Chapter 196: Liu Kingdom

What about Li Xian?

Li Xian closed his eyes and thought for a moment, then suddenly smiled, “Mr. Li Yuanming’s suggestion is good; indeed, it is a quick way. But Mr. Li Yuanming may have forgotten that we are currently in a phase of rapid development, and taking risks is completely unnecessary for us. As long as we can develop steadily, the longer we can maintain this stable development, the more beneficial it will be for us.

But since this suggestion is so feasible, we cannot waste it.

Wu Peng, haven’t you already mastered the movements of those spies from the Cai Kingdom? Go ahead and make arrangements so that these spies ‘accidentally’ learn of our plans.

Also, not long ago, the Wang family showed us some goodwill. Let’s appropriately return the favor and make it appear as though we are preparing to reconcile with the Wang family.”

After Wu Peng left, Li Xian turned to Bei Chen Yuqing, “Bei Chen Yuqing, you should start preparing 100,000 elite soldiers now and aim to take control of Luliang County in one fell swoop.”

Xu Ren, who was beside them, added, “When attacking Luliang County, don’t take the initiative. Wait for Luliang County to strike first, then strike back. After all, Luliang County is currently under the control of the Crown Prince, and we must always consider the impact of his influence.

As for whether Luliang County will take the initiative to attack, there’s no problem. Given the Crown Prince’s personality and our previous actions, he will definitely strike first.”

The group discussed the details for a while, confirming that there were no omissions, and finally dispersed.

The subsequent events went as expected. Wu Peng’s subordinates “accidentally” let slip, allowing the spies from the Cai Kingdom to learn of the plan. Cai Kingdom then contacted the Kong family and the Yuan family. The Kong family became quite anxious, while the Yuan family felt slightly relieved.

At the same time, the decision to hold the industrial exhibition in Ding Mountain City was finalized, and the price for military goods was officially set. The prices for different types of locomotives, cannons, and ammunition were made public in advance. Besides the prices, there were also restrictions. Those who wanted to purchase military goods had to take an oath. The oath was not strict, with only one condition—after purchasing military goods, they could not use them domestically within two months. Additionally, the 150mm cannons could only be used for external purposes.

“This oath requirement is full of loopholes!” After seeing the price list and the oath conditions, many people sneered. “Li Xian, what are you playing at?”

Well, no matter what, the industrial exhibition was still the center of attention. Everyone began preparing their armies, goods, and other resources, ready to participate in the grand event.

…………

Meanwhile, in the eastern ocean, Chang Lin led three armored ships, continuously heading south. They were exploring while advancing and making contact with the shore. This was the first coastal exploration by Anyang, and one could even say it was the first exploration of the Immortal Domain.

In addition, in order to allow the armored ships to sail for long periods, all three ships were equipped with a “Spirit Stone Charging System.”

Two flags hung in front of the armored ships. One was Anyang’s flag, and the other was the flag of the Eastern Sea Dragon King’s Manor in Yingzhou Bay. In this world, where demonic beasts roamed the seas, no one could move forward without a flag of the Dragon Palace. Even so, Chang Lin tried not to disturb the ocean too much. This first step of exploration was done with extreme caution.

At this moment, the three armored ships were anchored in the ocean, not far from the shore. Many strange sea demons watched the armored ships, and some bold sea demons even swam closer to observe.

At the same time, people on the shore were also watching, including military forces.

Soon, several people flew over the sea surface, returning from gathering information about the shore. It was the Anyang Navy’s scouts.

Chang Lin saw them and immediately asked, “Hao Youcai, how did it go?”

“General, this is still Jin Country. We’ll need to travel another 120 miles, about 60 kilometers, to reach Liu Country. But there are some Liu Country merchants here. Should we ask them a few questions?”

“That’s fine. Go invite a few merchants and tell them they can board our armored ships to return to Liu Country.”

“Understood.” Hao Youcai turned and left the armored ship, heading straight for the shore where several merchants were waiting eagerly.

Seeing Hao Youcai return, one merchant quickly stepped forward. “General Hao, can we go aboard the big ship to have a look?”

“The Great General has given permission. Please, come aboard.”

A group of merchants, along with their attendants, numbering more than sixty people, arrived at the large ship. The ironclad ship started moving and continued to sail south. The general of the Jin Kingdom on the shore let out a sigh of relief. The situation in the Great Xia Kingdom was something that the Jin Kingdom, as a good neighbor, was always keeping a close eye on. The long cannon barrels on the ironclad ship were enough to send chills down one’s spine. It was said that a single shot could blow up city walls—though the rumor kept getting more exaggerated.

When Wang Zhiqiang and the other merchants arrived aboard, they were immediately stunned.

“Wow, how much steel must have been used here, it’s all made of iron.”

“Wait a minute, how can iron float on water? This must be some kind of powerful magic!”

Chang Lin listened to the merchants’ exaggerated words and smiled smugly. After a while, when the merchants had calmed down, Chang Lin began asking about the specific situation in the Liu Kingdom.

Wang Zhiqiang took the lead, and the merchants took turns explaining the situation in the Liu Kingdom clearly.

Chang Lin listened carefully and asked detailed questions, but after gathering all the information, he furrowed his brow. The situation in the Liu Kingdom seemed a bit unexpected.

The Liu Kingdom ruled according to the ideas of Legalism. Legalism is an extreme ideology, and only three types of people are allowed to exist in the country: the emperor and officials—those who rule, the military, and the common people. Everything else, such as business and trade, is highly restricted. These merchants, in order to conduct business, not only had to face layers of exploitation, but also had to adhere to a variety of restrictive conditions.

Additionally, the legalist ideology is extreme, with harsh laws and severe labor requirements for the people. Thieves have their hands chopped off, and those who try to escape have their feet cut off; even minor mistakes are often punished with the water and fire sticks.

Chang Lin was dumbfounded. “Wang Zhiqiang, how can your country’s laws be so harsh? What about the powerful figures among the common people? Don’t they oppose this?”

Wang Zhiqiang chuckled, “It’s simple. Those with the ability all become officials, those without ability become common people. Those with a little ability become soldiers. That solves everything!”

It can be done like this…

Chang Lin and the others were truly stunned. In such a country, there was absolutely no freedom! They had turned an entire vast nation into a sort of alternative sect to manage it. No wonder when Li Yuanming said that the Liu Kingdom and the Legalists were crazy, he was right.

Are such people and such an ideology truly suited for Anyang?

Needless to say, at this moment, such thoughts stirred in the hearts of every soldier in Anyang. But in the end, the three ironclad ships still sailed south.

Sixty kilometers wasn’t far at all. The conversation was finished, and the journey was nearly over.

From a distance, they could already see the coast of the Liu Kingdom, which was completely different from that of the Jin Kingdom. There were salt fields, neatly divided, with a kind of standardized beauty. In addition, there were five groups of common people patrolling the salt fields, moving in the same steps, at the same speed, and wearing the same clothes—more organized than even the artisans and workers in the Qingyun Mountain Valley.

“It seems… really different!” Chang Lin thought deeply. “Although this kind of country sounds terrifying, there seems to be something commendable about it. Otherwise, the ideas of Legalism wouldn’t have been adopted, and the Liu Kingdom wouldn’t have become a strong nation!”

Yes, the Liu Kingdom was a powerful nation, one that even the Jin Kingdom dared not provoke.

However, when the three ironclad ships arrived, they naturally drew the attention and surprise of the people on the shore.

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