Volume 1 Chapter 22: The Way Out

Zhu Youjian rose and slowly walked to the window.

“Bring me the confiscated household account books,” he ordered.

Wang Cheng’en quickly fetched a stack of ledgers. Zhu Youjian flipped through them carefully.

Behind each ledger lay a hidden secret.

“These accounts...” he sneered coldly, “are their leverage.”

Returning to his desk, Zhu Youjian picked up his brush and penned an edict: “From this day forward, conduct a thorough investigation of all account books across the Jiangnan region.”

He set down the vermilion brush and gazed at the memorials on the desk—these were his weapons.

“Bring me the personnel roster of the Eastern Depot,” he commanded again.

Wang Cheng’en handed over a thick volume.

Zhu Youjian leafed through it meticulously. Each page detailed the members of the Eastern Depot’s operatives.

“These men...” he marked a few names, “can be relied upon.”

He put down the roster and picked up a secret report—an up-to-date survey of shops throughout Jiangnan.

“The merchant routes...” he pondered, “need to be rearranged as well.”

Approaching the map, his finger traced across various locations in Jiangnan. He was contemplating how to deploy these pieces.

“Bring me the confessions of the captives,” he ordered.

Wang Cheng’en soon produced a stack of documents.

Zhu Youjian examined them carefully, nodding occasionally. The confessions revealed a wealth of valuable information.

“I see now,” he sneered, “these people have confessed quite a lot.”

He put down the confessions and picked up another memorial—this one a recent report on the stationed troops throughout Jiangnan.

“The army...” he mused, “must also be redeployed.”

Zhu Youjian stood and returned to the window. Moonlight spilled over his dragon robe, casting a golden glow.

“Bring me the secret reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard,” he ordered.

Wang Cheng’en handed over a sealed document.

Zhu Youjian broke the seal and read it carefully—latest intelligence on officials in Jiangnan.

“Interesting,” he sneered, “these people are still struggling in desperation.”

Wang Cheng’en stood quietly beside him and whispered, “Your Majesty is truly prescient.”

The night deepened; flickering candlelight danced inside the Eastern Warmth Pavilion. Zhu Youjian awaited a special guest.

“Your Majesty, Zheng Zhilong has arrived,” Wang Cheng’en reported softly.

Zhu Youjian nodded, “Announce him.”

Footsteps approached. A burly man strode into the hall, clad in a silk robe, a short dagger hung at his waist.

“I, Zheng Zhilong, pay respects to Your Majesty,” Zheng knelt and kowtowed deeply.

Zhu Youjian responded calmly, “Rise.”

Zheng stood, his gaze resolute as a blade. “Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“I’ve heard you possess considerable skill at sea?” Zhu Youjian asked with a meaningful glance.

“Not at all. I’m merely a merchant making a living on the sea,” Zheng responded humbly.

Zhu Youjian chuckled lightly. “Is that so? Then why is it that the Fujian navy can’t deal with you?”

Zheng fell silent for a moment. “Your Majesty is wise—my actions have been driven by necessity...”

“No need to explain,” Zhu Youjian interrupted. “I summoned you for an important matter.”

Zheng bowed respectfully. “Please, Your Majesty, give your orders.”

Zhu Youjian rose and faced the window. “Do you know the current state of Jiangnan?”

“I’ve heard some whispers,” Zheng answered cautiously. “It’s said things have been unsettled recently...”

“Do you know why it’s unsettled?”

“Well...” Zheng hesitated.

Turning sharply, Zhu Youjian’s gaze burned like a torch. “Because some are restless. I intend to bring order to Jiangnan, and I need your help.”

A sharp light flashed in Zheng’s eyes. “Your Majesty means...”

“I want you to control the maritime trade routes,” Zhu Youjian said bluntly. “All the gentry’s business passes through the sea.”

Zheng pondered briefly. “I fear this will offend many...”

“Afraid of offending people?” Zhu Youjian sneered, “Then do you no longer desire the position of Navy Commander?”

Zheng’s whole body trembled. “Your Majesty means...”

“Exactly,” Zhu Youjian answered coolly. “If you serve me faithfully, that position will be yours.”

A flicker of joy flashed in Zheng’s eyes, but it quickly faded. “Only...”

“What concerns you?”

“I worry...” Zheng measured his words, “if I offend the Jiangnan gentry, they will...”

“They will what?” Zhu Youjian mocked, “Turn the world upside down?”

Zheng lowered his voice. “Those people wield great power...”

“That’s precisely why I need you,” Zhu Youjian said with meaning. “I am well aware of your strength at sea.”

Zheng lifted his gaze to Zhu Youjian. “Your Majesty intends...”

“To cut off their financial lifelines,” Zhu Youjian said coldly. “Without money, how long can they keep up their fight?”

Zheng considered this. “Your Majesty means for me to...”

“Control the maritime trade routes, inspect the cargo,” Zhu Youjian commanded. “Especially those suspicious merchant vessels.”

Zheng nodded. “I understand.”

“Remember,” Zhu Youjian fixed him with a stare, “this is your opportunity. Do well, and you’ll gain more than just the Navy Commander’s post.”

A sharp gleam shone in Zheng’s eyes. “I will give it my all.”

“Good,” Zhu Youjian nodded approvingly. “Now, tell me—how do you plan to proceed?”

Zheng thought for a moment. “I have men at sea who can...”

“Be specific,” Zhu Youjian interrupted.

“I can deploy agents at every port to rigorously inspect merchant ships.”

“And then?”

“Detain those found suspicious. As for the cargo...” Zheng smiled cunningly.

Zhu Youjian nodded. “You know exactly what you’re doing.”

“I’ve been at sea for many years and understand the rules.”

“How long before you see results?”

Zheng deliberated. “At most a month before the trade routes in Jiangnan are in chaos.”

“A month?” Zhu Youjian narrowed his eyes. “Too long.”

“This...” Zheng hesitated, “if rushed too much...”

“Half a month,” Zhu Youjian said coldly. “I cannot wait longer.”

Zheng clenched his teeth. “Understood. I will make arrangements immediately.”

“Wait.” Zhu Youjian suddenly said, “You have dealings with Wen Tiren, don’t you?”

Zheng’s expression changed. “That...”

“No need to be nervous,” Zhu Youjian said calmly. “I know you have business with them.”

Zheng lowered his head in silence.

“From now on, remember your true allegiance,” Zhu Youjian said meaningfully.

“Yes,” Zheng bowed deeply. “I understand.”

“The benefits they offer you—I can double them,” Zhu Youjian continued, “but only if you choose the right side.”

Zheng looked up sharply. “Rest assured, Your Majesty, I know what to do.”

“Excellent,” Zhu Youjian nodded with satisfaction. “Go prepare. I want to see results in half a month.”

“I take my leave.”

Zheng turned to leave, but Zhu Youjian called out again, “Remember, this is your last chance.”

Zheng shuddered and bowed in response.

Watching his retreating figure, Zhu Youjian sneered, “Wang Cheng’en.”

“At your service.”

“Have someone watch him closely,” Zhu Youjian said coldly. “See if his loyalty is genuine.”

“Yes.” Wang Cheng’en bowed and withdrew.

Zhu Youjian returned to the window, gazing at the distant moonlight. This Zheng Zhilong was a man of substance; now it depended on whether he knew how to play his cards.

Outside, Zheng Zhilong strode swiftly along the palace path, his mind racing.

“My lord,” a follower hurried up, “how did it go?”

Zheng waved him off. “We’ll talk later.”

The follower lowered his voice. “What about those people over there...”

“Silence!” Zheng snapped fiercely. “Say nothing.”

The follower shrank back, afraid to ask further.

Zheng strode out of the palace gate, looking up at the moon. He knew now there was no turning back.