Chapter 1134: Setting the Feast
Cao Wenzhao chuckled, opting not to waste words.
The fleet wasn't his arrangement, but he couldn't very well say it was the Heavenly Lord's doing. He had to take credit himself, which made a straightforward general like him, who preferred direct confrontation over schemes and politics, feel a little uncomfortable.
Still... this minor discomfort was bearable.
Shen Shikui thanked the young tacticians and the two young men. Then, he heard Jin Riguan, the Vice Commander of Laizhou, beside him, exclaim: “Luckily, this subordinate didn't desert with Chen Hongfan! I stayed behind to defend the island, fully expecting to die, but unexpectedly found life in the jaws of death. Haha, that Chen Hongfan actually perished! Speaking of which, are the Manchu navy that formidable? To be able to intercept Chen Hongfan at sea? He's been a seasoned naval officer for years, always incredibly swift when fleeing on the water.”
Zheng Sen stepped forward and explained, “Manchu General Gūsan Ejen Samushika led several hundred small boats, circling around Pi Island from the other side. They unexpectedly collided with Chen Hongfan's fleet. No matter how fast Chen Hongfan could sail, encircled by several ships, he faced a dead end.”
“So that's how it was,” Jin Riguan muttered, a chill running down his spine. “Good thing I didn't go along. By the way, you annihilated Aobai and Zhun Ta's forces, but who took down Gūsan Ejen Samushika's large fleet?”
Cao Wenzhao chuckled. “Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.”
He pointed towards the sea. Gao Family Village's main fleet had arrived, a flotilla of colossal ships sailing into Pi Island's main harbor. The sheer size of the vessels made Pi Island's port seem minuscule by comparison.
Shen Shikui gasped sharply, as if sucking on a frozen pear from the northeast. “These ships... they are *this* massive?”
The Guanning Iron Cavalry at the port quickly stepped forward. “Don't be afraid, these are our own people.”
Only then did the Pi Island garrison sigh in relief. “Phew, they're our own people after all. You scared us half to death.”
The colossal ships docked smoothly. The water-combat-specialized Heavenly Lord, accompanied by Jiang Cheng, two formidable generals from the reformed pirates—Bai Yang and Dao Ke—and a large contingent of sailors, disembarked. As he walked, he waved and smiled at the Guanning Iron Cavalry. “Comrades, you've worked hard.”
The Guanning Iron Cavalry were so moved that tears welled in their eyes. “The Heavenly Lord waved at *me*!”
“The Heavenly Lord just smiled at *me*.”
“The Heavenly Lord's gracious greeting makes all our toil and hardship worthwhile.”
Shen Shikui watched this scene, utterly bewildered. “Who is that? Such a grand entrance? General Cao, your Guanning Iron Cavalry are actually so respectful towards him?”
Cao Wenzhao replied, “He is a respectable... *cough*... great man.”
He had originally intended to say 'immortal,' but forced himself to change it to 'great man' at the last moment. It was quite difficult.
Li Daoxuan walked directly up to Shen Shikui, smiling. “General Shen, a pleasure to meet you! I've long admired your reputation.”
His words of admiration were far from empty flattery.
Days ago, while researching Pi Island, Li Daoxuan had learned about Shen Shikui.
Though Shen Shikui had risen through his daughter's connections, his resistance against the Qing was beyond reproach. Historically, despite having an escape route, he refused to abandon Pi Island, defending it to the last moment before being captured by Qing forces.
He was brought before Ajige and Ma Futa.
Ma Futa demanded, “Why aren't you kneeling?”
Shen Shikui retorted, “Why should I kneel? Just kill me!”
Ma Futa, enraged, ordered Shen Shikui to be dragged out and beheaded, his head displayed beneath their banner.
For a man like that, Li Daoxuan held a genuine respect.
Observing Li Daoxuan's imposing presence and the deference of those around him, Shen Shikui dared not act rashly. He already regarded him as a high-ranking official, cupping his hands in a respectful bow. “May I ask, sir, what is your esteemed name?”
Li Daoxuan replied, “My surname is Li. You can consider me a descendant of the Li clan of Longxi.”
“The Li clan of Longxi,” Shen Shikui mused, secretly astonished. *The imperial lineage of the Tang Dynasty hasn't died out completely?*
Still, it wasn't entirely surprising; many influential clans had faded into obscurity. Such individuals often possessed extensive networks and boundless influence. Judging by the Cao family uncle and nephew's attitude towards him, Shen Shikui realized he likely needed to curry favor diligently.
“Right then!” Li Daoxuan declared. “Today, we've won a great victory, so everyone should be happy. Call out all the generals and soldiers; let's have a magnificent feast.”
Shen Shikui chuckled. “Indeed, that's certainly in order. This subordinate was also planning a grand banquet to treat all the generals who came to our aid.”
Li Daoxuan clarified, “I wasn't just talking about the generals; the soldiers should celebrate too.”
Shen Shikui shifted slightly, a hint of awkwardness crossing his face. “Pi Island is isolated, deep within Manchu territory, far from the Great Ming. We've always relied on King Li Zong of Joseon for sustenance. But ever since Joseon was invaded by the Manchus, King Li Zong hasn't sent any supplies to Pi Island for months. Food on the island is already becoming scarce... A banquet for a few of us generals would be fine, but if all twenty thousand-plus people on the island were to have a good meal, I fear our reserves would be depleted in mere days...”
“Such a minor matter is not worth mentioning,” Li Daoxuan said with a slight smile. “I considered this before embarking on this expedition, which is why the fleet brought a massive amount of grain. In the future, if Joseon cannot aid Pi Island, I can provide the support.”
Shen Shikui was overjoyed. “Is this truly real?”
In truth, he had been deeply troubled. Even with the victory, if King Li Zong of Joseon failed to relieve Pi Island, the island would inevitably run out of food and collapse eventually.
But now, a new provider had arrived!
The importance of this matter was no less than defeating the Jurchens.
“Mister Li, you truly are Pi Island's savior. I don't know how to express my gratitude,” Shen Shikui said, so moved that tears welled in his eyes.
“Haha, General Shen, you are a hero, willing to stake your life to resist the Qing forces. What's a bit of grain from me, Li, in comparison?” Li Daoxuan chuckled. “Not just grain; in the future, I will also transport weapons, armor, gunpowder, winter clothing, and other necessities for you.”
Shen Shikui knelt in a profound bow. “Mister Li, you are truly the reborn parent of Pi Island.”
Li Daoxuan waved his hand. “Alright, let's not waste time on these formalities. Issue orders across the entire island: prepare a grand banquet, and let all the soldiers who fought so hard enjoy a good meal.”
These words immediately took flight, spreading across the entire island.
After Joseon ceased its aid, Pi Island's garrison hadn't enjoyed a decent meal in months. Now, hearing that a new benefactor had arrived and brought abundant provisions, they erupted in joyous cheers. The entire island was abuzz with celebration, as lively as a festival.
Li Daoxuan was also feeling quite pleased.
Suddenly, Cao Wenzhao dashed out as if flying. A moment later, he returned, cradling a massive sea turtle in his arms. “Heavenly Lord, I heard you're fond of all sorts of seafood. Would you care for a giant sea turtle?”
The giant sea turtle wore a bewildered expression, staring with innocent, enormous eyes.
Li Daoxuan: “...”
The people nearby cried out in unison, “General Cao, we've already told you, sea turtles don't taste good! Besides, these creatures possess sentience; eating them will surely bring misfortune! Quickly, release it!”
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