He wore a fine robe made of lake silk, a belt inlaid with amber and jade, an octagonal scarf on his head, black boots with soft soles, and three wisps of beard under his chin. He looked like a well-off scholar.
With his hands clasped behind his back, he was admiring the calligraphy and painting on the beautiful jade screen inlaid with gold, hawksbill, and shell engraving. Next to him, a curtain with tassels was lifted and two people walked out, one after the other.
The man in front had a jade-like face, handsome eyebrows, and bright eyes. He wore a simple white robe without any other decorations. The beautiful woman in the back was dressed in light and soft clothes, and her appearance was even more beautiful than flowers and jade.
Magistrate Liu hurriedly stepped forward and said happily, "This is our Governor Yang and Lord Cheng."
Magistrate Liu's happiness was not because of Yang Ling. As the saying goes, people are in high spirits when they encounter happy events. When Magistrate Liu was a Tongzhi, he knew that Wang Feiling was Magistrate Wang's little sister. Although he secretly coveted her, he did not dare to be disrespectful. Now that he bought her back, not only was the girl beautiful, but he also thought of her identity, so he naturally loved her even more.
Wang Jiumei knew that her family had committed the crime of betraying the country and colluding with the pirates. It was already very fortunate that she was not reduced to a brothel or sold as a slave, so she was very gentle with him. Magistrate Wang was satisfied in bed and was as energetic as a newlywed. He was even more energetic when handling official business. Not only did he not delay official business, but he also came to work early in the morning. He heard that this person came from the East Sea. He knew that this matter was very important to Yang Ling, so he personally led him in.
Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun were also looking at this person. He did not look like the fur seal they heard from others, nor was he the great thief Snow Cat. While they were puzzled, the middle-aged scholar had already stepped forward and knelt down. He touched his forehead to the ground and said very respectfully, "Commoner Ma Kongwen greets Mr Yang and Lord Cheng."
Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun looked at each other and smiled, "So it is neither a cat nor a dog, but a horse."
Magistrate Liu took the opportunity to bow and said, "I still have official business to attend to, so I will leave."
Yang Ling helped him up and said with a faint smile, "Get up, sit down, please sit down. Servants, serve tea!"
The three of them sat down. Only then did Ma Kongwen take a good look at them. He saw that this Governor of the Six Provinces, who had the power to overturn all levels of society, was full of heroic spirit. The beauty sitting next to him was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen in his life.
Her light clothes were as clean as snow, and they stuck to her delicate skin, making her look spotless. A lustrous jade hairpin was inserted into her hair bun, and her jet black hair was as bright as a mirror, causing her to be dazzlingly beautiful.
When the two of them sat together, they looked like a perfect couple.
Yang Ling looked at him and said, "Are you from the East Sea?"
Ma Kong hurriedly bowed and said respectfully, "Yes, this commoner is ashamed. I was once an Elementary Scholar. Because I had no way to make a living, I wandered around the East Sea. I was taken in by the cat master … by the snow cat, and was able to make a living."
Yang Ling laughed, "Oh, so you are one of the snow cat's people." This person should be the snow cat's military advisor or advisor. Since he was sent by the snow cat, then Cheng Qiyun must have guessed correctly.
Thinking of this, he looked at Cheng Qiyun. Cheng Qiyun pursed her lips and smiled, revealing a shallow charming dimple. At the same time, she looked back at him, her eyes were like smoke, and her charming eyes were full of pride.
Yang Ling saw that her competitive spirit had not diminished, and was secretly amused. He looked away and said to Ma Kong Wen, "I wonder why the snow cat island master sent you here?"
Ma Kong Wen hurriedly said, "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. The cat island master should have personally come to see you, milord, but there are many things happening in the East Sea. I heard that Cao Tianchong, who had sought refuge with the western ghosts, was massacred and destroyed. My island master is worried that the ghosts will seek revenge and bring disaster to himself, so he is on guard day and night and can't leave. That's why he sent this commoner to greet milord on his behalf."
Lone Dragon Island was obviously destroyed by the imperial navy. The imperial court did not publicize this matter, so Ma Kong Wen did not expose it. He only vaguely explained on behalf of the snow cat. In fact, the snow cat was unwilling to come because he lacked confidence in the imperial court and was afraid of being taken hostage by them.
The two sides discussed for a while. It turned out that ever since the Fur Seal had gifted gold, jewels, treasures, silk, and beauties to Yang Ling, he had kept this matter from the snow cat. But the snow cat had long since buried a confidant at the Fur Seal's side and knew of this matter. Both sides were secretly waiting for news from the imperial court to decide on their next course of action.
Unfortunately, Cheng Qiyun only ordered He Sigai to go to Shuangyu every now and then. They only talked about ordinary matters and never got close to the substance. The Fur Seal didn't want to appear too eager, so he didn't urge her. However, he couldn't help but feel apprehensive.
He secretly sent people to Fuzhou and heard that Yang Ling was very fond of the foreign beauties he sent over. No matter where they went, they would always be a couple. Only then did the Fur Seal relax. He gathered the old fox and his other confidants. All of them thought that Yang Ling was deliberately stalling for time in order to lower the price, so he also kept his cool and refused to take the initiative to mention the recruitment.
Unexpectedly, while he wasn't in a hurry, the snow cat was. He saw that the two sides were in close contact, but he didn't know what they were talking about. After Bai Xiaocao announced that she would accept the imperial court's recruitment, the Fur Seal didn't have any public contact with the imperial court. This clearly indicated that the two sides had entered the substantive stage of negotiations and must have had even more secret contact. How could he not be anxious?
He didn't believe that the Fur Seal would harm him, but the fact that the Fur Seal wanted to monopolize the imperial court's recruitment and seek as many benefits as possible for himself was enough to make the snow cat extremely unhappy. After witnessing the military strength of the imperial court's navy during the battle of Lone Dragon Island, the snow cat was greatly shocked and couldn't help but go see the Fur Seal.
When He Sigai met with the Fur Seal, she had 'accidentally' revealed that she had already made contact with the snowy cat. Although the Fur Seal was dubious, this was still a thorn in his heart. When the snowy cat came to visit, though he appeared to be as affectionate as ever, he was secretly wary.
The Fur Seal pretended to discuss the situation in the Eastern Sea with him, discussing the possibility of accepting the imperial court's recruitment like Beauty Wang and Bai Xiaocao. His words often had a double meaning and carried a hint of resentment. Originally, he wanted to secretly point out that he had heard rumors that the Fur Seal was in contact with the imperial court, so this sworn brother of his shouldn't think of him as a fool.
However, the Fur Seal, who was prejudiced by his first impression, felt that the snow cat was secretly dealing with the imperial court. It was just that the Fur Seal's power was slightly inferior to his and his territory wasn't as big as his. Now that the imperial court had stationed troops in Ryukyu, it could be said that this was a direct threat to his territory. Naturally, the imperial court couldn't offer him better conditions, so he was jealous.
This made the Fur Seal feel a sense of superiority, so he revealed some information that he was currently negotiating with the imperial court. He also said that in order to obtain the greatest benefits, he wanted the snow cat to cooperate more with him. The brothers should be of one mind and keep calm, forcing the imperial court to offer a higher price tag.
In order to appease the snow cat, he couldn't help but mysteriously brag about how close he was to Mr. Yang and how much the imperial court valued him. This was originally meant to show off in front of his brother, but at the same time, it also carried a warning, "You're also negotiating with the imperial court. Don't think that father doesn't know that my relationship with Mr. Yang is much closer than yours. It's best if you don't have any ulterior motives and follow me obediently. I'll give you a portion of the meat I eat."
However, the two of them each had their own ulterior motives and were no longer as confiding in each other as they were when they fought for the country together. The two of them had weapons in their hands and daggers in their words. In the end, they parted on bad terms, and the grudge between them deepened.
The snow cat returned to her own island. The more she thought about it, the more upset she became. Beauty Wang was the first to rely on the imperial court, so she would definitely be favored by Yang Ling. As for Bai Xiaocao, that local tycoon, she was like a mother to whoever fed her. As long as he could continue to make money, he didn't care about the amount of power he had. Now, the Fur Seal was using the power of her two families to bargain with the imperial court. If the imperial court really agreed to his conditions, then the merits and benefits would also belong to the Fur Seal. She would become a bargaining chip on the gambling table, so how could she swallow this anger?
The snow cat thought about it for a long time, so she called over her trusted aide, Ma Kongwen, and asked him to come up with an idea.
Ma Kongwen had studied so much that he had become an idiot. He was completely like Song Jiang. Even if he sat on the throne of the entire Eastern Sea, he would never forget the fact that he had an orthodox family background that allowed him to have a wife and a son. Even if he was given the uniform of a sixth-ranked official, he still felt that it was more glorious than being a first-ranked mountain king.
Now that he heard that there was a chance to accept the imperial court's enlistment and become an official, Ma Kongwen was overjoyed. He couldn't wait to immediately dress up the snow cat and send her to Yang Ling to be his' Horse Protector '. He immediately tried to persuade her, but the snow cat was already tempted. After being persuaded by him, he suddenly felt like the benefits would all be taken away by the Fur Seal if he went a second later.
However, after all, the imperial court hadn't made contact with him yet. He was afraid that the imperial court would detain him if he went rashly, so he couldn't help but hesitate. Ma Kongwen saw this and became anxious. He simply patted his chest and offered to come on his behalf. As soon as the snow cat agreed, he took a fast boat and rushed to Fuzhou with the positive attitude of 'ten thousand years is too long, seize every minute'. He didn't even wait for the official's usual custom of only meeting guests after the hour of the ninth. He ran to the Governor's Mansion at dawn.
Cheng Qiyun looked on coldly and saw through his thoughts. She thought for a while and remembered some information about this popular person in front of the snow cat. She softly said with a smile, "So it's Scholar Ma. You're from Shaoxing's Jianhu Town. You studied the books of Confucius and Mencius when you were young, and you're quite famous in the area. You became a scholar in the second year of Hongzhi, and in the fifth year of Hongzhi, you went to the province to take the imperial examination. Unfortunately, you failed. On the way back, your house caught fire and both your parents passed away. Since then, you've been living in exile. Alas, this is also fate. Otherwise, if Scholar Ma studied hard for three years and then took the imperial examination, he would have become an official long ago. Not only would he bring honor to his ancestors, his neighbors would congratulate him, and his parents would be able to rest in peace in the afterlife. "
As soon as Cheng Qiyun said this, Ma Kongwen couldn't help but cry and kneel down. He wailed, "Ma Kongwen studied the books of the sages in vain. I'm ashamed of my parents who raised me, I'm ashamed of my fellow villagers, I'm ashamed of the emperor and the imperial court …"
Yang Ling glared at Cheng Qiyun. "You're harming people again!"
Cheng Qiyun made a face at him. Then she smiled and went forward to help Ma Kongwen up. She softly said, "Scholar Ma, don't be sad. You're homeless and have no food or clothing. You were forced to join the bandits. I have also heard that the scholars are able to keep themselves clean and never associate themselves with the bandits. Now that the Snow Cat is willing to accept the imperial court's offer of amnesty, Scholar Ma is the mediator. You've done a great service. Once the imperial court gives an amnesty, you will definitely be rewarded. At that time, you can become an official of the imperial court and benefit the people. "
Hearing this, Ma Kongwen was moved to tears. Such a beautiful woman was persuading him. His eyes were dazzled, and his nose was filled with fragrance. He couldn't help but straighten his back. He said happily, "Thank you, Miss Cheng … Your Excellency Cheng, I've come to discuss the matter of amnesty with you two. After all, although I'm eager to return home, the Snow Cat controls many islands and people. Most of her subordinates are arrogant and unruly bandits. If there's no concrete news, I can't appease them."
Cheng Qiyun blinked and smiled. "Of course, but … the Master of Shuangyu Island has already promised the imperial court. He promised that as long as the imperial court agrees to his conditions, he can guarantee that both your islands will accept amnesty. Doesn't your island always advance and retreat with Shuangyu Island? Why … did the Master of Shuangyu Island not mention to you about negotiating with the imperial court? "
"Uh … this, of course they did, but it involves many of our island's subordinates. The imperial court has no further information, so they're inevitably anxious. After thinking about it, the Snow Cat Island Master ordered me to contact the imperial court directly." Ma Kongwen spouted nonsense, secretly hating in his heart. The Fur Seal is really using us as a bargaining chip to gain benefits for himself. Hmph!
Yang Ling continued, "It's not that there's no further information from the imperial court. In fact, I'm also waiting for the imperial court's decree. But in my opinion, the Fur Seal requests to be made the Governor of the Eastern Sea. The leaders of Shuangyu Island will be made generals of the fifth rank and above. The Snow Cat Island Master will be made a fourth rank … "
"Your Excellency!" Cheng Qiyun hurriedly interrupted his big mouth. "Scholar Ma, please have some tea. It's top-grade Da Hong Pao. Speaking of the imperial court, it should be here soon. The Emperor is anxious to pacify the sea and open up trade. He's already said that it's fine whether it's amnesty or military. I believe the Emperor will agree to the Master of Shuangyu Island's conditions. You can report back to the Snow Cat and wait for another ten days to half a month. "
"Are you still waiting?" Ma Kongwen was furious. "He asked to be made governor, that's a second-grade high official. The leaders under his command are all fifth-grade and above. Our Turtle Island Master is only a fourth-grade official. Then what about me? Wouldn't I be ranked seventh-grade, eighth-grade? Damn the Fur Seal, it's fortunate that I made this trip. Otherwise, all of Turtle Island would have been tricked! "
"Your Excellency." Ma Kongwen could not sit still. He hurriedly stood and said sincerely, "Daren, this one has something to say. Shuangyu Island and Turtle Island might be of the same breath, but they all have their own territories. If the difference in treatment is great, I fear that the Snow Cat and his subordinates will not agree. "
Yang Ling was extremely displeased and blushed. "Are you threatening this official? Hmph! The navy of the court has enormous cannons that can destroy anything. This official does not want to kill so this official has agreed to accept the offer of amnesty. This official has killed tens of thousands of Wokou pirates. If the Fur Seal also accepts the offer of amnesty, the Snow Cat Island will be alone in the ocean, what can it do? "
Ma Kongwen was terrified and sweat beaded on his forehead. He hurriedly explained, "I don't dare, I don't dare, this one doesn't dare to threaten Daren, this one … … Turtle Island truly wishes to submit to the court, truly wishes to submit to the court … …"
Cheng Qiyun raised an eyebrow at Yang Ling. She was very satisfied with his martial image of feigning ignorance. Then she said to Ma Kongwen, "No wonder Daren is angry in this matter. At the beginning, Daren had heard that Shuangyu Island and Turtle Island had reached an agreement, so Daren carefully considered the Fur Seal's conditions and then reported it to the court.
Matters of the court cannot be trifled with. Now that it has been reported to the Emperor, if you suggest changing the conditions … … Scholar Ma, at that time, Sir Yang and I will not be able to bear the consequences. "
Her pretty face became cold as she said coolly, "At that time, we can only use the navy and kill them."
The pitiful Ma Kongwen was still able to arrange some internal affairs for the Snow Cat and come up with a plan to plunder the sea. But how could he be a match for Cheng Qiyun in terms of scheming? He was instantly sweating profusely. Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun were working in tandem, and he was really at a loss as to what to do.
Cheng Qiyun's brow furrowed beautifully. She continued, "You don't have to hide it. This official can hear from your words. The Fur Seal must have boasted in the beginning in order to please Sir Yang and the court. There are some things that he did not discuss with you?"
Ma Kongwen hurriedly said, "Yes yes yes, Official Cheng is wise."
Cheng Qiyun sighed serenely. "I think that the Fur Seal wants to create reality. At that time, the wood will be unturned. The Snow Cat cannot support it alone and can only agree. However, it is hard to change a matter that has been reported to the court. "
She put her hands behind her back and slowly paced a few steps. She said, "Since the Snow Cat did not know beforehand, it will be hard for him to pacify his subordinates with these conditions … … how about this, there are many islands on the sea. Most of them are occupied by the survivors of the Wokou pirates and some of the Wokou pirates that escaped back to the sea.
If the Snow Cat can mobilize the soldiers of Turtle Island, sweep through the islands, and kill the remaining Wokou pirates, with this service, it will be perfectly justifiable for Daren to submit a memorial to obtain military merit for you. What do you think? "
"This … …" Ma Kongwen was slightly moved but he still hesitantly said, "I won't hide it from Official, those Wokou pirates have given large amounts of gold, silver, and beautiful women to the Fur Seal and the Snow Cat in exchange for temporary residence on those islands, this … …"
Cheng Qiyun sighed and said, "Scholar Ma is really a scholar. He has a kind heart but is also slightly foolish."
Ma Kongwen's face instantly flushed at the words of the beautiful woman. He said, "Official Cheng, these words … … why do you say this?"
Cheng Qiyun said, "In the past, the Snow Cat was a pirate. It was normal for him to talk about the justice of the jianghu with them. Now that he has accepted the court's enlistment, he is an official of the court. It is fair and just for him to eliminate the Wokou pirates for the court. Who dares to say that he is treacherous? This was a righteous act! Those who are loyal to the court will be praised for putting righteousness before family. Even more, those Wokou pirates cannot be considered family. "
Yang Ling nodded and said, "That is reasonable. Oh … … if the Snow Cat is willing to do this for the court, I can ask the court for a title for him. It would not be a difficult matter to make him an official on the same level as the Fur Seal. Also, he can keep a portion of the captured Wokou people, property, and women for military expenses. The rest can be submitted to the court. If Scholar Ma can do this, this official, as the Governor of the six provinces and the Imperial Envoy, can immediately give you an official position to make things easier for you. "
Ma Kongwen's heart warmed. He said, "Alright, after I return, I will report to Island Master. I will do my best to persuade him to work for the court."
The two discussed the details of enlistment for a while. Yang Ling and Cheng Qiyun were very serious about the treatment of the navy after the Turtle Island pirates were reorganized, their residences, and their pay. They were not perfunctory at all. Ma Kongwen observed their expressions and believed even more that the court was sincere in enlistment.
After talking for more than two hours, Ma Kongwen had a plan. He also understood that Turtle Island was in the most disadvantageous situation of the four great pirates of the Eastern Sea. If they wanted to obtain greater benefits, they could only rely on helping to subdue the pirates and gain merit. He hurriedly stood and said, "Daren, this commoner will return now. Once there is news, I will immediately report to Daren."
Ma Kongwen pushed forward a small box and a bundle on the table. He said, "Daren, this is a gift that the Snow Cat presents to Daren. A few small ornaments, please accept them. I heard that Daren is from the north and must not be used to the hot weather here. There is also an ivory mat, cooling, cooling, and preventing illness. Daren, please accept it. "
Yang Ling said a few words of modesty and then stood to send him away. After he left, Yang Ling pinched Cheng Qiyun's plump butt and said with a smile, "Ma Kongwen has gathered his energy to go back and harm people. Ha ha, you are bad yourself, and you teach others to be bad. "
Cheng Qiyun snorted through her nose and flirtatiously glanced at him. She said in a soft voice, "Is he a good person? How is it that he has been taught bad? "
Turning her head, she saw the bundle on the table. Cheng Qiyun excitedly walked over to open the bundle. Inside was a bundle that was as clear as jade, as soft as silk, and sparkling with silver. The patterns were detailed, the workmanship exquisite, and it was like the silk of the mermaids of the legends.
Cheng Qiyun lightly caressed the smooth and cool ivory mat and said, "Yun Er has heard of this kind of ivory mat, it is a treasure of the foreign lands. Take the finest ivory and use a special technique to draw silk, then hire the best weavers to weave it. One mat takes at least three years to make and cannot be bought even with ten thousand gold. Lying on it is as cool as jade, smooth and comfortable, soft and elastic, it makes one feel as if they are in the clouds. "
At this point, she turned around and smiled, "My Daren is a good person, not a bad person. Good person, how about trying this ivory mat tonight? " She giggled, "Yun Er wants to see if Daren will be a good person for the whole night and not be a 'bad person' …"
* * *
Hearing Ma Kongwen's reply, the snow cat was very tempted. Using the name of the imperial court to wipe out the Wokou pirates, not only could they legitimately obtain large amounts of gold, silver, treasures, and beautiful women, but they could also obtain military merits and fight for benefits with the fur seals. Why wouldn't they do such a thing?
The snow cat's orders were passed down, and because of the intense battles on the coast, the leaders of the various islands, who were already thirsty and thirsty, began to sharpen their swords and move against the various Wokou pirates under their protection.
These Wokou pirates were either old, weak, women, and children, or fish that had escaped the net and escaped back to the islands. Some of these islands were temporary residences of the Wokou pirates, while others were islands where the fake Wokou pirates had been stationed. They were not strong fortifications, and their defensive weapons were limited. How could they be a match for this group of fierce pirates who could understand the situation of the nearby seas with their eyes closed?
This time, they had escaped from Japan to the coast of the Central Plains. Not only did they have the treasures they had plundered from Ming Destiny, but they also had all the belongings they had brought from Japan. Money and silk were abundant, but there were many women, especially beautiful women. This was something that the great pirates under the snow cat would find difficult to obtain in the past.
Seeing that the profits were plentiful, these greedy and lustful pirates couldn't help but be tempted. Once they let go of their hands and feet, how could they be willing to abide by the rules and only act in their own territory? Some of the pirates saw that the other islands were full of riches, and their own benefits were limited, so they began to set their sights on the Wokou pirates under Fur Seal's protection.
In the beginning, they had some misgivings, and only attacked the Wokou pirates who were in between the two powers. Gradually, their greed grew. As long as they heard that there were Wokou pirates living in the area, they would happily set sail and rob them. The lucky Wokou pirates who managed to escape with their lives would complain to Fur Seal.
Fur Seal was furious when he heard the news, and immediately sent Old Goblin to see Snow Cat and demand justice from him.
Snow Cat thought about how this sworn brother of Fur Seal had gone to the imperial court to ask for the title of a second-rank governor behind his back, but had instead asked him to be a fourth-rank official. His evil temper flared up, and he couldn't say anything nice.
He said to Old Cat in a neutral tone, "My brothers aren't having a good time. Each and every one of them is stretching their necks and staring, waiting for Lord Dog to ask for a title and reward for everyone. But now, there's no definite news. My family isn't as rich as Lord Dog, so everyone is starving.
Besides, the imperial court is currently suppressing the Wokou pirates. Even though we haven't pledged our allegiance to the imperial court, it wouldn't be a good thing if the imperial court found out that we're taking in the Wokou pirates, right? I'm also helping Lord Dog share his burdens, and helping him eliminate any future troubles, hehe.
I say, Old Goblin, don't make things difficult for yourself. Just reply to Lord Dog exactly as I say. Just say that I, Snow Cat, am sorry. Isn't it just a few Wokou pirates? Is there a need to fall out over this brother? If Lord Dog really isn't happy, just come back and let me know again. I, Snow Cat, will go to Lord Dog and ask for forgiveness! "
Seeing Old Goblin leave helplessly, Snow Cat laughed coldly, "Mama's a fourth-rank official. You're the governor, and I'm the general? If you're heartless, then I'll be unjust. Since you kept it from me, then don't blame me for being unjust. Hehe, wait until I make a contribution to Mister Yang, then who knows who will be the governor. "
He clapped his hands, and called for one of his subordinates, saying, "Go, tell Young Master to take a thousand men and prepare four fast boats. We're to immediately transport the captured Wokou pirates, as well as the treasures they've picked out, to Fuzhou Bay, and personally present them to Mister Yang!"
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