Chapter 227 (1/2)

Military Camp

The military camp occupied a vast land, and looked tremendously well-fortified with its tall walls. Several sentry outposts were strategically placed. Soldiers stood as straight as needles, as the flags hung overhead on flagpoles, swaying with the wind.

Chen Ping sat within the largest tent, with a pot of wine placed between him and several candles. Chen Ping poured some wine into his cup before speaking, ”My brother-in-law, you didn’t give me much trouble when you were around. Why did you have to disobey a direct military order? Your sister has been crying and scolding me ever since.”

After Chen Ping spoke, there was silence within the tent, only the sound of the wind could be heard.

”Your spirit should stop badgering me as well. I shall toast this cup to you, go in peace!” Chen Ping then placed his cup down, ”When you were around, you enjoyed eating grilled chicken. Go ahead and eat!”

After he finished speaking, Chen Ping fell into silence and stared at the candles for a long time. His eyes radiated a strong hatred. After some time had pa.s.sed, he finally spoke again, ”Governor, you’ve been bullying me for too long.”

”Pei Zi Yun is extremely detestable as well.” He spoke softly to himself. All of a sudden, shouts could be heard from outside, ”Admiral, Admiral, the Governor has requested for your presence.”

Hearing these words, Chen Ping’s expression changed, ”What’s the matter?”

”The Governor, his Excellency didn’t say. He just requested for your presence.” The soldier outside the tent replied.

”Prepare a cart for me. I shall go at once.” Chen Ping instructed.

”Yes, Admiral.”

Chen Ping kept the items on his table before he rushed out hurriedly.

Governor’s Mansion

As soon as Chen Ping arrived, he saw the Governor walk out of the door. The Governor was dressed in his official robes, and looked extremely formal. He was of the third rank, and wore his robes with gold embroidery strewn across. In fact, the Governor was wearing a brand-new set of official robes. Although the Governor was over fifty years of age, his eyes still had a youthful glow to them. As he walked out, he saw Chen Ping and frowned, but laughed, ”Admiral Chen, you’ve arrived.”

Soon after, Chen Ping noticed that several extremely important and high-ranking officials were present as well. He started to sweat and wondered if he was in trouble. Just as he was in thought, the Governor then spoke to him, ”Come with me to the pier.”

Chen Ping could only respond, ”Yes, Governor, your Excellency.”

Pier

Several rows of soldiers stood by the pier as they welcomed the Governor along with a dozen other important officials. Chen Ping already felt that something was amiss. He knew that this wasn’t something done hastily or out of ignorance. He was extremely clear of the way things were run around here. If the naval fleet out at sea was indeed attacked as planned, King Lu would cover it up for everyone responsible, and the source of it all will never be uncovered.

But what if that wasn’t the case… Chen Ping’s expression was somewhat pale; the sun was extremely hot and started to burn his skin. The sunlight shone down and reflected off the surface of the water.

Several soldiers were tasked with the protection of the Governor as other soldiers sealed movement into the pier. The flag was hung high up above and welcomed the wind. There were many civilians around, all in animated discussion about what was happening.

All of a sudden, the discussion died down. Everyone cast their glances across the sea and saw ten wars.h.i.+ps on the horizon.

”Ai, they’re here!” Someone shouted out.

Following the shouts of everyone, Chen Ping raised his head and looked at the wars.h.i.+ps some distance away. As soon as he saw their arrival, his face turned pale, ”He really managed to arrive here. Where were the people who were supposed to intercept him? Could this be the reason the Governor personally requested for my presence here?”

Chen Ping was extremely fearful. He looked around his surroundings nervously, as if afraid that soldiers would arrest him on the spot. His belly was trembling in nervous apprehension.

The fleet of naval boats drew closer and closer. It was apparent that the wars.h.i.+ps had gone through battle and were badly damaged. In fact, traces of blood could be seen on the hull of the wars.h.i.+ps. A certain sense of dread and foreboding loomed over Chen Ping as the naval fleet pulled closer and closer.

Several soldiers stood atop the hull of the boat as it inched towards the pier. The scent of blood could be smelt as they came nearer before finally docking. The sound of civilians talking died down once more as it became silent.

The Governor beamed at the victorious naval fleet who had returned. He finally managed to calm down after he saw them dock safely, as he heaved a sigh of relief. He smiled before he instructed, ”Music!”

The sound of the welcoming drums played as the wars.h.i.+ps docked by the piers and released their anchors. Soon after, a platform was created and Pei Zi Yun, Cai Yuan Zhen, Chen Pu and several other officials stepped off their wars.h.i.+ps. They all bowed in unity, ”Our respects to the Governor!”

”Haha!” A loud laugh rang out as the Governor stepped forward, ”What a victorious battle. All of you are outstanding subjects of Ying Prefecture.”

”We don’t dare to claim to be. We are blessed because of the Imperial Court and the Governor.”

The Governor cast a glance at the pier before he laughed once again, ”Everyone has gone through hard times. I don’t usually host banquets, but tonight shall be an exception. Let’s all feast together!”

”The Governor’s grace is abundant, the rest of us are overwhelmed by your kindness!” Pei Zi Yun bowed as he turned around, ”Maybe I should present you with the captives.”

Seeing the Governor nod his head, he then instructed, ”Bring the pirate captives out.”

”Yes!”

At the same time, a hundred men were being led out in chains. They all had disheveled appearances.

”Kill these pirates! Beat them to death.” As soon as the captives were dragged out from the boat, the crowd started to jeer and shout before they tossed rocks at these captives.

They were insulted from every direction and spat upon. All of them cast their heads down and continued to walk.

Soon after, crate after crate was brought out as well.

Last were the boxes of ashes, which belonged to the fallen soldiers. Each box had a polished name tag on it and was accorded somber and respectful handling.

Seeing such a situation, the Governor’s spirits fell as well, ”Brave and courageous men of the dynasty.”

Everyone had disembarked from the boat when Pei Zi Yun stepped forward, ”Fortunately, my life wasn’t lost to me. Your Excellency, the pirates have been completely annihilated. Victory!”

Following Pei Zi Yun’s words, the soldiers shouted out proudly, ”Victory to the dynasty, a thousand victories!”

Pei Zi Yun then handed a list to the Governor. This list contained all the information about which soldier had fallen, the number of casualties, acquired goods, and all other details.

The Governor took the list and looked at it briefly before he exhaled, ”Not bad. Looks like after this, the pirates would no longer be able to rally and wreak havoc.”