For access to a complete chapter, you can subscribe to my patreon.com/caleredhair
Gentle and moist sea breezes came in gusts.
After landing on the island, Xiao Ming did not rush to meet the King of Sanmyo, but instead took a stroll around.
According to Xiao Ming’s plan, this place was also to be built into a naval port, as it was the front line against Japan, and Japan would certainly not willingly lose the Sanmyo Kingdom.
After all, historically, Japan had always coveted the Sanmyo Kingdom and even the Ryukyu Islands.
In the blink of an eye, it had been half a year since Yue Yun occupied Ryukyu. Now, the construction of the military port had basically taken shape. Cement transported from Qingzhou had allowed for the laying of clean concrete roads.
Overall, the roads here were clean and tidy. The military camp and the dock were built separately, with clear planning. There were also dozens of artillery emplacements on the coast, all equipped with naval guns to defend against pirate attacks.
Rounding the dock and walking a li, one would reach the marine corps camp. Marines and naval soldiers were stationed here. Before even reaching the gate, he heard the soldiers’ training shouts from inside. Just then, a person walked out from inside. Seeing Xiao Ming, he quickened his pace.
“Liu Chen, greetings to Your Highness!”
Xiao Ming made a gesture to support him, saying, “Dispense with the formalities.”
“Thank you, Your Highness!” Liu Chen said.
Xiao Ming lifted his foot and walked into the camp. He recognized Liu Chen, having seen him many times at the naval academy. He joked, “Is life here a bit tough?”
“Reporting to Your Highness, no, it’s not tough. My life was tougher when I used to fish for a living,” Liu Chen said.
Xiao Ming nodded, “It’s good that you’re not afraid of hardship. In the future, the state will have more naval bases overseas, and you navy men will be needed to maintain them. The construction of this Sanmyo Kingdom naval port is good; continue to build according to this standard in the future. Although this place is small, Qingzhou’s food supply also depends on it. Maintaining Great Yu Empire’s overseas interests relies on you.”
“Your Highness trusts us so much, we will certainly not disappoint Your Highness Prince Qi!” Liu Chen said loudly, his tone firm.
Xiao Ming patted Liu Chen’s shoulder. For him, these ordinary generals and soldiers were the cornerstone of the state’s future.
After a brief chat, the three laughed and entered the camp, where they discussed some construction issues of the Sanmyo Kingdom.
Before long, a commotion suddenly arose outside the camp. A soldier came to report: “Your Highness, the King of Sanmyo heard of Your Highness’s arrival and has specially come to pay his respects.”
“This King of Sanmyo is well-informed,” Xiao Ming said with a smile upon hearing this.
Yue Yun said, “This King of Sanmyo is obedient, but he has always been afraid that if we leave, this place will be occupied by Japanese pirates again. At that time, their fate might be very tragic, because the Japanese pirates killed three of his sons during their first occupation here.”
Xiao Ming nodded. Occupying overseas territories required considering management costs. If resources could be obtained as desired without management, that would naturally be the best method.
That was why Xiao Ming decided to let the King of Sanmyo continue to manage the area. Once the Great Yu Empire was unified and had enough talented individuals, they would completely take over the Sanmyo Kingdom.
“Let’s go, come with me to greet him.” Xiao Ming stood up. He felt he didn’t need to put on airs of a superior celestial empire. After all, even a visit from a lower-ranked country in modern times would be met with respect.
He needed the King of Sanmyo’s help now, and he should make him willing in his heart.
Yue Yun and Liu Chen exchanged glances, but still followed Xiao Ming out.
Outside the military camp, the King of Sanmyo waited uneasily. Seeing a young man emerge, flanked by Yue Yun and Liu Chen, he immediately knelt and said, “I greet His Royal Highness Prince Qi.”
“King of Sanmyo, dispense with the formalities,” Xiao Ming helped the King of Sanmyo up and said, “The Sanmyo Kingdom has been enfeoffed by the Great Yu Empire throughout its history. Now, due to complex state affairs, we neglected the King of Sanmyo and allowed Japanese pirates to run rampant here, which is truly regrettable.”
The King of Sanmyo wore an expression of profound gratitude, shedding tears. He said, “I am indebted to Your Royal Highness Prince Qi for not abandoning us. I hope Your Highness will always look after us from now on and not forget this place.”
Xiao Ming nodded, “My personal visit is to put the King of Sanmyo’s mind at ease.”
Upon hearing this, the King of Sanmyo beamed with joy. He said, “Your Highness, when I came, I had already ordered a banquet to be prepared. I hope Your Highness can share fine wine in my palace.”
“In that case, I would be rude to refuse,” Xiao Ming said.
Having drifted at sea for several days, Xiao Ming was also a bit tired. At this moment, he needed to relax a bit, so he prepared to attend the banquet with Yue Yun and Liu Chen.
As night fell, Xiao Ming, accompanied by Yue Yun, Liu Chen, and Huang Tingzhi, proceeded to the Sanmyo Kingdom under the protection of soldiers. At this time, the King of Sanmyo had prepared a seafood feast. In such a place, meat was scarce, but seafood was abundant.
The three sat down, immediately attracted by the various seafood on the banquet. There were abalones, lobsters, sea crabs, and various kinds of fish, and even shark fins, all of considerable size. In the eyes of modern people, it would definitely be extremely luxurious.
Looking at the dishes, Xiao Ming was not in a hurry to eat. At this moment, Huang Tingzhi first took out a silver needle and tested each dish. Seeing no anomaly, he nodded.
The King of Sanmyo then remembered something. Japan had occupied the Sanmyo Kingdom for over ten years, and it was inevitable that there would be pro-Japanese individuals on the island. He then said a few words to a guard, and soon two chefs were brought over. He ordered the chefs to taste each dish to prove the safety of the ingredients.
Xiao Ming expressed approval for the King of Sanmyo’s attitude.
At this moment, the King of Sanmyo clapped his hands, and suddenly a group of women in red dancing attire fluttered like butterflies.
The leading woman, with her face veiled in white gauze, faced Xiao Ming, occasionally glancing at him during the dance.
Yue Yun and Liu Chen were dumbfounded. The two had been crude men not long ago and had never seen such a spectacle. For a moment, their eyes were fixed on the graceful dancers.
As the saying goes, “After three years in the army, even a sow looks like a tree-climbing beauty.” Xiao Ming noticed their expressions and wondered if he should provide an outlet for these soldiers who were far from home.
The King of Sanmyo kept his eyes on Xiao Ming. Seeing that Xiao Ming was not interested in the leading woman, he felt a little disappointed. When the dance ended, he spoke, “Is Your Highness satisfied with my humble daughter’s dance?”
Xiao Ming was startled upon hearing this. He then realized and said, “This dance is graceful and beautiful, truly pleasing to the eye.”
The King of Sanmyo grew more disappointed. Xiao Ming hadn’t praised his daughter’s beauty at all.
Xiao Ming laughed inwardly. This King of Sanmyo was probably trying a marriage alliance strategy, but he wouldn’t fall for it. After all, his daughter and Fei Yuer were worlds apart.
However, since the King of Sanmyo was well-intentioned, he couldn’t ignore it. After all, this was also for mutual trust. He said, “I have a younger brother who is eighteen this year, and he would be a very suitable match for your daughter.”