Lu Yan grew angrier the more he thought about it, feeling like his lungs were about to explode.
Thinking of this, Lu Yan immediately summoned Lu Ban II and Chen Aniu.
One of them was in charge of developing warship weapons, and the other was in charge of building warships. Both of them were Lu Yan's right-hand men.
"Second Prince, Ah Niu, how's the warship construction going?"
Lu Yan asked urgently.
Lu Ban II and Chen Aniu replied with utmost respect:
"Sir, it should be finished after the New Year."
"good!"
A cold glint flashed in Lu Yan's eyes as he spoke with overwhelming arrogance:
"After the New Year, I'm going to show Java why flowers are so red!"
"I'll show them what happens when they anger me!"
Early the next morning, Lu Yan summoned the officials of Shannan Prefecture to discuss how to deal with the threat from Java.
"My lord, Java is far to the south, and we cannot reach it from a distance. We should strengthen our defenses first, just in case."
"Defense? I want offense!"
Lu Yan said with an air of dominance.
"Java has repeatedly invaded my Great Tong Dynasty, and this time they even sent assassins to kill me. I will not swallow this insult!"
"But sir, we do not yet have sufficient naval power. It would be too risky to attack Java rashly!"
The advisor advised with a pained expression.
Lu Yan smiled mysteriously.
"The warships built by Lu Ban II and Chen Aniu are almost finished, and they can set sail after the New Year!"
Upon hearing this, the officials immediately became excited.
"Your Excellency is wise!"
"Your Excellency is mighty!"
...
Seeing everyone's excited expressions, Lu Yan felt extremely pleased with himself.
He waved his hand grandly and said:
"Gentlemen, after we destroy Java, I will treat you all to wine and meat!"
Over the next few days, Lu Yan supervised the construction of the warships.
On the one hand, they intensified military training, preparing to launch an expedition to Java at any time.
As the year draws to a close, Shannan Prefecture is decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a joyous atmosphere.
Lu Yan, who rarely gets to relax, led Li Kui and the others to inspect the work in the branch county.
A group of people strolled around the streets, enjoying the festive atmosphere.
"Sir, look, what's that?"
Li Kui pointed to a stall on the street and asked curiously.
The stall displayed all sorts of masks, some of them fierce and menacing.
There are comical masks, as well as lifelike animal masks.
Lu Yan immediately became interested. He walked to the stall and picked up a tiger mask.
He put it on his face and made a face at Li Kui.
"Awoo~"
Li Kui was so frightened that he took a step back, and then burst into laughter.
"Sir, your tiger is really too outrageous!"
Lu Yan laughed along with him and took off his tiger mask.
He then picked up a Pigsy mask and put it on Li Kui's face.
"Hahaha, Xiao Kui, with this mask on, you look exactly like Zhu Bajie!"
Li Kui touched the Pigsy mask on his face and smiled憨厚ly:
"Sir, I also think it looks quite similar."
After playing around, Lu Yan and his group's stomachs started to rumble.
Following the aroma, they arrived at a restaurant and ordered several of their signature dishes.
Enjoy your meal while admiring the bustling street scene outside the window.
"Have you heard? The prefect is going to war again!"
The diners at the next table lowered their voices and said mysteriously.
"That's right! They say Java sent someone to assassinate you, sir. This time, you're really angry!"
"Hey, I think those Javanese are asking for trouble. How dare they mess with our lord? Aren't they just courting death?"
"That's right! Our Lord is the reincarnation of a war god. Those clowns from Java are no match for him, not even worth a finger to crush!"
Listening to the discussion at the next table, Lu Yan chuckled to himself; their bragging skills were becoming more and more refined.
The chatter from the next table came again, but this time the content warmed Lu Yan's heart.
"Did you know? All the refugees who fled from Qingzhou have been settled now."
"That's right! I heard that the prefect arranged for them to live on farms outside the city and even allocated them land to cultivate themselves."
"The prefect is a truly good official! He not only took in these disaster victims, but also provided them with food, clothing, and shelter, enabling them to start their lives anew."
"Who can disagree! Those disaster victims used to be so pitiful, wandering the streets! Now, they finally have a stable home."
Lu Yan felt gratified upon hearing these words.
He clenched his fist silently, his resolve to protect this land and its people growing stronger.
"Sir, what's wrong?"
Li Kui noticed that Lu Yan's expression was somewhat serious and asked with concern.
Lu Yan snapped out of his daze, smiled, and shook his head.
"Nothing, I just thought about some things."
He raised his glass and addressed the crowd:
"Come, let's drink to the people of Shannan Prefecture!"
"cheers!"
Everyone responded in unison, and the wine glasses clinked together, making a crisp sound.
Outside the window, the New Year atmosphere grew stronger, with firecrackers popping up one after another.
Fireworks burst in the night sky, illuminating the entire Shannan Prefecture.
Lu Yan looked out the window at the bustling scene.
A new year, a new beginning. He believes that under his leadership, Shannan Prefecture will definitely get better and better.
After finishing his meal, Lu Yan continued to stroll around the streets, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
The cries of street vendors rose and fell, and the dazzling array of New Year's goods was overwhelming.
On a whim, Lu Yan bought several brightly colored New Year pictures and a couplet.
I'm going back to decorate the deserted mansion.
As night falls and the lights come on, the night market in Shannan Prefecture becomes even more lively.
Everywhere was brightly lit and bustling with people, just like daytime.
Lu Yan led Li Kui and the others to a bustling square to watch a lion dance performance.
The two male lions shook their heads and wagged their tails, leaping and bounding, sometimes rolling and playing.
At times, they are majestic and awe-inspiring, and their wonderful performances draw cheers from the audience.
Lu Yan watched with great interest, as if he had returned to his childhood, carefree and enjoying the joy of the festival.
After watching the performance, Lu Yan returned to his residence.
Lu Yan pushed open the vermilion gate, and the depths of the mansion were quiet.
Only a few lonely lanterns shivered in the cold wind.
In contrast to the bustling, noisy scene during the day.
The mansion was a hundred times more deserted than a Buddhist temple at this moment.
Lu Yan looked around. The mansion was huge, and although there were many servants during the day.
They come and go like ants moving house.
By nightfall, only a few servants remained on night duty.
It stood there like a telephone pole.
It's almost blending in with the surrounding furniture.
Lu Yan rubbed his hands together, feeling that they were even colder than outside, and thought to himself:
This place is so deserted, you'd think it was a haunted house if you didn't know better!
"Ahem!" Lu Yan cleared his throat.
He summoned the servants, waved his hand, and spoke with great fervor:
"Go home for the Chinese New Year these next few days!"
Take a few days to rest, eat and drink well, and come back after the New Year!
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