Chapter 200: Take the Sword, Serve the Tea

An official said in a sarcastic tone, "The Nan'ao naval force raised troops in haste—let's hope they don't repeat Regional Commander Yu's downfall."

Shang Zhouzuo remained expressionless and asked the soldier who had come to report, "How many men did the Nan'ao naval force bring?"

The soldier answered truthfully, "Eight large warships, over ten small warships, and over ten patrol boats."

"What? That few?" The hall buzzed with discussion.

After all, the sea bandits had over a hundred warships!

The Provincial Surveillance Commissioner frowned and said, "Circuit Intendant Fang, what's going on? How were the orders issued?"

Circuit Intendant Fang was the deputy of the Circuit Intendant office, serving as its chief officer, and was a subordinate of the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner.

Upon hearing his superior's question, Circuit Intendant Fang immediately distanced himself from blame: "My orders were for the entire Nan'ao naval force to come to reinforce... It must be that the Nan'ao naval force used their warships for maritime trade, which is why they lack sufficient men."

The Provincial Surveillance Commissioner gritted his teeth and said, "Using warships for commerce—putting public assets to private use—their intentions deserve death!"

The officials in the hall all condemned the Nan'ao naval force in speech and writing.

"The Nan'ao naval force acted rashly—their own defeat and death would be a small matter, but if they provoke the bandit chief into a murderous frenzy, leading to widespread plundering around Fuzhou, that would truly be betraying the nation and harming the people—a crime beyond pardon!"

"The Nan'ao naval force came from afar to reinforce, yet brought only this many men—could they be another fame-seeking fraud like Yu Zigao?" Yu Zigao died for his country and should not have been spoken of this way, but Ming military officers held low status, and with the officials on edge, they spoke without thinking, blurting out what was on their minds.

But the hall was not filled only with civil officials.

The Governor bore the responsibility of overseeing both civil and military affairs in Fujian, and since military matters were being discussed, quite a few military officers were present as well.

Their status was lowly, they had just suffered defeat, and their Regional Commander was dead—they had all been holding their breath, not saying a word. But when they heard the officials insult Yu Zigao, how could they hold back?

The Assistant Regional Commander guarding the northern route of Fujian said, "Naval warfare differs from land warfare—having more ships does not always mean an advantage.

The Nan'ao naval force is all cannon-armed capital ships, with the courage to match ten times their number.

At the great victory of Fuzhou two years ago, the Nan'ao naval force deployed no more than three large ships and a dozen or so small ones, yet they routed the Tartars completely."

Circuit Intendant Fang said, "Nonsense! Everyone present is a high official of the province, a jinshi by examination—do you think you know more than we do, a mere Assistant Regional Commander? This hall has no place for you to speak!"

A flash of anger crossed the face of the Assistant Regional Commander guarding the northern route of Fujian, but in the end he bowed with clasped hands: "The Circuit Intendant's reprimand is correct. This humble officer was rash."

The civil officials thought to themselves: the Jianzhou barbarians have no navy, so the Nan'ao naval force's achievements at sea were merely taking advantage of circumstance—they don't really count.

The red barbarians had come on a long expedition with only a dozen or so ships, hardly worth mentioning—and even so, the Nan'ao naval force needed over forty fireships to drive them off.

That Li Dan had a fearsome reputation with over a hundred warships—for the Nan'ao naval force to deploy even fewer men against him than against the red-haired barbarians was far too arrogant!

Since ancient times, military men who boast of their merits and grow arrogant from their achievements have been legion.

The Nan'ao naval force was no different.

Grand Secretary Ye actually married his eldest legitimate granddaughter to such a military brute—truly unable to distinguish the pure from the foul, ruining his reputation in his later years!

Of course, these words, the civil officials only dared to think in their hearts.

Ye Xianggao's status was too high—daring to curse him directly was out of the question.

Consequently, no one dared to directly curse Ye Xianggao's grandson-in-law Lin Qian either.

But cursing Ma Chenglie carried no such psychological burden—everyone pointed fingers at him for being arrogant and overbearing, and vowed to impeach him once the fighting was over. The hall continued in this vein for nearly four hours.

A fast horse entered the city from the southeast, galloping toward the Governor's yamen while shouting at the top of its rider's lungs.

Hearing the hoofbeats and shouts outside the yamen, the officials gradually lowered their voices of criticism and pricked up their ears to listen.

Someone said in a trembling voice, "It sounds like they're saying something retreated?"

"Did the Nan'ao naval force retreat? Or did the sea bandits retreat?"

The hoofbeats grew from distant to near, stopping at the yamen gate, and the messenger soldier ran in shouting all the way, "Great victory! Great victory!"

Bursting into the hall, the soldier fell straight to his knees, sliding five or six inches across the floor from the speed of his run.

The soldier's face showed unrestrained ecstasy: "Your Excellency the Governor, a great victory! At the Min River estuary, the sea bandits were utterly defeated! The Nan'ao naval force is pursuing the remnants! A great victory!"

The civil officials' faces were full of disbelief as they leaned in and asked, "Say that again—clearly—who won?"

The soldier said, "The Nan'ao naval force won! Our army has achieved a great victory!"

Before the civil officials could even react to these words, the Assistant Regional Commanders, Brigade Commanders, and Garrison Commanders standing along the wall were already cheering and celebrating.

Not only for defeating the enemy, but also in excitement that Regional Commander Yu's great vengeance had been avenged—the military officers could finally hold their heads high!

Only then did the civil officials snap out of it, joy spreading across their faces as they offered congratulations all around.

Shang Zhouzuo's face was wreathed in smiles: "Tell us the full course of the battle, in detail."

That soldier's duty was precisely to record battle conditions and report them to the rear—accurate memory and clear speech were professional requirements—so he began recounting from the moment the Nan'ao naval force engaged the enemy.

From the two sides sailing toward each other, to the exchange of cannon fire, the fireship assault, the common folk cheering in unison, the nimble evasions, the sea bandits' rout, and the flagship's pursuit—he narrated it all in sequence. The civil officials present felt as if they were witnessing the scene firsthand.

When the Ming army won its great victory, that messenger soldier had personally witnessed the spectacle of the common folk cheering as one, and his blood had long since boiled. Though his account added no embellishments, he employed synesthesia, metaphor, and other literary devices liberally.

Seeing that the officials enjoyed listening, he grew even more enthusiastic, continuously digging deeper into details, his story growing ever more splendid.

Had he been telling it in a teahouse, even the professional storytellers would have sat down to listen.

"... The sea bandits' cannons roared like gongs and drums, shaking one's ears until they ached.

The Nan'ao naval force's cannons roared like thunderclaps, carrying the awe-inspiring majesty of heaven itself!

Never mind the petty sea bandits—even this humble one standing on the shore felt fear rise in his heart, his chest tight, his hands and feet numb.

One volley from the Nan'ao naval force, and the bandits' ships were shattered to pieces! Flesh and blood, wooden planks rained down like a storm, scattering for one or two li!

Only then did the gunsmoke drift over from the muzzles—the entire hillside was filled with the acrid stench of sulfur and charcoal, as if the whole mountain had been set ablaze.

The common folk were choked into coughing without cease, yet not a single person left!

When the Nan'ao naval force fired a volley, the people's cheers thundered.

When the sea bandits fired a volley, the people fell silent as graveyard.

When those fireships drew near, first a child shouted for the naval force to take cover, and then everyone on the entire mountain was crying out!

Honored sirs, please bear witness—in this humble one's entire life, I have never seen the common folk so united!!

That scene, truly... truly it makes one..."

The messenger soldier choked up at this point, two streams of tears flowing down his face. He wiped them haphazardly with his sleeve, smearing soot and tears into a mess across his face. Shang Zhouzuo waved his hand to dismiss him.

After the soldier left, the entire hall of civil officials fell silent, as quiet as commoners when the sea bandits open fire.

Circuit Intendant Fang's face flushed red then pale—he had just boasted of understanding naval warfare, only to be humiliated by reality moments later; his face could hardly bear it.

The other civil officials wore the same expression.

The more one had disparaged the Nan'ao naval forces just moments ago, the harder it was now to lift one's head.

The military officers standing at the foot of the wall, by contrast, all held their heads high, basking in reflected glory.

At last, someone broke the deadlock: "I wonder how Wang Jinshi is faring?"

No one answered, because no one actually cared.

If Wang Jinshi had backing, he would never have been sent on such a dangerous mission.

Right now, the only thing on every civil official's mind was a single question.

Could it be that the Nan'ao naval forces truly were formidable in combat?

The Great Ming's universally acknowledged strongest military strength all lay along the Nine Borders.

The garrisons of the southeast—especially the navy—were even less capable than before General Qi emerged upon the scene.

How did a place so long at peace produce a Nan'ao naval force like this?

Had General Qi been reincarnated or what?

But even General Qi needed the support of Hu Zongxian and Zhang Juzheng at court to achieve his deeds.

Who supports the southeast navy?

The retired Grand Secretary Ye? Or Wei Zhongxian, who extorts ruthlessly and purges those who disagree?

After a long silence, the sound of horse hooves came from outside the yamen gate once more.

Before long, the latest movements of the Nan'ao naval forces were reported in.

"Reporting to the Governor, after clearing out the sea bandits, the Nan'ao naval forces dispatched a squad of soldiers, who landed near Changle County..."

"What is he trying to do?" Circuit Intendant Fang exclaimed in alarm. "The bandit suppression is complete—why would the Nan'ao naval forces not remain on standby at sea, but instead land ashore without authorization? What exactly is his intention?"

Someone said: "Governor, this official recommends immediately mobilizing the Fujian Northern Route Assistant Regional Commander's troops to garrison Fuzhou."

"That is prudent and sound advice—it should be done!"

"The Governor must be on guard!"

Shang Zhouzuo hesitated, unable to make up his mind.

Only then did the soldier find a chance to speak: "Honored sirs, the Nan'ao naval forces went ashore to reassure the common people."

"What do you mean?" Circuit Intendant Fang asked, startled and uncertain.

The soldier said: "Recently, because of the sea bandits' raids, most of the people of Changle County fled elsewhere with their families.

Now that the bandits are destroyed, the people naturally wish to return, but the journey is fraught with difficulties.

The Nan'ao naval forces went to help the people along the way and maintain public order.

All of this was told to me personally by the Fujian Southern Route Assistant Regional Commander—I happened to overhear it."

"He came ashore?" Circuit Intendant Fang's face grew even more suspicious. "Such matters are naturally handled by the patrol inspection offices—does he need to go win people's hearts himself?" Shang Zhouzuo said: "The Min'an Town garrison was long ago taken by the sea bandits—have you forgotten, Circuit Intendant Fang?"

Circuit Intendant Fang started inwardly, then clasped his hands and said: "The Governor is right."

Shang Zhouzuo asked again: "After Lin Qian came ashore, what else did he say?"

The soldier said: "General Lin clasped his hands to the people in salute, saying the Nan'ao naval forces had come late and caused the people to suffer, and he apologized to them.

The people, first grateful to General Lin for sparing their lives, and moved by his assistance, all bowed in thanks to General Lin."

"Fine tactics!" Circuit Intendant Fang said through gritted teeth.

"He said his surname was Lin?" the Provincial Surveillance Commissioner confirmed.

The soldier nodded.

The civil officials understood in their hearts—Lin Qian, in the capacity of Fujian Southern Route Assistant Regional Commander, was commanding the Nan'ao naval forces that nominally did not fall under his authority, and he no longer even bothered to use the alias "He Ping."

He wasn't even pretending anymore!

Circuit Intendant Fang clasped his hands and said: "Governor, this official recommends immediately mobilizing heavy troops into the prefectural seat, and having the Circuit Intendant issue a directive ordering Lin Qian to return to his post." The Fujian Northern Route Assistant Regional Commander could not contain himself and said: "General Lin first achieved merit in destroying the sea bandits, then performed deeds of defending the territory and reassuring the people.

The Circuit Intendant offers no commendation, but instead mobilizes troops for defense and sternly orders him back to his post—what is the meaning of this? Are you not afraid of chilling the soldiers' hearts?" Circuit Intendant Fang said with a sinister tone: "What, are you championing his cause? He is Grand Secretary Ye's grandson-in-law—even if he acts recklessly, he has backing. Have you weighed your own standing, General?"

The Fujian Northern Route Assistant Regional Commander took a deep breath, his jaw muscles bulging, and finally clasped his hands: "This humble officer would not dare."

Shang Zhouzuo looked at Circuit Intendant Fang and thought: "Lin Qian's dominance in the southeast is already established—using the old method of restraining military officers against him is simply stupid. With Lin Qian now, one must either appease him or provoke him to rebellion. There is no middle path left.

If I were to suppress him by force, does the Great Ming have the national strength to send troops to the southeast?

If I appease him, perhaps I fail the emperor above—but what grace is there to speak of from a sovereign who blindly trusts eunuchs, indulges factional strife, murders the loyal, ignores governance, and is harsh and ungrateful?"

Last year, Wang Wenyin was framed by the eunuch faction and thrown into the Imperial Prison, subjected to every cruelty—the savagery of it was outrageous.

That man would rather die than falsely accuse his colleagues, so the eunuch faction tortured him to death, then used fabricated confessions to arrest Yang Lian, Zuo Guangdou, and four others. All six were core members of the Donglin Faction, high court officials, men of integrity—what tortures they would endure in the Imperial Prison was easy to imagine.

When this matter came to light, the Donglin Faction was thoroughly toppled at court, and the eunuch faction's power reached its zenith.

The scholars and common people of the entire Jiangnan region became utterly alienated from the court.

Among the populace, curses against Wei Zhongxian, abuse of the court, and even furious denunciations of the Emperor himself rose one after another.

In some areas of Jiangnan, signs of popular unrest were already appearing.

That Fujian could remain untouched amid this tide was not something Shang Zhouzuo dared take credit for—it was entirely thanks to Lin Qian.

Shang Zhouzuo thought: "This Lin Qian, though ambitious, is genuinely good to the common people. With him here, Fujian can not only remain safe, but even grow prosperous!

If I appease him, even if history records my name with scorn, I will never fail the people below.

Grand Secretary Ye—what a figure he is—didn't he marry his eldest legitimate granddaughter to Lin Qian?

I, Shang Mingjian, judge my own talent and wit to be far inferior to Grand Secretary Ye's.

Surely, following Grand Secretary Ye's lead cannot be wrong. Ah, what a pity that among my grandchildren, there is no unmarried daughter..."

Having thought this far, Shang Zhouzuo said: "Circuit Intendant Fang."

"Your subordinate is here!" Circuit Intendant Fang replied with a booming voice, cupping his fists.

"The Nan'ao naval forces fought hard in the sea battle. Have his soldiers resupply on site. All military equipment and provisions shall be replenished by the Fujian Circuit Intendant's office—no shortages, no delays! I also request that General Lin himself come to Fuzhou City for a meeting to discuss the matter of meritorious rewards!"

"Your subordinate obeys—ah?" Circuit Intendant Fang was stunned, then said urgently, "Your Excellency, this Lin Qian—"

Shang Zhouzuo's gaze swept over coldly: "This man is highly valued by Grand Secretary Ye. He is the pillar of our Fujian naval forces. Circuit Intendant Fang, as a jinshi graduate and the chief official of the Circuit Intendant's office, you should know how to recognize and employ talent!"

These words were not particularly harsh, but they thoroughly defined Lin Qian's standing and slapped Circuit Intendant Fang squarely in the face. His breath caught in his throat and would not come out. Only after a long moment did he mutter in a low voice: "Your subordinate... understands."

Fuqing was close to where the sea battle had taken place, but there was no one specifically tasked with running messages, so news of the victory only arrived in the evening.

Ye Xianggao, escorted by several yamen runners, returned home.

The moment he reached the back courtyard, his family members crowded around, all anxiously asking about the situation.

Ye Xianggao said with a smile: "Do not worry. The bandits have already been wiped out by Ziyuan."

"That fast?" Lady Yu was somewhat surprised. "None of them escaped ashore, did they?"

Ye Xianggao laughed: "According to the messenger, one ship did try to slip into the Min River amid the chaos, but it was sunk by the Nan'ao naval flagship. Not a single man was allowed ashore." Lady Yu breathed a sigh of relief: "That's good then."

Ye Heng said happily: "Mother, brother-in-law is truly formidable—he really is a great hero!"

Lady Qin smiled affectionately: "Your brother-in-law being formidable is true enough, but being a great hero isn't just about being formidable."

Ye Xianggao watched his family chatting and laughing, and his own face was full of joy.

That so-called "manifesto" Li Dan had written—though it was complete nonsense—had at least splashed some dirty water onto Lin Qian.

During this period, officials and local elders had done no small amount of gossiping. They dared not speak in front of Ye Xianggao, but behind his back they had plenty of snide remarks to make. Yet the moment the victory report from the Min River estuary arrived, all that talk vanished into thin air, leaving only unanimous praise.

For Ye Xianggao, praise of his own conduct as an official or his scholarship would only draw a faint smile. But praise of his family's younger generation—that was different. Even as modest as Ye Xianggao was, he could not help feeling a bit elated from all the compliments, and even his walking pace quickened considerably.

Most importantly, the praise from officials and local elders was not flattery or bootlicking—it was all sincere.

How long had the sea bandits been causing trouble? Around half a month, wasn't it?

The Nan'ao naval forces had come without stopping, from eight or nine hundred li away. And the Min River estuary wasn't even part of the Nan'ao naval defense zone!

If it had been troops from another defense zone, arriving within one or two months would already count as an elite force.

And after arriving, they fought the battle so cleanly and decisively.

Word had it that after the battle, the Nan'ao naval forces not only refrained from harassing the common folk, they even went ashore to help the people return to their homes.

Truly a righteous and benevolent army.

Lin Qian himself was directly recognized as a scholar-general, receiving great acclaim.

Had Ye Xianggao not been Lin Qian's relative by marriage, he too would have felt compelled to offer a few words of encouragement.

Just as the family was conversing, footsteps sounded outside the mansion gate—it seemed a squad of soldiers was approaching.

The Ye family's expressions changed.

A moment later, Ye Yifan ran in, saying excitedly: "Everyone, rest easy—it's... it's General Lin's soldiers!"

At these words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

Ye Yifan caught his breath and continued: "More than twenty men have come. Their leader is called Geng Wu—he's my brother-in-law's personal guard captain.

He said that General Lin is in the neighboring county. He had intended to come to Fuqing to pay a visit in person, but official duties prevent him from meeting in person. Considering that the bandits have only just been suppressed and fearing that petty criminals might take the opportunity to cause trouble, he specially dispatched a squad of personal guards to protect the mansion.

He also asked whether everyone in the household was well. Your grandson answered that all was well, and Guard Captain Geng then sent a man riding fast to relay the message to Changle County."

Ye Xianggao rebuked: "Moving troops into the county town without authorization—nonsense! What if people see this?"

Lady Yu said: "This is also your grandson-in-law's thoughtful gesture. It's to his credit that despite his heavy military duties, he still thinks of us.

Ziyuan runs his army with strict discipline and has a bright future ahead of him. He is honest and upright, values loyalty and friendship, and—rare indeed—he treats Zhen'er well too. Where in all the world could you find such a fine grandson-in-law?

You should just accept his good intentions and not go making trouble out there!"

Lady Qin was of the younger generation and could not directly rebuke her father-in-law, but from her expression, she clearly agreed wholeheartedly with her mother-in-law's words.

Ye Xianggao had always been lenient and never put on the airs of a family patriarch. Stifled like this, he found himself unable to argue back, and could only shake his sleeve in frustration: "Fine, so long as they don't harass the common folk, that's all that matters."

Ye Yifan said: "Grandfather, those personal guards stand outside the mansion like wooden posts, not moving at all.

When they stayed at the inn, they insisted on paying. When the innkeeper refused to take the money, they forced it on him. In my whole life I've never seen soldiers like this."

Ye Xianggao frowned: "Why did they go to an inn? Doesn't the mansion have spare rooms?"

Ye Yifan lowered his head: "I told them the mansion had spare rooms, but Guard Captain Geng absolutely refused to come in. He said General Lin had established a rule—when troops enter a city, they may not lodge in civilian homes, and our mansion was no exception."

"Enough, let them do as they please." Ye Xianggao said helplessly.

Dawn, five days later.

Thick fog shrouded the waters around Nan'ao Island.

The ship *Pioneer* emerged silently from the mist.

"Whoosh—pop!" A signal rocket shot into the sky from the Yuanyu fort.

Then signal rockets rose from the Qing'ao Bay fort and the Gelaoshan tower as well.

In the several years since Nan'ao Island had been fortified, this was the first time it had encountered an enemy situation.

In an instant, the entire island was mobilized. Island-defense soldiers and clerks from the judicial office all surged onto the forts.

In the administrative hall, Scholar Zhou heard the news and momentarily panicked.

Zheng Zhilong, however, asked calmly: "How many ships have come?"

The soldier said: "Only one ship sighted—a yacht."

Zheng Zhilong said: "Why hasn't the Eagle Ship reported in?"

"A thick fog rose at sea this morning, making it difficult to leave port, so—"

"Understood. Have each unit move into their gun positions according to the original plan."

After the soldier left, Scholar Zhou said hurriedly: "Brother Yiguan, can the island's defenses hold?"

Zheng Zhilong laughed: "Didn't we receive the Eagle Ship's warning a few days ago? The island has long been prepared.

Besides, a single warship is hardly worth mentioning. If it dares to come within five hundred paces of the island, it will be shot full of holes!"

Zheng Zhilong thought for a moment and said, "I'll trouble Second Brother Zhou to settle the people's hearts on the island. I'll go inspect the cannons at the front line."

Scholar Zhou nodded and said, "Good!"

Meanwhile.

In the general's residence, Baikou came rushing in frantically: "Madam, something terrible! Sea bandits are attacking!"

Ye Zhen was eating breakfast attended by Yueyi. She had little appetite lately and had eaten only a little. Hearing this, she set down her chopsticks and said calmly, "What happened? Tell me slowly."

Baikou said, "I heard from Uncle Chen that at dawn the batteries on the east side of the island fired signal cannons in turn—a fleet is attacking!"

"A fleet?" Ye Zhen's gaze sharpened.

Baikou nodded vigorously: "Could be the red-haired barbarians, or wokou... either way, they won't be easy to deal with. Madam, you should hide quickly!"

At that moment, Ranqiu also came rushing in frantically with similar news. Since Lin Qian had left the island, she had temporarily stepped away from confidential matters, so her sources of information were now only hearsay.

Yueyi said urgently, "Madam, your condition is precious—you should hide at once. Change your clothes first."

"No hurry." Ye Zhen pondered for a moment, then asked the two of them, "A fleet truly came? Did someone actually see it?"

Baikou said anxiously, "Everyone is saying so—they say a dozen or so cannon ships have come!"

Ranqiu spoke rapidly: "In any case, Madam, please hide quickly. The island... the island is dangerous..."

Ye Zhen mused for a moment, then rose slowly: "Come, let's go to the main hall."

Yueyi said urgently, "Madam, why go to the main hall? The situation is critical—you must protect yourself! Your belly..."

Ranqiu was startled, then said joyfully, "Madam... you're with child?"

Ye Zhen smiled: "Don't listen to her nonsense. I've just been feeling nauseous lately—I haven't even had Young Doctor Su examine me yet."

Then Ye Zhen's expression turned serious: "This is urgent, and we can't worry about anything else now. Ranqiu, go to the study and fetch the master's sword. We're going to the main hall!"

With that, Ye Zhen pushed open the door and headed for the main hall. The three maidservants could not dissuade her and could only follow behind.

When Scholar Zhou walked into the main hall of the general's residence, he saw Ye Zhen seated upright in the seat of honor. One maidservant was mixing honey water, and another stood behind her holding a Longquan sword.

Seeing this scene, Scholar Zhou was momentarily stunned.

"Please sit, Second Brother Zhou." Ye Zhen smiled. "Yueyi, serve tea."

Yahei

Fenyuan

Pen