usatvline Chapter 132 Self-Reliance
Chapter 132 Self-Reliance
Chapter 132 Self-Reliance
Chen Shi (7-9 AM).
Dengzhou City, the office of the Prefectural Magistrate.
Lu Yan stood in the courtyard of the second hall, with more than twenty people standing in front of him.
These people were all small-time criminals in Dengzhou City who had been oppressed by the Li family. Some were merchants whose businesses had been taken away by the Li family, some were landlords whose land had been seized by the Li family, and some were commoners whose relatives had been framed by the Li family.
They were the "allies" that Lu Yan had been secretly contacting these past few days.
"Gentlemen," Lu Yan began, "I've invited you all here today because there's something I want to discuss."
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"Lord Lu, please speak." The leader was a merchant in his forties, surnamed Wang, named Wang Defa. He was originally the second largest maritime merchant in Dengzhou, but his business plummeted after being squeezed out by the Li family.
"As you all know, my merchant ship was hijacked by pirates a few days ago," Lu Yan said. "The cargo on board was stolen, and the sailors were killed. I went to the prefectural government to report the case, but the prefect made excuses and refused to send troops to suppress the pirates."
Everyone nodded in agreement.
They all knew that Prefect Zhou Wenyuan was a member of the Li family, so how could he possibly go to suppress the Li family's "pirates"?
"Therefore, I have decided to personally go out to sea to suppress the pirates," Lu Yan said.
Everyone was taken aback by these words.
"Lord Lu, are you going to go out to sea to suppress the pirates yourself?" Wang Defa asked. "But—do you have a ship? Do you have soldiers?"
T
"I can requisition ships," Lu Yan said. "I am under imperial decree to oversee the construction of warships and have the authority to requisition civilian ships."
Soldiers————
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He paused, a slight smile appearing on his lips.
"I have over a hundred personal guards, all veterans of countless battles, more than enough to deal with the pirates."
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Everyone looked at each other in bewilderment after hearing this.
They never expected that this newly arrived prefect would have such great courage.
"Lord Lu," Wang Defa hesitated, "the Li family will not let this go easily if you do this."
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"I know," Lu Yan said. "Therefore, I need your help."
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"How can we help?"
"I need ships," Lu Yan said. "You are all engaged in maritime trade and all have ships. I would like to borrow a few to go out to sea and suppress pirates. After the mission is accomplished, I will return them all and give you all compensation."
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Everyone fell silent after hearing this.
Lending the boat to Lu Yan would be tantamount to breaking ties with the Li family.
This risk is too great.
"Gentlemen," Lu Yan said, his voice steady as he looked at the crowd, "I know you all have concerns. But I want to ask you, after being oppressed by the Li family for so many years, are you really willing to be trampled under their feet for the rest of your lives?"
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The expressions on everyone's faces changed slightly.
"The Li family is rampant in Dengzhou, monopolizing maritime trade and engaging in bullying and market manipulation," Lu Yan said. "How much of your business have they stolen? How many of your families have they harmed? Don't you want revenge?"
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"Yes!" a young man couldn't help but shout. "My father was killed by the Li family! I dream of revenge!"
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"Alright!" Lu Yan nodded. "I will give you all a chance today. As long as you help me wipe out the pirates, I will help you bring down the Li family."
"Bring down the Li family?" A glint flashed in Wang Defa's eyes. "Lord Lu, are you confident?"
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"Yes," Lu Yan said. "I have already obtained evidence of the Li family's crimes, including smuggling contraband, colluding with pirates, and betraying the country. As long as we wipe out the pirates and obtain concrete evidence, the Li family is doomed."
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Everyone was shocked upon hearing this.
Colluding with the enemy and betraying the country?
This is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!
"Lord Lu," Wang Defa took a deep breath, "are you telling the truth?"
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"Absolutely true," Lu Yan said. "My men have already found evidence of the Li family's smuggling activities. They've smuggled saltpeter,..."
Sulfur and ironware were transported to Liaodong and sold to ————
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He paused, then lowered his voice.
"Sold to the Jurchens."
Everyone's expression changed drastically.
Build a slave!
Later Jin!
That was the Ming Dynasty's mortal enemy!
"The Li family—the Li family has actually colluded with the enemy?" Wang Defa's voice trembled.
"That's right," Lu Yan said. "Therefore, my purpose in wiping out the pirates is not only to avenge the dead sailors, but also to expose the traitors, the Li family!"
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Everyone fell silent after hearing this.
A moment later, Wang Defa was the first to step forward.
"Lord Lu, I, Wang Defa, am willing to help you!" he said. "I have three merchant ships, which I will lend to you!"
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"Good!" Lu Yan was overjoyed. "Master Wang is very righteous. I will remember this!"
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With Wang Defa taking the lead, others followed suit and expressed their opinions.
"I'm also willing to help Lord Lu!"
"I have two boats, both of which I will lend to you, sir!"
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"I don't have a boat, but I can provide money and food!"
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Lu Yan looked at everyone and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
The first step was successful.
Noon.
The magistrate's office, the study.
Lu Yan sat behind the desk, a list in front of him.
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The list contained the names of the people from earlier, along with the ships, money, and provisions they were willing to provide.
"Master," Shen Qing said, standing to the side, "there are eight merchant ships in total. Is that enough?"
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"That's enough," Lu Yan said. "Eight merchant ships, plus our own three, that's eleven in total. That's enough to deal with the Li family's pirates."
"What about troop strength?"
"One hundred and twenty personal guards, plus the thirty Zhao Changying brought from Jinan, make a total of one hundred and fifty," Lu Yan said. "If we borrow some sailors from those merchants, we can make it about two hundred, which should be about right."
"What about firearms?"
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"One hundred and twenty flintlock muskets and five breech-loading cannons," Lu Yan said. "These firearms are enough to crush the pirates' bows and arrows and swords."
Shen Qing nodded.
"Master, there's one more thing."
"What is it?"
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"There's been some activity from the Li family," Shen Qing said. "My subordinates reported that Li Shouzhen sent people to the garrison today and mobilized a group of soldiers, saying it was to 'strengthen coastal defense.'"
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Lu Yan sneered.
"Strengthening coastal defenses? He's afraid I'll go out to sea to suppress bandits, so he's deploying defenses in advance."
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"What does the employer plan to do?"
"Never mind him," Lu Yan said. "He mobilized the troops on land. I went out to suppress the bandits at sea. It's none of his business."
"But—" Shen Qing hesitated, "what if he sends his navy to intercept us?"
"Naval forces?" Lu Yan scoffed. "Those dilapidated ships of the Dengzhou Navy, can they stop me?"
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He stood up and walked to the window.
"Shen Qing, go and inform Zhao Changying to prepare to depart. We will set sail in three days."
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"Yes."
Shen Qing turned and left.
Lu Yan stood by the window, looking at the sky outside.
The sky was overcast, with dark clouds covering the ground.
A storm is coming.
That afternoon.
Dengzhou City, East Street.
Lu Yan changed into casual clothes and walked down the street with two guards.
He was going to a place called Dengzhou Shipyard.
The shipyard, located in the east of the city near the dock, was the largest shipbuilding workshop in Dengzhou. Lu Yan's assignment to "concurrently oversee the construction of warships" meant managing this place.
The shipyard gates were wide open, and the sounds of hammering and clanging could be heard from inside.
Lu Yan walked in and saw that the courtyard was piled with wood, nails, and tung oil, and dozens of craftsmen were busy at work.
"Which one of you is Lord Lu?"
An elderly man in his fifties came forward, his face beaming with smiles.
This man, named Sun Laosan, was the manager of the shipyard. He had worked in the shipbuilding industry in Dengzhou for over thirty years and was highly skilled and well-connected.
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"That's me," Lu Yan said. "Are you Manager Sun?"
"It is indeed I, your humble servant." Old Man Sun bowed respectfully. "Lord Lu has arrived. I am so sorry for failing to greet you properly."
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"No need to be so polite." Lu Yan waved his hand. "I'm here today because I have something to take care of."
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"Please speak, sir."
"I need to requisition several ships," Lu Yan said. "How many ships are ready in the shipyard?"
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Sun Laosan was taken aback.
"Your Excellency, there are five ships ready in the shipyard. They are all newly built and have not yet been delivered."
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What kind of ship?
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"Three Fujian-style ships and two sand barges," said Sun Laosan. "The Fujian-style ships are large, capable of carrying cargo and also used for warfare. The sand barges are small, fast, and suitable for coastal navigation."
Lu Yan nodded.
"Alright, I'll requisition all five ships."
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Sun Laosan's expression changed.
"Sir, these—these boats are all owned; they were ordered by several merchants in town—"
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"I know," Lu Yan said. "I will compensate them. But right now, I have an urgent need."
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"But----"
"Steward Sun," Lu Yan interrupted him, "I am ordered to oversee the construction of warships and have the authority to requisition ships. This is an order from the imperial court; do you dare to disobey?"
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Sun Laosan's face turned pale.
"I wouldn't dare."
"That's good," Lu Yan said. "Get all five ships ready within three days. I'm going to go out to sea to suppress the pirates."
"Suppressing bandits?" Sun Laosan was taken aback. "Sir, you want to go out to sea to suppress bandits?"
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"Indeed," Lu Yan said. "Pirates are rampant in the waters off Dengzhou. Merchant ships are being robbed and sailors are being killed. The government's efforts to suppress the bandits have been ineffective, so I have no choice but to take matters into my own hands."
Upon hearing this, a complex expression flashed in Sun Laosan's eyes.
Having lived in Dengzhou for over thirty years, he certainly knew what those "pirates" were all about.
But he dared not say it.
"My lord—" he hesitated, "Going out to sea to suppress pirates is very risky. Those pirates are not to be trifled with—"
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"I know," Lu Yan said, "which is why I need your help."
"What can a petty person do to help?"
"I need you to help me modify these ships," Lu Yan said. "Modify the bows with gun emplacements and create firing ports on the sides. I want to turn these merchant ships into warships."
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Sun Laosan's eyes lit up.
"Does the adult know anything about ships?"
"I know a little bit," Lu Yan said. "What, can you do it?"
"Yes!" Sun Laosan patted his chest and said, "I've been doing this for over thirty years. What kind of ship haven't I built? Don't worry, sir, I'll definitely have the ship modified within three days!"
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"Alright." Lu Yan nodded. "After the matter is accomplished, I will reward you handsomely."
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"Thank you, sir!"
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Lu Yan turned and left.
Sun Laosan stood there, watching his back, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes.
This newly appointed prefect is no ordinary person.
three days later.
December 23rd.
Dengzhou Wharf.
Eleven ships were neatly moored in the harbor, their masts towering and their sails billowing.
This is Lu Yan's "bandit suppression fleet"—five converted warships and six borrowed merchant ships.
The ship was loaded with grain, fresh water, gunpowder, and lead bullets.
One hundred and fifty guards were scattered across the various ships, each one full of energy and eager to get started.
The dock was crowded with onlookers.
They had never seen anything like it before—a mere prefect was actually going out to sea to suppress bandits on his own.
"Lord Lu is mighty!"
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"Suppress the pirates and rid the people of this scourge!"
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The people cheered.
Lu Yan stood at the bow of the boat, looking at the crowd on the shore with a faint smile on his face.
"Master," Zhao Changying walked to his side, "we can set off now."
"Alright." Lu Yan nodded. "Pass down the order, weigh anchor!"
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"yes!"
As the horn sounded, the fleet slowly sailed out of the harbor.
The people on the shore waved and cheered, watching the fleet sail away.
at the same time.
Inside a restaurant next to the dock.
Li Shouzhen stood by the window, watching the departing fleet, his face grim.
"Brother," Li Shouyi said, standing beside him, "this Lu Yan has really gone to sea."
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"I saw it," Li Shouzhen said.
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"What should we do?"
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Li Shouzhen remained silent for a moment, then turned and walked towards the door.
"Send someone to Changshan Island to inform the brothers at sea."
Tell them—a fleet of ships is heading their way.
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"Let them treat us well."
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Over the next few days, Lu Yan made preparations in full swing.
Under the pretext of "building warships," he requisitioned three large merchant ships and ordered craftsmen to install cannon positions on the bows and open firing ports on the sides.
The guards boarded the ship in batches, secretly loading muskets, cannons, and ammunition.
They only told the public that it was a "new ship undergoing trial voyages," but in reality, it was a heavily armed combat fleet.
Three days later, everything was ready.