“Teacher Zhao, I have no such lofty ambitions. I only wish to focus on the present, to do my duty well, and to do my utmost to eradicate the Japanese pirate threat in my jurisdiction, so the people here no longer face threats to their lives or property and can live good lives.”
Facing Zhao Wenhua’s temptation, Zhu Ping’an rejected it without hesitation, bowing apologetically as he declined.
*Not only do I have differences of opinion with Yan Song, but with you as well, and with the entire Yan faction. You are a malignant tumour in the Ming Dynasty, a festering sore. Only by cutting you out can the Ming Dynasty have a healthy body.*
“Doing well in the present, that’s good, that’s good. Eradicating the Japanese pirates—that’s why I’m here! I’m here to oversee the campaign, and what I’m overseeing is the destruction of the pirates! Let’s not think too far ahead. Let’s focus on the present, join hands as teacher and student, and deal with the pirate threat first.”
Zhao Wenhua seemed to have anticipated Zhu Ping’an’s response. He wasn’t surprised or angered by the refusal, instead chuckling as he spoke.
*Ugh, this old fox…*
Zhu Ping’an instantly felt like he’d been ensnared by Zhao Wenhua. His own cunning was still no match for a fox of this calibre.
“Rest assured, Zihou. My approach to you is different from how I handled Zhang Jing. With you, I give full trust. Professional matters should be left to professionals—I won’t meddle in specific military commands. I’ll ensure you have no worries at the rear. Go all out and act boldly in Zhejiang. Even if you resort to extortion or abducting women, I can guarantee not a single memorial against you will reach His Majesty’s desk.”
“I can also ensure that during this time, no one from the Yan faction will attack you, and any attacks from others won’t make it to His Majesty’s attention.”
“I’ll secure your logistics as well. As the saying goes, provisions precede troops. I’ll ensure the Zhejiang army’s rations and pay are delivered on time, without a single grain of rice or coin missing.”
“And I guarantee that none of your achievements will be buried or stolen. I’ll request rewards for you tenfold, a hundredfold…”
Zhao Wenhua patted his chest, looking at Zhu Ping’an with a serious expression, his voice firm and his promises resolute.
“My only requirement is that you eradicate the Japanese pirates. Of course, that’s also part of my merit as overseer.”
Zhao Wenhua stared at Zhu Ping’an without blinking, slowly extending his right hand, waiting.
Zhu Ping’an looked at the outstretched hand, deep in thought.
*This is one sly old fox.*
But his goal is clear: to use me to bolster his record as overseer and amass political capital.
The conditions he’s offering are generous—securing logistics, staying out of military decisions, and shielding me from the Yan faction’s harassment.
If I refuse, it won’t just be the Yan faction coming after me. A petty man like Zhao Wenhua will retaliate!
Having a scheming villain like him lurking, magnifying my every mistake, ready to strike at any moment…
The thought alone is chilling.
*Agree, then.*
I’ll play along. Agreeing doesn’t mean I’m bound to act. What I do later is still up to me.
It’s just a verbal pact.
Besides, anyone who walks the path of eradicating Japanese pirates is a comrade in that cause.
Whether it’s Zhao Wenhua, Zhang Jing, or even Yan Song—on the road to wiping out the pirates, they can all be allies.
As for other matters, that’s another story.
With that, Zhu Ping’an hesitated no longer. He reached out, firmly grasping Zhao Wenhua’s hand.
“I’m willing to join hands with Teacher Zhao to eradicate the Japanese pirates. But as a young and impulsive man, I may act rashly at times. I ask for your understanding, Teacher Zhao.”
Zhu Ping’an spoke earnestly.
*Planting a preemptive excuse. Whatever I do later, I can claim it’s because I’m young and impulsive. I said so upfront, didn’t I? Back when we made this pact.*
“Hahaha, Zihou, this is absolutely the wisest choice you’ve made.” Zhao Wenhua, seeing Zhu Ping’an take the bait, couldn’t help but laugh heartily, brimming with satisfaction and joy.
“Congratulations, Minister Zhao.” Hu Zongxian cupped his hands to Zhao Wenhua, then turned to Zhu Ping’an. “Congratulations, Lord Zhu.”
“Thank you, thank you.” Zhu Ping’an returned the gesture.
Zhao Wenhua looked at Hu Zongxian, then at Zhu Ping’an, laughing smugly. “With Meilin, I’ve gained a Wolong; today, with Zihou, I’ve gained a Fengchu. With you two—Wolong and Fengchu—by my side, how could I, Zhao Wenhua, fail to pacify the Japanese pirates in Jiangnan? Hahaha…”
“I’m not worthy, not worthy.” Zhu Ping’an’s lips twitched.
*Ugh, Wolong and Fengchu, my foot!*
Doesn’t he know that in modern times, that’s an insult?
The moment I hear “Wolong and Fengchu,” I picture flowing hair and hear that line, *“Have you heard my story?”*
“As for the Zhejiang army’s rations and supplies, I’ll rely on Teacher Zhao and Lord Hu to take care of them. Fighting wars really burns through silver.” Zhu Ping’an cupped his hands towards Zhao Wenhua and Hu Zongxian, immediately pressing for logistical support.
“Zihou, put your mind at ease.” Zhao Wenhua smiled, pressing his hand downward reassuringly. The rations and supplies came from the court anyway—securing them for Zhu Ping’an was just a matter of a few words. Who would dare obstruct him?
He might not control Jiangnan’s supplies, but outside Jiangnan, the Yan faction could move resources like it was child’s play.
Zhao Wenhua had absolute confidence.
“War does burn silver, but it can also earn silver. Find a few wealthy families colluding with the pirates, profiting from both sides, and confiscate their assets. Generations of accumulated wealth—these families’ fortunes will exceed your imagination.”
Hu Zongxian picked up the teapot, pouring a cup for Zhao Wenhua, then one for Zhu Ping’an, offering a suggestion.
“Heh, it also kills the chicken to warn the monkey. Those families with dirty hands will line up to send you silver. These days, I’ve seen it—Jiangnan is filthy rich. Salt merchants, cloth merchants, tea merchants, grain merchants… they’re practically as wealthy as kingdoms. Their gardens are grander than the princes’ mansions in the capital. They should be sponsoring the Zhejiang army’s pirate suppression efforts.”
Zhao Wenhua laughed as well, his eyes glinting with greed when he mentioned the merchants, like a wolf starved for a month spotting a field full of fat sheep.
*Bloody hell!*
*You two are bloody experts at raking in silver!*
Zhu Ping’an’s lips twitched as he listened to them, nearly swayed by their words.
Stop, stop!
I’m here to eradicate Japanese pirates, not to get rich. As for those wealthy families colluding with the pirates, they must be dealt with—every single one of them. Sending silver? Even a mountain of gold and silver won’t save them!
