Reborn: The First Rank "Madam"

C192 – Domineering Exudation

Donning his cloak, Zuo Shaoqing exited the room, trailing behind Lu Zheng. Liang Qi and the other senior officers also joined, while Zuo Xiaolang remained in the Cao Sect, under Yang Yi’s guardianship.

Crane City’s port was impressively vast, surpassing Zuo Shaoqing’s previous encounters. Numerous merchant vessels crowded the harbor, presenting a majestic sight with bustling crowds and sails fluttering in the distance.

With hands resting on the railing, Zuo Shaoqing gazed into the distance, his awe deepening at the sight of the sea stretching endlessly before him. The boundless expanse shimmered with azure hues, dwarfing any river he had ever beheld in the past.

A merchant’s voice drifted from afar as he unloaded goods from his vessel, his weathered features nearly discernible even at a distance.

“Let’s go,” Lu Zheng instructed, mounting his horse and leading the way northward, their true destination lying elsewhere.

An hour later, another port came into view, notably quieter than the bustling harbor they left behind. Several ships lay anchored along the shoreline, accompanied by the occasional flight of seabirds.

Sentry figures dotted the area, along with patrols of soldiers.

Observing from a distance, Zuo Shaoqing noticed a group of soldiers approaching, clad not in heavy armor but in lightweight rattan.

They all knelt and saluted as Lu Zheng approached, instructing them to guide the way toward the docked ship.

As they drew nearer, the multitude of ships within Zuo Shaoqing’s view expanded. Standing at the boarding point, he felt overwhelmed by the towering mainmast, its summit seemingly beyond reach even if he tilted his head ninety degrees upward.

The captain before him loomed a hundred feet tall, akin to a towering edifice with five masts soaring above. The sails, gray and taut, awaited the call to unfurl and embark.

Compared to the river galleys he had seen, the official ship from the capital, measuring about thirty Zhang in length, paled in size before the behemoth docked before them.

Clad in distinctive attire, they were evidently not water elementalist soldiers. Upon sighting Lu Zheng’s party, an elderly man hastened over, bowing with excitement. “Master Lu, this old man has relied on this ship to brave the Great Yang. I shall depart this life without regrets.”

“Your efforts are appreciated,” Lu Zheng acknowledged, his gaze fixed on the vessel. Boarding first, he gracefully ascended to the upper deck, surveying the distant sea.

Joining him, Zuo Shaoqing inhaled the briny scent of the ocean, closing his eyes momentarily. “It’s only from this vantage point that one truly comprehends their insignificance.”

Holding his hand aloft, Lu Zheng gestured towards the vast sea. “Our guild will ensure this expansive sea poses no threat to Great Yang. We’ll transform this region into a natural barrier, safeguarding against any potential invaders.”

A faint smile played at the corner of Zuo Shaoqing’s lips as his gaze brightened. Turning to face Lu Zheng’s determined visage, he couldn’t help but swell with pride. This was his partner, his spouse, and the protective deity of Great Yang.

While he might not possess the dauntless demeanor of Lu Zheng, he vowed unwavering support for every decision. Even if unable to fully comprehend, he would remain steadfastly by Lu Zheng’s side, offering the most dependable backing.

Descending from the elevated terrain, they inspected the vessel under the guidance of the white-haired elder. “Per your instructions, the ship’s bow and stern are equipped with the largest crossbows. Each requiring two soldiers to operate as requested.”

Lu Zheng’s hand grazed the frosty surface of the crossbow bolt. As thick as an infant’s arm, the arrow emitted an ominous black sheen. Its sharpness undoubtedly capable of breaching the defenses of any vessel.

“Excellent.” Lu Zheng’s praise held weight, effectively conveying his satisfaction.

“Regrettably, this type of crossbow demands substantial space and resources. If only it could be mounted on both sides of the bow, it would effectively deter any approaching ship.”

Lu Zheng shook his head. “While this crossbow may lack the raw power of gunpowder or the agility of rapid-fire crossbows, its strategic value is indispensable.”

Zuo Shaoqing, too, was taken aback by the imposing black contraption. He could envision the devastation it would inflict upon impact with a human body.

Turning his gaze, he observed Liang Qi fondling the massive weapon, a wistful expression on his face. Liang Qi jestingly remarked, “Were it not for the mismatched setting, one might mistake Lord Liang for the Spring Breeze House’s top player.”

“You fail to grasp…” Liang Qi narrowed his eyes, reveling in the touch of the cold crossbow. “I invested three months of labor into crafting this. It holds far more value to me than any woman.”

Unable to contain himself, Liang Qi continued, extolling the device’s virtues to Zuo Shaoqing. “Do not be deceived by its bulkiness; it boasts remarkable agility.”

He extended his hand, manipulating the crossbow’s base with a series of clicks, causing it to shift direction.

“I’ve considered it. Naval warfare differs vastly from land battles. Given a ship’s limited maneuverability, I’ve modified the base accordingly.”

Zuo Shaoqing concurred, acknowledging the challenges of navigating such a sizable vessel, understanding that even smaller crafts would struggle with such maneuvers.

“Lord Liang’s mastery of machinery is truly impressive!” The white-haired elder couldn’t help but admire the young man’s achievements in shipbuilding and armaments.

“Elder Xu, you flatter me. Your expertise in ship construction surpasses anyone in the Ministry of Works.”

“Haha… This old craftsman like me can’t hold a candle to you esteemed masters.” Throughout history, the court has esteemed the virtue of craftsmanship, yet craftsmen were scarcely esteemed higher than merchants.

Lu Zheng intervened to guide their discussion back to examining the ship.

Upon entering the cabin, they found the main floor serving as both a meeting hall and quarters for senior officers, while the second floor housed ordinary soldiers, with the lower deck reserved for storage and sailor accommodations.

Guard boards lined the sides of the vessel, concealing the oars from view. The deck’s edges were reinforced with perforated metal plates.

“Prepare some kerosene. Rockets could prove invaluable if needed.”

Recognizing the vulnerability of wooden warships to fire, a senior officer promptly complied.

Zuo Shaoqing rapped his knuckles against the sturdy protective barrier, feeling the sting on the back of his hand.

“Despite its size, this vessel carries a heavy load. Its draft is considerable, limiting its capacity for troops.”

“Indeed,” Lu Zheng concurred. He wasn’t concerned, as their adversaries were merely local sea bandits whose numbers were unlikely to be overwhelming. Moreover, naval combat didn’t hinge solely on numerical superiority.

Judging by the officers’ intrigued expressions, Lu Zheng realized the ship exceeded their expectations. However, he deemed its offensive capabilities insufficient.

Yet, such assessments could only be validated through trial. Lu Zheng resolved to test the ship and his crew’s mettle at sea once the other vessels were completed. Both the battleships and the newly trained naval personnel needed to undergo the crucible of combat.

“Damn, if we had a boat like this last time, we could’ve wiped out those sea bandits effortlessly!” Soong Hanlin exclaimed, slapping the hull with a laugh.

“Are you certain you want to be so arrogant? Stepping onto the sea for you, a landlubber, would be akin to a fish venturing onto land. You’re inviting disaster!” Liang Qi retorted, eyeing the battleship blueprint in his grasp.

“Tch, how could a feeble and inept bureaucrat like you grasp the might of a general? Do you think our months of rigorous training are for naught?”

Liang Qi tucked away the blueprint and turned to Soong Hanlin with a smirk. Then, he suddenly exerted force, booting Soong Hanlin off the boat with a resounding thud, leaving one less person aboard.

Retrieving his foot, he strutted past the astonished bystanders, chest puffed out.

“I never imagined Lord Liang to possess such audacity!” Zuo Shaoqing chuckled and shook his head. He had suspected Liang Qi was no ordinary civil servant. His recent actions confirmed that this individual harbored considerable internal energy.

Though the kick appeared simple, to dislodge a martial general with years of martial arts practice, whose body had adapted to defend against such assaults, it required more than mere strength.

“Hua…” A black-haired head emerged from the water, Soong Hanlin spat twice and shouted towards the boat, “Liang Qi, you scoundrel, shameless scholar! I’ll have my vengeance!”

“Hmph, I doubt you’ll succeed!” Liang Qi sneered down at him. If not for the crowd, he would have resorted to even more shameless acts.

As Soong Hanlin clambered back onto the boat, his soaked clothes clinging to his body, he exhibited no embarrassment, even revealing his well-defined muscles.

Initiating pursuit for revenge, they engaged in a chase across the boat, executing their qinggong technique from bow to stern and back again, somewhat easing the onlookers’ tension.

Zuo Shaoqing stood beside Lu Zheng, nudging him with his shoulder and whispering, “What’s the background of Vice Minister Liang?”

Even if typical officials possessed combat skills, they could only contend with ordinary cavalrymen. Civil officials like Liang Qi, capable of competing with generals, were rare.

Wu Tie turned to him, swiping a hand through the breeze-tousled hair on his shoulder. “Didn’t I mention before? Liang Qi’s father served as his father’s bodyguard. Initially, he was supposed to be my bodyguard.”

Although Zuo Shaoqing understood their relationship wasn’t ordinary, he hadn’t anticipated this depth. Moreover, he recalled that Liang Qi didn’t reside at Wu Steel Manor.

“Then his father…?”

“Dead…” “He perished in the north.” When Lu Zheng’s composed voice reached Zuo Shaoqing’s ears, he couldn’t help but sigh with a sense of melancholy.

Over the years, countless individuals met their end on the battlefield—some familiar faces, others strangers. Witnessing the departure of so many was a somber experience. Yet, for Lu Zheng, accustomed to the cycle of life and death, there was little time for mourning.

Just as Liang Qi’s leg was poised to kick a crossbow, a piece of wood flew past, grazing his ankle and tearing his trousers, exposing his pale skin.

“Ah…” Liang Qi clutched his leg, leaping in surprise. After inspecting it carefully and finding no injury, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Casting an innocent glance at Lu Zheng, who was on the offensive, he remarked, “Master, your strike was quite fierce. Had it missed slightly, this official’s foot might have been maimed.”

Lu Zheng regarded him coldly. “Should you damage any weapons aboard this vessel, I will see to it that both your legs suffer.”

Liang Qi felt a chill run down his spine from the graze on his ankle. He replied obsequiously, “Of course, of course. This official shall refrain from any mischief aboard the ship!”

Seeing his master take action, Soong Hanlin abandoned his pursuit of Liang Qi. Without hesitation, he removed his coat, wrung out the water, and donned it again before casting a disdainful glance at Liang Qi.

Liang Qi tilted his chin arrogantly, flashing a smug smile at him before humming a tune and engaging in conversation with the white-haired old man.

Though he lacked the talent of the old man onboard, his expertise in military equipment had been honed over many years.

Zuo Shaoqing listened attentively from the sidelines, occasionally nodding in contemplation. It was only as the daylight began to wane that he became aware of the passage of time.

The sunset over the sea was a breathtaking sight. The sun, resembling a giant disc, gradually descended below the horizon, casting its radiant glow upon the ocean, painting it in hues of orange.

Zuo Shaoqing located Lu Zheng and smiled at him, earning a quizzical look in return.

He turned away, fully aware that his smile might seem foolish, but what did it matter?

Only when the sun had completely disappeared did the group disembark from the boat. As they rode through the bustling harbor, they couldn’t resist taking a leisurely stroll.