Gentle breeze and rain, a long-lasting foundation
The humiliating retreat of the sea monster flag marked the complete failure of Zhu Jie's second invasion. After experiencing the baptism of war, the town, far from declining, instead flourished with even greater vitality.
The success of the defensive battle greatly rallied the troops and validated the strategy of "strengthening the fundamentals internally." At the post-battle debriefing meeting, everyone agreed that strong fortifications, sophisticated long-range weaponry, and strict discipline were the keys to victory. Zhang Qing ordered the further reinforcement of all defensive nodes and the establishment of a dedicated "Craftsman Battalion," overseen by Zhu Wu. This unit would focus on developing and improving weapons and defensive equipment, bringing together skilled artisans. Qiongying, in turn, proposed the establishment of a more comprehensive battlefield first aid system and post-war pension system to ensure the safety of all combatants.
Meanwhile, the western exploration team led by Hu Sanniang and Wang Ying returned with good news. They had found an ideal river delta in western Ryukyu, boasting fertile soil, abundant water resources, and a mountainous backdrop facing the sea, making it easily defendable and difficult to attack. They had begun constructing simple docks and camps, and were attempting to establish friendly contacts with the scattered indigenous tribes, with progress being smooth. This outpost, named "Wangbeichuan," served as both a tentacled outpost and a solid backstop, further guaranteeing the safety of the main town.
Yan Qing's diplomatic efforts began to bear fruit. After several cautious contacts and probing attempts, he established a relatively stable trade relationship with a Han Chinese merchant group based in Luzon's "Daimao Port," primarily run by the surname Lin. The Lins valued the region's high-quality timber, hides, and a small amount of ironware. In exchange, Yan Qing obtained much-needed Nanyang rice seeds, sugarcane seedlings, some rare medicinal herbs, and intelligence regarding the wider seas. The opening of this trade route not only brought in material supplies but also opened a window to the outside world.
The spring of the sixth year of the Xinghuo calendar seemed particularly bright.
On that day, the town held a grand harvest festival and celebration. The newly introduced Nanyang rice yielded a good harvest, complementing the local crops. The iron tools forged in the workshops became increasingly sophisticated. The children's reading voices in the school grew louder.
At the ceremony, Zhang Qing and Qiongying stood side by side, gazing at the bustling, smiling crowd below. Here were veterans of Liangshan, those who had weathered the vicissitudes of life, those who had later defected, the new generation born locally, and the indigenous people who had gradually integrated into the town through intermarriage. They spoke different accents, yet shared a common identity: pioneers and protectors of this new land.
"Brothers and sisters!" Zhang Qing's voice, carried clearly throughout the room through the bamboo speaker, "Last year on this day, a powerful enemy invaded, and war raged. Today, we celebrate the harvest and share peace! What made all this possible?"
He glanced at the crowd, answering his own question: "It depends on the weapons in our hands, on the barriers we have built, but more importantly, it depends on our unity, on our hard work, on our willingness to shed blood, sweat, and heart for this land! This place is no longer an isolated island of refuge, but our true home! It is a foundation where our children and grandchildren can live and work in peace and prosperity, and pass on the legacy forever!"
There was thunderous applause and cheers from the audience.
Qiongying stepped forward, her voice clear and powerful: "Captain Zhang is right! Protecting our homeland depends not only on military preparations, but also on culture and education, on inheritance. We want our children to be not only strong and healthy, but also well-educated and cultured. We must not only protect this land, but also make it more prosperous and civilized! From today on, I propose that this day of each year be designated as 'Pioneering Day', to commemorate our arduous past and to inspire us to create a better future!"
"Development Day! Development Day!" People waved their arms and were in high spirits.
After the ceremony, there was a lively celebration. People brewed homemade wine, grilled freshly caught fish and hunted animals, and gathered around the campfire, sharing food and stories. Former Liangshan heroes recounted past tales of revenge, later immigrants discussed the customs and people of their homeland, indigenous people performed unique songs and dances, and children played among the crowds.
Zhang Qing and Qiongying quietly left the bustling center and climbed up the high slope that overlooked the entire town.
As night falls, the sky is filled with stars, shining brightly against the lights of the town. The bay is as calm as a mirror, reflecting the dazzling starry sky.
"Remember when we first arrived?" Qiongying whispered, "Everything was desolate, and the future was uncertain."
Zhang Qing held her hand, his palm warm and strong: "Remember. But what makes me even more fortunate is that you have always been with me along the way."
The two exchanged a smile, a thousand words unspoken. They had endured countless trials and tribulations together, from initial mutual testing and alliances based on shared interests, to later life-and-death dependence and shared ideals, and now as husband and wife, united in purpose and building a home together. This bond, forged in the crucible of blood and fire, ideals and reality, had become unbreakable.
"Qiming was praised by the teacher in school today, who said that his writing was brilliant." Qiong Ying's tone was filled with the pride of a mother.
"It's up to you, kid." Zhang Qing said with a smile, his eyes full of love. "Our foundation will eventually be handed over to their generation. Looking at the current situation, I feel relieved."
Down the mountain, the bonfire still burned, and the sound of laughter drifted in the wind. Lights were on in the school, the sounds of students studying at night. From the workshops came the faint sound of hammering, the sounds of craftsmen honing their skills. At the docks, the lights of the night watchmen twinkled like loyal guards.
In their hands, this once wild island has been transformed into a new world filled with hope, order, and vitality. The spark has not only remained unextinguished, but has spread like wildfire, illuminating itself and perhaps one day bringing a glimmer of light to even more distant places.
Gentle breezes and gentle rains moisten everything silently. The foundation of a lasting business begins with the first step.
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