In a refined residence, red corridors encircled the courtyard.
In the middle of the courtyard was a clear pond, with schools of koi fish swimming leisurely.
Looking at Yue Yun’s joyful face, Xiao Ming nodded slightly. His plan to build a marine corps was not on a whim but a preparation to compete with the West for colonies.
From the 15th to 16th centuries, Western countries established specially trained landing forces for overseas expansion. By the mid-17th century, England had established a marine infantry regiment.
Afterwards, Russia, Portugal, France, Spain, and others all set up marine corps or naval infantry units. Using these marine corps for amphibious operations, they captured many colonies.
Now Xiao Ming wanted to build a force that could follow the navy to fight anywhere. He said to Yue Yun, “Campaigning abroad is very hard. You need to select soldiers who are willing to go on expeditions. These soldiers must have the fanaticism of pirates and absolute loyalty.”
“Yes, Your Highness,” Yue Yun answered seriously.
After discussing this, Xiao Ming explained in detail how to take over Ryukyu. To control the trade routes, he had to send a fleet to garrison Ryukyu. Without military force, merchant ships could not be safe.
Following Xiao Ming’s orders, Yue Yun happily returned to the naval base. At this time, Fei Yue’er just came out of the government office.
“Your Highness, this residence is quite exquisite,” Fei Yue’er looked down at the koi swimming in the water. “I suppose the previous owner of this residence was a wealthy person.”
“You guessed right. This residence once belonged to the Su family, a local powerful clan in Dengzhou. Two years ago, the Su family took part in a rebellion. The main conspirators were executed, followers were exiled, and this residence was left vacant. Yang Chengye thought it was a pity and chose this place as my government office.”
“I see. I had heard news that Your Highness defeated the rebellion of the powerful clans in the six prefectures,” Fei Yue’er said. “The powerful clans of Great Yu are very strong now, so it must have been extremely dangerous at the time. Your Highness’s ability to fight them alone shows great wisdom and courage.”
Recalling the events two years ago, Xiao Ming sighed lightly. “I had no choice then, and my lordship’s clans were originally weak in power. Only then could I successfully wipe out all the clans. Otherwise, my territory would not have developed so smoothly.”
“Your Highness speaks wisely. Although I am a weak woman, I have read some history books. In history, the rise and fall of states is often caused by powerful clans dividing land, leaving common people with no land to farm,” Fei Yue’er said calmly.
Xiao Ming smiled. He did not believe in the old saying that women’s virtue is their only talent. To him, a virtuous and educated wife was far better than a woman who only cared about household gossip.
He said, “You see far. But now Great Yu is already gravely ill. Powerful clans are like parasitic worms, turning Great Yu into a living hell. The rebellion of the Azure Dragon King may have been secretly supported by the Chu King, but the real reason is the people cannot live anymore. Now to change things, a bloody storm is inevitable.”
Fei Yue’er sighed, as she had only remembered this because of the residence.
Seeing that Xiao Ming looked heavy-hearted, she quickly changed the topic. “Has the negotiation with the Dutch ended?”
“It is done. From now on, Ryukyu belongs to us,” Xiao Ming smiled.
Fei Yue’er smiled happily, glad Xiao Ming had achieved his wish. Then she asked, “Your Highness, since the negotiation went so smoothly, what are we going to do now that we stay in Dengzhou?”
After thinking for a moment, Xiao Ming said, “I plan to take you on a tour at sea.”
“At sea?” Fei Yue’er instantly became excited. She had lived in Chang’an for a long time and only heard of the vast sea but never seen it.
At this, their conversation became livelier. Xiao Ming carefully described the beauty of the ocean.
Thanks to the technology crystal, beautiful images appeared in Fei Yue’er’s mind. Taking the opportunity, Xiao Ming told her about sea creatures, which made Fei Yue’er sometimes amazed, sometimes excited, and sometimes afraid.
Now that the negotiation was complete, Xiao Ming no longer hurried with state affairs. One purpose of this visit to Dengzhou was negotiation, the other was to check on the coastal defense, fishing, and salt fields in recent months.
After resting one night at the government office, the next day Xiao Ming took Fei Yue’er to the naval port. Yesterday he had told Yue Yun about today’s sailing.
“Your Highness, Your Highness’s consort, please!” Yue Yun respectfully invited Xiao Ming and Fei Yue’er to board the Qi Wang (Prince Qi) ship. He had been preparing this since yesterday.
The two boarded the deck. At that moment, Xiao Ming asked, “Are there any fishing boats going out today? I want to taste seafood.”
Upon hearing this, Yue Yun laughed heartily. “Your Highness, the fishing boats go out every day, and today is no different. I plan to take you and the consort out with the fishing boats so you can eat fresh seafood on board.”
“Wonderful.”
Xiao Ming was in a good mood. The natural environment of this era was basically undamaged, especially the sea. He was looking forward to tasting pure natural flavors.
With all preparations done, the Qi Wang set sail with the bell, followed by five warships. Yue Yun arranged these warships to protect Xiao Ming. He also felt pressured to accompany the prince and consort at sea.
In front of the warships were five large fishing boats converted from merchant ships. These were operated by fishermen recruited in Dengzhou. To maximize their fishing, Yang Chengye had recruited experienced fishermen.
These fishermen had rich experience and knew the fish distribution in each sea area.
“Your Highness, ever since these fishermen started using trawl nets, each trip they bring back a full load of fish. The fishermen now respect Your Highness greatly.”
Today was for fun, so Yue Yun was relaxed and chatted with Xiao Ming.
“Is that so? Then I can rest easy. Dengzhou’s fishing industry seems fine,” Xiao Ming laughed.
Fei Yue’er seemed not to hear their conversation. She was focused on admiring the blue sea, occasionally looking up at the seagulls circling above the warships.
The dolphins leaping in the blue ocean made Fei Yue’er’s eyes widen in amazement.
After leaving the naval port, the fishing boats headed north. According to Yue Yun, the abalones on the northern part of Chang Island were very delicious. They were heading there to catch abalones.
Xiao Ming was unfamiliar with Chang Island. It was a small island north of Dengzhou.
After sailing for half an hour, an island gradually appeared ahead, exciting everyone.
But just as the fleet was about to sail around the island to continue north, six warships suddenly appeared at the island’s turning point.
“The Goryeo navy!”
Yue Yun’s expression suddenly turned cold.