PFC Chapter 115 Even Greater Ambitions
Chapter 115 Even Greater Ambitions
Jinan Prefecture, Lu Ji Carriage and Horse Shop, Study.
The night was deep, and the candlelight flickered.
Lu Yan sat alone at his desk, a huge map spread out in front of him.
This is a map of the entire Shandong province, showing the locations of various prefectures, states, and counties, as well as mountains, rivers, roads, and passes.
His gaze fell on the northeast corner of the map—Dengzhou Prefecture.
Dengzhou.
This name had been lingering in his mind for a long time.
A seventh-rank sub-prefect was already considered a good position in Jinan Prefecture. Overseeing criminal justice and grain affairs, it was a position with real power and lucrative opportunities. As long as no major mistakes were made, a few years of service would be enough to secure a promotion to prefect or governor.
But this is not what he wanted.
What he wants is a bigger stage, more resources, and a wider world.
And all of this points in one direction—the sea.
……
He stood up, walked to the window, and opened it.
A night breeze blew in, carrying the coolness of early autumn.
He looked up at the stars in the sky, and memories of his past life surfaced in his mind.
He remembered the history of the late Ming Dynasty very clearly.
During the Tianqi era, the war in Liaodong was critical, with the Later Jin advancing relentlessly. The imperial court invested a great deal of manpower and resources in Liaodong, but with little success.
Dengzhou was the rear base of Liaodong.
Food supplies, weapons, and troops all had to be transported from Dengzhou to Liaodong. The strategic importance of Dengzhou is self-evident.
More importantly, Dengzhou is located by the sea.
Being near the sea means maritime trade.
Maritime trade means money.
A large amount of silver.
Although the imperial court had issued a decree banning maritime trade, private maritime trade never ceased. Silk, porcelain, and tea were transported from China to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, in exchange for silver, copper, and spices.
This is a shipping route that flows with gold.
Dengzhou is an important node on this route.
……
He turned back to his desk, picked up a pen, and wrote a few words on a piece of paper:
Prefect of Dengzhou.
Then he wrote below:
He also oversaw the construction of warships.
That's his real goal.
The position of Tongpan was merely a stepping stone. The truly important post was "concurrently in charge of warship construction."
With this assignment, he could legitimately contact ships, sailors, and maritime merchants.
With a boat, there is a way back.
In case the world descends into chaos, he can lead his troops to evacuate by sea, to the south, overseas, or to any safe place.
This was his way out.
……
The next morning, Lu Yan sent someone to summon Shen Qing.
"Boss, you wanted to see me?"
Shen Qing entered the study and bowed.
Lu Yan gestured for him to sit down and got straight to the point:
"I need you to go to Dengzhou."
"Dengzhou?" Shen Qing was taken aback.
"Good," Lu Yan said. "I need you to investigate the situation in Dengzhou in detail."
He took out a piece of paper and handed it to Shen Qing.
"This is a list I've compiled. Please investigate each item on it thoroughly."
Shen Qing took the paper and read it carefully.
It was written on the paper:
I. Geographical location: the topography, ports, waterways, and surrounding islands of Dengzhou Prefecture.
II. Power in the officialdom: Who are the prefect, assistant prefect, sub-prefect, and judge? What are their backgrounds and which factions do they belong to?
III. Commercial Landscape: Major merchant groups, maritime merchants, types of goods, and trade scale in Dengzhou.
IV. Military strength: the number of troops, navy, and warships stationed in Dengzhou, and the situation of the generals.
V. Other: Local customs, prices, and public security in Dengzhou.
Shen Qing was secretly surprised after reading it.
What is the boss trying to do? The investigation is so detailed, could it be that he wants to...?
He looked up at Lu Yan, but didn't ask any further questions. He simply bowed and said:
"Rest assured, sir, I will handle it perfectly."
"Go," Lu Yan said. "Money is not a problem, but the information must be accurate. I need a detailed report within a month."
"yes."
Shen Qing turned and left.
……
half a month later.
Shen Qing returned from Dengzhou with a thick stack of reports.
Lu Yan closed the study door and carefully reviewed the reports.
Dengzhou Prefecture is located at the easternmost tip of the Shandong Peninsula, surrounded by the sea on three sides, and connected to the inland only on the west side.
The city is nestled between mountains and the sea, with a wide harbor capable of accommodating large ocean-going vessels. Surrounding it are islands such as Changshan Island and Miaodao Island, providing natural shelter from the wind.
Geographically, Dengzhou is the gateway to Liaodong and a crucial point for coastal defense. From Dengzhou, with favorable winds and currents, one can reach the Liaodong Peninsula in three to five days.
The governor of Dengzhou and Laizhou was surnamed Sun and named Sun Yuanhua. He was a skilled man who knew about firearms. He was a student of Xu Guangqi and was proficient in the manufacture of Western cannons. He was quite famous in the court.
The magistrate's surname was Zhang. He was a kind-hearted man with no background or ability; he only wanted to stay safe and sound.
The position of Tongpan is currently vacant. The previous Tongpan passed away due to illness, and the imperial court has not yet appointed a successor.
The magistrate's surname was Liu. He was a corrupt official who was said to have colluded with local maritime merchants and made a fortune through smuggling.
In terms of military affairs, Dengzhou had a garrison of 3,000 troops and more than 50 naval warships. However, most of these warships were old and dilapidated, and fewer than 20 were actually capable of going out to sea for combat.
The naval commander's surname was Mao, and his name was Mao Wenlong. He was brave and skilled in battle, but also unruly, and his relationship with the imperial court was sometimes good and sometimes bad.
Kong Youde has been promoted to guerrilla and is stationed at a certain location.
In terms of commerce, Dengzhou's maritime trade was considerable. Although the imperial court prohibited maritime trade, private trade never ceased. The main goods were silk, porcelain, and tea, which were shipped to Japan and Korea in exchange for silver and copper.
The largest maritime merchant in the area was surnamed Zheng, and it was said that he had some connection with the Zheng family in Fujian. He owned more than a dozen large ships and monopolized most of the maritime trade in Dengzhou.
……
After reading the report, Lu Yan leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in deep thought.
The situation in Dengzhou was more complicated than he had imagined.
Prefect Sun Yuanhua is a capable man and not easily fooled.
Judge Liu is a corrupt official, and can be exploited.
General Mao Wenlong of Dongjiang Town is unruly and needs to be dealt with carefully.
Zheng, a businessman with considerable influence, is a potential business partner.
But most importantly—the position of Tongpan (assistant prefect) is vacant.
This is a golden opportunity.
If he can get this position before anyone else...
He opened his eyes, a slight smile appearing on his lips.
"The Prefect of Dengzhou..."
He muttered to himself.
"I am coming."
……
That evening, Lu Yan wrote a letter to Wang Tiqian.
In the letter, he explained in detail his desire to be transferred to Dengzhou and asked Wang Tiqian for help in making the transfer possible.
At the end of the letter, he wrote:
"Dengzhou is the gateway to Liaodong and a crucial coastal defense location, its strategic position is extremely important. I am unworthy, but I wish to serve the court and go to Dengzhou to oversee the construction of warships to prepare for Liaodong's needs. I humbly request Your Excellency's permission."
He sealed the letter, handed it to his trusted confidant, and sent it to the capital overnight.
Then, he wrote another letter to Liu Cheng, asking him to speak well of Wei Zhongxian.
After sending the two letters, Lu Yan stood by the window, looking at the stars in the night sky, his heart filled with anticipation.
"Dengzhou..."
He muttered to himself.
"Wait for me."