The boss of a foreign organization called the police, claiming that he was defrauded by me

Yang Xia's tone was firm and confident: "You just need to do as I say, and leave everything else to me. You just need to wait for the final result. There's no need to look at me with such suspicion, trying to verify whether what I'm saying is true or false. You'll know soon enough."

Looking at Yang Xia's confident demeanor, Sun Zhengming finally sighed helplessly:

"Alright... Since you insist, I will grant your request. I will arrange for Yan Kingdom ships to keep them at bay as soon as possible, and everything will proceed according to your plan. I just hope that everything goes smoothly and that there are no mistakes, otherwise I will truly regret it."

Sun Zhengming's tone still carried deep worry, and he added at the end, "The serious consequences that will result will be something we cannot bear."

At the same moment that Yang Xia and Sun Zhengming were discussing countermeasures, on the other side of the sea, Meng Yin's fleet was cutting through the waves and finally arrived at the designated sea area within the scheduled time.

When he saw that familiar sea, Meng Yin let out a long sigh of relief, his tense nerves finally relaxing. Gazing at the calm, waveless surface, he was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I finally arrived on time... Fortunately, I didn't delay the King's plan." Meng Yin muttered to himself, raising his hand to wipe the sweat from his forehead. "If I had really missed the opportunity because of me, the consequences would have been unimaginable."

At this point, Meng Yin couldn't help but feel a lingering fear. If it weren't for Chief Doka of the Atlan Empire ultimately agreeing to let them pass, the situation would likely be much worse. Although the process of signing the agreement was unpleasant, and Doka's attitude had quite annoyed him, it ultimately didn't affect Yang Xia's arrangements, which brought Meng Yin some relief.

After confirming that the fleet had reached the designated location, Meng Yin immediately acted according to Yang Xia's prior instructions. He turned to his men and firmly issued the order:

"Quickly! As planned, divide into six speedboat teams and deploy in six different directions!" Meng Yin's gaze swept over each team member. "Each of you must guard your own area and there can be no oversights!"

Under Meng Yin's command, the fleet quickly deployed. After completing this, Meng Yin personally led a squadron of speedboats to begin patrolling, while simultaneously reporting the situation to Yang Xia, who was far away in Yan Kingdom.

Yang Xia was overjoyed to receive news from Mengyin that the fleet had arrived at the designated location on time. He immediately ordered the preparation of three supply boats, instructing them to proceed to the waters near Mengyin as soon as possible for resupply.

After arranging everything, Yang Xia turned to Sun Zhengming behind him and said, "Everything has been arranged. Lord Sun, you may wish to check it first. If there are no problems, I will have these three supply boats set sail."

Sun Zhengming nodded, leaving the command room with a belly full of doubts. He wanted to see for himself what kind of supplies Yang Xia had prepared for this operation.

However, when Sun Zhengming boarded the supply boats for inspection, the scene before him made him hardly believe his eyes. These three supply boats contained only fresh water, food, some clothing, and life-saving equipment; not a single decent weapon!
Sun Zhengming's face immediately turned ashen. He simply couldn't understand Yang Xia's arrangement. Such an important operation, and they were only preparing these basic supplies? In his eyes, it was utterly childish!

He stormed back to the command room, almost running all the way to Yang Xia. Sun Zhengming's eyes were filled with shock and anger, and his tone became unusually agitated:
"Yang Xia! What are you thinking? How could you make such an arrangement!" Sun Zhengming's voice trembled slightly with anger. "You're letting these supply boats take all this stuff out to sea? This is simply a joke!"

He became increasingly agitated as he spoke, his finger unconsciously pointing out the window: "You knew perfectly well that a fierce conflict could break out at any moment, yet you only packed fresh water, food, and a few life jackets on the ship? Not even the most basic weapons and equipment! Can you tell me what you were thinking?"

Sun Zhengming's tone was clearly accusatory: "You're practically sending those soldiers to their deaths! This is such a crucial matter, concerning whether Yan Kingdom and Xingyun Kingdom will go to war, yet you treat it like child's play!"

Despite Sun Zhengming's anger, Yang Xia remained calm and gentle. He showed no displeasure at Sun Zhengming's questioning, simply standing there with a smile, offering no explanation whatsoever.

Looking at Yang Xia's demeanor, Sun Zhengming realized he understood the Great Zhou Dynasty's king less and less. He felt anxious and angry, unsure how to persuade him or how to handle the situation.

Sun Zhengming frowned, staring angrily at Yang Xia, silently pondering:

"Strange... What is Yang Xia planning? Why is his behavior so abnormal? He just smiles and doesn't answer my questions. I really don't know what he's up to. This matter is so important, yet he seems calm and composed, as if he has everything under control. Should I trust him?"

Sun Zhengming paced back and forth in the command room, as anxious as an ant on a hot pan. He would sometimes look out the window at the supply boats ready to depart, and sometimes at Yang Xia, who always had a smile on his face. His inner conflict and unease were almost at their peak.

Yang Xia observed Sun Zhengming's reaction after the examination, and his extremely anxious expression; all of this was within his expectations. He wasn't surprised by Sun Zhengming's accusations, nor did he care about the other's lack of understanding. For Yang Xia, he had to execute his plan, and this determination wouldn't change because of anyone's opposition.

Sun Zhengming stood on the dock, the salty sea breeze ruffling the hem of his official robe. Gazing at the fleet loading supplies, his brow furrowed, his fingers unconsciously stroking the jade pendant at his waist. These ships, about to embark on their voyage, carried nothing but fresh water and food; not a single decent weapon.

"My lord, everything has been inventoried." The attendant's voice pulled him back from his thoughts. "As per Lord Yang Xia's request, only the necessities were brought."

Sun Zhengming didn't respond, his gaze sweeping over the wooden crates. He knew Yang Xia was exceptionally capable, but this decision was far too risky. The seas were unpredictable; no one could guarantee they wouldn't encounter pirates or other dangers.

"Go, quietly move the batch of weapons we prepared upstairs," Sun Zhengming instructed his confidant in a low voice. "Remember, keep them separate and don't let anyone notice."

His trusted confidant accepted the order and left. Sun Zhengming gazed at the shimmering sea, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew he shouldn't disobey Yang Xia's orders, but as the fleet's deputy commander, he couldn't risk everyone's lives.

A short while later, Yang Xia arrived at the dock with several crew members for a final inspection. Dressed in a dark blue nautical suit, he moved with a brisk pace, his sharp eyes scanning the condition of each ship.

"Are all the goods properly stored?" Yang Xia asked, his voice loud and confident.

The crew members responded in unison. Sun Zhengming stood not far away, his palms slightly sweaty.

Just as Yang Xia stepped onto the main deck, he suddenly stopped. His gaze locked onto several seemingly ordinary wooden crates—these crates were much heavier than standard supply crates.

"Open it," Yang Xia commanded, his voice turning cold.

The crew members looked at each other, none daring to move. Yang Xia stepped forward himself and forcefully pried open a box. In the sunlight, neatly arranged steel knives gleamed coldly.

"Who did this?" Yang Xia turned around, his voice as piercing as ice. "I said I only brought fresh water and food. Where did these weapons come from?" The crew members lowered their heads in fear, trembling with apprehension. Finally, a young crew member whispered, "Sir, this... this was ordered by Lord Sun... he said not to tell you..."

Yang Xia's face instantly darkened. He strode towards Sun Zhengming, his eyes burning with rage.

"Lord Sun!" Yang Xia's voice trembled slightly with anger. "Why did you make this decision on your own? I clearly said I didn't need these weapons!"

Sun Zhengming straightened his back, and despite his trepidation, he insisted on his opinion: "Yang Xia, the sea is fraught with danger. Going unarmed is tantamount to sending our brothers to their deaths! I cannot stand by and watch everyone face the potential risks unarmed."

"Are you questioning my judgment?" Yang Xia took a step closer, the distance between them less than a foot. "Since I dared to do this, I naturally have my reasons. Your actions will only disrupt the entire plan!"

"Then tell me your plan!" Sun Zhengming raised his voice. "Why can't everyone carry weapons just in case? Your idea is truly baffling!"

The argument between the two attracted the attention of more and more crew members. On the dock, seagulls circled and cried overhead, as if they too were uneasy about the dispute.

“I’ve made myself very clear,” Yang Xia said, struggling to suppress his anger, “This voyage is different from usual. What we need is speed and agility, not burdens. These weapons will only slow us down!”

"Slowing down the journey is better than losing your life!" Sun Zhengming insisted. "Yang Xia, you can't risk everyone's safety just because you're confident!"

The argument escalated, with both men sticking to their own versions of events and neither willing to back down. Finally, Yang Xia abruptly flung his sleeve and declared, "Since Lord Sun doesn't trust me, then we'll have to ask the chief to make the decision!"

Inside the Yan Kingdom palace, Chief Song Jitian was reviewing memorials. Hearing the commotion outside, he looked up and saw Yang Xia and Sun Zhengming walking in one after the other, both with ashen faces.

"Our leader." The two bowed simultaneously, their voices still tinged with lingering anger.

Song Jitian put down his pen and frowned slightly: "What's wrong with you two? Why are you arguing like this?"

Yang Xia spoke first, recounting the events in detail. His tone was agitated, and he frequently glanced at Sun Zhengming, his eyes filled with disappointment.

Sun Zhengming then explained his concerns: "Chief, the situation at sea is complex, and going without weapons is extremely risky. I completely cannot understand Yang Xia's decision; it's practically putting the fleet in danger!"

Song Jitian listened quietly, his fingers lightly tapping the table. After the two finished speaking, he pondered for a moment and slowly said, "Lord Sun's concerns are not without merit. Yang Xia, why do you insist on not allowing the fleet to carry weapons? You should at least give everyone an explanation."

Yang Xia took a deep breath and looked at Song Jitian with a firm gaze: "Chief, if you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them. If you choose to let me lead this voyage, please trust my judgment completely. If not, I will voluntarily hand over command without complaint."

The hall fell silent for a moment. Sun Zhengming wanted to say something, but seeing Song Jitian's thoughtful expression, he swallowed his words.

After a long silence, Song Jitian finally spoke: "Lord Sun, do as Yang Xia says. Move all those weapons down."

“But leader—” Sun Zhengming wanted to argue.

Song Jitian raised his hand to stop him: "Since we have chosen Yang Xia as the commander-in-chief, we should trust his judgment. Even if we don't understand, we should still give him our support."

Sun Zhengming opened his mouth, but in the end he could only lower his head and say, "Yes, sir."

Stepping out of the palace, the sea breeze was even stronger than before. Sun Zhengming gazed at the surging waves, his unease growing stronger. But he knew that since the leader had spoken, he had no choice but to obey.

"I will send people to move all the weapons down," Sun Zhengming said to Yang Xia, his tone tinged with helplessness.

Yang Xia nodded, his anger subsiding somewhat: "Lord Sun, I understand your concerns. But please believe me, this voyage is different from the past. What we need is agility and speed, not force."

“I hope you’re right,” Sun Zhengming sighed. “I will rearrange the goods according to your requirements.”

As the sun set, the fleet was finally ready. Sun Zhengming stood on the dock, watching the ships slowly sail away. The sea and sky merged into one, and the receding sails gradually disappeared into the twilight. He clenched his fists, silently praying that his worries were unnecessary.

Only after the fleet disappeared below the sea did Sun Zhengming turn and leave. His steps were heavy, and unease still lingered in his heart. But having made his choice, he could only choose to trust Yang Xia's abilities and judgment.

Back at his official residence, Sun Zhengming spent a sleepless night. He pondered Yang Xia's insistence repeatedly, trying to understand the deeper meaning behind it. Moonlight streamed through the window, illuminating the nautical chart on his desk, the winding routes seeming to silently tell some secret.

As dawn approached, Sun Zhengming suddenly sat up. A thought flashed through his mind—perhaps Yang Xia insisted on not carrying weapons because this voyage had a special purpose, a purpose that could not be told to outsiders.

This thought brought Sun Zhengming some reassurance, but it also raised new questions. He walked to the window, looked at the now empty sea, and murmured to himself, "Yang Xia, what exactly are you plotting?"

The sea breeze carried the distant sound of the tide, as if the ocean was answering his questions. Sun Zhengming knew that all he could do now was wait, wait for the fleet to return safely, and wait for the day the mystery would be solved.

Although Sun Zhengming was extremely unwilling, he could only nod in agreement. He looked at the fleet of ships ready to set sail on the sea, a layer of worry lingering between his brows. Yang Xia noticed the unease in his expression but did not say anything. He simply patted Sun Zhengming on the shoulder, his eyes revealing an unwavering determination.

"Set sail!" Yang Xia commanded. Three supply ships hoisted their sails, cleaving the azure sea and speeding towards the area where the Mengyin Fleet was located. The sea breeze whipped at the sails, stirring with the unspoken tension and anticipation in everyone's hearts. (End of Chapter)