After several days of such testing, Murong Yi was clinging to the small window crying to Tie Ci that if he smelled any more, his nose would be ruined and he’d never be able to smell her fragrance again. If he ate any more, he’d get fat and Tie Ci would transfer her affections elsewhere.

While crying, he still insisted Tie Ci stand farther away, even farther.

Tie Ci found it both amusing and heartbreaking, so she said, “Everything that should be tested has been tested. Since nothing happened, clearly you’re not poisoned. Come out and let me see exactly how much weight you’ve gained.”

“Then you’ll go transfer your affections?”

“Mm, who told my boyfriend to engage in a long-distance relationship?”

Murong Yi opened the window. The various tasting and smelling was one thing, but not being able to touch or hold Tie Ci was really quite unbearable.

Tie Ci said, “If there’s no problem, come out. We’re about to reach the Sea-Ruling Gang’s territory. If they come to rob us, we’ll still need you as overall commander of both ships to eliminate this gang of water pirates plaguing the region.”

Ahead lay the Fuguang River waters – the Sea-Ruling Gang’s territory. Two heavily-loaded ships would be very conspicuous. Tie Ci was waiting for them to come attack.

Murong Yi agreed, but only came out that evening after testing many more things, when they officially entered the Fuguang River.

At the time, Tie Ci was using a spyglass to observe the river surface when she suddenly heard someone shout “Ghost!” Turning back, she exclaimed “Good heavens!”

Behind her stood a white-robed specter, covered head to toe in white cloth, moving silently – could play Sadako without makeup.

The specter stood half a zhang away behind her, asking in a muffled voice, “Is this attire appropriate?”

Tie Ci turned back to continue watching the river. “Extremely appropriate. Wrap it tighter and you could directly cosplay a mummy.”

Murong Yi laughed, “Speaking strangely again.”

Tie Ci was more relaxed around him and spoke strangely more often. Suddenly wondering if saying such things too much would give Murong Yi ideas, she then heard Murong Yi say with deep feeling, “These things you say that I don’t understand should be from a place neither of us can reach. It must be very interesting – how nice if we could go play there too.”

This line of thinking was indeed Murong Yi’s style. Tie Ci laughed, “You’d definitely become king and hegemon there. Oh wait, I heard there are no kings or hegemons there.”

“No kings or hegemons? Then what is there? Without kings or hegemons, who manages the common people?” Murong Yi raised his eyebrows, very surprised.

“Everyone is equal, each person is responsible for their own life, with laws to constrain them.” Tie Ci asked him, “What do you think? Master said this is what truly benefits the people – a mature society that can last for millennia.”

“Without seeing the full picture, I won’t comment.” Murong Yi said, “You understand more. What do you think?”

“I think everything should come in proper sequence, not forced growth.” Tie Ci said, “Master’s business spans the entire country. She can develop many very novel things, so her business is very good. But I know she actually has many more wonderful inventions hidden in her private tower. We disciples, especially me, haven’t seen them. Master says many are very dangerous things in this world – better not to know than to know. And she can’t easily bring them out, lest they disturb this world’s balance and progress.”

“If these dangerous things don’t belong here, or rather exceed what belongs here, then the world Master spoke of must also have many existences that exceed Da Qian. So that place’s systems and development methods… may not be suitable for direct transplantation to Da Qian. We should have our own growth process. After all, one can’t become fat in a single bite, especially with the possibility of harming people’s livelihoods.”

Murong Yi sighed, “Shiba, I’m very grateful. Having spent so many years by your master’s side, influenced and taught by her in various ways, you remain so clearheaded. I hope you can stay clearheaded to the end.”

“If one day I’m no longer clearheaded, remind me of today’s conversation.”

“Alright.”

Light suddenly flashed in the spyglass, attracting Tie Ci’s attention.

It was a distant water area that appeared as a dark patch in the spyglass, suddenly seeming to flicker with lights a few times before going out.

It felt like responding to something. Tie Ci turned back – behind her were the two ships, similarly dark with lights out for sleep, and beyond that the empty river surface with gathering dark clouds.

Mu Si on the lower deck asked, “Continue sailing at night?”

Since entering the Sea-Ruling Gang’s territory, many merchant ships dared not travel at night, waiting for daylight.

“Continue.”

Mu Si continued working. Beside him was a plate of pastries that had appeared when he wasn’t paying attention. Mu Si knew who sent them, so now he couldn’t sleep, not only actively working overtime but wanting to run three laps around the ship shirtless.

The ships quietly sailed forward. The last lit lamp in Tie Ci’s cabin also went out, and both ships fell into slumber.

Like two completely naive merchant ships unaware of rampant water pirates.

Until they sailed into that dark water area that had shown lights earlier.

Countless eyes watched the waters in darkness.

In the waters, countless eyes also watched the ships.

Countless light, suppressed, tense breaths drifted, intersected, and finally scattered separately above this water area, becoming traceless river wind.

“Your Highness.”

“Mm, no movement?”

“We’ve sailed through the waters where the Sea-Ruling Gang commonly appears. Nothing happened. Wan Ji and Bu Qing from the rear ship ask if some warriors can put down weapons and rest.”

Silence in the darkness for a while, then after a moment, the lamp lit.

Under the lamplight, Tie Ci’s face was calm as she looked toward the seemingly endless chaos ahead.

She said, “No.”

“Having come this far, how can we not meet with the Sea-Ruling Gang?”

“Inform the rear ship – turn the helm, go back. If the mountain won’t come to me, I’ll bombard the mountain.”

…

Both ships directly turned helm without concealment. Their hulls rang with clattering sounds as iron nets with sharp points emerged one by one.

The ship prows also slowly protruded iron armor, looking like spindles from afar.

In a relatively narrow water area where giant reed marshes grew – the most common place for water pirate robberies – if anyone had been lying in ambush, it would definitely be in those reed marshes.

Both ships had fire oil ready, fire arrows poised to launch. Tie Ci ordered that once in range, they would first burn the reed marshes.

It was said the Sea-Ruling Gang’s water stronghold was deep in the reed marshes. Burn it all and how could they not appear?

Tie Ci’s ship was in front, with Mu Si and the ship’s captain steering. Suddenly feeling unusual water currents, a sailor in front suddenly shouted, “Ships ahead!”

Tonight the water was foggy. Everyone looked up and through the shadows saw enormous masts suddenly appear ahead.

Masts stretched endlessly above the fog, flag upon flag overlapping, like heavenly banners appearing from thin air, like countless boats floating in the sky.

Behind the masts, countless sail shadows and pointed masts were vaguely visible…

The ship captain suddenly shouted, “Turn helm! Turn helm!”

Ahead, the fog suddenly dispersed, revealing something enormous appearing abruptly, pressing down like a giant beast!

The two ships were extremely close now, close enough to see the other was a five-masted fu ship, the largest type of warship, with three-tiered helm houses, sharp bottom and broad top, high bow and stern, drawing two zhang of water. Murong Yi’s disguised medium merchant ship compared to this large fu ship was like a hedgehog meeting a porcupine.

Sailors jumped onto masts frantically waving flag signals, requesting helm turns to avoid collision. The two ships were so close they could almost see conditions on the other ship.

Vaguely, it seemed densely packed with people standing straight in neat rows, everyone silent and motionless, like a group of terracotta warriors.

The sailor signaling through the fog vaguely saw this, his back went cold, nearly forgetting to breathe.

But by the giant helm ahead, he saw a silver-white figure standing out from the crowd. That person stood before the helm, not looking at Tie Ci’s ship, ignoring the frantic flag signals here, gaze fixed on the dark, heavy reed marshes ahead.

Giant waves stirred up by the large fleet battered Tie Ci’s ship. The other side’s posture of pressing forward without yielding clearly didn’t care about the lives of people on this ship, single-mindedly charging toward their target.

The ship hulls were close at hand, giant waves crashed against walls, and Tie Ci’s ship was already listing.

Mu Si gripped the helm desperately, veins bulging on his arms, cursing loudly, “What bastard is this!”

From the opposite side, an icy voice suddenly penetrated the fog and spray: “Southern Yue Navy now eliminates the Sea-Ruling Gang in Fuguang River waters! Surrounding merchant vessels must not interfere and avoid on their own! If ships are damaged, seek compensation from local authorities afterwards!”

Mu Si laughed angrily.

What domineering human king was this!

He really wanted to ram straight into them – his ship had iron armor at the prow and iron nets on the hull, ramming would give the other side a good hole too.

But he couldn’t. The other ship was far too large and also equipped with iron nets and armor. Once both were damaged, his ship would definitely be destroyed first. And once in the water, with water pirates likely nearby, it would certainly cause casualties.

He threw his whole body weight into it, pulling hard.

The ship prow cut sharp water traces, brushing past the giant ship’s fang-like prow, stirring huge waves that surged onto the deck. Sailors and guards at the prow tumbled into a heap, young gentlemen in cabins cried out loudly, crashing about.

But avoiding the prow couldn’t prevent hull collision – they were only three feet apart!

From above came a roar: “Retract iron nets!”

Iron nets clanged back. A white flash, and Murong Yi landed on deck, pushing Mu Si aside, embracing the helm with both arms and pulling with full force.

The entire ship lurched violently, tilting nearly sixty degrees. Guards watching from the mast slid down and crashed into the water.

Water waves surged violently, people on deck slid back and forth crashing together, only Murong Yi standing immovable.

The two ships brushed past each other.

The two helmsmen rapidly approached, gazing at each other across ships.

One in silver armor with red plume, stern features, lips curved like knife cuts.

One in snow-white robes, loose white headband flying in wind, magnificent and beautiful, eyes containing spring. Only the smile at lip corners was cold and thin.

Each gripping helm wheels, eyes meeting, gazes piercing through water mist and river waves.

In the hazy dimness where surroundings were indistinct, only between their eyes killing intent clashed like swords.

Just for an instant.

The next moment, another person appeared behind the silver-armored figure.

That person reached around from behind in an embracing posture, grasping the helm and pulling hard in the opposite direction.

The giant fu ship began tilting.

And Tie Ci’s merchant ship, also tilting outward, brushed past again.

Each could almost see the other’s ship bottom, closest distance barely one foot.

The two ships slid past, sailed apart, waves gradually calming.

People on the merchant ship recovered from shock and cheered.

On the merchant ship, Murong Yi released the helm, looking toward the opposite side.

On the fu ship, Tie Ci didn’t let go of Xiao Xueya. She still pressed tightly against his somewhat stiff back, saying coldly, “Chief Steward Xiao, please don’t move from head to toe, abandon your delusions of mutual destruction or ordering my execution. The moment you move anywhere, I’ll tie you up, cripple your martial arts, and send you to the Sea-Ruling Gang leader.”

Xiao Xueya’s fingers on the helm trembled slightly, then stopped.

In the river wind, both their breathing was calm and long, rhythms nearly synchronized.

After a long while, Xiao Xueya said, “Crown Princess?”

Tie Ci wasn’t surprised he recognized her voice. “Does Chief Steward Xiao always treat human lives so carelessly?”

“I’m executing a bandit suppression mission. Fu ships are too large – sudden helm turns would cause capsizing, affecting the suppression plan. Moreover, we checked beforehand and the river was clearly empty. We didn’t expect Your Highness’s ship to suddenly turn back.”

Tie Ci’s eyebrows rose. She hadn’t expected Xiao Xueya, with his icy temperament, to actually explain to her in detail.

Not turning the helm – this was indeed something Xiao Xueya would do. He was naturally someone who prioritized official duties above all else.

Tie Ci released him.

“Since you’re here to suppress bandits, let me see the Southern Yue Navy that has consumed countless military funds.”

“Please wait, Your Highness. In half an hour, you’ll see the Sea-Ruling Gang leader’s head.”

Tie Ci said nothing and turned to return to her ship.

Xiao Xueya turned his head, staring at her retreating figure, fingers that had been clenched tight slowly relaxing one by one.

Tie Ci returned to her ship, ordering both vessels to make way and observe this battle between the Southern Yue Navy and the Sea-Ruling Gang.

Mighty fleets passed before their eyes – various models, styles, and equipment.

First impression: the Southern Yue Navy’s military funds weren’t wasted.

Xiao Xueya, Da Qian’s number one money-burner, apparently hadn’t embezzled privately.

From the main warship fu ships – fifteen zhang long with five high masts, fully equipped with firearms, cannons, bird guns, sleeve guns, rattan shields, long spears, and javelins – to medium-sized hai cang ships drawing seven to eight feet, maneuverable in light winds and coordinating with fu ships. To small warship cang shan ships with double masts drawing five feet, equipped with two cannons, three bowl-mouth guns, forty spray tubes, sixty smoke tubes, thirty fire bricks, one hundred fire arrows, four crossbows, and one hundred crossbow bolts. To light wang suo ships shaped like shuttles with bamboo masts and wooden sails, drawing seven to eight inches with several crew inside… all sizes complete.

From four zhang two-foot long war ships with four internal wheels for water-striking called wheel ships, to light three-tiered fire dragon ships with raw cowhide protection, gun ports above, knife and nail boards in middle, soldiers hidden below, specifically for luring enemies. To four-zhang long ships that appeared as one but were actually two, connected by iron rings front and rear called chain ships. To eagle ships with pointed ends making head and tail indistinguishable, advancing and retreating like flying with strong maneuverability. Even mother-child ships containing sub-ships for setting enemy vessels ablaze… all types complete.

Next, Tie Ci indeed enjoyed a display of Xiao Xueya’s skill exhibition… no, naval battle.

Ten thousand arrows fired simultaneously from fu ships, fire meteors lit the night sky, trailing deep red flaming tails falling into the vast reed marshes.

The next moment, battle cries arose as countless light boats darted from the reed marshes, while several large ships emerged from nearby river bays.

The Sea-Ruling Gang was clearly prepared, but they faced the Southern Yue Navy armed to the teeth.

Xiao Xueya stood at the fu ship’s prow with flag signalers constantly signaling commands. Against those densely packed small boats serving as vanguard, the Southern Yue Navy deployed the fastest wheel ships and chain ships. The former’s speed far exceeded oar-powered small boats, with middle cabin board-nail shed compartments that could open or close. At command, gunpowder sand tubes fired simultaneously, then ship boards opened revealing soldiers on both sides firing arrows and hurling javelins, harvesting countless enemy small boats in one round.

Large ships slowly approached from behind. This time they deployed chain ships with front ships occupying one-third, rear ships two-thirds. Front ships had multiple large reverse spike nails, carrying fire balls, poison fire, and firearms. Rear ships had oars carrying soldiers. Sailing directly downwind into enemy formations, front ships nailed onto enemy vessels and ignited various fire weapons while releasing iron rings. Rear ships returned while front ships erupted in flames, burning enemy vessels.

Meanwhile eagle ships darted through for surprise attacks, appearing and disappearing like lightning among small boats, igniting fires everywhere. Fire wheel ships lured enemies deep then activated mechanisms, making water pirates fall into nail boards struggling and screaming… Xiao Xueya’s fancy skill display used various Southern Yue Navy warships in hurricane-like devastation against mere regional water pirates. Like elephants stomping ants to death, half the Fuguang River trembling and half red with blood.

Tie Ci was initially amazed, then increasingly speechless watching.

This was what they meant by using all one’s strength against rabbits?

Xiao Xueya was still incredibly arrogant in his bones.

He and Di Yiwei were equally famous but completely different styles. Di Yiwei fought with careful calculation, preferring to use minimal force and consumption for maximum results. This was probably related to Di Yiwei’s ordinary background and constant difficulties with supply provision from Xiao family harassment while guarding Yongping.

But Xiao Xueya was purely an ignorant young master’s style – grand gestures pursuing momentum and effects regardless of cost, after all he had full Xiao family support behind him with no one in court opposing him, smooth sailing all the way.

But watching with eyes accustomed to Di Yiwei’s frugal style, Tie Ci felt this guy was somewhat wasteful.

Mere regional water pirates, even with more boats, absolutely couldn’t compare to regular navy. Thus a few fu ships with wheel ships and wang suo ships, spending some time would suffice. Why bother deploying chain ships and mother-child ships for quick victory? Those were thousand-enemy-eight-hundred-self-damage measures necessary only when facing superior enemy naval forces. Building one ship cost how much silver – burning it like this without even hearing a sound.

So when Xiao Xueya quickly eliminated the water pirates and stood at the ship’s prow asking condescendingly how it was, Tie Ci looked at him without speaking.

Though this Snow Commander showed no expression, his eyes were contemptuous, clearly very pleased with himself.

What made his entourage even more displeased was that his fu ship was enormous – Tie Ci’s ship looked like a toy in comparison. He reported battle results not by boarding Tie Ci’s ship but actually standing at the prow in a superior position to ask. Even with his neck lowered, his posture was far too high.

Wan Ji couldn’t help shouting loudly, “What arrogance!”

Xiao Xueya completely ignored him. His deputy glared angrily at Wan Ji, who chuckled and made an obscene gesture at him.

Officers from Scorpion Camp origins always despised Xiao Xueya’s manner most.

The deputy’s face reddened with anger but dared not move. Xiao Xueya acted as if unaware of Wan Ji’s gesture, only staring at Tie Ci.