Chapter 201 - Seagoing
As the fleet made its way northward, scattered corpses dotted the waters along their path. Occasionally, a fortunate soul would be rescued, clinging to life.
“Behold, it's right ahead!” Soong Hanlin, positioned atop the highest point, leaped down and handed the spyglass to Lu Zheng, stating, “Master, Ying Island is within sight.”
Accepting the spyglass, Lu Zheng surveyed the scene before furrowing his brow, remarking, “There's something peculiar.”
“What's amiss?” Liang Qi, inexperienced in warfare, failed to discern anything unusual. However, he trusted Master Lu's discernment.
“Only the charred remains of two ships linger at sea. It's unnervingly quiet.”
“By now, those pirates should have long departed.”
As they drew nearer, an increasing number of objects bobbed on the surface of the sea. Among the corpses were various goods and fragments of wreckage strewn across the boats.
“Dispatch a boat for reconnaissance. Let's maintain a safe distance from the island for now,” Lu Zheng ordered calmly, squinting at the small island ahead.
Liang Qi hoped for an encounter with the pirates. After dealing with them and resting ashore for a day, he longed for the stability of solid ground.
Flanking the ship were two slightly smaller warships, tightly guarding the vessel in the middle. Following Lu Zheng's directive, the ship ahead accelerated toward the wreckage of the merchant vessel.
The ship's commander, a middle-aged man with a lengthy beard, was a capable general under Lu Zheng's command, having served under him for years.
“General Ma, observe, there are still numerous survivors,” soldiers observed from afar, spotting uniformed men either lying on their backs or perched on half-submerged wreckage, exhibiting signs of life.
Witnessing the survivors stirring, Ma Chenshan urged them closer to the boat, calling out, “Don't worry… We're coming over now!”
With the dilapidated planks unable to support constant movement, Ma Chenshan's men cautiously approached, readying a rope to haul the survivors aboard.
Amidst the chaos, Ma Chenshan had no time to ponder the abundance of survivors from the two plundered ships.
After lowering the rope, Ma Chenshan bellowed, “Quickly, one by one, grasp the rope. We'll pull you all to safety!”
As soldiers began to hoist the survivors, Ma Chenshan's attention sharpened, “Hold on! Something's not right!”
A collective gasp echoed as the sound of three blades slicing through flesh reverberated. Ma Zhaoshan pivoted to witness three men, their weapons glinting, dispatching three soldiers with swift precision.
His eyes ablaze, he demanded, “Identify yourselves!” Drawing his weapon, he lunged forward.
Amidst the skirmish, he maintained pressure, swiftly issuing the command, “Clear the deck! Guard the perimeter, prevent their boarding!”
Fortunately, only three assailants managed to evade capture. Engaging the soldiers, they succumbed swiftly. Meanwhile, those awaiting rescue leaped into the sea, swimming towards the vessel.
Moments later, a powerful grasp seized the boat's edge. Before the head surfaced, two soldiers struck simultaneously, severing it. The head plummeted into the sea, staining it crimson.
Nonetheless, a few evaded capture, clambering aboard. Drawing slender blades, they engaged the soldiers.
Ma Chenshan boasted expertise, yet the soldiers onboard, save for him, were novices. Engaging in one-on-one combat proved challenging, though their limited numbers afforded some advantage.
Just as relief washed over Ma Chenshan, a soldier pointed astern, exclaiming, “Ships… so many ships…”
“Retreat swiftly!” Ma Zongshan's pulse quickened at the sudden appearance of the fleet. He commanded the helmsman to expedite retreat.
A count revealed twelve vessels of varying sizes, all donning black sails, streaking with remarkable velocity. Even from afar, the taunting laughter of their occupants pierced the air.
Lu Zheng, already alert to the impending threat, readied his forces for battle while observing the advancing ships.
“What is this…?” Liang Qi's disbelief was palpable.
“Master, we've walked into a trap!” Soong Hanlin spat, his conviction unwavering.
Lu Zheng concurred, recognizing the assailants' preparation or deliberate guidance, perhaps tracing the Wang Family caravan's path after their recent three-day pursuit.
This was undoubtedly a trap meticulously set for them.
Previously, they had used a merchant ship as bait to lure out the pirates and then encircled them. This time, they found themselves encircled by the pirates in a similar fashion.
Soong Hanlin had already seized one of the individuals from the Wang Family Merchant Group and demanded, “You're not pirates in disguise, are you?”
“No… no, cough… General…”
“Release him!” Lu Zheng bellowed. “Prepare for battle!”
Soong Hanlin shared the same sense of anticipation. He knew well that these weren't pirates in disguise; after all, the floating corpses in the sea couldn't be fabricated.
Ma Zongshan had already withdrawn, boarding the main vessel to brief them on the situation. He shouted, “Master, take your men and depart first. I will follow you!”
“Damn it, we haven't even begun, and you're already suggesting retreat? Is this the conduct of our National Guard?” Soong Hanlin was the first to protest.
“Nonsense! Look at their numbers, and it's evident they've come prepared. Can you guarantee victory?”
“This…” Soong Hanlin glanced anxiously at Lu Zheng, awaiting his decision.
Lu Zheng raised his hand to halt their argument. “Since we're prepared, we won't let them escape easily. Issue the order: the other four ships are to retreat; the main ship will advance!”
Ma Chenshan clenched his teeth. “I'll give it my all!” With that, he leaped onto his vessel to relay Lu Zheng's command.
At Crane City Port, Zuo Shaoqing stood on the deck of the same vessel, observing the bustling sailors and port workers. His heart throbbed with unease, a foreboding sense growing stronger within him.
It had been a day and a night since he embarked on his mission, during which he hadn't slept a wink. He could sense the worry reflected in his eyes.
As his leg was clutched, Zuo Shaoqing bent down to lift Zuo Xiaolang. He planted a kiss on the child's cheek, murmuring, “Davy, will your father be alright?…” He must have gone too far with his mischief. Once we find him, we'll surely give him a scolding!”
Initially reluctant to bring the child along, Zuo Shaoqing felt as though Zuo Xiaolang had an intuition that if left behind, he would cry incessantly. Perhaps subconsciously, he remembered feeling abandoned, didn't he?
Believing it would be beneficial for their small family, Zuo Shaoqing brought him along.
Letting out a sigh, Zuo Shaoqing instructed Yang Yi, “Have you recruited everyone?”
“I'll check downstairs,” Yang Yi promptly responded before hurrying away.
Zuo Shaoqing shifted his gaze to the azure sea. Yesterday, Yang Yi had delivered his letter to Lin Zhihao, requesting a ship. The process hadn't been easy; Lin Zhihao seemed to hold a grudge against Lu Zheng for refusing assistance. He had concocted numerous excuses and nearly detained Yang Yi for obstructing business.
Recalling his own words, Yang Yi weighed his options. If diplomacy failed, force might be necessary. While threatening an official with a blade warranted severe punishment, he couldn't dwell on such risks.
As the saying goes, it's easier to give gifts in times of plenty than to offer aid during hardship. Zuo Shaoqing would not forget Lin Zhihao's actions. He vowed to settle the score in due time.
“Let me come too, I can… really, trust me…” “No, despite my slender frame, I possess considerable strength…”
A distinct voice caught Zuo Shaoqing's attention. He followed the sound and witnessed Yang Yi rebuffing a young man. “Third Young Master Wang, I don't doubt your abilities, but this isn't a leisurely sea voyage. It's best if you return home.”
“No, I'm serious. Brother Yang, please let me join. I'm prepared for any hardship.”
Yang Yi observed the once-wealthy young master plead for a chance to earn a few coins.
“No…” Yang Yi intended to dissuade him further, but Zuo Shaoqing interjected from behind, “Second Brother Yang, let him aboard!”
Recognizing the young man, Zuo Shaoqing nudged Zuo Xiaolang's head into his embrace, then turned and headed into the cabin, remarking, “We've assembled enough crew, let's depart!”
It presented the perfect opportunity to gauge whether the young man truly deserved his reputation.
If he proved inept, Zuo Shaoqing would conveniently forget their encounter. But if there was potential to salvage, it was only fitting for Zuo Xiaolang to extend a helping hand.
However, under any circumstance, Zuo Xiaolang would not be returned to him.
The source of this c𝐨ntent is freewe(b)nov𝒆l