Strange Stories of Overseas Chinese and the Initial Drawing of Blueprints
The defeat of Gao Qiu's plot was like a shot in the arm for the nascent Spark Alliance. Zhang Qing and Lu Junyi's positions on the front lines were further consolidated, and Qiongying in the rear was able to more calmly lay out her blueprint.
Under Yan Qing's management, the Sihai Warehouse prospered. Publicly, its caravans crisscrossed the country, transporting silk from Jiangnan and porcelain from Jingdezhen to the north, and furs and medicinal herbs from the north to the south, earning considerable profits. Secretly, the warehouse's network began to expand into even more distant regions.
One day, Yan Qing came to see Qiongying excitedly and brought a special guest.
"Master, this is Chen Laoduo. He often sails around Denglai and has seen a lot of overseas scenery." Yan Qing introduced an old man with dark skin, a weather-beaten face, but eyes that revealed shrewdness and generosity.
Chen Laoduo spoke with a thick Dengzhou accent and saluted Qiongying. "I'm a rough man. Shopkeeper Yan Qi said you wanted to know about overseas affairs. Feel free to ask. I won't hide anything I know!"
Qiongying's heart moved. She had been looking for a suitable overseas base for "Another River and Sea", and Chen Laoduo was exactly the talent she needed. She started chatting with Chen Laoduo under the identity of "Qingshizi".
Chen Laoduo was a talkative man, and after a few rounds of wine, he began to talk freely. He talked about the silver mines of Japan, the spices and pearls of the South Sea islands, and even the glass and gems brought by the distant merchants from the Arab world.
"As for those large islands overseas, I've never been there myself, but I've heard about them from my colleagues." Chen Laoduo lowered his voice, a hint of mystery. "To the east, past Korea and Japan, and further east, there are said to be a series of large islands with fertile land. The natives on the islands use slash-and-burn farming and are uneducated. To the south, past Champa and Chenla, there are also countless islands, some of which even have remnants of previous dynasties..."
Qiongying listened carefully, frequently asking for details about the risks of the route, the patterns of the monsoon, the island's water sources and products, and the presence of malaria. Her questions were extremely professional, even beyond the knowledge of ordinary maritime merchants of the era. Chen Laoduo marveled at her, exclaiming, "Master, you are truly a god! You are so well-versed in overseas affairs!"
Yan Qing listened from the side, his eyes gleaming with wonder. He felt that this Taoist priest "Qingshizi" was unfathomable.
After seeing Chen Laoduo off, Qiongying spread out a crude map (drawn from her memory and collected information) and her gaze fell on a blank area on the southeast coast. That should be where Ryukyu (Taiwan) and Luzon (Philippines) are located.
"Brother Yan, what do you think of what Chen Laoduo said?" Qiongying asked.
Yan Qing pondered, "Chen Laoduo is a veteran sea wolf who has been around for decades, so his words should be true. However, overseas colonization is an extraordinary undertaking. It requires large ships, crews familiar with the water, a leader who can handle situations with composure, a large initial investment, and even more so, avoiding the imperial court's maritime ban... It's a complex undertaking."
"Of course there are many difficulties." Qiongying's eyes were firm. "But this is a real retreat reserved for us and the many brothers in Liangshan. It may even be a broader way out! This matter requires long-term consideration. For now, we can do two things first."
"Which two?"
"First, through the warehouse, secretly gather and recruit talented individuals skilled in shipbuilding and navigation, especially experienced and reliable helmsmen and sailors like Chen Laoduo. Promise them generous rewards, but be sure to secretly examine their character. Second, begin accumulating funds, especially gold, silver, and jewelry that are easy to carry and exchange. Warehouse profits, after deducting necessary expenses and development costs, should be stored as much as possible."
Yan Qing nodded seriously: "I understand. I will take care of this matter and will be careful and cautious."
Just as Qiongying was planning her overseas blueprint, the situation on the front line also underwent a decisive change.
Lu Junyi relayed news through secret channels: After repeated and bitter battles, the Liangshan army had finally captured the core city held by Wang Qing. Wang Qing himself fled with the remnants of his army. The outcome of the Huaixi campaign was decided! The imperial court had issued a commendation, ordering Song Jiang to return with his troops to await his reward.
The news of victory brought jubilation to Yuncheng. However, Qiongying and Yanqing read deeper concerns in Lu Junyi's letter.
The letter mentioned that the imperial decree of reward was vague and did not specify the official titles of the generals. Furthermore, rumors had spread that the imperial court intended to disperse the Liangshan army after its return to prevent it from becoming too powerful. Meanwhile, the question of the next step in the campaign against Fang La had been brought to the court.
"When the bird is dead, the bow is put away. It has really begun." Qiongying put down the secret letter with a heavy tone.
Victory did not bring stability, but instead brought the final reckoning one step closer. Dividing the troops into garrisons was the first step in disintegrating Liangshan's cohesion.
"Master, what should we do?" Yan Qing frowned.
"Speed up our pace!" Qiongying stood up, walked to the window, and looked south. "The Liangshan army will be returning soon, and Zhang Qing and Lu Yuanwai will also be returning. This is a critical period for us to consolidate our forces and truly put the 'third way' on the table!"
She turned around and looked at Yan Qing with a burning gaze. "Brother Yan, you must immediately begin two tasks. First, utilize the warehouse and the Tongxinhui's network to gather as much intelligence as possible about Fang La in Jiangnan, especially his troop deployment, the strength of his territory, and the local customs and geography. Second, begin to identify a group of absolutely reliable low-level leaders and elite soldiers whose families are easy to control. These people will form the foundation of our future core strength."
Yan Qing's expression froze, realizing that this was a preparation for a possible "split" or "transition." "Yes! I'll do it right away!"
As the day of the Liangshan army's return draws near, the atmosphere in Yuncheng grows increasingly tense. Beneath the jubilation lies a sense of oppression, a sense of impending storm.
On this day, Qiongying was in her new secret base, deducing possible future routes from a map, when her mute servant Shi Xiu suddenly came in quickly with a rare excitement on his face, and gestured: General Zhang Qing has arrived at the border of Yuncheng and sent someone to deliver a message, asking you to meet at Shilipu outside the Great Wall on the "Qingshizi" Road.
He is back!
Qiongying's heart skipped a beat for no apparent reason. After months of separation and a life-or-death conspiracy, the man who had spared her life on a rainy night, who had forged a secret alliance with her and who had fought against corrupt officials on the front lines, was finally meeting her again.
She took a deep breath and nodded to Shi Xiu.
It's time to meet this crucial "ally".
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