Chapter 63

As the green waves of the river surged, driven by the wind, a swift boat with a red flag sailed through the vast river, like a guide.

Then came a faint rumbling sound. Those with keen senses couldn't help but look up at the sky, wondering where the thunder came from on such a clear day.

Soon, the answer appeared in their field of vision. It was the sound of drums from the advancing army, like a tide covering the embankment. The first thing to appear was a dense cluster of black sails, overlapping in an unknown number.

Like a dark cloud blocking the sky, they surged on the river surface.

Following closely was the fleet itself, with sails like a forest and a vast, cloud-like expanse. They were all built to similar specifications, multi-layered military ships several dozen feet long.

The wooden prows and railings were carved with fierce or majestic auspicious beasts; the sides of the ships were painted in cinnabar with winged dragons and snakes riding the waves.

They were adorned with fish-belly flags, dragon-scale flags, and wave-splitting flags, looking mighty and imposing.

The ships were filled with helmeted and armored soldiers, the predominantly blue military formation contrasting with the red and black hulls, making the formation look grand and the morale high, with spears and halberds like a forest.

In that instant, I seemed to understand many things. The so-called Spring Festival and the grand celebrations of the city, where everyone rejoiced, were just a smokescreen. The reason for forcibly retaining travelers and merchants was clear: a temporary lockdown before the army's mobilization.

I witnessed firsthand a real-life version of the strategy "openly repairing the栈道, secretly crossing the Chen仓." Of course, even I, who had experienced many things, couldn't help but tremble, turn pale, and have a blank mind when I saw the vast army surging across the river.

But soon, I came to my senses and was infected by the momentum of their formation. A vague and indescribable feeling sprouted and surged in my heart.

I couldn't help but think, "A true man should be like this, capable of taking over and replacing others. If I were to lead this army, how would it be?" This only strengthened certain beliefs.

Of course, I now have no base, no followers, and only a defenseless little girl by my side. I am merely an accidental observer of a historical event, perhaps even a witness to some extent.

But if I can return to my territory in the south, perhaps the situation and circumstances will be different.

Perhaps in the future, there will be a chance to become a participant in advancing and promoting the historical process, even a manipulator of the world, or even a creator of the era.

To be honest,

This is the first time I have wavered from my initial goal of returning home to farm, get rich, and spread my influence through my descendants, subtly changing the era.

"Everyone, how is the scenery here?"

A voice interrupted my thoughts. It was Han Liangchen, the host, who looked at us with a smile.

"Not bad, truly a grand spectacle."

I was somewhat unimpressed and was about to sarcastically say that after enjoying the hospitality and listening to their nonsense, and seeing the grand scene, if there were no more programs like cannon fire, it was time to wash up and go home.

Then I suddenly felt a burning gaze, though only for a moment, I sensed a bit of appreciation from him.

Because, at this moment, the others were even worse, variously losing their composure, or being completely overwhelmed, even kneeling on the ground, unable to stand up.

Oh, I just realized that I had accidentally boarded a pirate ship or been drawn into some kind of whirlpool of trouble. As the saying goes, "Before the army moves, the spies must act."

Just seeing the mobilization of the army, a matter of utmost secrecy, could I still remain unscathed or pretend to know nothing? This would give the other side a reason and opportunity to temporarily detain and control us.

However, seeing the host go to such lengths to entertain and accompany us, it was clear they had no intention of playing games or having a bloody scene.

I quickly gave up, or rather, I pretended to accept the situation.

"I apologize for startling everyone."

Han Liangchen bowed without changing his expression.

"Please give me a chance to explain and apologize."

Returning to the ship's luxurious setting, the atmosphere and mood were different. Most people were uneasy, waiting for their fate.

On the contrary, I, with a lighter heart, began to enjoy the snacks provided on the ship and even made some comments.

This honey-glazed lotus root slice is very crisp and tender, this water chestnut cake is sweet but not greasy, and this dried goose breast is not tough at all, becoming more fragrant the more you chew.

"Are you not worried at all, Lin Sheng?"

Su Su, with her bright eyes, seemed somewhat concerned for me.

Yes, my current alias is Lin Youde. As the protagonist of this name, I have been causing trouble for the longest time.

As the one who coined the classic phrase "My father has never hit me," a specialist in treating middle school syndrome and various defiance.

While others fight on the front lines, he sits on the best mothership, giving orders, and no matter how many subordinates die, he remains unscathed. In the most difficult moments, a bunch of NT kids always come to his rescue. The script never gives us any significant mistakes, and he eventually dies in the arms of a woman.

"Is worrying useful?"

I bit into the pancake in my mouth.

"Would Brother Liangchen be kind enough to let me leave if I showed a terrified face?"

"Even if I am to die in the next moment, having you all accompany me is a luxury."

"Remember to spread my little story."

"About a goose who thought he had a great adventure but ended up on a pirate ship by mistake."

Seeing the beautiful woman's expression change, my mood improved.

"Lin Youde, you are joking."

With a sound of footsteps, Han Liangchen, now dressed more impressively, reappeared before us.

"I am not very talented, but I have a small position under the governor."

"Our governor values talent, especially exceptional individuals."

Then he went on to talk about the opportunity for us, hidden talents in the civilian world, to join and contribute to the feudal construction of the governor.

"I am willing to serve the governor."

Another voice immediately stood up to agree, looking as unremarkable as me before, possibly a plant.

"Of course,"

Han Liangchen added.

"Our governor values courtesy. If you have any difficulties, you are free to leave, and there will be a gift."

"However, what you have seen is a matter of military importance, so we must ask you to stay on the ship for a few more days."

"Of course, it is reasonable."

Someone quickly responded, breaking the awkward silence, and others' expressions improved.

But a few still looked unhappy or cold, clearly displeased but restrained by the authority and power.

Ha, now I can confirm that I have been drawn into something.

The lavish entertainment and hospitality are to soften our stance, followed by a display of military might and a show of strength, and then using military secrets to bind us.

The true target of the strategy, "Xiang Zhuang's sword dance aimed at Pei Gong," is these scholars or some of them. I was just an accidental addition.

"Would the governor accept someone like me, who only composes vulgar songs?"

I thought for a moment and asked.

"Of course."

Han Liangchen looked at me with surprise and then resumed his polite smile.

"Our governor is not picky. As long as you have talent, you will be used."

After a moment, Han Liangchen looked at the two clearly divided groups with satisfaction and regret.

"Xia Hua, please take good care of these... distinguished guests."

"Of course."

The mature woman responded and led a group of women to escort the remaining people to the second deck.

Those who stayed were considered to have accepted Han Liangchen's recruitment.

I thought for a moment and stepped forward.

"I have one more request."

"Oh?"

"Can you bring my nephew here?"

"Of course."

"Tell him that we can only celebrate the Dragon Boat Festival in Jiangning."

This was a pre-arranged code, telling her to come with the messenger, or run as far as possible.

Half a day later, a graceful young woman accompanied the little girl to me. She hugged me, almost crying.

"It's okay, it's fine."

I gently held her hand and squeezed it twice, exchanging a secret signal.

"It seems we will be guests here for a while."

Su Su became our dedicated attendant, handling all our daily needs and trivial matters. Although there were hints of further services,

I declined the offer of intimate services, even though I was told I had the choice of any woman, including her.

But who knows what these women on the ship are trained for and what their intentions are.

I am not the protagonist of those小白YY books, where one encounter can brainwash a woman to abandon her long-cultivated background and loyalty and die for the protagonist.

I had almost managed to get a woman named Shi Niang, who had saved me several times, but it was a rare case.

So, the little girl became my best shield. They all knew she was a girl but pretended not to know, which was quite amusing.

However, the conditions on the ship were excellent, making it easy to forget about returning home.

After staying on the ship for two days, I finally met Han Liangchen again and received the message to meet the governor.