this old man's view, it would be better to sheathe one's blade for now and await the right moment."

Huang Ke was uncharacteristically silent; though unwilling to admit it, he knew Ye Xianggao was right.

Wei Zhongxian's power was overwhelming—even the Grand Secretaries could not topple him. To expect a mere roaming general to shake the mountain and startle the tiger was nothing but a fool's dream.

Moreover, from an institutional standpoint, though a roaming general theoretically possessed the right of impeachment, the paths of civil and military were separate, and submitting an impeachment memorial was an overstepping of authority in speech—all the more likely to bring fire upon oneself.

Unexpectedly, Ye Xianggao shifted his tone: "But if the General truly insists on impeaching, this old man does have a few old acquaintances among the censorial officials who could help transmit the evidence on the General's behalf."

Huang Ke started, about to dissuade him, but was checked by a look from Ye Xianggao.

Lin Qian was overjoyed, and without the slightest hesitation handed all the memorial and evidence to Ye Xianggao, then rose and bowed, saying, "Then I thank the Grand Secretary."

Ye Xianggao accepted them, smiling, "The General has a heart to rid the people of harm; this old man doing his small part is only proper. No need to give it another thought."

The Tianyuan ran aground at Chenghai County.

Lin Qian saw the two men off the ship, saying, "I have kept a vessel at this port—far faster than ordinary seagoing ships, and steadier as well. Grand Secretary and Minister, should you have any need, please feel free to command it."

The two men gave their thanks and took their leave.

Lin Qian returned to his ship and set sail for Nan'ao Island.

Seeing no one else around the pier, Huang Ke found it convenient to speak, and asked, "Jinqing, do you truly intend to hand the evidence to the censorial officials?"

Ye Xianggao shook his head—he had only wanted to test Lin Qian's true intentions, to see whether Lin Qian was putting on a show or genuinely dared to oppose Wei Zhongxian.

He had not expected Lin Qian to hand over the evidence without the slightest hesitation—even after Ye Xianggao had laid out in advance the consequences of offending Wei Zhongxian, he remained resolute.

If so, then it was Ye Xianggao who had been overthinking.

"Come, let us go see the fast vessel General He spoke of," said Ye Xianggao.

Lin Qian had left attendants at the port, who led Ye and Huang to the vessel.

There in the harbor lay a strange, slender ship sharp as a blade, bearing a single mast with a sail of two triangular sections fore and aft; the sheets not yet drawn tight, the sail's tail swaying slowly in the wind.

An attendant smiled, "This vessel is swift—even to Fuqing, it takes but half a day. Please, gentlemen, step aboard."

At the same time, Lin Qian stood at the deck hatch of the Tianyuan, calling down below, "Bailangzai, have the brothers come out of the cargo hold—no work today."

Soon, a dozen or so blade-and-axe men in cotton armor filed out of the cargo hold.

Another month or so passed.

A party of eunuchs came from the north, arriving at Zhelin Bay to summon Ma Chenglie.

When Ma Chenglie reached the barracks, the eunuch Sun Jin was seated upright in the place of honor, with Eunuch Supervisor Qian Zhong standing in attendance at his side.

"Regional Commander Ma." Sun Jin smiled a smile that did not reach his eyes. "Previously your son received an imperial edict of favor and was made a Centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was he not?"

Ma Chenglie's heart tightened, but he forced a smile onto his face and said, "It is all thanks to Eunuch Wei's blessing."

"Mm. The Old Ancestor, mindful of your fine performance of late, has specially promoted your son to Provost of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

Ma Chenglie's mind buzzed—struck dumb by the sudden, unexpected joy.

His son had previously been a Centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, a rank of the sixth grade, while a Provost of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was of the fourth grade—equivalent to a promotion of three full ranks.

This was not something one could rise to merely by accumulating seniority; many men spent their whole lives without a single promotion.

So it seemed that as long as one submitted in loyal devotion, Eunuch Wei truly was generous with office.

Even as Ma Chenglie marveled inwardly at Lin Qian's foresight, he could not help but think, "If I were to pledge myself wholeheartedly to Eunuch Wei, perhaps I might gain even more."

After Sun Jin finished discussing the promotion matter, he had his men bring in a ship model, and following Wei Zhongxian's instructions, said: "Regional Commander Ma, this hot-pressed model was made by His Majesty's own hands. His Majesty wants you to help examine it. Mind your words when you reply — don't be ungrateful."

Ma Chenglie knelt and said: "This humble officer understands."

With the reward of the Provost of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Ma Chenglie's attitude toward Sun Jin warmed considerably.

Combined with his fawning deference toward Qian Zhong during this period and Wei Zhongxian's appreciation, the three found themselves chatting more and more congenially.

After idly discussing the customs of Fujian and Guangdong and the latest news from the capital, Sun Jin shifted the topic: "It's getting late. Ma Chenglie, go prepare your reply to His Majesty, and pack your son's luggage as well."

These words chilled Ma Chenglie from head to toe. His expression stiffened, then he stammered: "Pack what luggage?"

Sun Jin shot him a glance and said: "Why, the luggage for returning to the capital to take up his post, of course."

Most Embroidered Uniform Guard positions granted through the Great Ming's hereditary favor system were sinecures holding no real authority, which was why after his son had been awarded the rank of Centurion in the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he had remained by his father's side all along.

But the equally hereditary position of Provost of the Embroidered Uniform Guard required returning to the capital to serve.

Ma Chenglie suddenly understood — this wasn't about taking up a post at all. It was plainly Lord Wei wanting a hostage.

If he were obedient and sensible, his son would enjoy glory and wealth in the capital as a Provost of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

If he were disobedient, then his son would be the first to suffer.

Truly vicious.

"What, does the Regional Commander not wish to comply?" Sun Jin stared at Ma Chenglie with piercing eyes.

"Of course I wish to! This humble officer only thought my son was a sinecure holder — I never imagined it was an actual post. I'm overjoyed; how could I not wish it!" Ma Chenglie reacted quickly, putting on a look of ecstatic delight, transforming his inward curses at Wei Zhongxian into the astonishment of pleasant surprise.

Sun Jin chuckled: "Good. Then tonight you prepare your reply to His Majesty, and tomorrow at dawn, have your son travel with me."

"So soon?" Ma Chenglie's heart jolted.

"Is it not good to take up the post sooner?"

"No, no." Ma Chenglie hastily waved his hands. "Taking up the post sooner is of course good, but the hot-pressed model His Majesty crafted employs profound techniques. I need to study it with the shipwrights — I cannot give a reply in such a short time."

"That's easily handled — let the shipwrights come back to the capital with me as well. That way His Majesty can consult them directly, saving the trouble of traveling back and forth. My own travel fatigue matters little, but if I delayed His Majesty's affairs or Lord Wei's instructions, I could not bear that responsibility."

Sweat beaded on Ma Chenglie's forehead: "Shipwrights are extremely important to the naval forces——"

"Using that same excuse from last time to fob me off?" Sun Jin's voice suddenly turned harsh. "I refuse to believe your Nan'ao naval forces can't survive without a single shipwright."

Ma Chenglie decided to employ a delaying tactic first, and pleaded: "I beg Your Eunuch to grant some more time. This officer will make arrangements."

After all, Ma Chenglie was someone Wei Zhongxian valued, so Sun Jin could not press too hard. Hearing this, he said: "Very well, go then."

Deep in the night, in the captain's cabin of the Tianyuan.

"Thud!"

Ma Chenglie knelt on the spot.

"I beg the Helmsman to save my son."

Moonlight streamed in through the window behind Lin Qian, shrouding his face in darkness.

After a long silence, Lin Qian spoke slowly: "Wanting to throw in your lot with Lord Wei isn't so easy, is it?"

Ma Chenglie's heart trembled. He could not tell whether Lin Qian's words were idle reflection or carried a pointed meaning.

If it was a warning to him — he had only entertained the faintest notion in his heart. Could this Helmsman see even that?

Ma Chenglie did not know how to reply.

After a moment of silence, the sound of scratching writing arose from the navigation table.

An hour later, Lin Qian set down his brush. On the table lay a new version of the chart review comments.

Since the eunuch had made the Emperor's identity clear, Lin Qian wrote this version of the review comments with great deference — the entire text was praise for the Emperor's carpentry skill.

Moreover, he strictly followed the official document format that Ye Xianggao and Huang Ke had taught him days earlier, with not a single deviation.

To be fair, this version of the "clipper-bowed Fujian junk" had improved considerably.

Though it remained a pretty toy, at least it now showed some ingenuity — more praise was only fitting.

"Tomorrow, give this to that Sun fellow and let him return to the capital to report. Then, you claim your son is gravely ill and cannot travel for some time. In short, find every way to delay for a month."

"And after a month?" Since it concerned his own flesh and blood, Ma Chenglie had to ask clearly.

"After a month, all difficulties will resolve themselves."

The voice in the darkness carried a chilling coldness.

The next day, Ma Chenglie handled the matter as Lin Qian had instructed.

Sun Jin was furious inwardly, but found himself blocked with nothing to say. The ship model concerned the Emperor's personal tastes — he dared not act on his own authority and had to return to the capital immediately to report.

And under Su Kang's skillful hands, Ma Chenglie's son did indeed develop symptoms of high fever and unconsciousness.

Sun Jin had physicians examine him, and all said the fever had come on strangely — if forced to travel, his life might be in danger.

His purpose in coming was to win over Ma Chenglie. If he forcibly took Ma Chenglie's son and the boy died on the road, he would make an enemy of Ma Chenglie, and the mission would be considered a failure.

Fortunately, Qian Zhong the army supervisor was still here in Chaozhou. Before leaving, Sun Jin instructed Qian Zhong: "The moment that brat recovers from his illness, send someone to escort him to the capital at once.

Ma Chenglie is a slippery one. You must keep a close watch on him for Lord Wei — gather as much leverage over him as you can!"

"Yes, Eunuch Sun, rest assured."

Afterward, Qian Zhong's harassment grew even worse, making life miserable for Chenghai County. Ma Chenglie dealt with it day after day, exhausted in both body and mind.

Finally, he endured until October, when the peak typhoon season had passed.

One morning, Ma Chenglie took the initiative to find Qian Zhong and reported: "Eunuch Qian, this officer has received intelligence that a band of sea bandits has appeared in the Eastern Sea. I need to dispatch troops to suppress them. Will you accompany the expedition?

As army supervisor, Qian Zhong naturally had to accompany and oversee whenever a commander went into battle.

But what surprised him was that for over a month, Ma Chenglie had been avoiding him.

When Qian Zhong proposed to inspect the troops and review the warships, Ma Chenglie had always fobbed him off with various excuses.

Why would Ma Chenglie personally come to ask him today, of all days, when the warships were putting to sea? There must be something suspicious about this.

Qian Zhong probed: "On this voyage, will Regional Commander Ma be aboard the ships?"

Ma Chenglie nodded frankly: "Naturally. Not only myself — the entire Nan'ao naval forces will be accompanying as well."

Qian Zhong was taken aback, then asked: "How long will this voyage take? How many sea bandits are there?"

"If things go quickly, five or six days. If slowly, searching them out at sea could take much longer. The bandits are said to have several dozen ships, but rest assured, Your Excellency—before the might of the Great Ming navy, sea bandits are nothing."

Qian Zhong relaxed. This voyage was the perfect opportunity to seize leverage over Ma Chenglie—how could he pass it up? So he agreed.

Before departing, he kept his wits about him, bringing only three trusted confidants aboard while leaving the other two on shore.

At this moment, the Tianyuan and the Changfeng were already moored at the Zhelin Bay naval stockade.

The moment Qian Zhong stepped out of the barracks, he was stunned by two ships as massive as small mountains. He thought to himself: "No wonder Ma Chenglie could defeat the red barbarians and earn such respect from the old master—his warships are truly extraordinary!

Earlier, when I wanted to inspect the warships, Ma Chenglie refused no matter what—likely afraid of exposing his true hand.

Now that he must go suppress the bandits, he's forced to reveal his treasured assets. This trip may well uncover many secrets. I've truly come to the right place."

"Eunuch Qian, please, this way."

Ma Chenglie led the way ahead, heading toward the Changfeng.

"Hold on."

Qian Zhong called him to a stop. Comparing the sizes of the Tianyuan and the Changfeng, he said: "It seems that larger ship is the flagship, is it not?"

Ma Chenglie nodded: "Indeed it is."

Qian Zhong narrowed his triangular eyes: "Commander Ma is the Vice Regional Commander—surely there's no reason not to ride the flagship?"

Commander Ma smiled: "Eunuch Qian, you may not know—naval warfare differs from land warfare. Eunuch Qian, look at the flagship's deck. Do you see it?"

Qian Zhong followed his pointing finger and nodded.

"That is where the five-colored flags give commands. For the escort ships to see clearly, the flagship must sail at the very front of the fleet.

Moreover, the flagship is large—when encountering sea bandits, it cannot hang back to hold the rear; it must be the first to engage. And so it is also the most dangerous.

Risking myself is my duty, but how could I let Your Excellency stand on the front line?"

Qian Zhong understood nothing of naval warfare. Seeing Ma Chenglie speak with such conviction, he was half convinced. After a moment's thought, he said: "If that is so, I shall simply stay on an escort ship myself. Commander, please go command from the flagship."

Ma Chenglie was startled and hastily said: "If I am not at Your Excellency's side attending to you, I fear the officers aboard might give offense."

Qian Zhong had already intended to send Ma Chenglie away so he could meet his subordinates alone. Seeing Ma Chenglie's fluster now only confirmed his plan was sound, so he insisted.

"Very well then. Eunuch, if you have any further instructions, best give them now. Once we're at sea, communication between the two ships will be difficult—things won't be so easy then." Ma Chenglie said with a mournful face.

A smile tugged at the corner of Qian Zhong's mouth: "Nothing more. Commander, go attend to your duties."

"Yes." Ma Chenglie answered dejectedly, then shouted toward the Changfeng's deck: "Someone!"

Bailangzai's icy face appeared over the deck railing. He clasped his fists: "Commander."

"The Changfeng is under your command. Attend to Eunuch Qian well—if so much as a single hair of his is missing, you'll answer for it!"

"Eunuch Qian, this is one of my men, called Bailangzai. Eunuch Qian, give whatever orders you please. Please, go ahead." Ma Chenglie finished speaking, stepped back down the gangplank, and boarded the Tianyuan.

Aboard the Tianyuan, Lin Qian stood in the captain's cabin holding a telescope, personally watching Qian Zhong lead three young eunuchs aboard.

A knock sounded at the cabin door behind him, followed by Ma Chenglie's voice: "Helmsman, that man surnamed Qian has boarded."

A smile crossed Lin Qian's face: "Good, raise the sails!"

At the command, both ships raised sail, and after exiting Zhelin Bay, slowly headed eastward.

It was just entering winter, and the monsoon was still unstable—the wind shifting erratically between northwest, northeast, and southeast.

Lin Qian deliberately chose to sail across the wind and waves, making the ships pitch all the more violently. Both crews were seasoned veterans, adept at changing sails, and had no fear of wind and waves.

It was the passengers aboard who suffered.

Qian Zhong had just settled into the captain's cabin when a beam sea accompanied by a crosswind struck, heeling the hull twenty degrees to starboard.

On the cabin table, teacups, teapots, and candle holders crashed to the floor in a mess of broken porcelain, and even the bedding rolled off the berth.

Qian Zhong himself was thrown off balance, cracking his head against the corner of the table. A large lump swelled up immediately, and he wept from the pain.

The three young eunuchs were badly startled and hurried over to help him.

But then the hull listed to port, and the four of them tumbled together in a heap, utterly disgraced.

Outside the cabin, voices continuously shouted at the top of their lungs.

"The wind's shifted! Starboard's taking the wind—change sails!"

"The heel's too steep—furl the sails!"

"Wind's dying—raise the sails! Keep up with the flagship!"

After nearly an hour of this back-and-forth torment, the wind and waves gradually subsided, and the hull slowly steadied.

One young eunuch could no longer hold it in. He buried his face in the spittoon, and then: "Ughhh—"

The stench spread through the cabin. Qian Zhong caught the smell, and it stirred his own nausea—he vomited a mouthful onto the floor.

After a long while, he was listless, his face pale, his stomach completely emptied.

The young eunuchs dutifully handed him water and fetched towels.

Leaning against the berth to catch his breath, Qian Zhong said with a venomous look: "Fetch that shipmaster!"

The young eunuch received the order and went out. Reaching the stern, he cursed at Bailangzai: "You base wretch! Do you even know how to sail a ship? Keep pitching like this and Eunuch Qian will flay your skin off!"

Having said this, he expected Bailangzai to cower in fear.

Instead, every man on the stern deck turned their gaze upon him—like a dozen steel blades, utterly devoid of emotion.

The young eunuch blustered: "What are you looking at? You stinking soldiers! Look again and I'll gouge your eyes out, believe me!"

Bailangzai's gaze passed over the squawking eunuch to the waves off the port side—a great swell was about to strike.

He said flatly: "Half rudder to starboard."

The helmsman silently turned the wheel. The hull swung broadside, presenting its port side to the swell, the ship running parallel to it.

All the crew, as if by unspoken accord, grabbed hold of the ropes beside them.

In his confusion, the young eunuch suddenly felt a tremendous force strike the hull. The ship heeled sharply to starboard, and he lost his footing, hurtling straight toward the starboard bulwark.

The bulwark stood less than half a man's height—naturally, it could not stop him.

The young eunuch splashed into the sea with a loud plop, utterly terrified, flailing and struggling desperately on the surface.

"Ah! Save—glub glub glub—save—!"

Bailangzai said, "Straighten the course, stay close to the flagship."

Qian Zhong waited a long while, but the young eunuch did not return. After the ship took another sharp roll, leaving his clothes spattered with vomit, he flew into a rage and charged up to the stern deck himself.

"What's going on here, do you even know how to sail a ship?!" Then he froze. "Where's Xiao Xu?"

A crewman pointed behind him: "Fell overboard."

Qian Zhong's eyes went wide. Sure enough, he saw a struggling figure on the sea off the stern. Fury and panic seized him: "Why isn't anyone rescuing him?"

"The waves are too big. He's done for." The crewman shook his head calmly.

"How dare you!" Qian Zhong snarled. Then he said to Bailangzai, "This Superintendent orders you to turn the ship around and rescue him!"

Bailangzai said indifferently, "I only take orders from the flagship.

Qian Zhong was stunned, thinking to himself that he had never met such a fool in all the world.

"Even Ma Chenglie has to listen to this Superintendent — don't you know that? This Superintendent orders you to rescue him!"

Bailangzai acted as if he hadn't heard a word, his face utterly unruffled.

Such a reaction truly sent Qian Zhong into a fury, smoke billowing from his seven orifices. Seeing the ship drawing farther and farther from Xiao Xu, he grew frantic and snarled, "Fine! You won't obey this Superintendent — are you trying to mutiny? Seize him!"

No one moved.

Qian Zhong raged, "Are you all rebelling? This Superintendent said seize him — didn't you hear me?"

A crewman spoke up to explain: "A big ship is hard to turn. By the time we come about and head back, he'll be long gone. If the Dragon King wants to claim him, there's no escaping. Besides, once we turn around, we'll be separated from the flagship, and catching back up will be no easy task."

Qian Zhong felt a jolt of alarm, realizing the cruelty of the sea.

He looked into the distance again — whether because the ship had drawn farther away, or because Xiao Xu had run out of strength, he could indeed see the splashing had grown much smaller.

But eunuchs above all valued personal bonds of dependence. The three eunuchs accompanying him were all his adopted sons; if he simply abandoned Xiao Xu like this, the other two adopted sons would grow cold toward him as well.

By both sentiment and reason, he could not fail to rescue him — even if it was only to put on a show once they returned.

So Qian Zhong insisted: "He must be saved. Turn the ship around, I order you."

Bailangzai pointed at the Tianyuan ahead and said flatly, "I only take orders from the flagship."

Yahei

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