The people all said that Jiangdong was a land of fish and rice.
But nowadays, in Donghai, Xu Province, there were more fish vendors and fish eaters than one could count.
The noon marketplace was bustling with activity. There were those carrying burdens selling fish, selling salt, selling silk with deft hands. It was clear that due to the prosperity of the great yellow croaker and the salt industry, as well as its coastal location, this place had transformed from extreme poverty to great wealth. The entire market displayed a scene of affluence.
Gan Ning and his pirate brothers were all in plain clothes.
They waited by a stall selling raw fish, and apart from Gan Ning, all his subordinates wore displeased expressions…
The owner, holding several great yellow croakers, sliced off paper-thin slivers of fish with the speed of flying lightning.
He quickly prepared dozens of plates and placed them before Gan Ning and his pirate brothers.
"First, try our great yellow croaker. Its taste is exquisite, so delicious it'll make your tongue fall off!"
Gan Ning tasted a piece and his eyebrows immediately shot up in delight…
Before long, each of his brothers had a bowl of raw fish before them, with several jars of wine placed in the center.
Although the raw fish was delicious, it still couldn't improve the mood of these pirate brothers!
Frustrated…
They were all frustrated from the bottom of their hearts.
Yet, inexplicably… they had nowhere to vent their frustration.
After all, the Dragon Hawk Camp’s reputation was too formidable. As for their own title, the錦帆賊 (Jin Fan Zei – Brocade Sail Pirates), they were merely pirates, lagging far behind in terms of status, identity, and reputation.
To have the Dragon Hawk Camp obey them seemed like a tall tale!
"Ahem!"
Gan Ning coughed intentionally and asked the owner, "You need dozens of great yellow croakers for just this meal. Do you have any bigger fish, so that one would be enough for our more than a hundred brothers to eat?"
This…
The owner’s eyes darted. "Sir, you’ve asked the right person. Others may not know, but I do… There really is such a large fish in this sea. However… to speak of it would diminish the prestige of the Dragon Hawk Camp, hence… we dare not mention it!"
"Tell us then…" Gan Ning pressed, "If you don't tell us, how will we know if it's true or not? A big fish… no matter how big, how big could it be? Could it possibly weigh hundreds or thousands of catties?"
“…Far more than hundreds or thousands of catties! I’m afraid it could weigh tens of thousands.” Prompted by Gan Ning, the owner opened up. He leaned in between Gan Ning and the pirates, lowering his voice. "You wouldn't know, but a few months ago, the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy went out to sea. Unexpectedly… in the deep sea, they encountered a giant fish, dozens of zhang long, weighing tens of thousands of catties. As it rolled in the sea, it could stir up giant waves, and with every breath, it could create geysers…"
“And then?” Hearing this, all the pirate brothers’ interest was piqued, and they quickly pressed for more.
The owner glanced around, then lowered his voice even further. "The Dragon Hawk Camp intended to capture this fish, first to establish their authority, and second to train their soldiers. But… who would have thought that the situation would change drastically. Six or seven large ships surrounded this great fish, yet they were almost capsized by its tail, with two ships nearly flipping over. The remaining ships were covered by the sea tide and were almost annihilated…"
The owner’s eyes widened as he spoke with great animation. "If not for… if not for this great fish showing mercy, I tell you, the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy might have been completely wiped out!"
Heh…
At these words, all the pirate brothers were stunned.
Could there really be such a large fish? Capable of destroying the entire navy of the Dragon Hawk Camp and six or seven warships on its own, was it about to become sentient!
“Are what you’re saying true or false?” Gan Ning asked again intentionally… and deliberately emphasized his tone.
“Of course, it’s true!” The owner patted his chest. “I’ll stake all these great yellow croakers in my basket as proof, it’s all true… My son is a sailor on one of the ships and saw it with his own eyes… The mighty Dragon Hawk Camp, this time… was truly defeated by a giant fish!”
“It’s just that this isn’t a glorious matter, so the officers and crew of the Dragon Hawk Camp are extremely reticent; not a single one dares to spread the word.”
As soon as this was said…
Gan Ning stopped asking questions and lowered his head to eat the raw fish.
But the pirate brothers exchanged glances, as if communicating something through their eyes. Finally, one of the pirates spoke, "Boss Gan? I reckon… this Dragon Hawk Camp doesn't respect us? That’s because they haven't seen our prowess!"
“If Boss Gan leads us brothers to capture this great fish? Then… will the Dragon Hawk Camp still dare to look down on us? Will they still dare not listen to you, Big Brother? We'll be able to walk with our heads held high too!”
“Yes… yes…”
“Isn’t it just a big fish? What’s the big deal… can’t our hundred brothers conquer it?”
“Let’s get it!”
The crowd was roused…
Gan Ning showed a hint of feigned difficulty on his face, but deep down, the corners of his mouth curved slightly, revealing a few subtle smiles.
“I’m worried that even the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy fled in disarray upon seeing this great fish, and we…”
“The Dragon Hawk Camp are kings on land, but in the water, what are they!”
“It’s precisely because they can’t handle it that we must!”
“If I don’t blow this great fish up, I’ll be too ashamed to stay here! Too ashamed to eat this great yellow croaker!”
Another round of impassioned declarations.
The pirate brothers clenched their fists, eager to act…
Gan Ning stopped pretending and stood up abruptly.
“Alright, since all you brothers have said so, grab your gear, let’s go for the great fish!”
…
…
Luoyang City, the Palace of the King of Wei.
Madam Yin entered the palace carrying a food box. Upon seeing Cao Cao, she immediately bowed.
“Greetings, King of Wei…”
“How many times have I told you, you don’t need to kowtow.” Cao Cao kindly beckoned her closer. “It’s perfect timing, Zi Yu is also here, let’s eat together…”
As he spoke, Madam Yin looked to the side and finally noticed Lu Yu kneeling nearby.
“Greetings, Madam Yin.”
“This concubine dares not accept such a grand禮 (lǐ - ceremony) from Marquis White Horse.” Madam Yin quickly advised as Lu Yu prepared to bow. “My son, He Yan, sent word saying he discovered a gold vein in the Hexi Corridor… Seeing him achieve another great feat, his mother is extremely pleased. He Yan’s achievements are inseparable from Marquis White Horse’s diligent teachings!”
Hahaha…
Hearing this, Cao Cao burst into laughter. “You two shouldn’t be so modest. Zi Yu has merit, Ping Shu also has merit, and naturally… Madam Yin is also a great contributor!”
Speaking of which…
Among Cao Cao’s many consorts, besides his original wife, Madam Ding, currently… Madam Yin is the most favored.
The three sat down to eat, chatting about trivial domestic matters…
Lu Yu had no idea… Madam Yin had given birth to another son with Old Cao – Cao Ju!
He was barely over a year old.
If one counted the legitimate daughter recently born to Madam Ding, the sons born after Madam Huan, Cao Chong, Cao Ju, Cao Yu, and the sons born to Madam Du, Cao Lin, Cao Gun, Old Cao’s family tree had recently flourished!
One had to admire… some people were incredibly powerful in certain aspects, while others were quite weak.
For instance, Lu Yu…
He had already taken two wives and had two concubines, yet… after so long, none of them had announced any good news.
Compared to Old Cao like this… Lu Yu felt he fell short!
“Zi Yu…”
As if on cue, since they were discussing domestic affairs, Cao Cao naturally steered the conversation towards offspring. “Have Zi Yu’s wives shown any signs yet?”
Uh…
In front of Madam Yin, it was suddenly a bit awkward.
Madam Yin, however, smiled. “I see Zi Yu as my own child, and I do care. When will Marquis White Horse’s mansion have another future young Marquis?”
The atmosphere had reached this point…
Lu Yu awkwardly spread his hands. He simply retorted, “Why must one have children? I don’t think as broadly as King Wei. I always feel that having too many children is just creating trouble for oneself.”
Hoo…
Hearing this, Cao Cao’s eyes narrowed, and he sighed, “It is indeed troublesome!”
“And besides, the thought of the manpower and financial resources required to raise a son…” Lu Yu smacked his lips. “It makes me want to retreat. King Wei doesn't know, but one son is enough to keep our entire Marquis White Horse mansion busy!”
“Haha…” Cao Cao laughed. “Indeed, raising sons is not easy!”
“Not just manpower and financial resources…” Lu Yu continued to sigh. “The most crucial thing is energy. King Wei has strict requirements for every son. They must not neglect the Six Arts of a Gentleman, they must study the Four Books and Five Classics, and they must learn military strategy… Even King Wei has put in so much effort, and I… alas…”
Hmm…
Cao Cao’s eyes rolled. He nodded along with Lu Yu’s words. “Makes sense.”
Lu Yu seemed to have opened the floodgates.
After all, before his transmigration… people of the “00s generation” had completely given up. Let alone having children, they didn't even get married!
No buying houses, no getting married, no having children, no pressure, living each day happily!
Of course, one could also interpret it this way: as long as “we” didn’t work hard, the bosses wouldn’t live the lives they desired!
Based on this thought, Lu Yu sighed:
“The most important thing is, King Wei is okay… but if it were us, once we have a son… we’d have to revolve around him for a lifetime! Planning his future, considering for him… even whether he has children, and whether I can hold my grandchildren, I have to consider it. Alas… bothersome!”
Heh…
Hearing this, Cao Cao was taken aback. He pondered, isn't what Yu is saying exactly about me, Cao Cao, this old father?
Cao Cao has gone to great lengths for Yu, planning for him, considering for him, and even worrying about whether Cao Cao can hold his grandchildren…
Yu is almost like the sun, and Cao Cao revolves the entire Great Wei around him.
“Alas… bothersome!”
Cao Cao echoed with empathy.
“Pfft…” Madam Yin, seeing the two of them exchanging words, found it quite amusing.
How could she have imagined that this ruler of the North and this renowned Marquis White Horse would chat so casually, so freely, as if they weren't ruler and minister, but… father and son!
“King Wei can truly empathize with me!” Lu Yu stood up and walked to Cao Cao, pouring him a cup of wine.
Lu Yu continued, “I think, actually, it’s pretty good to not have children!”
Cao Cao took the wine cup…
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes meeting Lu Yu’s, as if a spark had ignited between them…
After a moment of thought, Cao Cao opened his mouth and said, “Actually, I think… having you is pretty good!”
Ah…
As soon as these words were spoken…
Lu Yu was startled. What did this mean?
Old Cao? My sister is your sister-in-law… Many of my clan brothers are sworn brothers with you.
Even if the atmosphere had built up to this point, you can’t treat me as an “adopted son,” right? I’m not like He Yan or Qin Lang. This is mixing up the generations!
Lu Yu looked at Cao Cao in astonishment…
But Cao Cao remained silent, only laughing heartily…
Lu Yu felt a shiver, and quickly made an excuse to leave.
Madam Yin was also completely confused by what she heard…
She walked up to Cao Cao’s side.
“What did King Wei just say? It sounds like… it has a deeper meaning?”
“Haha!” Cao Cao gently stroked Madam Yin’s back, his eyes fixed on Lu Yu’s retreating figure. He sighed, “Really, having a son like that is quite good!”
(ps: To all the readers, Happy Father’s Day! This section is a special Father’s Day edition!)
…
…
— “Board the ship…”
A roar erupted from the Donghai County port, followed by the long sound of a horn!
Over a hundred naval soldiers gritted their teeth and boarded the ships one by one.
These were Gan Ning’s own pirate brothers. Since the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy wouldn't obey orders, they decided to do it themselves.
Along with some sailors, six large ships set sail, each carrying only thirty to forty men.
Gan Ning stood on the deck, watching as all his men boarded.
Before long, voices were heard.
— “Boss, the anchor is raised!”
— “Boss, the sails are hoisted!”
— “Boss, the water tanks are ready!”
— “Boss, the armory has been inspected!”
— “Boss, the provisions storehouse has been inspected!”
— “Boss, the small boats are stowed away!”
— “Boss, all personnel have been accounted for. A total of six ships and two hundred and thirty-three men!”
Evidently…
The entire pirate fleet appeared more like a navy than the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy!
Most importantly, their fighting spirit was high.
It was as if the hardships and difficulties at sea were of no consequence. With just a command from Gan Ning, they were like tigers unleashed from their cages!
In contrast, Gan Ning pursed his lips.
He forcefully plunged the long saber in his hand into the deck. “Sail into the sea, head east, fifty li!”
He had already investigated…
The exact location of the great fish that had struck fear into the Dragon Hawk Camp’s navy…
“Woooo wooo wooo…”
The horns sounded, and the six warships slowly sailed out of the harbor, venturing into the depths of the ocean.
The sea is different from the river…
The rolling of the waves was more frequent, but Gan Ning and his pirate brothers seemed to adapt quickly. They had grown up in the water…
Holding their breath underwater and enduring for half an hour was nothing to them.
The mere seawater could not defeat them.
After the ships had sailed far…
Lü Bu and the officers of the Dragon Hawk Camp arrived in a hurry…
They watched the ships depart the harbor. Lü Bu hastily asked, “What are they going to do?”
Everyone remained silent…
Only Huang Zhong, unhurried, spoke, “Hunting the great fish!”
What?
Upon hearing about the great fish, including Lü Bu, all the soldiers of the Dragon Hawk Camp felt a jolt in their hearts. They took a sharp intake of breath. Good heavens, that great fish… they couldn’t even avoid it, and Gan Ning and these pirates? Were they crazy?
Instantly…
Within the Dragon Hawk Camp, eyes widened, and they looked incredulously at the shadowy silhouettes of the ships at the horizon.
Lü Bu’s brow furrowed even deeper. “Gan Xingba… Is he… is he mad?”
“General Lü…” Huang Zhong added, “Don’t forget, Gan Xingba is the Deputy Commander of the Dragon Hawk Camp navy. Before the official commander is appointed, he can mobilize any naval forces, crew, or warships!”
Hoo…
Lü Bu exhaled a long breath once more, and a hint of melancholy appeared on his face.
Mad…
This was complete madness!
Huang Zhong’s eyes narrowed. He glanced back at Huang Xu beside him and softly mused, “This time… will the east wind prevail over the west wind, or will the west wind crush the east wind?”
Huang Xu shook his head…
He didn't know…
Or rather, although this method was provided by him, he still had no confidence in Gan Ning and these pirates…
After all, hunting that great fish was no trivial matter!
As the saying goes – “The great Kun, who knows its thousands of miles!”
…
…
The ships sailed east for a day, as if searching for something, and then… they cruised west again, constantly searching the entire East Sea!
They searched tediously for two days like this…
It was extremely hot at sea. Gan Ning and his pirates had long since shed their shirts. They all looked like they were about to explode, damn it… If they couldn't find this great fish, all their efforts would be in vain!
Frustrated…
Lonely!
Just then…
“Giant fish, giant fish… Northeast corner, there’s a giant fish!”
A sailor shouted excitedly…
This cry caused the entire ship to seem like it was about to burst.
“Raise the flag, sound the alarm, light the fires…”
Gan Ning was also excited, but he remained calm and commanding. The difference between fighting at sea and not fighting at sea was immense, let alone someone like Gan Ning, who had no idea how many times his stronghold had been besieged by the authorities…
He had even fought numerous rounds against Sun Quan and Zhou Yu, who were called invincible in naval warfare in Jiangxia City. Each time, it was more perilous than this.
Heh heh… just a fish. As long as it’s found, there’s no need to be overly surprised!
Before long…
As the torches were lit on the ships, Gan Ning’s eyes lit up. It was truly a giant fish… It was impossibly huge. Such a giant fish had virtually no rivals in the sea. It was spraying water from its body wantonly, as if to taunt—
—I’m not referring to anyone specific! All of you present are trash!
Hoo…
He exhaled again, and Gan Ning commanded, “Launch the small boats, harass it at close range!”
Upon saying this…
Gan Ning prepared to board a small boat.
This frightened all the sailors.
You must know, the last time they fought this great fish, such a large ship was almost capsized by its tail fin. This time… using such a small boat? Would it work?
“Equip the small boats with harpoons and throwing spears!”
“Prepare the large ships with crossbows, all cabins stand ready!”
Gan Ning commanded with confidence…
He didn’t think dealing with a fish was more difficult than dealing with Sun Quan or Zhou Yu… Moreover, the ballistae on the ships had been upgraded, and even the bolts were more than twice as thick as before.
Of course… this was accompanied by an increase in difficulty.
Without four men, they couldn't operate them at all.
“Non-essential personnel retreat to the cabins!”
“Crossbows in position!”
“Small boats, launch!”
Gan Ning had already jumped onto a small boat. At this point… the crew of the large ships became restless.
“General? We… us?”
“Don’t panic…”
Gan Ning waved his hand. “There’s no rush to get on board until you feel it’s time!”
As he spoke, Gan Ning’s eyes narrowed into slits!
But the roaring voice was filled with confidence!
People say that to join the Dragon Hawk Camp, one needs a token of allegiance!
He, Gan Ning Gan Xingba, had arrived in a hurry and hadn't decapitated any valuable heads, so… he might as well take this giant fish as their pirates’ token of allegiance!
Heh heh, and what of the great Kun, who knows its thousands of miles!
In Gan Ning’s opinion, no matter how large the Kun, it could all fit into one pot and be stewed down!
…
…