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The plan to ascend and take in the view the next morning ultimately did not come to fruition, as orders arrived that night from Shangdang instructing everyone to return immediately. This command was personally issued by King Zhao of Qin, ordering Luzi to lead twenty thousand Qin Army troops into Taihang Mountain to cut off the enemy's retreat.
Upon receiving the operational orders, Luzi quickly summoned Meng Wu and Xun Ke for a face-to-face discussion, hoping that the two would unite to establish Great Qin's first ocean fleet. He did not intend to bring Meng Wu and Xun Ke back to Shangdang, as forming a fleet capable of ocean navigation was of utmost importance. To ensure the safety of the two founders of the fleet, he promised that craftsmen from Qin State would be sent to assist them.
In Qianzhou County along the coast, there were only two small fishing villages, but no matter how small, they were still part of Qi State's territory. For confidentiality reasons, it was temporarily declared that this was a shipyard for Prosperity Pavilion.
General Meng Wu would serve as the chief supervisor of the shipyard, while Xun Ke would act as deputy supervisor and external liaison officer. This appointment awaited the king's approval, after which the official position, official robes, and seal would be delivered along with the appointment letter. Regarding leadership responsibilities, Meng Wu would handle internal matters while Xun Ke would manage external affairs. The recruitment of craftsmen and sailors would be decided by both after discussions.
Though small, even a sparrow has all its vital organs; moreover, this was just the beginning of a shipyard. In planning matters, every detail mattered—any oversight could lead to complications later on. After arranging specific responsibilities, a beam of light shone through the cracks in the makeshift straw hut. What was expected to be resolved in half an hour ended up taking all night. Time flew by like lightning; amidst their busyness, days and months felt like they were weaving through time.
It was time to leave!
Luzi stood up and looked at both men, encouraging them: "The beginning is always difficult! But this so-called difficulty is merely a matter of concern for you two generals. I firmly believe that your abilities will not disappoint us. Do not have any reservations; I will take care of everything! As General Meng said, this achievement belongs to the State! So go ahead and do it!"
Meng Wu and Xun Ke personally escorted Luzi to the shore, where Luzi offered them some advice along the way. According to the original design plan, the shipyard was intended to be built on this island. After all, the island had abundant trees for local materials and sufficient freshwater sources.
However, considering that shipbuilding required a massive amount of timber, relying solely on the trees on the island could only maintain the status quo temporarily. If they stripped the island bare of trees, what would they do next? Therefore, he hoped they could look further ahead.
Hearing his admonition, Meng Wu and Xun Ke repeatedly agreed. The initial plan to establish the shipyard on the island was partly for confidentiality; being surrounded by sea effectively prevented external reconnaissance. Everything is in human hands; one cannot abandon their purpose due to minor setbacks!
Unbeknownst to them, while walking and talking, they had already reached the seaside. Meng Wu and Xun Ke helped Luzi board a small boat that had been waiting for some time before clasping their fists in salute. "My lord! Brothers! Take care on your long journey!"
Standing at the bow were Luzi, Sun Thirteen, and Li Xin, who also clasped their fists in salute. "Take care!"
As several individuals boarded the Xianyang Ship on their way home, they turned back to see Meng Wu and Xun Ke still waving from the shore.
Li Xin looked at the distant Elephant Trunk Hill and sighed, "The officials are not free! If I had known we would be returning, I should have gone up the mountain to take a look yesterday. Now that we part ways, who knows when we will come back again!"
The wind picked up on the sea, and the Great Banner, adorned with the totem of Prosperity Pavilion, unfurled in the breeze. Its powerful flapping produced a series of sounds, as if it were someone’s vow!
Lu Zichao waved goodbye to Meng Wu and Xun Ke, who were reluctant to leave, and worried that the strong wind might chill Jiao Niang and Xiao Yu'er, urging them to return to the cabin for shelter. Once only three people remained on deck, he said, "We won't have to wait long! Once our army recaptures Shangdang, we will come to Qi State to invest in the construction of Heavenly Road! Once completed, it will take no more than half a month to reach here from Xianyang City at full speed!"
Sun Thirteen reluctantly waved goodbye to his brothers left on the island and reminded him, "Sir! Do you think Qi State will allow us to build Heavenly Road? Besides, this is our Qin State's military highway! Even if King Qi and Queen Dowager agree, our king may not!"
Hearing this, Luzi smiled and shook his head. "The future Heavenly Road will not only extend to Qi State but will reach all corners of the world! For now, it seems like we are helping the current Feudal States improve their transport speed. But if we look further ahead, these fast roads will ultimately be used by our Qin State!"
Sun Thirteen suddenly slapped the railing. "That makes sense! The future world will belong to our Qin State; all the initial investments in infrastructure will eventually return to us sooner or later!"
Luzi felt the sea breeze growing stronger and looked up at the sky above the island, surprised to see clouds reappearing. Yesterday, due to delays from transporting large amounts of goods, he had thought that the clouds had already dispersed when he saw a clear sky above the island.
But that was not the case! When close to the island, one could not see the columns of clouds rising from it; only from a distance could they be observed!
The sound of crashing waves against the ship grew increasingly intense; what had been a sunny sky was now devoid of sunlight. The large ship had its advantages; in sudden weather changes, it only swayed sideways without any up-and-down motion.
As humid air transformed into rain droplets, mist slowly rose from the sea, obscuring the island. The sea wind produced a low moaning sound that filled Luzi's ears. Losing his sense of direction, Luzi grasped the railing tightly and looked at the white foam of the waves with a sense of relief.
Fortunately, they had boarded early and left the island; if they had waited until after eating to depart, they might have delayed their journey!
Due to the short time they spent together, Luzi did not have the chance to ask who the helmsman of this decommissioned ship was. Xun Ke also did not provide any explanation, as there were many matters to report and discuss during their first meeting. However, looking at the large ship that was currently moving steadily and swiftly in a clear direction, it was evident that this helmsman was highly skilled.
Thinking of the term "Helmsman," Luzi understood why Xun Ke often referred to him as "Grandmaster." When faced with heavy fog and losing direction at sea, a helmsman who can effectively control the ship and ensure everyone reaches the shore safely will stand out!
These individuals may not show their abilities in normal times because handling minor waves is not difficult. Anyone can do it, and it is hard to discern their skills in such situations. At times like this, they are even less impressive than those who are overconfident, as they simply do not care about such trivial matters.
When will a Helmsman appear? The answer is quite simple!
Only when the ship encounters strong winds and rough seas, only when all those who think too highly of themselves are at a loss for what to do, will they step forward to turn the tide and safeguard the vessel sailing on the ocean.
It is only at this moment that true heroes reveal their true colors!
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