Chapter 72 – Sinking the Enemy

Outside the cabin, orders echoed amidst bright flames.

After the crew rescued them and led them into the cabin, a ship doctor came to examine their injuries. Clearly experienced with maritime illnesses, the doctor immediately recognized the signs of a firearm wound when the young general removed his armor. His face betrayed no surprise as he said, “It’s merely a graze from a musket ball, the flesh torn and bone shattered, but fortunately, no major tendons were damaged. However, you must rest and recuperate properly, removing the lead poison. First, clean the wound with oil, rinse it daily, and cut away any rotten flesh before applying white medicine.” After writing out a prescription and ordering someone to brew medicinal soup, he gave some painkillers and left.

The five of them were all arranged in one cabin room, divided into inner and outer chambers. The four guards naturally placed the young general in the innermost room. A servant named Jiang Kan said, “Your Highness, please rest for a while; we’ll watch over things outside.”

The young general’s ghastly shoulder wound felt cool after the medicine was applied. He was already utterly exhausted and could finally lie on a clean, warm bed, have his wounds rebandaged, and drink clean water. He felt relaxed. However, he shook his head, struggled to stand up, and whispered, “Call me General Ji. One of you go find out whose merchant ship this is. Earlier, I took a glance at this fleet, vast and imposing. Looking at how orderly everyone on this ship is, and how the leader of that merchant group was so experienced and decisive, he’s certainly not an unknown figure.”

A guard named Huang Zhong said, “When I went to fetch water and snacks earlier, I asked around. It’s the Sheng family’s fleet from Minzhou. I heard that the Second Young Master and Third Young Master Sheng brought their younger brother along to gain some experience. That younger brother is said to be fond of reading, probably aiming for a government post, and is much beloved by the family, which is why they brought so many ships for safety.”

Another guard, Sun Yi, who was proficient with military equipment, added, “I also went out and looked around earlier. Just on this flagship alone, there are forty cannons, plus countless heavy crossbows, giant bows, and javelin throwers, let alone the accompanying ships. General Ji, you’re safe now.”

General Ji, who had spent years at sea, naturally understood the details about the major sea merchants near coastal areas like Minzhou. He nodded and said, “So it’s Sheng Jingyuan’s fleet. I’ve heard that his three grandsons are all very capable. There’s also a fourth…”

He thought back to the youth he glimpsed in the darkness, surrounded by many bodyguards. Not yet of age, he had a refined appearance, indeed bearing the air of a scholar, unlike the typical son of a merchant family. He seemed more like a young master from a distinguished clan, frequently looking back with concern, tugging at his elder brother’s sleeve.

He smiled faintly. “Such grace and kindness; the Sheng family must have ancestors smiling down on them from their graves. Let’s go up on deck and take a look.”

Ignoring his weak and tired body, he led the four men onto the deck. Indeed, they saw torches blazing everywhere, cannons, heavy crossbows, archers, and javelin throwers all in position, their spirits high, exuding excitement. In the highest lookout tower, a group of people surrounded three young masters. Two of them were likely the Second and Third Young Masters Sheng, dressed in soft armor, their appearances noble and heroic. The youngest little master wore a cloak, revealing soft armor underneath, and was also looking out with concern.

General Ji’s group was stopped by the guards due to the battle preparations. No one was allowed to wander around at this time, so they could only return to their living quarters via the ladder. As General Ji descended the stairs, he leaned against the railing to look at the several large and Fujian ships surrounding the junk. “The fleet formation is set. Sheng’s Third Young Master is known for his bravery and martial prowess. Sheng’s Second Young Master excels in tactics and strategy. Now that they’re working together, their skills are even more remarkable. It’s a pity that they’re involved in commerce; if they could be recruited under His Highness’s command, they’d surely become two great generals.”

Xu Chun watched for a bit but was soon seated in a chair. Sheng Changyun carefully lifted Xu Chun’s hood and handed him a telescope. Sheng Changtian, straightforward and efficient, said, “Luckily, the moon is bright tonight. We spotted the black sword flag of Wuhe. Just two Fujian ships, easy targets. Our cannons have a longer range than theirs. We’ll sink both, leaving no trouble behind, so we can sleep through the night.”

Sheng Changyun remained silent, clearly approving of this strategy. Sheng Changtian then relayed the order. The lookout on the mast made a signal, and the largest cannon on the bow slowly raised its platform. The lookout continued to wave a torch, while the messenger below watched the torch signals, guiding the direction of the cannon. Once it was finally aimed at the pursuing ship, obscured by the distant mist, it fired decisively and accurately.

With the telescope, Xu Chun could see the pursuing ships carrying the black pirate flag of Wuhe, emblazoned with crossed blades. In the pitch-black night, the flag exuded a menacing and chilling aura.

As he tried to identify figures on the ship, he heard a loud boom right beside his ear, as if thunder had suddenly struck the water. Through the telescope, he saw one of the two warships instantly enveloped in smoke and destroyed by the cannonball, tilting and sinking into the sea, the waves churning. The other warship didn’t attempt a rescue but hastily turned its rudder and left the sinking ship behind.

However, just as they thought victory was within their grasp, the behemoth opposite them had no intention of letting them retreat. Another cannonball fell from the sky and hit it precisely. The wind whipped up the waves, lifting the half-destroyed ship, burning sails, and small boats were released into the water. Now it was their turn to flee, but in the dark and stormy night, another bomb dropped. A huge wave swept over, swallowing the small boat whole, leaving no trace.

Their massive ship continued to sail through the waves, quickly leaving the two warships far behind, beyond the range of the telescope.

Xu Chun put down the telescope, suddenly understanding why his two older brothers hadn’t taken it seriously… Their fleet was impervious to a mere few ships.

No wonder Ninth Brother wanted to build a navy. Such naval battles weren’t won simply by having more people; you needed strong ships, powerful cannons, and skilled gunners, navigators, and weather forecasters. Training these would require countless silver coins and effort. This wasn’t something achieved overnight, but if they didn’t do it, foreign nations would soon surpass them. They had mountains and passes guarding the northern borders, but how could they defend the seas?

As the enemy retreated, cheers erupted on the deck. Sheng Changyun ordered that after sunrise, they would celebrate with fine wine and slaughtered pigs. For now, they would work in shifts. The deck resounded with enthusiastic cheers once more.

In the cabin, General Ji first heard the cannon fire, followed by the cheering on the deck. He knew the pursuers had been sunk or repelled, as expected. But the strength of the merchant fleet exceeded his expectations. Hitting a warship in the dark sea wasn’t easy, yet it seemed they only fired three shots. This could only mean that the cannons on the ship were superior in accuracy and range, the gunners well-trained, and the commander bold, meticulous, and decisive.

Ordinary merchant fleets, if daring enough to confront pirates from Wuhe, might suffer brutal retaliation. Given the size of this fleet, the pirates might not attack them. As long as they kept sailing, they could protect themselves. Initially, the young master seemed to have planned to avoid trouble by steering clear and retreating.

But once they saved General Ji’s group, inviting trouble upon themselves, they attacked without hesitation, sinking the enemy to eliminate any future threats.

General Ji reflected on this. The Sheng brothers were indeed talented individuals.

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“Ninth Brother, yesterday, I caught a ribbonfish, about the length of my arm, shimmering like silver silk, as clear as a sword blade, beautiful and exquisite, completely different from what usually ends up on our plates. I wanted to release it back into the water, but unfortunately, it died as soon as it was out of the water. Third Brother had it steamed for us, and it was incredibly tender and delicious.”

“Also, during our journey, we encountered an uninhabited island. Upon stepping ashore, I saw the sunset like fire, half the sky filled with smoky clouds cascading like a waterfall, majestic and magnificent. I attempted to paint a scene for Ninth Brother to see, but no matter how I adjusted the colors, I couldn’t capture even a fraction of its beauty. I could only try to describe it with dark gold outlines, the divine light penetrating through.”

“On that deserted island, we happened upon soldiers of Guangyuan King being chased by pirates from Wuhe. The leading young general was noble and heroic, remaining calm despite dire circumstances. Out of compassion, I begged my cousin to save them and bring them aboard our ship. Yet, doing so meant facing the risk of engaging in battle with pirates from Wuhe. I didn’t know if putting our fleet in such danger was right or wrong, but my cousin said avoiding trouble isn’t the same as fearing it. Saving them doesn’t necessarily invite trouble, but not saving them would leave a lifetime of guilt.”

“Sure enough, after we set sail, two warships pursued us, probably assuming we were just a merchant fleet and thus relentlessly chasing us. However, Third Brother sank them with just a few cannon shots. It’s hard to aim accurately at night, yet the gunner managed to hit the target precisely. This made me worry all night, but my two cousins acted as if it were nothing, their heroic spirit inspiring my admiration. On the seas, the strong rule. If we avoid confrontation, others might target us. The bolder we are, the less likely anyone dares to offend us.”

“I realized that in the past, I learned that one should follow the straight path, with a clear conscience. Now, however, I have another idea. If we wish to help those in need, we must first be prepared to act. To open up trade routes at sea, we must first establish a navy.”

As Xu Chun pondered, describing the scene of his first encounter with war for Ninth Brother, Qiu Hu came in to report, “Fourth Young Master, the rescued General Ji has come to thank you.”

Xu Chun looked up, surprised. “His surname is Ji? Alright, please escort him to the flower hall.”

He changed his clothes and walked out, seeing General Ji standing by the window, looking at the painting he had drawn last night. His posture was still as straight as a spear. That painting was created by Xu Chun last night, after returning to the cabin, too excited to sleep. He got up to mix colors and paint the fiery clouds he had seen covering half the sky on the island.

Now, with someone looking at it, he felt a bit shy. Hearing footsteps, General Ji turned around and smiled, bowing deeply. “Fourth Young Master Sheng, my name is Ji Sinao. Last night, you didn’t abandon us. Your brothers’ righteousness and bravery moved us greatly. We are grateful and will remember your kindness for the future.”

Xu Chun returned the bow. “My name is Sheng Youlin, ranked fourth. General Ji, you fought the barbaric pirates of Wuhe to protect us merchants from slaughter. We merely rescued you on our way, not deserving of such praise.”

Ji Sinao laughed. “Do you happen to know where your brothers are planning to go? If it’s on the way, could you perhaps first detour to Yizhou? I have some influence with Guangyuan King and can recommend your brothers to him. I’ve heard that the Second Young Master is strategic, the Third Young Master brave and valiant, and now seeing that the Fourth Young Master is refined and talented, with extraordinary abilities. Your brothers are like dragons and phoenixes among men. Currently, Guangyuan King is seeking capable ministers and excellent generals. With my recommendation, it’s not hard for him to petition the court to grant you titles and positions.”

He originally thought the Fourth Young Master, being a scholar preparing for the imperial exams, would show some interest and yearning upon hearing of titles and positions. This way, he could persuade him more easily.

To his surprise, Xu Chun laughed. “It’s precisely because of the sea battles around Yizhou and Danzhou, with cannon fire echoing day and night, that we fear getting caught up in the conflict and have stayed far away. We were planning to head south to Java to unload our goods. Going back now would be walking right into a trap. General Ji, we appreciate your kind intentions, but first, rescuing you was just coincidental, and it seems that heaven hasn’t abandoned you; this is your good fortune. Second, there are hundreds of merchants following our fleet, their annual profits and livelihoods depending on this voyage. Since we’ve brought them along, we naturally have a responsibility to ensure their safe return.”

“If General Ji is in a hurry to return, we can lend you a ship to send you back to Yizhou. If you’re not in a rush, you can join us in going to Java, then find another ship to return to Yizhou.”

Ji Sinao was startled. He initially guessed that the two elder brothers were adept at worldly matters and wouldn’t be easily persuaded. However, they doted on their youngest brother, so he planned to start by persuading the young master. This young man, seemingly around eighteen or nineteen and not yet of age, spoke with such insight and eloquence. His speech was composed and unafraid, his demeanor dignified with a hint of nobility, and his accent was the refined Northern dialect. He didn’t resemble a pampered young master from a merchant family but rather a carefully cultivated scion from a wealthy and influential household.

Ji Sinao was secretly alarmed but didn’t reveal it on his face. He smiled and said, “Fourth Young Master, don’t you want to discuss this with your brother first? Lending a ship isn’t a minor matter. Moreover, Guangyuan King has always appreciated talent. Your brother is so brave and strategic; he will surely receive an official position.”

Xu Chun smiled. “There’s no need. General Ji, we appreciate your kind intentions.”