The merchant ship followed the warship of the Song Dynasty Navy and soon arrived at the port of Dazhai of the Coastal Provisioning Department Navy. It anchored at Ligang, a cargo port just outside Dazhai. The sailors needed to unload the cargo at the port and take an inland cargo ship through the East Zhejiang Canal. Go to Lin'an Mansion.
The port is crowded with ships, and merchant ships are loaded with goods and are preparing to leave and enter the port. Above, Da Song and businessmen from various countries were chatting and laughing freely, directing the loading and unloading of goods, and it was bustling and lively.
His eyes swept towards the mouth of the Qiantang River, where willows were fluttering and the river was mighty. Pu Shougeng was about to express a few words of pride: "The rolling Yangtze River flows eastward, and the waves wash away all the heroes." The servant suddenly pointed to the water and screamed loudly .
"Sir, what is that? Is the boat on fire?"
Pu Shougeng looked at it carefully and was also surprised.
"This ship is on fire! Why is no one putting out the fire?"
"Why didn't anyone put out the fire? The ship burned down in a short while!"
The servant was warm-hearted and cried out anxiously.
Pu Shougeng's master and servant's reactions were seen in their eyes. The people next to him shook their heads and smiled. One young man said with a smile:
"You are big food merchants, don't panic! The ship is a steam ship. It burns coal and emits black smoke. The ship is not on fire."
"Steamboat?"
Pu Shougeng's master and servant were shocked and their eyes widened.
Steamboat, what is that?
"Yes, steamship!"
The young man who spoke continued, with a layer of arrogance on his face.
"The steamship is a new thing built by the imperial court. It has a steam engine installed on it. No one needs to row the boat. It relies on the vapor generated by boiling water. I heard that Jinling Machinery Manufacturing Company tried it many times and it often exploded, and people died. . Now it seems that the problem is not big, and we have just started to test it on the ship."
"Steam engine? Water vapor?"
Pu Shougeng's master and servant looked at each other and looked at the steamship. Sure enough, there was a big belly in the middle of the ship, replacing the floors on the ship, and black smoke was rising.
Pu Shougeng was confused and the servant spoke it out with fascination.
"Sir, if we don't need people to row this boat, we can go to sea all year round!"
Pu Shougeng nodded heavily.
If this steamship can really succeed, maritime trade will be much easier in the future.
"Is this steamboat for sale?"
Pu Shougeng asked immediately.
If you can buy a steamship, no matter how expensive it is, you will have to buy a few of them. With this guy, are you worried about business not being prosperous? From the Song Dynasty to Africa, there are Song Dynasty naval stations all along the coast, which should be able to supply coal. The trade routes in Europe are not yet connected, so you can give it a try.
Thinking about it in his mind, Pu Shougeng glanced at the steamship on Haikou and had already turned around and headed towards Lin'an City.
"I heard that it hasn't been tested yet, but from the looks of it, it's probably close. You have to ask the government whether the steamship will be sold."
The young man walked away, Pu Shougeng was still shocked.
The Song Dynasty was booming and changing with each passing day. It had only been more than half a year since we came to Ancheng, and so much change had already taken place here.
"Isn't that Li Daguan who occupied the city?"
The servant pointed at the thin, dark merchant who was chatting happily with several merchants at the port, and said in surprise.
Pu Shougeng was startled and quickly walked over to greet Li Shao.
"Master Li, you are here too!"
"Master Pu, it's a pleasure to meet you!"
Li Shao smiled and greeted Pu Shougeng.
Over the years, food merchants have almost monopolized the spice trade in the Song Dynasty and made a lot of money. However, as the Song Dynasty increased tariffs on "luxury goods" such as spices, their situation was no longer what it used to be.
"Master Li, are these your ships? Where are they going to be transported to?"
Pu Shougeng asked in surprise as he looked at the dozens of sea-going ships with deep drafts.
These dozen ships probably have nearly 100,000 shi of food. According to the market price, it is 300,000 yuan.
This Li Shao sold out 300,000 yuan, what a big deal!
"To tell you the truth, Mr. Pu Daguan, there are a total of 30 ships and 200,000 shi. Last month, half of them were sent to Yangzhou. This is the remaining half, which will be shipped out later. With you, Mr. Pu Daguan In comparison, my brother and I pale into insignificance!"
Li Shao said with a smile, a little proud.
The great food businessman was no longer in glory, and he felt a little gloating in his heart.
"30 ships! 200,000 stones of food! Brother, is this about to start a war?"
Pu Shougeng was surprised.
Yangzhou is already the front line of Huainan, and 200,000 shi of grain can be imported at once, enough to feed an army of 100,000 for several months. Doesn't this involve using troops?
"Brother, I don't know either. However, Jiangxi in the Song Dynasty was hit by floods, and Li Quan in Chuzhou also made a big fuss. In my opinion, the Song Dynasty court is probably going to launch troops against Li Quan."
Li Shao said mysteriously, then shook his head contemptuously and whispered:
"Li Quan, this ignorant fool, what does he think he is? Going against the Song Dynasty's army, isn't this looking for death?"
In the past few years, he had witnessed the increasing prosperity of the Song Dynasty's official army. Li Quan overestimated himself by overestimating his ability to fight with the Song Dynasty court.
"Of course, how can Li Quan's loyal army be the opponent of my King of the Song Dynasty?"
Pu Shougeng felt proud of himself as a Song Dynasty person.
Li Shao said goodbye and left. Pu Shougeng watched the merchant ships leaving with a faint look in his eyes.
If there hadn't been frequent wars in the Song Dynasty, where would Li Shao have sold grain to make money?
"I am Pu Shougeng, a businessman of the Song Dynasty. My father is Pu Kaizong. He once served as the chief registrar of Anxi County. He was awarded "Chengjie Lang" by the court for his meritorious service in trade. I would like to thank the general for saving my life."
After going to the Mingzhou Shipping Department to handle taxes, Pu Shougeng came over and saw the young naval officer who rescued him. Pu Shougeng quickly stepped forward to express his thanks.
This boy was tough and tough, which made the young women at the port look at him frequently, making people really envious and jealous.
I am young, rich, and handsome, so why don’t many people look at me?
"Are you a businessman from the Song Dynasty? Why do you look different from me from the Song Dynasty? My name is Liu Zheng, and I am an officer in the Navy Dazhai of the Coastal Establishment Division. If you need anything in the future, please come to me."
The young officer smiled and was about to leave.
Overseas trade flourished during the Song Dynasty, and food merchants were particularly wealthy. They live in Quanzhou, Fuzhou, and Guangzhou along the coast. They have almost monopolized the overseas spice business, and their strength cannot be underestimated.
However, the navy of the Song Dynasty dominated the world, and he did not regard these big food merchants as a threat. After all, the Song Dynasty merchant ships accounted for the majority on the sea.
"General, I am really a citizen of the Song Dynasty. This is my excuse, and I will never dare to deceive you."
Pu Shougeng showed Liu Zheng his certificate of place of origin, took out a money bag from his arms and stuffed it into him.
"General, please accept your little kindness, General."
His father had been an official in the Song Dynasty and settled in Quanzhou. He can be regarded as the second generation of officials in the Song Dynasty.
Pu Shougeng was smiling all over his face, and Liu Zheng subconsciously took a few steps back and looked around nervously.
"You are a citizen of the Song Dynasty. You should know that the imperial court is fighting against corruption. Collect your money quickly!"
If other naval officers saw this, he would be speechless and unable to explain.
"General, this is not a bribe, this is a thank you for saving my life. Is it okay for you and your brothers to go down for a meal and a cup of tea?"
Seeing Liu Zheng's humility, Pu Shougeng thought he was just refusing superficially and quickly continued.
Are there any officials in the world who are not willing to take bribes?
"I say it again! Put your things away! If anyone sees it, my future will be over!"
Liu Zheng put on a serious face.
"As soldiers of the Song Dynasty, it is our duty to save you. We don't need your thanks. We have our own salary from the court. Your salary and your salary are the people's wealth and the people's anointing. When we were in the Jinling Martial Arts Hall, the instructors repeatedly told us not to accept bribes. , Violators will be punished. Hurry up and put your things away, otherwise don’t blame me for falling out!"
Liu Zheng's face was serious. Pu Shougeng was stunned and had no choice but to take back the money bag.
It turned out to be an officer at the Jinling Martial Arts Hall. These people are all disciples of the emperor, and they are their own sect, and no one dares to look down upon them.
It is said that the Emperor of the Song Dynasty reorganized military equipment and organized and trained the new army. Now it seems that it is indeed completely new.
If Zhao Hong were here, he would definitely express his emotion. In history, the meeting of the two "traitors of the Song Dynasty" who led to the demise of the Southern Song Dynasty was a coincidence.
Pu Shougeng was a wealthy businessman in Quanzhou. In the late Southern Song Dynasty, he served as the envoy to pacify the coastal capital of Fujian and promoted the Shipping Department of Quanzhou City. He massacred thousands of members of the clan of the Southern Song Dynasty. After surrendering to the Yuan Dynasty, he was appointed Shipping Officer of Guangdong City, Fujian Province. Political and other positions.
As for Liu Zheng, after surrendering to the Yuan Dynasty, he proposed the key strategy of "taking Xiangyang first if you want to destroy the Southern Song Dynasty"; he formed a powerful naval force for the Yuan Dynasty, defeated Xiangyang, and made great contributions to the Yuan army's destruction of the Song Dynasty.
The two "traitors of the Song Dynasty" met in this way. They were both proud of the people of the Song Dynasty. Their situation was turned upside down and it was embarrassing.
"Liu Zheng, we are sending troops!"
An officer shouted in the distance.
"General, do you still have military orders?"
Pu Shougeng asked curiously.
"The pirate leader Zhu Qing is trapped in Meicen Mountain. We will go over there and completely destroy them. From now on, the sea will be quiet, and you can come and go with confidence!"
After Liu Zheng finished speaking, he waved his hands and strode away.
In the past few years, the pirates on the Nanyang sea have been wiped out by the Song Dynasty navy. It is unexpected that these remnants would dare to openly plunder. This time, we will destroy these guys in one fell swoop, once and for all.
"Master Wang of the Song Dynasty, things are different now than they used to be!"
Pu Shougeng shook his head and sighed.
"My lord, the goods have been loaded and it's time to leave."
The servants came over and reported to Pu Shougeng.
"What do you think about me applying for the Jinling Martial Arts Academy or the Song Dynasty Naval Academy?"
Pu Shougeng looked at the Song navy who were boarding the ship and suddenly asked.
"Sir, I've heard that the Naval Academy and the Jinling Martial Arts School are very difficult. Can you bear it?"
Can a dandy who is pampered and accustomed to living a life of luxury and debauchery endure the suffering and boredom?
"Let me tell you, you take it seriously!"
Sure enough, Pu Shougeng shook his head, feeling a little disappointed in his heart.
I'm afraid I won't have the opportunity to attend the Jinling Martial Arts Hall in this life.
Halfway up the mountainside of Meicen Mountain, on the wall of the mountain stronghold, pirate leader Zhu Qing frowned as he looked at the Song army climbing up the mountain road.
After fighting with the Song Army of the Coastal Construction Division for so many years, Zhu Qing found that the Song Army was becoming more and more difficult to deal with.
The key is that the Song army's firearms are so ferocious and brutal that it is impossible to fight against them.
"Brother, the second brother hasn't come back yet. I'm afraid something is in danger."
The pirate leader was cautious, fearing that his eldest brother would get angry.
Unexpectedly, Zhu Qing didn't get angry and just nodded lightly.
Encountering the Song army at sea, the enemy had many ships, large ships, fast ships, and fierce firearms. The second master was probably overwhelmed.
"Tell the brothers that everything is ready for me. If you repel the army, you will be rewarded heavily!"
Zhu Qing bit the bullet and issued a military order.
Others may be able to be recruited, but he cannot. He had committed many crimes, including burning, killing, looting, and his head would definitely be chopped off.
Fortunately, the wall is high and dangerous enough, there are enough brothers, and the troops are complete enough to fight against the official army. After a few days of siege and lack of food and grass, the officers and soldiers naturally retreated.
"artillery!"
Zhu Qing was also frightened when he saw the cannons set up in front of the stronghold and the pirates on and behind the stronghold making a commotion.
It's this damn artillery again!
"Hold on! You're afraid of a ball! If the cottage is breached, no one will..."
In the middle of Zhu Qing's words, a muffled thunder suddenly sounded. As the pirates watched in surprise, wood chips flew from the wall of the village, and the gate of the village was beaten to pieces. The pirates behind the gate of the wall fell down, and screams came one after another. , the pirates were flying with flesh and blood, and there was a burst of ghosts crying and wolves howling.
Smoke filled the air, and bursts of piercing artillery sound rang out. The pirates on the wall were knocked down, and the door of the village fell with a bang, splashing dust all over the ground.
The sound of artillery continued, and Zhu Qing was knocked down by the artillery on the wall of the village. Half of his body was dyed red and he kept twitching.
There was blood everywhere, broken limbs and broken bodies everywhere, the pirates were squirming and screaming, and the miserable situation was unbearable to look at.
No pirates could resist anymore. They either fled into the stronghold, or threw away their weapons and surrendered to the Song army.
"Enter the stronghold! Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"
In the artillery position of the Song Army, Wu Qian looked at the broken wall and gate of the village and coldly handed down the military order.
Countless Song troops rushed into the pirate's stronghold. There were constant sounds of artillery, thunderous explosions, the sound of spears breaking bodies, and screams. After a period of not fierce fighting, the village finally returned to calm.
"Go back and report to Mr. Zhao that Zhu Qing's tribe has been wiped out."
Wu Qian stood on the mountainside, looking away from the blood and corpses all over the mountain, looking at the sparkling sea in trance.
The remaining pirates were wiped out. The sea surface in Zhejiang and the sea surface along the southeast coast are all quiet.
The emperor said that setting up a naval force along the coast was of great use. Four or five years had passed, and the pirates had been eliminated, and a lot of colonization had been done in the South, Indian, Ocean and Africa. However, the emperor seemed to have been undecided about sending his troops north.
Going directly to Yanjing by sea is not an empty talk, right? Life is short, the emperor is not in a hurry, he can't wait any longer.
A warship rowed across the water and did not stop until the entrance to the water village at the foot of the mountain. The sergeant on the ship moved forward after landing and did not stop until he was in front of Wu Qian.
"Wu Shuai, Xianggong Zhao asked you to return to the water village at once. The emperor's decree has arrived, asking you to go to the Jinling Martial Arts Hall as soon as possible!"
The sergeant stepped forward to report, and Wu Qian's heart skipped a beat.
Yangzhou transferred hundreds of thousands of stones, grain and grass, and now the emperor summoned him to Jinling Martial Arts Hall to face the saint. It seems that there may be another war in the Huaidong frontier fortress.
