Chapter 197 - Experience Always Comes up
“This modest gift is a token of goodwill for the young master. It's nothing extravagant, I hope Lord Zuo will pardon its simplicity,” Liu Steel remarked, nudging a wooden box toward Wu.
Given that it was intended for his child, Zuo Shaoqing felt compelled to accept the gift. However, he harbored the notion that if their paths diverged in the future, he might simply return it with double the appreciation.
“I extend my gratitude on behalf of my child,” Zuo Shaoqing conveyed, passing the box to Luo Xiaoliu before bidding farewell.
The encounter proved rather unproductive. Merely a preliminary test ensued between them. Zuo Shaoqing resolved to investigate Clerk Hee, contemplating measures to curb Lin Zhihao's influence, perhaps severing his figurative right arm.
Exiting the red-crowned building with Zuo Xiaolang in tow, Zuo Shaoqing noticed a familiar carriage parked nearby, with Yinyi standing beside it, gaze fixed ahead.
“Lord Third,” Sun Tie greeted, stepping aside to allow Zuo Shaoqing to assist Zuo Xiaolang into the carriage. He then guided Luo Xiaoliu to the driver's seat.
Settling Zuo Xiaolang onto Lu Zheng's lap, Zuo Shaoqing inquired, “You're back earlier than expected?”
Observing Lu Zheng's change of attire and damp hair, indicating he had already bathed, Zuo Shaoqing noted the detail.
“Yes, I visited the navy camp,” Lu Zheng responded with a furrowed brow, while also attending to Lil Thing, lifting the creature into his arms as it crawled on his lap.
“How is it?”
“Recruitment has been done, but the soldiers' training lacks effectiveness,” remarked Zuo Shaoqing with a furrowed brow.
“Ah, could it be due to the soldiers' low caliber or the general's lack of diligence?” inquired Lu Zheng with genuine concern.
Holding Zuo Shaoqing's hand tightly, Lu Zheng sighed, “The generals under my command have always fought on land. While they're confident in their abilities, their lack of experience at sea poses a challenge.”
Within military camps, the commander's influence was paramount; a general unable to earn the soldiers' trust would struggle to lead effectively.
Recognizing the challenge of mastering aquatic warfare overnight, Zuo Shaoqing queried, “What's your plan then?”
“Once the ships are ready, we'll take them out to sea for live combat. There's no substitute for hands-on experience,” declared Lu Zheng confidently.
Zuo Shaoqing chuckled, acknowledging the practicality of the approach, yet hoped for favorable outcomes and formidable opponents.
Drawing Ye Zichen close, Lu Zheng affectionately kissed his ear, questioning, “What's amusing you?”
Zuo Shaoqing's smile faded as he replied earnestly, “I truly admire your insightful strategy, Master Lu.”
Lu Zheng nibbled on Zuo Shaoqing's earlobe, playfully changing the subject, “Who did you meet with today?”
“The clerk from Crane City,” Zuo Shaoqing replied, presenting Clerk Hee's box to Lu Zheng.
Inside rested a gleaming golden lock and a radiant jade pendant, both in children's styles, intended for Zuo Xiaolang.
Examining the weight of the golden lock in his hand, Zuo Shaoqing remarked, “It's quite substantial.”
Lu Zheng examined the warm jade pendant, nodding approvingly before placing it around Zuo Xiaolang's neck.
Unaccustomed to constraints, Zuo Xiaolang found discomfort in wearing a collar, despite having adjusted to complete attire reluctantly.
As he moved to remove it, Lu Zheng intervened, “Keep it on, wear it!” Duke Zhen's household naturally possessed such items, yet they hadn't anticipated acquiring a son during their outing, hence the lack of preparation.
The warmth of jade was beneficial to one's health, particularly for Zuo Xiaolang, who wasn't in the best condition to wear it.
Zuo Xiaolang pursed his lips, refraining from resistance, but his pleading eyes glanced at Zuo Shaoqing for assistance.
Zuo Shaoqing tousled his son's short hair, “Silly child, this is valuable. If you ever lose it, you can exchange it for food. Remember that?”
Understanding the notion of bartering for sustenance, Zuo Xiaolang nodded gleefully, delicately storing the smooth jade pendant in his attire as if it were a treasure.
Lu Zheng opted not to comment further on Zuo Shaoqing's method of upbringing, “Then you should adorn him with more items, lest he trade a piece of jade for a morsel of meat.”
Zuo Shaoqing's mouth twitched. He instantly regretted his earlier words, envisioning Zuo Xiaolang trading a jade piece for a meat chunk worth a thousand taels of silver.
After stowing away the jade pendant, Zuo Xiaolang noticed the gleaming golden lock within the box and reached out to grasp it. Compared to the reserved elegance of the jade pendant, the golden lock held a more overt allure.
Zuo Shaoqing casually tossed the wooden box aside, causing a corner of the red flannel to flutter, revealing a white paper beneath.
“Hmm?” Zuo Shaoqing retrieved the wooden box and uncovered the cloth, revealing a neatly arranged stack of banknotes below. Each note held a value of 1000 taels of silver, all issued by the Chase Bank.
“I didn't expect He to be so generous, selling them for over ten thousand taels of silver.” Zuo Shaoqing clicked his tongue twice, pondering whether to accept the silver notes.
“Crane City is affluent, not only serving as a hub for coastal merchants but also boasting the largest presence of salt merchants. Such a sum is trivial.” Lu Zheng doubted Clerk Hee's allegiance to the Qing officials.
“True, but he seems to imply a desire to secure an official position in Crane City, relying on us.” Zuo Shaoqing recounted their conversation to Lu Zheng, concluding, “He Min is exceedingly cunning. We must remain vigilant.”
“Then let's probe him. If he betrayed Lin Zhihao, we cannot afford to let him slip away. If he still holds some loyalty, assisting him wouldn't hurt.”
“I share the same sentiment. Intelligence isn't intimidating; it's the willingness to betray one's master that's alarming. If he can betray Lin Zhihao today, he can betray us tomorrow.”
Observing Lil Thing attempting to ingest the golden lock, Zuo Shaoqing swiftly intervened, retrieving the lock and admonishing him gently, “Your teeth could easily damage this, Lil Thing.”
Unperturbed by the theft of his toy, Zuo Xiaolang climbed onto Zuo Shaoqing's leg and settled down, closing his eyes gradually.
Catching sight of Wu Tie's silent demeanor, Zuo Shaoqing chuckled and playfully tapped his forehead, whispering, “The investigation into the Wang Family is complete.”
Resolute, Zuo Shaoqing glanced at Zuo Xiaolang, contemplating the document he missed while he was away.
Lu Zheng understood his concern perfectly, remarking, “Rest assured, Lil Thing will be safe under our roof.”
Zuo Shaoqing nodded, draping a blanket over Zuo Xiaolang.
Upon returning to the Cao Sect, Zuo Shaoqing retrieved a box from his quarters and handed it to Lu Zheng, saying, “You requested a tally of the silver available to the Cao Sect. It's all here. With the ten thousand silver I acquired today, it totals one hundred thousand.”
“Certainly,” Lu Zheng beckoned Yinyi and passed the box to him.
After Yinyi left the room, Zuo Shaoqing inquired with curiosity, “What are your plans for the funds?”
Lu Zheng tied up his long hair and replied, “Your establishment of the navy is aimed at safeguarding against overseas threats. Thus, understanding the seas is crucial. We need comprehensive knowledge of both nearby waters and foreign territories.”
“Tomorrow, I'll instruct Ke Youliang to locate them. Additionally, when the Big Life Merchant Shop ventures to sea in the future, we can commission them to chart clearer maps of the oceans. As for foreign lands, I encountered some overseas individuals today, and their appearances and customs were markedly different.”
Reflecting on his encounter with these foreigners, Zuo Shaoqing was struck by their remarkable differences; their dark skin and unique facial features were unmistakable.
“We're not seeking territorial expansion; instead, we'll establish ourselves as merchants to monitor developments,” Lu Zheng elaborated on their approach.
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