Mythical Three Kingdoms

”But in this case, our trained navy can easily be influenced by Eastern Wu,” Xu Sheng said with a gloomy expression.

”There’s no other choice; if we don’t do it this way, we won’t even be able to control the warships,” Taishi Ci said helplessly, then turned to Cai Mao and bowed, ”Degui, it will rely on you next, on how to command and train, as we head toward the East, this journey will be entrusted to the General.”

”Thank you, Ziyi, for trusting in me,” Cai Mao said respectfully, feeling excited that Taishi Ci, a military general who had reached Inner Qi Manifestation, held him in such high regard.

For the next period, naval training was fully entrusted to Cai Mao, while Taishi Ci focused more on learning. Comparatively, Cai Mao’s accomplishments in the navy were quite good. Although not as superior as Zhou Yu, he was considered among the top naval generals in the Central Plains Region.

”Speaking of which, why are we progressing eastward so slowly?” After days of traveling at half the speed of the ship’s capacity, Xu Sheng couldn’t help but develop a strange thought.

”The destination is Yingzhou, but for now, it’s more of an exercise. Administrator Lub intends to determine how long we can live at sea with sufficient resources,” Taishi Ci turned to explain to Xu Sheng upon hearing his words.

”Yingzhou?” Having had some education, Xu Sheng knew what kind of place that was, ”It’s strange, isn’t it supposed to be where the Taoist priests go? What are we doing there?”

”I don’t know if the Taoist priests have been to Yingzhou, but what I do know is that Yingzhou, according to Inspector Li, should be called Wa Kingdom. During the Guangwu Era, it once paid tribute to us, so it’s not very far. This trip is more about damage control,” Mi Fang answered, providing more detailed information in place of Taishi Ci.

”Damage control?” Xu Sheng asked in confusion.

”The cost of shipbuilding is too high, and Marquis Chen can’t make policy adjustments in a short time, so we need to rely on self-sufficiency. Marquis Chen once said that Wa Kingdom has open-pit gold and silver mines, and we need these resources,” Mi Fang said with a calm expression.

”Wasn’t it decided that the frontline military would only focus on training and warfare, and absolutely not get involved in any money-related commercial transactions?” Xu Sheng was shocked, finding that this completely violated the rules set by Chen Xi earlier.

”That’s because I’ve already stepped down from the frontline; now we’re just ordinary navy recruits. During this training period, we need to drill soldiers and prepare resources simultaneously,” Mi Fang said with a bitter smile, ”In short, we need the gold and silver mines from Wa Kingdom to offset the losses. As for how to deal with it, you don’t need to worry.”

Xu Sheng also felt a bit bitter upon hearing this, but had to admit that given Lub Su and Li Youu’s habits, having them do other things during training was not only possible but almost guaranteed.

”The last time Wa Kingdom paid tribute to the Han Dynasty was during Emperor Guangwu’s reign in the Jianwu era, a gold seal with a purple ribbon was bestowed upon them, so there’s no need to worry that they won’t recognize our identity,” Mi Fang continued, seeing the others looking troubled.

”What kind of strategy should we adopt?” Xu Sheng frowned and asked.

”If they are strong and willing to acknowledge our suzerain-subject relationship, then make up for over a hundred years of missed tributes. If they are unwilling to acknowledge, we need to deal with them. If they are weak, it depends on the situation,” Taishi Ci said coldly as he looked at everyone, instantly making them ready.

”However, being a minor nation that once reached the Central Plains and paid tribute over a hundred years ago, it shouldn’t be too bad if it’s unified. So, don’t be careless,” Mi Fang warned again, followed by Taishi Ci nodding in agreement.

Xu Sheng and the others immediately understood the situation, began informing their ship’s crew, and resumed their essential daily naval training.

Taishi Ci and the others had made many preparations, but by the time they reached Wa Kingdom, Taishi Ci couldn’t help but feel like all their previous preparations were in vain.

Looking at the tribal-level skirmish happening more than ten miles ahead, at first, Taishi Ci thought it was similar to the small-scale clashes over land and water resources between clans in the Central Plains Region.

However, as their ships approached within five miles, Taishi Ci saw the sudden unveiling of flags on both sides and almost spat out a mouthful of blood. Was it necessary to be that ridiculous?

On the beach, a group of disheveled individuals in coarse linen garments, mostly about 1.45 meters tall, with the occasional flag bearer reaching 1.56 meters, had their heads shaved in a style somewhat resembling the northern Miscellaneous Hun’s headdresses, wielding various crudely-made primitive weapons. With fewer than 200 people on both sides combined, they were all fiercely shouting and fighting.

Even from several miles away, Taishi Ci could see, with the eyesight conferred by Inner Qi Manifestation, the engorged blood vessels of those who were struggling fiercely in the fight, yet Taishi Ci could not sense any combat power among them.

”What on earth! Even the Shanyue People, who remain hidden in the hills for years, aren’t this bad. These people aren’t qualified farmers,” Xu Sheng said in a daze after observing from the ship’s edge for a long time.