It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

What Lu Yuan gave Mao Wenlong was a piece of paper.

A large-denomination silver note marked "worth three thousand taels of silver".

Yanxianghui is the largest chamber of commerce in northern Sai, and the silver bills issued by the money house are hard currency.

With this silver note, you can exchange it for real gold and silver at any Yanxianghui shop in Saibei or Liaodong.

After Hua Xiangrong's detailed explanation, Mao Wenlong's eyes lit up.

You know, they haven't seen money for half a year.

In the past, Lingxiong allocated military pay at half the rate.

What does "half" mean?

That is, half of the payment is in silver and the other half is paid in goods, such as salt, tea, cloth, etc.

Although the imperial court made a profit, the soldiers suffered a huge loss invisibly.

Before Lu Yuan came, he wanted to subdue Mao Wenlong, so he naturally understood the situation.

The Pidao Navy should have a full strength of 1,000 men, but the problem of collecting empty salaries is a chronic problem in the Shenling Army.

The number of subordinates of Captain Mao Wenlong always remained at around 350.

Anyway, the fixed military pay that the imperial court gave to the officers and soldiers of the Pi Island Navy was one tael of silver per month.

2000 taels were issued each month, 1000 for ordinary soldiers and the other 1000 for officers.

Why are there so many officers?

After all, military commanders have to pay various expenses.

For example, the construction of defense facilities, the entertainment expenses of superiors and friendly generals, and the labor costs of conscripted civilians.

In short, the imperial court calculated money strictly to prevent generals from corruption and fraud.

But in reality, this amount of money is really not enough for the troops responsible for border operations.

This is also one of the main reasons why the problem of empty pay in the military continues despite repeated bans.

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "I came here in a hurry this time, so I didn't prepare any gifts. I hope General Mao will accept this little gift."

Mao Wenlong was smiling.

He nodded repeatedly, said yes all the time, and patted his chest to express his willingness to "go through fire and water" and so on.

The officers and soldiers of the Pi Island Navy were also quite excited.

Got money!
Now we can finally see the money.

With money, I can improve my family’s food, buy more clothes, and live a good life at home.

Therefore, implicitly, the soldiers, including Mao Wenlong, were full of goodwill towards Lu Yuan.

However, Mao Wenlong was an experienced soldier, and he would take advantage of any opportunity he saw and immediately take advantage of it.

He put forward another difficult question with a shameless face: "Okay!

The Governor is indeed honest and upright, and loves his soldiers like his own sons...

I would like to ask if there is any way to help my brothers.
Ask for the military pay that has been owed over the years. You don’t have to pay all of it, just half will be fine!"

Of course he knew that the Imperial Guards were marching north to attack the Liaodong border troops, and he even knew that Lingxiong had set up his own faction.

Now that the imperial court has declared Lingxiong a rebel, it is estimated that all the food and wages owed to it have been wasted.

Therefore, he used the word "above", which can be understood as the imperial court or Lingxiong.

Lu Yuan pretended to think and responded in an ambiguous tone.

"If General Mao had spoken, I couldn't just sit there and do nothing. But...

As an outsider, I feel a little out of place.

You should follow the formal process and report it step by step... There will always be a day when it will be properly resolved."

Although Mao Wenlong was determined to give it a try, Lu Yuan's refusal still made him feel disappointed.

He forced a smile and nodded: "Oh, what the Governor said is true, it makes sense...

Well, the village has set up a welcoming banquet, please come and enjoy it, Governor!"

The two groups of troops joined together and marched into the Pi Island Navy Stronghold in the valley.

As soon as he arrived at the mountain village, Lu Yuan’s eyes almost fell to the ground.

My God, how poor was Mao Wenlong?
The gate of the village is dilapidated and the wall of the village is incomplete.

There were broken wood and bricks everywhere, just like a messy construction site.

It’s even worse when you get to the navy hall!
The desk was missing a corner, and the patinated armchair had a broken leg. It was tied up with ropes and made a creaking sound when people sat on it.

Only on the flagpole in the courtyard, the flag with the words "Shenling Liaodong Pidao Navy" was visible.

It turned white and frayed after washing, but it was still spotless and spotless.

Looking at the military flag flying high, Lu Yuan stood in awe.

A group of border troops and naval officers who were ignored and ignored, no matter how worn out their clothes were,
No matter whether they eat bran or vegetables, they treat the military flag meticulously and take good care of it.

This is a real army, probably one of the best armies in the world.

My money was not wasted, it was worth it!

However, when it comes to the dining table, the situation is different.

On this deserted island where no birds lay eggs, Mao Wenlong actually prepared a table full of delicacies from land and sea.

Stir-fried sea cucumber with green onions, fried frogs, bear paws with honey, caviar...more than a dozen other dishes.

Mao Wenlong picked up the homemade sorghum wine and drank it first as a show of respect.

"It is an honor for our brothers to have the Governor here! Without further ado, I will drink first to show my respect!"

Lu Yuan also picked up the wine and drank a bowl without blinking.

Given his current physical condition and realm, there is no difference between drinking alcohol and drinking water.

When Mao Wenlong saw it, he raised his thumb and laughed: "Governor, you have a good alcohol tolerance!"

After he said this, the naval commanders understood what he meant and stood up one by one to toast him.

The people in Liaodong are simple and honest. When guests come, they must drink until they are drunk.

Lu Yuan accepted everyone who came and passed the level in the blink of an eye.

This time, all the generals were impressed.

Look, why can he become governor at such a young age?

Look how generous he is, his subordinates are all dressed in fine clothes and riding horses,

Even when it comes to drinking, one is worth ten people, that’s really awesome!

Ten fingers stretched out have different lengths.
Some young generals, taking advantage of the alcohol, proposed to compete in martial arts with the Northern Navy to help the governor get drunk.

Mao Wenlong pretended to scold his subordinates for being ignorant and kept apologizing.

Haha, this is another test: whether the strong dragon can suppress the local snake depends on his real kung fu.

The sparring between soldiers is nothing more than the proficiency in boxing, kicking, swords, spears, bows and horses.

Knowing that the other party wanted to compete in archery, Lu Yuan pointed at his guards and said, "You can pick any one of them."

The young general was not vague and chose the captain of the guard.

At a distance of one hundred steps, all three arrows hit the bull's eye, drawing a round of cheers.

Lu Yuan's guard captain took out a special sniper rifle from his back and loaded it with five bullets.

Two hundred steps, five shots all hit the target.

I go!

Two hundred steps away, the red heart of the target is not much bigger than the head of an incense stick, and yet it can still hit the target!
Mao Wenlong admitted defeat again: "Your Excellency the Governor has a good command of the army. A strong general has no weak soldiers under his command. I admire you!"

Lu Yuan laughed and said, "General Qian is wrong. Specialization is the key to success.
This Governor has long admired your naval warfare skills! "

Now, the Pi Island Navy's face was saved, and everyone had a stronger impression of Lu Yuan.

After the welcoming banquet, we had tea and fruits to help digest the food.

Knowing that the two big guys wanted to discuss serious matters, the generals withdrew one after another.

Without outsiders, Mao Wenlong spoke frankly.

"What exactly does the Governor need me to do?"

Lu Yuan also spoke frankly, first explaining the reason for his breakup with Emperor Linggui, and then mentioning the predicament of Longhu Mountain.

Finally, he looked at Mao Wenlong and said, "We may encounter the Beiyang Navy and the Dongyang Navy on our way to Nanjing.

General Ling said that it was a life-or-death experience, and I agree with him, but I wonder if General Mao dares to accompany me?"

Mao Wenlong thought about it and hesitated.

After all, the three navies have many fast warships, and naval battles are different from land battles. Once surrounded, you will die.

But, he thought again.

Since Lu Yuan knew the risks, why did he still do it?
There must be a back-up plan.

Besides, he, a governor, is not afraid of death, so why should I be afraid?
"If the Governor can go, why should I care about my life? As long as the General gives the order, everyone on Pi Island dares not disobey!"

"Good! I was right. Commander Mao is truly a hero!" Lu Yuan said with a smile, "The situation is urgent. I plan to leave tomorrow. I wonder what Commander Mao wants?"

Mao Wenlong said somewhat embarrassedly: "I don't mind, but can you give us some money to settle down first?"

"Shh!"

Another silver note was handed to Mao Wenlong.

"30,000 taels of silver"!
Mao Wenlong’s eyes widened!

My God, I can earn a year and a half’s salary for one trip. It’s like a huge pie in the sky!
Unexpectedly, Lu Yuan continued, "Pay half first, and then pay the rest after the deal is done. Is that enough?"

Mao Wenlong was so happy that he almost fainted!
He immediately knelt on one knee and said, "Even if we die, we will ensure that the Governor-General is safely sent to Nanjing!"

The wages of avarice is death!
This statement is applicable to all times and places, both in China and abroad.

Lu Yuan laughed, helped Mao Wenlong up, patted his hands and said:
"As long as I am here, I will find a way to keep you well fed and clothed!

We must not let you, the soldiers guarding the border, shed blood and tears again!"

After hearing this, Mao Wenlong felt warm in his heart and his eyes became moist.

It can be endured even if it means a little bit of hardship and fatigue, even if it means bloodshed and sacrifice.

But what is the most worthless and saddest thing is that no one understands and no one remembers their hard work.

Next, Lu Yuan gave Mao Wenlong another big surprise.

Lu Yuan brought ten bronze cannons, which were originally Taining’s city defense cannons.

In order to increase the firepower of the Pi Island navy, Lu Yuan dismantled them all and installed them on the Yanxiang Society's merchant ships.

Of course, military factories are already developing lighter field artillery and large howitzers.

I believe that in the near future, Lu Yuan will be able to mass-produce cannons.

Mao Wenlong's eyes were opened and he was extremely excited.

Yes, artillery can fire farther than bows and catapults.
If we put guns on the ship, wouldn't it be more powerful than the warships of the Shenling Navy?
The Governor is truly a god!
His confidence immediately grew and he gave his suggestions.

The Pi Island Navy sent out ten small boats and five large armed merchant ships to form a fleet.

Starting from Pi Island, first drive along the coast of Goryeo to Tsushima Island, then drive past Tsushima Island and around to Ryukyu.
This way, we can avoid the Beiyang Fleet to the greatest extent.

The only tough battle is the section from the Yangtze River estuary to Nanjing.

Because here there is not only the Oriental Navy, but also the Yangtze River Navy.

But he smiled and said: "Now, with the help of ten cannons, the cooperation of the two armies will definitely give the Japanese navy a beating!"

Lu Yuan laughed: "It's not cooperation! From now on, all warships will obey the command of General Mao Qian. You can fight however you think you should, I only care about the results."

This is trust!
Mao Wenlong suddenly realized that "a gentleman will die for his friend"!

"Yes! I will obey the Governor's orders!"

He claimed that he had changed from a "minor general" to a "lowly official".

Mao Wenlong decided that from now on he would hold on to Lu Yuan's thighs.

Subsequently, the Pi Island Navy held a mobilization meeting.

With 30,000 silver coins in hand, Mao Wenlong became rich for once.

Those who go to Jiangnan will receive 10 taels of silver each, and those who are disabled will receive 30 taels.

If someone is unlucky enough to die in battle, he will be given 100 taels.

In an instant, the courage and enthusiasm of the Pi Island soldiers soared to an unprecedented height.

Damn, isn't the purpose of joining the army and fighting in wars to earn money to eat?

Besides, death is not the most terrible thing, because poverty is more painful than death.

In the past, when we went to rob the Jurchens, many people were killed or injured, and we could only get a few pieces of food.

Now, you can get ten months’ salary by making a trip to Jiangnan.

It’s definitely a great job!

As long as your head has never been pinched by an elevator, you know what to choose!
Finally, Mao Wenlong selected the 300 most elite men to fight.

Forty or fifty people were left behind to guard the village, and each was given a symbolic amount of two taels of silver to buy wine.

Everything was settled, and the next morning fifteen large and small ships, in a column, sailed towards Tsushima Island.

When passing Incheon, the Goryeo fleet was in a panic, alarms were sounded continuously, and the whole city was on alert.

However, Lu Yuan took a look through the telescope and smiled contemptuously.

A bunch of chickens and dogs!
In ten days, Nurhaci will come to chop off your heads.

The fleet arrived at Tsushima Island, a pirate gathering place, and Mao Wenlong was familiar with the place.

However, there was a spy from the Beiyang Fleet among them, and he told others that he was going to Japan to do business.

People looked at the five major merchant ships of Yanxiang Society, but they did not become suspicious.

After replenishing the freshwater vegetables, Mao Wenlong deliberately sailed east first.

A day later, the fleet got rid of the surveillance of the Beiyang Fleet and turned south to sail quickly.

Three days later, we arrived in Ryukyu Kingdom.

Although it is called a country, Ryukyu is actually still a tribal country with no regular army and very little information.

Mao Wenlong, in his capacity as a border soldier of Shenling, gave money and was able to obtain replenishment easily.

After leaving Ryukyu, Mao Wenlong said to Lu Yuan: "We are now entering the sphere of influence of the Eastern Navy.
It’s still okay here, but in two days, as we get closer to the Yangtze River estuary, I’m afraid we won’t be able to hide our whereabouts.”

Lu Yuan smiled and said, "Then we should use courtesy first and force later, and spend money to buy the way. If courtesy really doesn't work, we can just beat him!"

Mao Wenlong laughed: "Your Excellency the Governor is right!"

Sure enough, two days later, the fleet encountered three warships of the Oriental Navy.

Relying on their fast ships and large numbers of people, the Japanese navy came in with great force and raised flags, demanding that Lu Yuan and his men stop for inspection.

It is impossible to stop the ship.

Mao Wenlong used flag signals to inform the other party that he was willing to pay 500 taels of silver as a toll.

This is the rule at sea, 100 taels for a merchant ship.

However, recently, the Shenling Empire has been in chaos, with all officials being corrupt, resulting in the naval officers and soldiers' food and wages being cut in half.

The naval officers and soldiers will definitely not agree to this and will cause trouble.

However, the commander-in-chief of the Eastern Navy suddenly had an idea and gave a hint to his generals.

If the East is dark, the West will be bright. Our Jiangnan trade is prosperous, with so many merchant ships coming in and out every day.

So, you can look for merchant ships to "generate income".

The general asked: "If Shang complains to the court, he will lose his head if they punish him."

The general touched his lips with his upper lips and smiled sinisterly:

"This is a voluntary donation from merchants, and it's not against the law. Besides, why would the court pick on us? If they want to, they should have paid us enough food and wages first!"

Finally, after discussion, it was decided that the looted goods would be split 50-50 between the generals and the commander-in-chief, and the commander-in-chief of the Japanese navy blocked the accountability from above.

As a result, the Japanese navy could freely "generate revenue" and wreak havoc on the merchant ships.

Now, the pockets of the navy officers and soldiers were fatter, and the general also made a fortune.

As for the people’s complaints, the officials protect each other.

Delay it if possible, build it if possible, in short, big things can be turned into small things and small things can be turned into nothing.

Therefore, the naval officers and soldiers are more courageous.

When the three warships saw the five merchant ships, their eyes turned red.

It was the banner of the North, so they made up their minds to eat it all.

In order to prevent the news from leaking out, all the officers and soldiers of the Pi Island Navy and the sailors of the merchant ships were thrown into the sea to feed the turtles.

500 taels could not satisfy their appetite at all.

The warship insisted that Mao Wenlong stop the ship.

Mao Wenlong knew that it would be difficult to resolve the situation peacefully, so he immediately deployed a defensive formation and advanced at full speed.

Seeing that Mao Wenlong intended to escape, the three warships didn't waste any time.

They immediately struck the gongs, beat the war drums, and launched an attack from behind.

In addition to large crossbows, the three large warships also had eight or nine catapults.

Under normal circumstances, the opposing fleet can be destroyed in a matter of moments.

As the two sides got closer and closer, the fleet commander ordered the catapults to aim at the merchant ships and open fire.

"Boom! Boom boom!"

Huge rocks fell like raindrops, hitting Mao Wenlong and Lu Yuan.

The waves stirred up by the boat splashed onto the boat, causing it to shake.

Mao Wenlong asked: "Governor, do you want to fight back?" (End of this chapter)