Chapter 133 – A Fine Ship

Completely unaware of the impending ban on eating out, Xu Chun was enthusiastically welcoming his long-awaited new ship.

When the two brand-new ironclad ships sailed into the Jinhai port from the open sea, the entire port was abuzz. The naval troops were startled and hastily stretched out chains to block them, but upon learning these were anti-smuggling ships ordered by the Board of Shipping, they reported to Qin Jie.

It was a day chosen for auspiciousness, and when Director Qin arrived at the port with a large entourage, his face radiant with spring breezes, Xu Chun was already there along with the officials of the Board of Shipping. Sheng Changtian accompanied him on the deck, pointing things out. Upon hearing that Director Qin had arrived, Xu Chun led the officials of the Board of Shipping out to greet him.

After the mutual bows, Director Qin took the lead, guiding the soldiers and officials of the Board of Shipping aboard. They lit incense, offered sacrifices of livestock, wrote the Peaceful Text, and respectfully paid homage to the ship god, the Empress of Heaven, and the sea deity.

The wind was strong and the white sails fluttered wildly. Amidst the sounds of firecrackers, the Peaceful Text was burned and cast into the sea, completing the sacrificial ceremony.

The group of officials was then guided by Sheng Changtian and Lu Jiugao to introduce the facilities inside and outside the two large ships.

Director Qin, observing that each of the two ships came with an accompanying vessel, noted their imposing height and black hulls. Their names, painted in gold, were “Long Live” and “Eternity”. He remarked in surprise, “Why such names? I thought you’d choose something more grand-sounding like ‘Ocean Tamer’ or ‘Wave Pacifier.'”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Our dynasty’s prosperity lasts ten thousand years, isn’t that the best omen?”

Director Qin smiled. “Indeed.”

They all crowded around and boarded the ship, inspecting both inside and out. After verifying the range of the cannons and witnessing the Thunder Cannon’s roar, which reduced a target on a distant island to dust, they watched the exercises of the centipede fast boats deploying grappling hooks and chains to intercept vessels. They also observed the constables conducting drills to search cargo onboard. They praised, “Excellent! Even the warships I saw last time in Minzhou are not as formidable as these!”

Lu Jiugao, introducing them, said proudly, “They’re built using the best current technology. The Wei Yuan cannons, the hundred-shot guns, the giant crossbows, and the engines are all state-of-the-art.”

Qin Jie, however, played lovingly with the pair of binoculars in his hand. “Even this is much clearer than our single-tube telescope, and it’s lighter too. This would be useful for daily training drills.” The body of the telescope was adorned with silver-inlaid copper patterns, making it even more exquisite and ancient-looking, akin to a decorative item.

Xu Chun laughed. “If Director likes them, feel free to keep them. I’ve had two more made for use on the ship.”

Sheng Changtian glanced at Xu Chun, now understanding why he had specifically instructed to make a few particularly exquisite and attractive telescopes. It was all for this moment.

Qin Jie was delighted. “These are indeed very useful for military leadership. In that case, I won’t refuse them!”

Xu Chun showed no concern. “This is a pearl finding its true master, a fine horse matching a hero.”

Qin Jie, flattered, held Xu Chun’s hand warmly. “The sooner we do this, the better. Since the ship has arrived, we should take it out for a spin immediately.” Lowering his voice, he added, “Ever since Brother Xu mentioned the anti-smuggling ship, I’ve been keeping an eye out. Indeed, there’s a lead right now. We’ll gather at the port tonight at midnight, prepare everything on the ship, and set out at 2 AM. We’ll take the new ship out for a spin, and it’s time for the brothers to flex their muscles.”

Xu Chun, having just received the new ship, was itching to go. He exclaimed joyfully, “Perfect! Tonight, we rely on General Qin to show us the ropes. If we can win our first battle, it will be a fitting tribute to the Empress of Heaven and the ship god!”

Qin Jie was filled with heroic spirit and discussed the evening’s operation with him further. How many people to bring, when to assemble, and privately taking Xu Chun’s hand, he said, “Anti-smuggling operations need to be kept secret. With so many mouths, it’s hard to avoid some traitors. Therefore, after everyone boards the ship, we’ll only reveal the location once we’ve set sail. At that time, I’ll lead one ship, and Brother, you lead the other, following us.”

Xu Chun laughed. “I’m at your command, Director.”

Qin Jie was pleased with his understanding and left with his men, fully satisfied.

Xu Chun then instructed Dong Xian and Xu Tingjie, “Go back and arrange for the constables to all be on the ship tonight. We might as well practice a bit. This matter must be kept confidential; under no circumstances can it leak out.”

Dong Xian and Xu Tingjie saluted and agreed, but Dong Xian asked, “Didn’t Director Qin say where we’re going?”

Xu Chun didn’t care. “He probably fears the leak of military information, so he didn’t specify the destination. We’ll determine it once we’ve gathered and set sail. After all, it’s anti-smuggling.”

Dong Xian glanced at Xu Tingjie and coughed softly. “In matters like anti-smuggling, it’s hard to ensure that stray bullets are discerning. Especially with sea merchants smuggling, most have private guards and are quite ruthless. Why don’t we have the constables observe while the naval troops take the lead?”

Xu Chun replied, “What are you afraid of? Our ironclad ship is sturdy. If the two Deputy Directors lack confidence, they can rest in the fortress on the ship.”

Dong Xian’s face twitched. “I should be loyal to Your Excellency, but I have been suffering from severe diarrhea these past few days. I’m afraid that if I board the ship tonight, I might accidentally offend someone, potentially hindering Your Excellency’s actions and causing Director Qin to look down on our Board of Shipping.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Director Dong, rest at home and take care of your health. It’s fine.” He glanced at Xu Tingjie. “Brother Xu’s child is just a month old. You should also look after your family tonight.”

Xu Tingjie felt embarrassed, knowing that this Lord Xu was young and spirited, clearly looking down on their fear of death. But thinking about how this Lord Xu had offended so many people and was now personally leading the ship out to sea for anti-smuggling! Stray bullets are discerning! With so many subordinates, why risk danger personally?

He put on a thick face and said, “We subordinates should be loyal to Your Excellency and wish to serve as your vanguard. However, my wife is indeed still in her confinement period, and my mother is ill…”

Xu Chun nodded indifferently and dismissed them to return. He stayed on the ship to talk with his cousin and Lu Jiugao.

Sheng Changtian asked Xu Chun in confusion, “How come Director Qin seems to treat this ship as if it’s his possession?”

Xu Chun sighed. “He oversees the defense of Jinhai, and the anti-smuggling ships of the Board of Shipping naturally fall under his command, especially since he needs to dispatch troops for anti-smuggling. But without such enormous benefits, how could we entice others to help us with anti-smuggling? Just don’t let it become something that looks good but serves no purpose. Whenever we go to conduct anti-smuggling, someone will tip off the area in advance. Then, it would merely be an empty display.”

Sheng Changtian laughed. “You still owe money for building the ship. Grandfather said that even between brothers, accounts should be clear. This sum of money has been covered by the family, and the shipyard has given you many discounts. But you still need to pay back the costs.”

Xu Chun chuckled. “Thank you, Grandfather. Thank you, dear Cousin. I’ve invited you to dinner at the Penglai Tower for a welcoming feast.”

Sheng Changtian also laughed. “Invite Mr. Lu. He spent a lot of effort on these two ships, personally guiding his apprentices. All materials used are the best.”

Lu Jiugao, carefully inspecting the recently fired cannon nearby, turned his head upon hearing them speak. “No need for formalities. I am repaying Prince Xu’s kindness. Besides, Prince Xu is generous, willing to invest heavily in the big ships. I was eager to try my hand and ended up creating such fine ships, fulfilling my lifelong ambition.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Spending so much money, don’t let others reap all the benefits.”

Xu Chun smiled faintly. “Whether the meat is in the bowl or the pot makes no difference. Tonight, we can test our mettle. If we can win our first battle, according to imperial law, twenty percent of the anti-smuggling proceeds can be retained for public use by our office. Then, we can earn a substantial amount.”

In his heart, he silently added: Cousin only sees the gains and losses of the Jinhai Board of Shipping. My Ninth Brother owns the whole world. The gains and losses of Jinhai are the gains and losses of the whole world. Director Qin is ensuring the safety of the Board of Shipping, allowing me to make a lot of money.

Sheng Changtian looked at his smiling lips and the slight flush on his cheeks, blown by the sea breeze, his handsome features captivating. He was momentarily stunned: Right, I forgot he’s the Emperor’s lover. Who knows, this director might one day be Young Lin. Indeed, the meat rots in the pot either way.

For a moment, each person harbored their own thoughts, smilingly disembarked the ship. Xu Chun remembered something and turned to Xia Chao. “Go to the city guard camp and invite Commander Huo. Say that my cousin from Minzhou sent over the new ship, and I’m hosting a welcoming feast for my cousin tonight. I also invite Commander Huo to attend the banquet.”

He then laughed and spoke to Sheng Changtian. “In Jinhai, I’ve met a hero, extremely chivalrous and generous. You must meet him, Cousin.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Sounds interesting, I’d like to meet him.”

They rode their horses to the Penglai Tower. Sheng Changtian whispered, “I vaguely remember this is Aunt’s property, right?” Xu Chun whispered back, “Yes, it’s not easy to find a place, but it’s more comfortable to eat at home, and it’s easier to talk.”

At the Penglai Tower, two private rooms were reserved. One room was set up for a banquet, where Xu Chun, Sheng Changtian, and Lu Jiugao hosted the welcoming feast. Jiang Mei accompanied the guests, and Huo Shiduo was also invited. The other private room was exclusively for Dinghai, Chunxi, and Fengxiang’s two commanders, the guards, and the servants to dine.

Xu Chun first inquired about the family’s well-being. Sheng Changtian laughed. “Grandfather is in good health. Eldest Sister-in-law is pregnant, and Grandfather went to the Empress of Heaven Temple to repay his vows again.”

Hearing this, Xu Chun was invigorated. “I’ll prepare gifts for Cousin Changzhou and Cousin-in-law and send them back.” He then said to Sheng Changtian, “Cousin Changtian, since you’re here, stay with me, alright? Don’t go back.”

Sheng Changtian said, “Yes, I’ve handed over my business to Changyun. Now that Eldest Brother has taken up an official post, the family business has fallen to Second Brother. Grandfather said to bring Mr. Lu here to help you.”

Lu Jiugao said, “I’m repaying a debt. Prince Xu has been kind to my mother and me. Mother’s health has greatly improved. Now that Prince is determined to build a career here, Mother ordered me to follow Prince and serve him.”

Xu Chun understood. He was worried about lacking close and capable people, and this was Grandfather sending Third Cousin to assist him, also securing a future for Third Cousin and Lu Jiugao. He was delighted and quickly poured a toast.

After drinking for a while, Xia Chao came in to report that Huo Shiduo had arrived.

Xu Chun hurriedly went out to personally welcome Huo Shiduo, laughing as he introduced them. Sheng Changtian saw that Huo Shiduo indeed walked with the grace of a dragon and the strength of a tiger, his presence commanding respect. He promptly stood up to bow. Huo Shiduo saw that Sheng Changtian was tall and upright, his speech generous and frank, while Lu Jiugao was gentle as jade, none of them ordinary people. In his heart, he secretly reevaluated Xu Chun.

After the mutual bows, they toasted each other with a cup of wine. Sheng Changtian reminded Xu Chun, seeing his flushed face after drinking, “We have things to do tonight, don’t drink too much.”

Xu Chun laughed. “It’s nothing, just honey fruit wine, it doesn’t get you drunk. I know we have things to do tonight, how could I let it affect my duties?” He then laughed and said to Huo Shiduo, “Brother Huo isn’t an outsider, bring a few brothers to my ship tonight!”

Huo Shiduo asked, “What’s happening? I heard your ship arrived, and I saw it from afar at the port today. It’s indeed mighty.”

Xu Chun said, “Director Qin said he wants to start a battle tonight. There’s a lead on smuggling, and tonight we’re going to strike for good luck.”

Huo Shiduo asked, “Did he say where we’re gathering? What ship are we intercepting?”

Xu Chun said, “He said he’s afraid of loose lips among the officials and constables, leaking news and letting the criminals escape. Once we set sail, we’ll follow him.”

Huo Shiduo furrowed his brow. “Prince Xu, although Director Qin is my superior, I shouldn’t speak ill of him behind his back. But he’s cunning and worldly, greedy for credit, selfish, and afraid of trouble. If there’s really good smuggling business, he often lets his own people intercept it. Although you have the advantage of these large ships, the ship he plans to intercept is likely a tough nut to crack. Either it’s backed by powerful figures, or the ship is strong and the cannons are powerful, meaning pirates. He’s pushing you to the front, probably not a good thing. Better to ask for clarity.”

Xu Chun laughed. “Commander Huo, if it’s just powerful figures backing them, I’m not afraid. If the other side has strong ships and powerful cannons, isn’t that perfect for practicing? Our new ship is so well-equipped. Should we retreat in our first battle?”

Huo Shiduo said, “Your status is precious, and you’ve offended many people now. You should be more cautious. Why don’t I lead the team? You stay on shore and wait for my good news.”

Sheng Changtian also advised, “Safety comes before anything else. I’ll go. After all, it’s a new ship.”

Xu Chun said proudly, “There’s still a long way to go. Is the first time any different from every other time? The more so, the more we should see what he’s planning. The ship is mine, and the shipworkers and sailors are all from the Sheng family, brought by Cousin Changtian and Mr. Lu Jiugao’s students and apprentices. There are also many guards. If I still dare not go, wouldn’t the entire garrison underestimate our entire Board of Shipping?”

“How can I lead the ship in the future? How much of the spoils we take, how much we give to the court, how much the Board of Shipping and the Jinhai garrison divide, can we leave it to the garrison to decide? Anti-smuggling is the responsibility of both the Board of Shipping and the garrison, with the Board of Shipping taking the lead and the naval troops assisting. Now that I’m the chief officer, if I shrink back, at that time, the Board of Shipping will lose its initiative and truly become the warship of the garrison.”

Upon hearing this, Sheng Changtian agreed. Turning to comfort Huo Shiduo, he laughed, “Little Lin is right. Commander Huo, rest assured. I’ve led a fleet at sea for many years and have experience in naval battles. To brag a little, most pirates would avoid us when encountering the Sheng family fleet. Moreover, now that we have these ironclad ships and powerful cannons, who can match us?”

Lu Jiugao said arrogantly, “Indeed, they’re the best.”

Huo Shiduo, seeing their determination, couldn’t help but feel a surge of courage. “I was boosting the enemy’s morale and diminishing our own. In that case, thank you, Lord Xu, for allowing me to bring my brothers tonight to broaden our horizons and fight a good battle.”

Xu Chun, slightly tipsy from drinking, was flushed and hot. He laughed. “If we fight, we fight!”

==

At the Admiral’s Mansion.

Qin Jie’s deputy general was very worried as he spoke to Qin Jie. “Lord, are you really going to surround Wu’an Marquis’ private salt ship? Wu’an Marquis is powerful… I’m afraid that…”

Qin Jie sneered. “We’re short on food and supplies! They smuggled salt through our territory without giving us a single coin. For so many years, they’ve never taken us seriously. In the past, our naval troops were weak, without ships or cannons, so we had to tolerate them. Now that we have ironclad ships and powerful cannons, what are we afraid of?”

The deputy general lowered his voice. “But it’s rumored that Wu’an Marquis has even greater power behind him, allowing him to act recklessly for so many years. Lord, you’ve been safe here for many years, why stir up trouble with that hornet’s nest?”

Qin Jie said, “That’s the new post of Jingguo Duke’s heir, buying new anti-smuggling ships and cracking down on smuggling. That’s how we caught the private salt. Our garrison’s naval troops have a duty to cooperate with the Board of Shipping’s maritime anti-smuggling efforts.”

The deputy general was speechless.

Qin Jie continued, “Isn’t it said that Wu’an Marquis wants to become in-laws with Jingguo Duke? Since they’re close, I’m sure he doesn’t mind a bit of private salt. Consider it paving the way for his future son-in-law.”

The deputy general said, “I heard Li Meiyao accused Jingguo Duke of forming cliques and seeking personal gain, and one of the accusations was having too close a relationship with Wu’an Marquis.”

Qin Jie said, “That’s perfect. The heir of Jingguo Duke caught Wu’an Marquis’ private salt ship, clearing his name. I’m actually helping him.”

The deputy general said, “My lord… Wu’an Marquis isn’t someone to be trifled with. He’s known for holding grudges and will surely seek revenge. We might suffer the consequences.”

Qin Jie said, “I heard that in the capital, Jingguo Duke was summoned and reprimanded, confined to his residence and fined. Xu Chun has offended the entire officialdom of Jinhai. I vaguely heard that merchants have gone to the capital to jointly sue him. When the tide turns against him, if the heir of Jingguo Duke is retaliated against by Wu’an Marquis and loses his post, the ship belongs to the Board of Shipping and can’t be taken away, right? Wouldn’t it rightfully become the garrison’s ship?”

The deputy general’s eyes lit up.

Qin Jie chuckled. “Those cannons, those hundred-shot guns, didn’t you see them today? Don’t you want them? Now they’re still under the name of the Board of Shipping. If you want to use them, you have to beg him. The shipworkers and sailors are all his people. You saw today that he also brought many guards, each fierce and armed with firearms! How often can you even get to use them? Speaking of Xu Chun, he’s obviously trying to curry favor with me to help him with anti-smuggling, merely showing superficial friendliness. In reality, he has his own plans!”

“He thinks I can’t see through his plans? Clearly, I have the highest authority in the Jinhai garrison. If I said today that these ship names should be Ocean Tamer and Wave Pacifier, if he sincerely respects me and is willing to be subordinate to me, he should immediately follow my suggestion and change the ship names. Instead, he said something about our dynasty lasting ten thousand years, laughable! Thinking that a few flattering words and a telescope could make me, a fourth-rank admiral with a large army at my command, obediently listen to his orders? Ha, he’s still too young.”

“He thinks he’s the heir of Jingguo Duke, with money and people, and can act as he pleases locally, build a career, and make people submit to him? Without a few real battles, without even growing feathers, he wants to come and show off his might. Let him see the world tonight. If he sincerely wishes to serve me, if the court asks for punishment in the future, I can write a memorial to protect him. If he persists in his delusions, then don’t blame me, as his elder, for teaching him a lesson.”

The deputy general was dumbfounded. After a while, he genuinely admired and bowed in submission. “General is indeed far-sighted and wise. Xu Chun is young and doesn’t understand the depth of the situation. He deserves to be taught by General how to be an official and a person.”

“When the Ocean Tamer and Wave Pacifier become the ships belonging to our Jinhai garrison, they should rightly be under your command, my lord!”

Qin Jie stroked his beard contentedly, reminiscing about what he saw today, still savoring the memory. “Indeed, they are fine ships.”