On the other hand, Lu Yanzheng's fleet has already entered the Yuejiang River basin.

"Your Highness, we will be able to enter the Yuehe River in two days. The imperial court has patrol ships and a navy stationed in Yundingdu," Zhao Qi, the newly promoted deputy general of Lu Yanzheng, reported.

Lu Yanzheng looked at the river for a long time before saying, "Pass down the order to prepare for war."

Zhao Qi suddenly opened his eyes wide and looked at him, "But Your Highness, you said before..."

When the Qiongzhou Navy was first established, Lu Yanzheng said that it would not initiate wars. Even if war broke out, it would try to minimize casualties and losses. For example, if it encountered the imperial navy, it would try to preserve their ships so that they could be taken over and modified later.

But when Lu Yanzheng talks about "preparing for war," he means fighting seriously. If their navy were to fight the imperial court seriously, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that they would wipe them out completely.

Lu Yanzheng said calmly, "Let's make this quick. Besides... most of the Imperial Navy's forces are just places where scions of powerful families are drawing salaries without working."

He had known before that the majority of the imperial navy were sons of officials, and most of them were spoiled brats. These people were known for their debauchery and forcibly taking women from the common people, but the imperial court had never done anything about it.

Since no one in the imperial court is taking action, he doesn't need to show any mercy to those people.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Qi suddenly understood.

The prince was still feeling sorry for the people whose villages were massacred!

The grain that the people had worked hard to store up all year round was not only robbed overnight, but the village was also massacred and burned to the ground.

Since the imperial court dared to let Prince Yong run rampant, they should bear the consequences they deserve.

Furthermore, the imperial navy was almost entirely composed of纨绔子弟 (spoiled brats) who bullied men and women and committed all sorts of evil deeds, so he really couldn't feel any sympathy for them.

"I'll take care of it right away." Zhao Qi bowed and then turned to leave.

Lu Yanzheng continued to look at the river, and thinking of the tragic state of the two villages he had specifically visited that had been massacred, he closed his eyes.

Rest in peace. I will avenge each and every one of you.

...

Xiao Rui and An Shiqi were also in the fleet heading south, but they were not on the largest warship; instead, they were mixed in with the logistics fleet.

"Master, dinner is ready." An Shiqi carried a box into the bottom of the cabin.

Xiao Rui leaned against the boat, his beard unkempt, his eyes vacant.

This is a rest cabin prepared for soldiers who get seasick. Those who join the navy are naturally trained and will not get seasick, but some people will still get seasick after sailing for a long time. Xiao Rui is one of those people and was assigned here.

It's hard to say whether he's lucky or unlucky, but he's currently the only person in this cabin.

Xiao Rui didn't react. An Shiqi sighed, squatted down in front of him with the box in his hand, and said worriedly, "Master, you haven't eaten properly for several days. Please don't torture yourself anymore."

Since the massacre of the village by the Yongwang army, Xiao Rui has remained silent as he is now.

An Shiqi knew that his master would definitely blame himself, thinking that if he had rebelled against the court earlier and overthrown the current corrupt court sooner, the massacre of the village would not have happened.

Xiao Rui's eyes gradually focused as he looked at An Shiqi, his voice slightly hoarse, "Where is the army?"

"We're almost at the Yuehe River." As An Shiqi spoke, he untied the lid and handed over the food. "Master, please eat first."

Xiao Rui did not refuse, took it, and silently began to eat.

The food in the Northwest Navy was quite good, with meat, vegetables, and rice at every meal, though some coarse grains like sweet potatoes would also be mixed in.

Xiao Rui had no appetite, but he wouldn't waste food.

Fifteen minutes had passed by the time he finished eating.

An Shiqi was very happy. His master had actually eaten so much today. The past two days, his master had only eaten one meal. If he served him leftovers, his master would not eat them and they would become his next meal. Today, he finally didn't have to eat leftovers.

"Seventeen, come with me to see the Prince tonight!" Xiao Rui suddenly said.

An Seventeen's eyes widened, and he said urgently, "Absolutely not!"

Why would the master suddenly have such an idea?

“You are now considered dead in the eyes of others, and you have handed over all your resources to the Northwest King. If you appear in front of him, what if he…” An Shiqi was extremely anxious, but could only lower his voice to speak to Xiao Rui.

Xiao Rui shook his head. "I believe him."

Lu Yanzheng is not that kind of person, and the reason he sought him out was for another matter, a major event that could potentially affect the course of the war.

Seeing his resolute expression, An Shiqi knew he couldn't persuade him, so he could only compromise and say, "Master can go see him, but I don't approve of you removing the human skin mask."

As long as their identities remain hidden, their master's life will not be in danger.

Although he had come to believe that the King of the Northwest was a trustworthy person, who could guarantee anything under the temptation of such immense power?

If his master were to meet him in his true form, what if he were to harbor murderous intent towards the resources he had acquired? This ship is full of Northwest Army soldiers; even if he and his master are skilled, there's no way they could escape!

Xiao Rui was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "Okay, I promise you."

He trusted Lu Yanzheng, but he was willing to do so if it meant his identity wouldn't be exposed.

Originally, he faked his death to stay away from the conflict and let Lu Yanzheng take over everything. However, after joining the Northwest Navy, he gradually became interested in Lu Yanzheng's way of doing things and stayed in the army.

It wasn't until the massacre of the village a few days ago that he suddenly realized that if he wanted to eliminate conflict, he first had to address the root cause of the conflict.

If that's the case, then he must do everything in his power to help Lu Yanzheng.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!