Pei Zi Yun was fearless as he laughed, "Governor your excellency, now that the imperial court has unified the lands, it's time for us to retire and return to the countryside."
"When you arrived at Ying Prefecture, you encouraged the development of agriculture, pacified the citizens, and promoted the rule of law. You've even managed to cultivate 200,000 mu of land. You've done a good job. Now that the pirates have attacked the coast, destroyed the county, and assassinated people, for the sake of face, and for the sake of eradicating the pirates, the imperial court has to give Ji Bei Hou military power. Your excellency, how do you think the imperial court will look at you?"
"Retiring and returning to the countryside is the norm. The imperial court has its own priorities as well. Eradicating the pirates is a matter of war, and should come before returning to the countryside!" The Governor's eyes gleamed as he replied.
"That's right. But Ji Bei Hou will need a few years to deal with the pirates. During this time, who will be responsible for the pirates' actions? The imperial court has just been established, and yet there are already pirates roaming the countryside. Your excellency, how do you think the imperial court will evaluate this? "
"In the farthest case, three to four years. In the shortest case, one to two years. My words will come true." Pei Zi Yun said plainly.
The Governor was worried about this. Hearing Pei Zi Yun's words, his face fell as he thought to himself, "Could it be that this man isn't one of Ji Bei Hou's men?"
He then looked at Pei Zi Yun and asked, "Top Scorer Pei, please enlighten me!"
Pei Zi Yun laughed, "It's easy now, you can write a report."
"Top Scorer Pei, a report can solve this problem. Why should I ask you?" The Governor spoke as he stared at Pei Zi Yun. He wasn't sure if this man was truly talented, or if he was just trying to please the crowd. After some time, he said, "Let's not talk nonsense. If you have a good plan, tell me!"
"Haha, this is easy. I hope your excellency the Governor can prepare a brush and paper." Pei Zi Yun's eyes gleamed as he spoke.
"Does this man really have the goods?" The Governor looked at him deeply before calling for someone to bring the brush and paper. Pei Zi Yun then placed a paperweight on the paper.
The Governor stood by the side as Pei Zi Yun started writing, "Exterminating the pirates!"
"What arrogance!"
The Governor looked at it and couldn't help but admit that the handwriting was neat and tidy. Pei Zi Yun then wrote it down in a single stroke. Pei Zi Yun then wrote it down.
"In the previous dynasty, there was a ban on trade and a strict sea ban. Hence, the trade routes between merchants and Fusang were blocked. Iron pots and silk from the mainland, silver and gold from Fusang. With such huge profits, the outlaws from the mainland took risks out of desperation. They burned, killed and looted, committing all kinds of crimes. The people of Fusang took pride in plundering the sea."
"Right now, people are reiterating the ban on the sea, but it's actually like trying to put out a fire with firewood.
"Furthermore, Japan is the birthplace of the pirates. We can't cut off their roots. Encircling and suppressing them for a short period of time won't do us any good. Furthermore, if we were to use an entire province's army to encircle and suppress the pirates, how much money and rations would we need?"
"Therefore, the first step of the strategy to subdue the pirates is to open up the sea and cut off the profits of the Fusang vagabonds. This will enrich the treasury of the Great Xu. Silk, porcelain, tea leaves, iron pots, iron needles and other goods will be brought back to Fusang.
"Moreover, half of the merchants and half of the bandits can be turned into good citizens. With a legal path, how many people would risk their lives?"
"This strategy can be implemented. Although we are talking about the Wokou pirates, they are actually traitors. Most of the pirates have been split up. Even if there are fugitives from the mainland, they won't amount to much. The only ones left are the Japanese."
"We should send an envoy to Pei Zi Yun and order them to control the pirates. If they refuse to comply, we can then attack them."
"With this, we should send the navy to wipe them out. As long as the navy is strong enough!"
"Within a few years, the country will be strong, the people will be rich, and the pirates will be eradicated."
"There's no need to waste the Imperial Court's salary, and there's no need for Ji Bei Hou to take charge of the military.
The Governor was reading by the side. When he finished, he was stumped. He was speechless. He was the Governor and understood the importance of this plan.
Firstly, the Emperor was in poor health. In order for the Crown Prince to succeed the throne, the most important thing was to dissolve the military power and return to the rule of law. Using Ji Bei Hou was a last resort.
Secondly, because of the establishment of the dynasty, the citizens were able to take a breather from the chaos. The treasury was empty. Hence, it was difficult to pass any policy that required a large amount of money. Even if they had to pass it, they would feel bad about it.
This plan was to change the military to the rule of law and not waste money. Furthermore, it would solve the problem of the pirates. Hence, the success rate of this plan was very high.
Based on this plan, this person was definitely not one of Ji Bei Hou's men. This was because the only reason Ji Bei Hou had the military power was because of the pirates. Hence, he had to use him. This plan was to destroy Ji Bei Hou's roots. This couldn't be done in secret, because it was too ruthless.
He sighed, "Yesterday, I was talking to my wife about this and was worried. Who would've thought that Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun would give me such a huge gift. Honestly speaking, I am extremely jealous of such a talent like Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun!"
This was the first time the Governor had addressed him in such a manner. Pei Zi Yun paused, he didn't expect the Governor to say such a thing. Just as he was about to reply, the Governor stood up and bowed, "As a Governor, I cannot exterminate the pirates. Today, thanks to Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun's plan, the pirates' days are numbered. On behalf of the citizens, I thank Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun."
When Pei Zi Yun heard the Governor's words, he was stumped as well. However, he was secretly impressed. This Governor was indeed impressive. He was willing to lower himself to such an extent. He hurriedly returned the bow and said, "This student is also a citizen of Ying Prefecture. It is my duty to help out your excellency the Governor."
The Governor then said, "If Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun has any requests in the future, as long as it doesn't violate the laws of the country, I will do my best."
These words were spoken with great sincerity. Pei Zi Yun straightened his back and replied, "My family owns 500 mu of land, and has plenty of food and clothing. Furthermore, I've entered a Daoist sect, and have no other requests. However, my sect's Patriarch was bestowed the title of Dao Master by the previous dynasty. If I can get the imperial court to bestow upon him the title of True Sovereign, this student will be eternally grateful."
The Governor paused for some time before smiling, "Although this is a difficult task, as long as we do things properly, it can be done. All that's left is for Top Scorer Pei Zi Yun to share some of the credit."
Pei Zi Yun laughed, "This is a small matter. This student is already a person who has transcended worldly affairs. There's no need to talk about credit. Your excellency, please do as you wish. I shall await your good news."
As he spoke, he took his leave. It wasn't as if Pei Zi Yun didn't know that by making such a request, he had already used up most of his credit. However, it was difficult to maintain the favor of a superior. Furthermore, he wouldn't be able to advance in his career. Hence, it was worth it.
He then walked out and saw Pei Zi Yun off. The Governor looked at Pei Zi Yun's silhouette as he left. He had an otherworldly aura and couldn't help but exclaim, "What an extraordinary man!"
Hou Mansion
The night breeze was chilly, and there had been a strong gust of wind recently, causing the branches of the trees to rustle. The windows shook as well, as if a storm was brewing.
Within the study, a pot of hot tea was brewing on the table. Ji Bei Hou was flipping through the pages of a book on the art of war.
At this point, a voice came from outside the study, "Master Hou, Mister Shen has arrived."
"Come in." Master Hou instructed.
The door creaked open as Shen Zhi entered the room and saw Ji Bei Hou brewing tea. He then sighed, "Master Hou, you're in a good mood."
"Mister Shen is here, let's have some tea." Ji Bei Hou's face was beaming with joy. He then stood up and poured a cup of tea for Shen Zhi. Shen Zhi received the hot tea and waited for it to cool down before drinking it. He then felt the sweetness of the tea and said, "Master Hou, this tea is really sweet."
"Master Hou, this time the Governor has been assassinated, and has lost a lot of face. The imperial court will definitely reprimand him, and will have to use Master Hou." Shen Zhi said respectfully.
"Haha, Mister Shen, your plan is really good. Once this is done, things will be much easier for us. Now that the Governor has lost his face, let's see how he'll fight for power with me." Ji Bei Hou smiled as he spoke.
"Shen Zhi, why didn't the pirates reply last night? When will they cooperate with the plan?" The Governor asked coldly.
When Shen Zhi heard this, he shuddered and said, "Master Hou, I've received news that in the next two months, the pirates will band together and attack all the counties along the coast. When that happens, the entire coast will be destroyed. This will force the imperial court to make a decision."
Shen Zhi replied without batting an eyelid. Ever since he had received Master Hou's kindness, he had been determined to die for him. At this point, even though he knew that the pirates had attacked the counties and caused the commoners to lose their homes, he had no regrets.
"Alright, I shall wait for the news then. Haha. "Ji Bei Hou laughed out loud. This plan had finally been completed.
Along the coast
The darkness of the night had faded from the surface of the sea, and was replaced by a dark blue glow. Far away, on a pirate ship, a samurai was leading dozens of pirates. He looked out and said, "Along the coast, it's getting harder and harder for the commoners of the Xu Country to get their hands on good stuff. We have to fight our way in and loot the cities and towns. Today, dozens of pirate ships will be attacking. When the time comes, we shall kill our way in and get to work."
"Hai, the great samurai has ordered us to do so." The pirate beside the samurai said.
The samurai raised the sword in his hands and shouted, "After this raid, we will all become rich when we return to Japan. If we offer up our riches, the master might even bestow upon us the status of a true samurai. Ten thousand victories, ten thousand victories."
"Ten thousand victories, ten thousand victories." The samurai's subordinates all raised their swords and cheered.
On the waves, the pirates' ship was nearing the coast. From afar, they could see the lights of the boats. Many of the fishermen along the coast were in cahoots with the pirates. If not, they would have been plundered long ago.
When the pirates disembarked from the boat, a few villagers stood by the shore and said, "Lord Sang Tian, we've waited for a long time."
"Lord Zhou, are you all ready?"
"Of course we're ready. Ten kilometers away, there's Bie He Town. There are a thousand five hundred and eighty households, and a population of eight thousand. There's a wall around the town, but we already have a spy. Once the gates open, we can kill our way in."
"Good, that's great!" Sang Tian waved his sword, and a group of people followed the road. Within half an hour, they had arrived at the town.
Sang Tian looked around, and noticed that the town was pitch black. It looked rather eerie. Sang Tian then said, "Why hasn't the gate opened yet?"
Before he could finish speaking, someone exclaimed excitedly, "It's open."
Sang Tian took a few steps forward, and saw that the gate had indeed opened. He then shouted, "Kill, kill our way in."
"Hai!"
The mercenaries acknowledged and charged into the town. Within moments, the town was in a state of chaos. Someone shouted, "Quick, quick. Gather our men and counterattack."
"Brothers, it's time for us to defend our homeland. We cannot allow these pirates to enter the town."
"Not good, it's a large group of pirates. Run." Another person shouted.
Another person shouted, "Not good, Ji San's crutches have rebelled."
Following that, flames and screams could be heard as countless people were hacked to death.
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