42

There are more things to see along the way.

The gates had been repaired, the cattle and sheep were penned up, the elite Red Banner Gang members were leading a group of prisoners, and there were also slaves carrying things. It was indeed cleaned up quickly and well, it didn't look like the territory had just been occupied.

However, when they arrived at the dock, Lu Jian stopped and suddenly raised his hands to cover his mouth and nose.

It’s not that he likes cleanliness, but the scenery in front of him is really shocking.

On a mostly burnt ship, there was a mountain of corpses, each one seemed to be two or three people tall, and there were probably over a hundred of them.

Even from a few hundred meters away, one could smell the blood and stench. Even though Lu Jian had seen the dead and walked through the Shura Field himself, he had never seen anything like it. He felt his empty stomach churn and nearly vomited.

"Huh? Brother Mingde, you're awake. Have you eaten?" A voice sounded behind him.

Lu Jian turned his head, his eyes full of accusation. Is this the time to talk about "eating"?

As if reading the meaning in his eyes, Cheng Xi smiled: "Actually, it just looks scary. There is a lot of firewood underneath. There are not so many corpses. I am sorry to scare you."

Being teased by a boy several years younger than him, Lu Jian had to hold his ground no matter how uncomfortable he felt.

Slowly lowering his hand, he changed the subject: "I heard you found all the remaining bandits. How come you did it so quickly?"

"Have people carry the heads of the big and small leaders and the two bosses and shout them that those who surrender will not be killed, but those who resist will be killed. This group of people will naturally come out. Luoling Island is an island after all. It is wishful thinking to want to survive alone." Cheng Xi answered easily.

This is also the biggest difference from suppressing bandits on land. Those bandits hide in the mountains and they will definitely not be found unless you search the mountains thoroughly.

But the island was so small that no one dared to venture into the undeveloped forest. Without fresh water and food, they would be dead. Even if they seized a small boat and built a raft, they might not be able to safely cross the sea and return to shore.

And there is a more important point: anyone who has been on a ship and out to sea is actually quite accustomed to obeying orders.

After all, the wind and waves are merciless. If you don't listen to the captain, you will die without knowing how you died, and you will also implicate others.

Those who managed to escape last night, or were captured by the Qingfeng Gang, were likely quite capable and undoubtedly had helpers. Those who didn't immediately join the main group and cowered in hiding were, ninety-nine percent of the time, small fry. Hearing their leaders were all dead, how could they not surrender?

Unexpectedly, the answer was so simple. Lu Jian was stunned for a moment, then suddenly asked, "So, are you putting on such a scene to make an example of someone?"

Is this an attempt to establish and subjugate people's hearts? Is this also how those obedient and busy servants came about?

"It can be considered as persuading them to surrender. They have surrendered, but their minds are still unstable. If you want them to come back to you, you have to use some tricks." Cheng Xi seemed unwilling to talk in details and just answered casually.

Hearing him say that, some questions became difficult to ask. Lu Jian smiled and said, "I originally thought that my dear brother just wanted to drive away the Qingfeng Gang, but I didn't expect that he would actually succeed. It turns out that I was worrying too much."

Cheng Xi smiled slightly: "If you want to control this island, you still need to spend some time and effort, so you can't be impatient. But there are some things that need to be prepared in advance, and Brother Mingde needs to think of a solution."

"What is it?" Lu Jian asked.

"Gun powder used to fire bullets." Cheng Xi gave the answer.

Cheng Xi had previously checked the warehouses on the island and actually found several cannons.

The caliber wasn't large, and they were all muzzle-loading cannons. They looked quite old, and she wondered if they were still usable. Unfortunately, there wasn't any ammunition in the warehouse. Yan Yuan had explained this to her before: no one on the island knew how to use cannons, and the accompanying powder had long been made into projectiles. Getting new ones would probably require some scheming.

But if Lu could get it before, I think Lu Jian should be able to do it too.

Lu Jian's face showed surprise: "Why, you can also use cannons?"

This thing is a real killing weapon. Even the Qingfeng Gang only has it on a few large ships. Could it be that he has learned how to use a cannon?

Cheng Xi said frankly: "I don't know, but I can learn. It's a shame to have a cannon and not use it. This thing will come in handy sooner or later."

Although it is unclear how far artillery has developed in this era, the mode of warfare will inevitably change with the advent of thermal weapons.

Cheng Xi was not from an artillery background, and had never touched this outdated muzzle-loading cannon. It was not scary not to know how to use it, but putting it aside and ignoring it would be self-destructive.

Hearing this, Lu Jian nodded thoughtfully: "There is also a garrison in Hepu. I wonder if I can find some old medicinal materials for making cannon medicine for you."

Since the other party has this intention, why not do a favor? Anyway, the garrison has long been corrupted, and it is probably easier to get a person out than to get something out.

Cheng Xi was delighted: "It would be even better if there are people! If there are people who can make bows and crossbows, get two!"

If only gunpowder was delivered, the quantity and quality would be in Lu Jian's hands.

But if we send craftsmen over, things will be different. Not only can we control the military resources ourselves, but we can also further promote the improvement of weapons.

Cheng Xi knew better than anyone else that what was needed for improvement was always technical talent, and there was never a shortage of talent in ancient times; what was lacking was the motivation to innovate.

Lu Jian laughed: "You're welcome, my dear brother. Well, I'll get started when I return to Hepu."

"Then when will Brother Mingde set off?" Cheng Xi asked immediately.

Lu Jian was stunned: "I would like to leave, but there is a shortage of people on the island now, so I can't leave, right?"

Of course, Lu Jian hopes to return to Hepu as soon as possible to take charge of the situation, but they only have two ships now. Even if they only take one away, they will be short of half the manpower. Isn’t he afraid of something happening?

Cheng Xi smiled and said, "I was just about to send someone back to relieve the guard. Brother Mingde can go with the ship first. It won't delay anything."

How could it not delay things? Is he so sure of controlling the situation on the island? Or... Turning his head to look at the boat piled with corpses, Lu Jian said slowly: "It seems that my brother wants to use surrendered soldiers. I have to see what methods my brother has."

The situation on the island was extremely precarious. Given Lu Jian's personality, it was impossible for him to be at ease. Cheng Xi was not afraid of him watching: "We can prepare it this afternoon. Brother Mingde, why don't you have a meal first and then come and take a look?"

Looking at the other person's clear eyes, Lu Jian smiled and cupped his hands: "Then I'd better obey your command."

…

They were terrified all night, hiding and dodging desperately, and finally escaped the clutches of the Qingfeng Gang. Unexpectedly, the Chiqi Gang showed up and captured them all.

After two meals of hunger and a night without sleep, the surrendered soldiers all looked pale and staggered. If they were not tied up with ropes and led by someone, they would probably not be able to stand.

However, this is nothing. What makes people tremble even more is the big ship in front of them.

It was a single-masted ship, half-burned by fire. It was already a gruesome sight, and now the deck was filled with corpses, piled a foot high. Pale white limbs were crammed together in a dense mass. The stench of blood could be smelled from a distance, it was simply terrifying! Some people peed their pants out of fear, while others vomited until their faces turned blue. They had never imagined that so many people would die in just one night!

Yet no one dared to make a noise, much less to look at the black-clad men in armor and holding spears. Could the red belts around their waists be stained with human blood?

In this dull and terrifying silence, someone climbed onto the platform.

He was a very handsome young man, not tall and did not look very fierce, but there was a table in front of him with a row of heads on it.

"Everyone, raise your heads and look carefully!" Cheng Xi looked coldly at the people below the stage and said loudly.

Following the scolding, the captives raised their heads, some quickly and some slowly, and saw the man clearly, as well as the head in front of him and the corpse ship behind him.

"We killed all these people last night. No matter if they were big or small leaders or thieves who dared to fight back, we killed them all." Cheng Xi's cold eyes swept across their faces, "You are smart. You didn't rush to die, nor did you fight stubbornly. Now you can stand well. If you don't want to die, listen carefully to what I am going to say next."

With the power and prestige created by the pile of corpses, who would dare to underestimate this young man? Not to mention the surrendered soldiers, even the slaves who followed him were trembling with fear, not daring to breathe loudly.

"This island has been captured by our Red Flag Gang, and will be used as a stronghold in the future. Anyone who causes trouble on the island will be killed without mercy! Anyone who disobeys orders will be killed without mercy! Anyone who colludes with outsiders will be killed without mercy!" Cheng Xi raised the corner of his lips slightly, "And your heads are not worthy of being placed on the table. I will hang them on the gate of the village and in front of the bow of the ship for everyone to see clearly!"

The three men were to be killed without mercy, and the murderous words made the group of surrendered soldiers tremble even more.

Unexpectedly, after saying this, the young man on the stage suddenly changed the subject: "Of course, if you are hardworking, obedient and abide by the rules, you can join our Red Flag Gang. Once you join, you will be brothers for life and death. You will get a share of the profits when you board the ship, and rewards for killing pirates. If you can capture the pirate ship, 30% of the treasure on board will be distributed to the crew. As long as you abide by the gang rules, even if you die, everyone will help you with your funeral and take care of your family."

When these words were spoken, the frightened surrendered soldiers were all stunned. After realizing the meaning of the words, some of them had sparks in their eyes.

This, this sounds better than what those leaders said before! How much money can each person get after capturing the ship? How much is 30% of the treasure? I haven't even heard of anything like taking care of the family!

This is no longer a matter of giving someone a date after being beaten with a stick, but rather a matter of escaping death and suddenly having hope.

Not to mention the surrendered soldiers, even the slaves who had previously planned to leave were stunned and moved. These days, who doesn't yearn for a stable life? Who doesn't come from a poor background while floating on the sea? If someone could guarantee them food, clothing, warmth, and a wife and children to leave behind, they wouldn't even fear death, let alone hardship!

Seeing the hope rekindled in those people's eyes, Cheng Xi spoke again: "The people who originally allowed you to board the ship and forced you to do evil are all dead. I don't ask what you have done or what you are thinking. I just hope that you can abide by the rules in the future and be upright and upright men!"

After she finished speaking, she waved her hand, and the guards standing beside her immediately raised their horns and started blowing them.

Following the horn sound, the two ships hoisted their sails and slowly sailed towards the sea, pulling the wreck. When they reached the deep, open water, the ship suddenly stopped, the towing rope broke, and a fire broke out.

The flames were so fierce that they instantly engulfed the pile of corpses on the boat. Amidst the billowing smoke, the boat carrying the dead creaked, capsized and collapsed, and was swallowed by the sea in an instant.

At that moment, the sky and the earth were vast and the blue sea was endless, as if all the dirt had been wiped away and all the resentment had been drowned.

Somehow, someone on the dock started crying, and gradually, someone else started shouting.

The deathly silence filled with fear was completely broken, and life began to emerge little by little with roars and tears.

Standing stiffly in place, Lu Jian couldn't take his eyes off the sea for a long time.

He had imagined what kind of rhetoric the other party would choose, how to intimidate and coerce people into submission. However, he had not expected this, had not expected such a fire burning in his heart.

If even he was shocked and speechless, what about those surrendered soldiers?

Slowly turning his head, Lu Jian discovered that at some point, the surrendered soldiers and slaves had all knelt on the ground, forming a black mass.

They were either bewildered, infuriated, or filled with tears of gratitude. Everyone knelt before the young man, convinced that what he could and would give them was completely different from what those bandits offered. A single word could grant life, a single word could sentence death. If he could control life and death, what else could he not?

At this moment, Lu Jian felt more than ever that he could not subdue this young man.

His abilities were too outstanding, his mind too clever, and even more frightening was his ability to control people's hearts. With just a few words, he could make these hundred or so surrendered soldiers completely loyal to him and willing to serve him.

You know, it only took that guy four months to build a boat gang from nothing. Now that he has an island, how long will it take him to dominate the area?

And when the Red Flag Gang expands its power and is no longer controlled by others, can he still use it to defeat his enemies? A gang as powerful as the Green Phoenix Gang that is not controlled by others is not what Lu Jian wants.

We have to come up with a solution as soon as possible.

Lu Jian had a lot of thoughts in his mind, but Cheng Xi didn't think there was anything strange about it.

To put it bluntly, persuading surrender is to break down people's psychological defenses. Most pirates are ignorant and superstitious, believe in authority, and worship strength. Therefore, as long as the threat of death is imposed on this group of exhausted, hungry, cold, and frightened surrendered soldiers, they can be easily defeated.

When people are broken and fall into despair, if they can hold on to something, they will never let it go. The burning corpse ship will be imprinted in their minds, just like the awe of themselves.

The servants around them were just the opposite. They were the real victims, and countless of them had their families destroyed by the pirates.

When they saw the corpse ship burning, they didn't feel fear, but instead felt a sense of satisfaction at having their revenge taken. And when this emotion erupted, it naturally infected the surrendered soldiers around them, making them feel the same gratitude and even guilt.

People need empathy. Only with empathy can they feel the same as others and understand that they are human beings, not animals.

When numbness fades and a sense of dignity and honor arises, people have the possibility of "abandoning evil and turning to good." The burning of the ship not only burned the bodies, but also severed the sins and hatreds of the past, giving this group of people hope and pursuits.

Of course, this is not the end. They also need to be trained to cultivate their obedience and discipline.

After all, the surrendered soldiers were all bandits who had been on pirate ships and burned, killed and looted. Once they were freed from fear and sense of ritual, their bad natures would probably emerge. At that time, a few of them would have to be killed as a warning to others in order to completely win over the hearts of the people.

But just leave all these to Yan Yuan. He has led troops before, and the training methods have been similar since ancient times. Just a few pointers will be enough.

After giving Yan Yuan a look and asking him to take his men down, Cheng Xi turned and came to Lu Jian: "Brother Mingde, are you relieved now?"

Lu Jian suppressed his annoyance and said with a sigh, "I was really worrying too much. With such a skill, why should I worry about the surrendered soldiers not obeying?"

Cheng Xi smiled and said, "Then we can sail tomorrow. I'm afraid you'll have to go around first, return to the shore to change boats, and then head south. But don't worry too much. The sea will probably be peaceful for a while, and we should be able to return safely with just one boat."

With fifteen family soldiers and fifteen sailors, a ship full of such people on the sea will not be easily defeated even if they encounter a pirate ship.

What's more, such a big thing happened on Luoling Island, the deserters would most likely choose to run to the shore. Who would dare to touch the merchant ship at this time?

Since Lu Jian dared to come to Luoling Island, he would not be afraid of returning alone.

After a brief thought, he said, "When we get back to Hepu, we can leave the boat for two days. I'll then find the craftsmen and bring some food, fodder, and livestock to replenish the island's supplies."

This is considered as a reward, and it also prevents Cheng Xi’s ship from making a wasted trip.