Complete Timeline
A chapter-by-chapter chronological guide to events in Illumine Lingao.
Chapter 0: Prologue to the Romance of Lingao
Author: Unknown, a work from the Tieba forums Song: Mountain peaks crowd like guests at court; waves crash in endless fury, Upon the road through Tongguan,...
Chapter 1: The Wormhole Descends
The protagonist of this story—or rather, one of them—was named Xiao Zishan. Born in the late 1970s, Xiao Zishan was ordinary in every conceivable way: ordinary family,...
Chapter 2: Director Wens Ambition
Wen Desi recounted his solo crossing in broad strokes. The alternate timespace he'd reached through his bathroom opened beneath a hill beside a small river. Judging ...
Chapter 3: Striking Gold Gao Jus Bewilderment
"May the almighty God of Traversal bless us. May the Timespace Management Bureau approve our operation. Amen." Wen Desi murmured his improvised prayer,...
Chapter 4: Striking Gold The Australian Sea Merchants
"Damn, that was like riding a roller coaster." Xiao Zishan's voice came out in a shaky whisper. "Fortune favors the bold," Wang Luobin replied, ...
Chapter 5: The Myth Shattered
The seventh year of Tianqi—1627 AD. That spring, the Later Jin swept into Joseon and forced the Korean kingdom to its knees. The Great Ming's eastern tributary had fallen...
Chapter 6: Kraak Porcelain Part One
That evening, the three men who had completed their first crossing held their inaugural debriefing. They produced formal minutes—as Wen Desi put it, they were mak...
Chapter 7: Kraak Porcelain Part Two
The gold's purity left something to be desired, but Wen Desi still walked away with roughly 270,000 yuan after selling it. He then located a small smelting plant ...
Chapter 8: Taiwan or Hainan
Where should they cross over? This was no mere question of geography—it would determine the very foundation upon which their new world would be built. A good start was half...
Chapter 9: The New Society and the Old Society
The online discussions sprawled outward from practical crossing preparations into the grander territory of future governance. Organizational structure, m...
Chapter 10: The Secret House
Xiao Zishan and the others rose to return the greeting, their earlier wariness toward people from another time having long since faded. These were living, breathing men, n...
Chapter 11: Servants Part One
"We understand. Thank you, Master Gao." Wen Desi offered simple gratitude without elaboration. Gao Ju noticed their reluctance to discuss the ship and did not press the...
Chapter 12: Servants Part Two
With the inventory complete, they returned to the main hall. Gao Qing presented the ledger of household furniture, which Xiao Zishan accepted with a nod and set aside. ...
Chapter 13: The Old Worker
"Zishan, I do believe you have the makings of a landlord." Wen Desi chuckled. "Some men carry the air of kings; you carry the presence of a country gentleman." "Perhaps it r...
Chapter 14: The Conference Dividing Into Groups
From the beginning, Xiao Zishan had set his sights on small coastal cities. After half a month of scouting, he finally secured a lease on a maritime m...
Chapter 15: The Conference Energy Issues
"Let's begin with energy," Xiao Zishan said, turning to face the Energy Group. "Power is the foundation of everything else. As long as we have electricity, w...
Chapter 16: The Conference Machinery and Chemical Industry
The discussion turned to machinery manufacturing—Director Wen's specialty. The central question was what equipment to bring, and Zhan Wuya,...
Chapter 17: The Conference The Womens Corps
During a recess, Xiao Zishan stepped outside and found his "Women's Corps" gathered in the lounge, chatting amongst themselves. Most had slipped away sho...
Chapter 18: The Conference Food and Housing
Once they crossed into another timespace, the transmigrators would face three fundamental categories of problems: basic necessities like food and clothing...
Chapter 19: Military Matters
The meeting consumed nearly the entire day, finally concluding after dark. Countless details remained unresolved, but they had at least hammered out a preliminary division...
Chapter 20: The North American Branch
With the First Institutional Conference concluded, the crossing plan moved from theory into action. Specialized groups took charge of drafting operational plans, ...
Chapter 21: The Question of Weapons
"Weapon selection must begin with an assessment of our environment and our enemies." Xi Yazhou paused, gathering his thoughts before continuing. "We face three prin...
Chapter 22: The Fifth Member of the North American Branch
Shi Niaoren flew back to America the following day. The question of which weapons to purchase remained unresolved—too many opinions, no consen...
Chapter 23: Gao Qings Worries
Spring in the City of Five Rams was drawing to a close, yet the weather refused to warm. Gao Qing sat in the courtyard, staring blankly at the sky, turning over the same...
Chapter 24: Gao Jus Worries
The morning was cool, the weather far from warm, yet Gao Ju was sweating. Make no mistake—though Master Gao had reached middle age and his figure had thickened somewhat, h...
Chapter 25: The Carrot and the Stick
The four visitors spent the remainder of that day productively. Master Gao's table of food and wine consisted of the "Four Great Courses"—twelve dishes in all—and ...
Chapter 26: The Guangzhou Operative
From the beginning, the Executive Committee had identified the Gao family's two children as priority targets. An adult's worldview, once crystallized, resists chang...
Chapter 27: A Newcomer Arrives
At the Nanxiong Prefecture wharf, boats of every size lay at anchor. This was Guangdong's critical north-south junction—merchants traveling from the south crossed Dayu R...
Chapter 28: The Oriole Society
Guangzhou's South City faced the Pearl River, where sea merchants moored their vessels alongside foreign ships from distant lands. By the Song dynasty, this district had...
Chapter 29: The Disappearance of Director Wen
"My head..." Xiao Zishan groaned as consciousness dragged him unwillingly from sleep. His skull felt packed with wet sand, and a nauseating heaviness pres...
Chapter 30: SeventeenthCentury Deduction
"You have contacts at the Qiwei Escort Bureau?" Xiao Zishan asked immediately. "I do," Sun Chang replied without hesitation. "The manager and all the guards h...
Chapter 31: The Qiwei Escort Bureau
"Help rescue a hostage?" The elderly manager of the Qiwei Escort Bureau, Sun Kecheng, rolled his eyes and fixed them on Sun Chang, who had come bearing the summons....
Chapter 32: Response
Sleep is the state closest to death. Director Wen woke with this phrase inexplicably lodged in his mind. He opened his eyes to find a pale-red canopy swaying above him, its waterg...
Chapter 33: The Rescue Plan
The moment the girl stepped out, Boss Wang hurried to her side. "Boss Li—what did he say?" "A mixture of truth and lies." Li Siya's voice was cold. "Some of it can't be ver...
Chapter 34: Every Shot Hits
Note: Since Chapter 33 was extensively revised, readers who read the old version should re-read Chapter 33 before continuing. "That's the Xuanzhu ." Ran Yao pointed through...
Chapter 35: Aftermath
The rescue operation injected a shot of adrenaline into the monotony of pre-crossing preparations, giving the transmigrators endless material for conversation. Every evening afte...
Chapter 36: The Prophet
After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Zishan took his leave and returned to the base, where Manager Sun of the Qiwei Escort Bureau had been waiting for some time. Before Xiao Zis...
Chapter 37: Farewell to the Ming For Now
"Amsterdam... no, Guangzhou—I'll be back." Xiao Zishan stood alone in the courtyard, his gaze drifting toward the distant silhouette of the Lingnan First Bui...
Chapter 38: An Unexpected Visitor
One year later. Southern China. A major coastal city. Guo Yi walked into his office nursing a hangover, late thanks to too many glasses at the previous night's reunio...
Chapter 39: New Arrivals
For the entire ride back to base, Xiao Zishan kept up a steady stream of meaningless pleasantries—remarking on the weather, commenting on the scenery—anything to fill the sile...
Chapter 40: Personnel
"All settled. Put them in Room 106 of Building 7." Xiao Zishan held up his folder with a show of consulting it, though he remembered every detail perfectly well. The gesture was ...
Chapter 41: The Ship Part 1
Over the past few days, Guo Yi had exhausted himself chasing shadows. The more he uncovered, the less anything made sense. What should have been a simple two-or-three-day...
Chapter 42: The Ship Part 2
"Unusable?!" Disappointment rippled across the room. Was their glorious vision of a multi-turreted ironclad battleship-freighter about to vanish like smoke? "Why beach it...
Chapter 43: Preparations for Departure
As the moon swelled toward fullness, headquarters' steady rhythm shattered into something far more frantic. The entire organization shifted into overdrive. The F...
Chapter 44: The Night Before
[Author's note: This makes up for yesterday's chapter. Another chapter tonight.] The twilight sky glowed a hazy gold, and distant clouds along the horizon wore faint gilt ...
Chapter 45: New World
By first light, the Fengcheng was already astir. Last night's events—particularly the spectacular collapse and disappearance of the wormhole—had become an inexhaustible topic of ...
Chapter 46: Lingao Cape
If anything would make Lingao County famous in this timespace, it was the cape that bore its name. The promontory had always been a strategic point on Hainan Island—a fact Yu E...
Chapter 47: New Beginning
"Captain, the beacon tower's been lit!" Mei Wan called from her lookout position. Beiwei looked up. A bonfire blazed atop the tower, and in the dim predawn sky, a column of t...
Chapter 48: Port Construction Part 1
To any outside observer, D-Day would have appeared as a spectacle of magnificent chaos. The bay had retained its primeval subtropical beauty, but now small boats...
Chapter 49: Port Construction Part 2
"U.C. 0079, U.C. 0083, U.C. 0093, A.C. 0197 personnel—assemble at Green Beach for vehicle unloading." At the crackle of the walkie-talkie, several specialty grou...
Chapter 50: Port Construction Part 3
At last. Dong Shiye gazed at the barren beach less than three hundred meters away—the clusters of green trees, the warm autumn morning sun settling comfortably o...
Chapter 51: The Latrine
"From the moment you pulled out that chainsaw, I knew China's environment was doomed!" At the Third National Environmental Protection Conference, Dai Xie's speech would ignite ...
Chapter 52: The RibbonCutting
The roof remained an unsolved problem. There were no tiles, no planks, and when he'd requested tarpaulin, the Planning Committee had rejected it outright. So it was back...
Chapter 53: The Camp
He was still considering what else to write when shouting erupted outside. Wu Nanhai from the Agriculture Group had gotten into an argument with He Ping, the man Shi Niaoren had s...
Chapter 54: The Unexpected Stowaway
"Building B?" Liu Zheng found this curious. He had no idea what the camp looked like, but surely it couldn't be laid out like some apartment complex with separate r...
Chapter 55: Persuasion
The two sides sat in tense silence. Ran Yao studied the man carefully, his gaze traveling methodically over every detail—until something caught his eye. An inconspicuous reddish...
Chapter 56: Lingao Town
Guo Yi perked up at this. No wonder leaders so often traveled abroad—foreign monks really did chant different sutras. He tugged eagerly at Xue Ziliang's sleeve, hungry for more...
Chapter 57: Countermeasures in Lingao
"The reward is manageable." Magistrate Wu allowed himself a bitter smile. Compared to the fifty taels of silver he had already dispatched, thirty shi of rice was ...
Chapter 58: The Reconnaissance Squad
"Lingao." Beiwei murmured the name, adjusting his Russian-made infrared binoculars. The image was somewhat fuzzy, but the outlines were unmistakable. He had travel...
Chapter 59: Ambush
"No need for that—we're all friends here, right, Li-ge?" "Don't try to cozy up to me." Li Jun fished out a piece of gum to use as a makeshift toothbrush, swatting away Wei Aiwen's g...
Chapter 60: Desperate Fight
Guo Yi threw himself flat against the rocky ground, a stone driving into his chest and forcing the air from his lungs. Under mortal threat, the human body reveals astonishi...
Chapter 61: Bairren Rapids Part 1
"Xue, I've got a terrible feeling about all this." Guo Yi laid out everything he'd discovered. "I can't explain any of it. If this is staged, it's Oscar-worthy." "Y...
Chapter 62: Bairren Rapids Part 2
Through casual conversation, they pieced together the family's story. They had rented a boat for a trip to Hainan when a sudden storm blew them off course, and they...
Chapter 63: A Little Training
Guo Yi emerged from the infirmary with a tetanus shot in his arm and several fresh stitches in his scalp. Hippo had initially wanted to set up an IV drip with antibiotics...
Chapter 64: Road Building Part 1
"Commissioner Wang, I suspect the road-building won't be as peaceful as we'd hoped," Mei Wan said, his tone heavy with implication. "What do you mean?" "Word has it ...
Chapter 65: Road Building Part 2
With the revised plan in hand, the project's pace accelerated considerably. Wang Luobin proved as good as his word. The Committee scoured the personnel database and ...
Chapter 66: Master Huang
Wu Mingjin's expression darkened with genuine sorrow. He knew Master Huang well—a man of unwavering public spirit who had rallied clansmen and militia against bandits whenever...
Chapter 67: Wu Des New Assignment Part 1
The officials and gentry of Lingao remained on edge. They dispatched a letter to Regional Commander Tang at Qiongshan, testing whether he might be persuaded...
Chapter 68: Wu Des New Assignment Part 2
"I think you'd be better off sticking with bioengineering—that would help the crossing enterprise far more." "If you don't like my smoked fish, just say so....
Chapter 69: Wu Des New Assignment Part 4
"Ah De, isn't this a bit much?" "You people—all bark and no bite," Wu De said coldly to Yuan Qiushi. "Someone sheds a few tears and suddenly you can't handl...
Chapter 70: Bairren Fortress
In the days that followed, Fu Youdi completed his swift transformation from honest farmer to petty tyrant. To his peasant mind, skimming off the top was simply the natural...
Chapter 71: Water and Power Part 1
The locomobile had originally been destined for the main city district, but its considerable drawbacks—the clouds of flying ash, the thunderous noise, and the boil...
Chapter 72: Water and Power Part 2
Wang Luobin remembered little of Zhuo Tianmin—only that he had a son who had once visited the Committee looking for Xiao Zishan, asking for a chit to obtain an egg...
Chapter 73: Telecommunications
Construction on the transmigrators' housing began in earnest. Compared to the infrastructure projects that had preceded it, this was straightforward work—prefabricated b...
Chapter 74: Lingaos Counterattack Part 1
The "differential treatment" for the three of them clearly meant a distinction between himself and the two ATF foreigners—their futures would diverge accord...
Chapter 75: Lingaos Counterattack Part 2
The county's counterattack plan emerged primarily from Liu Dalin and Huang Shoutong, unwittingly reproducing the classic Ming pattern of civilian control ov...
Chapter 76: Lingaos Counterattack Part 3
"I'm out of ammo!" "Bullets—where are the damn bullets!" Before the battle, each man had been issued ninety rounds. The SKS-D rifles used AK-pattern thirty-...
Chapter 77: Aftermath Part 1
Wang Luobin's heart was still pounding when he emerged from the administrative zone, his grip on the rifle so tight it was the only thing keeping his hands from shaking....
Chapter 78: Aftermath Part 2
"They won't kill us. Surely they won't." "My mother must be worried sick." Ma Peng began wiping at his tears. Fu Bu'er felt a pang of irritation. You have one old mother...
Chapter 79: Interrogating Prisoners Part 1
Someone proposed that the prisoners be thoroughly interrogated and screened. Extracting local intelligence from them would prove far faster and more useful...
Chapter 80: Interrogating Prisoners Part 2
"This humble one is named Zhang Xingjiao, formerly a tongsheng ." The man knelt trembling on the ground. Guo Yi and his team had no intention of applying t...
Chapter 81: Building Materials
Just as the Committee's professional groups were locked in heated debate over priority access to labor, Xiao Zishan received another call from Ran Yao: interrogations ha...
Chapter 82: Cement
Wang Luobin had purchased a complete small-scale cement production system using the shaft-kiln method, but the equipment demanded vast quantities of coal—and the transmigrators had ...
Chapter 83: Ideological Trends
Wu De's other task was preventing escapes. Once outdoor labor began, someone would inevitably try to flee, and he had to eliminate that possibility entirely. A single su...
Chapter 84: Tribute Negotiations
"Old Wu, you made it!" Zhou Dongtian strode in just as Wu De was reading. His training suit was splattered with ink stains—an occupational hazard for the man who now r...
Chapter 85: Peace Negotiations Part 1
The delegation approached the earthen berm with obvious trepidation. The camp gate stood closed, but something puzzled them about the trench—it had no drawbridg...
Chapter 86: Peace Negotiations Part 2
The Committee debated the remaining two issues at length. Most felt that refraining from disturbing commoners had always been their guiding principle anyway—for...
Chapter 87: New Farm Part 1
Since D-Day, the transmigrators had subsisted on rice and seafood. After a solid month of every conceivable fish preparation, enthusiasm had waned to near extinction. Eve...
Chapter 88: New Farm Part 2
"Your stamina is remarkably well-maintained." "You make me sound ancient—I'm only thirty!" "Huh?" "This is what years of grassroots work does to a man." Yang Baogui flash...
Chapter 89: New Farm Part 3
"Alright, let's start by taking stock of our assets," Wu Nanhai proposed at the Agriculture Committee's first full meeting. They already had ledgers, of course, but fifty...
Chapter 90: Employment System Part 1
Because Ye Yuming had experience raising rabbits and poultry, Wu Nanhai assigned him to manage the small animals. With rabbit numbers still low, there was no nee...
Chapter 91: Employment System Part 2
Wu De convened a mass meeting where Fu Youdi and his enforcers faced fierce denunciation. Every fault was dragged into the light for public criticism—even trivia...
Chapter 92: Credit Part 1
The moment Wu Nanhai received the call, he had the stoves relit. Hainan's autumn temperatures rarely dipped below twenty-five or twenty-six degrees, and the days often clim...
Chapter 93: Credit Part 2
The statistics from the first issuance and recovery of work-point vouchers came in quickly: 815.3 points issued, 334 points recovered—a forty percent same-day recovery rate...
Chapter 94: Li Minority Work Part 1
The announcement of twenty days' farm-leave sent waves of joy through the camp. Workers crowded around Wu Nanhai, asking if they could purchase raw rice instead o...
Chapter 95: Li Minority Work Part 2
The strange procession made its way along the road toward Lipan District. Eight Li porters carried salt for trade while the transmigrators marched fully armed—the...
Chapter 96: Li Minority Work Part 3
Following pre-planned protocols, everyone shifted to combat-ready posture once they entered the mountain terrain, with advance scouts pushing ahead. The mountains...
Chapter 97: Trade Agreement
The headman led them to an open field outside the village and instructed them to rest there. This Li settlement bore no resemblance to the tourist-trap "authentic Li villag...
Chapter 98: Salt Fields Part 1
The preliminary survey of Nanan dong took two days. With Aoya Fu accompanying them, the survey team's work proceeded smoothly. Fa Shilu and Cui Yunhong handled the agr...
Chapter 99: Salt Fields Part 2
Even today, with large-scale mechanization, solar salt production remains extremely laborious and grueling—far from the simple matter of digging evaporation pools on b...
Chapter 100: Mass Work
Zhang Xingjiao had returned after only three or four days away, arriving at precisely the moment Xi Yazhou needed him most. Xiong Buyou, the anime-company otaku who served as th...
Chapter 101: Mobilizing the Masses Part 1
Throughout the day, they had pushed themselves to the limit—beyond heavy camp-building work, they had gone door-to-door for propaganda, investigation, and i...
Chapter 102: Mobilizing the Masses Part 2
Tan Guihuang explained that in peaceful times, salt-making alone would ensure food and clothing. The salt field actually produced more than 1,000 yin annual...
Chapter 103: Mobilizing the Masses Part 3
Yet Xi Yazhou remained confident. "We'll handle government connections. Don't worry." Actually, he had long planned—trying to outwit the ancients would not ...
Chapter 104: Mobilizing the Masses Part 4
While they were busy, they spotted a ship on the distant horizon cutting through the waves—its distinctive silhouette was immediately recognized by the look...
Chapter 105: New Education
"Can't we lump adults and children together?" "We could run two shifts—day and night," Du Wen proposed. "Children during the day, then switch to adults at night." "That won'...
Chapter 106: Military Athletics
Xi Yazhou's cadre training focused on the militia. A militia could serve as an armed force and, after thorough education, become a reserve pool for grassroots cadres—mo...
Chapter 107: Gou Family Manor Part 1
While the salt-field work team was making excellent progress, preparations for the "hunting operation" against Landlord Gou were also well underway. Xi Yazhou wa...
Chapter 108: Gou Family Manor Part 2
A guide was quickly found: a local peddler. Gou Manor was not Mordor—aside from the Gou family's demon-like households, most residents were ordinary people who n...
Chapter 109: Gou Family Manor Part 3
Lin Quan'an was pressured into compliance—only then realizing that short-hair money was not easily earned. "Your accent is still a bit strange," he said. "Best n...
Chapter 110: Gou Family Manor Part 4
That evening, the Military Group convened a brief staff meeting to synthesize the day's reconnaissance and interrogation findings. Wu De presided as operation co...
Chapter 111: Breaking the Stronghold
With the plan set, the entire apparatus began moving. Though the Military Group had the most personnel overall, guard duties were spread across many locations, and...
Chapter 112: Homemade Plane
Of course, the transmigrators had no bugle or "little devil" bugler. Wu De's command was simply Yuan Qiushi firing another signal flare—red this time—and assault team membe...
Chapter 113: Getting Rich
"Astonishing." Xi Yazhou watched as goods were continuously carried from the compound—truly eye-opening. "How could he have so much?" "Den master," Wu De answered briefly. Th...
Chapter 114: The Meeting
The villagers had been terrified all day—first the earth-shaking explosions, then the killing. The manor fell so fast. No warning before troops flooded in. Men scrambled for w...
Chapter 115: First Rain
Gou Buli proved a quick study, following his opening gambit with practiced skill. He twisted his features into a mask of remembered anguish and declared: "There I was, steaming...
Chapter 116: East Gate Market
Led by Chuyu, Wu De's team quickly found the secret vault—hidden behind wall paneling fitted so perfectly that even careful examination revealed nothing. Chuyu didn't kno...
Chapter 117: Ambitions of East Gate Blowing Rain and Solitary Seeking Marriage
The East Gate Market Administration Office convened its inaugural meeting in the second-floor room above the hall of publ...
Chapter 118: Commercial Planning
The plan for East Gate Market began at the outer moat of Bairren Fortress's east gate, extending three hundred meters westward to form a main thoroughfare christened "...
Chapter 119: Womens Cooperative
News of the transmigrators' conquest of Gou Manor spread countywide within three days, provoking wildly mixed reactions across different social strata. The gentry and ...
Chapter 120: Grand Opening
Despite its impressive name, the Hainan Women's Cooperative Corporation was essentially a secondhand goods shop. Its entire inventory came from the Gou Manor confiscations—a...
Chapter 121: Guangzhou Trip Part 1
Xiao Zishan had returned from Guangzhou. The expedition had not been about selling goods or earning silver—quite the opposite. They had functioned as a proper "Pur...
Chapter 122: Guangzhou Trip Part 2
Sea trials had proven encouraging. Under full sail with the wind at her back, the ship could manage roughly twelve knots—the engines adding little to that figure. ...
Chapter 123: Guangzhou Trip Part 3
Xiao Zishan instructed Sun Chang to arrange mule carts and sedan chairs to collect their people from the dock. The others set about cooking and cleaning with such ...
Chapter 124: Guangzhou Trip Part 4
The future that Xiao Zishan sketched for the Qiwei Escort Bureau amounted to restructuring it into an armed freight company. Late-Ming social order was already cru...
Chapter 125: The Slave Market Part 1
Of all those present, only Xiao Zishan had any experience in time-travel commerce. The others stood speechless as they witnessed the so-called "Crystal Dawn Jade...
Chapter 126: The Slave Market Part 2
This was no free market. The moment these well-dressed visitors passed through the entrance, slave dealers descended upon them like flies to honey, hawking their...
Chapter 127: Guangzhou Forward Station
Liang Cunhou managed a strained smile. "My grain relief serves two purposes. First, I simply cannot bear watching commoners wander homeless and starving along th...
Chapter 128: The Radio
Zhang Yuchen could picture it clearly: somewhere out there in the city, tucked away in a shadowed alley or behind the shuttered windows of a quiet courtyard, a man hunched over ...
Chapter 129: Ziming Tower
A good idea meant rolling wealth, and the instant the words left his mouth, every eye in the room gleamed with avarice. "We still don't know the full extent of what Guangzhou...
Chapter 130: Quarantine Station Part 1
The so-called Capture Protocol Manual was essentially a background document the Committee had compiled for precisely these circumstances. Just as a spy infiltr...
Chapter 131: Quarantine Station Part 2
Ai Beibei, wife of Qian Shuiting and a member of the North American contingent, had been tasked with supervising the women's Purification. Back in America, she...
Chapter 132: New Blood
After completing the full "Purification" process, the children were housed in quarantine station dormitories—gender-segregated, with over twenty beds each. The double-bunked arr...
Chapter 133: Results and Prospects
First Guangzhou Trade Fleet — Procurement List and Expenditures: Local pilot and official liaison fees: 10 taels "Reporting water" (customs registration): 100 taels;...
Chapter 134: New System Part 1
"Finding wives for the men—let's table that discussion for now," Ma Qianzhu said. "So we're moving on to finding women for ourselves, then—" "No, that's not what I mea...
Chapter 135: New System Part 2
For their fully controlled Bairren Production Teams One and Two, the transmigrators decided to implement a civil administration model radically different from anything...
Chapter 136: East Gate Market Police Station Part 1
The skies over Lingao stretched clear and cloudless as winter crept closer, bringing merciful relief from the sweltering summer heat. With the aut...
Chapter 137: East Gate Market Police Station Part 2
Zhou Shizhai had spent eleven years at the Qiwei Escort Bureau. Like his martial brothers, he hailed from Sun Kecheng's hometown—a man who knew hi...
Chapter 138: East Gate Market Police Station Part 3
Before his arrival, Zhou Shizhai had assumed these people were like Guangzhou's foreign merchants—wealthy traders seeking protection for their man...
Chapter 139: The Navy
The Navy Department did not yet exist—at least not officially. On the Committee's books, it remained split between the Fisheries Production Group and the Bopu Harbor District, fa...
Chapter 140: First Lingao Point Naval Battle
Boarding team leader Wang Ruixiang hadn't even found his footing when the deck began to shudder beneath him. Flames erupted along the ship's rail. He neede...
Chapter 141: Ming Dynasty Pirate Ship
This was the transmigrators' first sea battle, and the captured pirate ship offered them an unprecedented opportunity to examine the actual equipment of late-Ming...
Chapter 142: Drydocking
The timber for the slipway and dock frame came from Bopu Lumber Yard. Beyond the coastal wood harvested from the mangroves, there was a considerable stockpile of beams and pill...
Chapter 143: Steelmaking
The transmigrators' modern fishing boats held undeniable advantages in reconnaissance, protection, speed, and mobility, yet their firepower remained pathetically weak. Had thi...
Chapter 144: Casting Cannons Part 1
"The Artillery Production Leadership Group's first meeting is now in session!" The Mechanical Plant's office was crude but spacious, dominated by a blackboard tha...
Chapter 145: Casting Cannons Part 2
"There's no rush to become arms merchants," Zhang Bailin said. "We can equip the smoothbores ourselves—we have far too many firepower gaps at the moment. The thre...
Chapter 146: Casting Cannons Part 3
The Artillery Group now faced a crossroads: should they pursue solid-casting with deep-drilling for their barrels, or continue refining their hollow-casting techn...
Chapter 147: Test Firing
With the first Army-Navy dispute finally settled, spectators gathered eagerly to witness the power of the transmigrators' first homemade firearm. Anyone without pressing dutie...
Chapter 148: Armstrong Cannon
The projectile soared past the four-hundred-meter mound and carved a smoking crater thirty centimeters deep into the earth. The iron ball sat in its freshly gouged pit, w...
Chapter 149: Zhu Cailao
Under interrogation by the Security Group, the captured pirates spilled everything with surprising speed. The transmigrators had expected to find themselves at war with the inf...
Chapter 150: The New Army Concept
"Didn't I already say—if we're short on coal, we should send barges to transport it," Ma Qianzhu said impatiently at the meeting. "With a 1,500-ton capacity, even a t...
Chapter 151: Recruiting Soldiers and Horses
"Once the Army and Navy are formally established, not only will the demand for weapons surge, but we'll also face significant issues with training and ammun...
Chapter 152: A Certain Man
It was late at night. Under the glow of a lamp, Ma Qianzhu was drafting a document: Planning Committee 1628 Document No. 31: Regarding Military Formation Requirements, Ordna...
Chapter 153: Failed Nitrocellulose
Whew ... finally completed something of milestone significance. Xiao Bailang flicked the newly completed ceramic vat—the crisp ringing sound was more glorious than t...
Chapter 154: Explosives Factory
While Li Di struggled with guncotton, the Chemistry Group designed and built a large compound at a remote location near the Wenlan River, far from any other buildings o...
Chapter 155: Rifles and Cannons
One kilogram of mercury yielded roughly 1.2 kilograms of fulminate—a result that satisfied the Chemistry Group immensely. After all, each percussion cap required only t...
Chapter 156: Training
Limited resources and manpower meant only a handful of cannons could operate at any given time, so the 12-pounder mountain howitzers remained in service. They proved invaluable f...
Chapter 157: Military Uniforms
Training pressed forward relentlessly, though the food proved surprisingly generous. The "Chiefs" seemed to have no concept of rationing coarse grains—three meals arrive...
Chapter 158: Winning Hearts and Minds Part 1
The New Army had been training for half a month when Ma Qianzhu's patience finally wore thin. He cornered Wei Aiwen with a look of mounting concern. "Lit...
Chapter 159: Winning Hearts and Minds Part 2
"Of course you can. As long as everyone stands united, none of this is merely a dream." Wei Aiwen began painting a vision of the future. "You've all been...
Chapter 160: Drilling Troops
Life in the Military-Political School's cadet squad proved just as regimented as quarantine had been. The boys rose at five in the morning alongside the Training Battalion...
Chapter 161: Volleys and Sharpshooters
Only after enduring the grueling physical regimen—and proving beyond doubt that they had fully adapted to military life—did the recruits finally begin firearms t...
Chapter 162: ArmyNavy Disputes
When Huang Xiong arrived at headquarters, he found Li Yunxing already seated with three others. Two of them he recognized—Company Commander "Chief Wei" and "Chief Ma," ...
Chapter 163: The Funeral
Four weeks of basic training culminated in the official establishment of the Army Training Battalion. Despite the modest name, this demonstration unit was a highly integrated ...
Chapter 164: Baitu Village Expedition
The Baitu Village operation finally got underway once Xi Yazhou took command. The burly officer had spent half a month groaning through his recuperation before Wu...
Chapter 165: Grassland Plan
Huang Xiong marched as the 8th Squad Leader of the 3rd Company, and in all his years of soldiering, he had never witnessed such extravagance on campaign. The column hugged ...
Chapter 166: Armed Procession
Word that the "bald bandits" had bivouacked nearby spread through the surrounding villages like wildfire. Over two hundred fully armed soldiers with artillery weren't sim...
Chapter 167: Capturing Baitu Village
A scout came rushing back to where Xi Yazhou sat astride his horse—the only mounted officer in the entire column, riding Nick's prized "Alanche." The racehorse was...
Chapter 168: AfterAction Review
Inside the headquarters tent pitched on the village beach, the Baitu expedition's officers, NCOs, and cadets from squad level and above had assembled. Nurses from the ...
Chapter 169: Lin Gonglao and Zhang Jiqi
Transporting the population and materials presented an entirely new challenge. The evacuation of Gou Manor had been an overland operation, but this time everyth...
Chapter 170: The 400Liao GuangzhouStyle Ship
Liao Guangzhou-Style Ship Wen Desi followed Shipwright Zhang on a tour of the vessels under construction. Over the years, he had built countless Western ship models, though Chine...
Chapter 171: Zhu Cailao Attacks
Motivated by Wen Desi's promise to share the secrets of Western great ships, Shipwright Zhang threw himself into the rush work with infectious enthusiasm, carefully sel...
Chapter 172: A Strange Victory Part 1
Ma Qianzhu immediately switched to the public channel and broadcast a combat alert across the entire settlement. It did not matter whether people were working, ...
Chapter 173: A Strange Victory Part 2
Battle Statistics: Results: 102 killed in action, 70 died of wounds, 213 prisoners (35 lightly wounded). Captured over 400 melee weapons, seven three-barreled m...
Chapter 174: Silhouettes on the Sea
The Executive Committee's weekly meeting was underway aboard the Fengcheng . What had once been a fixed affair in the Executive Committee compound's conference room...
Chapter 175: The SinoWestern Pirate Fleet
"What's strange about it?" Wu De asked, puzzled. "Shipping people specifically to die—that's what's strange." The voice came from ahead. Wu De had been gnawi...
Chapter 176: Liu Xiangs Calculations
"More waiting?" The voice belonged to a woman standing nearby. Aragonés cast a disapproving glance at his companion. She was wrapped entirely in a black cloak tha...
Chapter 177: The Battle of Bopu Part 1
A piercing shriek tore through the night sky, jolting the sleeping camp awake. It was the first alarm of its kind they had ever heard—and the jarring contrast ...
Chapter 178: The Battle of Bopu Part 2
Dugu Qiuhun's farm truck hurtled down the rough road at seventy kilometers per hour, its horn blaring incessantly through the darkness. Everyone aboard clung t...
Chapter 179: The Battle of Bopu Part 3
The Countess of Scarborough crept along Lingao Point, riding the tide into the bay while her guns thundered without cease. White searchlight beams pinned her a...
Chapter 180: Discussing Institutional Improvements
Wen Desi had intended to remain at the shipyard until the vessel was completed, but news of the attack on Bopu changed his plans. He caught the first...
Chapter 181: Diana Mendoza
The interrogation began. The first prisoner they brought in was a burly man in his thirties, dark-faced with calloused hands and weathered feet—unmistakably an old sea dog w...
Chapter 182: Building a Harmonious Lingao Part 1
After the prisoners were processed, a disagreement arose over their disposition. Standard procedure was straightforward enough: combat prisoners woul...
Chapter 183: Building a Harmonious Lingao Part 2
Wu Mingjin had chosen to receive them in the main hall for two deliberate reasons. First, this was the chamber reserved for trials, signifying that t...
Chapter 184: Building a Harmonious Lingao Part 3
Zhang Youfu had been waiting outside the main hall. He was an old acquaintance of Xi Yazhou's—every interaction between the county and the transmigra...
Chapter 185: New Year
Over the preceding months, the Security Team had conducted an exhaustive investigation into local conditions in Lingao. They had interrogated prisoners, held conversations with r...
Chapter 186: New Years Eve Movie
A peculiar stench hung over the streets—the unmistakable reek of a town without sewers. Wastewater mingled and trickled along the thoroughfares in lazy rivulets, whil...
Chapter 187: Congratulatory Telegrams
Weeks earlier, the Engineering Department had carved an amphitheater into the hillside within Bairren Fortress—tiered steps of brick and stone fitted with wooden ...
Chapter 188: Sending Warmth
The movies and fireworks had pushed the New Year's Eve celebrations to their peak. When the cinema began screening a Hong Kong comedy, Ma Qianzhu rose from his seat and sli...
Chapter 189: Night Talk
Lin Xing couldn't quite grasp what Director Wu meant. Thin—wasn't that simply the natural state of things? Only wealthy landlords and high officials carried fat on their frames...
Chapter 190: Wei Aiwens New Year Party
"Absolutely, no question about it." Wei Aiwen recounted with considerable self-satisfaction how he had organized the "Speak Bitterness" rally, lavishing praise ...
Chapter 191: Glass
"This is somewhat like a tulou ," Wu De commented. "Yes, definitely influenced by tulou . If this building succeeds at Baitu, our future residential areas will all adopt this struct...
Chapter 192: Trial Production
Yet this transmigrator divine artifact had shortcomings. The glass contained many fine bubbles, densely packed—not affecting use but seriously affecting appearance. In tr...
Chapter 193: Purple Treasure Studio
Though times remained hard, there was cause for cautious optimism. The formidable Fujian-Guangdong sea warlord Zheng Zhilong had accepted imperial amnesty, and whil...
Chapter 194: Business
Guo Yi considered the question of costs almost amusing. The first batch of goods consisted entirely of Yiwu small commodities pulled from the Fengcheng vessel's hold and shipping...
Chapter 195: Business Part 2
Over the next few days, under Shen Fan's bustling management, several identical courtyard buildings rose on the wasteland beside Purple Treasure Studio along Huifu Stree...
Chapter 196: When the East Brightens the West Brightens Too
Next door to Purple Treasure Studio stood Zichengji, a shop whose sole flagship product remained Guoshi Wushuang liquor. Zhang Xin, the man...
Chapter 197: Guo Yis Report
Dusk draped itself over Guangzhou as lanterns flickered to life in windows throughout the city. For shopkeepers closing their doors, this was the anxious hour of reckoning...
Chapter 198: Macau Tour
With Guangzhou now firmly in hand, Guo Yi and his colleagues turned their attention to a pressing matter: converting Lingao's growing stockpile of war spoils into silver. If th...
Chapter 199: Fencing Stolen Goods
The Portuguese trade had been devastated—that much was clear from the mournful accounts of the Japanese Kirishitans. The "heretical" Dutch now dominated Japan's fore...
Chapter 200: Weiss Lando
"Manager Wen knows this person?" Huang Shunlong seemed unsurprised. "She's quite famous around here." "How could I not." The memory of his capture stirred something dark in W...
Chapter 201: The Missionary Question
"Yes, Your Eminence." Lando's tone remained perfectly respectful. But the Superior knew all too well that beneath this man's deferential facade lay an arrogance h...
Chapter 202: Li Huamei Falls from the Sky
While Wen Desi and the Superior of the Jesuits haggled over missionary matters, the others scattered about in search of romantic adventures of their own. Man...
Chapter 203: The Bait
The group proceeded to wildly embellish the biography of Li Huamei from the Koei video game, including such implausible elements as the "Conqueror's Proof." Ma Jia, noticing tha...
Chapter 204: Gou Er Emerges
The sailor stood for a moment, confirming that his mistress had noticed his arrival. "Captain! Li Huamei has made contact with those people." He recounted the entire proce...
Chapter 205: Pandoras Box
As for what use the chess piece Gou Er might serve, Li Siya had not decided yet. But idle pieces had their uses. She was not investing much in Gou Er, and she would not min...
Chapter 206: Food Circulation Vouchers
The next agenda item was the question of currency reform. Thanks to the modern internet, this group of modern people from all walks of life almost all had some ...
Chapter 207: Circulation
And so the transmigrator regime's first currency system came into being. The moment the new notes entered circulation, every other ticket, voucher, and scrip became obsolete. ...
Chapter 208: The Church
Xiao Zishan felt as though he had been handed a scalding hot potato. He was still wrestling with how to organize the school. Since no one showed the slightest interest in becom...
Chapter 209: Negotiations
He Ying observed the Frenchman's astonishment and thought to himself: I also know that La Rochelle fortress will be captured this year. What I don't know is whether the explo...
Chapter 210: The Agreement
Wen Desi likewise had three conditions: First, all missionary affairs in Lingao must be presided over by the Lingao Church under the Australian Church. The Jesuits were welc...
Chapter 211: The TenThousandPerson Stadium
Once they understood the leadership's intentions, the Construction Corporation personnel knew precisely where to focus their efforts for this building. "Wh...
Chapter 212: BambooReinforced Concrete
The solution lay in treating the bamboo reinforcement. The Bopu chemical plant had already mastered the production of wood tar and coal tar—two staples of indus...
Chapter 213: The Conference Part 1
Fu Buer set out on his journey with complicated feelings. This was his second trip to the "bandits." But this time, he went as a leading figure from his village. I...
Chapter 214: The Conference Part 2
The reception staff also gave Fu Buer a stack of meal tickets, explaining that he could eat at designated food stalls with them. Warmth spread through Fu Buer's ch...
Chapter 215: The Conference Part 3
"Newspaper?" "Oh, this." Ma Peng took a large sheet of paper from the cooperative's newspaper rack. It was covered with printed text. "What does it say?" "Various ...
Chapter 216: The Conference Part 4
Delegates like Fu Buer arrived at East Gate Market over the course of several days. Some were visiting transmigrator-controlled territory for the first time; other...
Chapter 217: Reasonable Burden
In ancient China, tax revenue seldom served the public good. What officials called "taxation" amounted to little more than systematic wealth extraction—funds siphoned aw...
Chapter 218: The Security Regiment
China's traditional labor levy system, though nominally governed by formulas like "one in five men drafted" or "one in three men drafted"—with exemptions for only so...
Chapter 219: The Banquet
Most delegates were not harboring ulterior motives like Huang Bingkun. They adhered to the standard traditional Chinese mindset: muddle through one moment at a time. Since the...
Chapter 220: Commendation Rally
Someone said: "Old Zhang, your family may not have much else, but you've got plenty of daughters. How about marrying a few off to the short-hairs? Being that kind of fa...
Chapter 221: The Parade
While everyone was discussing various matters, students from the National School pushed out a dozen or so wheeled chairs. The crowd was puzzled—were they going to put on a Thre...
Chapter 222: Building a New System
Wen Desi had originally planned to screen a grand military parade film for the delegates that evening. But seeing how overwhelmed the delegates already appeared, any...
Chapter 223: FiveYear Plan Part 1
Across the Wenlan River in the industrial district, chimneys belched thick smoke. As industry developed, the chimneys had multiplied, spewing black plumes into the...
Chapter 224: FiveYear Plan Part 2
Ma Qianzhu struck while the iron was hot: "Since everyone agrees with this plan, I propose we begin our overall construction plan with the Bairren Rapids Hydroelec...
Chapter 225: FiveYear Plan Part 3
"As long as the system is established, theoretically any equipment is possible," Wang Luobin said. "Too idealistic," Wen Desi said. "First tell us what enterprises...
Chapter 226: Light Industry Prospects
Beyond the clothing factory, a series of light industry enterprises were to go into production during the First Five-Year Plan. First was the daily chemicals fact...
Chapter 227: Trade Discussions Part 1
"Selling to Later Jin probably won't work. Hong Taiji started as an anti-smoking activist, then became a tobacco trade protectionist. Selling this stuff to him ...
Chapter 228: Trade Discussions Part 2
Ji Situi said dismissively: "This is the great achievement of my Qing—not the prosperous age of the Ming." "Though I don't want to wade into certain pointless d...
Chapter 229: Trade Discussions Part 3
From everyone's reactions, Wen Desi knew this proposal wasn't generating much enthusiasm. Then Mo Xiao'an spoke: "Director Wen, your reasoning is sound, but mir...
Chapter 230: Flat Glass Factory
The Five-Year Plan meeting, lasting a full day and night, finally concluded amid Ma Qianzhu's constant reminders of "Stay on topic, don't wander off." Various departmen...
Chapter 231: Flat Glass Production Line
To make cast flat glass, the transmigrator glassmakers first needed to find a suitable formula. The common ingredient list was: silica sand, washed and sieved; ...
Chapter 232: Steam Engines and Boilers
Several people were checking the glass factory's production progress—not just flat glass, but also the glassware production line. The orders from the Guangzhou s...
Chapter 233: Simple Rail Transport
"The old high-pressure boilers used wrought iron pipes." A fat man squeezed his way over. "I've dismantled those antique boilers in our factory. There wasn't any ste...
Chapter 234: Supporting Facilities
"It's not very useful, is it? Just for transporting people? Efficiency isn't that high. This car holds, what, ten people at most?" Wen Desi wasn't very satisfied. "I...
Chapter 235: LongRange Exploration Team
Seeing the flourishing scene of grand industrial construction everywhere, the members of the Executive Committee felt quite gratified; things were finally on t...
Chapter 236: Knee Effusion and Kaolin
"Since it's so useful, we should gather more to take back." Huang Zhuazi was a veteran outdoorsman and had a deep understanding of the utility of these herbal rem...
Chapter 237: Tropical Crop Plantation
Just as tension crested, the three scouts crept back through the undergrowth. "What did you find?" "Looks like a Wei-Suo garrison," Liu Zheng reported. "We move o...
Chapter 238: Treating Guests to Dinner
As they talked, Wu Nanhai appeared wearing a straw hat and a towel draped around his neck, trailed by Wang Tian, one of the farm's work team leaders. Wang Tian h...
Chapter 239: Bai Guoshis Romance
"Multipass." He swiped his card at the residential area checkpoint. Seeing people playing PSP in the square, he felt a surge of having returned to civilization. Other...
Chapter 240: Proposal for a Trade Expedition
Liu Zheng remained to discuss operational matters, while Bai Guoshi, seeing the hour grow late, pushed off with the others. Liu Zheng made to leave as well...
Chapter 241: The Shipyard
The next morning, Bai Guoshi slept far too late. He learned from the guard on duty at the residential group gate that a young woman had come looking for him, but since he had...
Chapter 242: The Hybrid Schooner Part 1
The assessment results were in. Fifteen or sixteen men with shipbuilding skills, including the clan head, were retained at Bopu as shipyard staff, to live wit...
Chapter 243: The Hybrid Schooner Part 2
Regarding armaments, a barbette was installed at both bow and stern, each mounting a 70mm rifled gun. Above each barbette stood a retractable canvas frame for...
Chapter 244: Li Huamei and the Navy Crowd
Meanwhile, aboard the Hangzhou , Li Huamei was ruthlessly mocking Le Lin at the helm, telling him his steering would only drive the ship onto reefs. Le Lin's ...
Chapter 245: Bopu Fortifications
Lin Shenhe raised binoculars to watch the drifting small boat in the distance. When the firing angle was raised to 10 degrees, the shell's splash point was not far fro...
Chapter 246: Launching
Bopu Harbor. Colorful flags fluttering. On the temporarily erected shipyard viewing platform, the high officials of the Transmigration Regime were all dressed in their finest cl...
Chapter 247: Li Chiqis Suggestion
Following the conclusion of their negotiations with Li Huamei, the Foreign Affairs Department issued her the first maritime trade license ever granted by the transmi...
Chapter 248: The Expedition Departs
After Li Chiqi departed, Wen Desi immediately convened a meeting of the Standing Committee. Regarding Li Chiqi's concerns, the members exchanged uneasy glances—this...
Chapter 249: Navigation
The quadrant had been in this world for less than half a century, yet now someone was telling Li Huamei that this instrument was better than a quadrant. Naturally, she didn't q...
Chapter 250: Arrival at Changhua
Right then, withholding nothing, he taught her the method of using the sextant. Its use was more convenient and accurate. Li Huamei, who had sailed perennially, couldn...
Chapter 251: Changhua Fort
The fleet commanders held a meeting on the Zhenhai to hear Mu Min's introduction of the local situation. "Based on the data, the population of Changhua County is very small—...
Chapter 252: Heading to Shilu
"Changhua is famous for raising goats," Xiong Buyou said—he knew Hainan's famous delicacies like the back of his hand. "Just as famous as Lingao suckling pigs." He smacke...
Chapter 253: Li Village
On the third day, the exploration team arrived at a Li stockade in the middle reaches of the Changhua River. This was the village where the guide's maternal uncle lived. The ex...
Chapter 254: Shilu Investigation Record
Outside the Li village, there were large patches of wild bamboo forest. The exploration team asked the local Li people for help cutting down dozens of bamboo po...
Chapter 255: Li Village Disturbance
Everyone used hands and feet alike, spending almost three full hours to reach the summit. Looking out from there, endless undulating peaks stretched as far as the e...
Chapter 256: Simple Surgery
Hearing Mu Min's explanation, everyone's expression changed. They were all modern people with basic concepts of human rights. Now someone—a woman at that—was about to die w...
Chapter 257: Bida
That evening, the group invited Li Benqing and his nephew to join them for dinner. Wang Aoya had sent over a generous supply of food and rice wine—perfect for entertaining guests. A...
Chapter 258: The Unexpected Ending of a Romance
"Whistling arrow!" Everyone jolted to attention—they were under attack. The exploration team had long prepared for roadside ambushes. Those with guns d...
Chapter 259: Arriving at Yulin
"This is Dadonghai," Captain Lin Chuanqing announced, steadying the helm. "The outer harbor of Yulin. Further in lies the long, bag-shaped anchorage—the inner harbor." ...
Chapter 260: Entering the Treasure Mountain
To save time, the exploration team split into two groups at Yulin. One, led personally by Wang Luobin, would push inland to inspect Tiandu Mine. The other,...
Chapter 261: Coconuts
"We don't need to station so many transmigrators at these outposts. One leader is enough—perhaps even none." Jiang Qiuyan was warming to his subject now. "We can adopt a settle-...
Chapter 262: Yulin Fort
It wasn't vegetable oil, nor peanut oil, and certainly not the butter favored by Europeans. Li Huamei carefully wrapped the paper wick she had used to sample the substance and...
Chapter 263: Wang Taos Ideals
"What about materials?" "Bricks, tiles, and cement. The fleet left us a few bags of cement, plus some bricks and tiles. We'll make the timber ourselves—after all, the c...
Chapter 264: Naval Curry and News Censorship
After many days of labor, several hundred cubic meters of timber had accumulated at Yulin Fort. The logs were stacked neatly in the courtyard. Bai Guoshi ...
Chapter 265: Leizhous White Sugar
Seeing Dingding thoroughly defeated, the fatty rose and said amiably, "Comrade, good principles can only be effective in the right environment. Don't apply them rig...
Chapter 266: The Rustic Sugar Mill
Wen Tong established his base of operations in Xuwen. Qiwei had already received word from Manager Guo to take excellent care of this "Shopkeeper Wen." Hearing that...
Chapter 267: The Rustic Sugar Mill Part Two
The sugar, however, was extraordinarily dark—darker even than common brown sugar, verging on black. A tarry liquid drained from the earthenware vat, and W...
Chapter 268: Leizhou Sugar Company
Chang Shide lay half-reclined on the bed, the hangover soup doing its slow work. His head remained fuzzy, but his body felt pleasantly loose. He was drifting toward ...
Chapter 269: Indentured Servants
Thanks to the Qiwei Escort Agency's efforts, the sugar-boiling masters and workers for the various mills were finally recruited. The hiring season had grown late—the b...
Chapter 270: South China Sugar Factory
"It should work. Every sugar industry book says so." Wen Tong was nervous nonetheless. Never mind himself—even family elders who had spent their entire careers i...
Chapter 271: Visitors from Lingao
"These past few days, I've been watching carefully. Most people are fine—working diligently and conscientiously. But some..." Chang Shide gestured toward seven or eig...
Chapter 272: Technology Is Productivity
"Everything's here." Xiao Gui pulled a piece of paper from inside his jacket and handed it over—a detailed manifest. Chang Shide flipped through it, dazzled by ...
Chapter 273: The Tripitaka Plan
When it came to intelligence gathering, the network the Guangzhou Station had laid in Leizhou could already collect most of the relevant information—confidentiality was...
Chapter 274: Sweet Port Turbulence Intervention
"Good. I'll have them build a dedicated compound for you inside the sugar factory." "No," Bei Wei declined. "Too conspicuous. We won't be staying long...
Chapter 275: Sweet Port Turbulence Countermeasures
"Speaking of molasses utilization, making industrial alcohol is actually rather wasteful. We could distill spirits instead. Several distilleries in...
Chapter 276: Conspiracy
"First, this year's sugar price." Third Master Zhu had already thought it through. "We need to drive it down—way down. The moment their trading house opens for business, we set...
Chapter 277: Sweet Port Turbulence Rice and Sugar Prices
"Not now," Chang Shide said. "Explanations would take too long. First, let's print some kind of passbook to record the amounts. That way the ...
Chapter 278: Sweet Port Turbulence Vietnamese Rice
Zhang Dabala didn't know where they were going either. The Quang Ninh area wasn't a target for pirates—only those small-time sea bandits, neither t...
Chapter 279: Sweet Port Turbulence To Hongji
Slighted or not, the deal could still be discussed. The other side was very interested in the 1,000 shi of sugar he'd brought. Though they couldn't produ...
Chapter 280: Sweet Port Turbulence The Storm Arrives
While Chang Shide was digging pits under Bei Kai's indiscriminate coal-hunting methodology, the South China Sugar Factory back in Xuwen was quiet...
Chapter 281: Sweet Port Turbulence Escalation
The first heart-stopping day passed. That night, not just Wen Tong—all the transmigrators at the South China Sugar Factory were like ants on a hot wok. ...
Chapter 282: Sweet Port Turbulence Transporting Silver
"And after we send the silver? According to Wen Tong's letter, he probably needs 200,000 taels to get through this crisis. Even if we borrow fr...
Chapter 283: Sweet Port Turbulence The Silver from Guangzhou
At the villa, Chu Yu removed her rain cape and hung it under the eaves, then hurried back to unfasten Wu De's rain jacket buttons. Beneat...
Chapter 284: Sweet Port Turbulence A New Fundraising Channel
At the same time, Ma Qianzhu looked at the newly received telegram. Just reading the first line, he drew a sharp breath. The words "Great...
Chapter 285: Sweet Port Turbulence Confrontation
"That's right!" Wen Tong was exhausted by this relentless commercial warfare. "Even if Guangzhou sends silver, how many days will it last? Sooner or ...
Chapter 286: Sweet Port Turbulence Dirty Tricks
"Tell them not to worry. As long as they're willing to put in the effort, you can squeeze oil from stones. Besides, do they dare to nitpick with the H...
Chapter 287: Sweet Port Turbulence The Gu Family Pirates
Several small fisher-pirate bands operated in the waters around Leizhou, and among them, the Gu family's outfit was considered moderately for...
Chapter 288: Sweet Port Turbulence Guangzhou
Ma Qianzhu raised a concern. "Aren't there too many branches? How much manpower will that require?" "Not much," Yan Ming answered. "Our plan is to rely o...
Chapter 289: Sweet Port Turbulence Funds in Place
It turned out the people Pepi had arranged to introduce were all scions of official and gentry families who frequented Purple Clarity Pavilion. Thei...
Chapter 290: Sweet Port Turbulence Sugar Ship Hijacked
Pei Lixiu came to serve another course. "This is foie gras pâté," she announced. "The wine was sent by Young Master Wu. Regarding their matter,...
Chapter 291: Sweet Port Turbulence Dark Clouds Gathering
Sun Kecheng knew this proprietor was generous, but hearing about two hundred taels still startled him. "That's too extravagant—" "A life is g...
Chapter 292: Sweet Port Turbulence Countermeasures
"Liao Dahua mentioned he's already secured a courtyard in Xuwen's county seat. If it truly comes to it, we can flee into the city." Wen Tong raised...
Chapter 293: Sweet Port Turbulence Xiao Zhanfeng
However, approaching this closely was ill-advised. The people gathered here were all acquaintances; two unfamiliar faces appearing suddenly would eas...
Chapter 294: Sweet Port Turbulence Lin Zhuang
"Listening to Brother Zhanfeng's words in the tea stall, you seem quite familiar with Lin Zhuang?" Chen Tianxiong went directly to the point. "More than...
Chapter 295: Sweet Port Turbulence Persuasion
The door stood open. Looking through, numerous sedan chairs were parked in the courtyard. The sounds of shuffling cards and rattling dice drifted faintl...
Chapter 296: Sweet Port Turbulence Buying Off
Seeing this ancient "worker leader" turn ashen-faced, Chen Tianxiong felt a surge of disdain. He had thought the man could at least mobilize a few hundr...
Chapter 297: Sweet Port Turbulence The Rout Begins
"It'll be fine. I earn a few coins each day writing letters for people outside the county yamen . And if things truly become desperate—" Here the y...
Chapter 298: Sweet Port Turbulence Severing an Arm
The longer Lin Zhuang listened, the colder his heart grew. He hadn't expected things to shift so dramatically in a single week. Just as he was fret...
Chapter 299: Sweet Port Turbulence Catching a Turtle in a Jar
Night descended slowly, enveloping the harbor in darkness. The sea breeze stirred a thin mist rising from the water—a common phenomenon ...
Chapter 300: Sweet Port Turbulence Encounter at Sea
To the east, roughly six nautical miles distant, a column of ten or so vessels of varying sizes materialized on the horizon. Le Lin, first mate of...
Chapter 301: Sweet Port Turbulence Battle of Chrysanthemum Islets Part 1
Why starboard and not port? The question was meaningless. Le Lin had served in the Navy for months now, and he understood t...
Chapter 302: Sweet Port Turbulence Battle of Chrysanthemum Islets Part 2
Xi Yazhou checked his watch. Exactly twenty minutes had elapsed since he sent the second telegram. "You're damn punctual!" ...
Chapter 303: Sweet Port Turbulence Heads
Master Zhu invariably slept in the courtyard adjoining his study. This wasn't because he loathed his wife—she had passed away years before—but rather for the...
Chapter 304: Sweet Port Turbulence Suing for Peace
This meant, naturally, that apart from a small faction closely aligned with Master Zhu, he represented the prevailing sentiment of the majority of ...
Chapter 305: Sweet Port Turbulence Sugar Industry Guild
"We lack a leader with influence who can speak with authority," Wen Tong summarized. Zhu An possessed prestige and served as the leader of the...
Chapter 306: Sweet Port Turbulence Dying Struggles
"Richangji, seven thousand shi ," Feng Guangfeng followed up immediately. "I'll deliver the silver shortly." With two firms now committed, the othe...
Chapter 307: Sweet Port Turbulence Special Ops Equipment
"How did the fire start earlier?" Chang Shide asked Ma Sanqiang again. "Reporting to the owner: some of the boys were careless with candles. ...
Chapter 308: Sweet Port Turbulence Burning the Temple
Xu Yingjie said, "This equipment hasn't seen actual combat yet. When I heard there was an operation in Leizhou, I brought it along. Rest assured...
Chapter 309: Sweet Port Turbulence Internal Strife
The next morning, news of the fire at Monk Zou's Temple swept through town like wildfire itself. Crowds flocked to the ruins—now nothing but a pile...
Chapter 310: Sweet Port Turbulence Dust Settles
Third Master Zhu laughed—a hideous, grating sound—and slammed his palm against the table. "Good! You have guts." With that, he seized the porcelain bo...
Chapter 311: Acquiring Dachang
Liao Daxing was summoned immediately, and Chen Tianxiong explained the arrangements in full. Liao Daxing said, "The Masters are truly thorough. Shopkeeper Feng would sur...
Chapter 312: Bairen General Hospital
Taking in a maid was hardly a significant matter. If she truly was as capable as described, Chen Tianxiong could use her—he didn't have a woman anyway. "Very well....
Chapter 313: Human Dissection
Just as he was contemplating these challenges, Sister Li walked in to ask whether "teaching" should begin. She was the mother of the pair Zhang Xingjiao had brought back ...
Chapter 314: Medical Planning
Now Hippo and Shi Niaoren tied off and severed the arterial vessels to minimize bleeding during the dissection. Shi Niaoren retrieved the aspirator tube from the instrume...
Chapter 315: The Pharmaceutical Factory
Strictly speaking, apart from a small quantity of herbal preparations compounded by Liu San using local materials, the medicines consumed by Bairen General Hosp...
Chapter 316: Nicks Career Part 1
In the seed collection room of the farm's biological laboratory, Hu Yicheng held a glass jar filled with semen, capped it tightly, and placed it carefully into an e...
Chapter 317: Nicks Career Part 2
As the seasons turned, the farm's material conditions steadily improved, and Nick's horse-breeding enterprise began to flourish in earnest. Permanent stables rose ...
Chapter 318: Reorganizing the Army and Preparing for War
"According to Yu Eshu: a good Mongolian horse fetches a thousand strings of cash. An inferior one, eight hundred. A mule, five hundred." Wu De...
Chapter 319: Countywide Bandit Suppression
Intelligence collection on Lingao's bandits began in earnest after the Political Consultative Conference concluded. With the liaison officer system now ope...
Chapter 320: Battle of Baopang Mountain
The troops set out after dark, marching rapidly through the night before entering the Baopang Mountain area to conceal themselves. After a full day's rest, the...
Chapter 321: Occupying Thirteen Villages
Dang Namen thought quickly. The other two mountain paths were narrow and difficult to traverse, and the enemy had already seized favorable terrain. Their fier...
Chapter 322: Changing Tactics
"Xin Nachun is Xin Nari's younger sister. This girl is something else—she has a fiery temper and dares to slaughter pigs herself. Ordinary young men aren't good enough f...
Chapter 323: Liu Si Takes the Bait
"You beast—you're worse than an animal!" Zhao Dachong roared deliberately. Seven or eight people, men and women, were already standing in the room. In the chaos, Xi...
Chapter 324: The Bandits Counterattack
"Money is something external to the body," Xin Nari said, secretly cursing Zhao Dachong as a "country bumpkin" who only saw the coins before his eyes. But he p...
Chapter 325: Consequences of Victory
Xin Nari once again displayed his cunning—instead of fleeing through the village entrance, he jumped directly into a small river by the village and swam to safety...
Chapter 326: The Abbot
"The method is quite good," Wen Desi said. "But what if Lu Ruohua harbors ulterior motives and uses this hatred to build his own faction of clergy?" "That depends on Bai Duolu ...
Chapter 327: Traditional Chinese Medicine
Liu San found Dong Weiwei and presented her with the medicines he had prepared—simple formulations made from locally available herbs, processed into powders ...
Chapter 328: First Debate Concerning TCM
At these words, Fu Sinan tumbled from the bed and prostrated himself, pressing his forehead to the floor. Liu San caught him by the shoulders and hauled him u...
Chapter 329: The Students
"I suspect they're planning to press oil. Coconut-poached fish, perhaps." "The thought alone makes me nauseous," Shi Niaoren said. "More likely they're gearing up for soap p...
Chapter 330: The Great Debate on Education
Lu Jia couldn't read either—or rather, not all the characters. He was functionally semi-literate. But he had memorized the regulations in class, so he posit...
Chapter 331: School System
"The way I see it, our objective is to revive as much useful technology as possible within our lifetimes, then adapt it to our environment—rather than blindly attempting to...
Chapter 332: Campus
"Not bad." Hu Qingbai laughed. The Ministry of Education's office building stood within the park—a modest two-story structure of red brick and tile. Relocating out of the governme...
Chapter 333: Students
Apart from some self-made glassware and simple equipment, most items in the laboratories had been brought from the other timeline. Balances and microscopes were Class I Controll...
Chapter 334: Quarantine Camp
Xiao Zishan also promised that he and the General Office staff would come to teach whenever time permitted. Meanwhile, another matter—urgent, though not critically so—wei...
Chapter 335: Manpower Allocation
"I take the reports very seriously. That's how I reached my conclusion," Yang He said earnestly. The "reports" came from Sand —moles planted by Dugu Qiuhun. These ope...
Chapter 336: Worker Grade System
"Specific details are in the documents distributed to each ministry and commission office. Please submit your comments to the Ministry of Education's OA system after ...
Chapter 337: The Pharmaceutical Factorys Dilemma
Dwelling on Lingao's subtropical climate—its oppressive jungles and labyrinthine river networks—Shi Niaoren was convinced this godforsaken corner of ...
Chapter 338: Acids and Bases I
A moment's thought made the answer obvious: "You want to use radiation for sterilization?" "Alcohol sterilization and moist heat methods both have their limitations. ...
Chapter 339: Acids and Bases II
Raw lacquer harvested from lacquer trees was impervious to nearly any form of corrosion—water, strong acids, strong alkalis. Lingao itself didn't produce lacquer tre...
Chapter 340: Acids and Bases III
Production safety was Ji Situi's greatest headache. Chemical plant accidents differed fundamentally from those in ordinary enterprises: beyond worker casualties, th...
Chapter 341: Acids and Bases IV
"Not exactly," Xu Yingjie replied. "We call it electrolyte. The caustic soda content is less than ten percent, and it contains substantial impurities. Further separa...
Chapter 342: Sweet Potato
To reciprocate the support he had received, Shi Niaoren wanted to express his gratitude properly. Not just to the Chemical Department, but to the Industrial and Energy Commi...
Chapter 343: Sweet Potato Kvass
Whether the common people of Ming Dynasty Guangzhou would actually purchase this Liancheng Red Heart Dried Sweet Potato Strip—appearing centuries ahead of its time—rem...
Chapter 344: Energy Usage
The metallurgical department's coking plant also produced coal gas, but that output was consumed almost entirely by metallurgy and metal processing operations, with nothing ...
Chapter 345: Products of the Pharmaceutical Factory
While Huang Dashan was trial-producing Sweet Potato Kvass, Shi Niaoren was washing bottles at the pharmaceutical factory. Glass bottles—long-reques...
Chapter 346: The Ministry of Healths Acquisition Action
"In medicinal materials and pharmacology, I'm superior to him. But regarding medicinal material trade and pharmacy management in this timeline...
Chapter 347: Enticing with Medicine
"He went to the prefectural capital a few days ago to procure supplies. He should be back any day now." The prefectural capital, in this case, meant Qiongshan Coun...
Chapter 348: The Foshan Journey Part 1
"One thousand doses of Zhuge Marching Powder, three thousand doses of Plague-Repelling Powder. I'll purchase the entire lot." Liu San had already thought this...
Chapter 349: The Foshan Journey Part 2
This approach proved extremely attractive to merchant houses with substantial capital flows, particularly those procuring goods in Guangzhou. It eliminated th...
Chapter 350: The Foshan Journey Part 3
A clerk guided them through the central hall. Inside, the large courtyard contained three rows of two-story buildings connected by covered walkways that provi...
Chapter 351: The Foshan Journey Part 4
Yang Shixiang politely declined Shucui's offer to find him another companion, instead sending a note out—apparently he had a regular rendezvous elsewhere. Liu...
Chapter 352: The Foshan Journey Part 5
After his examination, he confirmed Huang Tianyu was in no mortal danger. Only then did he turn back to berate the inn manager. "What kind of inn is this! A d...
Chapter 353: The Foshan Journey Part 6
Calm down! Stay calm! Liu San told himself. What's done is done—panicking won't help. Besides, they weren't some Ming commoners. So what if they killed an Emb...
Chapter 354: The Foshan Journey Part 7
She opened the cloth wrapping, and inside was indeed an Embroidered Spring Saber—a miniature one, apparently custom-made for her. "Pretty, isn't it? What a pi...
Chapter 355: The Foshan Journey Part 8
"How about it? Much more magnificent than Runshitang, isn't it?" Yang Shixiang smiled bitterly, a trace of envy showing through. Although business in the hall...
Chapter 356: The Foshan Journey Part 9
Liu San didn't know the background of this Gongji Hall, but seeing Yang Shixiang's expression shift uncertainly, he guessed it wasn't a prestigious place. He ...
Chapter 357: The Foshan Journey Part 10
"Crude they may be, but the scale is genuinely impressive," Huang Tianyu observed. Every foundry he visited pulsed with frenetic energy—flames roaring, worke...
Chapter 358: The Foshan Journey Part 11
Speaking of Centurion Lin, he was a man of distinguished appearance who suffered from a particular affliction of the flesh. Ever since inheriting the family'...
Chapter 359: The Foshan Journey Part 12
"No need," Li Luoyou replied. "Both guests can eat Chinese cuisine, and they rather enjoy it. Have Cook Liao prepare the meal." Cook Liao was his personal ch...
Chapter 360: The Foshan Journey Part 13
As Saoye withdrew, Li Luoyou turned his thoughts to calculation: he had a thousand jin of recently shipped Liaodong ginseng and several hundred jin of deer a...
Chapter 361: The Foshan Journey Part 14
"Yes, I believe this presents a good opportunity for the Society to serve the court. I'm an old soldier myself—I fought for over ten years in Europe. I haven...
Chapter 362: The Foshan Journey Part 15
Li Luoyou returned to the branch office that day to find Manager Cheng presenting an invitation. "Centurion Lin invites you to a small dinner gathering tomor...
Chapter 363: The Foshan Journey Part 16
Liu San had always kept his family elders' ancient counsel in mind: "No matter how dynasties change or who assumes power, our family practices medicine as it...
Chapter 364: The Foshan Journey Part 17
"Business—we actually have more than we can handle. It's merely a matter of choosing to pursue it or not." With the acquisition settled, Liu San was in excel...
Chapter 365: The Foshan Journey Part 18
The Leizhou Sugar Company had recently located wheelwrights in Leizhou—nearly every sugarcane farmer there possessed ox carts. But the wheelwrights they foun...
Chapter 366: The Foshan Journey Part 19
"There is such a theory. Only the language isn't quite similar." Li Luoyou recalled Liu San's strange Mandarin. Suddenly something stirred in his mind—Liu Sa...
Chapter 367: The Foshan Journey Part 20
Liu San's Foshan expedition could only be called a triumphant return. Not only had he secured sufficient raw materials for summer medicines, he'd also procur...
Chapter 368: The Customs
To facilitate cargo transport—before the rail line officially connected both locations—the Transportation Department had established ox-cart freight service between Bairren C...
Chapter 369: The Joint Clinic
Liu San immediately followed up with his deeper cooperation plan. "Elder Brother Yang, this is only the first step." Liu San enthusiastically outlined how the transmigra...
Chapter 370: The Tiandu Development Plan
The review meeting continued throughout the return journey—no official report didn't mean no internal reckoning. While demanding strengthened internal managem...
Chapter 371: The Heaven and Earth Society
"What about capturing Malay natives from Vietnam and Southeast Asia? The distance is closer." "The costs don't work out," Wang Luobin dismissed. "Unless ther...
Chapter 372: Meitai Yang
In actual practice, chicks and feed provided by the Heaven and Earth Society could be obtained on credit, deducted when products were uniformly purchased. Ye Yuming said: "Th...
Chapter 373: LowYield Fields
A few months earlier, Wu Nanhai had easily purchased this land from the county government at extremely low prices. As for why such large riverside acreage remained uncul...
Chapter 374: Farmland Construction
Behind the levee lay the first-phase 1,500 mu of high-yield fields. After consultation, Yan Quezhi, Wu Nanhai, Fa Shilu and others decided the high-yield, stable-yi...
Chapter 375: Dongsha Island
The most problematic was phosphorus fertilizer. After much deliberation, the easiest natural phosphate source was animal bones. The Agricultural Committee had been using l...
Chapter 376: The Mysterious Ship
The island's southeast had some coconut palms, but recent shipments from Yulin had already satiated the transmigrators, so they showed no interest in this meager reso...
Chapter 377: Suspect Elements
"Why bother capturing them alive? Kill them and be done with it—spare ourselves future complications." Lin Chuanqing's tone was matter-of-fact. "We need proper interroga...
Chapter 378: The Nanbao Highway
Wu De returned to the Executive Committee meeting room with a grimace. "Twenty days now before the first deliveries arrive. Wu Nanhai will certainly have objections." ...
Chapter 379: Fu Buer Joins the Society
"Finally cleared every hurdle." Wu Nanhai gazed at the rice ears swaying heavy with the coming harvest, breathing a sigh of relief. In the distance, the vigorou...
Chapter 380: MicroLoans
"The difference is enormous," Wu Nanhai explained. "Landlords actually come in many varieties. The landlords we're most familiar with exploit primarily through tenancy—they d...
Chapter 381: The Agricultural Supply Store
They finally agreed on using in-kind micro-loans—more convenient to operate and easier for farmers to grasp. Poultry chicks would be provided on credit to f...
Chapter 382: Earthworms
"Once the county's coarse grain yields increase, I'll directly manufacture complete compound feed to sell to farmers—no more self-mixing." Wu Nanhai's ambitions ran high. "Tha...
Chapter 383: The Livestock Farm
Zhang Youfu considered the problem for a while. "There's one approach, though somewhat troublesome—it won't be quick." "As long as we get the land, I'm willing to wait...
Chapter 384: Pigs and Cattle
The farm possessed two pairs of Landrace pigs and one pair of Northeastern Min pigs as initial breeding stock. To expand the pig population, relying solely on the brought...
Chapter 385: Feed
"Won't such crossbreeding cause genetic degeneration?" "Slightly, but not significantly. China's existing Holstein cattle are basically products of nineteenth-century Dutch Holstein...
Chapter 386: The Patrol Boats
"Eating crayfish when we have sea lobsters?" Wu Nanhai expressed disdain. "If you really miss them, Australia has freshwater crayfish too. Go eat those later. But I stil...
Chapter 387: The FiveMasted Ship
Until now, Yue Lin had only ever sailed aboard the locally-built seventy-ton lateen fishing boats that dominated these waters. The transmigrators possessed a conside...
Chapter 388: Breaking Free
"Surrender and live!" As marines shouted the ultimatum, people began staggering out from below deck and behind cargo piles, one by one kneeling dejectedly on deck to await ...
Chapter 389: Winning Over Defectors
Beyond revising legal provisions, merely transcribing the legal documents was itself a massive undertaking—ordinary people couldn't handle it. The "unofficial esta...
Chapter 390: Rong Operation
Of course, leadership didn't summon him to hear about difficulties, but to get things done. However, before getting things done, it never hurt to emphasize difficulties fi...
Chapter 391: The Smugglers Ship
"What about credibility? You know you have zero credit with pirates—why would these people trust you?" "I'll focus on recruiting Shi Shisi, then through him connect w...
Chapter 392: The People on the Ship
"So they're from the same time-space." "Nine out of ten." Lin Chuanqing lit a cigarette. Everyone fell into silent contemplation. Where did this ship come from? Ho...
Chapter 393: Heaven and Earth Society Customers
Funding shortages constantly plagued the county academy. Regarding educational investment, Lingao County's academy fields totaled four or five hundred ...
Chapter 394: Circuit Tours to the Countryside
Fortified compounds like Liu Family Stockade were common in Lingao and throughout contemporary China. These strongholds had strong independence—paying ta...
Chapter 395: Agricultural Technician Wan Lihui
Wan Lihui thought Fu Buer was truly a model supporter of the transmigrator collective—Ding-Ding should really publicize this. Noticing the girl was quit...
Chapter 396: Fu Buers Family
Being admired by a girl was certainly nice, but work still needed doing. After a full day's exertion, Fu Buer's field edge had accumulated large quantities of composting...
Chapter 397: The Question of Interests
"I don't know—" Wan Lihui found his thoughts wandering. Could that fifteen or sixteen-year-old village girl have taken a fancy to him? What would he do if Fu Bu...
Chapter 398: Camp Panic
"Of course we stand with the soldiers. They're the ones shedding blood and sweat for the transmigration enterprise—we cannot let their hearts grow cold!" Ma Qianzhu didn't hes...
Chapter 399: The Small Merchants
Three days later, aside from a few severely injured individuals, everyone else had received basic treatment and was now waiting at the Customs Building for the Mariti...
Chapter 400: What Can We Sell
"I'll ship timber then." "I can ship lead. And spelter too." Spelter was zinc—widely used in industry, especially for galvanized thin steel plate, commonly called white ...
Chapter 401: The Versatility of Sweet Potatoes
Xun Suji arrived at the food factory full of expectations. He would first familiarize himself with the situation and see what was going on, then discuss...
Chapter 402: Xun Suji Takes Office
"I wouldn't dare say there's an export market, but domestic demand for rice vermicelli is definitely substantial—I think you should go ahead and produce it," Huang ...
Chapter 403: Orders from Guangzhou
This year, the farm had expanded soybean planting, but soybeans themselves were in short supply, and Nick was also competing for them. Xun Suji decided not to fight...
Chapter 404: Nanbao Coal Mine
After a simple survey by the prospecting team, the proven reserves of the Nanbao Coal Mine had reached thirty million tons. Though it wasn't a large coal mine, it was a ...
Chapter 405: Nanbao Layout
For the indigenous people in Nanbao, circulation vouchers held little attraction. Everyone in Lingao now—and even in neighboring Danzhou, Chengmai, and Qiongshan—knew that ...
Chapter 406: The New Ziminglou
Mo Xiao'an had no choice but to roughly explain the concepts of water supply and drainage, the siphon principle of flush toilets, and how water seals blocked odors. Alt...
Chapter 407: The Ice Machine
"Use an animal-powered machine." Wang Luobin finally used this thing. The so-called animal-powered machine was a transmission device that converted an animal's weight, fo...
Chapter 408: Manipulating Temperature
Ah, no choice. He could only trade this away. Zhan Wuya was heartbroken. Although the premium Dahongying were already last year's cigarettes, he had carefully pr...
Chapter 409: First Arrival at Nanri Island
When the timer was up, he began using the coal gas flame to gradually heat the tail end of the glass tube, causing it to gradually fuse into a cord and then...
Chapter 410: Acting Real
Passing through the camp gate, a spacious view suddenly opened up before him. The camp tents densely lined along both sides of the road earlier were nowhere to be seen inside...
Chapter 411: Deep into the Enemys Den
The blue cotton robe wrapped around the woman slid to the floor. Underneath, she wore only a small dudou undergarment. Lin Baiguang was a long-deprived man—how ...
Chapter 412: When the Ship Starts to Leak
However, this risk was worth taking! When Lin Baiguang came to Nanri, he took the outer ocean route, which took more than six days one way. In ancient times, t...
Chapter 413: Lin Baiguangs Crisis
"But Big Boss—" "I know. If I don't stop him, others might follow his example." Zhu Cailao's expression was grave. He thought for a long while before seeming to make ...
Chapter 414: Escaping Alive
Thinking of this, Lin Baiguang deeply regretted that he had tried his best to request to do "Operation Banyan." This matter was indeed too unreliable! How could he control t...
Chapter 415: Defecting
But Lin Dan said: "Don't daydream. Back then, Xiang Yu said he 'had no face to see the elders of Jiangdong.' Why? Three thousand people went out with him to fight, and not a sing...
Chapter 416: Recruiting Surrender
Ran Yao originally felt it wasn't worth risking his little life for twelve ships, but now that he had brought back even more ships and was still alive and well, he cou...
Chapter 417: Digestion
Chen Haiyang nodded and had someone receive the delegation. As was customary, he offered words of encouragement and reassurance before Shi Shisi stepped forward to present the ...
Chapter 418: Study Class Part 1
With a fifty percent ratio of "mixing in sand," it would already be possible to completely strip them of control. Combined with disrupting the original units and dis...
Chapter 419: Study Class Part 2
Those wishing to keep their ships could continue commanding the fleet. They would join the newly formed joint-venture franchise company under the Foreign Business Co...
Chapter 420: Late Summer
Summer gradually waned. The summer of 1629 saw Lingao County town grow strangely quiet. Partly the weather was to blame—the heat left townspeople reluctant to stir. Farmers l...
Chapter 421: Wang Ci
Not only did he receive ice blocks, but like the monthly allowance, ice tickets were also distributed to the county yamen according to rank. The others in the county, however, di...
Chapter 422: Conflict
"I had no idea. Come, tell me about it." Disregarding matters of status, Wang Ci pulled him aside to sit down, asking him to relate everything about the Australians' school. Lu ...
Chapter 423: Scholars
The gatekeeper was a decrepit old doorman, sweeping the ground in front of Minglun Hall. Nowadays, only the Lingxing Gate and the area before Minglun Hall still looked somewhat ...
Chapter 424: Moli Xuan Work
Wang Ci found he couldn't refuse. Reasoning that regardless of the Kun' intentions, the aid would ultimately benefit this family, he stood and said: "This student will tha...
Chapter 425: Catering to His Preferences
Wu Mingjin paid no attention to the protest. Before long, a servant brought over two porcelain cups. Unable to refuse, Wang Ci accepted his. The chill beneath...
Chapter 426: Moli Xuan Academy Part 1
The courtyard of Moli Xuan had originally been filled with jasmine plants, but over the years, many had withered and died. During the restoration, new jasmine ...
Chapter 427: Moli Xuan Academy Part 2
Though Liu Dalin could no longer walk and required two family members to carry him about, he insisted on touring every floor of the library, his heart swelling...
Chapter 428: Education Foundation
Wang Ci was well satisfied with the various sponsorships and systems Xiong Buyou proposed. He made one point clear, however: the academy's curriculum must remain und...
Chapter 429: Batteries and Timekeeping
The Crossing Group's desire for telegraph machines was immense, but Dr. Zhong correctly observed that their leapfrog advances in mechanical and chemical enginee...
Chapter 430: Little Crossroads Plan Part 1
The so-called Gaoshan Ridge was in fact a mountain ridge of Piye Mountain, situated west of Lingao County Town. Piye Mountain's six main peaks stood upon ...
Chapter 431: Little Crossroads Plan Part 2
The Executive Committee's decision was to focus on the eastern section of the east-west road—specifically the Gaoshan Ridge, or Piye Mountain area. First,...
Chapter 432: Transportation Issues
The forging shop had originally possessed a crude, makeshift free-fall forging hammer, but its efficiency was low. It barely sufficed for current needs. As industri...
Chapter 433: Police Expansion
"I don't believe that's a good idea. This way, the common folk will be terrified. One moment of carelessness on the road and they're grabbed for labor. You may think you...
Chapter 434: Gou Ers Property
Of course, this was thanks to Wufo—he was Gou Buli's direct superior, and this woman had been introduced by him. Thinking of this, Gou Buli's dissatisfaction decreased ...
Chapter 435: Another Search
"Fine, if we catch the father, the son can't run away either," Ran Yao said. "But don't get your hopes up. If I were Gou Er, I'd have fled far away long ago." Lin Baiguang...
Chapter 436: Account Books
In the afternoon, several people arrived from the machine factory, bringing a gas engine, a water pump, and hoses. After the gas generator ran for an hour, the diesel engin...
Chapter 437: Cipher
The key to unlocking these materials lay in identifying who each code name represented. With that knowledge, these documents would transform into devastating "black materials"—the...
Chapter 438: Delivered to the Door
Eventually, Zhang Xingpei confirmed it: the cipher used the Thousand Character Classic as a substitution code, with each character corresponding to a common Chinese...
Chapter 439: Clerks
Lingao's commodity economy remained woefully underdeveloped. Silver circulated rarely, making its price relatively high while grain prices stayed low. Collecting taxes in silver i...
Chapter 440: Chen Minggangs Abacus
Chen Minggang thanked him and took his seat, eyes sliding calculatingly across Xiong Buyou's face. "Master Xiong, please speak your mind freely." "Old Eight!" Xion...
Chapter 441: Chen Minggangs Domestic Affairs
"Master, go quickly! The fight's already started!" Zhou Qi urged frantically. If the fight had already started, there was no need to deliberate—his littl...
Chapter 442: Cooperation Partner
"Yes. Qiuhong once served as the fence for a bandit in the county. After we exterminated that bandit, the wealth conveniently fell into Qiuhong's hands." "Does Chen M...
Chapter 443: The Knowledge of Grain Collection
Over the following minutes, Wang Zhaomin maligned Chen Minggang continuously—though "malign" wasn't quite accurate; he was simply stating facts. The Rev...
Chapter 444: Undertaking Taxes
Wang Zhaomin poured out his grievances about the problems that had plagued the county since the Liao Supplies levy began. In his view, the court's insistence on collect...
Chapter 445: Abuses
"However, the Capital Warehouse Official Rice doesn't all need to be shipped to the capital," Wang Zhaomin explained. Originally, during the Hongwu reign, autumn grain really had ...
Chapter 446: Autumn Tax Part 1
"Sir had better take a look," Wu De smiled. "Otherwise, if you destroy it upon returning, I fear regret will come too late." Wang Zhaomin blushed, feeling acutely emb...
Chapter 447: Autumn Levy Part 2
"Old Eight's greed will know no bounds this year," Liu Youren declared, his expression darkening. "The Australians have placed their trust in entirely the wrong man....
Chapter 448: Autumn Levy Part 3
Zhou Qi was Chen Minggang's senior apprentice and, by all rights, his most dependable man. Yet Chen Minggang was stingy by nature. Zhou Qi's parents had passed away ...
Chapter 449: Autumn Levy Part 4
Zhou Botao picked up a case file that had just been placed on his desk—locally manufactured at Zhou Dongtian's paper factory, composed of coarse yellow paper that sa...
Chapter 450: Autumn Levy Part 5
"Third Uncle! This is surely another new extortion scheme Old Eight has concocted!" One of his clan nephews, Liu Guangbiao, could no longer contain himself. Liu Guan...
Chapter 451: Autumn Levy Part 6
Thinking of Gou Family Manor's fate, Huang Binkun couldn't suppress a shiver. Third Brother had perished at the Baldies' hands—were they now coming to exterminate th...
Chapter 452: Autumn Levy Part 7
Zhou Botao's subordinates had proposed a crude but direct method: simply drug Zhou Qi unconscious and deposit him in Qiuhong's bed, then lure Chen Minggang over. Tho...
Chapter 453: Autumn Levy Part 8
By his calculations, the three hundred mu of paddy that the Tiandihui had helped cultivate would yield approximately fifty percent more per mu than in previous years...
Chapter 454: Autumn Levy Part 9
"It's already afternoon—are you inviting Young Master Huang for dinner?" "No," Liu Dalin considered. If it were for dinner, the discussion would extend into the even...
Chapter 455: Autumn Levy Part 10
"If Uncle is willing to take the lead, this humble nephew stands ready to serve as your vanguard, running errands on your behalf," Huang Binkun declared, appearing ...
Chapter 456: Autumn Levy Part 11
"How could I not desire revenge!" Gou Chengxuan had originally been terrified of the Baldies. Returning to the county, he had only intended to invoke the principle ...
Chapter 457: Autumn Levy Part 12
Though Gou Chengxuan spoke these words aloud, the hatred smoldering in his heart only intensified. This scheme reeked of collusion between the Baldies and officials...
Chapter 458: Autumn Levy Part 13
The East Gate Market boasted two restaurants. The first was the Trade Hall Restaurant—a "semi-official" establishment reserved primarily for the transmigrators' exc...
Chapter 459: Autumn Levy Part 14
Zhou Qi had thought about finding a way out before. But now that Gou Buli had raised the subject directly, his instincts sharpened. He studied the man carefully and...
Chapter 460: Autumn Levy Part 15
But Huang Binkun was not an easy man to deal with. He was no naive youth—he had fought battles, killed men, held a xiucai title, and his family were local strongmen...
Chapter 461: Autumn Levy Part 16
The covert maneuvering of Chen Minggang and Huang Binkun finally reached its climax. Not only did the behind-the-scenes scheming intensify—violence at last erupted....
Chapter 462: Autumn Levy Part 17
Both sides exchanged courtesies and took their seats. Liu Dalin adopted the attitude of "when in Rome, do as the Romans do" and let Xiong Buyou arrange everything. ...
Chapter 463: Autumn Levy Part 18
"These arrows aren't ideal—not the modern crossbow bolts you're used to. Will that be a problem?" "No problem. Just watch." Dai Xie raised his beloved compound cros...
Chapter 464: Autumn Levy Part 19
They noticed that among the Australian column, several figures were particularly tall. Everyone knew these must be the real Baldies. The true Baldies were not only ...
Chapter 465: Autumn Levy Part 20
Wu Mingjin and Wang Zhaomin exchanged glances. This was not something that could simply be "settled." Wang Zhaomin said, "The matter is this: investigating, arresti...
Chapter 466: Autumn Levy Part 21
The assembly chorused "Aye!" in unison. Sun Ruiwu and Wu Ya felt their hearts sink—this was shaping up to be a major prosecution. Where exactly the Australians aime...
Chapter 467: Autumn Levy Part 22
On the morning of the interrogation, Wu Ya and Sun Ruiwu arrived at the county yamen in full official regalia, both men showing the strain of a sleepless night. The...
Chapter 468: Autumn Levy Part 23
"Chen Minggang is the Household Clerk of this county. Why would he commit such an unlawful act? Unless you hold some grudge against your master and seek revenge?" Z...
Chapter 469: Autumn Levy Part 24
"That's easy enough. We just need to coordinate with Secretary Wang per the usual procedure," Wu Ya said. Both the Constable Squad chief and the Household Clerk wer...
Chapter 470: Autumn Levy Part 25
Though the runners ordinarily swaggered about as if they were tyrants lording over the common people, in reality they depended entirely on the power of the system. ...
Chapter 471: Autumn Levy Part 26
The Baldies neither killed officials nor rebelled openly. They didn't rampage through killing and burning, but instead continuously offered small favors to win over...
Chapter 472: Autumn Levy Part 27
The several men kneeling on the ground turned deathly pale. The finger press was a "severe punishment" that county yamen reserved only for murderers or notorious ba...
Chapter 473: Autumn Levy Part 28
He went on to explain the advantages of having a grain trading company manage the county treasury. First, the accounts would be clear and transparent, eliminating t...
Chapter 474: Autumn Levy Part 29
Xiong Buyou took the paper and examined it—a petition to undertake agency management of the public treasury. This was his first time handling such a matter. He coul...
Chapter 475: Autumn Levy Part 30
Zhou Dongtian picked up the interrogation record. The man had revealed quite a lot—the information was substantial. But on the critical point—where were the actual ...
Chapter 476: Autumn Levy Part 31
"Pick it up!" Zhou Dongtian scolded, his voice sharp with disapproval. "State your personnel number and rank!" "Yes..." The girl snapped to attention, trembling, he...
Chapter 477: Autumn Levy Part 32
"Isn't Delong already handling collections?" Yan Ming bristled at this encroachment on his territory. "Delong manages the county treasury, but managing funds isn't ...
Chapter 478: Autumn Levy Part 33
In the past, Huang Binkun wouldn't have hesitated to cuff such a clueless underling across the face—a lesson in which way the doors of Huang Family Stronghold opene...
Chapter 479: Autumn Levy Part 34
"In nurturing the people, the essential principle is 'tranquility'! In ancient times, the Emperors Wen and Jing of Han..." Xiong Buyou listened patiently through a ...
Chapter 480: Autumn Levy Part 35
Liu Youren started. So the "land survey" that Chen Minggang's gang had conducted was completely fictitious—just as he had suspected. Old Eight had been using it as ...
Chapter 481: Autumn Levy Part 36
But she knew the young master from that landlord family would never look at her. Hers was among the poorest families in the clan—little land, surviving on the sacri...
Chapter 482: Eliminating Abuses
"I wouldn't dare." Fu Xi unconsciously smoothed the hair by her temples. "Once you leave, I can go back to the National School. The busy season break is almost over. T...
Chapter 483: Surveying the Land
"For those with discrepancies in their accounts, they can be temporarily suspended for investigation. As long as it wasn't intentional, they can still be forgiven." Wu...
Chapter 484: The Typhoon Arrives
"The carts are no problem. I'll give you another ten—plus twenty Purple Lightnings. As for loudspeakers, the Planning Committee probably won't approve any more." Wu D...
Chapter 485: Emergency Rescue and Disaster Relief
Xiong Buyou knew the county granary's situation well: the accounts and stored grain matched perfectly—it was just that the quality was far below stan...
Chapter 486: The Audit Committee
"Exactly." Wu De nodded. "When interests are at stake, neither conscience nor faith can be relied upon." From grain collection to land surveying, the Civil Affairs De...
Chapter 487: New Land Deeds Part 1
Yi Fan understood immediately that Cheng Dong wasn't referring to technical complexity—he meant the human obstacles. Certain high-ranking figures harbored a profo...
Chapter 488: New Land Deeds Part 2
The surveying and verification work consumed considerable time. Under modern methods, problems yielded one by one, and the land map of Meiyang Village spread acro...
Chapter 489: Iron Birds and ThousandLi Eyes
"Very well. Since that is your position, the truth shall reveal itself within three days." Wang Ruixiang did not yet know the precise location of Fu Yousa...
Chapter 490: Census and Catching Vagrants
Fu Yousan's household suffered devastating punishment. The entire farmstead was confiscated—land, grain, livestock, and people alike—and an equivalent area o...
Chapter 491: Tang Yunwen Arrives
Huang Ande laid out the mission concisely: the Chief's expectations, the enemy situation, and the concrete implementation plan. According to the map markings, the tar...
Chapter 492: Secret Visit to Bopu Part 1
Ignoring the problem appeared to work. After some time, the pleas for assistance from Lingao—which had once arrived every seven or eight days—ceased entirel...
Chapter 493: Secret Visit to Bopu Part 2
"Jiang Youling truly sabotaged matters!" Zhang Wen muttered beside him. "Now that the Australians have established themselves at Bopu, driving them out will...
Chapter 494: The Prefectural City
The boat boss was eager to depart these waters and hurriedly ordered his men to turn the rudder and raise the sails, steering for the open sea. At that moment, white...
Chapter 495: Blackmail
Among his targets, the one Lin Baiguang valued most was Ma Benyuan, who served as a secretary in the Hainan Branch Surveillance Commissioner's Yamen. This man was a local Haina...
Chapter 496: Employing Personnel
What did this indicate? Lin Baiguang pondered the absence. Either these Brocade Guard officials were scrupulously law-abiding and had refused to be dragged into the m...
Chapter 497: Penetrating Qiongshan
Lin Baiguang had entrusted the two agents with a generous operational budget, a deliberate test of their judgment. Would a sudden windfall lead to profligacy, or wo...
Chapter 498: The Sycophant
Two or three armed guards were transferred from the Qiwei Escort Bureau to provide security. Like the grain shop’s clerks, they were strictly professionals who would not be...
Chapter 499: He Xin
"Yes, that's me..." He Xin hesitated, his voice rusty. For months he had been addressed only as "130080"; his own name sounded foreign to his ears. "You want him, sir?" Fu Youdi c...
Chapter 500: Hai Shuzus Predicament
In the cramped cabin of the Guangding , Lin Baiguang leaned against his bedroll, his mind occupied by the chessboard of Qiongshan. His primary objective was the r...
Chapter 501: The Partner
Hai Shuzu remained skeptical of the danger. His most valuable assets, the five-masted ship and its cargo, were already in Australian hands. What point was there in kidnapping...
Chapter 502: The Partner Part 2
Lin Baiguang explained the logistics: a site had already been identified, and the coal was destined for export, not local sale. The Hai family would be silent partne...
Chapter 503: The FiveMasted Ships New Purpose
Hai Ji stood on the dock, staring at the battered hulk of the family’s flagship in dismay. The pirate attack and subsequent grounding had ravaged the v...
Chapter 504: The Jiazi Coal Mine
Once the public sensation faded, the vessel—now christened Qionghai Coal —moved to the private Hai family dock. The wharf was already a hive of activity, piled high w...
Chapter 505: Employee Benefits
"You'll be out there alone," Xiao Zishan said. "Solitude is dangerous. Even with a computer, there are only so many games you can play before the walls start closing in...
Chapter 506: The New Equipment Testing Ground
"Now this is a weapon," Huang Xiong said, admiring the steel edge. He stood over a freshly opened crate in the temporary camp. Packed inside were "Second...
Chapter 507: The Transport Bottleneck
Under Tang Menglong's capable management, the Jiazi Coal Mine swiftly settled into regular production. Jiang Wenli proved herself a worthy graduate of the admini...
Chapter 508: The CoalWashing Plant
No one had expected the Nandu River's navigability to be so dismal. The assembled committee members sat in disappointed silence. With water so shallow, what was th...
Chapter 509: The Yulin Harbor Development Plan
"An expansion of this scale for the steel industry—do we have adequate stockpiles?" Wen Desi asked. These were not Great Leap Forward–style backyard fur...
Chapter 510: Preparatory Work
The laborers slated for deployment to Sanya had been training for over three months. They were healthy young adults recruited from among the immigrants—more than three t...
Chapter 511: The Small Steam Engine
Li Di's contraband—the American-made small steam engine—was successfully replicated under the combined assault of Jiang Ye and the Machinery Works crew. Many of th...
Chapter 512: The Sanya Expeditionary Battalion
"You have to understand the mentality of these petty producers—at their core, they're unreliable," Jiang Muzhi continued airing his distrustful views. "...
Chapter 513: The Sanya Expeditionary Battalion
"You have to understand the mentality of these petty producers—at the core, they're unreliable," Jiang Muzhi continued airing his distrustful views. "Le...
Chapter 514: The ArmyNavy Central Agreement
"…If the Navy is going to defend Luhuitou Fortress on its own, it will need at least one marine company—and they simply don't have that kind of strength. ...
Chapter 515: Naval Ensign
The sailors finished scrubbing the deck and mopped the wet planking dry. The entire surface was now mirror-bright, without a speck of dust or debris. Ruan Xiaowu, as the day...
Chapter 516: Pan Pans Interview
Ruan Xiaowu immediately received the first formal assignment of his naval career: he was appointed captain of Special-Duty Boat Yu Te 04 . Yu Te 04 was a 70-ton-class...
Chapter 517: Brothers Reunited
Ruan Xiao'er ordered an array of dishes, including the local specialty, roast suckling pig. The waiter, however, apologized: the dish had recently been banned by order ...
Chapter 518: The New Position
The waiter swept in bearing a magnificent platter—a whole slab of roast pork, skin-on and weighing a full jin . The rind had been cooked to a deep golden-brown, cracklin...
Chapter 519: The Sanya Special District Leadership
The next day, Ruan Xiaowu took delivery of the newly refitted Yu Te 04 at the shipyard. Only then did he receive his formal orders: Yu Te 04 would j...
Chapter 520: A New Opportunity for Office
The Sanya Special District's military-committee system resembled a "standing committee" arrangement, but the committee's authority was limited strictly to mi...
Chapter 521: Secretary and Apprentices
Ji Runzhi's planning was now far more in line with the transmigrated collective's productive capacity than before—though force of habit still led him to include...
Chapter 522: Undercurrents
"Relax," Hu Qingbai reassured him once more. "Home economics is also part of the school curriculum…" "Fine, fine, you win," Ji Runzhi surrendered dejectedly. "But where are...
Chapter 523: Discontent
At last, An Xi voiced the sentiment shared by the Law-Studies Club: "This state of emergency should be over by now!" According to Executive Committee Resolution No. 1, passed ...
Chapter 524: Verbal Sparring
"There must certainly be some accounting." Xiao Zishan immediately stepped forward to announce that the caretaker cabinet's first order of business would be to establish ...
Chapter 525: Problems Surfacing
The subsidy amount was roughly equivalent to the average price of an ordinary female slave aged sixteen to twenty-five in the Guangdong-Guangxi region, using the Guang...
Chapter 526: The Womens Issue
As she listened, Li Mei grew interested—though not in protecting women's rights. What caught her attention was a new business opportunity. Li Mei was, at heart, a busin...
Chapter 527: The Guangzhou Station Before the Assembly
Every Saturday evening at this hour, the members of the Guangzhou Station gathered secretively in the station's safe house to hear the latest di...
Chapter 528: The Guangzhou Proposal
"Where exactly do we source this 'sand'?" Zhang Yuchen asked, frowning. "Escort work demands specialized training. You can't just round up refugees and expect them...
Chapter 529: All Sides Mobilize Part 1
"The Executive Committee isn't stupid—they understand the necessity. The worry is that some people will pretend not to," Yan Maoda sighed, tapping ash from hi...
Chapter 530: All Sides Mobilize Part 2
Among the civilian officers, men like Pan Da and You Laohu—fierce fighters, crack shots, and willing killers—held genuine respect within the Army despite thei...
Chapter 531: All Sides Mobilize Part 3
"Lingao will have substantial rigid demand for land in the future," Wu Shimang patiently counseled the priest. "Land will become very tight." "Tight?" Lu Ruoh...
Chapter 532: Guangzhou and Leizhou Join Forces
Yan Maoda's initial role at the Guangzhou Station had been overseeing Purple Treasure Studio, the station's front for luxury goods and curios. That busi...
Chapter 533: The Dugu Qiuhun Case
The members of the Law-Studies Club were jubilant, but for Ma Jia, the victory brought immediate headaches. As the newly anointed head of the judiciary, his first of...
Chapter 534: The Unknown Number
"A pack of bastards!" Dugu Qiuhun ground the words out through clenched teeth. "I did all this for the collective—and these traitors hide behind the banner of 'democra...
Chapter 535: The Hearing
Someone had called Dugu Qiuhun from the Recreation Hall that night. Though Dugu couldn't be certain that this specific call was the one that fed him the "siege" narrative, Ji...
Chapter 536: Chang Shide and Dugu Qiuhun
The charges originally prepared against Chang Shide were severe. Shan Liang and his cohort had pushed for "embezzlement of public funds," but the Senate Stand...
Chapter 537: Hailins Scheme
He glared hard at Shan Liang for a moment, then raised his voice. "I think not." "This whole affair is a smear job!" Dugu Qiuhun shouted, proclaiming his innocence. "Some...
Chapter 538: The Forestry Ministry
"Alright, I support you. Whatever else, we have freedom of association now," Ma Jia said, though not without a touch of regret. "Do you really want to work in the E...
Chapter 539: The End of the Dugu Incident
"Dugu Qiuhun's loyalty to the transmigrated collective is reliable. Punishing him like this will dishearten people." "If we don't punish him like this, the m...
Chapter 540: Drawing a Line
The compensation structure for indigenous officials was divided into three components. The first was the "position salary," determined by the specific office held. The sec...
Chapter 541: Personnel Changes
The decision regarding Dugu Qiuhun was quickly posted on the internal BBS, and official notifications followed shortly thereafter. Dongmen Chuiyu opened the file at his...
Chapter 542: Political Security Cadets
Factories didn't hire every day, so Lu Cheng had to bide her time. Being somewhat older, she was ineligible for the various training programs at the Military-Po...
Chapter 543: The Girls Squad
The side courtyard housed rows of barracks. The structure and layout were similar to Lu Cheng's accommodation in the quarantine camp, except each room housed only eight ...
Chapter 544: Discipline and Training
Wu Mu prowled the perimeter of the girls' squad, his expression wooden. That little chick He Chun had clearly been trained by Zhou Dongtian—her strikes were ruthl...
Chapter 545: The Informant
In her nightmares, the government troops attacked, the Australians were routed, and the Chiefs were dragged one by one to the execution grounds to be beheaded. Somehow, her...
Chapter 546: Records of Atrocities
The History Group spent four or five days collating materials before quickly producing the inaugural volume of Records of Atrocities by the Usurper Ming . As the hi...
Chapter 547: Gathering of Heroes
Wu Mu's suspicion of Yang Cao lessened considerably—surely a spy wouldn't torture herself with decades of scars just to establish a cover? Yet, the icy calm and decis...
Chapter 548: Combat Techniques
Krav Maga, a self-defense system originating from Israel, is widely recognized in the West for its brutal efficiency. Designed for the chaos of street fighting, it focu...
Chapter 549: Revolver
The proposal to arm native cadres sparked immediate controversy. Was it safe to distribute weapons so broadly? The centralized nature of the military kept its arsenal under stri...
Chapter 550: Shooting Training
Bai Yu advocated for a 9mm caliber. His reasoning was pragmatic: it discarded the archaic imperial system for metric simplicity, struck a balance between stopping power...
Chapter 551: Salvaging the Shipwreck
The classified file on "Matter A" thudded onto the conference table. Gao Xiaosong, the officer in charge, cleared his throat and began his briefing to the Eight-P...
Chapter 552: Shipwreck Treasure
"Nothing strange about it," Lin Chuanqing shrugged. "Yugoslavia had a massive arms industry. When the country imploded, everything from rifles to tanks hit the black m...
Chapter 553: Distribution of Spoils
The OA system published a comprehensive manifest of the materials recovered from Matter A, along with the approved distribution plan. Essential items like clothing...
Chapter 554: Arrival of the Female Servants
When news broke that Ship A would require extensive, multi-year repairs, the frenzy of interest surrounding it evaporated. The Navy, the Long-Range Explora...
Chapter 555: The School for Female Servants
Once the purification quarantine was complete, the Health Department initiated comprehensive physical examinations. Shi Niaoren took personal command, dire...
Chapter 556: Recentering the Curriculum
Upon assuming the principalship, Dong Weiwei's first order of business was to define the strategic objectives. What, exactly, was this school supposed to produ...
Chapter 557: Family Conflicts
"I wonder what the asking price for that one is?" Chen Sigen asked, gesturing with his chin toward a girl jumping rope in the exercise yard. She looked to be about seven...
Chapter 558: Sworn Brother
The banquet was exquisite. The Yang family, hailing from the prosperous heartlands of Guangdong, possessed a refinement in their enjoyment of life that far outstripped the ...
Chapter 559: Last Night at Anyoule Market
Dawn was approaching, yet the night clung stubbornly to the world. Along the single main street of Anyoule Market, oil lamps and torches sputtered in shops a...
Chapter 560: On the Ship
The operational plan had been drilled into the mind of every commander until reaction became instinct. Deviation was not an option. Unlike a blind assault, the transmigrators...
Chapter 561: DDay
The sky had turned a pale, watery gray. In Dadonghai Bay, the slumbering fleet began to stir. On deck, soldiers checked weapons; below, laborers were roused from their fitful sleep...
Chapter 562: THour
Hu Xun was jolted from his sleep by a frantic pounding on his door. "What is it?" He was instantly awake. His subordinates knew better than to disturb him without catastrophic cau...
Chapter 563: The Fall of Anyoule Market
Wang Luobin and the command staff approached Pier No. 1 in a motor launch noticeably bedecked with four fluttering command flags. An Army squad from the Expedi...
Chapter 564: Sanya City
Hu Xun had no choice. Resistance was impossible. He surrendered his jurisdiction, his warehouse filled with scavenged goods, and essentially his dignity. The natives of Anyoul...
Chapter 565: Blasting
The development of Sanya was powered by steam. From the standard "Type 2" to the "Mozi" series, and even the lightweight "Suichao Type 1"—a copy of American small-scale engines—...
Chapter 566: Malaria Strikes
Luck is a finite resource. The blasting team had escaped disaster, but the rest of the project was not so fortunate. In the feverish drive to extract iron ore, safety pro...
Chapter 567: Riot
"There is no cure," Hippo said bluntly. "We have quinine, which suppresses it. But if we face an explosive outbreak, we don't have enough beds, we don't have enough nurses, and fran...
Chapter 568: The Daoist Arrives
Xi Yazhou announced the implementation of "Decimation"—collective punishment for the labor teams that had participated in the riot. None save the Elders knew what this...
Chapter 569: New Religion
He Ying knew that Ming Dynasty block-printed books commanded steep prices, and moreover, for an Elder to spend silver personally required tedious exchange procedures through...
Chapter 570: Breakthrough
"Good, but don't expect much support. The Executive Committee is notoriously stingy with funding and personnel allocations for the Religious Affairs Office. The Catholic Chu...
Chapter 571: New Tiandu Town
Ji Runzhi, director of the Sanya Special Zone Planning and Construction Office, set up a folding table in the shed beside the foundation stone—which doubled as constructi...
Chapter 572: Initial Results
"Who would come to this remote wilderness to steal rails—are they tired of living?" Zhuo Tianmin was dismissive. "There are people who follow right behind artillery impac...
Chapter 573: Li Luoyou Arrives
"It seems we need to make a trip to Lingao." Li Luoyou set down the letter in his hand, speaking as if to himself. The person standing beside him said nothing. Ever sin...
Chapter 574: Hegemony over the Qiongzhou Strait
The decision to depart for Lingao was known only to a few close confidants within the Li household. Li Luoyou reckoned the court would sooner or later ...
Chapter 575: Sights of Bopu
Li Luoyou was quite interested in mathematics. As a youth in Macau, he'd read many European and Arabic works and had developed considerable expertise in geometry and algeb...
Chapter 576: Customs
Compared to contemporary European squirrel-cage cranes, the Lingao version used a gearbox and cam controller, both increasing output efficiency and preventing sudden reversal tha...
Chapter 577: The Main Road
Quark Qiong emerged from the small room with a face flushed crimson. It was quite a while before he told Li Luoyou what had happened inside: he'd been semi-forcibly strippe...
Chapter 578: Operation Willow
Saoye had never encountered officials who refused money. The shock left him so stunned that he forgot to signal the sedan chair bearers to resume. Advisor Han quickly is...
Chapter 579: The Englishmans Usefulness
At this point, the Executive Committee members began to understand. "What dirty work?" Zhan Wuya asked. "The Englishman's old trade, I suppose." Ma Jia shook ...
Chapter 580: Liu Sans Romance
At the county town gate, the head of the county's fast squad waited with his men. The county town still wasn't classified as a green zone, so staying here required assi...
Chapter 581: East Gate Market Travels
That evening, Yang Shixiang's family banquet was quite refined—not the showy "five-five feast" with its impractical decorations, but twelve small dishes for drin...
Chapter 582: Continued Travels in East Gate Market
"I didn't expect that your Third Master Liu is not only a famous doctor but also proficient in the art of commerce." "Third Master is indeed a remar...
Chapter 583: Trade Agreement
The workers surged forward like a tide, paying no heed to Li Luoyou's party swaggering down the middle of the road. The steward hurriedly guided the group to the roadside...
Chapter 584: Deep Cooperation
Of course, "settlement over three festivals" didn't mean unlimited credit. The Ministry of Finance and Delung Bank intended to have a certain credit limit, equivalent to...
Chapter 585: Slave Trade
"Mm." Li Luoyou thought, the Court probably lacked the ability. Leaving aside how sharp Australian firearms were, just with Australian defenses at Bopu and fast ships in the ...
Chapter 586: Cannon Foundry
But to let people know the benefits of machinery, they must see it to believe it. The transmigrators couldn't drag everyone to Lingao to witness their industrial capabilit...
Chapter 587: Bribery and Soliciting Bribes
Finally, at Li Luoyou's request, Liu San took them to the power workshop to let him see "the power of steam." Li Luoyou was startled by the boiler workers, ...
Chapter 588: Liaodong Population
"If that's the rationale, we should diffuse light industry. Why on earth would we diffuse a gun factory? Ordinary people won't be visiting armories on their leisure d...
Chapter 589: Wudaokou Financial Meeting
Another effect of visiting the church was to put Li Luoyou's mind at ease. He had secretly suspected that the Australians worshipped devils and drew their extr...
Chapter 590: New Monetary Policy
Yi Fan shook his head. "I cannot agree with his line of reasoning. First, the pound and the dollar were built upon the foundation that Britain and America were, above...
Chapter 591: Financial Accounting System
"I'm well aware of his position. His theory differs fundamentally from mine." Yi Fan leaned forward. "His argument runs thus: before industry is fully expande...
Chapter 592: Foreign Intelligence Bureau
After a week of investigation, two of the candidates were swiftly eliminated. One man's consumption records revealed that he drank rum at cafes every single d...
Chapter 593: Intelligence Work Meeting
Were Guo Yi and his colleagues merchants, or were they spies? Their identity and affiliation had never been clearly delineated. But obviously, the merchant comp...
Chapter 594: Organizational System
Over the span of a few months, Lin Baiguang had intensified infiltration activities against the various yamens of Qiongzhou Prefecture. Working through Ma Benyuan's...
Chapter 595: Yu Eshuis Research
Jiang Shan's interest was piqued. "I think if we can secure this Prefect position, we might try transferring him to another post in advance. Spend money lobbying to ...
Chapter 596: Black Dragon Society
"If it's Jiangnan, we're essentially talking about Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, and Songjiang—these few locations." Yu E-shui said. "Actually, for deployment in Songji...
Chapter 597: Cooperation
Yet this matter could serve as a warning bell—alerting other Executives, particularly Wu De, President of the Planning Agency. Once the "Yi Fan-Chen Ce" system was adopted, t...
Chapter 598: Training
"Going on assignment means penetrating deep into enemy territory. Whether you're operating in the Ming Dynasty, dealing with the Later Jin, or navigating European colonial power...
Chapter 599: Becoming Ming
To deepen their practical experience, the trainees were given tours of the county yamen—everything except the inner chambers. Wherever they went, yamen runners provided spe...
Chapter 600: Lin Quanans New Business
At this rate, he could only resign himself to being a shopkeeper at the East Gate Market, selling northern and southern goods from the mainland. Of course, the...
Chapter 601: Land and Sea Routes
Whether under the Ming or the Qing, both dynasties fully understood that the Zheng clan's power derived from the enormous revenues of maritime trade. One of their pri...
Chapter 602: Xun Sujis Trouble
Such things definitely wouldn't escape Parliament's scrutiny—even the Political Security General Administration would likely investigate. Xun Suji hadn't graduated fro...
Chapter 603: The Printing Factory
The most important piece of equipment in the print shop was the high-speed mimeograph machine. As for the several EPSON 24-pin dot matrix printers, they had been ext...
Chapter 604: The Man on Ship A
Next, Zhou Dongtian went to the Planning Commission to request lead, tin, and antimony. These were the three essential metals for casting lead type. Antimony was especi...
Chapter 605: The Task of Making a Living
Landu had spent most of the year adapting to life in this time-space—he could now speak fluent Italian and had mastered all manner of aristocratic airs. He'd ...
Chapter 606: Bargaining
"I'm very busy! The Jesuit lords always have many matters to entrust to me." Landu stroked his lip whiskers with an air of importance—these he'd grown specially to enhance his...
Chapter 607: Landus Mission
"Can you mark all the harbor facilities clearly?" "I can mark the areas I was allowed into, but a large portion of the harbor I and my men couldn't access." Li Huamei sai...
Chapter 608: Deliberating War
He folded the letter with deliberate care, creasing each edge precisely before sliding it back into its envelope. Years in the bureaucracy had taught him well—he possess...
Chapter 609: The Mistress of Zhiming Tower
The assembled advisors fell into stunned silence. Setting aside six hundred thousand taels—even scraping together three hundred thousand would require a pit...
Chapter 610: First Signs
All told, there were about a dozen matters of social reciprocity. Most required nothing more than preparing a gift and a calling card and sending someone to deliver them. A f...
Chapter 611: Channels
All three Purple-Character establishments under the Guangzhou Station had absorbed substantial deposits. These deposits were actually stored collectively at Delong Bank. If Guan...
Chapter 612: The Etiquette of GiftGiving
That single sentence blocked everything that might follow. The claim that they were so-called Australians was completely unsubstantiated. Besides, they weren...
Chapter 613: War Guidance Principles
The assembly hall gradually quieted. Xiao Zishan first read aloud the full text of the telegram from Guangzhou. Then he called for the assembly to discuss the mat...
Chapter 614: Military Intelligence
"We shouldn't use the 'Ao-Song' name extensively in external communications for now," Yu Eshui said. "The Red Turban Army at the end of the Yuan Dynasty did want to...
Chapter 615: The Battle Plan
"So he'll be dealing with Liu Xiang soon." "Fortunately, Liu Xiang serves as a buffer. Otherwise, Zheng Zhilong would be quite a handful for us to deal with." But this ba...
Chapter 616: Propaganda Preparations
"Directly conscript militia from the various communes. We not only need to reinforce troops, but once the main army leaves, Lingao will be in a vacuum. The common...
Chapter 617: New Weapons
Jiang Muzhi and Li Chiqi had improved the new gun carriage, solving the locking mechanism and switching to higher-quality ball bearings. It finally passed the range and fifty...
Chapter 618: The Suppression Campaign Strategy
"The Fubo Army wasn't born from any established military tradition," He Ming said, struggling to find the right words. "It's an army without history, wi...
Chapter 619: Dedication
Lü Yizhong had specifically verified this at the Provincial Administration Commission. It turned out that this Magistrate Wu of Lingao had recently become something of a famou...
Chapter 620: Before Running
"Use these goods for the retail trade," Guo Yi instructed. "Inventory the gold and silver for jewelry-making in the warehouse. When people come to withdraw deposits, use t...
Chapter 621: Departure
"The mistress has retired." Chunliu immediately sensed this person's secret late-night visit must mean important news to convey. She quickly added, "I'll wake her right away." ...
Chapter 622: Before the Battle Part One
News that the court was about to launch a punitive expedition against Lingao finally swept through the entire county by late May—though in truth, the local p...
Chapter 623: Before the Battle Part Two
Bad news arrived in rapid succession. First, the High-Wide Shipping Company under the Qiwei Escort Bureau was seized, and over twenty of its twin-masted vess...
Chapter 624: Before the Battle Part Three
"Doctors will be sent over when the fighting starts. For now, I'll give you a few nurses and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to maintain basic h...
Chapter 625: Drill
"A siege drill will be conducted shortly. A few people always get injured during drills. Chief Dongmen instructed that medics should also enter the field and participate." "There's...
Chapter 626: The Guard Battalions
"The POW camp is ready. I even crash-trained a batch of women to shave heads," Yang He said enthusiastically. He had spent the whole afternoon discussing the POW cam...
Chapter 627: Harassment Warfare
"Have the Battalion Commander and other officers been caught?" "Battalion Commander Liu has been caught. Most officers were killed. Didn't catch many alive." "Did anyo...
Chapter 628: Raiding Qiongshan
Selecting targets for the stockade raids required careful deliberation. First, the victims had to possess notorious reputations among the common folk. Second, they need...
Chapter 629: The General Part One
Wu Mu studied the freshly copied official documents that had just arrived from the postal inspection station at the Guanrong Post. Although all of Lingao had long ...
Chapter 630: The General Part Two
He Rubin had already posted notices throughout Guangzhou and Qiongzhou, recruiting anyone who understood the internal workings of the Hair Thieves and knew Lingao ...
Chapter 631: Red Barbarian Cannons
The discussion was still underway when a personal guard suddenly reported that the cannon consecration ceremony was ready to proceed. To counter the Hair Thieves' f...
Chapter 632: The Hair Thieves Background
Granular gunpowder represented a significant improvement over powdered gunpowder. The powdered form absorbed moisture readily, and during storage and transpo...
Chapter 633: Continuing the Hair Thieves Background
"Although the Hair Thieves' cannons are not heavy, their power cannot be dismissed lightly." Gou Chengxuan proceeded to describe the scene of the ...
Chapter 634: Lai Da Takes Action
Gou Chengxuan remained cautious and didn't dare interject. Only after their discussion on the distinction between Huaxia and Barbarians concluded did he continue: "It...
Chapter 635: Combat Plan
"The most suitable locations are, first, at the foot of Chengmai County proper, and second, at Shishan, the midpoint between Qiongshan and Chengmai." Dongmen Chuiyu indicated...
Chapter 636: Sacrifice to the Flag and Starting the War
By now full daylight had arrived. The principal civil and military officials of Qiongzhou Prefecture and Hainan Circuit, along with local celeb...
Chapter 637: Advancing Troops
On June 29, 1630, by the Gregorian calendar, the Fubo Army Field Army fully garrisoned the Grand Camp beneath Chengmai City. He Ming established the campsite two kilomet...
Chapter 638: Encounter Battle
The post road curved gradually inland from the coast, and they had been marching for hours. He Rubin gauged the sun's westward slant—roughly the beginning of shen hour, ...
Chapter 639: A WinWin Battle
A curtain of white smoke erupted from the edge of the square. The Ming cavalry rushing headlong into the volley were instantly upended by the hail of bullets, their char...
Chapter 640: Meeting the Attack
"Commander-in-Chief, the Hair Bandits have established their camp with the sea at their backs—they have placed themselves in a desperate position!" Chang Qingyun decla...
Chapter 641: Artillery Duel
The Number 6 Gunner, standing beside the ammunition box, immediately flipped open its lid, searched for the required number on the table pasted inside, and shouted the ans...
Chapter 642: Fierce Battle on the Earthen Dike
The battle was unfolding precisely as the Staff Department had estimated. He Ming observed the field: though the Ming army had lost the first bout, thei...
Chapter 643: The First Days Victory
Wang Xi and Li Guang's forces routed shortly after. Li Guang's personal soldiers were all killed, and even his great banner was nearly lost. Li Guang himself was ...
Chapter 644: Night Raid
Under the cover of Light Infantry, the Medical Corps and militia cleaning the battlefield opened the stockade gate and emerged. They first collected and encoffined their own f...
Chapter 645: A Battle at Shishan
Since ten men were tied together in each group and the slightest carelessness would send them all tumbling to the ground, the porridge was distributed directly into p...
Chapter 646: Second Battle of Shishan
"It's a Regional Commander." Zhu Mingxia said with some regret. "I thought he'd be at least a Vice General..." Xiong Maozhang crouched before the corpse and exam...
Chapter 647: Standoff
"Double canister shot—Fire!" At the artillery officer's command, two 12-pounder mountain howitzers fired simultaneously amidst the rifle volleys. A storm of projectiles swept ac...
Chapter 648: Setting Fire to the Camps
The granaries of Chengmai County had once held tens of thousands of jin of grain. Now the imperial troops had commandeered every last kernel for military use an...
Chapter 649: Defeat and Flight
Lü Yizhong flew into a rage. This arrogant scholar is merely a xiucai , he thought, thrusting an accusing finger at Qian Taichong. "You insolent fool! One more word of ...
Chapter 650: Rout
Chen Renjie's two thousand men had marched three or four li when the earth suddenly erupted on both sides of the road. The Fubogun's combat engineers had laid iron Claymore mines wi...
Chapter 651: Chengmai Opens Its Gates
"No surrendering! Anyone who surrenders will be beheaded!" A few officers still threatened the defeated soldiers. But the men had lost all will to fight. Imperia...
Chapter 652: Aftermath
In the end, terms were agreed without ceremony. Shortly after three o'clock, Chengmai quietly surrendered. Commander Zhou had already been lowered over the wall with a dozen of...
Chapter 653: Ramifications of the Prisoners
Some proposed sending the prisoners to Sanya as miners, but many worried that with only a single battalion stationed there, a mutiny by these veteran soldi...
Chapter 654: Transformation
After reading the notice, Liu Dalin found its meaning somewhat puzzling. The beginning clearly contained a plea of grievance, expressing the "inevitability" of fighting ag...
Chapter 655: The Prisoners
The captured soldiers were held in several locations. All wounded were sent to the Army-Navy Hospital at Ma'ao, while identified civil and military officers were detained a...
Chapter 656: Religious Figures
The disposition of military officers and soldier prisoners had been settled. But how to handle the captured scholar-secretaries remained a matter of debate. Generally s...
Chapter 657: Victory Parade
The "Memorial Service" held by the Religious Affairs Office outside Chengmai achieved great success. The Yuan Laoyuan had decided that enough killing had been done; there ...
Chapter 658: Oceanic Care
The medals were distributed on the spot. Beyond the First, Second, and Third-Class Military Merit decorations awarded to combat personnel, fifteen militiamen received recogn...
Chapter 659: Cultural Weapons
With the First Counter-Encirclement Campaign ending in victory, a commendation ceremony was held simultaneously in Bairren City to honor outstanding native laborers and ...
Chapter 660: The Annual Gala
He had already thought through the gala's content. First, a banquet—preferably buffet style, to reduce the feeling of rank and hierarchy. A buffet had few ceremonial requ...
Chapter 661: The Next Generation
After returning to Lingao, Tang Menglong checked into the Bopu Administrative Office's Second Guesthouse—the Transmigrator Quarantine Station, as usual. Liu San came ...
Chapter 662: New Housing
Tang Menglong's life secretary's pregnancy precipitated the complete collapse of the "Bairren City Transmigrator Housing Regulations." The distribution of life secretaries ha...
Chapter 663: Fashionable Maids
Shan Liang continued: "As for specific floor, orientation, and location of units, I suggest two approaches—special consideration for special circumstances, and lottery ...
Chapter 664: Lai Da Arrives
As the transmigrator regime displayed ever-greater power and economic capability, it inevitably exerted tremendous influence over society. The upper-class literati would s...
Chapter 665: SeventyThirty Split
He could simply have walked away—the matter didn't appear particularly dangerous. But Ji Qili was a cautious person by nature. Reporting it wouldn't cost him anythin...
Chapter 666: Wu Nanhais Thoughts
The new demonstration farm café strove to recreate the atmosphere of the old timeline. Though the imitation was crude, it still fully satisfied transmigrators' nosta...
Chapter 667: Lai Da Captured
The surprise search of the construction site was conducted jointly by a platoon from Li Yayang's garrison company and the East Gate Market police. Under Li Yayang's comma...
Chapter 668: Lai Das Journey of the Heart
Though he projected confidence, a deep unease gnawed at Lai Da. He and Gou Chengxuan knew too well the terrifying power the bald bandits wielded. Even the i...
Chapter 669: Advance Detachments
The idea of prosecuting "war criminals" had originated with several members of the Law Society. The mastermind behind it was, of course, Ma Jia. Though the Law Societ...
Chapter 670: The New Regime in Danzhou
After surveying the area, Liu Yixiao selected the Chaotian Temple inside the city as his headquarters. The Western Detachment established camp and built a stock...
Chapter 671: Gou Er and Hu Lanyan
Control over population was especially critical: without local collaborators, effective governance simply couldn't be established. Unless foreign invaders could brin...
Chapter 672: The Target
"To the villages." Hu Lanyan nodded slowly. He had heard plenty about how fearsome the bald bandits' "going to the villages" was from bandits who had joined them after fleeing...
Chapter 673: The Scheme
"Many are willing to go, but they're not sure. They're afraid there's a catch." Liu Bing said. "Free room and board, plus teaching them to read and write—it sounds too good to...
Chapter 674: Surrounded
There was no answer from the darkness—the enemy simply continued their slow, methodical advance. Wang Wu could see they were cunning. The main force crept forward, halting onl...
Chapter 675: Desperate Situation
Wang Wu lay behind cover on the earthen berm. This camp had originally been built to platoon-level independent specifications drawn from the Military Engineering Stan...
Chapter 676: Total Annihilation
He rushed to the west and looked—a large crowd of enemies had already pressed up to the trench's edge, throwing debris into the ditch while setting up ladders on top. ...
Chapter 677: Remains
"We spent so much effort in Lingao managing Li affairs, did so much work—of course it's pacified there. But this isn't Lingao." Yu Zhiqian's tone was serious. "I think you can't ...
Chapter 678: Village Consolidation
"Is it him?" "It's him," the laborer whispered. "Carry this body to the village and dump it on the threshing floor." The order came swift and cold. "Let everyone se...
Chapter 679: Gelsemium
When the Zhaopu Village Incident Report reached the Yuan Laoyuan, it triggered a barrage of inquiries directed at the Civil Affairs People's Committee. Liu Muzhou faced questio...
Chapter 680: Father Trigaults Mission
"Vice Lords!" His wife flung herself at the feet of the lead man, clutching his legs, weeping and pleading: "He hasn't plied that trade since he lamed his leg—i...
Chapter 681: The People of the Order
"That strange Italian?" Trigault said with displeasure. "I find him a suspicious character." Accompanying him to Lingao besides Weiss Rando was a young cleric nam...
Chapter 682: Five People in the Quarantine Camp
"Once you finish, pack up your things. We're going to Lingao." "Really, Master?" Dermott said excitedly. "I hear the Australians in Lingao have built m...
Chapter 683: The Tattoo
He couldn't afford to offend those two missionaries. He hadn't fully made up his mind yet and still needed those two fools as cover for his identity. At Australian customs, he...
Chapter 684: Exposed
A murmur of discussion arose in the meeting room. Many voiced agreement with Dongmen Chuiyu's opinion—let the spy from the modern world taste modern electric torture. "Comrades,"...
Chapter 685: The Pious Rando
The carriage stopped before East Gate Market's busiest street. When Weiss stepped down, he glanced around—he didn't see the second carriage, but the watchers had certainl...
Chapter 686: Interrogated
According to Weiss, living in the bell tower was to "listen to God's bells for penance" every day. But when Father Jin Lige came to visit his attendant with admiration, he f...
Chapter 687: The Final Trump Card
Forged weapons import certificates and end-user statements, shell shipping companies set up to lease freighters for arms transport—all ultimately pointed to former A...
Chapter 688: The Ticket to Dongsha Island
"A few pistols?" The man lounging in the cast-iron chair arched an eyebrow, that boyish grin spreading across his face once more. "My dear Mr. Australian Fed...
Chapter 689: Our Cause
"Quite simple, actually." Rando leaned back. Beyond loading emergency weapons and supplies onto the lifeboat, he and Hale had packed a second set of emergency provisions in a m...
Chapter 690: The Beginning of Pacification
The war on Hainan Island continued—though by now it could scarcely be called a war. Cities surrendered at the first hint of approaching forces. Some county ...
Chapter 691: Forcing Peace through War
Finally, at the letter's conclusion, Lü Yizhong wrote that if peace talks were agreed to, a mission would depart from Lingao within days. As for the negotiation...
Chapter 692: Pearl River Estuary Task Force
The Navy would execute this operation. The operational area would encompass the entire Guangdong maritime region, with the Pearl River Estuary serving as t...
Chapter 693: Fleet Departure
Now he was a dignified Australian-Song Navy Lieutenant. Though Shi Shisi had no concept of the Great Song and only the vaguest notion of what a Lieutenant's commission ac...
Chapter 694: Heading to Hong Kong
Shi Zhiqi's spirits lifted instantly. He watched the small Daihatsu liaison boat reach the accommodation ladder on the opposite side of Transport-11 and immediately ...
Chapter 695: Raising the Flag
"We'll wait until we reach Hong Kong Island to properly process them." The fleet had brought along professionals who previously worked in the Guangzhou purification camp...
Chapter 696: The Pirates
"I've heard Tai O was also an important den for pirates and smugglers in the Pearl River Estuary—historically speaking," Le Lin remarked. "Both Tung Chung and Tai O on Lantau...
Chapter 697: Zheng Baos War and Peace
In his disappointment, Zheng Bao had still granted Wang You the title of Advisor—the man possessed skills in managing documents and accounts that Zheng Bao hims...
Chapter 698: Enticement
"Now that's the kind of thinking I like!" Zheng Bao clapped Wang You heartily on the shoulder. "We'll do it your way. Find the earliest opportunity to make contact with this S...
Chapter 699: Subversion
"Hmph, that kid knows what's good for him." From a nearby ship, a sailor who had been covertly watching the sentry's every move muttered to himself. Had the sentry accepted th...
Chapter 700: CounterSubversion
"Employed?" Wang You smiled bitterly. "Merely scraping by, avoiding destitution." He shook his head as though venting frustration. "I'm serving as advisor to Zheng Bao...
Chapter 701: Bombardment of Tung Chung
Chen Haiyang demanded that within three days, all pirate observation posts be eliminated to completely cut off their intelligence sources. This proved somewhat ...
Chapter 702: Battle of Lantau
Could this be internal strife? Zheng Bao feared infighting most of all. His men had been hastily assembled over recent months, their relationships barely more than loose...
Chapter 703: Aftermath
Chen Haiyang established three outposts on Lantau Island. The first was built on the southern coast, directly controlling the Sham Shui strait—the fleet would use this location...
Chapter 704: Undercurrents in the Provincial Capital
Though he sat in a sedan of cool bamboo strips, though a comely young servant fanned him inside, though Li Fengjie had just consumed a cup of chil...
Chapter 705: Plans for Peace Negotiations
If the Portuguese were willing to dispatch ships to patrol the Pearl River Estuary, the crop-head vessels would face great difficulty trying to enter the inl...
Chapter 706: Handover
As news of the great victory at Chengmai spread through Guangzhou, the atmosphere of crop-head terror that had gripped the city gradually transformed. The "Australian stock"—whi...
Chapter 707: Activities in Guangzhou
Lin Baoguang glanced at the courtyard outside. The weather had already turned somewhat cool. Even outdoors, one no longer felt the stifling summer heat. This was ...
Chapter 708: Entering the Pearl River
The Yong'an Ju teahouse hummed with its customary bustle—though Guangzhou's teahouses bore little resemblance to their counterparts in Jiangnan or the capital. H...
Chapter 709: Before the Bogue
Guided by Haitian , the fleet quickly passed Furong Shoal and continued upriver. Most transmigrators aboard were entering the Pearl River Estuary for the first time. Che...
Chapter 710: Battle of Dajiao and Shajiao
Given the Ming military's limited naval combat capability, large-scale engagements at sea seemed unlikely. Shore bombardment and close-range fire support wer...
Chapter 711: Battle of Upper Hengdang Island
Spray from the bow occasionally drenched the deck. The landing craft was packed with marines and sailor landing troops. Each sat in silence, rifles cradle...
Chapter 712: Occupation of the Bogue
The troops about to "climb the mountain" were merely a ten-man reconnaissance squad. No one had expected that when they emerged from the smoke and appeared at the...
Chapter 713: Guangzhous Defenses
The expeditionary force halted at the Bogue. Past these straits, three or four days of continuous sailing would bring them to Guangzhou's outskirts—but Chen Haiyang ...
Chapter 714: Officials and Gentry
To address the shortage of soldiers and cannons, Li Xijue suggested at the meeting that besides ordering Foshan and other foundries to "work day and night," they cou...
Chapter 715: Sanliang Market
Sanliang Market could not match the prosperity of nearby county seats. Even compared to the county's other market towns, it was merely middling. But it was far more prosp...
Chapter 716: Winning Hearts
"Women's foolishness!" Luo Tianqiu silently cursed. But he did not say it aloud. The Lady's maiden family were also influential gentry, and she had always been capable in ...
Chapter 717: Sanliang Markets Preparations
The managers were dumbstruck. Given the Luo family's origins as local toughs, even as gentry, the family heads had always been ruthless and cunning. Luo Ti...
Chapter 718: The Patrol Squadrons
Sunlight filtered through the window lattice. On the bed, the old man stirred and let out a groan. Those who had been standing or sitting at his bedside rose instant...
Chapter 719: A Story from the Pearl River Campaign
The performing troupe of "Rival to the Azure Cloud" was plunged back into crisis. News that the crop-heads had arrived at the river near Sanliang Ma...
Chapter 720: The Road to Sanliang
Jiang Suo was her junior disciple. She knew he had feelings for her. But he was four years younger—still a half-grown lad. She didn't want to marry someone younger t...
Chapter 721: Breaking the Defenses
E Squadron broke through repeated obstructions and finally reached Sanliang Market's outer waterways at four o'clock that afternoon. Marines drove off the militia g...
Chapter 722: Liu Deshans Backyard
After Shi Zhiqi was struck by the arrow, fighting briefly paused, but the assault quickly resumed. According to the chain of command, the 2nd Marine Company command...
Chapter 723: After the Fall
When she awoke, the sky outside was growing light—was it already dawn? She remembered returning to the inn at dusk. Now she found herself lying on straw. There was the sme...
Chapter 724: The Underground Government
Jiang Suo smiled contemptuously. With just a light push, the innkeeper lost his balance and nearly fell flat on his face. His club clattered to the ground. Thi...
Chapter 725: The Trial
"The Luo family dominated Sanliang Market for generations, acting as local emperors here. Why can't we do the same?" Shi Zhiqi said. "Our people will certainly do better than t...
Chapter 726: Ji Xins Verdict
"My father, Uncle Zhou, and the three young disciples were separated during the assault!" Qingxia said. Seeing Innkeeper Chen about to say more, Ji Xin had already grasp...
Chapter 727: Borrowing Soldiers
These negotiations were still in progress. The Portuguese Municipal Council in Macau had some interest in the Guangdong authorities' proposal—after all, protecting the...
Chapter 728: The Angry Portuguese
The Municipal Council and the Portuguese merchant guild held sharply opposing positions, and so the negotiations stalled. Macau lacked anything resembling an organiz...
Chapter 729: Food Processing Center
The Great Whale returned to Hong Kong for temporary modification. Engineers installed a steam-powered gantry crane on deck, along with hoisting winches and dredgin...
Chapter 730: Capturing Wuchong
Poultry was butchered into standardized cuts according to Meat Processing Plant specifications, refrigerated, then prepared into food for the troops. This system served...
Chapter 731: Advance in Song
"We can smelt another furnace of good steel," Chen Haiyang remarked, watching Dai Xie of the Planning Agency's Action Team greedily record figures in his notebook. "Not j...
Chapter 732: The Final Fire Attack
To intensify the flames, the ships were piled with barrels of sulfur and gunpowder, along with so-called toxic smoke-producing herbs. Xu Tingfa estimated that with ...
Chapter 733: The Guns of Baietan
The sun rose over Bai'etan. Wen Desi stood on the poop deck of the Special Service Boat, hands clasped behind his back. A layer of golden morning light enveloped him...
Chapter 734: The SkyHigh Price
The would-be peacemakers in the city finally reached consensus after considerable bargaining. Once decided, Gao Ju ordered Manager Yan to be summoned. This Manager Yan...
Chapter 735: Ransom Fee
Although Li Fengjie found the borrowing scheme feasible, the thought of incurring such a massive debt made him shake his head repeatedly. "Borrowing means repaying—plus intere...
Chapter 736: The Treaty of Macau
With Salt Licenses as collateral, Gao Ju summoned the city's wealthy merchants—Foreign, Salt, and Chaozhou traders alike—to split the loan by headcount. Though the in...
Chapter 737: Victorious Return
The news of Wang Zunde's death did not surprise the Senate. Historically, he had died at his post around 1631 from overwork. According to historical progression, the ne...
Chapter 738: Conspiracy on the Flying Cloud
Qian Shuiting began with a measured critique: "I won't comment on the new political structure produced by the General Assembly. It's nothing more than a mi...
Chapter 739: Flying Cloud Club
The decision was made on the spot: Zheng Shangjie would take up her position in Guangzhou and swiftly master operations at the Purple Tower. As for Qian Shuixie, the gr...
Chapter 740: Shipbuilding Plan
Xiao Zishan and Fang Fei conferred and concluded that since late November had already arrived, the fleet's return would initiate a cascade of post-operation responsibil...
Chapter 741: Bopu Shipyard
In the end, the restart of Project 854 Modified was approved. The Executive Committee agreed to immediately commence construction of one 1630 Class Cruiser, four 500-horsep...
Chapter 742: Zhang Jiqi and Lin Xianming
At the place nearest to the two men, a three-masted wood-hulled warship was undergoing hull installation in the dock. Workers labored on the scaffolding while...
Chapter 743: Shipbuilding
As they were speaking, a heavyset man in his thirties entered the canteen. His stalwart figure, knee-length shorts, short-sleeved T-shirt, waist pack and pistol holster stra...
Chapter 744: Technical Problems
Whether Tieli Mu (Ironwood/Mesua ferrea) was the same as the Tie Li Mu (Lignum Vitae/Guaiacum) that Meng De had mentioned remained a question no one could answer. As f...
Chapter 745: Continuous Stream
The Rolling Mill possessed two Cold Drawing Steel Pipe Machines and two Cold Rolling Steel Pipe Machines for producing seamless steel pipes. Naturally, even without the...
Chapter 746: People of Guangzhou Station
Guo Yi stood before the mirror, carefully examining himself. His hair had grown out again. During the feverish war preparations preceding the Second Counter-E...
Chapter 747: Party at Sea Part 1
Zheng Shangjie emerged from the Ministry of Colonization and Trade's PDCA session and first invited Pei Xiuli to the party. Besides teaching half a day at the Maid ...
Chapter 748: Party at Sea Part 2
Zheng Shangjie had managed to collect over a dozen jin of eggs and traded the remainder of her quota for a full bucket of milk. Now she helped Qian Xuanhuang secure...
Chapter 749: Party at Sea Part 3
Qian Duoduo now served as navigator, with Li Quan acting as her runner—loudly relaying measurement requests to whichever adult was playing lookout, then reporting t...
Chapter 750: Homecoming Part 1
"Fu Fu!" A company runner appeared in the barracks doorway. "The captain wants you!" Fu Fu immediately set down the rifle he was cleaning, stowed the maintenance kit ...
Chapter 751: Party at Sea Part 4
The jet ski's launch caused quite a stir aboard. Qian Duoduo, of course, could not ride alone, and many present had jet-ski experience. Lin Shenhe immediately claim...
Chapter 752: Homecoming Part 2
The moment Fu Fu arrived at the platform, people began begging him to read the schedule and stops posted on the wooden board. He read them out one by one, reaping tha...
Chapter 753: Party at Sea Part 5
"With three thousand Mosin-Nagants, ammunition supply would be even more of a problem." Beiwei knew more about the ammunition situation than the others. Although al...
Chapter 754: Homecoming Part 3
Fu Fu got off the cart at the East Gate Market. The bustle was dazzling. Thanks to duty rotations and training marches, he had visited the market several times during...
Chapter 755: Aftermath
While the men were shooting and swimming, the women lingered in the hot tub, chatting. Following Zheng Shangjie's earlier instructions, Mendoza teased Panpan about how she and ...
Chapter 756: The Law
Wei Aiwen hung up the phone and addressed the man seated across from him. "You heard all that?" "Certainly. Admiral Lin's voice carries like thunder." The man took a cigar case f...
Chapter 757: Homecoming Part 4
Fu Fu climbed a small mound and let the breeze cool him. He had walked most of the day under the sun and wanted to let the sweat dry. Not that he felt particularly ti...
Chapter 758: Homecoming Part 5
The Tiandihui's agricultural revolution had transformed the countryside. New farming methods, irrigation works, improved seeds, homemade pesticides, and formulated fe...
Chapter 759: Homecoming Part 6
Fu Bu'er had not only become a trailblazer of new agriculture but had inadvertently pioneered rural finance as well. His loan exceeded the combined total of all other...
Chapter 760: Fu Fu Gets Drafted into the Investigation
Wan Lihui was by now accustomed to finding a houseful of people whenever he visited the Fu Bu'er household. As village head, Fu Bu'er's home dou...
Chapter 761: OnSite Investigation
The resident officer stood meekly while Xu Ke gave him a thorough dressing-down—Xu Ke was entitled to do so. In the old time-space, he had been a policeman. Had his...
Chapter 762: A Change in Status
The woman had been holding herself together, but the moment Xu Ke mentioned it, tears streamed down her face. She choked back sobs for a long time before managing to s...
Chapter 763: SoninLaw and FatherinLaw
"Little Xi can marry Er Yin just fine. Keep the good water in the family field—besides, she's still young, no rush." Fu Bu'er spoke with confidence. "Marryin...
Chapter 764: The Poor
Fu Fu gave a shout, jumped into the ditch, and began wielding his shovel with gusto. Fu Bu'er spat out the cigarette butt that was burning his lips and hopped down after him. He...
Chapter 765: Crime of Destroying Military Marriage
Fu Fu tailed Fu Yizhuang quietly, planning to wait for a deserted spot to teach him a lesson and avenge the humiliation of years past. Suddenly real...
Chapter 766: Steering Public Opinion
To build momentum for the trial, the Tribunal was active on all fronts. First, they had the Department of Propaganda and Culture publish a special feature on the ...
Chapter 767: Court Session
Under the public gaze, the trial opened. It was a beautiful day—neither too hot nor too cold. Hearing that the "Australians" were trying a case, villagers from miles around...
Chapter 768: Verdict
When Ji Xin concluded his statement, Xu Ke declared the trial session closed. What followed was an hour-long exegesis of the law—a document the Law Society had labored over for s...
Chapter 769: Conditions
Li Luoyou's business network and economic strength far exceeded that of the scattered petty merchants, and his channels ran deeper than those of Gao Ju, who relied mainly on t...
Chapter 770: Cooperation in the Direction of Liaodong
Li Luoyou listened to these conditions with an expressionless face. They were harsh, but somewhat looser than he had expected. The style matched ...
Chapter 771: Scholar Lius Illness
The negotiations between the House of Elders and Li Luoyou reached a fairly satisfactory conclusion. Pressed by the twin moral imperatives of "national righteousnes...
Chapter 772: Diagnosis and Treatment
While they were busy packing, Shi Naoren's voice carried in from outside the door: "You're all playing out of tune! He's practically dead. What good will some mys...
Chapter 773: The Healing Touch
"Long-term bed rest and poor appetite causing malnutrition. Bed rest leading to pulmonary infection and eventually cold-triggered pneumonia. Hypertension causing dizzin...
Chapter 774: Housing Allocation
News of Scholar Liu's full recovery made front-page headlines in the Lingao Times, Public Edition . The story was supplied by He Ping, a special correspondent statione...
Chapter 775: An Unexpected Development
Yang Shixiang was stunned speechless. Opening a pharmacy in Jiangnan was something even his ancestors at the height of their prosperity had never dared contempl...
Chapter 776: The Slave Ship
The mistress nodded; this was a fairly sensible approach. Yang Shixiang paced, thinking that once Xuan Chun formally became Liu San's concubine, the tie between his family...
Chapter 777: The Slave Trade
The slaves, half-dead from the voyage, were driven two and three at a time onto the foredeck under the crew's whips. Several sailors mixed a large bucket of strange liqui...
Chapter 778: New Years Reception
"Your telegram." A naturalized-citizen cadre from the General Office's confidential communications room set a locked folder on Wu De's desk. This was standard protoc...
Chapter 779: The County Instructor
Wu Mingjin frowned. "You came; can I not?" "No, no—" Wang Ci deeply regretted his careless words and bowed hastily. "Your Honor… you are the lord of the county, a G...
Chapter 780: New Years Address
Wang Ci shuffled timidly onto the wooden deck. The white-tableclothed dining tables were already set with place settings: bone china plates and spoons fired in Lingao'...
Chapter 781: The Dongfeng Carriage
A new model of single-horse two-wheeled carriage trotted along the road from Bairen to Piye Mountain. This was the vehicle factory's latest product—a light two-whee...
Chapter 782: Wedding
Xun Suji forced his head up—it was splitting. He'd drunk too much at last night's party. The cocktails went down easy without feeling strong; he'd guzzled every variety available...
Chapter 783: Horses
Li Chiqi and Hong Huangnan exchanged looks, not daring to speak. They had both experienced Nik's manic episodes before. Once his tantrum passed, he led them toward the ranch offic...
Chapter 784: Task Force
In Lingao County Town, the Foreign Intelligence Bureau's "Farm" Intelligence Training Center, Section B—the former residence of the Gou Er family—blazed with light. In the fou...
Chapter 785: Clearing the Obstacle
One afternoon in early December 1630 by the Gregorian calendar, pale slanting sunlight bathed the White Goose Pool wharf. Since the bald bandits' withdrawal, the ma...
Chapter 786: Disappearance
"I'll also need some local personnel to assist," Xue Ziliang said, "and some safe houses. I need transit routes to move the target out." "I'll arrange it," Lin Baiguang sai...
Chapter 787: Traces
Over the past few days, Lin Ming had communicated extensively with the head detectives of the prefectural and county yamens, gaining a preliminary grasp of Gao Shunqin's routine i...
Chapter 788: Macau
After Lin Ming's visit to Li Fengjie in Guangzhou, He Chengzong paid him a special call, exchanging pleasantries and leaving behind a banknote for two hundred taels before taking h...
Chapter 789: The Ranch Couple
Wu Nanhai stood before a kapok sapling—one he had planted barely ten days ago. The young tree had come from the Farm plantation's nursery, its trunk already fist-thick. ...
Chapter 790: Hong Kong Planning
Through the Agricultural People's Committee's active efforts, combined with Ye Yuming's vigorous lobbying within the Ministry of Colonial Trade, the concept of impleme...
Chapter 791: Trading Post
The difficulty didn't lie in reliability—according to the Li and Miao Affairs Office's report, at least all Li hamlets and Miao fortresses within Lingao's borders "wholehear...
Chapter 792: A Guest at Huang Shunlongs House
Water sources in Hong Kong were concentrated primarily in the mountainous areas, while surface water collected around Wong Nai Chung Gap. Several mounta...
Chapter 793: The Australian Lifestyle
Such men naturally attached great importance to cultivating relationships with figures from officialdom. Though a Trial Centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guar...
Chapter 794: Old Acquaintance
Lin Ming spent a delightful night with the dancing girl—the particulars of which, such as drinking kvass in a mandarin duck bath, need not be elaborated. Though young, L...
Chapter 795: Li Yongxuns Reconnaissance
Lin Ming rose in the morning and, attended by two maids, indulged in a comfortable petal bath that left him feeling thoroughly refreshed. He changed clothes a...
Chapter 796: Outcome
"Thanks." Li Yongxun tossed down a string of copper coins and rose quickly to follow. The pier was cluttered with goods, making concealment easy. Stopping and starting, she slowl...
Chapter 797: The Slaves of Tiandu
Acrid smoke from the explosives still hung in the air, the choking haze lingering over the mining pit at Huangni Ridge and refusing to disperse. A train of ore cars ...
Chapter 798: The Sanya Militia
Ji Runzhi had sacrificed the entire New Year holiday to this plan. To lighten his own burden, he delegated the drafting of planning maps to his apprentices, Ji Yuan and...
Chapter 799: The General Machinery Plant
The Manufacturing Directorate's General Machinery Plant stood in the Bairren Industrial Zone. Although the Directorate controlled many manufacturing enterpris...
Chapter 800: The Bucket Elevator
For security reasons, the Elders' dormitories were located within the integrated machining center compound. Moreover, the machining center equipment still hadn't been...
Chapter 801: New Plans
Those Elders and laborers waiting at the Anyoule dock in Sanya, watching the Dajing ease toward shore as they prepared to install equipment, of course knew nothing of the compl...
Chapter 802: Guo Fu
Among all the nurses and trainee doctors at the Sanya Health Station, Guo Fu was Hippo's primary protégé. This was partly because Hippo had ulterior motives, but she also stood he...
Chapter 803: Poisonous Mushrooms
The stretcher was carried into the emergency room. As it reached her, Guo Fu asked, "What happened?" Everyone in Sanya knew this second-in-command at the Health Stati...
Chapter 804: Pushed Down
Guo Fu saw off the female orderly, then sat down to write sick-leave notes for each patient, stamping them with the Health Station's seal. While she was busy at this, she loo...
Chapter 805: Maao Industrial Zone
With the loading and unloading equipment in place, the remaining task was installing the ore-dressing plant. The Metallurgical Industry Department had a set of ore-...
Chapter 806: The Steel Combine
Phase 3 of the steel system was an enormous project. Unlike the emergency-nature melting furnaces, small converters, and basic rolling equipment of Phases 1 and 2, Phas...
Chapter 807: The Blast Furnace Technical Chapter
The blast furnace was the most difficult part of the entire project. To construct it, a dedicated team was formed to gather all technical materials...
Chapter 808: The Gas Workshop
Beneath the soaring roof of the gas plant, more than a dozen cylindrical generators stood arrayed upon their reinforced-concrete pedestals like sentinels of industrial p...
Chapter 809: OpenHearth Steelmaking Technical Chapter
Because coal gas served as fuel, steelmaking no longer demanded coke. Even coal unsuitable for coking could be processed through gas generator...
Chapter 810: Ignition
Directly developing Hongji would require a major investment. On the military side alone, they would need to deploy at least one full-strength infantry battalion. Northern Vietna...
Chapter 811: Drying the Furnace
"Human sacrifice?" Ma Qianzhu blinked in surprise. "Old Wen, that's hardly scientific." "Scientific or not, they say casting swords requires someone to leap into the f...
Chapter 812: Tapping Iron
Foreman Li immediately led several workers carrying prepared refractory mud up to seal the slag notch. Ji Wusheng gave a sharp tug on the steam whistle—the piercing shriek w...
Chapter 813: To Hongji
"I support this plan unconditionally." Wen Desi sighed with theatrical wistfulness. "To return where we once fought!" "Ah yes, those glorious days when Chief Wen single-handedl...
Chapter 814: The People of Leizhou Station
After completing the formalities, members of the new and old leadership teams held a welcome and farewell banquet at the Leizhou Station headquarters—former...
Chapter 815: Dabo Shipping Company
The ships belonging to the Leizhou Station's shipping firm were modest in tonnage, diverse in type, and generally poor in condition. The personnel were a mixed lot:...
Chapter 816: Paddy and Coal
Zhu Fuyuan reported the current situation to Yan Maoda. Dachang's local operations didn't require particularly sophisticated business acumen: each month, Vu Ngoc Giap's st...
Chapter 817: Fishermen and Pirates of the Gulf of Tonkin
Soon, Bei Kai observed the scene unfolding on the water: a large trawl fishing boat was fleeing for its life. Several vessels pursued furiousl...
Chapter 818: The Whereabouts of the Female Temp
The door to Room 39 swung open with a metallic clang that echoed far louder than it should have. In a barracks meant for forty, only seven or eight wom...
Chapter 819: Closing the Case Without Closing It
"Yes, it wouldn't be good if she got broken..." Li Yan added, then caught the knowing look in Zhou Dongtian's eyes and hastily corrected himself. "I m...
Chapter 820: Below Cats Ear Mountain
Yan Maoda stood at the peak of Cat's Ear Mountain. Rising four hundred meters above sea level, the mountain was steep, rugged, and treacherous to climb—but he ha...
Chapter 821: Governor de Carpentier
"This is the intelligence you obtained from that Portuguese woman?" In an official residence in Batavia, Dutch East India Company Governor de Carpentier examined t...
Chapter 822: Li Siyas Report
Governor de Carpentier could scarcely believe that such an enormous ship existed in this world, let alone one constructed of iron. Beyond the sheer impossibility of manu...
Chapter 823: Ally
The envoy was a middle-aged man. Though he wore respectable traditional Chinese clothing, his hair neatly coiled in the distinctive topknot of a Chinese gentleman, and sported a gra...
Chapter 824: The Dutch
The envoy seemed taken aback—he clearly hadn't expected the Governor to suddenly raise the subject of the Australians. "They are a group from overseas! They claim to be descend...
Chapter 825: Trade
Van der Lanthroon completed the handover procedures with the former Merchant of the Magdeburg . The vessel had arrived from the Netherlands only a few months prior and remained in ...
Chapter 826: Merchants Report I
"We are the Fubo Army Coast Guard!" The voice drifted across intermittently on the sea breeze. "You have entered our Maritime Security Zone! Stop your vessel immedi...
Chapter 827: Merchants Report II
First, they sealed our gunpowder magazine—using a long strip of paper inscribed with words and numerals in ink, which they pasted tightly across the door. To open ...
Chapter 828: The Department of Colonization and Trade
Accompanying this report is Plate No. 19, Mr. Leibtrini's rendering of the entire port battery and stone pier—the finest vantage point we could ob...
Chapter 829: The Usefulness of the Dutch
Though it was only February, temperatures had already begun to climb. Skaed calculated that they would need to have the geothermal air conditioning installed b...
Chapter 830: News from Hongji Station
Hainan Island produced no silk—those goods the Dutch prized above all else. Perhaps, Skaed mused, they could follow the Dutch model and enter the intermediary tra...
Chapter 831: Hongji Station
During this period, Beikai established a comprehensive set of rules and regulations. Miners recruited locally from Beiqi earned work points based on the quantity of coal ex...
Chapter 832: Covetous Eyes
To avoid crowding the shipyard's limited slipways—and more importantly, to spare the scarce shipbuilding workforce—the new fishing boats employed by the fishery cooperative ...
Chapter 833: Sharing a Bed with Different Dreams
What proved most devastating was that in the latter half of 1630, the Special Reconnaissance Command determined their various special reconnaissance sq...
Chapter 834: Each with Their Own Thoughts
Beikai stood atop the watchtower of the corner bastion. Without binoculars, he could discern the bandits marching slowly in the distance, clustered in twos an...
Chapter 835: A Rabble
Naturally, a telegram requesting reinforcements had to be dispatched. Though Beikai was more than ninety percent confident he could repel the bandit attack, concealing news of ba...
Chapter 836: A SoSo Victory
"Bastards! Bastards! Cowardly rats!" Shen Hu cursed furiously. From his position atop the small hill, he could see clearly that only a few dozen men had attacked from the ...
Chapter 837: Merchants Report III
Skaed evaded the Senate's artillery fire and, incidentally, left the Dutch—whose quarantine had already expired—waiting an additional ten or so days. When he retur...
Chapter 838: Merchants Report IV
The three of us debated the purpose of those peculiar wooden poles at some length. Mr. Gonzalez insisted they must be some distinctive form of idol worship—ritual s...
Chapter 839: The Lingao Trade Agreement
The first round of business negotiations with the Dutch concluded "in a warm and friendly atmosphere." Skaed secretly found it amusing—many of the points the Du...
Chapter 840: Entrepôt Trade
Skaed kept this matter close to his chest, merely indicating that so long as the East India Company was willing to sign a long-term trade agreement, the Lingao side could s...
Chapter 841: The Role of Hong Kong
Gonzalez gazed at Van der Lanthroon sprawled on the bed, dead drunk and snoring thunderously. He could not help but frown. The room reeked of alcohol fumes, making s...
Chapter 842: Chapter 845
Chapter 845 After extensive deliberation, although some proposed simply sending a naturalized citizen or hiring an influential local from Macau—or even from Batavia itself—to serve as consul (in the 1...
Chapter 843: Leibtrinis Observations
If I could secure such an abundant supply of candy in Italy, opening a shop that catered specifically to nobles and dignitaries might very well make me rich. But ...
Chapter 844: The Sinners
"Working overtime every night—the gas bill is appalling." Dean Wu was fairly satisfied with the Jesuit priests' work, but harbored some complaints about them laboring through ...
Chapter 845: Return to Guangzhou
Wu De was strongly opposed to the Guangzhou Great World project in the Executive Committee. Besides him, Cheng Dong also stood in opposition. Their reasons were identi...
Chapter 846: Reconstruction
The sedan chairs proceeded toward Huifu Street. The Qiwei Escort Agency had organized a large contingent of escorts to follow and guard the procession. At every street corn...
Chapter 847: A Scene of Devastation
Amidst the bustle, someone had already brought up a thick stack of calling cards and gift lists. Guo Yi took them and casually flipped through, sighing inwardly: In...
Chapter 848: Reunion
Lü Yizhong's quarters occupied a quiet courtyard along the western wing of the Huifu Street compound—a space originally reserved for distinguished visitors from distant lands. Be...
Chapter 849: Planning
Guo Yi had no intention of letting Li Xijue wriggle out of this so easily—he was counting on the government to serve as his demolition crew. Although the buildings requiring dem...
Chapter 850: Land Acquisition
Zhang Yikun spoke up: "New Guangzhou and such are still far off. I think the first step should be establishing a Guangzhou Industrial Park. The location should be relati...
Chapter 851: Stocks and Bonds
The Executive Committee had approved the Guangzhou project's use of stock offerings and bond issuance to raise funds. Cheng Dong himself was highly supportive of this ap...
Chapter 852: To Hangzhou
Zhao Yingong stood at the bow of the boat, gazing at Hangzhou City as it appeared through the mist of centuries, momentarily transfixed. For a modern person with a special at...
Chapter 853: Master Zhao
The External Intelligence Bureau had thoroughly discussed this issue. Obviously, Zhao Yingong could not be linked to the Australians. Jiangnan was not Guangzhou—it lay beyond...
Chapter 854: The Daoist
Ideally, such a person should come from a commercial background—someone who had worked as a clerk or manager and had lived in Hangzhou for a long time. That way, doing busines...
Chapter 855: The Markets of Hangzhou
Zhao Yingong said: "Since you're a native of Hangzhou, just lead the way and we'll stroll wherever you like." Cai Shi had recently joined the household and was ke...
Chapter 856: How to Conduct Charitable Activities
The child was so limp she could not even sit up. Cai Shi tried several times but could not get her to remain upright. Zhao Yingong nodded, and one of...
Chapter 857: Expanding the Team
Zhao Yingong looked at the dozen or so children of various ages standing or sitting in the courtyard before the entrance hall. Every one of them was disheveled and ema...
Chapter 858: Silk
The Shen family's ruin had nothing to do with falling silk prices. Disease had destroyed them. "Last year, sickness took our silkworms—the entire crop, gone." The man's voice was ho...
Chapter 859: Cultural Bookstore
After receiving his new household servants, Zhao Yingong's mind had already turned to calculation. Given the resources currently at his disposal, a direct assault on t...
Chapter 860: Hangzhou Printing Office
Zhao Yingong's application report encountered no objections during the Planning Commission's project review. However, the supervising department—the External Int...
Chapter 861: Finding a New Path
The second technical support team bound for Jiangnan was formally assembled. The machinery factory manufactured four Albion-type printing presses and two lithographic ...
Chapter 862: The Inspection Team
The External Intelligence Bureau's Xu Ke had conducted extensive research on coastal navigation safety. As the Navy's specialized naval intelligence officer assigned ...
Chapter 863: The Grand Eunuch
In April of 1631, even in the grip of the Little Ice Age, spring had finally arrived outside the walls of the capital. Along the earthen riverbanks, willows unfurled fre...
Chapter 864: Phantom Shares
However, to his slight disappointment, Eunuch Yang's face remained absolutely expressionless, without even a trace to be captured. "This old monster really gives nothing a...
Chapter 865: Phoenix Villa
The Jiangnan Inspection Team's transportation discussion quickly moved into road construction planning. But building roads was also impractical—even if Jiangnan were immedi...
Chapter 866: Future Planning
"An ancestral hall?" Mei Lin was puzzled. Among the elders, there were many architectural dreamers—some wanted to build a Soviet Palace, some wanted a Congress Hall, othe...
Chapter 867: Nanjing
Mei Lin, worried that delays on the project would make him miss the trip to Nanjing, was in such a state of anxiety every day that blisters broke out on his lips. This frightened...
Chapter 868: Three Mountains Street
The grandeur of Nanjing left an indelible impression on Zhou Dongtian. Lingao was a mere county seat, hardly worth mentioning—but even Guangzhou, where he had once...
Chapter 869: Printing Workshop
"I noticed your establishment's fine décor and came in specifically to take a look." Zhou Dongtian spoke in his oddly-accented Guangdong Mandarin. Fortunately, Mandarin...
Chapter 870: The Vulnerability of Isolation in the Capital
"There won't be more tribute payments, will there?" Leng Ningyun remained fixated on this point. Wu Kaidi laughed. "The terms have already b...
Chapter 871: Jiangnan General Office
As Zhao Yingong's work in Hangzhou gradually gained momentum, the External Intelligence Bureau's network across Jiangnan began taking shape. The land and sea rout...
Chapter 872: Qiwei Depot
Qiwei's original breakthrough in Guangzhou owed much to Zhang Xin's introduction of modern transportation concepts: providing convenient, comfortable, and safe passenger and ...
Chapter 873: Tianshui Bridge Church
Beyond chartered boat services, each branch would have scheduled daily departures. Passenger boats would depart on time whether full or not, ensuring timely arriva...
Chapter 874: Hangzhou Church
The entire Hangzhou Church had approximately fourteen or fifteen hundred baptized members. Cattaneo baptized about two hundred people on average each year. He spoke of th...
Chapter 875: Traditional Printing Technical Article
The accompanying shopkeeper enthusiastically guided them through the entire printing process. In one hall, printing workers were busy at their cr...
Chapter 876: Qingyun Temple
Qingyun Temple was a modest Daoist temple outside Hangzhou's Yongjin Gate. For anyone accustomed to the grand scale of temples in the old timeline, Qingyun Temple was almo...
Chapter 877: Zhang Chunyang
Of all people, Zhang Yingchen was most invested in opening pharmacies, yet he couldn't make decisions on this matter. Even having Zhao Yingong wire for medicines from Ling...
Chapter 878: Driving the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf
Beyond his vast trove of electronic Daoist scriptures, Zhang Yingchen's hard drive and optical discs harbored the richest collection of BL erotica i...
Chapter 879: Provocation
Huang Zhen lay supine in bed, staring vacantly at a long-legged spider in the corner of the bed curtains, weaving a half-finished web. The Shunhe Old Inn was a reasonably res...
Chapter 880: Standardized Ships
Zhang Guangtian heard this but held his tongue. The Fan family burning and smashing Buddhist and Daoist statues was, after all, their own property to waste. Several ot...
Chapter 881: Model H800
"This is our H-800 design. As the name suggests, it's an 800-ton vessel—a pure sailing ship with three masts utilizing Chinese-style rigging." Shi Jiantao continued his prese...
Chapter 882: National Stock Number
"My plan is to first establish standardization for Harmony Wheel parts, then implement this standardization system through procurement contracts," Shi Jiantao expla...
Chapter 883: Operational Process
Lingao's standard code system was, in essence, a knockoff of the NSN—National Stock Number. The NSN sorting rule followed a 4+2+7 digit pattern: the first four digits...
Chapter 884: Simple Rations
Food is the first necessity of the people. Recruiting refugees required sufficient grain—and supplying meals for the long-distance journey of two hundred thousand people i...
Chapter 885: Simple Rations Continued
To facilitate preservation, relief rations were thoroughly dehydrated, rendering their texture excessively hard. Consumers generally had to smash them with a ham...
Chapter 886: Joint Operations Command
Schneider walked beneath the scorching spring sun, sweating profusely as he carried his own luggage. As a Navy Lieutenant from a background emphasizing dress, et...
Chapter 887: Logistics Training Team
Both Army and Navy People's Commissars provided assessments that were far from optimistic. He Ming was especially frank, telling Wu De that the Army's current con...
Chapter 888: Taiwan Island
For the refugees gathered from Zhejiang, the General Staff proposed establishing a transit point on Taiwan. The plan was straightforward: refugees would first be transporte...
Chapter 889: Grain Supply
Grain constituted the bulk of the supplies. Jeju Island and Kaohsiung would require six months to achieve self-sufficiency; the Taiwan base in the Kaohsiung-Pingtung region ...
Chapter 890: The Difficulty of Outsourcing
Hong Kong Island. The Hong Kong Shipyard. Sea breezes swept across Saintess Bay, where rows of sand slipways and simple gantry cranes lined the shore in a d...
Chapter 891: GoNoGo Gauge
To ensure indigenous workers could correctly master production essentials, Shi Jiantao found himself investing far more than anticipated. After consulting with elders in t...
Chapter 892: New Life Uniforms
Contemplating all this, Minister Hong couldn't help feeling a twinge of regret. The Lieutenant Colonel shoulder straps had only just been pinned on—officers wearing Lie...
Chapter 893: Yuan Ziguang
To ensure refugees could survive winter on Jeju Island and allow the Fubo Army to operate freely on the Shandong Peninsula, the Joint Logistics Headquarters had to solve the...
Chapter 894: Worse than Beasts
Yuan Ziguang knew the recent propaganda theme was connected to Operation Engine. The Literature and Propaganda Department was preparing public opinion. His gaze fell on...
Chapter 895: Broadcast Calisthenics
Class columns led by their monitors marched toward the playground squad by squad in quick time, every student stepping to the rhythm of the march. Steps synchroniz...
Chapter 896: Students Go into Battle
He Ming had already notified the Organization Department, Executive Committee, and Senate Standing Committee that Fu Sansi would be promoted to Inspector General ...
Chapter 897: Reserve Team
Hu Qingbai thought to himself: So you want to slip out of this! Xiao Zhaochuan was absolutely out of consideration—a rare professionally trained middle school chemistry teac...
Chapter 898: The Fourth Infantry Battalion
The battalions pulled back from northern Hainan were undergoing rehabilitation training in Lingao. Ten months of counterinsurgency had honed the troops in a...
Chapter 899: Political Work
The cross-country route had been mapped out long ago and was run frequently—everyone knew it by heart. Zhu Mingxia wore athletic shoes and carried only a pistol. He hadn't...
Chapter 900: A Potential Collaborator
Wu Zhixiang stepped off the gangplank and stretched. The past days of sedans and boats, rushing along the road, had left him utterly exhausted. From Jiangxi onwa...
Chapter 901: Zhao Yingongs Private School
Mei Lin watched Zhao Yingong stroll into the study wearing a blue Hu-silk straight robe, a gilded fan in hand, a carefree headcloth on his head—utterly eleg...
Chapter 902: Dutch Telescope
Zhang Dai's family possessed an extensive library. Combined with such an environment, he himself was broadly learned—well-versed in the classics, histories, philosophers,...
Chapter 903: The FlowerViewing Party
Zhou Dongtian conceded that the reasoning was decent enough, but it was ultimately useless to them. Deduction required a foundation of rich data, and they knew v...
Chapter 904: Wanbi Bookshop
Zhang Dai shook his head. "Whether the Australians are overseas barbarians or descendants of the Song, I wouldn't presume to say. But as for literary talent and learning, ...
Chapter 905: Wanbi Bookshop Continued
When they considered it, the two indeed had some similarities. Wu Zhixiang sighed. "When it comes to Australian novelties, apart from glass, which of them wasn'...
Chapter 906: Books from Australia
Besides A Record of Four Continents , there was also the Thirteen Classics with Qing Dynasty Commentaries series, which had earned such praise from Wang Ci and other...
Chapter 907: The Swimsuit Magazine
Even Zhang Dai, who had seen his share of grand displays, found it stunning. Standing before the bay window, the sensation of being sheltered from wind and rain yet...
Chapter 908: Manga Books
Zhao Yingong smiled with the easy confidence of a man sharing a secret. "What you hold is merely a private indulgence from Australia. Even among the Australians themselves, s...
Chapter 909: Special Propaganda
"It's fine. The Grand Library already deleted all the passages tying the Ming Cult to the founding of the Great Ming. That subplot doesn't amount to much. Every refere...
Chapter 910: The Truth Office
Zhang Haogu's duties were extensive and complex. In broad terms, the Truth Office's main functions encompassed: establishing the history of the Australian Song and its c...
Chapter 911: Sun Chun
Zhang Dai and his companions savored their visit to Wanbi Bookshop for quite some time afterward, particularly the books they'd purchased. Sun Chun specifically requested the co...
Chapter 912: Penglai1631
"Sir, a telegram from the Center." Fenghua emerged from the radio room, a telegram form in hand. Zhao Yingong had just seen off a group of local scholars who'd come to Wan...
Chapter 913: Three Men on the Deck
Under the new combat and exercise naming regulations, naval exercises would be named after bodies of water, army exercises after land features, and joint army-navy ...
Chapter 914: Material Preparations
There were quite a few clan landlords in Lingao who lived in tightly-knit extended-family communities. Few were willing to abandon their current communal way of lif...
Chapter 915: The Science and Technology Department
"...The transmigrators fully understood the importance of the optical industry. As early as the First Five-Year Plan period, under the Executive Com...
Chapter 916: Reading Glasses
As an abrasive, Lingao had Changhua quartz sand and local diatomaceous earth. The latter, properly sieved and graded, was currently serving as the abrasive for flat plate...
Chapter 917: The Optical Workshop
As he thought this, two young men in work clothes emerged from a corner and came to greet Lin Hanlong's group. He waved them to wait a moment, then turned and entere...
Chapter 918: Optical Products
"Behold—a fifty-millimeter aperture magnifying glass, f/4." Lin Hanlong produced the instrument and passed it to Wu Nanhai. Wu Nanhai casually plucked a sheet of paper f...
Chapter 919: Telescopes
"Perfect timing." Lin Hanlong pointed at a half-assembled machine. "Flat-surface grinder. Should be assembled and ready for testing by next week." Qian Shuiting turned his hea...
Chapter 920: The Workers
After the workers' formation disbanded, some ran back into the workshop to retrieve their wooden or ceramic eating utensils, then lined up at the small table. Others waited b...
Chapter 921: The Morning Briefing
Lin Hanlong walked along the streets of Bairren New City. Dawn was just breaking; the scent of trees and wild grass permeated the early morning air, still damp with ...
Chapter 922: The Lesson Plan
Gao Xuan picked up his repeatedly patched zhishu robe from the creaking bamboo-strip bed. This was his finest garment—worn only when visiting his teacher at the academy. ...
Chapter 923: Fanning the Flames
"This won't do." Zhao Yingong immediately objected. "The Jesuits know perfectly well that we're the only ones with a Chinese-language edition of the Old and New Testam...
Chapter 924: Escalating
This attitude of indifferent avoidance infuriated Huang Zhen and the others. The sudden increase in onlookers over the past few days had greatly lifted the spirits of the enti...
Chapter 925: Zhu Zongyuan
At the last moment, the authorities finally dispatched yamen runners, and the disturbance was brought under control. However, after this episode of destruction, the church c...
Chapter 926: The Haitian
Haitian After two days sailing at sea, the Haitian arrived in the waters near Nan'ao Island. With her white sails fully spread, she glided elegantly across the water like a seabird, ...
Chapter 927: Nanao Island
The Foreign Intelligence Bureau judged that armed conflict between Liu Xiang and Zheng Zhilong was imminent—a full-scale war between them was only a matter of time. The rea...
Chapter 928: Touring the Island
The Haitian 's circumnavigation of Nan'ao Island set off a wave of pandemonium. Black smoke billowed from the beacon towers one after another, the alarm leaping from s...
Chapter 929: From Tayouan to Dagou
Legend held that to protect their villages from foreign incursions and internal strife, the local indigenous peoples planted dense thickets of thorny bamboo around ...
Chapter 930: On Dagou Mountain
Qian Shuixie waited until he saw the team's two military dogs carefully lowered into the small boat in special sling bags before saluting Li Ziping. He donned his steel...
Chapter 931: First Contact
The team members smoked and chatted in small groups, preparing to sleep. A few organized the day's survey data by firelight. But as night fell, suspicious growling sounds d...
Chapter 932: Biezi Gate
The Haitian remained in Kaohsiung for three days. Having failed to encounter any indigenous "guidance party" as hoped, and with time running short, Li Ziping decided not to li...
Chapter 933: On the Qiantang River
In the past few days, Wanbi Bookshop had grown suddenly quiet. Two days earlier, news that rocked the entire city had diverted everyone's attention. A strange-looki...
Chapter 934: The Divorce Affair
To ensure the physical and mental health of the "Second Generation," Zheng Shangjie had established the Third Outpatient Department specifically to handle maternal and...
Chapter 935: Zhao Yingongs Visit
Xiao Zishan had agreed to his request, instructing Xiong Buyou, Director of the Lingao County Liaison Office, to assign personnel to maintain close surveillance arou...
Chapter 936: The Delegations Multitudes
"Didn't the plan say the refugee bases would be on Jeju and Taiwan?" Liu San interjected. As a member of the Senate, he had already seen the general outline o...
Chapter 937: Timber
Under Zhao Yingong's "mediation," the Haitian departed from the Qiantang River the next day and returned to the open sea. The Hangzhou government had gifted them more rice, chicke...
Chapter 938: Drunken Talk
Hai Lin steadied himself and announced, "Production orders." The entire corps of naturalized citizen cadres rose as one, standing at attention for his commands. "One: Effect...
Chapter 939: Meteorological Work
"The Forestry Department needs manpower but has none; needs equipment but has none. At our current production scale—let alone future needs—the wood products factory s...
Chapter 940: Qiongshan County Liaison Office
The Senate Qiongshan County Liaison Office—this was the official internal designation. On the door of the commandeered Provincial Administration Sub-Commi...
Chapter 941: Relief
Lei En offered no opinions—he had only arrived in Qiongshan the previous evening, and without investigation, he had no right to speak. He planned to assess the situation firsthand...
Chapter 942: Application of Success Studies
Ji Denggao was Cantonese and could speak excellent Cantonese—which Qiongshan locals could also understand. By trade, he had been a failed fortune-teller wh...
Chapter 943: Center and Locality Part One
Under this propaganda blitz, Liu Xiang knew a large batch of tenant farmers and hired hands would certainly head to Lingao. He gloomily recalled a televisi...
Chapter 944: Center and Locality Part Two
"A bit better looking than a sieve." Liu Xiang studied the dozen maps showing his simulation results, shaking his head. Each map projected the land most li...
Chapter 945: Center and Locality Part Three
Liu Xiang placed great importance on this "remnant of the feudal bureaucracy," as Du Wen would put it. In his view, the Hai family's prestige in the Qion...
Chapter 946: The Major Households
The Taoist temple on Jinniu Ridge was already packed with refugees willing to go to Lingao. This temple had been painstakingly acquired by Abbot Daoquanzi—during the...
Chapter 947: Clearing Debts
Ji Xin responded: "They're allowed to cheat common folk through trickery, but we can't give them a taste of their own medicine?" He smiled. "I don't even need to apply our...
Chapter 948: Newly Acquired Labor
Yang Yun had not missed the probing undertone in those words, but he could hardly respond directly—the Governor's official dispatch had only hinted at such matters—s...
Chapter 949: Local Economy
The Planning Commission was desperate for Jiazi Mine's coal. Beyond the blast furnace's need for a stable coke supply, the industrial system also had enormous demand for th...
Chapter 950: Tiandihui Contracting System
The Hai family had also jointly invested with the Australians to develop the Jiazi Coal Mine. Since the Australians occupied Qiongshan, Hai Shuzu had further...
Chapter 951: Chang Shide Emerges
Under the profit-sharing contract system, the quantity of attached labor on the land was also an important consideration, especially the number of tenant farmers. Gen...
Chapter 952: The Tiandihui Mobilizes
After receiving a positive response, he read on with mounting excitement. Wu Nanhai had also called—this was unsurprising, probably work-related. But the next nam...
Chapter 953: The Agricultural Armored Regiment
Standing at the gate of the agricultural machinery station was a dark-skinned, burly man wearing a rattan safety helmet. A towel hung around his neck, a...
Chapter 954: The Leizhou Experience
Five hundred prisoner laborers from the Chengmai campaign, working alongside temporarily conscripted civilian workers, hurriedly constructed a wharf at Haikou harb...
Chapter 955: A Small Opening in Qiongshan
Chang Shide followed the sign-up rates daily. Though the progress reports coming in from all quarters were quite encouraging, Chang Shide did not let the "ex...
Chapter 956: Summer Tax
Of the four tasks assigned by the Executive Committee, labor recruitment had been more or less dealt with—though at a discounted rate. Land consolidation, thanks to the Agricu...
Chapter 957: Corvée Silver
The Qiongshan County Grain Levy Bureau was established in the northwest corner of the Qiongzhou Prefecture yamen within the county seat. This had originally been the Qiongz...
Chapter 958: Local Finance
Chen Ce reflected on how Qiongshan's commerce and industry had become the most developed in all of Hainan—at least by this timeline's standards. What distinguished it from ...
Chapter 959: Summer Tax Part 2
"You're dreaming!" Just as the farmers were cheerfully discussing their good fortune, a man sauntered over—his clothes of fine cut and quality, yet conspicuously cove...
Chapter 960: OverFulfillment
The Grain Levy Bureau established branches in the county seat and major market towns to facilitate tax payment. The collection unit was Circulation Vouchers. Taxpayers c...
Chapter 961: On the Road to Dengzhou
The gravel-paved official road dissolved into a blur beneath his feet, nearly impossible to discern in the pre-dawn gloom. A chill wind swept in from the wilderne...
Chapter 962: Sun Yuanhua
The Dengzhou Governor's Yamen had been newly established during the Tianqi reign and was quite imposing. At the entrance sat a large green-canopied sedan chair. Beneath the s...
Chapter 963: Shandong Business
Even if cargo arrived safely, the Great Ming's supply system and finances remained in a state of extreme chaos. Many merchants full of dreams of fortune had bankrupted ...
Chapter 964: Sweet Sorghum and Sea Blight
Zhao Yingong smiled. "If Your Excellency has such intentions, this humble scholar could lend a hand." Sun Yuanhua stroked his beard in silence. When Zhao Yin...
Chapter 965: Chess Pieces in Shandong
Zhao Yingong returned to his lodgings feeling quite pleased with himself. With Sun Yuanhua's support, matters would proceed much more smoothly. But he had countl...
Chapter 966: Yizhou
The floodwaters had already receded. The muddy ground steamed beneath the summer sun. Everywhere lay black silt, branches, weeds, and driftwood. Crops destroyed by the flood rotte...
Chapter 967: Undercurrents of Competition
The Daoist temple was dilapidated. The first courtyard's ruined buildings had previously housed beggars; now they were crammed with refugees. Zhang Yingchen ...
Chapter 968: The Intelligence Bureaus Temp Worker
Huang Ande's clothes hung on him like a punishment. The topknot coiled atop his head sat heavy and hateful, and under the merciless summer sun, swea...
Chapter 969: Qimu Island
Following the outline Xu Ke had provided, Huang Ande focused his inquiries on several officers destined to lead the Dengzhou Mutiny: Kong Youde, Geng Zhongming, Li Jiucheng a...
Chapter 970: Travelers of the Jianghu
Jianghu An inscrutable smile crossed Lu Wenyuan's face. This island would do quite well—apart from the worrisome winters. Upon his return, he immediately made the decisi...
Chapter 971: Team Rate
"Heaven itself is collecting souls in this tribulation," sighed an older-looking rider. "I hear Hebei and Shanxi have also erupted in chaos." "Everyone eat, drink, and rest up ...
Chapter 972: The Daoists Crisis
"You're simply making up prices as you go—" The red-clad girl voiced her objection again. Min Zhanlian sneered: "What, does your sect have no rules of rank and preced...
Chapter 973: Inside and Outside the Estate
Summer brought frequent thunderstorms. The morning sky had been clear and cloudless, but after noon, it gradually darkened. Black clouds massed along the ho...
Chapter 974: The Zhuang Familys Nephews
Before the several masters and young masters of the Zhuang household, Zhang Yingchen exercised even greater caution. He never mentioned his "powers" and avoid...
Chapter 975: Counterattack
Science education—this was the forte of dispatched personnel. Every person received science education training before deployment. As for teaching materials, they were mostl...
Chapter 976: Ambush
"This isn't the time to worry about face." Uncle He observed his gloomy expression and offered consolation. "Getting out of this dangerous place quickly is what matters." Min Zhan...
Chapter 977: Captured Alive
His subordinates drew their weapons and charged from the woods almost simultaneously. Some blocked the front, some cut off the rear, others drove straight into the middle ...
Chapter 978: Pressure Tactics
The weapon was an antique sword bearing the mottled patina of centuries—by Ming standards, it qualified as a genuine antiquity. The escort guide's eyes flickered with re...
Chapter 979: The Envoy Arrives
Through the Zhuang family's efforts, Zhang Yingchen first "whitewashed" his sect. He himself possessed ordination papers, and the three missionaries from Qiongshan all ...
Chapter 980: The Envoy and the Altar Master
Though Ma Weisan was terrified beyond measure, he knew hiding was useless. He could only come out with Hu Qi'er to greet this "Dharma Master." "Disciples r...
Chapter 981: The Holy Maiden
Xuan De was of course no impartial judge, and Ma Weisan understood this clearly. Xuan De's motives for joining the sect were no different from his own. The higher you wen...
Chapter 982: Laao Viewing Box Number 225
In the end, Lu Wenyuan decided to start with basic construction. He built a dock on the southwestern side of the island, leveling the embankment and construc...
Chapter 983: Smuggling Salt
At least now he was a regional official—a formal member of the Senate. Guo Yi actually valued the latter more. Being a regional official sounded impressive now but wouldn'...
Chapter 984: Rental Agency
As for officials, the principle was the same. Since the Senate effectively controlled most of Guangdong's salt fields, even official salt supply depended on them. As long a...
Chapter 985: The Southeast Asia Company
The land deed transfer procedures were forged by the Foreign Intelligence Bureau. Among the clerks retained from various county yamen, there were quite a few e...
Chapter 986: Sailing South to Hue
"Once Operation Engine officially starts, I can go to Japan," Ping Qiusheng thought. Regretfully abandoning his Japan trading delegation plan, he concentrated all hi...
Chapter 987: Cam Ranh Bay
Even from the ships, one could see the series of fortresses the Nguyen had built along the coastline. Particularly at strategic sea-land junctions and locations suitable for...
Chapter 988: Champa
Before departing, Ping Qiusheng made certain to capture several close-up photographs of Cam Ranh Bay with his 500D camera. "If only I had a wide-angle lens—I'll have to stitch the...
Chapter 989: Prey Nokor
Along the way, Ping Qiusheng patiently worked on Quark, hoping to make his meaning clear: the slave trade need not be confined to the Bantam region. Whether Southeast Asian or...
Chapter 990: Ayutthaya
Divine King Prasat Thong rose as usual, opened his bedchamber window, and gazed outside. The entire city of Ayutthaya still basked in sunlight. Ayutthaya—which the Chinese habi...
Chapter 991: Thonburi
Thonburi's Chinese and Japanese merchants operated businesses of remarkably broad scope. Ping Qiusheng strolled along the Chinese merchant street. Low wooden buildings lined bot...
Chapter 992: Return Voyage
To expand their influence, Ping Qiusheng also hosted a banquet for various merchants locally—Chinese and Japanese without exception. His purpose was to promote Australian g...
Chapter 993: Changhua Fort
This was Changhua Fort. Since the first circumnavigation of the island, Changhua—as the first independent overseas fortress—had undergone several expansions, growing from a...
Chapter 994: Miao Village
Kong Lingyang's suspicion proved correct. The arrival of Mu Min—who concurrently served as Director of the Li-Miao Affairs Office—and Fang Jinghan was precisely to recruit N...
Chapter 995: New Recruits
The Miao people lived in hardship and, compared to the Li, proved more willing to leave home and eat military rations. During the Ming dynasty, southwestern Miao, Yao, Dong,...
Chapter 996: The One Who Enlists
But merely serving as a "translator," Mu Min genuinely felt Bi Da's talents were being squandered. Though she hadn't had extensive contact with the girl, Bi Da was cl...
Chapter 997: Military Dogs
Lingao's water resources were insufficient for the long term, making it unsuitable as a major future industrial and agricultural base. Changhua possessed little arable land...
Chapter 998: Kong Lingyangs Ambitions
At the kennel, Kong Lingyang had prepared his most spirited animal for the demonstration—a German Shepherd named Burundi, a direct descendant of the six breeding ...
Chapter 999: The Dutchmans Heart
Lingao was a beehive. So went the common assessment, and anyone setting foot on the harbor dock for the first time immediately understood why. The busy, tense, and liv...
Chapter 1000: The Shopkeeper and the Artist
By Shan Daoqian's standards, Lingao's train qualified as little more than urban rail transit. It had evolved from the original factory rail car line designed ...
Chapter 1001: The Companys Concerns and Ambitions
News that the Australians had appeared in Formosa sent tremors of anxiety through the East India Company bigwigs in Batavia. Though the Tayouan tradin...
Chapter 1002: Future Artists
After a sumptuous dinner, Trini escorted Van de Lantron to a private guest room to rest. The full bathroom facilities would surely satisfy even the most discerning visitor....
Chapter 1003: Explosives Factory
The wiretapping records from the Dutch East India Company trading post were classified as top-priority materials. Translated and transcribed the following morning, they...
Chapter 1004: Project 2300
The urgent demand for explosives from every quarter compelled the explosives factory into trial production under the slogan "construct while producing." Limited by the chemic...
Chapter 1005: Fuzes
That day, Lin Shenhe and Jiang Ye conducted several mechanical tests on the press—using inert powder with physical properties similar to black powder, proving all machinery was oper...
Chapter 1006: Explosive Shell Test
Regarding manufacturing quality, fuzes made by naturalized citizen workers proved no worse than those made by Senators; the difference in firing rate was negligible. ...
Chapter 1007: Naval Guns
After the smoke cleared and the safety whistle confirmed no danger of subsequent explosions, Lin Shenhe and Bai Yu finally poked their heads out from the bunker. Explosion acci...
Chapter 1008: Warship
Though various reactionary academic authorities had raised countless objections to muzzle-loading rifled cannons—particularly the "fatal" flaws inherent to all muzzle-loaders, suc...
Chapter 1009: Lichun
"Unfortunately, no finished products have been delivered yet, so we can only leave it empty for now," Zhou Ke said with regret. "Well, warships in the past managed to fight without...
Chapter 1010: Admiral
From the observation deck atop the red-tiled roof of the Navy Department Building, the autumn sky stretched high with wispy clouds, the sea sparkling with waves. The new Navy Depa...
Chapter 1011: Ming Qius Hidden Concerns
Ming Qiu fell silent. He wasn't particularly worried about logistics issues in Kaohsiung and Jeju Island—he trusted this group of young people's organizational ...
Chapter 1012: Security Army
"Anyway, uniform consumption during training is very high. Using a simplified version first fits the principle of economical army-building." Planning Bureau representative D...
Chapter 1013: NanyangStyle Rifle
As for "not reliable enough," some proposed equipping them with flintlocks—like the well-tested Brown Bess. But this proposal drew opposition from the Industrial Depar...
Chapter 1014: High Seas Fleet
"Wind bearing 230, force 4..." Several staff officers around the field constantly reported wind direction and speed changes. The navigation officer held a small flag repre...
Chapter 1015: The People of Hong Kong
The observation tower atop Victoria Peak had just been completed—in this dimension there was no Governor's House here, only wilderness. The Lingao Construction Com...
Chapter 1016: The Reception
Originally the Fishery Fleet had quite a few ships, but they were generally small, miscellaneous, and old—low tonnage, poor condition, basically operating in coastal waters,...
Chapter 1017: Setting Sail
At 8:00 AM sharp, after the cruiser Lichun raised its flag, a signal flag was hoisted on the signal mast, issuing the tensely awaited order—"Depart on schedule!" Li Di wore w...
Chapter 1018: The Master of Anping
Fujian, Quanzhou Prefecture Quanzhou Prefecture governed seven counties—Jinjiang, Nan'an, Tong'an, Hui'an, Anxi, Yongchun, and Dehua—with its administrative seat in J...
Chapter 1019: News from Macau
Zheng Zhilong differed fundamentally from Liu Xiang. The Shorn-Haired Criminals were not his paramount threat, so he had paid little attention to their movements in the pa...
Chapter 1020: The Zheng Brothers
"But the Dutch probably won't welcome them in Taiwan," Lin Yishao said. "Mm." Zheng Zhilong offered no further response. Lin Yishao's reasoning was sound. Regardless of...
Chapter 1021: The Dutch of Taiwan
"These wretched yellow-skinned monkeys—they only understand cannons and matchlocks! Only a good thrashing will teach them how to deal with people!" While nursing this ...
Chapter 1022: The Anping Deal
While Zheng Zhilong and the Dutch entered states of high alert, a double-masted guangchuan common to the South China Sea was gliding slowly into Weizhou Bay. The vessel wa...
Chapter 1023: Advantages
Lin Baiguang found himself quite comfortable in the Anping guesthouse. Though officially government property, it was essentially private Zheng family estate, with maintenance a...
Chapter 1024: Eve of the Storm
Lin Baiguang had read the entire wargame simulation and artillery destructive power test reports. Like a man holding an unbeatable hand of cards, he could afford to toler...
Chapter 1025: Prologue
Sea asparagus seeds could also be pressed for oil. Though this year's harvest of seeds was limited, it still provided some precious fats. Lu Wenyuan's three daily meals were cook...
Chapter 1026: Landing at Qimu Island
To achieve such goals, appropriate "guidance" was necessary. The Senate possessed no silver-tongued intermediaries capable of manipulating Kong Youde, Li Jiucheng, ...
Chapter 1027: The Butterfly of Wuqiao
Just as the Longkou side was tensely making preparations, in a small village outside Wuqiao County in Hebei—neighboring Shandong—amidst falling rain and snow, a di...
Chapter 1028: Going North and Going East
The ripples of this change soon reached Qimu Island. Yet the reports trickling back from Lu Wenyuan's scattered scouts remained frustratingly consistent: "No s...
Chapter 1029: Forcing Kong to Rebel against the Ming
Dongjiang Town, isolated in Liaodong, was equally unstable during this period. Huang Long proved incapable of suppressing Mao Wenlong's former subo...
Chapter 1030: The Incident at the River Gate
His nearly one thousand men shed their marked vests, furled their war flags, and dispersed among several villages along the canal. The moment soldiers ente...
Chapter 1031: Returning to the Trajectory
"Whether you did it or not, we'll discuss later." Kong Youde's voice was low and dangerous. "Everyone gear up. Assemble your men immediately—no unauthorized m...
Chapter 1032: Serving Dinner
The villages and towns along Kong's advance suffered inevitably from the fires of war. The mutinous soldiers, harboring deep resentments, vented their accumulated hatred f...
Chapter 1033: Inside the Cloud Ascending Temple
Daoist Zhang stood in the "Grand Hall" of the Cloud Ascending Temple—calling it a Grand Hall, it was merely a three-bay tiled house. Yet in this rural c...
Chapter 1034: The Route
"He is truly deep-rooted, after all. I fear that one falling leaf may cause the various group leaders to mourn the autumn," the Daoist remarked, allowing himself a literary flo...
Chapter 1035: The Belated Jeju DDay
"If we continue transporting refugees at this speed, we'll have a biological crisis within days." Lu Wenyuan stood on the farm's watchtower, surveying the refugee ...
Chapter 1036: Seongsan
On the bridge of the Zhenyang , Rear Admiral Li Haiping of the Second Fleet stood with one hand on his hip and the other raising a telescope, gazing at the morning sun rising ov...
Chapter 1037: Landing
The Fubo , smallest in displacement, broke formation and sailed alone at the very front. Its diesel engine power meant low engine noise, high mobility, and no continuously spewin...
Chapter 1038: Jeju Island Forward Command
In the lee of Mount Seongsan, where volcanic cliffs broke the winter wind, a net curtain enclosed the command area. Sentries stood watch with loaded rifles an...
Chapter 1039: Interrogating Prisoners
The Haenyeo took in the extraordinary appearance of the men before them—surely high-ranking officials among these "bald-haired pirates." Though unlettered in matt...
Chapter 1040: ScholarOfficials and Official Slaves
An archery competition was underway at the Jeju Government Office's practice field. The Jeju Magistrate, Lord Yi Jin-gyeong, had taken personal inte...
Chapter 1041: The Park Brothers
The Park brothers staggered home with bellies perfectly round, leaning against walls for support. As official slaves of the Government Office, they lived within Jeju Ci...
Chapter 1042: Reconnaissance of Jeju
Xue Ziliang's original plan hadn't called for entering Jeju City. But the pathetic state of its defenses compelled him to modify his approach. He decided to push d...
Chapter 1043: Occupying Jeongui
"Stone people!" Nangong Wudi suddenly noticed statues flanking the city gate, their forms distinctly peculiar. These were Dol Hareubang —Stone Grandfathers—unique to Je...
Chapter 1044: IslandWide Strategy
News of Jeongui's occupation reached Feng Zongze at the Seongsan beachhead, accompanied by Nangong Wudi's full report. Though completely occupying Jeju Island would ...
Chapter 1045: The Collaborators
The Haenyeo watched with anxious hope as the " Wokou Lord" descended into their thatched hut. Seeing his grave expression as he prepared to treat Pan, they could hardly...
Chapter 1046: Occupation
"Are official slaves forbidden to marry?" Feng Zongze asked, his tone deliberately curious. "Marriage is permitted, but there are many difficulties. Most cannot decide for the...
Chapter 1047: Strategy for Jeju
Though the Jeju Government Office was the grandest and finest building in all of Jeju City—indeed, on the entire island—it still looked shabby to the eye. Feng Zongze r...
Chapter 1048: The Military Control Commission
Jeju City could serve admirably as a vast refugee camp. Daejeong's county seat offered similar potential. Only Jeongui presented difficulties—unless spec...
Chapter 1049: The Upstart Pak Deokhwan
Pak Deok-hwan's current title was "Civil Affairs Assistant" to Feng Zongze—in practice, an expanded version of interpreter. Since Feng Zongze's Korean was not ...
Chapter 1050: Night Drinking
Pak Deok-hwan was quite accustomed to such invitations by now. He happily went along. To his surprise, the man did not take him to a tavern or someone's home, but to a co...
Chapter 1051: Taking the Plunge
"Can we rely on this fellow?" asked Cho Myeong-gwi. "No problem. He's taken the silver—we needn't worry about him stirring up trouble." Hwang Un-u took a sip of wine. ...
Chapter 1052: The Volunteer Corps
To ensure control over this strategic location, Jocheon Harbor was garrisoned by the marines who had accompanied the Second Fleet. The main strength of the fleet had...
Chapter 1053: Nicks Arrival
This was going to be an ideal place to accomplish great things. In all of East Asia, Nick thought, apart from Hokkaido, Jeju Island offered the most ideal conditions for ...
Chapter 1054: Receiving the Horses
All that talk about "especially high bone density," along with claims that Japanese researchers had dissected haenyeo (female divers) and discovered their resistanc...
Chapter 1055: The New Paddock
Nick personally went to the horse paddock outside the city to survey the terrain and consider how to design the new facility. The paddock he was designing would primaril...
Chapter 1056: Current Conditions and Systemic Flaws
Arriving with Nick at Jeju were cadet soldiers drawn from the Cavalry Training Unit, the Logistics Training Unit, and the Artillery Training Unit. ...
Chapter 1057: Beneath the Walls of Dengzhou
The bitter wind cut like a blade. Beneath the walls of Dengzhou, all was deathly still. It was the second day of the first month of the fifth year of Rensh...
Chapter 1058: The Inside Man
To escape notice, Huang Ande had taken refuge in Sun Yuan's quarters within the barracks of the naval citadel. Though called barracks, the compound was more akin to a sma...
Chapter 1059: The Treasure in the City
The men exchanged glances. They were no fools. At this critical juncture, Huang Ande had summoned them all together—clearly, he had some scheme in mind. These w...
Chapter 1060: The Elite Unit
Huang Ande was merely one of several agents deployed to Dengzhou, but his work had proven the most effective. Beyond him, Chen Sigen controlled a network of other intelli...
Chapter 1061: Infiltration
"Let me emphasize: do everything possible to extract Target 01—Sun Yuanhua—alive. Beyond him, Intelligence Team 02 inside the city must also be extracted. I expect all part...
Chapter 1062: Raiders of the Lost Treasure
Order inside the city had not yet been fully restored. Killings and robberies still erupted intermittently. However, Li Jiucheng had already imposed a city-...
Chapter 1063: Seizing the Treasure in the Perilous City
The "safe house" at the rendezvous point was an ordinary shop. The owner's entire family had reportedly been dragged out of the city and killed...
Chapter 1064: The Sun Yuanhua Project
Inside the safe house, the group rapidly completed final preparations for withdrawal. Unlike the infiltration phase, the extraction required bringing Sun Yuanhua...
Chapter 1065: Persuasion
Lu Yang did not return to the pier; instead, he remained in the central hall in high spirits, drinking tea and chatting with Lu Wenyuan. Lu Wenyuan was only a few years older...
Chapter 1066: Persuasion Continued
His mentor, Xu Guangqi, had originally placed high hopes on this New Army of the Great Ming in Dengzhou and Laizhou. Now, not only was the New Army gone, but it h...
Chapter 1067: Refugees on the Island
Lu Yang was confident he still remembered basic algebra and geometry. If he could not find a topic of conversation, he would simply discuss mathematics—he was cer...
Chapter 1068: Tacit Understanding
"For those truly without options," Lu Yang said, "Master Lu maintains properties in Fujian and Zhejiang. They could be sent there—to work as tenant farmers, reclaim ...
Chapter 1069: Borrowing Troops to Suppress the Rebels
Finally, Sun Yuanhua boarded the Type 901 gunboat Daishuang . Though her hull was not substantially larger than the biggest special service boat,...
Chapter 1070: The Engine Starts
This was the second question he needed answered: what exactly did the Australians want? Pies do not fall from the sky. The Australians had shown such enthusiasm for th...
Chapter 1071: Exoneration
The memorial's composition required considerable deliberation. Sun Yuanhua bore undeniable primary responsibility for Kong Youde's rebellion—that stain could not be washed a...
Chapter 1072: Business in the Capital
Wu Kaidi had, after all, spent a decade accompanying his master in the Capital. Running errands had given him considerable experience, and through whispered exch...
Chapter 1073: Defending Laizhou
To issue his first commercial loan, Leng Ningyun had invested considerable effort. He conducted a comprehensive credit investigation on the merchant—his past business ...
Chapter 1074: Suppression and Appeasement
By now, Sun Yuanhua grew increasingly desperate for reinforcements. He dispatched messengers to every place he might call on for help, mobilizing troops wher...
Chapter 1075: Refugee Recovery Team
"I've already sent scout cavalry to search toward Huang County," Zhu Mingxia said. "After capturing the city yesterday, the rebels are conducting organized looting...
Chapter 1076: Cavalry Conflict
Throughout the march, Zhu Mingxia wore a gloomy expression. Huang Xiong muttered uneasily in his heart, uncertain what the Chief was thinking. Having served as an old D...
Chapter 1077: Refugee Group
Slinging the short-barreled Minié rifle onto his back, the cavalry corporal tossed his reins to a subordinate and trudged with difficulty through the snow toward a corpse....
Chapter 1078: The Subtle Situation of Kong Youde
Zhu Mingxia positioned the baggage train along with the elderly, wounded, and infirm at the center of the column. Huang Xiong commanded a company to g...
Chapter 1079: Crisis on Qimu Island
Though no one openly questioned Kong Youde, he could already feel a miasma of distrust permeating those around him. This was a dangerous signal. The army was a pla...
Chapter 1080: SClass
More than two thousand rebels already occupied Huang County. With three thousand reinforcements and a large number of conscripted local able-bodied men added to their ranks, the...
Chapter 1081: Alarm
The stockade crowded with refugees had become a hell on earth. In the chaos of war, no one cared to listen to songs; even selling their bodies brought no patrons. The troupe had b...
Chapter 1082: Mao Chenglu
Using this method, the channel leading to the Qimu Island trestle bridge could just barely be kept operational. The icebreaker's daily passages essentially maintained clear ...
Chapter 1083: Frontal Attack and Flanking
Chen Guangfu was likewise experienced in battle formations. After studying the island for some time, he too found the prospect thorny. This would prove far m...
Chapter 1084: Bombardment
Then came the loading of gunpowder. The Dengzhou Army gunners used fixed charge bags, each weighing one jin . They loaded according to the range required. A soldier then tam...
Chapter 1085: All the Cards
The bombardment had not merely annihilated the rebel Red Barbarian artillery team—several shells had also landed amidst the dense rebel formations waiting nearby, instantl...
Chapter 1086: Curtain Call
The rifle volley shook the entire ice field. The leading ranks of the five hundred "dragoons" seemed to slam into an invisible wall, tumbling down in a chaos of overturned ...
Chapter 1087: PostWar
Lu Wenyuan and Chen Sigen still disagreed with releasing the prisoners, considering it a sign of weakness. In the end, both sides reached a compromise: only the four-hundred-od...
Chapter 1088: Removing Hidden Dangers
According to the civil affairs cadres' reports, the traveling performers' troupe contained both men and women. The Senate had use for the women, but none whatsoe...
Chapter 1089: Laizhou City
Laizhou Prefecture School, the highest institution of learning in the prefecture, now served as the temporary residence of the Governor of Dengzhou and Laizhou. Here, Sun Y...
Chapter 1090: South Gate Guanxiang
Laizhou City teemed with officials. Beyond Sun Yuanhua and the local authorities—Prefect Zhu and Magistrate Hong—along with the garrison military officers, there wa...
Chapter 1091: South Gate Pillar
Senator Lü's proposal aligned perfectly with his own ideas, yet under the current tendency of "engineers ruling the government," the odds of a proposal passing directl...
Chapter 1092: Hutuya
Lü Zeyang's Laizhou dialect dispelled much of Fan Twelve's wariness. Observing that this "Regiment Commander" from Lü Family Village was both "sensible" and possessed of a genera...
Chapter 1093: The Situation in Laizhou
Master Lü wished to eat, and naturally Fan Twelve was eager to oblige. As proprietor and chef of a modest eatery, preparing such fare was second nature—common f...
Chapter 1094: Mister Beishan
Despite this favorable development, Wang Daochun remained a lurking danger. Consequently, Senator Lü had been charged with another mission: eliminating anyone who might p...
Chapter 1095: Court Struggle
The various rooms in the inner study courtyard possessed different access levels, so the deeper Leng Ningyun ventured, the fewer people accompanied him. By the time he st...
Chapter 1096: Tianshui Society
"You're suggesting we rope in the Donglin Party?" Li Yan asked with interest. "Precisely," Yu E'shui nodded. "Strictly speaking, the Fushe." "The Fushe controls the Qin...
Chapter 1097: Going to Taicang
Gao Xuan drank the porridge and consumed two youzhagui , then cast a longing glance at the fried dough stick belonging to Master Huang beside him. Master Huang invariab...
Chapter 1098: Zhang Pu
"With your present standing in the Society, you need only review a few examination essays to secure an excellent ranking in the upcoming provincial examination." Zhang Dai smil...
Chapter 1099: The Test
Zhang Pu said nothing. He made no commitment, merely cradling his teacup and sipping in utter silence, not even glancing at his guest. A flutter of unease passed through Zhao Y...
Chapter 1100: Court Politics
Beyond the systemic corruption and inefficiency, simply maintaining the canal transport under normal conditions was extraordinarily difficult, consuming vast quantities o...
Chapter 1101: The Benefits of Factional Strife
The Emperor first skimmed through the endorsement summaries of the memorials. Most of this batch concerned the Dengzhou situation and included a large n...
Chapter 1102: Battalion Commander Lü
Lü Zeyang sat in Fan Shi'er's little eatery. The modest establishment—unremarkable and roadside—now served as the forward command post for the Laizhou Detachment....
Chapter 1103: The Agreement
Lü Zeyang realized he had also overlooked the issue of grain shortages. The grain reserves inside Laizhou city could only sustain the entire military and civilian populati...
Chapter 1104: Freedom of Movement
"We must maintain neutrality. Kong Youde's rampage through the Eastern Three Prefectures has made him absolutely notorious—both the gentry and the common people hate...
Chapter 1105: The New Jeju Part 1
Zhu Mingxia wore the Northern Expedition Detachment's gray wool winter uniform and a woolen officer's cloak, cutting a striking figure as he descended the gangplan...
Chapter 1106: The New Jeju Part 2
"Yes," Xue Ziliang nodded. "Feng Zongze has already sent people to notify all the villages and stockades, summoning them to Jeju City for a grand assembly in the n...
Chapter 1107: Gifts
The original shop front had been redecorated in a modern style. Pak Deokhwan had initially found sitting in elevated chairs quite uncomfortable—as a government slave with nothing ...
Chapter 1108: Brothers
"It's of no consequence. A man of Lord Kim's stature hardly troubles himself with such trifles," Choi Hyun-taek said dismissively. "Lady Kim is a refined noblewoman—she certain...
Chapter 1109: Defense
Another worry gnawed at Lord Kim's mind. From the Pak brothers, he knew the Dwarf-Crop-Heads were extremely interested in horses. That Dwarf-Crop-Head chief—something like "Nick...
Chapter 1110: Naturalizing the Entire Island
"When we first arrived, we were only five hundred people—and now we govern all of Hainan Island?" Zhu Mingxia said. "Don't worry. Once there are more Shan...
Chapter 1111: Youth Charm
The music accompaniment issue that had long plagued this project was now partially resolved thanks to Madam Liu's troupe. Though their instruments didn't match aerobics at a...
Chapter 1112: The Stone Figures Bleed
Practice was physically demanding, so they received extra sweet potatoes each day as snacks. Sweet potatoes were high in dietary fiber—as long as they didn't o...
Chapter 1113: Case 315
The Committee members paid close attention to this incident. Upon hearing the rumors, Feng Zongze immediately called a meeting to discuss countermeasures. Everyone agreed the r...
Chapter 1114: Inside and Outside Coordination
The Revenue Clerk reported that the bow-materials shop was owned by a man named Huang Yunyu. The shop dealt mainly in horn, sinew, and other bow-making m...
Chapter 1115: In the City
"Understood!" Liu Fuqing hesitated, then added: "Also, have someone surveil Pak Deokhwan! Find out his activity patterns. And send word to Li Wan-hui—have her find an opport...
Chapter 1116: Kim Yuksun
"Hey, sis! Why'd you come by?" He waved at his sister, then gestured for her to come in. Kim O-sun looked at the sluice gate, examined it closely, and asked, "Is there dange...
Chapter 1117: Wavering and Steadfast
That night, inside Pak Deokhwan's residence, he sat alone drinking, his mood at its lowest ebb. Ever since the stone figures had bled, things had not gone well fo...
Chapter 1118: Treatment
Under Xue Ziliang's command, the city fell beneath the weight of martial law. Jeju City normally observed a curfew after sundown, but now armed patrols swept through the stree...
Chapter 1119: Solving the Case
Two days later, a telegram arrived from Lingao: First, commendation to all personnel of the Jeju Forward Committee for their appropriate handling of the 3.15 and 3.20 i...
Chapter 1120: Feng Zongze
After leaving Liu Fuqing's office, he made his way to the clinic. Through the window, he could see only Kim O-sun inside—she had stabilized overnight, and the ship to transp...
Chapter 1121: Public Trial Assembly
Those convicted of treason and sedition were sentenced to death by hanging, their properties confiscated. Those found to be accomplices—hiding, aiding, or abetting...
Chapter 1122: Suwondong
Pak Deokmeng walked in and immediately dropped to his knees. The guard moved to stop him, but Feng Zongze waved his hand—let him be. "Your elder brother has been sentenced to...
Chapter 1123: Assault
Looking at these two ragged Korean ashigaru , Yahei reflected that since these useless foot soldiers were still alive, he might as well let them live. The Officials preferred pr...
Chapter 1124: Standard Village Trees
The listeners stirred with excitement—everyone would get free houses at no cost! And they would all eat their fill! Jeju Island had never lacked people willing to...
Chapter 1125: The Wan Brothers
Wan Lihui scrubbed himself thoroughly several times, generously using the natural herbal perfume distilled in the Agricultural Committee laboratory, washing himself fro...
Chapter 1126: Du Wen
"Then do you know what happened after he died?" "No." "I heard Nanhai secretly buried him under a small tree in front of his house—and Chuqing still waters that tree every day," ...
Chapter 1127: Taibai Observatory
"I'm going to Jeju. Prepare a ship. Within a week." "Yes, Official." At that very moment, some distance from Lingao, in a place called "Hutou Village" in western Chen...
Chapter 1128: Zhong Xiaoying
Zhong Lishi soon discovered that his new charge was a bright and capable young woman. Beyond her domestic duties, she would stand quietly to the side whenever he conducte...
Chapter 1129: Clockmaking
This crude wooden prototype marked the birth of Lingao's clockmaking industry. It employed a pendulum regulator invented in 1656 and a free escapement mechanism that would n...
Chapter 1130: The Calibrator
Dr. Zhong switched on his desk lamp and turned his attention to the calibrator—his "Complete Intellectual Property" design. Every component of this instrument was somethi...
Chapter 1131: Li Siya
Anping Harbor bristled with masts. Ships of every description awaited departure: Guangzhou-style and Fujian-style junks of various tonnages, interspersed with a handful of Weste...
Chapter 1132: Guo Huaiyi
Zheng Zhilong, however, placed little importance on Taiwan. Since gaining control of Anping, he had established a direct trade route to Japan and saw little value in Taiwan a...
Chapter 1133: Kaohsiung Development
The Navy's demands strained Wei Bachi's already limited manpower. He resented seeing resources siphoned away by naval requirements, but under the imposing banner o...
Chapter 1134: Infiltration
The Dutch trading post had originally been established on Beixianwei Island, serving the dual purpose of defense and control over the Taijiang Inner Sea. However, to facili...
Chapter 1135: Farewell to Lingao
This indicated the visitor was only on a short-term assignment, not a permanent posting. The visitor was likely a Company VIP tasked with inspecting trading post oper...
Chapter 1136: Voyage to Taiwan
The officer of the watch raised no objection, and they climbed to the deck without incident. Sailors were stationed throughout, gun covers removed, though ammunition ha...
Chapter 1137: Arrival in Kaohsiung
In Wei Bachi's secret diary, he had sketched a grander vision. His imagination ran toward the All-Union People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs. In those private...
Chapter 1138: The Dutch Guests
"Espionage is a certainty. Never mind this era—even centuries hence, diplomats will still shoulder the duty of gathering intelligence," Wei Bachi declared dismissively,...
Chapter 1139: Cultural Exchange
"You truly are a great mathematician!" Huygens exclaimed, his excitement palpable. "Problems that Mr. Descartes himself couldn't unravel—you've provided solutions with...
Chapter 1140: Friendship and Railway
The walk from the trading house to the church wasn't far, but on foot it took over twenty minutes. The siblings strolled along the road, breathing in fresh air la...
Chapter 1141: Hygiene
"He's a clever boy with deft hands," Cleadia said, pride evident in her voice. "He loves science and is especially fascinated by novel devices. He's determined to become a figur...
Chapter 1142: Xu Ke
Though she stood before a peer of the same sex, undressing still made Cleadia somewhat shy. She removed her stays but kept her chemise. Fortunately, Zhong Xiaoying hadn't gone "st...
Chapter 1143: The Situation in Fujian
"Sit." Ming Qiu gestured to a chair opposite him. "Yes. Thank you, Commissar." Xu Ke seated himself, back straight. "Care for some water?" Ming Qiu slid a bottle...
Chapter 1144: Approaching Storm
Weather in the Taiwan Strait was forever capricious. At the Kaohsiung Port weather station, the barometer needle crept steadily downward. The meteorologist studied the...
Chapter 1145: Zheng Zhilongs Ambition
The typhoon's toll was soon tallied. Though the aftermath looked chaotic, actual losses proved modest. Most damage was confined to temporary structures and crop...
Chapter 1146: The Visitor
Li Siya arrived in Kaohsiung once again, this time disguised as a wealthy merchant's female relative visiting kin. She lodged at a high-end inn in the commercial district. F...
Chapter 1147: After the Storm
The month-long visit drew at last to its close. Huygens and the Bontekoe siblings prepared to depart. On the pier, Zhong Lishi, Zhong Xiaoying, and Wei Bachi gathered to...
Chapter 1148: The Case
"For the Senate and People!" Xu Ke delivered the standard salutation. "Service, service." Ming Qiu nodded toward the sofa. "Please, sit." Once they were settled, Ming Qiu dispe...
Chapter 1149: Vestrelings Wish
The taverns on Commercial Street were run by the cooperative, but the street itself welcomed anyone. Under the slogan "Open the doors and find business opportunities,"...
Chapter 1150: The Death of Vestreling
By afternoon, Xu Ke's investigation had yielded nothing. Though the Service Company soldiers worked with enthusiasm, they still hadn't obtained any valuable lead...
Chapter 1151: The Killer
Dr. Zhong wanted to go forward and comfort Cretia, but seeing her cradling Vestreling's head in her arms, tears streaming down her face, he couldn't find the words. After com...
Chapter 1152: The Second Killer
Lei En was quite distressed about Zhong Xiaoying's shot—he could really use a live prisoner right now. But what was done was done; no point in dwelling on it. He signa...
Chapter 1153: Fingerprints
The mahjong tile was sent to a makeshift forensics lab. Though Kaohsiung's facilities were far simpler than Lingao's, they possessed basic equipment for lifting fingerprint...
Chapter 1154: The Third Person
Xu Ke pressed Li Shun for more details about the mysterious woman. "I really didn't see her clearly," Li Shun insisted. "She was always covered up—wore a veil or kept t...
Chapter 1155: Cretias Choice
While the investigation continued, the aftermath of Vestreling's death had to be addressed. Father De Mordt conducted a proper Catholic funeral service at the small chap...
Chapter 1156: Continuation of the Sarajevo Incident
The coded message recovered from the dead assassin was decrypted by Lingao's cryptography department within a week. Its contents confirmed what eve...
Chapter 1157: The Sisters
While events in Kaohsiung unfolded, a different kind of drama was playing out in Lingao—one that would have far-reaching consequences. Li Huamei, the woman who had called he...
Chapter 1158: The Medical Tour
Wei Bachi's report on the Vestreling incident proved agonizing to write. He agonized over every phrase, crossing out and revising until his desk was littered with crump...
Chapter 1159: Medical Insurance and the ProvincialHarbor Hospital
Commissar Shi Niaoren's cabin occupied the farthest end of the ship from the engine room. The wall facing the machinery was stacked ...
Chapter 1160: The Medical Affairs Section Chief
Deng Bojun had been working under Commissar Shi's Health Department for quite some time. In the early days of establishing Bairen General Hospital, alt...
Chapter 1161: Li Mo
Li Mo was tidying up the room—an empty shopfront at Purple Sincerity Hall. Since Guo Yi had returned to Guangzhou, not only had all his original properties been renovated, but he ...
Chapter 1162: Sisters Reunited
Guangzhou was a place that lingered in Li Mo's dreams. Her parents had both been natives of this city. Though she had moved with them to Macau before she could remember...
Chapter 1163: True Feelings and Schemes
Li Siya and Li Mo gazed at each other through tear-filled eyes for a long moment. The days when the three sisters had frolicked together without a care seemed ...
Chapter 1164: The Informant
After Li Mo returned, she signed out as required by regulations. Then the female escort wrote a companion report according to standard procedure and submitted it to the Gu...
Chapter 1165: The Investigation
Safe House No. 72 was located in a storage building behind a certain shop in Dongmen Market. The location was quiet amid the hustle—convenient front and rear doors. It...
Chapter 1166: Sharpening the Blade
Two days later, the Confidential Communications Office sent Ke Yun a small wooden box that still smelled of seawater. The box was made according to Logistics Comman...
Chapter 1167: Jinjiang County
Qian Shuixie swallowed hard. Millions in gold and silver—even more impressive than the "Flying Henan Man" plan they'd been promoting! He looked greedily at nearby Jinmen...
Chapter 1168: Lin Shimao
Naturally, the reconnaissance focused on Lin Shimao's gambling den and residence. Neither lay in a prosperous district. To map his daily habits with precision, Chen Tianxiong...
Chapter 1169: The Colonization and Trade Minister
Lin Shimao had taken precautions, certainly—but he hadn't taken the threat entirely seriously. After all, Jinjiang County seat practically abutted An...
Chapter 1170: Cutting Off the Firewood from Under the Pot
Si Kaide's gaze fell upon the work reports recently delivered from various overseas stations. He recalled a report Zhao Yingong had recently ...
Chapter 1171: General Ping
Ping Qiusheng carefully concealed—or at least believed he was concealing—his ambition to become the new Shogun of Japan. Throughout his time among the Elders, he had worked...
Chapter 1172: JapanKorea Trade
"To develop ginseng resources," Li Yao'er explained. "I'm deeply interested in ginseng and have accumulated considerable specialized knowledge. Korea and Liaodong's sp...
Chapter 1173: The Tsushima Domain
Ping Qiusheng envisioned ships returning from Japan first sailing to Jeju Island to load Korean ginseng, then continuing to Shanghai. There they would sell the ginse...
Chapter 1174: The Envoys
The matter was urgent—it was already July. Once summer arrived, typhoons around the Japanese archipelago intensified, and long-distance sea voyages were generally suspended. ...
Chapter 1175: The Agreement
"Speaking of which, you mention the Shogun of Edo. There's something I'd like to ask, if you could enlighten me." Sensing the atmosphere beginning to ease, both envoys bre...
Chapter 1176: A TwoPronged Approach
Both sides initialed the agreement—the trade pact would only take effect after the Lord of Tsushima affixed his seal, completed the appointment formalities, and d...
Chapter 1177: The Gotō Islands
None of the Chinese aboard took his claim to be a descendant of General Taira seriously. Chinese were neither particularly familiar with Japanese history nor unfamiliar...
Chapter 1178: Nintendo
Once the pleasantries concluded, the two men settled into casual conversation. Master Zhou inquired about Australian affairs—though he had spent many years abroad, he still mai...
Chapter 1179: The Journey to Hirado
Ping Qiusheng pressed on without pause, resolving to visit Hirado and Nagasaki immediately. First, to assess Takeya's situation; second, to quickly identify Japane...
Chapter 1180: Hamada Shinzō
The islanders were nearly all fishermen, each one skilled at sailing boats. The Ming people living on the island even exaggerated, claiming the islanders' light boats flew...
Chapter 1181: The Sand Junk Guild
Hirado had grown prosperous thanks to Great Ming merchants. It was also the Great Ming pirate-merchant Wang Zhi who had led the Portuguese here in the first place. A...
Chapter 1182: Shen Tingyang
Shen Tingyang had long been on the radar of both the Great Library and Zhao Yingong. This was not merely because he was a famous figure of the late Ming, but more importan...
Chapter 1183: The Debate on Abolishing Canal for Sea Transport
Zhao Yingong now deployed the full array of arguments he had previously presented when meeting Zhang Pu. Shen Tingyang had long studied ...
Chapter 1184: The Path to Wealth
Seeing that Zhao Yingong was deeply interested in maritime navigation and spoke quite knowledgeably, Shen Tingyang was delighted. Scholars interested in such matters ...
Chapter 1185: The Shanghai Headquarters
Zhao Yingong was overjoyed, but he still needed to make the proper gestures. He immediately stated that waiving rent in exchange for a share was perfectly acce...
Chapter 1186: Progress
In the letter, Fenghua reported on the seed production work being conducted by Wang Siniang and her daughter at the villa under guidance from Agricultural Committee technicians...
Chapter 1187: Preparing Cargo
Master Lu's bold moves were practically invisible amid Shandong's chaotic situation. In troubled times, such petty warlords were as common as weeds. Once the Dengzhou-La...
Chapter 1188: The Market
Watching everyone gleefully handle the sharp weapons in their hands, Lü Zeyang smirked inwardly. Wait until you try to use these in the field. Easy to fire, impossible to fee...
Chapter 1189: Buying Goods
The threshing ground outside the stockade had become the market. Ramshackle sunshades sprouted in chaotic disarray. Bare-chested rebel soldiers swaggered through in group...
Chapter 1190: Zhu Si and Zheng Yuee
Huang Ande was a "major client" here, purchasing several women almost every visit. Upon his appearance, people immediately cleared a path. Accustomed to the scene...
Chapter 1191: Ideological Education
The prices here were absurdly cheap, especially when paying in silver—silver, in fact, was the most welcomed currency. As long as you produced silver, anything cou...
Chapter 1192: Manila Galleon
The Executive Committee meeting room was packed—beyond the Executive Committee members themselves, nearly every ministry and commission head had come. This was a typical ...
Chapter 1193: Preparations
"Then we can only destroy both the people and the ship at sea, leaving no trace—take away what can be dismantled and transported, and simply abandon the hull." "But don't e...
Chapter 1194: Chlorine Gas
Qian Shuiting descended below deck. The layout of cabins, one by one, and even the cargo packaging in the hold—everything was complete. Fu Sansi explained these had been re...
Chapter 1195: Setting Sail
Under Qian Shuiting's tireless coordination, all preparations were finally completed in early July—their time was running short. According to historical records, the Manila...
Chapter 1196: Interception
"We sailed east in the South China Sea. The Feiyun navigated from the front, followed by the flagship Nongchao , the collier Haifeng in the middle, and finally the Daishuan...
Chapter 1197: Boarding
"Damn it—how do the Spaniards store gunpowder? Hurry up and put out the fire, you idiots! Put some effort into it!" Lü Yang cursed involuntarily. "This can't continue. The cann...
Chapter 1198: Prisoners
Zhou Weisen had never studied Spanish, but his years dealing with Mexicans back in the States had left him with enough everyday phrases to get by—otherwise seducing Mendoza wo...
Chapter 1199: Disinfection
"Why did he attack the sterncastle?" "Lieutenant Alvarado refused to surrender. He believed he could defeat you in close-quarters combat, after which he could pay a ransom ...
Chapter 1200: Dividing Forces
As for the most critical prize—the American silver—Sun Xiao's sampling and calculations after counting the contents of one chest yielded an estimate: the San Luis was ca...
Chapter 1201: The Storm
Lin Chuanqing decided everyone should abandon ship—all personnel would go ashore to weather the storm. As a veteran fisherman, he knew typhoons all too well. Fishing boats she...
Chapter 1202: The San Raimundo
Just then, someone brought in a telegram. Hearing it was from the Feiyun , everyone's spirits lifted. They quickly passed it around. "...Nongchao capsized, total loss. ...
Chapter 1203: Running Aground
Just as they were discussing how to proceed with a night operation, the San Raimundo suddenly came about and headed toward the shore. "She's beaching herself!" Lin Chuan...
Chapter 1204: Seizure
The Spanish returned fire. Even by twenty-first century standards, their response was remarkably quick. Shortly after the first cannonball passed over the Feiyun , another puff ...
Chapter 1205: Epilogue
"Yes, yes—Xiao Zi made sure to arrange special supply crates for you. Everything from clean clothes to food." Beiwei observed that the group looked well enough, just rather unk...
Chapter 1206: Spoils
The cargo manifests from both ships had already been translated. According to the lists, besides the 230,000 pesos in royal subsidy, there was another 60,000 pesos in private fun...
Chapter 1207: Doña Marina
"That's true—actually, quite a few of the prisoners this time aren't even Spanish. I doubt they're particularly loyal to Their Catholic Majesties—just 'whoever pays feeds me...
Chapter 1208: Miss Mendoza
Doña Marina de Arellano waited for what felt like an eternity. Her limbs had grown stiff and aching before a young woman finally appeared. Marina studied the newcomer caref...
Chapter 1209: Special Treatment
"Yes, yes, I understand completely!" In that instant, Marina knew—this woman was the only person she could rely on. "Now, do as I say," Mendoza said soothingly. "Don't...
Chapter 1210: A Marriage Across the Pacific
"This is territory under the rule of the Australian Senate." Mendoza avoided elaborating further. "Now tell me about yourself. Who are you, and why have yo...
Chapter 1211: The Mission for Distraction
"The last train has left—service is over," Weiss interjected, shamelessly letting his gaze wander over the waist and ample bosom beneath her dress. Jiang Sha...
Chapter 1212: The Auction
Marina had been confined in her private bedroom above the bathhouse for several days. Everything here reminded her of the convent—a simple room, but with soft, comfortable b...
Chapter 1213: The Slave Market
"You are a very good person..." Director Skade unconsciously slipped into a phrase of "Japanese," then patted Quark's shoulder with satisfaction. Though Quark wasn't en...
Chapter 1214: Scenes from the Auction Floor
"May God bless you, miss." Mendoza spoke quietly. "I'll do my best. Don't worry—take heart and await good news! Farewell, miss." The auction floor was simp...
Chapter 1215: Sonia
"Mr. Trini has brought all his savings. But you're still at great risk." Mendoza spoke quickly. "Captain Lin, who captured you, is very greedy—he wants fifteen hundred circulation...
Chapter 1216: The Struggle
The moment Sonia Lily Shapur stepped onto the stage, she piqued the buyers' interest. Before the auctioneer had even finished announcing the start of bidding, Lin Hanlong l...
Chapter 1217: The Final Bid
Marina turned her pleading gaze toward Mendoza. Miss Mendoza's face was half-hidden in shadow—her expression impossible to discern. But Marina could see her hands twisted ...
Chapter 1218: Jin Wushuns Whereabouts
"Your next step must be to leave as soon as possible," Mendoza warned. "The Australian transmigrator who was bidding on you particularly despises white people—h...
Chapter 1219: With All Their Might
For this purpose, they found twenty "blood cattle"—donors whose blood type matched Jin Wushun's—who would supply plasma to maintain her normal blood volume until th...
Chapter 1220: The Rescue
While scrubbing up, Ai Beibei kept a watchful eye on the birth attendants' hand disinfection procedures, ensuring they followed protocol precisely, all while listening to the...
Chapter 1221: The Babies
Now, with public medical care already creating such tension with Wudaokou, adding an obvious malpractice incident on top of it would leave the Health Department trying to exp...
Chapter 1222: Selective
Though the prognosis remained uncertain, Shi Niaoren still represented the Health Department in informing the anxiously waiting Lu Shouyong—whose expression was a tangle of em...
Chapter 1223: The Dispute
Hearing this, Ai Beibei laughed coldly: "Director, I have no objection to how we took care of Liu Dalin before, and I agree with training barefoot doctors now and providing ...
Chapter 1224: Intelligence
In September, Kaohsiung had shed the oppressive heat of midsummer, and the sea breeze now carried a hint of coolness. The Lichun lay quietly at anchor in Kaohsiung Harbor. ...
Chapter 1225: The Female Pirate
"...Wednesday. About to enter the Palk Strait. Clear skies. Northeast trade wind. Half a day's voyage from Ceylon. Supplies sufficient. No stopover..." Li Huamei wrote...
Chapter 1226: Galle Fort
Among the many East India Companies established by Western colonial powers, there was one that most people overlooked: the Danish East India Company. Founded in 1616, it was ...
Chapter 1227: Disposing of the Spoils
Galle was an important commercial port on Ceylon, a waypoint on the route to trade with India. Ceylon itself also produced considerable quantities of spices and ...
Chapter 1228: Naturalization
Over the years, Li Siya had been the brains of their operation while Li Huamei served as its strong arm. Together they'd carved a formidable reputation across the souther...
Chapter 1229: Southeast Asia Company Member
Gathering information on the "black-smoking three-masted ship" proved no easy task—the vessel wasn't currently at Bopu. And the Navy sailors who usually th...
Chapter 1230: The Road to Finding Family
Having learned nothing from Smida, Li Huamei drifted aimlessly toward the dock. Since she couldn't gather any information for the time being, she might as wel...
Chapter 1231: A Fateful Encounter
Dense buildings like a forest, large glass display windows, dazzling merchandise... amid all this, she almost lost her bearings. Li Huamei spent a futile day wanderi...
Chapter 1232: The Man
This ultra-idealistic transmigrator had been living an almost Puritan existence. Besides completing his various tasks for the General Construction Company, he spent time in his ...
Chapter 1233: Maritime Patrol
By rights, Qi Feng had absolutely no interest in coal mines. His passion was traditional classicism, and he cared little for depicting the labor aesthetics of the workin...
Chapter 1234: The Hijacking
The so-called suspicious vessel was a large fishing boat common to the area—roughly eighty or ninety tons displacement by Australian calculation. It wasn't flying a fishin...
Chapter 1235: Lamay Island
Chen Haiyang personally visited the Political Security Bureau, and Wu Mu came out in person to receive him. Chen Haiyang got straight to the point, requesting access to all...
Chapter 1236: Business
The moment he landed, several people came to greet him, their manner very respectful. But no one spoke. The burly man also maintained his silence. Only when someone came forwar...
Chapter 1237: The Specter of the Lichun
His gaze hadn't escaped the cunning Paul's notice. He thought: Good, good. "When can I take delivery of the goods I ordered?" "Depends on how urgent your need ...
Chapter 1238: New Weapon
In that instant, Li Huamei knew she had become a commander without a single soldier to command. Li Ying had not been with her long—hardly enough to call her a trusted confida...
Chapter 1239: Operation Overlord
Equipping the Marines with Hall rifles would inevitably reshape their tactical doctrine. The Army had invested considerable effort in establishing its current system—...
Chapter 1240: Penghu
Though Kinmen lay between Anping and Xiamen, it remained twelve nautical miles from Anping. Crossing that distance by sailboat took far too long, and success depended entirely on...
Chapter 1241: March Under the Moonlight
In the early morning hours of September 19th, the various flotillas weighed anchor and set sail in sequence beneath the pale dawn light, beginning a voyage tha...
Chapter 1242: Enemy in Liaoluo Bay
The boat belonging to Ning Liujin's relative was not large—two hundred liao at most—just one among the countless vessels making up the numbers in the Zheng fleet. T...
Chapter 1243: Divide and Conquer
While the First Squadron was hammering the three-masted gunships, the Special Service Boat Squadrons entered Liaoluo Bay in a single column parallel to the coast. As ...
Chapter 1244: Beneath Anping City
Two hours before the First Fleet broke into Liaoluo Bay, Xue Ziliang and his detachment were making their way quietly up the Shijing River. It was 0400 hours—the dar...
Chapter 1245: Adjusting Fire
Ying Yu raised his binoculars and scanned Anping once more. There were no decent vantage points here, which was regrettable. The sand dune rose only six or seven meters—b...
Chapter 1246: Xiamens Counterattack
The crowd gathered before Dunren Pavilion disintegrated into panic. Wailing and howling filled the air; the solemn atmosphere of subordinates holding their breath...
Chapter 1247: Naval Battle Part 1
At this time, the First Squadron used Lichun as the lead ship—it had the fastest speed, the tallest masts, and the largest effective observation range. Equipped wi...
Chapter 1248: Naval Battle II
Tension aboard the Chèdiàn mounted with every passing second. At the fire control station, Meng De held the director locked onto the lead European-style vessel, his ha...
Chapter 1249: Meeting the Attack
The fire ship squadron's rout slowed the First Squadron's tempo. Ming Qiu ordered speed reduced to three knots, heading west to avoid the battlefield smoke. The ships...
Chapter 1250: Generous Rewards
After brief adjustments and rest, the First Squadron began sailing along Xiamen Island's southwestern coast at 1:00 PM, bearing down on Zhongzuo Garrison. Zhongzuo Garr...
Chapter 1251: Grapeshot
Zheng Zhipeng galloped to the docks surrounded by his guards. The commissary had already delivered chest after chest of silver. With time pressing, there was no weighing silve...
Chapter 1252: Bamboo Bundle Shields
The First Expeditionary Force completed assembly on the beach. Three Marine companies were numerically thin, but the firepower they possessed was the strongest in ...
Chapter 1253: The Bombardment of Zhongzuo
The Hall rifle's first volley came at 300 meters. Because the Marines adhered to the spirit of "economy through revolution," their Hall rifles were simply co...
Chapter 1254: Human Wall
Shi Zhiqi struggled to bring his nerves under control. As a former auxiliary police officer, he was accustomed to handling crises. Although this was far beyond any situation ...
Chapter 1255: Breaking the City
The assault on Zhongzuo Garrison's walls began in earnest. The battalion guns pounded the gatehouse while the Marines advanced in skirmish order, using what cover they...
Chapter 1256: Escape
Zheng Zhilong fled through the back gate of Zhongzuo Garrison, surrounded by his closest retainers. The sounds of battle still raged behind them—the crack of rifles, the boom of ...
Chapter 1257: Ambush
Qian Shuixie crouched in the underbrush near Puzhao Temple, watching the mountain path below. His "Wasp Team"—a special reconnaissance squad drawn from the elite of the expeditio...
Chapter 1258: Demise
On a narrow trail winding beneath the hillside, a 7.62mm round from a Mosin-Nagant punched through Zheng Zhilong's chest. Before Tō Tarō and his companions could react, two M77B1...
Chapter 1259: Cannon Factory
Xu Ke examined the ship's structure in detail and photographed what he found. The clues at the shipyard fascinated him deeply. Beyond gathering intelligence on hostile fo...
Chapter 1260: The Fall of Anping
The sounds from behind the curtain grew louder—Xue Ziliang could hear labored breathing. He pressed the rifle stock firmly against his shoulder. There were no VIPs he...
Chapter 1261: Dutch Congratulations
With the occupation of Xiamen and Gulangyu complete, Ming Qiu ordered the Forward Command relocated to Xiamen Island. The pacification campaign was not entirely ov...
Chapter 1262: Ning Liujin
Ning Liujin was a hard worker from the lowest rungs of society—precisely the sort who could be "won over and relied upon." Before long, he caught the attention of the Vagabo...
Chapter 1263: Tō Tarōs Plot
"I wouldn't dare," Ning Liujin said, nodding vigorously. "Here's twenty-five dollars for now," the man said. "After the job is done, you'll receive another hundred." He d...
Chapter 1264: The Intelligence Bureaus Plot
"Indeed—the blood of a samurai flows in his veins," someone whispered admiringly. Tō Tarō took a sip of wine. Now that it was confirmed Fusong was safely ...
Chapter 1265: The Push
"Once Zheng Sen returns to them, he'll have no strength of his own—but he'll be a banner around which others can rally. Moreover, he's a child, easily manipulated. Ambitious me...
Chapter 1266: Curtain Fall
And so the plan proceeded, regardless of consequence. Had they been Chinese, they probably would not have attempted something so reckless and uncertain—but the desperate ga...
Chapter 1267: Aftermath
Nanhai Experimental Farm contained a small residential area built for naturalized Agricultural Committee employees. These were standard dormitories constructed by the General ...
Chapter 1268: Wu Familys Morning
He turned the page to the newspaper's popular science section—two full pages devoted to knowledge for the common reader. One covered natural sciences: elementary appl...
Chapter 1269: New Look of the Farm
Emerging from the house, Wu Nanhai found Liu Ashui already waiting in the square outside the residential area's guard post, rickshaw at the ready. This was a researc...
Chapter 1270: Wu Nanhais Daily Routine
"Good morning, Commissar Wu," the two greeted respectfully. "Good morning to you both." A particularly warm smile spread across Wu Nanhai's face. As he walked i...
Chapter 1271: First Fertilizer Plant
"What Master says is true." "Go back and prepare first. I may arrive somewhat late tonight. Reserve the Jasmine Room—I need to discuss business with someone." "Und...
Chapter 1272: Chemical Talk on the Commuter Train
"Of course, of course." A knowing expression crossed Wu Nanhai's face. After the brief and solemn opening ceremony, Ma Qianzhu symbolically pulled dow...
Chapter 1273: Evening Leisure
Locking away the confidential memorandum, he found a call from Huang Dashan waiting: the test results for yesterday's dead chick specimens were in. "The culture results s...
Chapter 1274: Talk in the Jasmine Room
The second floor also housed a sand table simulation room, equipped with three configurations: naval, land, and amphibious warfare. Combined with exquisite terra...
Chapter 1275: Tiandihuis Ambition
The entire island of Hainan now fell under Senate jurisdiction, and the volume of land infrastructure construction required for agricultural development was staggeri...
Chapter 1276: Ownership and Shares
"Of course we won't hire people for everything—with such petty businesses, that would bankrupt us." Wu Nanhai explained. "I mean we act as wholesaler, letting indivi...
Chapter 1277: Leaving Office
"You mean we let the mountain bandit become Prefect, then expose him?" Wang Ding asked. "Exactly. Intercepting the mountain bandit was always troublesome. Now we let him p...
Chapter 1278: Xiao Zhanfeng
"This student, Xiao Zhanfeng, pays his respects to the Eastern Host." The visitor halted at the foot of the steps and swept into a deep bow. Wu Mingjin studied the young sch...
Chapter 1279: Handling Opinion
Xiao Zhanfeng caught the meaning behind the Chief's words and snapped to attention. "Serve the Senate and the people!" "Good. Now that you've arrived in Leizhou, you'll b...
Chapter 1280: Surfacing
"On D-Day, while the 1st Marine Expeditionary Detachment was clearing Zhongzuosuo City, they discovered two Lingao-manufactured naval guns mounted on the city wall. After verify...
Chapter 1281: Resolution
Ma Qianzhu spoke up. "How much information do we have on Black?" "According to Rando, Black was temporarily recruited by Paul to help. Rando believes he was involved in arms de...
Chapter 1282: Aftermath of Overlord
Zheng Zhilong's death struck the coast of Fujian Province like a thunderbolt. The news was so stunning that the destruction of Zhangzhou Bay scarcely registered in c...
Chapter 1283: Warring States in Zhangzhou Bay
The Jinjiang County School, normally a place of contemplative quiet, had been transformed by the influx of hundreds of Zheng clan refugees. Adult voices mi...
Chapter 1284: Mr Qian
Since his capture, Qian Taichong had spent more than two years in Lingao. He came from a poor family. Though he had scraped together enough through tutoring and serving as a trav...
Chapter 1285: Stratagem in Jinjiang
"Where is the General's body now?" Qian Taichong considered this question paramount. "I preserved the General's head with lime when I escaped ashore and hid it in a ...
Chapter 1286: Retaking Anping
Tong Tailang was dazzled by Qian Taichong's words. This Japanese samurai had never imagined that conspiracy and statecraft contained so many subtle maneuvers. His admirati...
Chapter 1287: Prolonged War
He now served as Zheng Sen's counselor and frequently needed to come forward to conduct negotiations. An official title would make such dealings far more convenient—others w...
Chapter 1288: Key Intelligence
Despite his scheming, Lu Wenyuan understood that a "surprise attack on Qingzhou" would be an extraordinarily difficult operation for rebels whose territory had been com...
Chapter 1289: Siege of Dengzhou Broken
Kong Youde slowly tucked the sheaf of papers into his breast and fixed his gaze on the other man. "Why would the Manor Lord wish to reveal the location of the g...
Chapter 1290: Destination
The shattered remnants of the Shandong Field Headquarters fled all the way into Laizhou territory before Sun Yuanhua's relief force finally met them and drove back the pursu...
Chapter 1291: Arrangements for the Finale
"Did Zhu Dadian or Xie Sanbin request grain?" "No, sir." Huang Ande stood at attention. "Xie Sanbin said nothing. Zhu Dadian gave me one hundred and fifty ta...
Chapter 1292: Catching Them All in One Net
On January 11, 1633 AD—the second day of the twelfth lunar month in the Gui-Si year—the day after the "population for grain" transaction between the Dengzho...
Chapter 1293: Sending Off
Each batch of ships, once emptied, sailed to the quarantine anchorage. All sailors went ashore to undergo "purification" as well. Then the next batch of ships approached for...
Chapter 1294: Dengzhou Aftermath
The rebel generals were beheaded one by one before the assembled rebel troops. Korean executioners on the island proved insufficient for the task, so experienced hand...
Chapter 1295: Lanshantou
"What a wretched place." Though the day was sunny and windless, Wang Ruixiang could not suppress a shiver. Shandong winters were merciless. In another timeline, he had also b...
Chapter 1296: Gentle Hometown
Several transport ships of Great Wave Shipping lay at anchor in Foshou Bay. The vessels arrived according to a fixed schedule, with an interval of roughly ten days betwe...
Chapter 1297: Leniency and Severity
"At least you understand." Wang Ruixiang's tone remained stern. "You have been a soldier of the Senate for several years now. You should know that the Senate stres...
Chapter 1298: The Engine Finale
The brief Spring Festival holiday of 1633 had barely concluded—winter's snow still clinging to the ground—when the Executive Committee's various organs resumed operati...
Chapter 1299: Population Allocation
"Shouldn't the Planning Commission have the final say on this?" Yang Yun's implication was clear: allocating population wasn't Wu Nanhai's place to meddle. "True, ...
Chapter 1300: The Armys Calculations
Throughout Operation Engine's execution, the population that completed purification first had been allocated on an ongoing basis according to established ratios,...
Chapter 1301: The Armys Marriage Question
Dongmen Chuiyu had drunk too much to register all the maneuvering. He continued his eloquent discourse: "Regarding Huang Xiong's squad fraternizing with wom...
Chapter 1302: Song of Electricity Part 1
This meant the second document nullified the first. The reason for going through all this trouble was that, in Wei Aiwen's view, Huang Xiong's problem wasn'...
Chapter 1303: Song of Electricity Part 2
The electricians arrived at the small dock beside the hydroelectric station, where a launch with "Lingao Power" painted on its smokestack was already fired ...
Chapter 1304: Song of Electricity Part 3
In the bridge, only the weather radar screen was lit—to conserve radar operating time, all radars except the weather radar had been shut down, including the...
Chapter 1305: Song of Electricity Part 4
The biography was quite fleshed out, but reality was rather bare-bones. Faraday claimed to be a direct-line descendant of Fa Zheng, styled Xiaozhi, the Lord...
Chapter 1306: Song of Electricity Part 5
Chang Kaishen noted that several power-sector transmigrators who had used "discussing meeting content" as an excuse to gather and drink at the Farm Teahouse...
Chapter 1307: Song of Electricity Part 6
"That will require Planning Commission coordination and understanding from all departments," Chang Kaishen interjected. "Enterprises will need to stagger pe...
Chapter 1308: Song of Electricity Part 7
"The first industrial DC generator—one purpose-built for electroplating—didn't appear until 1844. The series connection of generators and motors wasn't achi...
Chapter 1309: The Heavy Industry Central Laboratory
This created an endless burden for the Truth Office. Academic papers naturally required citations and evidence as a basic mode of argumentation, ye...
Chapter 1310: Silver and Gelatin
Dr. Zhong took the document and studied it. The list included Category Two controlled material electrolytic silver—silver itself wasn't rare, but electrolytic silver ...
Chapter 1311: Glass Dry Plates
Ge Xinxin changed into woven grass slippers and took off her jacket. The wooden floor beneath her feet made her aching ankles feel lighter. She first went to the bathro...
Chapter 1312: AES
Early the next morning, Ge Xinxin came to the laboratory. She took down the dried glass negatives and brought them back to her office, comparing exposure with the photos stored in t...
Chapter 1313: Silicon Steel Work
"These are the results of my project." At the Science and Technology Department's project results briefing, Ge Xinxin presented all her experimental results to severa...
Chapter 1314: The Special Blast Furnace
Ultimately, the plan they decided on was to use a blast furnace to smelt ferrosilicon, then a converter to smelt silicon steel. Ji Wusheng looked at the variou...
Chapter 1315: The Great Steel Campaign
Ji Wusheng kept watching the blast furnace, not saying a word from start to finish. This time he had decided to let the naturalized workers operate according to...
Chapter 1316: Silicon Steel Sheets
The Ma'ao Steel Complex's rolling mill was quite large—very modern by this timeline's standards, because its main equipment had almost entirely been unloaded from t...
Chapter 1317: Step by Step
"I think we should hold off on this a bit?" Wu De said after reading his report. "Why hold off?" Zhan Wuya said urgently. "This is a major breakthrough—" Wu De shook his he...
Chapter 1318: Learn the Pirates Techniques to Defeat the Pirates
In the end, Old Squire Huang relented to his second son's proposal and dispatched Huang Bingkun's personal servant and study compan...
Chapter 1319: Guiding Trends
Watching Jasmine Pavilion Academy—once flourishing—gradually sink back into obscurity pained Liu Dalin deeply. The study halls that had once resonated with the sound of v...
Chapter 1320: The Jasmine Pavilion Educational Delegation
The main gate of Fangcao Di had recently been reconstructed. It was a neoclassical triple-arched structure built from machine-cut, perfectly ...
Chapter 1321: A Visit to Fangcao Di Part 1
Upon entering the school gate, they encountered a stone pedestal standing half a person's height. Atop it rose two life-sized statues. Most members of the...
Chapter 1322: A Visit to Fangcao Di Part 2
The classroom was filled to capacity. Although the students were initially curious about the delegation members, once class began, they all focused on the...
Chapter 1323: A Visit to Fangcao Di Part 3
"Sir—Sir—" Huang Bingkun noticed his dazed expression and, fearing he would lose his composure, hastily called out. "Oh, oh..." Director Wang finally came...
Chapter 1324: A Visit to Fangcao Di Technology is the Primary Productive Force
What impressed the delegation most was this: the full-time transmigrators at Fangcao Di were one and all occupied from ...
Chapter 1325: A Visit to Fangcao Di The Scholars Anxieties
Though Director Wang felt momentary satisfaction at having suddenly grasped something clearly, he soon tumbled back into anxiety: "This is...
Chapter 1326: A Visit to Fangcao Di The Ball Game
Fangcao Di's athletic field was the second largest in Lingao—second only to the stadium the Council had originally constructed for military reviews ...
Chapter 1327: A Visit to Fangcao Di A Sense of Loss
Though Huang Ping performed actively, the Red Team was overall somewhat inferior. The match concluded with a Blue Team victory. When the final whi...
Chapter 1328: A Visit to Fangcao Di The Return Journey
Watching them fall silent one by one, Transmigrator Dong recognized the stubborn ember of pride still smoldering in these scholars. He suppress...
Chapter 1329: After Returning Home
"In broad daylight, in full public view, ignoring the distinction between men and women, openly embracing—what kind of behavior is this!" When Huang Bingkun heard t...
Chapter 1330: No Choice But to Accept
Song Zongmao's second purpose in coming was to inquire about Fangcao Di and consider whether to send his son to study in Lingao. He wasn't particularly blessed i...
Chapter 1331: The Shell Gatherer
Early morning, with the sky just barely light, the lamps of Bopu Fortress still burned brightly. The night-shift sentries yawned, watching the duty clock on the gun p...
Chapter 1332: The Uses of Shells
Full light had only just arrived, and already the main road bustled with pedestrians and cargo vehicles. Dai Dehou still remembered his first time on this road—that l...
Chapter 1333: Housing Shortage
Sunlight filtered through the crudely made venetian blinds, falling across Yang Yun's face and making his conflicted expression unmistakable. He was studying the report...
Chapter 1334: The Majiao Black Market
Yang Yun pondered as he walked. To adapt to the changing situation, their Civil Affairs section had long since requested the Construction section to add kitchens...
Chapter 1335: The Red Flower Society
As for how to handle these private markets that had sprung up due to Lingao's industrialization, not many transmigrators had given it thought yet. But letting thi...
Chapter 1336: Open Teaching Day
"The fuck, and another thing—that Henan Province Second Construction Engineering Company in '72 had 3,000 workers, about the same as our civil construction now. But th...
Chapter 1337: Great Promise
Though it wasn't their first time here, despite still being impressed, the Dai couple quickly regained their focus and looked toward the small plaza in front of the teachi...
Chapter 1338: A Sense of Strangeness
Dai Yan returned with three food trays, disappeared again, and came back some time later wearing a mysterious expression. "Mom, drink this!" Mrs. Dai accepted the...
Chapter 1339: Lushun and Zhenjiang
"I'll squeeze out some more from this batch of immigrants for you." "What good are porters? I need people who understand technology and management!" "That's..." Yan...
Chapter 1340: Mao Shisan
Word had it that some generals on the islands had taken their troops to join Li Jiucheng. In recent days, men kept arriving at Zhenjiang Fort and the scattered settlements of...
Chapter 1341: Plotting for Lushun
"Since you can't get enough to eat, are you willing to follow us?" "The Master saved my life. The little one is willing to follow wherever the Master leads." Even as...
Chapter 1342: On the Yalu River
As for which portion of Dongjiang would defect, the Foreign Intelligence Bureau saw no shortage of candidates—and the most promising was Shang Kexi, one of the so-call...
Chapter 1343: Impoverished Nation Destitute People
The Ministry of Commerce had weighed the question at length. Aside from the Red Barbarian Cannons the Manchus craved most, probably only armor coul...
Chapter 1344: VIP Treatment
This kind of cheating had happened more than once. Each time, Huang Taiji dispatched stern inquiries to the Korean side, but with little effect. Sometimes Joseon even refu...
Chapter 1345: Etiquette
He had weighed the consequences. Perhaps the Later Jin would fly into a rage at the humiliation and behead him to set an example; perhaps they would simply send him packing if...
Chapter 1346: Audience
Huang Hua held the reins lightly with both hands, letting his body rise and fall with the horse's rhythm as Nick had taught him. He sat steady in the saddle, though the unfamil...
Chapter 1347: Trade Agreement
Watching the charging game and the warriors on their galloping horses, listening to the thunder of hooves and the shouts of men, Huang Hua found himself swept up in the ...
Chapter 1348: Slaves
Beyond maritime commerce, trade with Mongolia remained the most lucrative enterprise of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Countless Shanxi merchants had built fortunes upon it, and th...
Chapter 1349: The Suspicious Element Among the Wretched
These servants were mostly commoners captured from inside the passes in recent years. Upon reaching Liaodong, they had been distributed to work...
Chapter 1350: The Cook Corps
Mao Shisan had been aboard the Haitian for quite some time now. Though constantly at sea and losing track of where he was, he had gradually adjusted. When first brought a...
Chapter 1351: The Cook Corps Continued
Poor Mao Shisan—when had he ever tasted sweets? He had once chewed sorghum stalks, and once risked his life with friends to snatch a wasp nest, but he had neve...
Chapter 1352: Dry Rations and Virgin Brides
"Heading back where?" Mao Shisan immediately tensed. For the sailors eager to return home, going back to port meant going home. But for Mao Shisan, who vie...
Chapter 1353: Rewards
With many people crammed into a small ship and the allure of a feast, the queue naturally grew somewhat chaotic. Everyone pushed toward the front—with a one-pot stew, it was ess...
Chapter 1354: The Shanghai Merchants Bureau
"When you're in this business, you have to take some risks," Huang Hua said, eyes narrowing. "If you want peace and comfort, go back to Lingao and be a soy...
Chapter 1355: The Raw Silk Business
But the most pressing matter was preparing capital for the coming silk season. The raw silk trade had no real connection to the Merchants Bureau's business. Zhao Y...
Chapter 1356: Wang Siniang
Sunlight streamed through the freshly papered window, filling the room with brightness. The house was newly built and recently wallpapered—whitewashed on all four sides, ve...
Chapter 1357: The TeaPicking Women
Wang Siniang exchanged greetings as she walked up the mountain. The tea gardens preferred high, open environments, so Phoenix Mountain Estate's tea plantations wer...
Chapter 1358: Wang Siniangs Home
The Phoenix Mountain Estate General Management Office occupied a cluster of buildings that formed its own small township, laid out along a single flagstone street. S...
Chapter 1359: Site Selection
"What have I become?" Li Yao'er sighed, studying her reflection in the mirror. She had only disembarked yesterday at noon. Barely half a month had passed since completing...
Chapter 1360: The Silkworm House
Li Yao'er found herself quite interested in this contemporary woman from another time-space, and rather liked her. Wang Siniang was far livelier than other women her ...
Chapter 1361: Charitable Enterprise
No one in the entire Executive Committee specialized in sericulture, and Wu Nanhai had little confidence in Li Yao'er, this "self-taught" agricultural technician. ...
Chapter 1362: A Talent for Famine Relief
"Above all, we must guarantee the mulberry leaf supply. Otherwise, all our plans will fall apart," Li Yao'er emphatically reminded him. Zhao Yingong naturally...
Chapter 1363: Public and Private Benefit
Hangzhou Prefect Liu Mengqian was a man of refined tastes. His most famous "deed" in Hangzhou was a gathering he hosted one spring on the Su Causeway: "In the...
Chapter 1364: The Silkworm Farmers
Having settled the matter, Zhao Yingong immediately instructed his people to return to the estate. He ordered someone to go at once to the leaf dealers around Hangz...
Chapter 1365: Fourth Auntie Returns Home
Everyone thought the same way. The image of cocoons coming down and being sold for silk, white silk transforming into white silver, made everyone's brows unfu...
Chapter 1366: The First Loan
Wang Siniang displayed a "wealthy" air quite different from before as soon as she returned. According to villagers who went to do odd jobs in the courtyard, the silkworm ...
Chapter 1367: Incubation
However, the villagers didn't understand this point. In their view, keeping one's own seeds was a matter of natural law. Very few farming households purchased silkworm eggs f...
Chapter 1368: Raising Silkworms
Lizheng was among the first orphans taken in by Zhao Yingong, accepted as an apprentice and given a proper education at his private school. Now she had been chosen to ...
Chapter 1369: Buying Leaves on Credit
News that the Shen Da family was offering mulberry leaves on credit spread through the village like fire. The terms, it was said, came directly from Shen Da's ma...
Chapter 1370: Silk Prices
Basket after basket of white cocoons piled high in the warehouse. Wang Siniang and Lizheng were both Jiangnan women who had witnessed many silkworm harvests in their lives, ...
Chapter 1371: Compulsory Purchase
The silk merchants had arrived, but the reeled silk couldn't be sold. No one was willing to part with their hard-won silk at such a pitiful price—least of all when m...
Chapter 1372: Armaments
Zhao Yingong felt reasonably confident about his personal safety on the surface. He had managed to form an "interest community" with certain local gentry by now. Yet he had al...
Chapter 1373: SemiMechanized Filature
With the security force arrangements settled, Master Zhao found himself at ease in body and mind. The Star-Stepping Squad's reliability couldn't match armies tr...
Chapter 1374: Trial Production
The boiler workers arrived that evening. By early the next morning, the chimney by the river was already billowing black smoke. Zhao Yingong didn't understand the techn...
Chapter 1375: Compulsory Cooperation
Just as Shen Kaibao was steeling himself for these "heroic" preparations, Duoduo's mother arrived. She had formally become a "monthly helper" at the Wang Siniang ...
Chapter 1376: Changed Historical Facts
Cao Guangjiu took the calling card—and immediately trembled with shock. "Quick!" he stammered. "Open the center gate! Tell them I'll personally come out to rece...
Chapter 1377: Each with Their Own Calculations
It seemed the Council of Elders' actions were changing the course of history more and more. Historically, the matter of switching to sea transport had a...
Chapter 1378: Grain and Silver
In studying the logistical history of the Guan-Ning Army, Zhao Yingong had discovered a peculiar phenomenon: the army's obsession with silver over grain. As a military ...
Chapter 1379: Rice from Changying Granary
Procuring fifty thousand shi of rice in Southern Zhili was beyond the capacity of any ordinary merchant. Shen Tingyang volunteered to work his own channels—W...
Chapter 1380: Rice Riots
On an early August day in 1633, the land outside the walls of Lin'an County, Hangzhou Prefecture, lay lifeless and desolate. No livestock cried. No children laughed. By dayli...
Chapter 1381: The Peoples Rice The Officials Rice
Seeing the situation spiral out of control, Shopkeeper Liu bellowed, "Brothers, grab your weapons! Put up the door planks!" Even as he shouted, he...
Chapter 1382: Three Men in a Slum
After seeing off Wu Zhixiang, Zhao Yingong returned to his study and checked for the latest news. His foremost concern was the Merchants Bureau cargo ships heading n...
Chapter 1383: Smear Him
Cao Guangjiu was nothing remarkable. The first time Gou Chengxuan laid eyes on him, he recognized him instantly as a member of the "Broken Boots Party"—though Lingao lacked th...
Chapter 1384: Zhongyuan Festival Plan
As the laughter subsided, Gou Chengxuan said: "Mr. Hao's living conditions here are rather bitter—dirty and foul-smelling. It makes it difficult for us to come d...
Chapter 1385: Education
Hao Yuan smiled. "Beyond this one Nanxiawa, there are millions of poor people under heaven. How could there be so many lucky stars?" He set the large bowl on the table. "Right...
Chapter 1386: Canal Gang
The personnel Zhao Yingong dispatched spent several days investigating the prefectures and counties where Rice Riots had erupted. The intelligence they brought back left him ...
Chapter 1387: Undercover
Yet Zhao Tong's inquiries were not entirely fruitless. He learned from Canal Gang personnel that those recently active in Hangzhou—spreading rumors and distributing placards—...
Chapter 1388: Visit
Phoenix Mountain Villa maintained its own ice cellars—not merely for preserving ice, but for storing vast quantities of fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat. The estate's fresh lych...
Chapter 1389: Stubborn
Within minutes of walking in, both men were already drenched in sweat. Wu Zhixiang took out a handkerchief and wiped his brow incessantly. Zhao Yingong then led him into the re...
Chapter 1390: Zhou Yu Beats Huang Gai
Wu Zhixiang found himself in an awkward position. Perceptive as he was, he could see immediately that this girl had likely been favored by Master Zhao in the pas...
Chapter 1391: Spy
Several servant women carried Xihua back to her quarters and laid her on the bed. She felt dizzy and groggy, her senses swimming. She had once been the daughter of a scholar's house...
Chapter 1392: Back Door
After seeing off Gou Chengxuan, Hao Yuan was just tidying the items on the table when the straw curtain lifted. The girl from next door came in again—bringing today's dinner. ...
Chapter 1393: Charity School
Wang Rong'er was one of the Villa informants that Gou Chengxuan had handed over to Hao Yuan. Hao Yuan's instruction to her was simple: find a way to place Jia Le at Xihua...
Chapter 1394: Face to Face
Jia Le stood at the door of the rear wing room, taking several deep breaths to slow her pounding heart. She remembered what Hao Yuan had told her: Xihua's attitude would li...
Chapter 1395: Elder Shi
"If it's such a poor place, how can there be a teaching gentleman?" Zhao Yingong asked sharply. "In my view, either someone is lying, or this teaching gentleman is extremely s...
Chapter 1396: Petty Favors
"Yes! This attack on Phoenix Mountain Villa will inevitably result in deaths and injuries. Setting aside treatment and compensation—which I presume the Master has already a...
Chapter 1397: Speaking Ones Mind
Xihua started. Though Jia Le had said several times that the Master's money "came from unclean sources," she was only a child—whatever she said was merely parroting ...
Chapter 1398: The True Enemy
After seeing off Liu Mengqian's personal secretary—who had come to discuss the aftermath of recent events—Zhao Yingong stretched languidly and strolled out of the flower ...
Chapter 1399: The Inspection Team
Among those who died outside the manor, only three corpses carried any significance. Two were monks—one local, one from elsewhere—both invited by Zhang Guangtian. Bo...
Chapter 1400: Comrade Team Leader
"As you are well aware, the Political Security General Administration does not collect intelligence on individual Elders." Zhao Manxiong had used this phrase to reje...
Chapter 1401: The Cheka
"I have prepared a memorandum based on my research into some of the economic issues at the various overseas stations. Please have a look." Yi Fan eagerly produced a document f...
Chapter 1402: The Corruption Problem
"Doesn't this implicate an Elder?" Jin Zhijiao, who had vaguely sensed the subtext in Yi Fan's words, immediately grew tense. "Given this situation, how could it ...
Chapter 1403: The Crux of the Problem
Why did everyone have to take this path of unlimited expansion? Yi Fan summed it up: the main reason was that the Council of Elders' positioning and assignment o...
Chapter 1404: Jia Le Captured
There were ones that threatened and cajoled: "Old Zhao! There are a lot of people in the Council who are dissatisfied with you and opposed to you over this Hangzhou Stat...
Chapter 1405: Guidance
The interrogation did not last long. From his brief observation of just a few minutes, Qian Shuixie knew that Jia Le had not truly prepared herself for sacrifice—perhaps she wa...
Chapter 1406: The Man on the Pleasure Boat
The madams and proprietors of the pleasure quarters were notorious for their insatiable greed. As long as enough money was paid, they would hide anyone. The...
Chapter 1407: The Belated Warning
"Little Ding Ma, why put yourself through this?" Zhuang Haoren looked with an expression of pity at the maidservant held between two burly men. Her hair was dishevel...
Chapter 1408: The Council of Elders Song Tixing
Clad in her threadbare jeans and faded blue tracksuit—both relics from the old time-space, now worn well past the point of respectability—Su Wan shuff...
Chapter 1409: The Council of Elders Song Tixing Continued
By the time she woke, it was past noon. Su Wan's stomach rumbled, and she was delighted to discover that her long-lost appetite had return...
Chapter 1410: Calluses
"In service of the Council of Elders." Su Wan snapped to attention. "In service of the Council of Elders!" Chen Baibin came to attention as well, his expression solemn and voic...
Chapter 1411: Conclusion
However, being queen of a monkey mountain wasn't so easy. The working conditions in this time-space were truly hard for her to accept. She had brought several complete forens...
Chapter 1412: Testimony
It was a gloomy basement. Apart from a heavy wooden door covered in leather, the entire room had not a single window—sealed tight as a can. No sound from outside could penetra...
Chapter 1413: Manila
The most terrible hour in Manila was around noon. In the morning, a fresh breeze tapped at the window shutters, slipped into the room, and refreshed the spirits. But the pleasant...
Chapter 1414: The Debut
As if an electric shock had passed through the room, every gaze turned toward the door. There stood a tall, imposing guest, dressed like a fashionable young gentleman from Eur...
Chapter 1415: The Parian
"No, the Chinese are very timid," Vince said, slowly sipping his wine. This party was making him feel incredibly awkward; fortunately, there was still the cool, refreshing sh...
Chapter 1416: The Treasurer
Mr. Lando opened his cipher cylinder—one of the few mechanical products Lingao imported from Europe. The Foreign Intelligence Bureau and the Political Security Bureau were...
Chapter 1417: Chatter in the Carriage
"As for Santafría's wealth, probably only the port customs officer can give you an exact figure. His residence is even more famous in Manila than the Governor's ...
Chapter 1418: The Seaside Villa
After taking leave of the treasurer, the red-flag carriage traversed the garden plaza before the Governor's Palace, wound through several streets and alleyways, and at...
Chapter 1419: The Firing Range
At dusk, His Lordship the Count emerged from his study and ordered the coachman to harness the carriage. He wished to take a stroll before dinner. He wore the same outf...
Chapter 1420: Fort Santiago
These mornings, Jiang Shan had been arriving at the Foreign Intelligence Bureau office a little later than usual. Moreover, he had developed a rather inconspicuous habit: ...
Chapter 1421: The Yacht
"Thank you, but would you be so kind as to tell me what those windmills are about? They're lined up one after another, looking like a forest." The captain looked puzzled at th...
Chapter 1422: The Esmeralda
The Count of Fananovoua had already removed his hat and inclined his body slightly as greeting. "Esteemed gentlemen, your presence here is truly my greatest honor." The Co...
Chapter 1423: Timely Reinforcements
The Count did not intend to make things too difficult for the customs officer. After completing all the official formalities, Don Basilio, the patrol ship captain,...
Chapter 1424: The Mission Brief
"So the shell's power is reduced?" "No—the explosive charge is greater than in the museum-piece shells, and the blast is more powerful." If Lin Shenhe had been present...
Chapter 1425: The Man Called Hale
Subsequent discoveries gradually made the facts clearer. Evaristo had been working with peripheral organizations of al-Qaeda. These bombs were to be smuggled into Ja...
Chapter 1426: The Spanish Arms Race
"The expanding driving bands don't necessarily have to be copper," Lin Shenhe said, his voice laced with fatigue, his eyes bloodshot. The task of mapping and ident...
Chapter 1427: The Observation Post
"The Type 854 and 901 ships, as well as the underwater hull of the H-800, lack longitudinal anti-torpedo bulkheads and anti-torpedo belts. Even a detonation of a fe...
Chapter 1428: The Cannon
Vince raised his binoculars. Inside the battery parapet, three stout wooden poles had been driven into the ground at diagonal angles, their tops secured together with iron fi...
Chapter 1429: Scavenging
The hard work of this expedition would not go to waste. At the very least, dismantling the iron ribs and transporting them back to Manila would prove valuable—this was all ma...
Chapter 1430: A Woman
After showering, he bypassed the dormitory entirely. Instead, he returned to his room, threw on a trench coat, and picked up the PHS from his desk. Several years had passed sinc...
Chapter 1431: Ideals
It's a good thing I didn't indulge her on the maid issue, Jiang Shan thought. He felt somewhat weary. True, he came from a privileged background and possessed strong personal qua...
Chapter 1432: Cockfighting
His coffee was not yet finished when the phone on his desk rang. Zhan Wuya from the Manufacturing Supervisorate. He knew the Foreign Intelligence Bureau had operatives acti...
Chapter 1433: The Secret of the Shipyard
No one noticed when the black-clad man slipped from the third tier of stands. The crowd was immersed in fanatical uproar, followed by a not-so-small riot: the...
Chapter 1434: The Submarine
"A boat that can sail underwater?!" Lando narrowed his eyes. This was his second meeting with Mr. De Fernando at the tavern, and news that the shipyard was building a subm...
Chapter 1435: Arson
The victims were stripped quickly. The two perpetrators deftly collected the uniforms and weapons, then carried the bodies into the dry dock, dragging them all the way to the Naut...
Chapter 1436: Putting into Action
"Since that's the case, let's proceed as planned. I will continue coordinating with the Executive Committee and the Council of Elders on your behalf. You should get ...
Chapter 1437: Entry Point
Cheng Yongxin recalled the encounter from a few days prior with some delight. As a Great Library staff member, the Propaganda Department, the printing plant, and the Public ...
Chapter 1438: Provocation
"You usually dress so plainly," Panpan said, sucking thoughtfully on her small wooden coffee spoon. "Ponytail, thick glasses—when you actually put effort into your appearanc...
Chapter 1439: Sun Shangxiang
Leaving the Farm Café, Cheng Yongxin felt happier than she had at any point since D-Day. The comfort and exhilaration were unprecedented—it seemed she possessed a genuine...
Chapter 1440: The New Master
Fortunately—or perhaps unfortunately—her looks did not suit the Chiefs' preferences. Though she excelled in academic subjects, her short stature and the lingering effects...
Chapter 1441: Autopsy Report
The Chief sipped her kvass and laughed aloud at her own words. "Though I don't know what she actually looked like, the simple fact that she refused to accept her fate tel...
Chapter 1442: Dining Table of Three Women
Just as she was pulling on her coat to leave, the morgue duty officer called. The corpse transport carriage had arrived and was about to collect the "disposa...
Chapter 1443: Taking Trouble
Her meeting with Salina had exceeded all expectations. Getting an appointment with the woman had required considerable effort—Salina enjoyed great fame among the Council ...
Chapter 1444: The Second Report
Mu Min waited at the counter. The morgue duty officer—a somewhat seedy-looking man of middle years, his wrinkled black uniform jacket hanging open at the collar—reluct...
Chapter 1445: Interrogation at the Sentry Post
Mu Min took the document. The identified stomach contents included dairy products, mutton, bananas, nougat, mangoes... and traces of alcohol. Though Mu ...
Chapter 1446: Suspect
"Yang Xinwu? I've never heard of this Elder—" Su Wan poured tea for Mu Min. "He's a teacher at Fangcaodi. No position, so not well known." "A teacher at Fangcaodi?" Su Wan said ...
Chapter 1447: Best Friends
"Fangcaodi?" Su Wan was surprised. Solving the male Elders' lower-body problems had cost the Council enormous resources in manpower and materials. Transferring a life secre...
Chapter 1448: The Final Link
Mu Min remained at Su Wan's side until the small hours before finally returning to Police Headquarters. With less than two hours until dawn, she allowed herself a brief r...
Chapter 1449: Yang Xinwu
Yang Xinwu had been restless for days, so distracted that he repeatedly forgot himself during class—sometimes standing silent at the podium with a vacant stare, other times t...
Chapter 1450: Interrogation
Yang Xinwu's face turned ashen, as if he'd been caught helping someone cheat and dragged to the Academic Affairs Office during his school days. Seeing his dramatic change ...
Chapter 1451: The Unremarkable Truth
"How could she leave the maidservant school? She wasn't a trainee awaiting assignment yet, was she? Taking leave would have been impossible." "She didn't need lea...
Chapter 1452: Hidden Agendas Part 1
By the time Majia returned to his office at the Arbitration Court, it was already quite late. An Xi, the Office Director, was waiting for him. Although this youn...
Chapter 1453: Hidden Agendas Part 2
When Cheng Yongxin saw Panpan again at the teahouse, she was sitting in a small private room looking utterly dejected, mechanically stirring her coffee with a sm...
Chapter 1454: Hidden Agendas Part 3
"Won't you offer me something to drink?" Cheng Yongxin blinked. "Oh, oh, help yourself—just put it on my tab." Cheng Yongxin pulled the bell cord and, without tu...
Chapter 1455: Hidden Agendas Part 4
"You'll need it. Go home first, take a bath, get a good night's sleep. Don't worry too much about Yang Jihong's situation. Trust the organization. I've already i...
Chapter 1456: Hidden Agendas Part 5
"You don't need to tell me—we figured this out long ago. The problem is we're not like those in the industrial sectors who have specialized knowledge. Without th...
Chapter 1457: Hidden Agendas Part 6
Who would be looking for him now? Yang Xinwu muttered as he opened the door. Standing outside was a young woman dressed in a black dress with white collar and cu...
Chapter 1458: Hidden Agendas Part 7
"What legal issues?" Damn , Wu Nanhai thought. My attempt at profound questioning has aroused his suspicion. This won't do—I should be guiding him through casual...
Chapter 1459: Hidden Agendas Part 8
After returning from the teahouse, Ji Xin found the whole affair suspicious. Ever since he had started his "Native Protection Association," he had become a paria...
Chapter 1460: Hidden Agendas Part 9
"I'm not trying to drive a wedge between you and Ding Ding. In fact, I must commend him on this point. From his perspective, he correctly chose the fastest and m...
Chapter 1461: Hidden Agendas Part 10
"Don't get so excited, my uncrowned monarch." Cheng Yongxin turned her face aside and gently pushed Panpan away to escape her intense body odor mixed with perfu...
Chapter 1462: The Great Ming Code
She noticed his gaze falling on the long hair casually draped over her shoulder, occasionally stealing glances at the thighs visible above her knee-length skirt. She...
Chapter 1463: Sun Shangxiangs Internship
"Speaking of classical Chinese proficiency, I'm indeed not qualified to question your level. But obviously you don't understand law either," Ji Xin said mild...
Chapter 1464: Late Night Talk
"Hmph, the glorious title of Chief Eunuch of the Office of Imperial Domestic Affairs I shall decline." Xiao Zishan drained several mugs of strong tea in his office, pori...
Chapter 1465: Besties
Xiao Zishan stroked his chin, feeling that he and the Jurisprudence Society people were thinking too "modern." Li Xiaolü continued, "The maidservants are all poor people from th...
Chapter 1466: The New Were Screwed Party
Seeing his grave expression, Li Xiaolü asked in a low voice: "Is it serious?" "Don't know yet." Xiao Zishan leaned back on the sofa, looking up. "But someo...
Chapter 1467: Bright Spot
It wasn't until the National Army cooperated with the police to conduct several rounds of crackdowns—executing a batch of criminals for "sabotaging strategic communication l...
Chapter 1468: A Dangerous Signal
Jiang Shan frowned at the copy of Lingao Times spread before him. This publicly circulated newspaper served as the Senate's official mouthpiece, its content often ref...
Chapter 1469: A Dangerous Element
At the mention of that name, Xiao Zishan's hands tightened around his tea mug. The moniker "Black Four" hadn't been uttered for several years. Four transmigrators wh...
Chapter 1470: Assessment
His eyes were black—a darkness deep and bottomless, like a child's eyes yet utterly devoid of childlike innocence. Cold as black holes. His gaze fixed on Xiao Zishan from hea...
Chapter 1471: Verdict
Shortly after Xiao Zishan returned to his office, Zhao Manxiong called him on the PHS. "Actually, I didn't much approve of you going to see him personally," Zhao Manxiong's voic...
Chapter 1472: Interview
Though judgment wasn't pronounced in court, the Jurisprudence Society had roughly reached a consensus on sentencing: guilty, sentenced to seven years' fixed-term imprisonment....
Chapter 1473: NitroStarch
Majia watched Panpan leave, then opened his drawer, withdrew an old-style cassette tape recorder, and pressed the stop button. Given that Lingao's news media was rapidly "r...
Chapter 1474: Vanity at Sea
Andrade couldn't laugh. Minutes earlier, he had been sitting on a comfortable sofa in the aft cabin, sipping a cool and delicious Mojito, thanking the Count for providing ...
Chapter 1475: Banquet
The corners of the Count's mouth curved down in a sneer. He turned and gave a couple of orders to a sailor who appeared to be a leader. Immediately, urgent whistles sounded on t...
Chapter 1476: Hostess
"Your praise is excessively exaggerated," Lucrezia giggled. Dressed in an Italian-style gown that exposed her alluring neck and shoulders, she held an embroidered handkerchief i...
Chapter 1477: Conflict
The band's ensemble performance was even better than the previous one, though the audience didn't display the same frenzy as in the garden. However, the atmosphere had been rel...
Chapter 1478: Provocation
"Fortunately, he didn't have a single ducat in Naples—otherwise, we'd have a proper Prince of Naples in our midst." The sarcastic young man spoke low, but just loud enough f...
Chapter 1479: Boudoir
Hale pulled back his hood and shed his priestly garb. He picked up the Derringer and examined it meticulously, turning it this way and that. Soon he opened the hinged barrel, st...
Chapter 1480: Manila Arsenal
Manila's ordinary white citizens and merchants had initially regarded the new munitions factory standing in the suburbs with suspicion. Beyond the fact that the Governor ...
Chapter 1481: Hales Cannon
These were the newly cast Dahlgren guns. Ever since Hale recovered this type of cannon from the wreckage of the 901 , the arsenal had labored to replicate it. But the limi...
Chapter 1482: Marquis
The group fled the casting and forging workshop. Whether on Hale's instructions or through prior arrangement, several native workers stood waiting outside with tea buckets. The ...
Chapter 1483: Spy
The temperature in the drying room was high, and sweat seeped again from Marquis Bazan's curly hair. Gazing at the rows of shells arrayed on the wooden racks, a thoughtful expressio...
Chapter 1484: Who is Helping Hale
The supply of sulfur from Japan via the Tokugawa Shogunate's Sakoku envoys had been cut off, leaving only a small trickle from northern Taiwan. But the business of p...
Chapter 1485: Supply Chain
Like a bomb detonating in the conference room, the audience first held silence—then quickly erupted into a chaotic buzz of discussion. "Comrade Wu Mu," someone asked, "a ca...
Chapter 1486: Collaborator
"But we absolutely cannot underestimate this man. He is a thorough pragmatist. Look at the contact fuze he designed," Lin Shenhe said. Weiss had managed to bribe some Spani...
Chapter 1487: Test Fire
Thus Hale wished more than anyone that the Zheng clique might recover its vitality. For this reason, he and Zheng Zhifeng had hit it off instantly when the latter came seeking...
Chapter 1488: Barter Trade
Based on the observed error, Hale made fine adjustments to the elevation and azimuth angles. The other cannons underwent similar corrections before being loaded with live a...
Chapter 1489: Result of the Duel
"Rest assured—their attitude has changed," Hale said. "Additionally, I understand you have many connections in Japan. If you could arrange for more Catholics from Jap...
Chapter 1490: Audience with the Governor
"This is plainly a weapon forged by pagans, yet stained with the blood of a Christian," the Chief of Police mocked. "Even if that Christian was merely a fraud...
Chapter 1491: Governors Authorization
Governor Juan Salamanca had not expected such an answer. He could not help but start, like a soldier feeling a heavy blow strike his armor. At least one point i...
Chapter 1492: All Clear
"Liu Xiang is finished?!" The speaker was roughly fifty years old, wearing an eight-panel cap and a lake-blue silk long gown with a jade pendant at his waist—dressed like any ...
Chapter 1493: New Business Principles
Liu Deshan thought for a moment. "Because each sea lord controls his own territory?" "Correct! But the larger problem is the government!" Chen Huamin said bluntl...
Chapter 1494: Business in Xiamen
The cargo had already been fully loaded. Chen Huamin was on the verge of ordering the sea sacrifice and departure when a line of porters suddenly came rushing along t...
Chapter 1495: Books on the Ship
The route from Guangzhou to Xiamen was one they had traveled many times. The traditional course followed the coastline; as long as one took care to avoid reefs and gro...
Chapter 1496: Trade on Kinmen Island
"Then I regret to inform you: according to Senate orders, a trade blockade is currently in effect on Xiamen, Kinmen, Anping, and the surrounding waters of Weitou ...
Chapter 1497: Enlivening Circulation
Liu Deshan immediately purchased several hundred dan of Fujian sugar. Both parties completed the exchange of goods and payment. The Zheng family then dispatched s...
Chapter 1498: Centurion Lin
Liu Deshan had sold every last crate of raw sugar from the Dongshan Residence at prices that left him eminently satisfied—holding back only the refined goods. The Hong Kon...
Chapter 1499: Origins
Lin Ming's perilous journey could justly be described as an exercise in "enduring humiliation for the greater good." In Foshan, he was merely a probationary centurion of a minor...
Chapter 1500: Immigrant
The voyage proved uneventful. Dongshan Residence departed Kaohsiung for Shanghai, where they sold a portion of the cargo and purchased large quantities of cotton cloth and gra...
Chapter 1501: Successful Infiltration
Lin Ming remained aboard Dongshan Residence for several more days until the quarantine period expired. Only then did he settle his wages, pack his meager belongi...
Chapter 1502: A Journey by Rail
Second class was a cut above third for one simple reason: it was actually a carriage. Third class was nothing more than an open car with railings—it did not even have ...
Chapter 1503: Employment Agency
"Look—another country bumpkin standing there gawking..." The words drifted carelessly to his ears. Lin Ming might have ignored them, but then he realized several pairs...
Chapter 1504: The Mountain Goods Firm
Lin Ming saw the attendant off, closed the door, and finally exhaled. A rare feeling of ease washed over him. Since leaving Foshan and blending in aboard the mer...
Chapter 1505: Brother and Sister
"I hadn't imagined the journey to Lingao would be so difficult. Since childhood, I had traveled no farther than Jinan Prefecture and Tianjin. Apart from knowing Linga...
Chapter 1506: Street Lamps
Every afternoon, an attendant took the day's outgoing mail to the relay station—the Australians called it a "post office." Some of Manager Qian's slips bore notations such ...
Chapter 1507: Night Market
Lin Ming returned to the shop, found Manager Qian, and asked permission to go out for a stroll. Since Lingao had no curfew, he might as well venture out at night to scout t...
Chapter 1508: Night Patrol
Reluctant though he was, Lin Ming wheeled around and walked briskly back the way he had come, his heart hammering against his ribs. He had not seen her clearly—true—and the...
Chapter 1509: Night Shift
The commotion, it turned out, had been the arrest of several "notorious brigands." The operation had been led not by the police but by the Australians' "Courier Bureau." Acc...
Chapter 1510: The Household Registration Officer
Would she be able to clock out on time today? Lately, the Interrogation Division had been swamped; the basement's interrogation rooms were in use near...
Chapter 1511: Ideals
Li Yongxun spent a month at the Resettlement Center. Her main task was "study and observation." Each day she wrote "reflections," then participated in group discussions. Fortunat...
Chapter 1512: The New Job
Learning she had been assigned to the National Police initially left Li Yongxun dispirited. She had seen the "police" on the streets of East Gate Market—conical hats, black ...
Chapter 1513: Evening Entertainment
The "moonlight clan" was rare in Lingao. Whether naturalized citizens or locals, the vast majority came from poor backgrounds. Those with families to support were ...
Chapter 1514: Heyuan Street
Lin Ming laughed along. Since Wang Xinglong was determined to go, he could hardly spoil the fun. The two walked together toward the Wenlan River. Lin Ming guessed their de...
Chapter 1515: Night Flower
At National Police Headquarters, tension hung thick in the air. Officers preparing for the security sweep had gathered in the lobby, ready to move out. Per the requirements...
Chapter 1516: Australian Pleasures
Lin Ming knew the pimp was angling for a tip while also gauging the customers' wealth. He was about to speak when Wang Xinglong, without a word, fished a one-yuan n...
Chapter 1517: Reunion with the SisterinLaw
Lin Ming lay sprawled on the bed, utterly content. The courtesan, wrapped in her gossamer gown with her body tantalizingly visible beneath, was somehow mo...
Chapter 1518: Searching for the BrotherinLaw
Her thoughts churned in chaos. She knew that if she reported this, Lin Ming's status as a probationary Brocade Guard centurion would be more than enough...
Chapter 1519: Disguise
If she could access last night's operation records, everything would be crystal clear—every customer had to register their ID. Unfortunately, as borrowed auxiliary personnel, s...
Chapter 1520: Streetwalker
She knew that surveillance at this level was not particularly tight—typically, no permanent lookout was posted to watch the shop, nor was a decury planted inside. Still, sh...
Chapter 1521: Bait
"I was just sitting here... This woman kept trying to solicit me. I ignored her, and she started yelling..." "Is that so?" The officer turned to the streetwalker. The streetwalker...
Chapter 1522: The Corrections Office
The office was on the second floor. Standing on the open gallery, she had a clear view of the courtyard. The wall facing the street was made of wrought-iron raili...
Chapter 1523: Chengguan Town
Zuo Yamei finished getting ready and gave Li Yongxun a slight bow. "Senior, I'm off. I'll be back for work by noon the day after tomorrow." She left the police dormitory....
Chapter 1524: Work Discussion
The compound, lavishly lit by standards that would be considered extravagant in this timeline, was clearly an Australian installation. Yet at the gate there was neither ...
Chapter 1525: Half and Half
Inside this building—where the interior blazed with light while blackout curtains covered every window, preventing even a sliver from escaping—a few men were conversing in...
Chapter 1526: Selection
This was not Zuo Yamei's first time here. She made her way familiarly down the corridor and pushed open the nearest door. It was a large rectangular room, brightly lit. In the...
Chapter 1527: Singing and Dancing
Wu Ciren watched their dance movements attentively. Though he came from a traffic police background, he had been an idol otaku in another timeline. His greatest plea...
Chapter 1528: The Beginning of Art
Wu Ciren hastily produced a small notebook and scribbled down "amplification equipment." He had assumed everything was ready—that only the east wind was lacking. No...
Chapter 1529: Night Talk at Bairenfort
In the other half of the dormitory room, crammed in against all expectation, stood an antique-style, exquisitely crafted grand piano. "You have a piano?" Okamot...
Chapter 1530: Talent
Additionally, the Fengcheng had left behind many "residual materials" from its earlier days. Quite a lot of junk retrieved from the ship had been collected from the Planning Comm...
Chapter 1531: Under the Banyan Tree
Relying on Dongfang for such matters was out of the question, so Okamoto handled it personally. First, he made a trip to the General Staff Political Department to ...
Chapter 1532: Inside the Cinema
After recovering from the shock, Lin Ming continued watching the "Australian shadow play." Though called a "play," there was actually little plot—the ten-odd minutes o...
Chapter 1533: MilitaryDesignated Teahouse
Naturally, such a conversation produced no resolution. But Lin Ming felt that at least he had made contact with his sister-in-law, and her attitude toward l...
Chapter 1534: The Superior
A man's silhouette sat on the bed, silently watching the doorway. The faint light filtering through the bamboo blinds reduced his entire figure to a black shadow. He had no...
Chapter 1535: The Brocade Guards People
"Why not?" the man asked. "Gou Buli is the Cropped-Hairs' informant," Xin Nachun said. "He's a police 'entrusted contact.' Sisters doing business at the call ...
Chapter 1536: Rooting Out Spies
"True, it's logically consistent. But Comrade Wu Mu, your logic is missing a key link." Zhao Manxiong shook his head. "Who exactly told them Daoist Zhang has a 'Life-B...
Chapter 1537: Liu Fuqing
Before long, surveillance revealed that a young woman had left code marks at the location. What startled the tailing agents was that the young woman ultimately walked right i...
Chapter 1538: Shopkeeper Huang
"Cock-a-doodle-doo..." At the shrill cry of roosters, Nanbao Town stirred to life. This southernmost Han settlement in Lingao County had flourished on the twin pillars ...
Chapter 1539: Opening a Shop
Sima Qiudao knew little of the mission's true purpose—he had come purely on his master's orders. Though his master had been vague, even evasive, the Cropped-Hairs of Ling...
Chapter 1540: To Each Their Own
When it came to treating bruises, setting bones, or performing acupuncture, these were standard skills for anyone in the martial arts world. Every sect possessed its o...
Chapter 1541: The License
And so "Huang's Medicine Shop" opened with considerable fanfare. With the thousand yuan in operating funds that Xin Nachun had delivered, Huang Zhen was well-capitalized. He...
Chapter 1542: Real Questions
Jiao Gongli and the other "examinees" opened the exam syllabus and found themselves utterly bewildered. The regulations seemed endless. The list of "Reference Books" alon...
Chapter 1543: Cheating
Zhou Zhongjun said nonchalantly, "I was shopping, and when I reached Nanbao Bookstore, I noticed a few people acting suspiciously at the counter. Seeing me pass, they immedia...
Chapter 1544: The Trick
"Such hand-copied books are also legitimate local publications, considered pocket editions—the Lingao Printing Plant doesn't produce extra-small lead type yet—and some people ...
Chapter 1545: Investment Immigration
Even Zhou Zhongjun expressed interest in testing for an acupuncturist license. The atmosphere among the group relaxed visibly—everyone felt they could finally est...
Chapter 1546: Policewoman
His gaze fell upon the clerk's face, and he smiled. "Shopkeeper, you speak well. This establishment truly deserves its reputation as Lingao's premier inn." The clerk beamed....
Chapter 1547: Staying at the Inn
Zhuo Yifan returned to the courtyard and closed the gate behind him. He smiled and cupped his hands to the group still gathered in the yard. "Everyone, you have endur...
Chapter 1548: The Escape Route
Zhuo Yifan spent the remainder of that day amid a chorus of astonishment from his fellow martial artists. In Guangzhou, they had deliberately avoided any inn affiliated...
Chapter 1549: The Immigrant Naturalization Orientation
The next day, the police station did indeed send officers to verify their documents. The household registration forms had already been filled ou...
Chapter 1550: Policies and Regulations
Next, the cadre began explaining the portions of civil law most relevant to the landlords. Most important was the matter of bondservants. Nearly without excepti...
Chapter 1551: The Advertising Brochure
"In truth, you are not losing out. Consider this: without reliable, capable people, is managing land an easy affair?" Li Xiaopeng continued smoothly. "As for th...
Chapter 1552: The Mission
None of those who had come to Lingao knew the specifics of the mission. Clearly, the Stone Elder had no confidence that they could safely infiltrate Lingao. That was precise...
Chapter 1553: Judging by Appearance
Suddenly another commotion arose. Several men and women wearing armbands appeared, shoving and dragging along the slippery Bai Siwen. His scholar's cap was gone; h...
Chapter 1554: Lian Nishang
Huang Zhen was past his fiftieth year. He had spent nearly his entire life as a disciple of Mount Hua Sect and had managed the sect's enterprises for over twenty years. He ...
Chapter 1555: Sparring Part One
Zhuo Yifan hesitated for a moment, then thought: Since this woman is a police officer, she must know a great deal about the inner workings of the Shorthairs. If I ca...
Chapter 1556: Sparring Part Two
"They're playing badminton," Lian Nishang explained. "It's a ball game from Australia. Equipment is scarce here, so only a few people can play." Zhuo Yifan observed ...
Chapter 1557: The Cultural Festival
Zhuo Yifan started, then quickly regained his composure. He smiled. "Miss has keen eyes—truly befitting one in public service..." "Hmph," Lian Nishang said. "What ...
Chapter 1558: The Elders Speech
What if I simply shaved my head and posed as a naturalized citizen? The thought flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Even with a shaved head, there ...
Chapter 1559: Additional Equipment
Could kidnapping or killing a few True Shorthairs really serve to weaken them and ultimately bring them to heel? Zhuo Yifan began to harbor serious doubts about the...
Chapter 1560: The Folk Orchestra
Inside Lingao's county seat, within the "Arts Compound" where the Central Experimental Art Troupe and the Pleated Skirt Club had been quarreling, the atmosphere was e...
Chapter 1561: The Gathering Part One
Wang Qisuo had been busy lately and had not planned to go. But on second thought, why not? Several of Huang Ande's circle of brothers were now serving in Lingao...
Chapter 1562: The Gathering Part Two
This apartment was identical to every other Australian-style dwelling she had seen in Lingao: walls whitewashed, a gas lamp set into the wall, windows of bright...
Chapter 1563: The Gathering Part Three
Wang Qisuo chimed in from the side, "The Chiefs have such a big operation now, with so many things to manage, how could they attend to everything? Take me for...
Chapter 1564: The Gathering Part Four
Huang Ande listened patiently to his brothers' complaints without saying a word. Generally speaking, the brothers were not doing very well in Lingao. Since mos...
Chapter 1565: Special Mission
Huang Xiong nodded and said, "I know! She is pregnant now. Once she's done nursing the child, I'll give her a few good whippings on her bare bottom, and she'll naturally...
Chapter 1566: The Underage Senator Lin Ziqi
As she began to struggle with a certain probability problem, she subconsciously looked up seeking help—every time she looked up and saw the classroom, she ...
Chapter 1567: Faces of the Initial Class
There were sixty-four students in the Selection Group of each grade. From first grade of junior primary to third grade of senior primary, a total of over thre...
Chapter 1568: The Maid at Home
"Don't be ridiculous—how could you possibly know they're lip-syncing?" Qian Duoduo asked. "Oh, it's obvious. And even if they are actually singing, do you really think ...
Chapter 1569: Between Father and Daughter
In the past, Ziqi had always felt slightly uncomfortable with such attendance, but she'd grown accustomed to it now. As a certain Senator auntie had put it: ...
Chapter 1570: Family Matters
"How old could her little brother be? Just one year old. What could possibly be the problem?" Lin Ziqi asked curiously. "No little weewee? Mentally disabled? Or already k...
Chapter 1571: The Women of the Xiaocang Part One
"It wasn't that hard, really. Dad and the uncles took the materials to the lumber processing plant for treatment. We just assembled it, caulked the ...
Chapter 1572: The Women of the Xiaocang Part Two
"What's so difficult about that? Ask Uncle Lin to take you." "He has no time—he can't leave the factory for a single day. He originally promised to ...
Chapter 1573: Setting Sail
"Everyone push together! Ready... push!" Qian Duoduo shouted. Under the leverage of the crowbars, the small boat tilted slightly, then slid smoothly down the slipway into t...
Chapter 1574: Sailing
"So you just let her be?" "Ziqi, she doesn't understand. She doesn't know how the Senator seats and property actually work. I can't be bothered to educate her—why bother? Anyway...
Chapter 1575: First Clues
Liu Fuqing rarely wore a uniform to work. In his words: "I'm getting old, and tight clothes make me uncomfortable." Fortunately, as an investigator, there were no strict att...
Chapter 1576: Connection
Yang Cao set down the thin folder and lit her fortieth cigarette since starting work yesterday. Smoke curled upward. Since Zhou Shizhai had already taken a look, she didn't n...
Chapter 1577: Rehearsal
"Stop! The gong rhythm is wrong again! The string section isn't steady either!" Nan Gonghao lowered his baton weakly—it served only a decorative purpose, really, because the n...
Chapter 1578: Date
Even in another spacetime, televised singing performances were typically sweetened by studio mixing—idol stars and crossover celebrities often sounded dreadful live. Only those wit...
Chapter 1579: The LongHaired Senator in White
"What is—" "Students from Fangcaodi." Lian Nishang sighed slightly, as if recalling her own school days. "These are all children from the selection grou...
Chapter 1580: Report
From his elevated vantage point, Dongfang Ke's gaze locked firmly onto the small group—one man and two women. His right fingers worked restlessly as he muttered: "Interesting... ...
Chapter 1581: Intersection
"What I am about to report is very important." Dongfang's expression turned grave. "You'd better record this." "Very well." Wu Mu was mildly surprised but retrieved a recor...
Chapter 1582: Catching a Big Fish
In the black-and-white photograph, the faces of one man and two women were captured with perfect clarity. Zuo Yami had even thrown up a scissors gesture, her smile v...
Chapter 1583: Relying on Oneself
Accompanied by the William Tell Overture , they fell upon the meal. "This tableware is exquisite—and these knives and forks." Nan Gonghao, a literary man with refined...
Chapter 1584: Action Plan
"The gymnasium's defenses are as follows." Zhuo Yifan had laid bare all the intelligence on the Bandits he had gathered through various means in recent days, for the others ...
Chapter 1585: Emergency Notice
The sun sank toward the west, and burning clouds painted the towers, terraces, carriages, and horses of Lingao County seat in faint shades of crimson. A Dongfeng carria...
Chapter 1586: Giving Instructions in Person
"Then how do you intend to handle this?" "The specific plan will be communicated to all Senators once it's finalized. For now, you may inform the Senators ...
Chapter 1587: Parting
That evening, the sunset's glow faded gradually as the new moon rose. Zhuo Yifan had met with Sima Qiudao again today. Sima Qiudao had produced another letter from Old Man Shi. ...
Chapter 1588: Old Uniforms
"You've deployed your Public Security Army company?" Mu Min straightened and pressed again. Though Li Yayang held the title of Lingao Garrison Commander, Mu Min served as D...
Chapter 1589: Disguise
Given Li Yongxun's position, his signature on such documents wasn't unusual—but the coincidence was too precise to ignore. Liu Fuqing decided to visit National Police Headquart...
Chapter 1590: Double Tap on the Water
"Leave it to me." Qian Duoduo waved off her concerns. "Besides, we're rehearsing today too. The ACE of the idol group 'Four Seasons Theater Company' is making an...
Chapter 1591: Exposed
"Attention, students of Fangcaodi Academy..." The voice continued floating across the square. "All units, assemble by class facing the gymnasium gate. Line up from right to left...
Chapter 1592: Annihilation
Miejing whirled her sword in a gleaming arc and drove it straight through the policeman's chest. Blood sprayed across the street. Her murder sparked instant chaos. Pedestri...
Chapter 1593: The Band on the Road
According to their intelligence, all four enemy groups had been surrounded and annihilated—except for those in Nanbao, who had yet to be arrested. Photographs of th...
Chapter 1594: The Backup Plan
Zhuo Yifan mingled with the crowd, walking toward the riverside gymnasium. He wore old clothes procured by Sima Qiudao and sported a fake mustache, looking every bit the...
Chapter 1595: A Desperate Struggle
Dongfang Ke was scanning through the window when three thunderous booms erupted from the front of the convoy. Men cried out and horses screamed, and chaos erupted i...
Chapter 1596: Fugitives
"What's strange?" "Throughout this operation, I felt as though we were being watched at every turn—as if the Hair Thieves already knew us." He recounted what he'd observed nea...
Chapter 1597: The Boy
"What?" Huang Zhen didn't immediately register her words. "This month... my 'that' didn't come." "Your 'that'? Speak clearly—" Suddenly, Huang Zhen froze. "Your monthly didn't c...
Chapter 1598: The Pursuit
The youth had been docile enough before, but now a flicker of defiance crossed his face. Still wary of the naked steel in Zhuo Yifan's grip, he could only mutter beneath his...
Chapter 1599: A Clean Sweep
Zhuo Yifan watched helplessly as Sima Qiudao sprinted diagonally toward the hillside on the left. His strides were long, his footwork light—flowing like clouds and water. ...
Chapter 1600: The Jig Is Up
Was Lingao truly safe? Director Wu Mu stated: The overall security situation in Lingao is good and stable. Ninety-nine percent of all subversive cases are discovered and n...
Chapter 1601: Deep Throat
He forced himself to stay calm. "This humble one doesn't know what this is... It doesn't look like writing..." At that moment, the female officer who had been silent suddenl...
Chapter 1602: The Suspect
Without enough time to plan and prepare in advance, there was no way the ambush could have been so flawless. If Qian Duoduo hadn't been carrying a pistol—and if she weren't ...
Chapter 1603: The Interrogation
"In another interrogation room," the interrogator said meaningfully. "You probably don't know—Li Yongxun is quite famous around here. She's very skilled at torturing p...
Chapter 1604: An Imperfect Victory
"That's impossible. I've never been to the tea house." "Oh?" The interrogator made a curious sound. "Did I say the room was in a tea house?" Wang Qisuo realized he ...
Chapter 1605: The Question of Terms
Qian Shuiting stepped down from the carriage. Qian Xuanhuang was already waiting for him at the dock. Over the past few years, nurtured by the Qian household's sup...
Chapter 1606: Advance and Retreat
His proposed terms were: 1. Agree that the existing structure of the Political Security Bureau remain unchanged, with the Director appointed by the Executive Committ...
Chapter 1607: Speaker Qians Melancholy
The Political Security Bureau's poor performance this time would inevitably shake the Elders' trust in them. Raising the issue of blackmail files now would ver...
Chapter 1608: A Temporary Setback
"Director Zhao, the Elder Council has authorized the formation of a special committee to conduct a comprehensive review of all powerful agencies, with particular emp...
Chapter 1609: Recruitment
"Given your identity, disguising yourself and infiltrating Lingao is in itself a criminal act," Li Yan said. "Our Elder Council rules by law—the principle is that violations...
Chapter 1610: Undercurrents in the Library
"Those bastards!" Seeing the newly posted Elder resolution on the BBS—the proposal to establish an Elder Council Security Committee and Budget Committee—Lu ...
Chapter 1611: Network Public Opinion Analysis
"The one who's always running around with you?" Yu Eshui had no real impression of this fellow named Huang Pan. He asked while signing his approval. "No,...
Chapter 1612: Fengqing
The article was not long—about six or seven thousand characters. It described the incident in which terrorists had attacked the Xiaocang and been repelled. Though the piece was...
Chapter 1613: Zhang Family Manor
"No way—Old Qian's ambitions are that grand? Is he preparing for 'All Under Heaven Through Force of Arms'?" Lu Xuan could hardly believe his own deduction. "If he pul...
Chapter 1614: Strict House Rules
Lu Xuan's gloom now stemmed more from an irrepressible anxiety. Originally, he had merely felt annoyed at the Qian Shuiting faction's power-grabbing. But the Youth Le...
Chapter 1615: Domestic Affairs
Zhang Lan took Liu Hui's hand affectionately and said: "Sister Hui, you've been busy all day too. Sit down and have some tea." Though the two women didn't get along in ...
Chapter 1616: The Contact Chart
Lu Xuan's study was in a side courtyard of the second compound—a small courtyard that formed its own little world. Both its construction and landscaping represented th...
Chapter 1617: The Memorandum
"Too many women is nothing but a headache." Lu Xuan let out a long breath. "I went home this weekend intending to relax, but the two of them started squabbling over some ...
Chapter 1618: Giving Gifts
The morning sun had barely climbed past the Arbitration Tribunal's eastern windows when Lu Xuan settled into the reception room, positioning himself with deliberate precisi...
Chapter 1619: The Sansi Statutes Bureau
The Law Society had been drafting a similar research report. This effort predated the Lingao disturbance—the imminent Third Plenary Session made institutional ...
Chapter 1620: The Role of the Indigenous Protection Association
"No—he's innocent. At least, I believe he's innocent now," Ji Xin said. "The matter was widely rumored among the natives at the time. A...
Chapter 1621: Director Liu Takes Office
A convoy of tugboats crept along the coastline, the lead vessel belching thick columns of black smoke. This was the scheduled convoy plying between Qiongshan a...
Chapter 1622: The New Posting
"Before, I said there were too many radishes and too few pits. Now that the branch bases are opening up, it's actually too many pits and too few radishes." Liu Xiang sho...
Chapter 1623: Local Industrial Potential
"Every time I look at it, I'm amazed. After all this time, the steel industry turns out to be a traditional leading industry of Guangzhou Prefecture!" Liu Xia...
Chapter 1624: A Welcome Reception
"That slip of composure just now was also because of this!" Liu Xiang explained to himself. Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! The salute guns thundered. It was a system establ...
Chapter 1625: Insider Information
"Tell me about it," Qian Shuixie said, swirling the wine in his Czech crystal goblet. "Domestic class contradictions getting too prominent? Start a war abroad to div...
Chapter 1626: The Junior Senators Banquet
Arguing in front of guests—that won't do. Liu Xiang made up his mind to play peacemaker and raised his voice deliberately as he stepped onto the gangway. "I...
Chapter 1627: The Art of Kingship
"Port wine? That shouldn't exist yet! If I recall correctly, it became famous even later than Cognac!" Liu Xiang asked doubtfully. Qian Shuixie leaned close to Liu X...
Chapter 1628: The Politics Lesson
If the full Senate ever actually voted, whether the land reform proposal would pass remained anyone's guess. That was precisely why land policy had become the Senate...
Chapter 1629: The Suitor
"That's all for last week's review. What shall we discuss today? As everyone knows, not long ago, a group of so-called martial arts heroes made quite a stir in Lingao. Why?" ...
Chapter 1630: The Appointment
He ate lunch at the Trading Post Restaurant, then went straight back to Bairencastle. Liu Xiang first stopped by the Senator Apartment District. Although he was rarely i...
Chapter 1631: Departure
Senator Apartment District Service Center. The "Senators-Only Library." Zhang Yunmi sat at the reading room table. On the lustrous black lacquer surface lay a freshly sealed l...
Chapter 1632: Going to Guangzhou
"No, Uncle Xiao. Whatever the Senate or Executive Committee wants to rule has nothing to do with me. My opinion is already on this pardon letter: I forgive her for th...
Chapter 1633: Australian Books
While vigorously rubbing his shoes on the ground to scrape off the "grains' reincarnation," Huang Binkun silently cursed the Ming officials in Guangzhou. A perfectly go...
Chapter 1634: A Peaceful and Prosperous Age
He was not a student of this school, and his unfamiliar face quickly drew attention. Before long, someone drifted over to make conversation. The local scho...
Chapter 1635: Welcome Banquet
Seeing the skepticism around the table, Huang Binkun described the various measures implemented in Lingao since the Australians' arrival: road construction, bandit suppr...
Chapter 1636: Banditology
Following the banquet, Huang Binkun was considered a "member" of this circle of scholars. Only toward the evening's end did he learn that most belonged to the "Yuyuan Societ...
Chapter 1637: Master of Banditology
Huang Binkun found himself momentarily at a loss for words. Indeed—what were the Hair-bandits scheming? To become emperors themselves? Though the Hair-bandits held...
Chapter 1638: The AntiBandit Gallants
Five men in Confucian scholar's robes squared off against Huang Binkun, their eyes round and seemingly dripping blood. The leader, wishing to demonstrate that h...
Chapter 1639: The AntiBandit Gallants Continued
Huang Binkun was momentarily stunned, realizing the boy had misunderstood. He laughed bitterly. "Just go and inquire." After the pageboy departed, h...
Chapter 1640: Students of the Community School
However, when he turned into Yongqing Street, Zhang Yu could not help pausing to linger. A vacant lot here hosted hawkers selling every manner of food a...
Chapter 1641: Small Capital Business
That afternoon, Zhang Yu walked home, his steps growing lazier with each pace. Just as he reached the tea house at the street corner, he heard someone calling: "Y...
Chapter 1642: The HairBandits Business Sense
This news struck Zhang Yu like a thunderbolt. No other family could ever compete with a business operated by the Hair-bandits themselves. They employed ...
Chapter 1643: The Bastion Market
Early the next morning, the three met outside the Great East Gate and set off together toward the Great World. They were not wealthy folk, unable to afford sedan chai...
Chapter 1644: Handling Business Recruitment
"Unexpectedly, the Hair-bandits silently built such a small city right outside Guangzhou City!" Wu Ming sighed. Huang Binkun said: "I'm afraid in less than...
Chapter 1645: Provisions Go First
Chen Shixin led Zhang Yu out the main gate, walking to the side where there was an inconspicuous small door, guarded by two Fake Hair-bandits. He was seen saying a f...
Chapter 1646: Walnut Cookies Exclusively for the Great World
Zhang Yu didn't know if this news counted as joy or worry, staring blankly in a daze. Hong Huangnan's heart stirred. Suddenly remembering ...
Chapter 1647: Water Transport Advantage
While the Zhang family's small walnut cookie shop was immersed in joy, Director Hong had almost forgotten about this matter—he managed ten thousand machines a ...
Chapter 1648: The Vessels
Foshan Town could serve admirably as a major logistics depot—a hub where supplies converged and flowed outward in equal measure. Hong Huangnan weighed the possibilities as h...
Chapter 1649: The Tender
"What kind of efficiency is this!" Staff Officer Hong muttered. "They send me a few line drawings without telling me how many vessels are actually available. Am I supposed to...
Chapter 1650: Hu Xuefan
"Understood, sir." "And we need to step up collection of the Reasonable Burden," Hong Huangnan reminded him. "I've seen from the ledgers that quite a few villages have outstan...
Chapter 1651: The Collaborators
The days of "enjoying the fruits of victory" were always especially sweet. Li Cunfa and the monk Daole had manipulated markets high and low, amassing considerable weal...
Chapter 1652: The Guide
Hearing his wife's gentle words of comfort, Lin Ming felt somewhat consoled. Yet he could not tell her the truth—though capable and competent, she was still a woman. Knowing w...
Chapter 1653: The Staff Reconnaissance
Upon receiving his assignment, Lin Ming understood that the Australians intended to make great use of him. This was the moment to demonstrate his loyalty. Thoug...
Chapter 1654: Military Rations
The vessel prepared by Qiwei was a salt boat—a cargo craft that plied the North River waterways. It was called a salt boat because it was commonly used for transporting...
Chapter 1655: Sixian Channel
After finishing this rectangular mooncake, lunch was complete. Lin Ming felt his belly was full, yet somehow empty—as if he hadn't really eaten anything. What kind of mea...
Chapter 1656: Three Banquet Tables
The rice-paddy sparrows had flown all the way from Siberia and gorged themselves on the soon-to-be-harvested rice of the Pearl River Delta. Plump with fat, they wer...
Chapter 1657: The West River Shipping Route
Chen Hongyi grew ever more uncertain about the background of the man before him. The official boat hung lanterns reading "Jinyiwei Foshan Centurion Garriso...
Chapter 1658: The Little Three Gorges
Suo Pu's delight was impossible to contain entirely, though he kept it hidden beneath a composed exterior. Guangdong had never achieved grain self-sufficiency—a ...
Chapter 1659: A Rescue at the Dock
In Suo Pu's assessment, the obstacles to the Council of Elders' rule over Guangdong—apart from natural factors—were fundamentally social. His gaze swept over everyo...
Chapter 1660: An Old Acquaintance
Even as she spoke, the madam hurriedly proffered the promissory note, her face contorted in an ingrating smile: "It's all this old woman's dim eyes that failed to se...
Chapter 1661: The Soldiers
He continued: "Master Suo, it's pitch dark out there. Sending her back now would be inconvenient. Besides, we should guard against complications." This reminded Suo Pu that...
Chapter 1662: A Melodramatic Affair
Lin Ming was startled and hastened to say: "Chief, please think twice!" Seeing a flash of hesitation cross Suo Pu's face, he pressed on: "In my humble opinion, it ...
Chapter 1663: Piyun Tower Banquet
"Yes, yes... Master Cao..." The wounded soldier stammered, "Our Squad Leader..." "What's his name?" "Cao Bajiao..." "How did he learn about Su Ai?" "That... this low...
Chapter 1664: Singing and Dancing in Peace
At Chang Qingyun's command, five or six young servants in blue clothes and small hats came forward with wine pots to pour. Suo Pu's sharp eyes noted that un...
Chapter 1665: Reciting Poetry
Wait—Suo Pu treated this talk as a foreign language. Even a military officer like Lin Ming, with his limited reading, was completely baffled. Xie Peng only understood a ...
Chapter 1666: Xiongstyle Pacification
Chang Qingyun gave a bitter laugh: "Bright people don't speak dark words. Last night, the Governor-General's Yamen received news from Gaoyao County saying that ...
Chapter 1667: Senator Marriage and Inheritance Law I
At the same time, they would clean up the concurrent positions of Senators. Currently, the Senate had established too many offices and divisions...
Chapter 1668: Senator Marriage and Inheritance Law II
Beauty fades, and those who rely upon it for position find that position precarious indeed. The earliest Life Secretaries—maids pressed into se...
Chapter 1669: Senator Marriage and Inheritance Law III
Section 9 The group discussions on the Marriage and Inheritance Law swiftly devolved into fierce rhetorical combat. Primogeniture versus merit...
Chapter 1670: The Second FiveYear Plan
To solve chronic water scarcity, the Senate had commenced construction of Hainan Island's principal reservoir upon the conclusion of Operation Engine: the Song...
Chapter 1671: Colonial Plan
"The Planning Agency favors developing Brunei's oil fields," Wu De said. "Initial investment is substantial, but the technical threshold is low and output stable. Fellow S...
Chapter 1672: Controversy over the Colonial Plan
"Surely it won't come to that?" "Old Si, you truly do not understand Guangdong's folk customs. Cantonese, Chaoshan, and Hakka may all be Han Chinese o...
Chapter 1673: Agricultural Onsite Stay
Ma Qianzhu suspected the pettifogger was peddling his "Rule of Law" ideology again. "This is inadvisable. Even the Great Ming superficially declares 'If the Pr...
Chapter 1674: LingaoChengmaiQiongshan
The vast wastelands flanking the Nandu River had also drawn agricultural interest for plantation development. "This trip, I intend to survey Haikou and plan th...
Chapter 1675: Qiongzhou Prefecture City
"Because they got used to poverty! Old habits are hard to break." Yun Suji said. "Social civilization has prerequisites: only when granaries are full do people...
Chapter 1676: Roadside Chat
Yun Suji made a request: first, visit a Standard Village. On the map, numerous Standard Villages were distributed in a cross pattern along the Nandu River and Chengmai Hig...
Chapter 1677: Entering the Village
Seeing them walk far away, Yun Suji stood up and patted the dirt off his buttocks. The guards behind had caught up. "Chief, are you okay?" "I am fine." Yun Suji sai...
Chapter 1678: Village Head Fan Tries a Case
Now that the Senate had decreed "no foot-binding," Liu Yuanhu had become the most zealous anti-foot-binding crusader in the village. Old Yan the Fifth, som...
Chapter 1679: Eating Arranged Meals
"Have you implemented the arranged meal system?" Yun Suji asked. "Let's do the arranged meal then. Remember—I want to eat at a villager's home, not a cadre's home....
Chapter 1680: Applying Ammonia Water
Wanting to hear more but fearing trouble, Kong Xiaode interrupted Old Yang: "Go prepare the ammonia water first. I'll come after I've finished serving the Chief."...
Chapter 1681: Chatting
Everyone was drawn in by his words. Yun Suji paused, then recited in a singsong drawl: "Offend the secretary, can't survive; Offend the team leader, get the hardest work to str...
Chapter 1682: Symposium
Fan Twelve detected hidden meaning in the Chief's words, yet his face remained wreathed in smiles—a bad omen. The four personal guards standing at the courtyard gate meant tha...
Chapter 1683: The Buttocks Problem
"You farm over two hundred mu, you're a grain household—and yet you still can't gather enough betrothal gifts to get your son a wife?" Yun Suji found this incredibl...
Chapter 1684: Ingrained Habits
Yun Suji calculated: not counting the child, it came to 400 catties per person. The elderly were old and didn't participate in labor; this number wasn't low. But childr...
Chapter 1685: Courtyard Economy
Bai Putin had originally thought meeting with the Chief for conversation would be the end of it. He didn't expect the Chief to come in person. Having never entertained...
Chapter 1686: Filing a Complaint
"Without the progressive tax, you could still clear wasteland and farm more land." "Not worthwhile, not worthwhile." Bai Putin shook his head repeatedly. "With more l...
Chapter 1687: Investigation
However, he remembered that Old Meng had indeed mentioned his son worked at the county brick and tile factory, "his heart has grown wild, let alone coming home, he doesn't...
Chapter 1688: Investigation Continued
"That much jealousy?" "She couldn't bear a son—couldn't even manage a daughter!" Old Yang threw his head back and drained the last dregs of gravy from his bowl, ...
Chapter 1689: Talk
Entering the courtyard, he saw Old Lady Cao had already been laid out on a door plank. Several people surrounded her while a guard performed chest compressions. Yun Suji asked, "Ho...
Chapter 1690: Summing Up
Liu Yuanhu came in with his head lowered, called out "Chief," then stood at attention without another word. Yun Suji observed him. "What, gone mute? I saw you looking quite f...
Chapter 1691: Resident Police
Not only was there no commerce in the village, but culture, education, and healthcare were also blank—though these were limited by objective conditions and couldn't be r...
Chapter 1692: Excerpt from Rural Notes
Lingao Times Editor's Note: As the First Five-Year Plan enters its concluding year, agricultural and rural work faces unprecedented challenges. This newspaper i...
Chapter 1693: Excerpt from Rural Notes Continued
I am particularly interested in these authentic "local texts." Seeing the activities of the Red and White Council, I recalled that this council was ...
Chapter 1694: Excerpt from Rural Notes III
After visiting the farmers in the village, I felt that governance here remained too soft, with many policies not implemented in place. Old Huo enjoys good p...
Chapter 1695: Summary
"Little Yun," Du Wen pushed the black-rimmed glasses up her nose, rose from behind the desk, and paced hurriedly across the office. "Your report is excellent! I've already spoke...
Chapter 1696: Food Factory
Yun Suji studied the figures showing lagging delivery progress and couldn't help but sigh. Insufficient soybean deliveries affected not just soy sauce production but also t...
Chapter 1697: Food Factory Continued
"The quality of this batch is comparatively... lower." Yun Suji weighed his words carefully. "The meat used isn't exactly... respectable." As for what "not resp...
Chapter 1698: New Military Uniforms
"Not bad at all. But it doesn't mean much for the Guangdong Campaign," Chen Sigen remarked. "Fresh vegetables are available year-round in Guangdong." Xi Yazhou sho...
Chapter 1699: New Military Uniforms Continued
Zhu Mingxia nodded slightly, whether in agreement or appreciation was unclear. Hong Huangnan continued: "This uniform was previously known as the Type ...
Chapter 1700: The Training Cadre
In a barracks dormitory at Ma'ao Fortress, Tan Xiaoqin gazed silently out the window at the parade ground. The trees surrounding it were now over a zhang tall. When s...
Chapter 1701: Letters Home
Take the Li family right here in Lingao County seat—they'd held the exclusive right to collect nightsoil from the entire town for hundreds of years, sitting back and collec...
Chapter 1702: The Oath
It was a fine, clear day. Military flags snapped and fluttered in the crisp winter wind that swept across Ma'ao Fortress. Tian Liang had risen before dawn, as was his custom, r...
Chapter 1703: Setting Forth
After the oath-taking concluded, the order came: "Return to barracks, pack up, immediate mess call." Tian Liang returned to his company and was about to instruct the cooki...
Chapter 1704: The Fourth Battalion
Ever since construction had begun on Guangzhou World, one or two paddle-wheel tugboats set out from Hong Kong each day, towing long trains of barges. They would ent...
Chapter 1705: Hong Kong
The banquet was not lavish—with a major campaign imminent, word of feasting would not sit well back in Lingao. Transmigrator Lin, having been out of sight for so long, caused ...
Chapter 1706: Bayonet Training
The men of the 10th Battalion, packs piled high on their backs, shuffled slowly in line as they disembarked. The headquarters troops waited patiently on deck in orderly...
Chapter 1707: The Deal
In the third round, both fighters' tempo clearly quickened. Their range of movement expanded markedly—the two men advanced and retreated across the field in great sweeping arcs...
Chapter 1708: The New Currency System
Lin Baiguang listened to He Xin's report, nodded to indicate he could leave, and marked a symbol in his deerskin notebook with a pencil. From Hong Kong to Guangz...
Chapter 1709: Coinage Technology
In truth, the State Council, including most people in Finance, largely agreed with the "Mithril Faction," but objective facts couldn't be changed. So the final approv...
Chapter 1710: Coinage Technology Continued
The group offered various opinions on the entire process and the coinage specifications. Someone suggested that coins of this specification were too thick...
Chapter 1711: Rescue on the River
During smelting, workers continuously stirred the molten alloy in the crucible with mixing rods. Once thorough mixing was confirmed, the liquid was poured into steel...
Chapter 1712: Surgery
At that moment, the young man's eyes fluttered open, weak and unfocused. Seeing someone taking his pulse, he summoned what little strength remained to speak: "Sir, please... don...
Chapter 1713: Cannot Accept Disciple
Liu San firmly refused. Just then, Zhang Yikun, standing nearby, uttered an "Oh" and said, "Isn't this the book you dried out the other day?" Yu Qing thanked Zhan...
Chapter 1714: The People in Guangzhou City
Liu San said no more. Since Zhang Yikun hadn't sensed his meaning, it was better not to elaborate. That evening followed the usual routine of a welcome dinn...
Chapter 1715: Entering the City
The friends thought about it but came up with no good ideas. They talked idly, wandering aimlessly through the streets. It was still early. Guangzhou's leisure class w...
Chapter 1716: Humen
Zhang Yu ran all the way home. When he reached Huifu Lane, everything looked the same as always—shops had taken down their shutters and were leisurely doing business. His own waln...
Chapter 1717: Internal Strife
The officers looked closely and saw the speaker was an extra-numerary squad commander named Gao Xidian. He was originally a hereditary platoon commander in the Guangzhou...
Chapter 1718: Occupying Humen
The other officers he deemed unreliable were kept in the headquarters to "assist with military affairs"—effectively placing them under surveillance. He sent his own trus...
Chapter 1719: Entering the City
"You can rest assured. For this matter, you are just contributing effort—it definitely won't cost you money. There are benefits too." The liaison officer secretly groa...
Chapter 1720: Second Master Huang Sojourning in Guangzhou
Amidst the fear and trembling, the sound of orderly running footsteps faintly came from the morning light. He immediately widened his eyes. N...
Chapter 1721: Call to Arms
Huang Bingkun hesitated. The Huang family had always passed down "farming and studying," boasting of a legacy of poetry and etiquette, and was most upright and rigidly mora...
Chapter 1722: Nantou City
Huang Bingkun tossed the manifesto aside with a sneer. "What crude drivel! The language is rough, the reasoning forced and illogical. Since ancient times, only two dynasties ...
Chapter 1723: Public Opinion
Magistrate Wu knew he was trapped in a besieged city with no hope of breaking out, so he resolved to defend to the death and await reinforcements from the prefectural capi...
Chapter 1724: The Mayor Enters the City
With those words, his head lolled to one side and he breathed his last. Wu Guangzhi was stunned. He had no roots here, even less influence among the military. H...
Chapter 1725: The Prefects Yamen
Kneeling at the very front was Wei Bifu, the former Vice Prefect of Guangzhou. Seeing the Hair-shorn superior step down from the sedan, he hastened to announce loudly...
Chapter 1726: The Surrendered Persons
This time, before entering the city, he had estimated that if officials refused to surrender and committed suicide, their family members would probably follow in ...
Chapter 1727: Lü Yizhong
"I won't see her." Liu Xiang assumed she was probably just coming to beg for mercy and clemency. He had no time for such trivial matters now. "Tell her that we will properly e...
Chapter 1728: The Prominent Families of Guangzhou
This was a substantive question, and Lü Yizhong treated it seriously. After a moment's thought, he said: "The foremost gentry family in Guangzhou woul...
Chapter 1729: Surging Waves
If she could truly provide leads, it would indeed be a great merit for the Chief. Yet the matter was too incredible, and Guo Xi'er couldn't help but feel suspicious. She re...
Chapter 1730: Secret Plot
Liang Cunhou nodded: "It is rare for Second Master Huang to harbor such loyal and patriotic sentiments! However, sending a warning requires only a messenger. Young Master Hua...
Chapter 1731: Dong Mingdang
"He might not necessarily be unusable," Lin Zunxiu said. "Now that the court is in trouble, if he steps forward, the court will naturally grant him a future." Liang Cunhou ...
Chapter 1732: Roll Call
Dong Mingdang lowered her head. "Yes. Thank you, Your Excellency. I only ask that you issue a document permitting my mother and me to remain in Guangzhou." "The Senate has esta...
Chapter 1733: Take Down
"Fifteen or sixteen hundred?" Liu Xiang was stunned. This modest prefectural yamen harbored over a thousand runners! And that didn't even include the two counties of Nanhai and...
Chapter 1734: Killing to Establish Authority
Liu Xiang's voice cut like ice. "The peace of Guangzhou is guarded by my Senate. You—a city fox and social rat, scum of the public gate—dare claim you keep...
Chapter 1735: Chengxuan Street
The institutional framework had been arranged before entering the city, the key cadres already selected. After Liu Xiang distributed the indigenous personnel to their po...
Chapter 1736: Illegal Construction
"Quite a majestic impression..." Liu Xiang laughed, deeply aware of the gulf between officials and common people. This wasn't something that could change overnight. ...
Chapter 1737: Big Threshold
Back at City Hall, Liu Xiang and Lin Baiguang began arranging the demolition of structures on Chengxuan Street. "Starting demolition immediately would be punishment without...
Chapter 1738: Tuan Tou
Beggar gangs in major cities wielded considerable power in classical Chinese urban society and served as a crucial link in the government's so-called "socialized management." Th...
Chapter 1739: Chapter 1738
Chapter 1738 Around the first watch, silence had already fallen over Guangzhou City. Since the "Australian Army" had entered, the night curfew—which had grown somewhat lax—was tightened once more. Not...
Chapter 1740: The Mo Family
After lying down, she unexpectedly couldn't fall asleep for a long time. Though she felt no affection for this husband, since she had married him, she was a person of the M...
Chapter 1741: Wielding the Thunderbolt
"Each team only needs to manage your own section. Leave other matters to specially assigned personnel." Xie Buliao continued. "If you encounter violent confronta...
Chapter 1742: Enjoying Morning Tea
"Drinking morning tea" was the most treasured ritual of Guangzhou's leisure class. Even in these extraordinary times—when the hair-thieves had entered the city and a...
Chapter 1743: Military Parade
Seeing his customers "recklessly discussing state affairs" and courting disaster, the tea house proprietor hurried to intervene. "Honored patrons! Fresh from the oven—wal...
Chapter 1744: Six Veins Canal
A simple solution presented itself: use the Guangzhou map from another timeline as a template. By comparing it with the map drawn by the City Operations Department, any s...
Chapter 1745: Guangzhou Special City Police Bureau
Jia Jue couldn't find Wang Daniao anywhere. "Big Bird Wang" had originally been just a nickname, but over the years it had become his actual name. Wh...
Chapter 1746: Household Survey
The beggars were involved in nearly every aspect of daily municipal operations: watching streets, beating the night watch, collecting corpses from the roads, firefightin...
Chapter 1747: Household Census
From reading "Australian Military Science" magazines like War History Research , Zhang Yu and his friends knew that Australians valued the "soldier's sense of honor" abo...
Chapter 1748: The Tofu Workshop
If a lane housed wealthy families, the work was easy—just a handful of households along the entire street. But for streets of ordinary middle-class families where gates...
Chapter 1749: Epidemic Prevention
That wasn't all. Mingled with the fragrance of soy milk, he caught a whiff of something foul—a stench Liu San had grown quite familiar with, the kind found only in st...
Chapter 1750: Infectious Diseases
Lin Baiguang's Comprehensive Governance Office was in fact located within the Municipal Government building. Since Wang Sangou had taken up his post as Director of th...
Chapter 1751: Puji Hall
Liu San was startled. Judging by the symptoms, this was classic schistosomiasis. He had assumed the disease was chiefly prevalent in the Hunan-Hubei region and Jiangxi; he hadn...
Chapter 1752: The Chastity Hall
"Oh? So there's considerable profit to be squeezed from this place." Liu San nodded knowingly. "I wouldn't presume to say considerable ," Mao Xiuyu replied, his eyes n...
Chapter 1753: The Infanticide Tower
Liu San wanted to descend into the courtyard and inspect the various chambers, but Fifth Sister-in-Law Sun blocked the stairway. "I need to go inside and have a lo...
Chapter 1754: Escape
Returning to the Chastity Hall, Liu San found the women all gathered at the gate, watching for them. When they saw the party approach, they scattered one by one. Only the child's...
Chapter 1755: Measures
"I am neither the local magistrate nor a judge," Liu San said. "If you have grievances, go to the city and find the municipal government. There will be someone there to receive...
Chapter 1756: Fiscal Challenges
In broad terms, the Guangzhou Municipal Government planned to launch a "New Life Movement" throughout the city. "The name may be inauspicious, but I think it's quite a...
Chapter 1757: Meng Xian
The confiscation ledgers compiled by the Enterprise Institute's Special Requisition Team alone contained over forty subcategories of items from the prefectural and county stor...
Chapter 1758: The Nephew
Was his future to be just like his father's—sitting by the stove day after day, dipping candle wicks? He had studied, and he had read many of the Australians' "magazines"; hi...
Chapter 1759: Police Recruitment
Li Ziyu said, "Of course I'm going. Plenty of people from the military households are planning to apply—serving the Ming was a job, serving the Australians is a job. ...
Chapter 1760: Pan Jiexin
Emerging from the Provincial Surveillance Commission Yamen, the sun was already slanting westward. The three young friends walked down the street, each carrying a different m...
Chapter 1761: The Police Training Class
Liu Xiang gave a brief overview of Guangzhou's manpower shortage and the recruitment plan that had just been completed. Pan Jiexin nodded. "A shortage is inevi...
Chapter 1762: Training
The trainees stood slack-jawed, eyes wide with astonishment. They had assumed that becoming a policeman meant becoming a constable—and even if the Australians didn't treat runn...
Chapter 1763: Doing Things According to Law
Pan Jiexin had no idea that someone was drawing conclusions from his lunch-box. His mind wasn't on eating. He exchanged a few words with the sergeants at t...
Chapter 1764: Currency Issuance
At ten o'clock, lights-out sounded on the dot. Soon the forty-man dormitory echoed with a symphony of snoring—after such an exhausting day, everyone was spent. But Li ...
Chapter 1765: Methods of Issuance
The Senatorial Council had originally toyed with the idea of making the "Silver Reserve Vouchers" a kind of industrial-goods purchasing coupon—anyone wanting to buy ...
Chapter 1766: Stabilizing Grain Prices
Liu Xiang listened carefully. The Finance and Economic Ministry's plan was quite thorough—covering every angle, point by point, and reasonably executable. It wa...
Chapter 1767: The Grain Merchants
Most of what arrived was rice and cloth. Salt, with its low value, was in less demand than either. Lin Baiguang knew that most of this rice came from Siam and the Ea...
Chapter 1768: Incriminating Material
A merchant beside them interjected angrily: "We grain traders have it a little easier. At least grain is needed year-round, regardless of season—we just make a bi...
Chapter 1769: Tradition
"The Political Security Bureau arrested Sister Ye..." Han Yue glanced at Zheng Shangjie, saw her nod—her mistress already knew—and didn't elaborate on this "old news." The arr...
Chapter 1770: An Audience
"Master Gao, is there still no progress in securing an audience with Prefect Liu?" A middle-aged man in an old cocoon-silk robe sat in the guest's seat to Gao Ju's left, bea...
Chapter 1771: The Federation of Industry and Commerce
In the old days, at least he'd been on equal footing with the Australian top man in Guangzhou—calling each other "brother." Now he had to go thro...
Chapter 1772: Half a Cigar
Gao Ju understood that the moment he nodded, he would ascend to become the foremost figure in Guangzhou's commercial world. The mighty Teochew-Swatow merchants, the Cantone...
Chapter 1773: Joy and Sorrow
"What are you doing, Master?" The Third Concubine was bewildered. She knew what this thing was—an Australian product called a cigar, just strong tobacco, nothing particul...
Chapter 1774: The Jidi Brothers
"Only, this could cost us a fortune." He Guirong harbored a nagging worry. "The Australians aren't the Ming. Smoothing this over won't be so easy." Since the Australia...
Chapter 1775: The Battle at the Guild Hall
The steward was about to ask what was happening when a sudden uproar erupted outside. Two gatekeepers came stumbling in, one already streaming blood from hi...
Chapter 1776: Commotion
"We can use this opportunity to completely shut down the Guandi Temple network." Mu Min was in charge of public order; by her standards, this already qualified as a major case...
Chapter 1777: The Scapegoats
"The attack on the Haiyang Guild Hall today—it was entirely my doing. I heard someone was beaten to death. My conscience is uneasy, and I fear the law, so I have come to ...
Chapter 1778: The Sweep
The Xue family couldn't be called philanthropists in the neighborhood, but they had no enemies either. They were richer than most families on the lane and were rumored to have...
Chapter 1779: Aftermath and Taxation
Liang Xinhu had been an obscure, ordinary Senator before coming to Guangzhou. Aside from the General Affairs Section staff who handled Senators' daily needs and s...
Chapter 1780: The Invitation
"Actually, you guys rushed the real estate and business registration a bit," Chen Ce said with a touch of regret. "Ideally, the opportunity of issuing deeds and exchangin...
Chapter 1781: Patrolman Li Ziyu
Whether the sun rose from the west, Zhang Yu didn't know, but that the sky had changed with the Australians' arrival was undeniable. Zhang Yu could read, had consumed ...
Chapter 1782: On Patrol
Li Ziyu sauntered down the street, boredom settling over him like spring mist. A fine day for visiting friends or lounging in his study, debating philosophy until the candles ...
Chapter 1783: Information
In police work, "small and micro cases" often have negligible value, yet the manpower and resources required to solve them are anything but insignificant. This disparity oft...
Chapter 1784: The Headless Corpse
Having stumbled upon Advisor Gou's "good deed," Zhao Gui had been beaten soundly by the Zhong family servants. Worse, Master Zhong had laid down the word: he was nev...
Chapter 1785: Criminal Police
It was already five in the morning when the Municipal Bureau's Criminal Investigation Division received the report from the police station. The station had initially fou...
Chapter 1786: The Investigation
Li Ziyu couldn't tell whether Old Gao's "hit the jackpot" was sincere congratulation or mockery, so he kept his mouth shut. Zhao Gui, however, chuckled foolishly a few...
Chapter 1787: The Legend
The large amount of blood left at the dump site also supported this reasoning. Not only that—the remaining bloodstains proved the interval between murder and dumping was very...
Chapter 1788: The Recovered Carrying Pole
The speaker made that claim, and the people below naturally had nothing to add. But one of the porters was still muttering. Old Cui listened impatiently and ...
Chapter 1789: The Disappearing Tanka Boat
Judging from the food, utensils, and clothes discovered, the man was quite particular about his lifestyle—and should be a person of wealth. Next, a second su...
Chapter 1790: ShanShaan Guild Hall
Li Ziyu was the patrol officer for this area, so naturally he led the way. Following Wu Xiang's instructions, he first took him to the entrance of East Branch Alle...
Chapter 1791: The Mortuary
Wu Xiang surveyed the surrounding environment. Someone had scaled the wall from adjacent Zhenbo Garden into the Shan-Shaan Guild Hall. He had first climbed the large tree i...
Chapter 1792: The Mystery
The killer's cunning was evident at every turn—meticulous in planning, ingenious in execution, and ice-cold in composure. When patrol officers discovered the corpse only to ...
Chapter 1793: The Smelting Shop
The smelting shop functioned much like the furnace rooms of later dynasties, complete with all the same corrupt practices. "Scissors eating silver," applications of oi...
Chapter 1794: Run Over Pasteboard Gebei
Manager Shen explained that although this variety of silver had existed since ancient times, ingots were rarely seen on the market. It was mostly fashioned i...
Chapter 1795: The Deceased
Such transactions naturally left records. The shopkeeper produced his ledger and checked: the purchaser was one Shi Tidi. Li Ziyu had never heard of Shi Tidi, but every cri...
Chapter 1796: The Missing Wang Daniao
"Perhaps... someone doesn't want us to know that Wang Daniao is already dead," Li Zhenguo suggested. "Then decapitation makes sense—but why castrate him?" Wu Xia...
Chapter 1797: Assaying Gold and Silver
Such "disorder" was precisely what the Senate's governance philosophy sought to eliminate. From a livelihoods perspective, though small and micro enterprises an...
Chapter 1798: The Private Meeting
Shen Changxi bowed to the assembled guests and explained with practiced grace: "Gentlemen! That Master Gao has entrusted our humble establishment with assaying the A...
Chapter 1799: The Merchants Thoughts
"Whether we exchange or accept, it doesn't matter—high or low fineness, it's still silver. If the common people recognize it, we may consider it a good deed bene...
Chapter 1800: Big Vision in Business
Gao Ju understood that this meant he would have to "enter the ring" with the Australians to negotiate terms. He cursed inwardly—they certainly found it easy to ju...
Chapter 1801: Eve of Issuance
The letter was addressed to his patron, Young Master Liang. The Liang family had always been his backstage supporter and most important major client. As soon as whispers...
Chapter 1802: The Tax Bureau Chief
The financial machinery for Guangzhou's currency reform was already grinding into motion. Delong Bank had seeded the urban landscape with branch offices and opened ...
Chapter 1803: Industrial and Commercial Taxes
In some localities, the dysfunction had metastasized to the point where collection costs actually exceeded revenue, prompting authorities to simply aboli...
Chapter 1804: Staking Claims
By any reasonable standard of administrative procedure, Minister Hong should have first coordinated with the Delong banking system to assess the fiscal situation, then di...
Chapter 1805: Educating the Next Generation
Before leaving Lingao, Zhang Yunmi had earnestly asked Liu Xiang what serving as an administrative head was actually like in practice. She remembered only ...
Chapter 1806: SelfJustification
"The concept of revolution is neither a foreign import nor a modern invention—its historical lineage reaches far back through Chinese history, though I won't belabor ...
Chapter 1807: Propaganda Work
Liu Xiang maintained surface composure as he accepted the document folder and began methodically flipping through pages, but his pointed silence already telegraphed clea...
Chapter 1808: Zhang Yunmi Refuses to Be a Secretary
Lu Cheng responded to the summons and entered briskly—one glance revealed three officials occupying the office, including that particular young fem...
Chapter 1809: Procuress Fang
Madam Han Qiaojie said with practiced diplomatic concern: "Father Fang, speaking in such formal terms creates unnecessary distance between us. Yueque Street represents ev...
Chapter 1810: Countermeasures
After seeing Old Man Fang politely off the premises, Madam Han summoned her two trusted "Guardian Generals" back into her private chamber and also had the pimp headman H...
Chapter 1811: Forcing Virtue Into Vice
"Whatever method you devise, implement it quickly without delay." Madam Han instructed with evident urgency. "The Australians conduct administrative work with r...
Chapter 1812: The Carrot and the Stick
"Let me make myself perfectly clear: abandon whatever fantasies you're still clinging to! Once you've entered this establishment, you can forget all pretense of...
Chapter 1813: Civil Service Examination
Li Ziyu peered at the bustling construction scene inside and said: "Never mind. Brother Zhang's family is doing renovations—I'll just stand here and chat." "Tr...
Chapter 1814: The Exam Syllabus
"You needn't bother with Former Song materials. What the chiefs have brought is unlike anything in three thousand years of history. Take the police work I do—has any d...
Chapter 1815: The Dong Family Shop
Though mealtime hadn't yet arrived, quite a few customers had already gathered at the entrance. Judging from their dress, nearly half were "eating Australian rice"—...
Chapter 1816: Civil Service Consultation
Since she's from Lingao, she must be quite familiar with the chiefs' affairs. But a mere woman probably doesn't know much about Great Song's official position...
Chapter 1817: MotherDaughter HearttoHeart
Li Ziyu quickly said: "I bought a few Shandong pancake wraps—stuffed with braised meat. Quite fragrant. Officer Lian, won't you try one?" Lian Nishang gla...
Chapter 1818: Filing a Report
"What?! That can't be right. Whatever else, Mingnu is still your brother-in-law's own flesh and blood. His family isn't destitute—why would they sell her? Did you search...
Chapter 1819: Interrogation
Gao Chongjiu said: "Li Ziyu from the Public Security Section used to patrol that area. He knows the territory well and is familiar with the parties involved. Let him assis...
Chapter 1820: Step by Step
A buzz of discussion immediately arose among the teahouse customers. Gao Chongjiu raised his hand to silence Zeng Juan, then continued his questioning: "Since she went miss...
Chapter 1821: Inexplicable Riot
"There may be more than one corpse." Gao Chongjiu said. "Damn it—the moment I set foot in here, I knew something was wrong with the smell! A faint stench underneath! N...
Chapter 1822: Scene Investigation
The front office was the most substantial structure in the entire inn—wooden construction raised upon a thick rammed-earth foundation. Its interior layout was unrema...
Chapter 1823: Special Case
The case was not only reported to Mu Min's desk but also directly communicated to Liu Xiang and Wen Desi. Less than an hour after the report went up, even Ran Yao in distan...
Chapter 1824: The Task Force
"My suggestion is to send a telegram and have the New Daoist Order send someone to analyze this. I recall Daoist Zhang has done research on traditional Chinese cults and ...
Chapter 1825: The Haunted Yamen
Dai E said impatiently: "Old Cui, what do you think this is about? This is a major murder case! Why are we dawdling with this nonsense instead of rushing to help?" "On...
Chapter 1826: Playing at Ghosts
The party departed by sedan from the Municipal Police Bureau and soon arrived at the municipal government. To avoid alarming anyone, the sedans did not use the front g...
Chapter 1827: Playing at Ghosts Continued
A police officer on duty in the courtyard hurried over: "Chief, it's on the rear window. This humble one will show you." Cui Hantang walked to the rear win...
Chapter 1828: Sorcery
Before Liu Xiang could speak, Guo Xier dropped to her knees before Cui Hantang, overcome with gratitude: "Immortal Elder, Grand Master..." Though Cui Hantang did not know Guo Xi...
Chapter 1829: Startle Flash Peak and Wind
Cui Hantang's face showed displeasure, like someone whose TV show had been spoiled. Rather unwillingly he said: "That's right." "Hmm?" Mu Min perk...
Chapter 1830: Whereabouts
"The position of Regent can also be hereditary. If Cao Pi hadn't usurped the Han, there would have been nothing wrong with the Cao family passing it down through generations...
Chapter 1831: Fangchun Court
Temple Keeper Fang could only nod repeatedly, saying: "I know, I know. I wouldn't dare violate your rules, Officer! I was confused! Which houses are we checking today? Th...
Chapter 1832: Pleasure Boat
Li Ziyu had no interest in the painted beauties arrayed before him. His gaze swept past them to settle on the pipazai —the young trainees. Fangchun Court maintained six or...
Chapter 1833: Suspension for Rectification
Today she had been silently practicing pipa tunes in her room. He Xiaoyue possessed no natural talent for the four arts of refinement—zither, go, calligraph...
Chapter 1834: Making an Example
Zhao Gui nodded quickly, repeated the instructions several times to fix them in memory, then led his men away. After Zhao Gui departed, Li Ziyu ordered the main gate t...
Chapter 1835: Breaking and Entering
Others might have hesitated at those words, but Lian Nishang despised powerful households above all else and possessed a fiery temper. Had she not heard this, she ...
Chapter 1836: Strange and Changeable
Lian Nishang sneered. "This isn't Fangchun Court's land? The land deed is still on file at City Hall." "Whose land deed it may be, this servant neither knows nor ...
Chapter 1837: Suspicious Points
Suiyun wept softly: "This servant dares not do it again." "Carry her away," Yue Wan ordered. "Go to my room for the medicine and apply it to her. Let her rest and recu...
Chapter 1838: Torture
Because of family misfortunes, Lian Nishang had once nearly fallen into the dusty world of prostitution herself. She detested madams and their ilk to the extreme. Though the Int...
Chapter 1839: Daoist WoodStone
The confession Lian Nishang obtained at Fangchun Court soon reached Mu Min's desk. Mu Min ordered a copy made immediately and forwarded to Wu Mu. Liang Cunhou was alre...
Chapter 1840: New Opportunity
"China Current Affairs Section, Item One—" In the small teahouse, Zeng Juan held a newspaper and read aloud. Dozens of tea guests around him listened intently. This job ...
Chapter 1841: Brotherhood
Zeng Juan gave Zhang Yu the cold shoulder, but his friend didn't take offense. He first poured two cups of herbal tea from the big clay pot, tasted it—confirming it was the ...
Chapter 1842: The Tea House Bosss Worries
Zhang Yu savored a fun guo dumpling, speaking between bites in his measured way. "Let's count the courts ever established in Guangzhou," he said, patting hi...
Chapter 1843: Currency Credit
Except for retail at the storefront and smaller wholesale purchases where cash remained acceptable, payment settlement between Zhang's Food Company and its major upstrea...
Chapter 1844: Purple Lightning Towers Expansion Path
The moment she returned to Guangzhou, several wealthy young masters who were regulars at Purple Lightning Tower had appeared one after another, h...
Chapter 1845: Advanced Worker
That Pei Lixiu had come specifically to ask meant she intended to rely on her for the next phase of work. Devouring this fat morsel of Fangchun Court, the Australians na...
Chapter 1846: Honoring Ancestors
That afternoon, Li Ziyu's work enthusiasm soared. After copying documents, he went out on two missions with the team, both involving arrests at brothels. Recently, th...
Chapter 1847: Clipping Wings
But Wang Dong had no spare money in hand. The sisters who sold smiles loved beauty—and loved cash even more. When three to five days had passed without him producing any ...
Chapter 1848: The Snakes Trail
"Death by snake venom?" Zhou Botao asked incredulously, holding the autopsy report. "That's right—a snakebite." Su Wan sat on the large sofa, one leg crossed over the ...
Chapter 1849: Night Raid
The words "Political Security Bureau" had barely taken root in the minds of Li Ziyu and Gao Chongjiu when a commanding voice rang out. "Attention!" With a crisp rustle, every...
Chapter 1850: The Arrest Part 1
Behind Cui Hantang, Lian Nishang gritted her teeth and followed in silence, maintaining a vigilant posture at all times. Even when she slipped and fell, she simply r...
Chapter 1851: The Arrest Part 2
A minute passed. From inside came occasional sneezing and coughing. Cui Hantang sneered, "Still hanging on? Let's see how long you can last!" But after five minutes,...
Chapter 1852: The Arrest Part 3
Cui Hantang was stout of build, but quick on his feet. He whipped one sleeve upward like a bronze shield to guard his head and face, his free hand shooting out to se...
Chapter 1853: Countermoves
News of Gao Tianshi's "sudden death" spread rapidly through Guangzhou. This infamous figure—the "Living Prefect" whom even the gentry feared—had been hale and hearty just d...
Chapter 1854: Young Master Huangs Dilemma
"Confucius, surname Kong, given name Qiu, an illegitimate son of a minister's family in Lu, ancestral home in Shangqiu of Song..." Lin Zunxiu slammed the co...
Chapter 1855: Ancestral Brother
"The only difficulty is that the roads are impassable! The region around Guangfu has descended into chaos. The counties under Australian military control are more or l...
Chapter 1856: A Stark Contrast
Standing at the doorway after seeing Liang Cunhou off, Zhang Dai shook his head for reasons he could not quite articulate. He turned and wandered back inside, gently wi...
Chapter 1857: Mayor Lius Busy Schedule
Traveling to Qiongzhou from Guangzhou was no difficult matter. Before the Australians took Guangzhou, Dabo Shipping had maintained an office at Tianzi Wharf, w...
Chapter 1858: The Runshitang Flagship Store
"What did the visitor say?" "He said he would return in three days for a reply." "I understand." By rights, the Zhang Dai matter should have been handled b...
Chapter 1859: Lingaos Literary Affairs
Among the four diagnostic methods—"observation, listening, inquiry, and pulse-taking"—"observation" carries something of the art of physiognomy. The middle-age...
Chapter 1860: The Doctrine of Productive Forces
"...After the Australians came to Lingao, they undertook various projects. Not only did they restore the Moliaxuan Academy and reorganize the school fi...
Chapter 1861: Motives for Travel
The three words "Elder Zhao" were spoken by Zhang Dai with deliberate emphasis on each syllable. When Liu San heard this, he confirmed that the intelligence was accur...
Chapter 1862: Benefits to Peoples Livelihoods
"After you raised the matter, I gave it considerable thought. It does seem that apart from producing exquisite objects for appreciation, such techniques...
Chapter 1863: The Persuader
Liu San started, for in Lingao the ice-pop business was mostly monopolized by the Red Flower Society, and the Red Flower Society used enameled insulated containers across ...
Chapter 1864: Missing the Point
"Master Zhang, as we just discussed, among copper, iron, and tin, tin melts most easily and resists rust. So we can simply melt tin and plate it onto the surface of ir...
Chapter 1865: The New Judge
Around noon that day, Element Shen Ruiming of the Ministry of Justice arrived in Guangzhou from Lingao. As a member of the Law Society, he had come to strengthen judicial ...
Chapter 1866: Out with the Old In with the New Part 1
Shen Ruiming had successfully obtained personnel from Du Wen. With Guangzhou constantly pressing for judicial Elements to arrive, he wasted no...
Chapter 1867: Out with the Old In with the New Part 2
"The city's permanent population is only a little over 500,000, yet beggars and vagrants account for nearly 1%. Such a waste." Liu Xiang could...
Chapter 1868: Out with the Old In with the New Part 3
By now Shen Ruiming had his thoughts in order. When Liu Xiang called his name, he immediately stood up. Liu Xiang waved a hand: "Sit down and ...
Chapter 1869: Out with the Old In with the New Part 4
On his way back to the Justice Bureau, Shen Ruiming continued pondering the task Liu Xiang had given him. Of course, from the perspective of h...
Chapter 1870: Out with the Old In with the New Part 5
Outside the West Gate of Guangzhou lay what had originally been a plain crisscrossed by waterways. However, the area near the city had been de...
Chapter 1871: Out with the Old In with the New Part 6
"What etiquette," Gao Lingxiang waved his fan. "This is just a beggar's den. We're not so particular here." The Mo steward quickly said: "Mast...
Chapter 1872: Out with the Old In with the New Part 7
A new official brings three fires. In less than half a year since taking office, Great Song's Prefect Liu had made sweeping moves. These past ...
Chapter 1873: Out with the Old In with the New Part 8
These words puzzled Mu Min. "Redress," "clear the dead man's name"—it sounded like a wrongful conviction case. Yet she had been told it was a ...
Chapter 1874: Out with the Old In with the New Part 9
"I'm just a lowly patrol captain—how is that returning in glory?" Lu Dagang spoke modestly, but couldn't hide the satisfaction on his face. "L...
Chapter 1875: Out with the Old In with the New Part 10
In the Xiuyi Ward neighborhood of Xiajiu Pu, outside Guangzhou's West Gate, there was a small alley called Wenlan Alley. The famous Wenlan Ac...
Chapter 1876: Out with the Old In with the New Part 11
"Truly absurd—I don't believe it." "If you want to take the Australians' examination now, that's exactly what they test. Whether you believe ...
Chapter 1877: Out with the Old In with the New Part 12
The time was half past six in the evening. In August, daylight still lingered. Outside Golden Flower Temple, the Australians' newly trained c...
Chapter 1878: Out with the Old In with the New Part 13
"No—this thing needs to be kept, along with the yellow cloth cover and the seals. They all need to be preserved. This is the best weapon for ...
Chapter 1879: Out with the Old In with the New Part 14
At noon, as the midday cannon at Double Gate Tower fired, the "Decisive Victory" operation of Guangzhou Special Municipality officially comme...
Chapter 1880: Out with the Old In with the New Part 15
"Elements' personal information, schedule arrangements, even the specific number of Elements... "From the current situation, not only do natu...
Chapter 1881: Out with the Old In with the New Part 16
After hastily issuing several orders, Liu San realized his knowledge of public health and epidemic prevention was limited to the general cour...
Chapter 1882: Out with the Old In with the New Part 17
Plague manifested in several forms: the milder strain, bubonic plague, pneumonic plague, and septicemic plague. The latter two were catastrop...
Chapter 1883: Plague War Part 1
Though bubonic plague remained deadly even in the twenty-first century, where multiple treatments existed, the most effective countermeasures were still rigorous qua...
Chapter 1884: Plague War Part 2
Comprehensive surveillance of the urban area and adjacent suburbs would require five to six hundred quarantine personnel at minimum. For the military, this burden wa...
Chapter 1885: Plague War Part 3
Lai Xiao's escape caused barely a ripple. To avoid complications, the escort personnel simply wrote in their report: "One jumped into the river and committed suicide...
Chapter 1886: Plague War Part 4
Liu Deshan was so frightened he jumped. He had never seen an Elder so furious. He fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling: "This humble one deserves death...
Chapter 1887: Auntie Lius Words
Huo Junming touched the manual in his satchel. This "Epidemic Prevention Manual," compiled by Lin Motian, was the standard for all epidemic prevention work. It detail...
Chapter 1888: The Abandoned Corpse
Everything in East Branch Alley Seven remained as before—as if Zhao Gui had just patrolled here yesterday. The only change was that the roads were more level than b...
Chapter 1889: The Difficulty of Changing Customs
Zhao Gui was momentarily tongue-tied. After standing dumbfounded for a while, he could only say, "Let's still have the criminal investigation comrades...
Chapter 1890: Lin Motians Anguish
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, cremation was quite common among ordinary people. After Zhu Yuanzhang established the Ming dynasty, he considered cremation a "b...
Chapter 1891: Progress Through Setbacks
"Whether Lu Xun knew what he was talking about, we won't discuss," Wen Desi said. "What do you plan to do now?" "Public resentment is boiling. The Sentiment Re...
Chapter 1892: Epidemic Escalation
Epidemic Escalation After Wen Desi departed, Lin Motian penned a note to Cui Hantang, explaining his urgent need to locate a "feng shui treasure site" in the suburbs...
Chapter 1893: Guangzhou Under the Shadow of Plague
Guangzhou Under the Shadow of Plague If this case was confirmed, that peddler was almost certainly doomed as well. Fu Wuben sighed silently. If this...
Chapter 1894: Leading by Example
Leading by Example Lin Motian was convinced that pneumonic plague had not just appeared in the past two days—their quarantine network, laughably crude by modern stand...
Chapter 1895: Epidemic Relapse
Epidemic Relapse Fu Wuben donned his isolation suit and arrived at the gate of the quarantine camp's ward area wearing a stern expression. This was the isolation zone f...
Chapter 1896: Rebirth
Rebirth All wars must end. As the weather gradually turned cooler, newly reported cases decreased daily. On November 10th, the daily report showed zero new cases for the first t...
Chapter 1897: Following the Vines
Following the Vines No one noticed that in a quiet alley nearby, two men dressed as laborers were watching them with cold eyes. "Looks like the Stone Elder's magic d...
Chapter 1898: A New Assignment
A New Assignment "Don't worry—once we arrest those two front-men, all of the Liang family's hidden treasures will come to light." Mu Min spoke with unwavering certainty...
Chapter 1899: The Temple of the Five Immortals
The Temple of the Five Immortals You gave the land to the Lingao Church ages ago! Cui Hantang thought bitterly. You foreign-worshipping lackey! He thank...
Chapter 1900: Swallowing the Whale
Swallowing the Whale "No need to worry—this is all superstition, and we don't encourage it." Cui Hantang laughed heartily, then bellowed: "Jiang Ziya is here!" Fu M...
Chapter 1901: The Public Memorial
The Public Memorial After intensive planning and preparation, the public memorial ceremony officially entered its implementation phase. According to Liu Xiang's plan...
Chapter 1902: Teaching Through Divine Means
The New Daoist platform stood out immediately. Ringed by colorful banners proclaiming "National Peace and Prosperity" and "Reverence to Heaven, Prayers for...
Chapter 1903: The Public Trial
These words caught Shen Ruiming somewhat off guard—he genuinely hadn't considered this. In his recollection, Elders had served as defense counsel only during the Simpli...
Chapter 1904: Shen Ruimings Indictment
The buzzing commentary reached Zhang Yunmi's ears, making her slightly nervous at her first appearance in such a major public venue—especially since she'd lear...
Chapter 1905: The Verdict
Excavated mass burial pits; half-decomposed corpses stacked in neat rows; children's bodies with eyes, facial features, and organs carved out; mud and sand mixed with bone f...
Chapter 1906: The Public Trial Assembly
"Director Ding, are you asking how many of these crowd members are actors?" Mu Min said. Ding Ding coughed once: "He who makes the first clay burial figures—wi...
Chapter 1907: Public Trial Continued One
He Xi raised the spirit tablet high, staring directly into Mo Rongxin's dead-fish-like eyes, and said through gritted teeth: "Go down to the eighteenth level ...
Chapter 1908: Public Trial Continued Two
He Xi raised the spirit tablet high, staring directly into Mo Rongxin's dead-fish-like eyes, and said through gritted teeth: "Go down to the eighteenth level ...
Chapter 1909: Civil Service Examination Part One
He Xi raised the spirit tablet high, staring directly into Mo Rongxin's dead-fish-like eyes, and said through gritted teeth: "Go down to the eightee...
Chapter 1910: Civil Service Examination Part Two
That evening, Yuan Shuzhi and Zeng Juan studied the newspaper carefully, looking for positions that met their qualifications. There were quite a few...
Chapter 1911: Civil Service Examination Part Three
"The name 'Yuan Shu' isn't good." Yuan Shuzhi shook his head. "Too many people know my name. If I change it rashly, people will surely be suspicio...
Chapter 1912: Civil Service Examination Part Four
Dong Yizhi had felt a certain satisfaction in the moment—the quiet pleasure of wielding authority for the people's benefit. But his contentment pro...
Chapter 1913: Civil Service Examination Part Eight
Material Three: The theory of factions has existed since ancient times. A ruler need only discern which are the factions of gentlemen and which ar...
Chapter 1914: Civil Service Examination Part Ten
Now that the examination had concluded, all that remained was to await fate's verdict. Yuan Shuzhi understood the ancient truth: fine essays had alw...
Chapter 1915: Announcement of Results
Once political qualification was established, Zhang Yunmi examined the writing and argumentation. There were commendable elements—the analysis and arguments prov...
Chapter 1916: Ups and Downs
Yet searching through the entire roster, there was still nothing! Zeng Juan's heart burned with anxiety. He had been extremely confident about passing, but now his name re...
Chapter 1917: Interview Part One
This was absolutely out of the question. First, though the Zeng family were modest urbanites, they still observed the proprieties of parental arrangement and matchm...
Chapter 1918: Interview Part Two
Elder Ai Zhixin was especially pleased—such arithmetic ability was outstanding even among the naturalized citizens. Excellent! The Tax Bureau currently had no compu...
Chapter 1919: Announcing Good News
After the interview concluded, Yuan Shuzhi and Zeng Juan once again began the endless waiting. This time differed from before. The first round had been the written ...
Chapter 1920: Background Check and Physical Examination
Wu Ming slapped his thigh and exclaimed: "Brother Yuan's guidance is excellent! I was truly confused! In vain have I read so many Australian bo...
Chapter 1921: Shaved Hair
To avoid unnecessary trouble, Lin Motian changed all the doctors examining the native cadres to males. But when it came to the surgical examination requiring complete undres...
Chapter 1922: History of the Senate
The Guangzhou Municipal Administrative School found its home within the Tribute Courtyard. North of the "Heaven Opens Literary Fortune" archway lay the Public Hall...
Chapter 1923: Divine Instrument
January 1636, early morning. Since the Senate's recovery of Guangzhou in March 1635, more than half a year had passed. In those ten months, the city had endured a temp...
Chapter 1924: Mechanical Computer
"Is it entirely mechanical this time?" Ai Zhixin asked with visible concern. To be honest, he wasn't reassured by the combination of "mechanical" and "computer." The...
Chapter 1925: The Man Who Fixes Computers
The Senate strongly supported this matter. Not only did they allocate special funds to expand the old timeline goods warehouse at Gaoshanling to store Elders...
Chapter 1926: Not A Life Secretary
During a casual chat, Dr. Zhong remarked that USB ports had no technical complexity and could likely be produced locally. Feng Nuo dismantled several damaged ports ...
Chapter 1927: Initial Exploration
In the old timeline, this wouldn't have been much of a problem. Ordinary server rooms maintained multiple data backups. If a hard drive broke, you simply bought a ne...
Chapter 1928: Basic Theory
The reason for choosing "Cultural" over "Flying Fish" was that the project team had already spent considerable time on the Curta and accumulated some valuable experience. C...
Chapter 1929: Project Initiation
"The punched card computer system includes three most basic components—or rather, these three devices can constitute the simplest punched card computer system: the pu...
Chapter 1930: Establishing The Agenda
"Do you mean that bringing too many theoretical and technical materials will cause the naturalized students we train to rely too much on existing routes and lack...
Chapter 1931: Card Standards
Since becoming the State Secretary of the "most powerful Administration Council since D-Day," Ma Qianzhu had lost quite a bit more hair. His schedule was calculated in mi...
Chapter 1932: Punched Cards
The debate between the Quweima encoding system and the standard telegraph code proved mercifully brief. In the end, Quweima secured tentative approval from the majority of...
Chapter 1933: Xu Laowu
"Old Xu." The familiar baritone carried a note of weary desperation. Senator Xu Yicheng, hunched over the Senate BBS trying to gauge the prevailing winds of opinion, already kn...
Chapter 1934: Naturalized Citizens of the Data Center
The Secretary of State and the Minister of Planning sought to reduce current machine time consumption through this strategy, cultivating statisti...
Chapter 1935: Zhu Qiujing
This shift leader, twenty years old, carried the designation "widow." Zhu Qiujing hailed from Guangzhou's outskirts. Married at fifteen, she became Madame He-Zhu. Mother at ...
Chapter 1936: Women Cadres of the New Era
The Qiongya Detachment's first cadre selection roster for northward political takeover operations originally excluded Zhu Qiujing's name—she belonged to pure...
Chapter 1937: Data Publication
The reason was simple. After deciding to venture into the new world from the old timeline, Senator Xu—due to his longstanding engagement in medical system informatizati...
Chapter 1938: Two Senators
Originally, the General Office planned to expand the Senator residential area, but with the Liangguang Strategy's launch, the Senate planned to relocate to Guangzhou. After...
Chapter 1939: Punching Machine
Feng Nuo was currently on the BBS reading a post: "If there were another wormhole, would you go back?" This was a perennial thread on the BBS, but over the years, not o...
Chapter 1940: The Tenant
In the past, Feng Nuo's work was relatively leisurely, and he'd do some housework when at home. However, recently, he couldn't manage it anymore. Home hygiene was degrading s...
Chapter 1941: Relay
"I work as an apprentice at the General Machinery Plant." "I don't have a place to live for the time being. Your attic upstairs is still empty, can I live there? Don't worry! I wi...
Chapter 1942: Boiling Lacquer
Though Feng Nuo harbored some dissatisfaction that the machinery factory had allocated him only a single fresh graduate from vocational school, he consoled himself with ...
Chapter 1943: Li Jianais Secret
To compound her anxieties, Li Jianai's formal employment situation proved equally dispiriting. Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences typically performed con...
Chapter 1944: Boost
The matter, however, took an unexpected turn. When Zhou Botao dispatched someone to coordinate with the Tiandihui regarding Li Jianai's work adjustment, Dugu Qiuhun erupted. True,...
Chapter 1945: Primitive Relay
"Feng Shan, come continue calculating the designs for the suction and rotary configurations." Feng Nuo had transformed back into an electrician, arduously reviewing elec...
Chapter 1946: First Date
During this period, though losing organizational contact had initially left her panic-stricken, time had gradually opened a door in her heart—one labeled "freedom"—allowing h...
Chapter 1947: Accumulator
Yet each day seemed remarkably different. Qian Yuzhi gradually absorbed what relays were, what iron core shape optimized performance, how rapidly the hand-cranked copper wir...
Chapter 1948: Card Duplication
Feng Nuo subsequently adjusted the tabulating machine's data processing mode. Previously, the tabulating machine had been designed to read punch cards column by column....
Chapter 1949: The Mathematical Theory of Error Checking
Qian Yuzhi's gaze began wandering first, and Li Jianai was drifting by now as well. Only Feng Shan remained attentive. "Binary search locates a...
Chapter 1950: Advanced Mathematics
Today marked another session for teaching Feng Shan discrete mathematics. Set theory, graph theory, mathematical logic, Boolean algebra, group theory... culminating...
Chapter 1951: A Date at Store Number 43
But the teacher's final words in class left a deep impression on her. He'd said: "Infinity and finitude have an essential difference. Infinity is elusive and c...
Chapter 1952: The Youth
The chattering girls meant nothing to Feng Shan. She knew none of them, nor wished to. They inhabited a different world entirely—one whose rhythms and preoccupations she neith...
Chapter 1953: Questions Part One
Thus, when Feng Nuo submitted a memorandum through proper channels—citing Li Jianai's "outstanding performance in part-time work at the Electronic Equipment Worksho...
Chapter 1954: Questions Part Two
Fangshaodi's moral education curriculum remained at the elementary stage of "we are good, the enemy is bad." The Executive Committee preferred that naturalized citi...
Chapter 1955: The Sorting Machine
Feng Shan's face reddened further. Though she could only half-grasp her teacher's words, she understood their essence. Moreover, she had keenly perceived another mea...
Chapter 1956: Application of the Sorting Machine
After configuring the sorting machine, Feng Nuo flipped the machine's switch and the cards began sorting with a rhythmic swishing sound. He instructed...
Chapter 1957: True or False
"Compound propositions are composed of one or more simple propositions, and the method of composition we call 'connectives.' For example, 'This card is not a slave,' 'This...
Chapter 1958: When the Melon is Ripe it Falls
Then he said, "If each switch is a proposition—closed is 'true,' open is 'false'—and the light bulb is also a proposition—lit is 'true,' dark is 'false'...
Chapter 1959: The Director of the Finance and Tax Bureau
This bumpy history of mechanical computer development had consumed roughly ten months from start to finish, and the difficulties involved were...
Chapter 1960: Indirect Taxes Direct Taxes and Tax Farming
However, "property" was a very broad concept. In this timeline, everything from land and buildings to antiques, valuable clothing, jewelry,...
Chapter 1961: The Deputy Directors
Ai Zhixin naturally didn't know the hidden obstacles in this, but he knew how many tricks were involved. If I agree to let you run this meat cooperative, those pig ...
Chapter 1962: The Harbor Treasury
At the prospect of finally launching substantive tax work, Ai Zhixin felt a quiet surge of anticipation. His months in Guangzhou had yielded accomplishments in finan...
Chapter 1963: Vice Director Wang
"They're finally here!" Ai Zhixin swallowed his meal in three hasty gulps, tossed aside his lunchbox, and strode from the Harbor Treasury's makeshift office toward th...
Chapter 1964: Adjustment
Wang Qiyi understood perfectly that this "non-tax revenue" was merely a euphemism for confiscated property. The witchcraft prosecutions, the purge of the Guan Di Temple facti...
Chapter 1965: Exam Assessment
"A separate fiscal revenue account?" Wang Qiyi grasped the implication immediately. Without fiscal entity status, Ai Zhixin remained merely a minor functionary relaying ...
Chapter 1966: Tax Agency
The personnel system would continue implementing Lingao's examination-based evaluation methodology while prioritizing front-line and operational staff. Alongside enhanced fro...
Chapter 1967: An Auspicious Start
Spring in Guangzhou brought warmth and radiance; even in the Little Ice Age's early morning, Zhang Xiaoqi felt none of the lingering chill she would have experienced...
Chapter 1968: Invoice No 1
Standing before the window marked "01" with Advisor Xu at his side, Steward Yan felt profoundly uncomfortable. He was accustomed to serving others and assuming deferential...
Chapter 1969: A Basically Smooth First Day
He watched the woman scribble on the paper with a sharp-nibbed dip pen, then rise to position the document on an iron platform and press down firmly before ...
Chapter 1970: A Nearly Perfect Conclusion
In Zhang Xiaoqi's assessment, this already represented a process simplified beyond further reduction. Though she'd proposed the requirement of remitting tax ...
Chapter 1971: Closing the Accounts
"Write-off" was a term frequently employed in the tax system, generally referring to the confirmation of an item or document/voucher. Here, Nan Wan'er needed to del...
Chapter 1972: Fighting for Money and Profit
Night had fallen over Guangzhou, cloaking the city in darkness that mercifully concealed the torn-up streets and fetid excavation pits. The daytime cacopho...
Chapter 1973: Money Distribution Plan
The Finance and Tax Bureau trio hadn't come to this meeting empty-handed. They'd spent months hashing out proposals to balance central and local interests regard...
Chapter 1974: Special Taxes
The Senate meeting finally adjourned close to midnight. The Finance and Tax Bureau trio were gathering their papers when Liu Xiang, as host, stopped them. "I have a few ad...
Chapter 1975: The Secret of Finance
Wang Qiyi's remark signaled they shouldn't pursue the "Flower Donation" issue tonight. Ai Zhixin had participated in the customs industry rectification meetings an...
Chapter 1976: SelfDeclaration
After months working together, Zeng Juan and this team leader of similar age had taken to calling each other brothers—a rarity in the Guangzhou Finance and Tax Bureau. ...
Chapter 1977: Doubts
"This Dragon Gate Ledger works as follows: whenever a transaction occurs, enter four items: Jin (Enter), Jiao (Pay), Cun (Store), Gai (Owe). Simply put, Jin is income, Jiao is ex...
Chapter 1978: Veggie Pancake Two Skins
She didn't quite grasp what the Senate truly represented. When she'd first arrived in Lingao, people frequently mentioned "Chairman Wen." She'd assumed that wa...
Chapter 1979: Expanding Production
"Mm, mm... the taste is still lacking something." Zhang Xiaoqi sat in the shop hall chewing the pancake made under her personal "guidance," sensing something absent...
Chapter 1980: Brothers Reunited
Midday at the Purple Light Pavilion revealed sparse signs of activity. Beneath the newly constructed sedan and horse corridor eaves, the one-armed Spaniard—holding dua...
Chapter 1981: Small Reunion
After three rounds of wine, the group was slightly tipsy. "Ah Xin." Zhang Yu raised his cup. "I must toast you this cup. Without your recommendation back then, forget my s...
Chapter 1982: A Counterfeit Bill
"Ah, Brother Yu, you misunderstand me." The speaker waved his cup genially. "You think I don't know how much grain this Guangzhou market can swallow? The real busines...
Chapter 1983: Clues
"Excel in learning to become an official." The ancient dictum mocked Zeng Juan whenever it crossed his mind. He'd long abandoned hope of achieving anything through the imperial ex...
Chapter 1984: YinYang Contract
Though the Zhang Family Old Shop had rebranded as "Zhang Family Old Shop Food Company" and purchased a separate residence—ending centuries of "home and shop combined" ...
Chapter 1985: Stamp Tax Case
Or was it a Group Enterprise? An Associated Enterprise? Zeng Juan strained to recall the Australian concepts Directors Zhang and Wang had mentioned in passing during thei...
Chapter 1986: Economic Crime Investigation Bureau
"Our collection operations have barely completed two quarters—losses remain containable, which means we must strangle this kind of abuse in its cradl...
Chapter 1987: Economic Crime Investigation Division
"Consider this: Salina is a trained professional. Previously, her foreign status limited her utilization—she's been relegated to consultant and ins...
Chapter 1988: First Team Meeting
Following the meeting, Wang Qiyi led Zeng Juan, Yao Yulan, and Huang Ping directly to Room 114. Surveying the office's bright windows and orderly desks, Zeng Juan exp...
Chapter 1989: A Small Meeting of Recalling Bitterness
"Yes, Chief!" "Not this again!" Wang Qiyi harbored profound unenthusiasm for this "Militarized Management" protocol. He could never comprehend ce...
Chapter 1990: Custom Tax
Neither possessing a secretary to pa-pa like Liu Xiang, nor adopting Mu Min's style of dragging guns to check posts on streets at midnight, so when Ai Zhixin sent someone aft...
Chapter 1991: New Australian Tricks
"Regarding this," Wang Qiyi flipped a page forward in his notebook, "I inquired with Pei Xiuli after Liu Xiang finished discussing Special Taxes that day. You were...
Chapter 1992: New Australian Tricks Continued
"Naturally. Team Leader Chen came by yesterday and explained the whole system. The stickers come in three tiers—white, green, and blue, in ascending or...
Chapter 1993: New Australian Tricks Continued Again
"Wonderful, wonderful—of course it makes sense. A veritable God of Wealth! So much better than the Health Committee, which is both stingy and end...
Chapter 1994: Circle and Approve
Wang Qiyi lay sprawled across his dormitory bed, half-reclined and utterly bored. Perhaps it was his lack of self-awareness as a "Senator," but compared to Ai Zhixin—...
Chapter 1995: Liang Residence
Liang Cunhou sat quietly in his study, brow furrowed, cradling a cup of tea that had long since gone cold. A wisp of cool breeze drifted in through the window, gently li...
Chapter 1996: Visit
Wang Qiyi swayed gently with the bumps of the sedan chair, calculating the third quarter's revenue forecast in his mind. After more than a year in Guangzhou, the tax collection fr...
Chapter 1997: Softening
Wang Qiyi was in fine spirits. At the task force's working dinner and briefing in Room 114 of the Finance and Tax Bureau, he even managed to slip in a bawdy joke. Whether it w...
Chapter 1998: Huang Pings Sanya Diary
Observing this True Bandit smiling broadly, uttering several perfunctory "Good, good" remarks as if nothing consequential had transpired, Liang Cunhou felt incr...
Chapter 1999: The Shi Young Master Keeping Pace with Times
Lying in bed, Huang Ping stared up at the ceiling with bright, wakeful eyes. Sleep eluded him; his mind churned with investigation details. ...
Chapter 2000: Solution to Naturalized Citizens Marriage Problem
The budget had been rejected. But the matter of finding wives for naturalized citizens proceeded as usual. Senator Du Yibin—the most e...
Chapter 2001: Two Elders Concerned With Naturalized Marriage
"But surely, among all the prisoners under Fu Youdi's jurisdiction, there must be some suitable candidates?" Du Yibin pressed, unwilling t...
Chapter 2002: Two Senators Caring About Naturalized Citizens Marriage Problem II
Guangzhou was home to hundreds of thousands of souls—the largest city in southern seventeenth-century China. Surely...
Chapter 2003: Two Elders Concerned With Naturalized Marriage III
"Mmm-hmm, and then? Where will the women come from?" "That phrasing is deeply problematic," Wang Jun said. "At the first reading in ...
Chapter 2004: Jiliang Institute
However, most of the women had no homes to return to. Women sent to the Chastity Halls—whether voluntarily or by force—came from families either too poor to feed anoth...
Chapter 2005: Making a Fool in Public
Du Yibin glanced at several sick patients and felt a stab of disappointment. He'd originally thought that since they'd worked as prostitutes, their appearances w...
Chapter 2006: The Selected Objects
Lu Cheng turned her head back and said to Lu Weijia: "Send a messenger to the City Political Security Bureau. Tell them there's a reactionary element conducting ins...
Chapter 2007: The List
Mao Xiuyu's speech could be said to have entered both feeling and reason. Lu Cheng and Lu Weijia both nodded continuously. Usually they looked down on Mao Xiuyu quite a bit, fe...
Chapter 2008: The List II
The list slowly took shape amidst the gossip swirling through the Jiliang Institute. The trio tried to fathom the chief's mind: the first batch must meet high standards to...
Chapter 2009: The Choice
In Du Yibin's personal view, this treatment was appallingly low. But for now, this was the most the Senate could provide. Even the domestic service vouchers had only been rel...
Chapter 2010: Matchmaking Conference I
Although Civil Affairs provided special nursing allowances for naturalized citizens with Grade 4 disabilities or higher who couldn't care for themselves—which...
Chapter 2011: Matchmaking Conference II
Upon hearing the introduction, Wang Jun's initially indifferent expression instantly changed. He corrected himself: "So it's Mr. Song. A pleasure to meet you...
Chapter 2012: Matchmaking Conference II
Qin Ruiyu prowled the room with his camera, hunting for the perfect angles. The naturalized workers had grown accustomed to his photographic enthusiasm, but ...
Chapter 2013: Matchmaking Conference III
The Council of Elders routinely lambasted the Ming Dynasty for its inefficiency and resource waste. Now, to have a Ming official turn those very criticisms ...
Chapter 2014: Preparing the Wedding
The matchmaking conference concluded triumphantly. Seventy-six couples registered by the end, and the three Elders congratulated the newly matched pairs with genui...
Chapter 2015: Doing More With Less
"What percentage of total costs are we talking about?" Ai Zhixin asked promptly. "I don't think setting a percentage makes sense—it might prove too large or too sma...
Chapter 2016: SendOff for the Newlyweds
The approaching celebration infused both the Qingjie Institute and Jiliang Institute with palpable joy. The happiness proved contagious—not only those prepari...
Chapter 2017: Beginning of a New Life
"...Take the Qingjie Institute, for instance. In thirty years, I've lost count of how many chaste widows lived here. True, a handful endured until their children...
Chapter 2018: Asking Cui Hantang for Help
Organizing such an event in the twenty-first century would have been simple for Fang Fei: inform the partner unit of the per-guest budget, they submit a menu...
Chapter 2019: Meritorious Participation
Just as the crowd outside grew impatient, a stout Daoist suddenly emerged—Cui Hantang, Supervisor of the Five Immortals Temple. He held a tea bowl in his left ...
Chapter 2020: Meritorious Participation II
"That's simple enough. I'll contact them." Fu Meng volunteered. He wasn't as much of a "homebody" as Cui Hantang, who was content to remain in the temple ...
Chapter 2021: Ones Own Turf
Besides fried dough sticks, various pickled vegetables from the Heaven's Kitchen Food Factory were also supplied. Originally Cui Hantang had wanted "one egg per person," ...
Chapter 2022: Li Suiqiu Returns to the City
When local scholars came to call at the Five Immortals Temple, Cui Hantang invariably received them with warmth—despite Fu Meng's repeated warnings not to ...
Chapter 2023: The HairThieves Art
Li Suiqiu understood perfectly well that refusal would mean a summons—and that would constitute a complete loss of face. His servants had long reported the Austral...
Chapter 2024: Ruling the World with Commoners
Li Suiqiu had already tasted the sensation of this soft knife slicing flesh. Ever since the "tax commissioner" had arrived days earlier to conduct filing...
Chapter 2025: Seeking the True Baldies
"I see." Li Suiqiu nodded. Inwardly, he thought: these Australians possess no shortage of tricks. The collective wedding had already received extensive coverage...
Chapter 2026: The Peony Top Scholars First Visit to Five Immortals Temple
Then it struck him—was not a ready-made opportunity positioned directly before him? This young Master Zhang wished to sponso...
Chapter 2027: Dialogue Between Cui and Li
This surprised Li Suiqiu slightly—not the viewpoint's novelty, but rather that he had anticipated this Daoist would certainly spout mystifying "mandate of he...
Chapter 2028: Outrageous Claims
"May I inquire where this harm resides?" Li Suiqiu, born in Guangdong and having traveled only to Jiangnan and the capital, understood little of northern environment a...
Chapter 2029: Modest Results
Daoist Cui spoke with spittle flying, and Li Suiqiu felt profoundly vexed, particularly as he characterized the Emperor in such unflattering terms—shocking to witness. Ye...
Chapter 2030: Daoist Cui Discusses Dao
"Secondly, 'Dao' is employed by Laozi to explicate the origin, ontology, laws, principles, realm, and ultimate truth of the universe. 'The Dao follows nature' s...
Chapter 2031: The Microscope
Though Li Qiushui constituted merely a tongsheng , his family possessed some property, and his forebears had collected books during prosperous times. Following maturity, ...
Chapter 2032: Collective Wedding I
"Oh, this Daoist needs no flattery—he has pleasures enough of his own!" Cui Hantang laughed. "But you, bald head, you're a sharp one indeed." Shi Tong'an knew the...
Chapter 2033: Collective Wedding Part 2
As commander-in-chief, Fang Fei arrived at the wharf in the early morning hours. The sea of humanity before him—onlookers forming a veritable wall—exceeded a...
Chapter 2034: Collective Wedding Part 3
In the September of the Little Ice Age, the weather had turned cool. Though direct sunlight remained oppressive, the open river surface carried refreshing bu...
Chapter 2035: Perseverance
"Furthermore, when they spend money building these arches and flower platforms, sponsoring the wedding—where does all this spent money ultimately flow?" This stumped Song Y...
Chapter 2036: Collective Wedding Part 4
Song Yingsheng suddenly understood why the Australians proved so keen on "painting slogans," "singing songs," and "holding assemblies"—they called it "propag...
Chapter 2037: Collective Wedding Part 5
"What harvest?" Wang Jun asked curiously. "This harvest means nothing to you, but Daoist Cui..." He pouted toward Cui Hantang, "He's going to be overjoyed." ...
Chapter 2038: Collective Wedding VI
With his half-literary, half-vernacular congratulatory speech delivered with varied intonation, the music through the speakers resumed, transitioning from the ea...
Chapter 2039: Collective Wedding VII
Following Fang Fei's instructions, the security perimeter began contracting, allowing observing commoners to approach all the way to the bottom of Great World's...
Chapter 2040: Collective Wedding VII Continued
Having said this, he rose and headed toward the long dining table. Zhang Yu stood momentarily stunned, then quickly followed. This buffet, according t...
Chapter 2041: Collective Wedding VIII
To fully utilize Guangzhou's wealth, the Council of Elders had recently dispatched people to Guangzhou specifically to prepare a "project promotion conference....
Chapter 2042: A Performance Across Time
"Do you think Yunmi will come today?" one of the girls asked suddenly. Since the founding of the Plaid Skirt Club, Zhang Yunmi had occupied the center position...
Chapter 2043: The DuSong Debate
"Master Song, what's the matter?" Du Yibin noticed Song Yingsheng standing with eyes tightly shut—the very picture of "see no evil"—and couldn't suppress an inward sm...
Chapter 2044: Three Rules of Agreement
"So... Song Yingsheng has agreed to surrender?" Wen Desi asked with mild surprise, regarding Du Yibin, who had entered beaming to discuss the "Song Yingsheng ma...
Chapter 2045: Talent Shi Misi Smith
"I heard street rumors claiming the house is to be confiscated. As you instructed, I didn't investigate." "Mm, correct." The middle-aged man sighed deeply. "Thes...
Chapter 2046: Making a Fuss about a Minor Issue
Ordinarily, the incident should have passed unremarked—neither was the peripheral Elder's personal safety genuinely threatened, nor was his itinerary d...
Chapter 2047: The Person Eating Empty Rations
Observing the situation—which had just stabilized—about to dissolve into chaos again, Xiao Zishan rapidly stood. "What everyone states makes sense. I did...
Chapter 2048: Nothing New Under the Sun
"Mm, your reasoning is sound. I'll coordinate with the Police Bureau on this..." Wang Qiyi said, though his mind calculated how long copying materials from the...
Chapter 2049: Reunion
"I see... You need us to dispatch someone? No problem... Oh, the Police Bureau is sending personnel too. Director Wu, you're orchestrating quite a move here... Haha, alright, no...
Chapter 2050: The Past Is Too Painful to Recall
"Second Master!" Huang Ping blurted out. "Mmph mmph mmph..." The man on the ground clearly recognized him too, struggling desperately to respond. But w...
Chapter 2051: New Leads
That evening, the Guangzhou Municipal Tax Bureau Director's office was shrouded in cigarette smoke. Ai Zhixin examined the briefing on his desk with a self-satisfied expressio...
Chapter 2052: Act Quickly
Wang Qiyi's head spun. Wu Mu had likely already dispatched agents to Hong Kong. When you connected the threads of information, even a layman could see it—the Shi family wasn...
Chapter 2053: The Unexpected Incident
This matter could be made big or small. If escalated, Liu Cuihua would be facing several months of "study sessions" followed by "waiting for reassignment." But s...
Chapter 2054: A Special Memento
"Knock knock." "Come in!" The three of them turned to see Nan Wan'er enter, carrying a woven rattan case in her left hand with a satchel draped over it and a paper bag...
Chapter 2055: Aftermath
"Hahaha..." Though knowing it was just talk, having an old brother firmly on his side still eased Ai Zhixin's mind considerably. "Old Wang, so what do you say—" "Sigh... let m...
Chapter 2056: Commence Operations
Mu Min was in a bad mood today. After months of exhaustion, she'd finally gotten a day with nothing urgent, a day to rest and get together with the female Elders in ...
Chapter 2057: The Directors Meeting
Ever since the Tax Bureau started auditing his family's accounts, Young Master Lin hadn't been idle, inquiring everywhere for information. The general gist was th...
Chapter 2058: Land Tax
Though Zhang Xiaoqi spoke these four words lightly, Ai Zhixin knew that according to the penalty regulations in his hands, just six months of late fees alone would be enough to...
Chapter 2059: The New Unified Purchase
Ai Zhixin had burned his fingers on naming issues before, so the actual title of this collection method was Resolution on the Tax Bureau Commissioning the Decha...
Chapter 2060: Temporary Assignment Training
"Treasury Manager—that's a very lucrative position. Mines fall under his jurisdiction, don't they?" "Yes." Wang Qiyi took a sip of water and continued. "Th...
Chapter 2061: The Dust Settles
Squire He sat behind the desk in his study, face expressionless as he looked at the slip of paper in his hands, though inwardly he didn't know whether to laugh or cry. ...
Chapter 2062: Becoming an Insider
How does one cross the threshold from outsider to insider? The answer, of course, lay in partnership—but opportunity was the gatekeeper. Consider the Zhang family an...
Chapter 2063: Mi Xiang Ju
The dinner had been pleasant enough—more pleasant than Zeng Juan had dared hope. Liu Cuihua, true to form, had dominated the conversation with her cheerful chatter, deflecti...
Chapter 2064: Words Through the Wall
"I quite like this Gervas," Nan Wan'er remarked, turning her cup thoughtfully between her fingers. "It's refreshing, with that peculiar fizz. Not too sweet, not t...
Chapter 2065: The Heshengcheng Paper Shop
"Come, come—maybe one day we'll actually be able to spend money without carrying any cash around, ha!" "What kind of autumn daydream is that..." "Here, her...
Chapter 2066: The Counterfeiting Den
The door opened to reveal a flight of stone steps descending into darkness. Hao An held the lantern high as they made their way downward. Below sprawled a large u...
Chapter 2067: Counterfeit Silver Dollars
"Isn't it said that the embossing is stamped directly onto the paper by a steel die?" "That's precisely the problem—it's the die itself that defeats us," the ...
Chapter 2068: Outside Help
Outside Guangzhou's northern gate rose White Cloud Mountain, where scattered peaks and ridges undulated across the landscape—not particularly lofty, but verdant and luxuria...
Chapter 2069: Masters Assembled
"If we could somehow seize those bronze ceremonial figures during transport, might we not disrupt the enemy's dragon-vein energy?" Living-Bug Zhao mused speculatively....
Chapter 2070: Seeking Another Lair
Hao Er nodded in measured agreement. As for the subsequent operational steps, he had already formulated his strategic calculations. He spoke with deliberate clarity...
Chapter 2071: Da Shijie Military Council
The meeting hall of Greater World—also known as Da Shijie—was located on the second floor of a building adjacent to the Youlanyuan Teahouse. Originally the es...
Chapter 2072: Undercurrents in the Army
These "young officers" had climbed through the ranks as the army expanded and their seniority accumulated. Some now occupied critical positions in army headqua...
Chapter 2073: The Army Must Be Patient
Zhang Bailin nodded. "Who doesn't think that way? Otherwise, what the hell are we risking our lives for?" "Second point: The Second Generation once said the mil...
Chapter 2074: Foshan
Currently, neither Guangzhou proper nor the subordinate counties and towns had established governmental organs. The National Army company stationed here bore the multiple burdens...
Chapter 2075: The Foundries
Lin Ming thought to himself: what was so interesting about an iron foundry? Dirty and sweltering—even now, with all the furnaces idle, the place was piled high with iron m...
Chapter 2076: Inspecting the Furnace House
Wu Xianlong led them into the foundry. Besides several brick-and-tile workrooms used to store small items and provide shelter for workers during breaks or m...
Chapter 2077: Mobilizing the Masses
"Thankfully, Company Commander Cao performed his duties faithfully and sent troops to suppress forcefully. Otherwise, there would have been major chaos. But Foshan...
Chapter 2078: Sanshui
Liu Si respectfully replied, "Yes." He knew the Council of Elders' methods: they would never simply have wealthy households contribute money and grain directly. Instead, they wo...
Chapter 2079: Supply Lines
"How is it? Good tea, isn't it? Spoils from the front—supposedly tribute grade." Hong Huangnan sat down across from him. "I'm preparing to ship a batch back to Lingao for e...
Chapter 2080: The West River Pirates
"This sort of thing is inevitable. Even in the old time-space, military supply trains were pillaged by thieves—there were even organized robberies of military tra...
Chapter 2081: Before the Battle of Zhaoqing
The battery stood untouched—pristine, in fact. Work teams from the Enterprise Planning Institute were already marshaling prisoners to strip the cannons fro...
Chapter 2082: The FireShip Squadron
Arrayed around that massive vessel, a flotilla of inner-river gunboats—conversions from large and small landing craft. These improvised warships might lack the el...
Chapter 2083: FireShips on the River
Not only that—the Australians had explicitly warned him the Council of Elders would soon march on Guangzhou. If he valued his office and his life, he should requ...
Chapter 2084: The Naval Battle
Several gunboats, unable to evade in time, were struck squarely by fire-ships and momentarily couldn't break free. Nearby vessels quickly moved to assist, towing the bl...
Chapter 2085: A Memoir of Liberation Part 1
From Yuejiang Tower, Xiong Wenchan lowered his telescope, his hands trembling visibly. Chang Qingyun murmured urgently: "Your Excellency, there's no time...
Chapter 2086: A Memoir of Liberation Part 2
When I returned home, I discovered the family truly couldn't make ends meet. Though my sisters were young, they were numerous, and they ate considerably....
Chapter 2087: A Memoir of Liberation Part 3
After roll call, I went with my fellow conscripts to the armory to draw armor and weapons. "Armor"—the iron scales were rusted beyond recognition, the fa...
Chapter 2088: A Memoir of Liberation Part 4
By afternoon, the commotion in Zhaoqing was escalating. We were urgently assembled, awaiting orders. While we chatted among ourselves, my comrade Zhang H...
Chapter 2089: A Memoir of Liberation Part 5
"Quick march—Forward!" At around ten in the morning, like thunder from a clear sky, a Fubo Army color guard divided into two columns. Led by a captain ra...
Chapter 2090: Receiving the Surrender
If they couldn't swiftly establish control over the counties subordinate to Zhaoqing Prefecture, and the Yao tribespeople inhabiting both banks of the West River...
Chapter 2091: Advance to Wuzhou
Despite their equipment advantages, the Fubo Army's troop shortage remained a critical chronic weakness. Thus Zhu Mingxia's first priority wasn't advancing on Wuzhou, ...
Chapter 2092: Xiong Wenchans Predicament
"The largest vessel has remained at Zhaoqing and has not proceeded upriver," the courier reported, his voice tight with urgency. "Two paddlewheel steamships ...
Chapter 2093: The Spy in Wuzhou
Having heard the old saying that enemies would "cut the grass and dig up the roots," Luo Yangming had fled with his family overnight toward Guangzhou. Along the chaoti...
Chapter 2094: Fire Attack on Wuzhou
Before long, a shop hand appeared at the door. "The Brother-in-law has arrived, Master." "Show him in." This "brother-in-law" wasn't his wife's sibling but rather ...
Chapter 2095: The Fleet Arrives
Yang Yi had made up his mind with crystalline clarity: regardless of whether Wuzhou could actually hold against the pirate assault, once chaos finally broke out in the...
Chapter 2096: The Intelligence Warning
Of the Pearl River's three major tributary systems, the West River system boasted the largest watershed and most extensive network of branches. Most rivers cour...
Chapter 2097: The Intelligence Conference
Before long, the gate tower sentries were sprawled carelessly around the stone floor, mumbling contentedly through their stupor: "Good wine! Damned good wine...
Chapter 2098: One of His Trump Cards
"If that final stratagem also fails to work as intended, the severe shortage of grain remaining inside the city will quickly lead to our army's forward supplies r...
Chapter 2099: The Spy
A prolonged siege remained utterly impossible—Zhu Mingxia had neither the time nor the resources to play an extended waiting game with the cunning Xiong Wenchan. Zhu Mingxia had...
Chapter 2100: Abandoning the Australians for the Ming
Torn endlessly between these impossible, irreconcilable dilemmas, Jiang Suo finally deserted. During a routine naval training exercise in the Pea...
Chapter 2101: The New Army
In the west wing of the Wuzhou Prefecture Yamen, an Australian oil lamp burned through the night. Yi Haoran had not slept, his mind churning with tactical concerns. All day...
Chapter 2102: A Hybrid Strategy
The force Yi Haoran had poured his heart into alongside Jiang Suo and Song Ming would likely prove of little use. Still, the Governor-General had told him: victory was...
Chapter 2103: The Assault
Although the logistics corps had established a supply depot at Fengchuan County to stockpile ammunition, transporting materiel posed both capacity and safety challenges. Bla...
Chapter 2104: The Bombardment
Chang Qingyun felt terror grip him, a cold, visceral dread that seized his gut. His bladder seemed about to burst; he struggled to hold it in, but his legs had gone so w...
Chapter 2105: The Riot
The bombardment had ended, at least for the moment. Chang Qingyun lay limply in the shelter, his mind dazed. How much time had passed, he couldn't tell; all he knew was that it...
Chapter 2106: Digging Trenches
The engineers' demolition charges set off a commotion among the Ming defenders. The dull rumble and trembling earth made many soldiers uneasy. Some knew the Hair-Bandit...
Chapter 2107: Battle Deployment
Yang Zeng set up his command post on Zhushan Hill, from which he could observe the Bangshan position through binoculars. The enemy's trenches followed the contours of ...
Chapter 2108: Zigzag Trenches
The sound of the engineers' demolition charges set off a commotion among the Ming defenders. The dull rumble and trembling of the earth made many uneasy. Some knew the H...
Chapter 2109: Breaking Into the Position
The 12-pounder mountain howitzers began a slow, rhythmic bombardment of the abatis. The stakes and sharpened branches standing outside the trenches were gradu...
Chapter 2110: The First Trench
The grenades had all been thrown. Before the smoke had even cleared—in barely a few minutes—the grenadiers had entered the Ming trench and begun close-quarters combat w...
Chapter 2111: Flight
As the artillery fire on Bangshan grew more and more intense, dusk began to fall. Yi Haoran could see almost nothing; the dispatch riders he had sent out rarely returned. Those f...
Chapter 2112: A Narrow Escape
The household guards had fought in full armor—whether iron plates or quilted cotton, both became death sentences once submerged. In the chaos of the pontoon bridge's col...
Chapter 2113: Swelling Emotions
This improved performance stemmed partly from the mysterious "spy" mentioned in intelligence reports, and partly from the uncomfortable truth that not all Ming high of...
Chapter 2114: Subversion
Watching the deepening dusk stain the sky beyond his window, Xiong Wencan summoned a servant with a subtle gesture. "Have all the advisors arrived?" "They await you in the ga...
Chapter 2115: SelfRescue
"Master Qiao speaks truth. Yet there exists another peril—far graver still. Has your honor heard of it?" "I beg enlightenment!" "I fear that should Wuzhou prove untenable, t...
Chapter 2116: Three Siege Strategies
Yi Haoran had barely crossed the threshold when he beheld his courtyard transformed into a tableau of supplication—kneeling civilians packed every available space...
Chapter 2117: Panic and Confusion
"But implementing these measures will cost the Governor-General any remaining popular support!" "Popular support? What value does that hold now?!" Chang Qingyun expl...
Chapter 2118: Leaving the City
He summoned Zhu Quanxing, commander of the Third Battalion designated to spearhead the main assault, and posed the critical question: "How long to capture Wuzhou?" "Tha...
Chapter 2119: Chang Qingyun
Only higher-echelon or specialized units received radio equipment allocation. Beyond traditional runners and conventional bugle signals, units communicated via light signa...
Chapter 2120: Captured Again
"It matters little—as long as we draw breath!" Chang Qingyun declared with forced optimism. "If they possess any conscience, they'll return of their own accord. If they'v...
Chapter 2121: Intelligence from the City
Deploying merely four companies to establish cordons and process over ten thousand refugees constituted quite an operational stretch. Fortunately, refugees mo...
Chapter 2122: Secret Letter
Outside Wuzhou's walls, the 1st Mixed Brigade alone possessed any substantial grain reserves. Though the brigade's supply train had stockpiled considerable military ration...
Chapter 2123: Breaching the City
By first light, the garrison inside Wuzhou had lost all will to fight. The city had descended into chaos during the night's first half. The expulsion of women, childr...
Chapter 2124: The Capture of Wuzhou
Luo Yangming endured agonizing hours until dawn. His family remained at home—only Wen Tietou and a handful of shop assistants stood watch. If rioters attacked, the...
Chapter 2125: A Mess
"Ah." Zhu Quanxing checked his watch—nearly noon. The worthies had been cooling their heels for three or four hours. He felt no particular warmth toward them, but he needed their...
Chapter 2126: A Prisoner Once More
"The troops at Bangshan were household retainers personally trained under Governor Xiong's auspices. Their commander was Company-Captain Song Ming." The shadowed fi...
Chapter 2127: The New Official Takes Office
The External Intelligence Bureau had initially seemed a plausible career path. Yet, Xie Erren possessed no intrinsic knowledge of the Ming Dynasty, nor did...
Chapter 2128: Xie Erren Enters the City
Xie Erren's first impression of Wuzhou was dismal. Truth be told, his perception of any large or medium Ming city fell below the passing line—generally "dirty,...
Chapter 2129: Climbing the Wall into the Courtyard
Yi Haoran was cold and hungry. He had been squatting in these ruins for a long time. This place was originally a small temple under the city wall. N...
Chapter 2130: Hiding Place
Just as he was secretly crying out in despair, he heard a crashing sound behind the opponent. The man cried "Ah!" and suddenly slipped and fell to the ground! Yi Haoran did...
Chapter 2131: Priority
Qiuchan roughly explained the situation of her maiden family and her husband's family to him again, in case he let the cat out of the bag when the bandit runts came to question...
Chapter 2132: New Mission
Xu Ke nodded in understanding. A-Tao's past—having been pawned off as a concubine—was not something she could easily escape. In a hometown filled with familiar faces and lon...
Chapter 2133: Contributing Money and Effort
The Weighing and Commission Firms— Pingma Hong —emerged organically from the river trade flowing up and down the waterways. Without official brokerage lice...
Chapter 2134: Fundraising for Rehabilitation
This demand to "shoulder the greater load" fell within expected parameters—though the Rehabilitation Bureau directors all wore miserable expressions, at l...
Chapter 2135: The HundredLi Lord
Leaving corpses scattered unburied risked plague. Scattered weapons posed an equally insidious threat. After the Battle of Wuzhou, fleeing officers and soldiers had ...
Chapter 2136: Butterfly Effect
Xie Erren was halfway through his Wuzhou Paper-Wrapped Chicken when Xu Ke arrived in haste. Xie Erren gestured for another chair and place setting, calling for addition...
Chapter 2137: Viewing Flowers from Horseback
"I heard that since Lord Han captured Dateng Gorge, the waterway has been open to boats and merchants." Though He Dongli wasn't entirely ignorant of Austr...
Chapter 2138: The Way of the Gods
Examining the architecture closely, though dilapidated, one could still discern the grandeur of original construction. Main beams and pillars utilized precious nanmu...
Chapter 2139: Assassination Attempt
Multiple Dragon Mother Temples existed in Wuzhou: by the West River inside the city, by the Xun River on Changzhou Island, and by the Gui River north of the city. ...
Chapter 2140: Difficulties Abound
Because of this incident, Xie Erren lost all intention of continuing to "patrol" inside and outside the city. However, two pontoon bridges still awaited "inspection"...
Chapter 2141: Another Idea
A powerful stench of feces, urine, and mold assaulted his nose. Xie Erren immediately covered his nose. The light in the cell was extremely dim. It took a while before he c...
Chapter 2142: Thoughts of Merit
The Earth God Shrine had fallen into disuse years ago, serving no purpose beyond its nominal function of housing the local deity. For Xie Erren, however, it presented ...
Chapter 2143: Gou Xunlis Return
Yi Haoran's gaze followed the voice to its source. The speaker appeared to be in his early fifties—a middle-aged man dressed in scholar's robes, though his sun-darken...
Chapter 2144: Regrouping
In former times, even contemplating such an approach would have been inconceivable—the gulf separating him from Xiong Wencan yawned as vast as that between clouds and earth. ...
Chapter 2145: Reinforcements
For the past ten-plus days, Xie Erren had immersed himself in rehabilitation work. Initially, every challenge seemed insurmountable—grain shortages, funding deficits. Yet...
Chapter 2146: Wild Thoughts
This explanation finally restored some measure of confidence to Xie Erren. He immediately ordered the battalion to enter the city and station themselves at various gates a...
Chapter 2147: Deploying Defenses
Gou Xunli smiled enigmatically. Rotten-Eye Hu recognized that expression—his sworn brother possessed additional "material" with which to enlighten him. "Big Brother, ...
Chapter 2148: Domestic Affairs at Luo Yangmings House
Though this further diminished combat effectiveness among the other three companies, at minimum it would enable the supplementary company to ser...
Chapter 2149: Reorganization Training
At the Relief Bureau, all directors had appeared today. Even those unable to attend personally had dispatched secretaries or advisors to "represent" them. One gl...
Chapter 2150: Reorganization Training II
Such matters represented nothing novel to soldiers—strict military law constituted a hallmark of medieval armies. The "Seventeen Prohibitions and Fifty-Four...
Chapter 2151: The First Mission
Bright pine torches blazed across drill ground, and men assembled by company. The blackboards were improvised locally—wooden planks coated with black ink, or else tabl...
Chapter 2152: The Patrol
On May 9, 1635, as the sky was just beginning to lighten in the early morning mist, the Wuzhou National Army Battalion's Composite Company departed from Wuzhou aboard six Dai...
Chapter 2153: Jieshou Shoal
Li Pudun's family had many dependents. He had heard that the Australian army had excellent firearms, rarely lost men in battle, and paid generous wages—that was what had m...
Chapter 2154: Harassment
Zhu Si was quite hesitant. The current channel basically passed through the middle of a sandbar. The sandbars on both sides were flat and open; apart from a few reed patches,...
Chapter 2155: Battalion Commander Zhu Si
"Bastards! Who fired?" Zhu Si flew into a rage and slapped the nearest gunner hard across the face. "Cease fire!" Timing your shots was a key focus of Beiwei ...
Chapter 2156: Relief of Xugang
Graduate-school officers referred to those who had graduated from the three-year officer training program—proper academy-trained professionals. They were a cut above th...
Chapter 2157: At the Gates of Xugang
Unlike the militia groups in the war-torn Central Plains, which were armed to the teeth, villages along the West River might have their own militia and tuanlian f...
Chapter 2158: Taking the Initiative
"All boats reduce speed! Prepare to land!" Mi Longtao commanded loudly, drawing his saber. "Fix bayonets! One after another!" Sergeants called out on each vessel a...
Chapter 2159: Three Commanders
Looking at their equipment—every man carrying a double-barreled shotgun—they were far more impressive than his own row of spears. The new recruits under his command wer...
Chapter 2160: Joy and Sorrow
He made a rough measurement from the exposed smokestack of the command boat to the gun position—only about forty meters. In other words, the enemy had basically pressed t...
Chapter 2161: From Passive to Active
Zhu Si led his column into Xugang more than an hour later. Though they had missed the initial welcome ceremony, the village still received them warmly. The moment...
Chapter 2162: Pursuit Planning
The moment struck Zhu Si like lightning—he understood Mi Longtao's intent. The officer wasn't content with mere victory; he meant to pursue the bandits and annihilate t...
Chapter 2163: The Assault
Zhu Si ran the calculations. Even committing the entire company might not guarantee victory. Years of military service had taught him that numbers alone didn't win battles—i...
Chapter 2164: Chapter 2167
Chapter 2167 The front-rank riflemen's volley stunned the bandits at the hillbase. No one had anticipated an attack from their rear. Before the stunned mob could react, a cascade of hand grenades arce...
Chapter 2165: Tempered into Steel
The speaker was a Fubo Army sergeant. Recognizing he couldn't afford to offend the man, Yang Erdong clamped his mouth shut. Moments later, another Fubo Army detachme...
Chapter 2166: PostBattle Summary
"So—has everyone eaten?" Li Dong asked with a smile. "Reporting to Captain, we've all eaten!" the sergeant major acting as deputy commander replied crisply. Li Dong ...
Chapter 2167: Arrival of the Chief
The assembled officers fell silent. "Sound east, strike west" required no explanation. The "east" where enemies created noise was clearly Yu'nan County seat. But wh...
Chapter 2168: A New Battle
Xu Ke had arrived yesterday. Not long after arriving, boats had successively delivered weapons captured in battle and prisoners. Among these weapons, there were quite a few...
Chapter 2169: Medical Logistics Work
This seemingly perfect system operated dismally in practice, hamstrung by shortages of specialized personnel and medical supplies. During previous Senate conflict...
Chapter 2170: Return to Zhaoqing
Li Dong's militia training assignment at Xugang lasted one week. Though setbacks occurred, progress ran reasonably smooth—the bandit siege had terrified Xu family eld...
Chapter 2171: Assembling the Troops
"Bring them along for work detail—get the paperwork completed." After issuing instructions, the logistics officer pushed his cap backward and hurried toward the do...
Chapter 2172: Security Strategy
The "Yao uprisings" of the two Guangs traced their roots back six centuries to the Song Dynasty. From Song through Ming, this cycle of rebellion ebbed and flowed acros...
Chapter 2173: Strategy and Judgment
Reality, as it turned out, exceeded even Zhu Mingxia's cynical expectations for feudal society's moral basement. Xiong Wencan, desperate and out of options, unleas...
Chapter 2174: Director of the Lianzhou Region
"The Luopang Yao of Luoding were indeed the dominant force behind Guangdong's Yao disturbances historically," Huang Chao said after a moment's considerat...
Chapter 2175: Heading to Guangning
Two months as a National Army soldier had transformed more than just Ai Buyi's body—even his name had been rewritten. Originally "Ai Yi," the Great Song official de...
Chapter 2176: Yang Jurens Ambition
Under his uncle's "guidance," Yang Erhu proved remarkably "incorruptible" as an officer. He never deducted his subordinates' pay and provisions—indeed, when subord...
Chapter 2177: Ambush Part 1
After dispatching the envoy, Yang Jinghui consulted with his nephew, advisor, and others. With their strength, attacking the county seat would probably pose no problem, ...
Chapter 2178: Ambush Part 2
Stealthily creeping to the woods' edge, the group raised their heads cautiously and glanced toward the road's center. At this moment, Xiong Pi, who was burying his head ...
Chapter 2179: Ambush Part 3
"Boom—" The muzzle of the Tiger Crouch cannon spewed thick white smoke, and a " Dangmenzi "—a stone cannonball—whistled out. This Tiger Crouch cannon was two feet long, ...
Chapter 2180: Ambush Part 4
"Kill!" The first wave of humanity crashed viciously together. In just a few breaths, the first batch of regiment militia engaging in bayonet combat was almost swept cle...
Chapter 2181: Ambush Part 5
Today he wore a set of government-issue brigandine armor, holding a Japanese sword in hand, surrounded by a group of "little brothers." They were all brothers, nephews, ...
Chapter 2182: Shijian Part 1
At the front, Li Gangsheng held firm against the swarming regiment braves, while on the flank, Squad 9's devastating volley shattered Ma Huliang's attempted pincer atta...
Chapter 2183: Shijian Part 2
"You're certain?" Wu Baliu studied him. "The enemy appears well-positioned. Your unit carries many new recruits—can they handle this?" "They require tempering by fire. ...
Chapter 2184: Shijian Part 3
"Since when was I Fubo Army? I'm authentic National Army stock. A few months ago, I stood exactly where you are—an ordinary big-head soldier without even a Nanyang rifl...
Chapter 2185: Fight Alone
"I don't think it's that simple. I've seen this type before." Li Dong's combat experience showed. "Others sharpen in battle—these men deteriorate. They'll be casualties soon...
Chapter 2186: Fight Alone Part 2
Rifle fire drowned out the enemy's footsteps. From behind the low breastwork, less than a hundred men erupted in a sheet of white smoke. The charging bandits seemed...
Chapter 2187: Unexpected News
The "surprise troops" numbered little over a hundred, but Luo Mao commanded only ten men. A single volley couldn't stem the human tide. Their firing rate couldn't form a...
Chapter 2188: Recovering Guangning
Just as troops marched ten kilometers through mountains carrying ammunition, transporting shells and gunpowder to artillery positions outside Guangning City, the sc...
Chapter 2189: Dividing Forces at Huaiji
Very few villages received such treatment. Local big households proved tactful. In the midst of Yao chaos, what ordinary villages worried about most was safety...
Chapter 2190: Recovering Lianshan
Since ancient times, "using X to control X" has been a foolproof weapon in military operations. Though Huang Chao wasn't a soldier, he understood this principle. How...
Chapter 2191: Ambush
When deciding to camp that night, he found Li-Miao Company Commander Zhen Huan and asked him to take the Li-Miao Company and set off first. "Guides have been found for you. There...
Chapter 2192: Two Magistrates
The truth of Yangshan County's situation revealed itself only after Huang Chao passed through its gates. Intelligence reports claiming the county had not fallen proved o...
Chapter 2193: The First Step Starting from Yangshan
When Peng Shouan first received his assignment to Yangshan, everyone considered it a hardship posting. He hadn't minded. Though the county boasted ...
Chapter 2194: Yonghua Pacification
"Though all Yonghua Township shares culpability, this siege of the county seat was orchestrated by your people. That much is indisputable, correct?" The other three...
Chapter 2195: Meeting at Sanjiang Market
By the time Yang Zeng's troops completed their half-day mountain climb, they had secured Luming Pass and occupied Sanjiang Market, located five kilometers bel...
Chapter 2196: Li Sanjius Abacus
The squad silently ascended the small hillock. From this position, less than thirty meters from the encampment, they could observe portions of the camp below. Zhen Hu...
Chapter 2197: Discussing Conditions
Great Ming's policy toward Yao pacification exhibited profound inconsistency, frequently depending on individual officials' capabilities. During peacetime, local a...
Chapter 2198: Encircling Yanxi Mountain
Li Wu's interrogation required minimal effort. Yet as merely Li Sanjiu's bodyguard, he possessed scant valuable intelligence. He confirmed roughly two thousand...
Chapter 2199: The Relief of Lianzhou
Fang Yuanwu, headman of the Junliao Pai positioned on Jinfeng Mountain, had long observed Australians encircling Yanxi Mountain. When black smoke rose from Yanxi'...
Chapter 2200: Below Lianzhou Walls
The loss of so many able-bodied men would bear consequences requiring no elaboration. Not only would it severely impact production, but their security situation wou...
Chapter 2201: The Liberation of Lianzhou
The word "starvation" brought with it another phrase Cui Shizhao had encountered countless times in his reading: "cannibalism." He had read innumerable histor...
Chapter 2202: Letting the New Hands Perform
After seeing off Yang Zeng's main force, Huang Chao felt a certain emptiness. With so few troops controlling the Lianyang region, he felt exposed. His situ...
Chapter 2203: Hostages
Lingao—Peng Shou'an knew the place. It was the Australians' lair. "Sending the boy to Lingao for schooling" sounded pleasant enough, but wasn't it simply taking his son as a ho...
Chapter 2204: Pacifying Yangshan Part One
At once, the dock and the small steamer erupted in wailing—mothers calling for children, children crying for parents—the scene was heartbreaking. Even Huan...
Chapter 2205: Pacifying Yangshan Part Two
"Why is that?" "Allow this humble one to explain. The story begins with the backgrounds of the other two. First, Sun Dabiao. His ancestors were not from Ya...
Chapter 2206: The Intermediary
Simply sending word that the bandit chief was invited to surrender and expecting him to come—that sort of thing only happened to Song Jiang in Water Margin . Real-world...
Chapter 2207: Haggling
Xin Laonan was no good man either—he was a highwayman who, when he could no longer survive elsewhere, had fled to Yangshan. Under Li Shuangkuai's protection, he resumed his old...
Chapter 2208: The Newly Minted Envoy
Wang Chuyi considered for a moment, then said: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Though this carries risk, the likelihood of Zhang Tianbo plotting against me is ...
Chapter 2209: Bestowing Titles and Making Promises
"You say the Australians want to pacify me and Brother Feng?" Sun Dabiao narrowed his eyes. One of his eyes was blind—the result of an arrow wound o...
Chapter 2210: The Freshly Minted Bazong
Bazong Seeing Feng Haijiao still in a daze, Bi Xuansheng hastened to chime in: "Congratulations, Hero Feng! Now that you are an imperial officer, in this Yangshan Cou...
Chapter 2211: Brotherly Loyalty
"It's no trouble at all. I'll speak with Secretary Bi myself—I'm certain he'll be delighted." Zhan Zhekun heaped on further flattery, lauding Bi Xuansheng as a "brilli...
Chapter 2212: Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors
To pacify Sun Dabiao alone? That wouldn't be difficult—even without Feng Haijiao. But the original plan had been to invite Feng here to discuss submittin...
Chapter 2213: Hidden Agendas
"He must be deeply resentful!" Wang Chuyi said. "Precisely!" Peng Shou'an leisurely stroked his long beard. "Sun Dabiao was originally the eldest of the three brothers an...
Chapter 2214: Hidden Agendas Part Two
In Zhang Tianbo's view, Sun Dabiao's best move would have been to seize or kill Feng Haijiao when he came visiting a few days ago—catch him off guard, hand him...
Chapter 2215: The Supply Convoy
Even if Sun Dabiao didn't move against him, once he accepted the Hair-Clipper pacification, he would certainly never cross swords with the Hair-Clippers again. That fr...
Chapter 2216: Oaths and Curses
The steward's smile stiffened momentarily. He stammered, "Well... I'm not quite sure myself... They trade mountain goods for salt..." You Ciren knew Sun Dabiao's method...
Chapter 2217: A Silver Tongue
"Very well. Since he's so sincere, I won't beat around the bush." Wang Chuyi's scheme was also Peng Shou'an's suggestion. "You and Sun Dabiao both understand: the Yonghu...
Chapter 2218: The Road Ahead is Uncertain
These words utterly shattered Sun Dabiao. Bi Xuansheng's arguments were airtight; try as he might, Sun could find no flaw to refute. He understood now: his "...
Chapter 2219: A Silver Tongue Part Two
"How could I not know him?" Zhang Tianbo said. "Every time I see Second Brother Feng, he's there. I don't like him." "Why?" "He feels... sinister. Young, not ...
Chapter 2220: Driving the Tiger to Swallow the Wolf
"Could it be... you want me to serve as an inside agent?" Zhang Tianbo was frightened. He had only heard storytellers describe such "opening the ga...
Chapter 2221: Beating the Drums
When Huang Chao received Wang Chuyi's letter, something about it troubled him. But stretched thin as he was and unfamiliar with conditions in Yangshan, he could not pr...
Chapter 2222: Dark Clouds Gather
The twenty-seventh day of the seventh month in the Australian calendar. The heat was ferocious, as if fire were falling from the sky. Word was that laborers had died ...
Chapter 2223: The Dagger Revealed
Wang Chuyi appeared unruffled. He asked, "Any news from Qinglian Market?" "None yet, but I've notified the county seat to send word the moment they hear Zhen Huan ha...
Chapter 2224: Blooming on Both Ends
Several bandits brandished their weapons and tried to storm the guard chamber. A chaotic close-quarters melee erupted at the entrance—but in the end, the bandits w...
Chapter 2225: Breaking Out
You Ciren directed the soldiers' breakout, dashing now to the front, now to the rear, shouting encouragement and waving his saber and pistol to rally them. After more than ...
Chapter 2226: Critical Condition
The two men met at the county government gate. You Ciren had not drunk a drop of water since morning; after a day of fighting, the sight of Luo Yiming seemed to drain...
Chapter 2227: Blood Supply
With the establishment of gas-powered cold storage, refrigerated blood and a crude cold chain of ice boxes and blocks had been set up in the Council of Elders' core territo...
Chapter 2228: Who Goes First
"You're up now—what's the rush!" Chen Ruihe was not intimidated; he fired right back. "I'm ordering you one more time—shut your mouth! What are you blathering about!" The...
Chapter 2229: The Tourniquet
Song Junxing emerged from the duty room, donning his white coat as Xie Yao briefed him. After a moment's thought, Song said, "Old Xie, your reasoning on all those points ...
Chapter 2230: Doctor Xie Discusses Medicine
To be fair, with a skilled transfusion technician and proper anastomosis equipment, even transfusion surgery would not be particularly difficult. The probl...
Chapter 2231: Principles and Expedience
"At the foot of Chengmai's walls, the wounded lay beyond counting—friend and foe alike. Those were the days when, as they said, 'the men rest but the tables ne...
Chapter 2232: The Wounded
They were still talking when a nurse hurried over and whispered something to the orthopedic surgeon. He laughed bitterly. "Great! Another amputation!" "More casualties?" "Ju...
Chapter 2233: Bedside Chat
Bi Cheng sighed again but didn't respond. After a pause, he asked Old Zhang, "This isn't your first time being wounded, is it?" "It's my second battle wound, but my third h...
Chapter 2234: Words Spoken in Anger
At this, Old Zhang sighed again. "Even so, having a mule or horse was more reassuring than walking back on your own. Plenty of brothers were wounded in the mountai...
Chapter 2235: Drug Resistance
"Besides, never mind transport—a problem we can't solve anytime soon. Take my own work: disinfection and pest control. Guess what the most common cause of death is at th...
Chapter 2236: Acting County Magistrate
The drug-resistant-strain problem was reported directly to Minister Shi, causing a minor stir among the Guangzhou medical faction. Medical standards had not ris...
Chapter 2237: Taking Up the Post
"Director Zhou," Huang Chao summoned the Lianzhou Prefecture Office director. "Arrange a boat immediately and assign a squad of National Army. Tomorrow at dawn, escor...
Chapter 2238: Boosting Morale
The request was perfectly reasonable. Luo Yiming escorted the new female County Magistrate on a circuit of the city walls while she questioned him in detail about the si...
Chapter 2239: Rallying the Troops
Her words were both sincere and humble. Her attitude—facing reality squarely while refusing to give up—lifted the spirits of cadres who had been skeptical of her and...
Chapter 2240: Ouyang Xi
Peng Shou'an was practicing calligraphy when he heard the jailer's summons. He started; the brush slipped from his fingers, leaving a large blot on the paper. "What is it...?"...
Chapter 2241: An Awkward Reunion
Peng Shou'an continued his recommendations, mentioning several other influential families. Among them was the Tang clan. "The Tang ancestor was Tang Jian, who led tro...
Chapter 2242: Catching the Ringleader
"Six hundred men! What does he feed them?" Bi Da asked. She knew Yangshan was much like some of Hainan's poorer counties—thin soil, sparse population. Even bandi...
Chapter 2243: Another Lair
"Bring him in quietly—and fast," Bi Da said. "Use him as the breakthrough to catch Zhang Tianbo." Li Shuangkuai had spent the last few days consumed by fear. Zhang Tianbo's...
Chapter 2244: Night Raid on Dalang Market I
Sun Dabiao had "washed his hands of the trade" and lured Wang Chuyi to attend a ceremony—he hadn't hesitated to burn his own base, Dalang Market, to the ...
Chapter 2245: Night Raid on Dalang Market II
As the night drew to a close, even the most inveterate gamblers at the table could barely stay awake. The dealer spoke up. "Master Zhang! Let's call it ...
Chapter 2246: Night Raid on Dalang Market III
After a quick interrogation, Zhen Huan learned that Sun Dabiao's top people were quartered in the three surviving compounds. He and his family, along w...
Chapter 2247: Night Raid on Dalang Market IV
The second courtyard, where Sun Dabiao was quartered, hadn't been bombed. Though chaos filled the yard—shrieks rising on all sides—he had years of bandi...
Chapter 2248: The Bandit Chief Falls
Sun Dabiao watched his household retainers cut down in an instant. Gritting his teeth, he brandished his saber and charged at Bi Da, who was leading the encircleme...
Chapter 2249: Revitalization Plan
In the courtyard of the Dragon Mother Temple, baskets, straw bags, and carrying poles were piled everywhere, with grains scattered in the cracks of the stone slabs. I...
Chapter 2250: Interrogation for Loot
The bandit chiefs and minor leaders who had died in battle were all beheaded. In accordance with Bi Da's order, except for Zhang Tianbo's head—which was packed in ...
Chapter 2251: A Great Change in the Situation
Ten jin of salt meant little in the Han territories, but for the Yao lands—blockaded for years and forced to purchase salt at exorbitant prices—it represe...
Chapter 2252: Pleading for Mercy
Bi Da took the slip of paper. On top was a petition of appeal. Her level of Chinese was limited, and having received an "Australian education," she naturally couldn't ...
Chapter 2253: Borrowing Troops
"Master, Master Peng has come to visit. Here is his visiting card." Following the servant's announcement, the man addressed as Master turned from the fish pond. By any e...
Chapter 2254: Compromise
For the gentry and large households, land was naturally the most important thing—land meant wealth and status. But no matter how much land one possessed, without enough tenant...
Chapter 2255: Living in Constant Fear
Feng Haijiao couldn't sleep these days. His old nest, Qinglian Market, roiled with panic and unease. News of Sun Dabiao's destruction had been brought here the ve...
Chapter 2256: Moving
"Was the road difficult?" Feng Haijiao waited until the servants had cleared away the leftover food and served tea before asking. Bi Xuansheng had been focused only on eating and ...
Chapter 2257: Shaken Morale
The order to abandon Qinglian Market and flee was issued quickly. Though Feng Haijiao had established a Central Army and an Old Camp following the style of government troop...
Chapter 2258: Unpredictable Hearts
Unexpectedly, this sentence made Feng Haijiao twist his brows and shout sternly, "So you mean you can run whenever you want?!" The minion turned pale with fright, ko...
Chapter 2259: The Guest Becomes the Host
Feng Haijiao smiled. "Go back and tell your manager that I have many family members and a lot of luggage boxes here. Even if we wanted to walk fast, we couldn'...
Chapter 2260: Xie Wendong
Xie Wendong was inspecting the stockade when he suddenly heard the summons and dared not delay. He hurried to the temple. He was an ordinary man of medium build, his temperam...
Chapter 2261: Catching a Turtle in a Jar
Xie Wendong bowed his head as he received the instructions. With each point explained, he felt a growing sense of alarm—this Advisor Zhan was truly insidious. ...
Chapter 2262: Fratricide
"He cannot hear you, nor can he speak." Zhan Zhekun clasped his hands behind his back, his tone leisurely. "Don't waste your breath." Realization struck Feng Haijiao like ligh...
Chapter 2263: Giving Gifts
A row of wooden boxes stood in the courtyard before the main hall—thirty-one in total. Several retained county officials and local commoners examined them one by one. Occasi...
Chapter 2264: Gui River Bridge
A round of applause—a new custom since the Australians arrived—greeted Xie Erren as he cut the red silk ribbon, another novelty they had introduced. The ceremony announc...
Chapter 2265: Reunion on the River
Beneath the bamboo hat, the dull-faced boatman could only be Jiang Suo. Yi Haoran was stunned. He had never expected to encounter Jiang Suo here. He hadn't seen the ...
Chapter 2266: Niece Visits
Yi Haoran handed over the bundle and umbrella to Ah Chun. "Is the Master at home?" "He went to the Rehabilitation Bureau." Ah Chun arranged the items properly, then went t...
Chapter 2267: Chang Qingyun and Chang Pu
Yi Haoran waved generously. "What difficulty is there in that? Business is quiet at the shop anyway. Teaching Liheng to read is a small matter—won't take much ...
Chapter 2268: Matters of Elegance
Doubts aside, Australian orders couldn't be disobeyed. Under the escort's urging, Chang Qingyun steeled himself and walked in. The Three Headquarters now served as th...
Chapter 2269: Fishing by the River
"So it's you." Chang Qingyun said as soon as he saw Yi Haoran. "I should have guessed." Yi Haoran set down the bundle containing his ledger and umbrella. "Because of...
Chapter 2270: Visit from Dachang Rice Shop
The next day, Yi Haoran met Song Ming at the Dragon Mother Temple. The young general no longer possessed the spirited, heroic bearing of a few months ago. He...
Chapter 2271: Unstable Without Grain
No matter how Yi Haoran tried to fish for information, Zhu Fuyuan steadfastly refused to reveal his purpose in coming here. Instead, he rambled on about the variou...
Chapter 2272: Rough Plan Formed
As a member of the Aftermath Bureau, Luo Yangming understood the current situation in Wuzhou better than anyone. The grain shortage was secondary; the real problem was ...
Chapter 2273: Captive Camp
Yi Haoran followed Chang Qingyun to the Sanheui parade ground, where he observed Australian barbed wire fences erected around the perimeter in multiple layers. Several woode...
Chapter 2274: Hundred Aspects in Camp
The several scrolls he opened were all orchids, each in a different posture, each with its own distinct form. Yi Haoran examined them with secret surprise. Though...
Chapter 2275: Camp Manager Liu Youwang
Yi Haoran couldn't help but be astounded. Chang Qingyun quietly shook his head and pressed his voice to barely above a whisper: "That's the Sun family. The old m...
Chapter 2276: Looking for a Breach
Having resolved to pursue the Cai Lan route, Yi Haoran devoted his efforts to Qi Liheng. This child was also the seed of learning—young but remarkably intelligent. I...
Chapter 2277: Offering Incense
Yi Haoran's guess proved correct. Shortly after Cai Lan moved to the Three Headquarters, she had been "taken for use" by Xie Erren. A young woman like her—with no one to...
Chapter 2278: New Noble
Having secured this mandate, Yi Haoran could now act with proper name and authority. The purpose of the incense offering was to see Cai Lan. For Yi Haoran, this "deity" was far...
Chapter 2279: Two Women
Ding A-tao couldn't help her face from turning red. Fortunately, Wen Yun beside her was sensible enough and supported her the whole way, sparing her too much loss of face. Luck...
Chapter 2280: Meeting in the Garden
Yi Haoran had matters weighing on his mind and was unwilling to drink much. He poured a shallow cup, ate a few hasty mouthfuls, then excused himself saying he was "...
Chapter 2281: Beheading Plan
Liu Youwang said, "He was a Juren , you're also a Juren —it's a perfect match!" Chang Qingyun had no idea what Liu Youwang meant by "perfect match," so he could only offer...
Chapter 2282: Each Harboring Thoughts
Cai Lan returned from Dragon Mother Temple in a daze. Shortly after arriving at the Three Headquarters, she claimed to be unwell and retired early. She didn't eve...
Chapter 2283: Secrets of the Boudoir 1
The "Australian Hanfu" from Shop 82, though similar in style to Ming Dynasty fashions, was cut using modern techniques that made it more flattering and elegant...
Chapter 2284: Secrets of the Boudoir 2
Driven by high prices, although no large shipments of grain had arrived from Guangxi, small quantities from the surrounding countryside were trickling into Wuz...
Chapter 2285: Offering a Plan
Luo Yangming didn't press further. He thought to himself that Teng County had already been liberated—he need only ask Zhao Fengtian to send a letter there and Advisor Hao...
Chapter 2286: Each Planning
Of course, regarding taxation, the senior Finance Bureau officials in Guangzhou had policies in place. For a "front-line city" like Wuzhou, control rested mainly with the c...
Chapter 2287: Settling the Plan
If the scale was large enough, the Hair thieves might even transfer troops from the city to reinforce. That would thin out the defenders and make it easier for them to ...
Chapter 2288: Respective Plans
Luo Yangming worked himself ragged until everything was finally in order. He barely had time to think about the external verification. Only after all affairs were settle...
Chapter 2289: Sharpening Knives
The words struck like thunder, leaving the bandits dumbstruck. One by one, they stared at Gou Er with suspicious eyes. Wuzhou was a prefecture city, a key stronghold of...
Chapter 2290: Setting the Stage to Sing Opera
"This lowly one understands!" Zhang Yong knelt and solemnly kowtowed. "I swear on my life." "Get up. Don't speak of this to anyone. When the time comes, a...
Chapter 2291: LifeRisking Brothers
At first, Jiang Yougong had considered the Sanhezu posting a risky assignment—stationed alone outside the city walls, with a captive camp of several thousand people...
Chapter 2292: Top Favorite Chang Qingyun
"You make a fair point. Then invite him over to blow off some steam," Liu Youwang said, patting his belly with affected magnanimity. "There's a new girl I just...
Chapter 2293: Dividing Spoils
"Who would have thought—just as I'm dozing off, someone delivers a pillow." Yi Haoran smiled. "Wonderful." "I also sense there's an opportunity here, but I can't quite se...
Chapter 2294: Turning Hostile Ruthlessly
Which merchant would be suitable? Chang Qingyun suggested that rather than looking elsewhere, they should use Shopkeeper Jiang's Ruijintang Silk Shop—the same ...
Chapter 2295: Opera Chests
"We'll just have to play it by ear," Chang Qingyun said. Under normal circumstances, Liu Youwang's "ambition" could be worked on slowly—sowing discord and various other tric...
Chapter 2296: HighSounding Reasons
Yet another thought occurred to him. He had no education, but in his wandering childhood, he had listened to old villagers tell ancient tales. One story spoke of ho...
Chapter 2297: Arrested
The team included some Ming Army night sentinels who had been recruited after surrendering. The intelligence they gathered was generally accurate. Besides, there was currently n...
Chapter 2298: Investigation
Yi Haoran was taken to the County Police Bureau—formerly the Cangwu County Yamen—for temporary detention. His arrest was "preventive"; without a specific charge, there was ...
Chapter 2299: The Watch is Struck
The night grew darker. The watchman's clapper rang out—the first watch had been struck. In the fields outside Wuzhou city, a small detachment moved quietly toward the...
Chapter 2300: Nightfall
Liu Youwang had no idea that the chests were filled with death warrants. He only thought about how he would listen to opera and feast tonight, then toy with the girls in the tr...
Chapter 2301: Surprise Attack on Wuzhou
After scaling the wall and entering the city, Jiang Suo, Song Ming, and their men slipped into a narrow alley behind the Prefectural Yamen. Jiang Suo and Yi Ha...
Chapter 2302: Capturing the Hairy Thief
Xie Erren's face turned ashen. As a reporter, he had witnessed his share of ugly scenes, but this was the first time a blade had been pressed directly against ...
Chapter 2303: Luo Yangming and Wen Tietou
Luo Yangming wasn't worried about a Ming reconquest. He understood the situation clearly: the Ming army was too busy trying to hold Guangxi to even think abo...
Chapter 2304: Pursuit Battle
Luo Yangming quickly divided the force into two groups. Wen Tietou would take half the men to pursue along the base of the wall while Luo Yangming led the other half up o...
Chapter 2305: A Close Shave
"The situation is critical!" Luo Yangming could contain himself no longer. He roared at the sergeant, "Something terrible is about to happen!" The sergeant also realized t...
Chapter 2306: Aftermath
"We are the principal cadres in Wuzhou right now. Let's not sit around sighing and groaning." Seeing them all succumbing to the slackness that follows extreme tension, Zhao Fe...
Chapter 2307: Pleading for Mercy
When Luo Yangming returned home, broad daylight had broken. The entire household was waiting in the main hall. The moment he appeared, they surrounded him. Ding Atao ...
Chapter 2308: Thorny Confessions
Qian Duo nodded. "Replenishing troops isn't the problem. The main issue is the heavy loss of weapons. The Third Squadron had been completely retrofitted with rifles, ...
Chapter 2309: Cover Up
"The unloading is proceeding smoothly. Please rest assured," Zhao Fengtian reported. "The Inland River Fleet ships are also patrolling the waterway." "Good, good." Xie Erren's ...
Chapter 2310: The Deal
Cai Lan had originally been under house arrest as well, but at daybreak she was taken to the interrogation room. Zheng Ergen had selected two burly "female wardens" specificall...
Chapter 2311: New Clues
"Cai Lan is also a principal offender—her life cannot be spared," Xie Erren said. "However, I will grant her a chance to die with dignity, avoiding the humiliation of public e...
Chapter 2312: Two Directors
Lingao, General Bureau of Political Security, Director's Office. Ma Jia, Director of the Political Security Bureau of the Senate, sat in the rattan chair behind his desk, ...
Chapter 2313: Three Directors
"These proposals, reports, and applications cover various matters, but at their core, they all concern our department's resource allocation. And without exception, more ...
Chapter 2314: Making Use of the Subject
"Currently, most Senators are dissatisfied with the Political Security Bureau deploying Hidden Cadres everywhere. But honestly, the previous few incidents fail...
Chapter 2315: Tangled Relationships
Capital relocation and industrial transfer had been topics of debate in the Senate ever since the recovery of Guangzhou. From a developmental perspective, basing o...
Chapter 2316: Several Pieces of Good News
The arrival of grain and troops quickly settled the people of Wuzhou. At Zhao Fengtian's urging, Xie Erren made several public appearances, including a spe...
Chapter 2317: Thoughts of Various Parties
"Since it involves her maiden family, we should still investigate thoroughly. The losses at Sanhezu were too great—there must be an accounting. Everything mu...
Chapter 2318: Danzhou Development Seminar
Hundreds of kilometers from Lingao, along the shores of Danzhou Bay, a storm was sweeping across the land. Surging dark clouds shrouded the sky as torrential...
Chapter 2319: Land Flowing with Milk and Honey
He wasn't particularly interested in the finance profession—engaging in the financial industry had merely been because the income was good. In an enviro...
Chapter 2320: Go South
The group of Senators was dazzled by Zhou Wei's extravagant roadshow, one after another expressing willingness to "invest" in this plan like eager financiers. Seeing the treme...
Chapter 2321: Danzhou Planning
Zhou Wei had won the first battle in Danzhou, securing the support of a coalition of chemical industry Senators. Truthfully, he knew nothing about chemistry or planning...
Chapter 2322: Planning of the Industrial Park
Though the energy department lacked silicon steel, generators with iron cores could still be manufactured—merely with higher energy consumption and lower...
Chapter 2323: Going to Wuzhou I
A steam-powered armed Daihatsu boat, belching black smoke and white steam, navigated the West River at full speed. It was neither escorting a convoy nor patrolling t...
Chapter 2324: Going to Wuzhou II
"Too thoughtful," Ji Xin praised after surveying the room. "Old Xie, you really have a taste for the good life." This was originally a casual compliment, but to Xie...
Chapter 2325: Going to Wuzhou III
"They're key witnesses. We should extract them and detain them separately. That would be safer." Thinking of Cai Lan, who had "committed suicide" under mysterious ...
Chapter 2326: Going to Wuzhou IV
"Next is this Jiang Suo." Chen Baibin picked up the interrogation record. "Doesn't look like there's much to squeeze out of him—just a reckless soldier." "Jiang Suo...
Chapter 2327: Going to Wuzhou V
He looked at his palm, covered with fresh blood. How much hatred did it take to think of using a writing brush as an assassination weapon? Chen Baibin came over to s...
Chapter 2328: Going to Wuzhou VI
Chen Baibin's speculation obviously aligned more closely with the facts. The two faced each other in silence. Clearly, what they had uncovered in Wuzhou was not as ...
Chapter 2329: Going to Wuzhou VII
Chen Baibin looked at the materials on the table. Xie Erren had moved fast, cleaning up all retained personnel who could prove Cai Lan had a special relationship w...
Chapter 2330: Going to Wuzhou VIII
When he heard that the City Government wanted to see him, He Dongli was not panicked. He immediately followed the police to the San Zong Fu. Unexpectedly, he didn...
Chapter 2331: Going to Wuzhou IX
"...The first time Director Xie suggested sending an inquiry letter, I actually refused. I'd always thought he was a good man—even if he was Xiong Wencan's staff, s...
Chapter 2332: Going to Wuzhou X
They asked a few more questions, each answered in turn. Finally, Chen Baibin indicated he had nothing further. Ji Xin spoke up: "Where were you posted before coming ...
Chapter 2333: Going to Wuzhou XI
"...But the document matter is different. Only three or four people know the full sequence of events, and no single person has the complete picture. You can piece t...
Chapter 2334: The Hearing I
Once the Wuzhou Riot Investigation Report was publicly released within the Senate, it stirred up considerable turbulence. However, this disturbance proved far smaller th...
Chapter 2335: The Hearing II
He waited several minutes. Although whispered conversations buzzed below, no one raised an objection. "The Investigation Report on the Wuzhou Incident has received the ...
Chapter 2336: The Hearing III
His nervousness showed in his slightly halting speech. "I've read the investigation team's report thoroughly. I believe our current problems are far from ordinary. The...
Chapter 2337: The Hearing IV
His remarks were extremely mild, exonerating not only Xie Erren but also the other responsible departments. Yet Ma Jia understood the subtext clearly: the Liangguang Ca...
Chapter 2338: The Hearing V
Ma Jia stood and announced: "Next is the hearing on whether the Political Security Bureau was derelict in its duties during the Wuzhou Incident." He turned and signaled....
Chapter 2339: The Hearing VI
Given this state of affairs, Ma Jia had proposed multiple times to "do some work" privately among Senators to improve the Pol-Sec Bureau's situation, but Zhao Manxiong ...
Chapter 2340: Personnel Adjustment
Zhao Manxiong narrowed his eyes. After a long moment, he said: "As I see it, we have no choice but to take a decisive step: ensure that key figures fully understand...
Chapter 2341: Comprehensive Adjustment
The Wuzhou Incident finally drew to a close after weeks of vigorous debate. This resolution came partly from behind-the-scenes maneuvering by various factions, ...
Chapter 2342: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company I
"This isn't a goddamn document, it's..." Zhou Wei clutched the file titled Reply on Establishing Nanyang Company , flipping through its pages again and...
Chapter 2343: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company II
Vietnam, however, was designated as "Local Territory" for the future, so despite insufficient resource allocation at present, the Senate attached cons...
Chapter 2344: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company III
Delay was inadvisable; the Nanyang Company had a thousand tasks waiting. Logically, he should travel to Guangzhou immediately. But the Rat Plague qua...
Chapter 2345: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company IV
Forty-three ships wasn't a large number, but for Southeast Asian trade in this era, it wasn't small either. According to Dutch records, Chinese mercha...
Chapter 2346: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company V
An obvious problem presented itself: the shipyard couldn't possibly allocate a slipway for a vessel whose power unit wouldn't be ready for roughly a ye...
Chapter 2347: Freshly Baked Nanyang Company VI
After getting to know him, Zhou Wei found Xu Yanliang's temperament steady and his work well-organized. The Senate's HR was no easy job. The work invo...
Chapter 2348: The Newly Established Nanyang Company Part 7
"If we're looking purely at grain, we might as well go straight for Pathein in Burma—that's the largest grain trading port in the 17th cent...
Chapter 2349: The Newly Established Nanyang Company Part 8
Xu Yanliang reviewed the roster while jotting down names and personal ID numbers in his notebook—with these numbers, he could access the pe...
Chapter 2350: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 1
The group had made their decisions and was about to split up when Xu Yanliang remembered something: "Li Huamei's file has a special surveillance marker. If ...
Chapter 2351: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 2
But now Li Huamei possessed the protective talisman of Qi Feng's patronage. Without clear evidence of "acts harming the Senate," moving against her would be...
Chapter 2352: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 3
"But according to the information we've gathered, she probably couldn't pass the relevant background investigation—to be honest, not arresting her immediate...
Chapter 2353: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 4
The case itself wasn't difficult. Guo Yi understood that the reason it was deemed "tricky" and specifically assigned to him was, to put it bluntly, that it ...
Chapter 2354: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 5
"Transparent." Guo Yi nodded slightly, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Damn, why do these people all sound the same? Xu Yanliang couldn't help but complai...
Chapter 2355: Old Friend Li Huamei Part 6
The detached house Li Huamei had built in the "Commercial District" was handled entirely by Qi Feng, from architectural structure to interior decoration. Th...
Chapter 2356: First Arrival in Sanya
The Senate hadn't disdained his age but promoted him to this position. And he had devoted himself entirely to his duties, serving with diligence. Now he was truly ...
Chapter 2357: The Lonely Tang Menglong
Sanya's declining status was also reflected in the choice of mayor. Previously, Wang Luobin had served here. After Wang Luobin was transferred back to Lingao to ...
Chapter 2358: Status of Sanya Part 1
The Senate's initial planning for Sanya had revolved around the Tiandu Mine, with development and construction conducted roughly along Yulin Bay's coastline. But...
Chapter 2359: Status of Sanya Part 2
"This road is paved quite well." Xu Yanliang admired the road before him. The Venus Zero vibrated comfortably beneath his seat. The road was built to the standar...
Chapter 2360: Status of Sanya Part 3
When Xu Yanliang asked about housing, Tang Menglong waved his hand dismissively. "Housing is ready-made—even building new for you wouldn't be difficult; we have ...
Chapter 2361: Status of Sanya Part 4
Tang Menglong then provided a detailed account of Sanya's population. The city had over fifty thousand registered residents, plus another ten thousand unregister...
Chapter 2362: Agricultural Company Part 1
Xu Yanliang glanced at Yuan Fei, thinking the young man was neither suited for studying nor for secretarial work. Still, his words had piqued Xu Yanliang's ...
Chapter 2363: Agricultural Company Part 2
"A slave?" Xu Yanliang was somewhat surprised. "Where is his father?" "His father is a hired hand on this farm—good at farming. He had no wife. The Master s...
Chapter 2364: Agricultural Company Part 3
"How much land does his family hold now?" "I'd estimate five or six thousand mu. Besides what was allocated when he first arrived, he applied for new land d...
Chapter 2365: Agricultural Company Part 4
"At the current scale, yes." Hu Wumei nodded. "I've developed six thousand mu of land. With machines assisting the planting, fifty to sixty male laborers ar...
Chapter 2366: Trading Station in Sanya
The last stop of Xu Yanliang's Sanya tour was the Southeast Asia Company's trading station. Few of the company's ships were based in Sanya, and during winter, bu...
Chapter 2367: Financing Part 1
The ice trade was familiar territory for the Senate. Ever since they had developed the capability to build cold storage, ice blocks had been sold to Guangzhou as a com...
Chapter 2368: Financing Part 2
From the posts' content, the Senate's intention to raise funds from the private sector was universally accepted. Some practical steps had already been taken. Proposals...
Chapter 2369: Financing Part 3
Chu He frowned deeply. Why had things come to this? Nothing had even begun, yet internal conflicts had already erupted. The Nanyang Company hadn't taken shape, yet dis...
Chapter 2370: Financing Part 4
Chu He had a large and eclectic family back on Jeju Island. Moreover, he had come to Guangzhou to promote his plan, so he had no interest in such sensual diversions. A...
Chapter 2371: Financing Part 5
"These... these are documents meant for General Manager Zhou." Secretary Zhou's voice faltered, her earlier arrogance evaporating in an instant. She scrambled for word...
Chapter 2372: Financing Part 6
"You're absolutely right. This must be nipped in the bud!" Liu Xiang nodded vigorously. While the liaison went to fetch Mu Min, Liu Xiang chatted further with Chu He, ...
Chapter 2373: Financing Part 7
Hearing this, everyone was momentarily stunned. Then those who had long steeped in office politics—Director Wang, Director Zhang, and Mu Min—immediately caught on. Tho...
Chapter 2374: Fundraising Part 8
Reality, as usual, refused to cooperate. By the time he reached the municipal government, Ren Youzi saw Liu Xiang and several other Senators hurriedly climbing into ...
Chapter 2375: Financing Part 9
Zhang Yunmi had her own sedan chair. Truthfully, she didn't care much for such pomp—sitting in it was uncomfortable. One could basically only sit rigidly upright. Afte...
Chapter 2376: Financing Part 10
"Furthermore, do we understand the situation of that... Secretary Zhou? Is she a life secretary dispatched by the General Office, or one Zhou Wei personally recruited...
Chapter 2377: Financing Part 11
Zhou Wei found this very strange. The telegram recalling him had been marked urgent. He couldn't figure out what had happened. The next day, at the crack of dawn, he ...
Chapter 2378: Financing Part 12
"My legs are a bit numb; I can't get up for now. Little Xu, Little Du, help me check the back first. There should usually be two or three staff members there. Secreta...
Chapter 2379: Financing Part 13
Mu Min first surveyed the environment. Apart from a young woman with bound hands and feet being guarded in the corner by a young man dressed in National Army attire, ...
Chapter 2380: Financing Part 14
Failure to establish wasn't allowed, but total victory and pyrrhic victory were both permissible... Zhou Wei quickly understood Mu Min's meaning. But Zhou Wei had no ...
Chapter 2381: Financing Part 15
"This Chu He has been on Jeju Island far too long. These past years, his mind has been occupied entirely with women and children. His thinking remains stuck in the ea...
Chapter 2382: Financing Part 16
Liu Xiang first shot Wang Qiyi a sideways glance, then lowered his head and took a sip of tea that had grown quite weak. After a light sigh, he began with several que...
Chapter 2383: Financing Part 17
Zhou Wei had actually been quite confused about this question recently. He had only met with Liu Xiang twice but couldn't discuss things in depth. The main problems, ...
Chapter 2384: Financing Part 18
The Senate's currently stipulated maximum annual lending interest rate was 25%. Any excess beyond that wasn't judicially recognized, and if it explicitly exceeded thi...
Chapter 2385: Financing Part 19
At this point, he felt he couldn't not say a few words, lest these two former financial migrant workers go down the evil path of harvesting for harvesting's sake. Liu...
Chapter 2386: Financing Part 20
But looking left and right, it didn't seem quite right. Combining with several other documents, he speculated that the Senate's intent should be to establish a subsid...
Chapter 2387: Financing Part 21
Then I'd definitely find a way to squeeze out liquidity... Oh, you mean the situation where the successor isn't my wife... "Once this precedent is opened, those beari...
Chapter 2388: Financing Part 22
Originally sitting in a posture propped on the table, Liu Xiang pointed at Zhou Wei, then leaned back, sinking into the chair again. Those familiar with him nearby, l...
Chapter 2389: Financing Part 23
Land reclamation wasn't an easy task. No matter how Zhou Wei and his partners promoted the richness of the Mekong Delta's land, the reality was that in the 17th centu...
Chapter 2390: Financing Part 24
"Report to the Mayor! Two documents need to be signed for!" Hm? Didn't Mu Min and Wu Mu agree to submit a joint report? Liu Xiang thought something had changed and re...
Chapter 2391: Financing Part 25
Cheng Dong had stayed out of the entire financing process. First, his background was in accounting rather than finance, leaving him without the depth of expertise to ...
Chapter 2392: Financing Part 26
Cheng Dong found this troubling. If things proceeded this way, what was the point of the Guangzhou Exchange? Wouldn't all transactions simply be absorbed by the black...
Chapter 2393: Financing Part 27
"But this long-term plan absolutely needs to be done, and done properly. Get both the Finance Province and Administrative Affairs Yuan to approve it—the team can be u...
Chapter 2394: Zhongyi Trading Company
Harboring these worries, Chu He surveyed his surroundings and asked, "Which building is the walnut pastry shop in?" "East Building One," Park Jihyun said. Chu He ...
Chapter 2395: Hanshi Dishes
The shop's walls on all four sides held shelves, and in the middle stood large long tables full of glass compartments with lids, each compartment filled with various goods....
Chapter 2396: Zhong Xiaoyings Request
"There's another trick here," Doctor Zhong had said, getting into the explanation. "The chili powder produced in Lingao usually contains a certain amount of salt...
Chapter 2397: Zhang Yus Predicament
Chu He had long heard of the owner of Zhang's Walnut Pastry. After Ren Youzi mentioned him, he'd learned more about Zhang Yu himself and his company's background. ...
Chapter 2398: A Senators Visit
Zhang Yu had already learned about the Nanyang Company's stock subscription from the Guangzhou Federation of Industry and Commerce Weekly . This weekly publication was ...
Chapter 2399: A SkyHigh Opportunity
This "Ming-Australian" hybrid decoration style was now quite popular among Guangzhou merchants who dealt with the Australians, used to signal that their relationsh...
Chapter 2400: A Dilemma
Chu He looked at him—face covered in pastry crumbs and surrounded by baskets of pastries piled on the floor—and didn't know whether to laugh or cry. He shouted, "You'll eat you...
Chapter 2401: The Appointment
However, this sum plus the odds and ends at home only amounted to a little over three hundred yuan. According to the market situation Zhang Yu had inquired about, for a m...
Chapter 2402: The Patron
Even like this, he wants to see a Senator! She too silently criticized, but since the scene had reached this point, she might as well play it out fully—the people in line were...
Chapter 2403: Proxy Holding
Zhang Yu stood frozen, unable to grasp Hong Huangnan's meaning. He could only stammer, "This humble one is useless..." Hong Huangnan waved his hand, signaling his secretary...
Chapter 2404: Industrial and Commercial Promotion Act
January 2, 1636 As the first New Year since the formal promulgation of the "Great Song Public Calendar" in Guangzhou, the Great Song Guangzhou Mun...
Chapter 2405: Reorganizing the Family Business I
For the Australians to suddenly wade into this muddy water, they must possess some powerful killer move. It was like when the Australians had come to...
Chapter 2406: Reorganizing the Family Business II
"Didn't the ancestral hall distribute grain for relief?" "The Clan Leader is dead. The Clan Elders are dead or fled—there's not a single person who ...
Chapter 2407: Reorganizing the Family Business III
Chen Lin walked through the village. Following the etiquette of a junior returning home, he visited the clan elders one by one. For the deceased, h...
Chapter 2408: Fenshenghe Silk Factory
Imitating a master's manner, Chen Xuan gave a slight hum and lifted the lidded tea bowl, gently brushing aside the floating leaves. He regarded with some satisfac...
Chapter 2409: Partner
"This is my nephew, Chen Lin," Chen Xuan said, bending at the waist as he introduced him to the Australian woman. "Ah, I've heard of him. He was originally the young owner here,"...
Chapter 2410: Difficulties
Li Yao'er had dealt with all sorts of people over the years, and her ability to read character had grown considerably. Seeing the fire kindle momentarily in this young man's...
Chapter 2411: Xiangyunsha
The people Chen Lin usually dealt with spoke in careful, measured words—implicit, tactful, always practicing moderation. He rarely heard such unguarded emotion. Young as he w...
Chapter 2412: Grand Flower Tower Loom
"Naturally, every family saves their own eggs. How could such a life-or-death matter be entrusted to others?" Chen Lin said. "If they hear of good silkworm breeds...
Chapter 2413: Reeling Workshop I
"This is the Zhudie Mu —the beater stick," Chen Lin explained, unaware of what thoughts were running through the Australian woman's mind. "It's used to guide the ree...
Chapter 2414: Reeling Workshop II
The so-called Cold Basin Method didn't mean reeling silk in cold water. Rather, the former single-pot process for cooking and reeling cocoons was separated into two...
Chapter 2415: The Fundamental Problem
"Nobody is actually starving to death," Chen Lin said. "But the common people's lives are much worse than before." As long as a Nansha villager bore the surname C...
Chapter 2416: Scabby Head
Her plan had already been set: how to organize, how to mobilize everyone to pool shares, what equipment and consumables to add, how many silkworm seeds to advance on credit, ...
Chapter 2417: The Hidden Threat
"What's there to say about crying in the graveyard—his father died, isn't he allowed to shed some tears? Did anyone hear what they said?" Chen Xuan asked impatiently. "...
Chapter 2418: Mulberry Dike Fish Ponds
"What's there to 'this' or 'that' about?" Shen Su smiled. "Wanting it desperately in your heart but insisting you can't with your mouth." Chen Lin was thoroughly...
Chapter 2419: Trade Friction
Chen Lin thought for a moment and said: "My Second Uncle, as the Chief knows, is a man who doesn't stay home. Being alone, he had no way to raise a girl." Li Yao'er though...
Chapter 2420: New Trade Agreement
Now the Dutch East India Company in the Lingao timeline depended even more on Asian intra-trade for precious metals than in the old timeline. On one hand, they took G...
Chapter 2421: Private Capital
"Would the landlord fatcats be willing? Sounds like there's not much guarantee." "They definitely won't lose money, but leaders are needed. There happens to be a fatcat w...
Chapter 2422: Trade Adjustment Memorandum I
Good kid—seems your brain works even better than your uncle's? But his steadiness—why can't you learn that? Wang Kai paused for a moment and furrowed his ...
Chapter 2423: Trade Adjustment Memorandum II
And the Merchants Bureau's profits still had to be shared with the Jiangnan gentry of the Ming. Calculated this way, the Senate's direct profits were eve...
Chapter 2424: Trade Adjustment Memorandum III
"I believe Japan's demand potential is great, but their silver output has already reached its upper limit—around 150 tons per year. Unless we directly i...
Chapter 2425: Sonia I
The risks were mainly twofold: one was dying in an accident during the expedition. But Wang Kai thought this wasn't a big problem. She would receive protection equivalent to Se...
Chapter 2426: Sonia II
She listened for a moment. The nursery was quiet—her daughter should still be sleeping. She put on a robe, got out of bed, and went to wash up. Although the Lisbon nobleman's ...
Chapter 2427: Sonia III
Sonia began packing her bag for going out. This was a ladies' crossbody bag sewn from deerskin, large enough to fit several 16-kai-sized books and albums. Its style was model...
Chapter 2428: Sonia IV
The female naturalist arrived at the Lingao Natural History Museum at exactly 1 PM. Although the museum was completed, interior decoration and exhibition work was progressing ...
Chapter 2429: Sonia V
This work was mainly done by Senators and naturalized citizen technicians from the Remote Survey Department and agricultural sector, with Fangcaodi trainees handling auxiliary ...
Chapter 2430: Sonia VI
Let the secrets sink into the sea of ignorance. Every time Sonia saw this globe, she thought of this phrase. She brought the globe to the office precisely to constantly remind...
Chapter 2431: Sonia VII
Sonia studied the paintings with great interest, placing them one by one on the easel and browsing carefully, occasionally letting out sounds of surprise or delight. Although...
Chapter 2432: Sonia VIII
Sonia had read many Australian survey reports. These reports were filled with large amounts of terminology very unfamiliar to her. Some terms were very abstruse—even after c...
Chapter 2433: Sonia IX
Though the wing building appeared modest from outside, its interior surpassed even the main building in both decoration and amenities. To maintain comfortable temperatures yea...
Chapter 2434: Sonia X
"Let's start by repairing this marlin specimen," Sonia said, deciding to begin with the fish. The marlin presented the simplest repair challenge—not only saving time but also p...
Chapter 2435: Sonia XI
Fortunately, this interval wouldn't be wasted—it could be used to continue repairing the marlin specimen. But before that, she still had natural history knowledge to impart. S...
Chapter 2436: Sonia XII
Sonia reinserted the freshly degreased blue magpie skull back into the skin pouch and carefully adjusted its position. Then she took out another box. "This is camphor powder—...
Chapter 2437: Sonia XIII
"This gentleman's idea is quite good," Sonia said. "A small zoo for collecting rare animals. An excellent idea!" Collecting rare animals had been a modest hobby among Europe...
Chapter 2438: Sonia XIV
This was a standard background check question, and Dawen and Xiaowen weren't surprised. After thinking for a moment, they said: "We haven't heard her say such things." "Is sh...
Chapter 2439: Sonia XV
"4,900 meters!" After working for a while, the petty officer operating the rangefinder finally reported a number. Li Di secretly shook his head—the accurate figure should be j...
Chapter 2440: Persuasion Part 1
"Old-timeline metrology was divided into ten categories. I think mechanical industry depends on two of them: 'geometric quantity metrology' and 'mechanics metrology.'...
Chapter 2441: Persuasion Part 2
"The scope is mainly the Indochinese Peninsula—Vietnam, Burma, Thailand, Cambodia, and such places." Wang Kai roughly outlined the planned expedition range. "Currentl...
Chapter 2442: Wu Nanhai Arrives
Wu Yijun perked up. He knew about this "Third Uncle"—the man had been Chen Lin's father's capable assistant. If he had come to Guangzhou and could be found, that would ...
Chapter 2443: The Teahouse Auction
Wu Nanhai held firm views on technological diffusion. If the natives obtained technology too cheaply, it would ultimately harm the Senators' interests. During the ea...
Chapter 2444: The Teahouse Auction Part 2
Selling night soil fertilizer brought decent income, but compared to the old days when Boss Mi squeezed both city dwellers and farmers—eating from both ends...
Chapter 2445: The Teahouse Auction Part 3
Wu Nanhai secretly nodded: these old moneybags were truly shrewd. Matches—this cheap daily necessity—seemed to have thin margins and earn mere pennies, but ...
Chapter 2446: Reunion of Old Friends
Ever since receiving his master's orders, Chen Yin had been searching throughout Guangzhou for Chen Ding these past several days. Thinking calmly, if Chen Ding rea...
Chapter 2447: Searching for Someone
"A black mole?" Zhao Xian seemed deep in thought, touching his own brow tip. "You mean here?" "No, here." Chen Yin pointed again. Zhao Xian slapped his thigh: "What...
Chapter 2448: Cooperation
Chen Ding remained in the Shelter's hospital for another two days before being carried back to the Wu residence in a small sedan chair sent by Chen Yin. Wu Yijun welcomed him...
Chapter 2449: Investigation
Since those involved could not remember, the only option was to investigate the bystanders. Passersby on the road couldn't be traced, but the merchants near the incident lo...
Chapter 2450: New Clues
Li Ziyu reviewed the case files repeatedly in his office, feeling increasingly that there were many suspicious points. He felt that this matter was probably not as simple as fl...
Chapter 2451: AGuis Troubles
Although Sister Qiao had been just a rough-work maidservant in the Zhong household, Master Zhong Aijiao had looked upon her with favor for a few years, and she had assoc...
Chapter 2452: The Baiyunshan
Chen Ding rested at the Wu family's home for a few days, and the injury on his head healed mostly. Seeing the day to go to Lingao approaching, he was filled with high spir...
Chapter 2453: Uncle and Nephew Reunited
Chen Ding was no scholar, but he understood the principle of "look at nothing contrary to propriety." Staring at the girls felt terribly rude, so he forced his...
Chapter 2454: First Arrival
The natives currently on deck were all "worldly" types. A popular new entertainment among Guangzhou's upper-middle class was the "Pearl River Day Tour" offered by the Zimi...
Chapter 2455: Like Walking in a Painting
The Lingao City Rail was standard gauge, but due to roadbed and locomotive limitations, its maximum speed was only thirty kilometers per hour—usually running ...
Chapter 2456: Longhao Bay Hotel
Everyone had initially found Chen Xiaobing somewhat stern, but as they conversed, they discovered his manner was approachable and his speech humorous. He neither affec...
Chapter 2457: Longhao Bay Hotel Part 2
The Senate's power industry had always been a weak link. Unable to produce qualified silicon steel sheets for a long time, the power sector big shots had fina...
Chapter 2458: Jasmine Hotel
While Master Wu was enjoying himself in the bathtub, a small disturbance arose in Chen Lin's room. The rooms Chen Xiaobing had arranged for the inspection group members we...
Chapter 2459: The Use of Jasmine Hotel
Liu Dalin had unspeakable troubles. Once, he couldn't help sighing and pouring out his frustrations to Tang Tang at a Consultative Council tea party. Tang Tang ...
Chapter 2460: Fabric Store
Then he thought of Li Yao'er and his Second Uncle. Elder Li trusted him greatly and had entrusted him with heavy responsibilities, but Second Uncle undermined him from with...
Chapter 2461: Manager An
"Whether it's Ming cloth or cloth from the Eastern, Western, or Southern Oceans—none have a width as large as this Australian cloth." Hand-woven fabrics were limited by the r...
Chapter 2462: Department Store
"Strike people?! This Master is beating a dog!" Master Xia's aggression didn't diminish—he looked very much like he wanted to beat Manager An too. "Don't think of slidi...
Chapter 2463: Ladies Wear Department
Chen Lin originally planned to spend most of his time at the silk and cloth counter to check the local textile market in Lingao. Unexpectedly, as soon as he ente...
Chapter 2464: Molesting Women
Chen Lin took the paper bag containing the shirt, hurried a few steps down the stairs, and headed towards the main entrance of the store. Just as he left the gate and wa...
Chapter 2465: A Strange Case
Actually, just when Chen Lin was worrying about his chrysanthemum (anus) in the detention room, Chen Ding, Wu Yijun, and Chen Xiaobing arrived at Bopu Police Station and ...
Chapter 2466: Demonstration Textile Factory
Zou Biao felt that the current predicament of the cotton textile industry stemmed from two reasons: The first aspect was the planning issue during the Firs...
Chapter 2467: Mule Jenny
"It is said that in the new urban area built under Master Liu's supervision, there are no high bridges; all are flat bridges laid straight, and roads are all renovated accord...
Chapter 2468: Factory Construction Plan
After viewing the spinning process, they went to the weaving workshop. As they walked, Li Shan introduced the performance and output of the looms. The group wa...
Chapter 2469: Li Tang and An Jiu
This marked the beginning of the discussion process for formal implementation details. Hosted by Chen Xiaobing, both sides began to proceed with specific implementati...
Chapter 2470: Entrustment
"I see, Fifth Mistress—what is her name?" "Her original name is Lianjie (Lotus Sister). Even she doesn't know her surname. People in the Qu family call her Fifth Mistress or...
Chapter 2471: New Life of Female Naturalized Citizens Part 1
At five o'clock in the morning, Lingao had already woken up. Inside a naturalized citizen dormitory area outside Chengguan Town, people ...
Chapter 2472: New Life of Female Naturalized Citizens Part 2
Myriad Purple Pavilion was originally just a tailoring room in Compound 82, specifically serving Elders and Life Secretaries. The tailor...
Chapter 2473: New Life of Female Naturalized Citizens Part 3
Many years later, He Xiaoyue still found it hard to forget the moment she stood on the runway wearing the outfit she had designed herself...
Chapter 2474: Haute Couture Client
Since it involved an acquaintance, He Xiaoyue couldn't help but be concerned: "Then didn't Manager An get into trouble?" "The Qu family's Advisor Xia came to the doo...
Chapter 2475: The Clients Peculiarity
"If she doesn't come this time, the schedule will be pushed to half a month later..." "Anyway, the Qu family has plenty of money, and Master Qu dotes on her. We'...
Chapter 2476: Old Acquaintance
Zhou Suniang didn't flip through for long before selecting two styles. Guo Xi'er took a look; these two styles were among the best-selling ones usually. Perhaps Zhou Sun...
Chapter 2477: Distant Relative Part 1
"That's great! Our Chief Designer Guo really has a way!" "Sigh, hardly." Guo Xi'er sighed. "To tell you the truth, I really wanted to help her with this favor! ...
Chapter 2478: Distant Relative Part 2
"So it is my worthy nephew," Zhang Shizhong nodded and praised, "A man of striking appearance! Indeed, heroes come from the youth." This Third Granduncle spoke ...
Chapter 2479: The Stolen Silver Ingot
"Besides earning dividends, these stocks can be bought and sold," Gao Chongjiu said. "Bought and sold?" Li Ziyu was baffled. "How can this be bought and sold?" "F...
Chapter 2480: Combined Case Handling
Having obtained the information, the two returned to the police station. On the way, Gao Chongjiu stopped at his usual tea house to find an informant and told him ...
Chapter 2481: The Second Meeting
Gao Chongjiu had many friends and was the most well-informed. Before long, he helped Li Ziyu find a house. "It was originally the property of a master in the Ming Stat...
Chapter 2482: Copper Coin
Second Master Hao remained composed. He knew Boss He too well. He looked like a reckless grassroots hero, but in reality, there was subtlety in his roughness; he didn't rely ...
Chapter 2483: Stripping the Cocoon Part 1
The meeting at Songluo Tea House concluded successfully. Hao Fang had prepared for this moment for a long time—all to give a proper accounting to Shi Weng, ...
Chapter 2484: Stripping the Cocoon Part 2
In Xu Tong's view, Vice Commander Yang's greatest strength was her remarkable energy and meticulous attention to detail. But precisely because of this, her ...
Chapter 2485: Stripping the Cocoon Part 3
Xu Tong paused for breath, then continued: "Any group contains leftists, centrists, and rightists. The forces within Guangzhou city are similarly divided: t...
Chapter 2486: Stripping the Cocoon Part 4
It was the bright springtime of March. Liang Yuanfu walked down the street, sweat dripping constantly from his forehead, making his plump face look shiny an...
Chapter 2487: Stripping the Cocoon Part 5
Liang Yuanfu seemed to shift slightly, but still said nothing. Xu Tong continued: "When one person achieves the Dao, naturally his chickens and dogs ascend ...
Chapter 2488: Stripping the Cocoon Part 6
Xu Tong flipped through the freshly recorded confession without lifting his head: "Keep an eye on him. Don't let anything happen to him." The entourage memb...
Chapter 2489: Burning the Building Part 1
Outside the east gate of the Liang residence, more than ten sturdy mule carts loaded with grain, rice, and miscellaneous goods were parked in disarray, thei...
Chapter 2490: Burning the Building Part 2
Reaching this point, Liang Cunhou rested for a moment before continuing: "My only fear is that the lords in the current court, as when dealing with the East...
Chapter 2491: Burning the Building Part 3
Yang Cao asked: "How long has he been inside?" The scout said: "He's been in the residence for over four hours. Other cart drivers have already gathered, ea...
Chapter 2492: Burning the Building Part 4
The carriage started quickly. Before long, it arrived at the intersection. Scout No. 1 was following on foot, already panting from hurrying. When he saw the...
Chapter 2493: Burning the Building Part 5
The conference room doors of the Guangzhou Political Security Bureau flew open with a violent push. Two guards entered first, followed by Zhao Manxiong stri...
Chapter 2494: Burning the Building Part 6
Zhao Manxiong asked, "Any new reports on the Master Stone Group?" "Some," Wu Mu said. "I'll report to you separately afterward." "Thank you. Please continue...
Chapter 2495: Burning the Building Part 7
As she spoke, Yue Wan finished re-tying Liang Cunhou's hair bun, secured it with a hairpin, and replaced his turban. He touched the bun gently, stood, and s...
Chapter 2496: Burning the Building Part 8
"If only they'd get us some Type 34s. Who the hell wants this modified gadget called Type 36!" Wu Mu stared at the training ground, his expression sour. The...
Chapter 2497: Burning the Building Part 9
Wu Mu thought to himself: What major matters could they have? Obviously, it must be laying groundwork for anti-Senate activities. After all, we've put consi...
Chapter 2498: Burning the Tower 10
Yun Ting slowly extended his right hand and raised his index finger. "First, do not engage them head-on. Attack only from the flanks and avoid their sharp edge. Th...
Chapter 2499: Burning the Tower 11
A phlegmy cough echoed as a fat, dark-skinned man slowly walked to the front of the incense table. This man had a protruding belly, jowly cheeks, and a full beard....
Chapter 2500: Burning the Tower 12
Liao Yongcheng's face changed several times. He extended his hand partway, hesitated for a moment, then pulled it back—ultimately not reaching out to support him. ...
Chapter 2501: Burning the Tower 13
Seeing the situation under control, Xue Tu nodded approvingly and walked slowly to Liu Jun's side, gently patting him on the shoulder. Liu Jun's tense body tremble...
Chapter 2502: Burning the Tower 14
"Li Jian?" Sun Gang scoffed. "He's no Li Jian—he's a Kun spy. I saw him myself, leading Kun soldiers through the streets of Guangzhou making arrests." Xu Tong's ex...
Chapter 2503: Burning the Tower 15
Yun Ting nodded. "He carries himself like a jianghu man, but his intentions are clearly suspect. By provoking this incident, he's trying to sow discord among the f...
Chapter 2504: Burning the Tower 16
Xu Tong sized up Sun Gang's punching power and found it wanting. The strikes lacked weight, betraying fundamental flaws in his force generation, and his movements ...
Chapter 2505: Burning the Tower 17
When your opponent outweighs you, outpaces you, outpowers you—when their reflexes are sharper, their defense sturdier, their skills more refined—landing a clean hi...
Chapter 2506: Burning the Tower 18
Xu Tong snatched up the short knife from the ground and dropped into a fighting crouch. Legs bent, feet shoulder-width apart, he settled into a modified boxing sta...
Chapter 2507: Burning the Tower 19
Chen Simazi was growing anxious. He strode over to Xue Tu and cupped his fists. "Marshal, counting Sun Gang, four of our brothers have been injured today. How can ...
Chapter 2508: Burning the Tower 20
Xue Tu's eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Why does Daoist Wooden Stone raise the morale of the Kun thieves while dampening our own?" Wooden Stone regarded him with c...
Chapter 2509: Burning the Tower 21
The sky was dimming toward the hour of You . Eleven riders came thundering down the official road, bodies pressed flat against their horses' necks as they flew pas...
Chapter 2510: Burning the Tower 22
A muffled bang , a puff of white smoke, a flash of flame. The booby trap triggered exactly as designed. Under the combined pressure of the convex platform and the ...
Chapter 2511: Burning the Tower 23
Xu Tong crept backward about fifty meters, moving with the careful, silent gait of a stalking cat. Bits of vegetation clung to his body as camouflage—not too much,...
Chapter 2512: Burning the Tower 24
The enemy kept advancing, saber in hand. Closer now. Xu Tong could make out the leader's face. Summoning his last reserves of strength, he lurched to his feet. His...
Chapter 2513: Burning the Tower 25
Zhao Manxiong exhaled softly. "Not entirely. This operation achieved several objectives: it created fractures in the enemy's alliance, gave our embedded agents opp...
Chapter 2514: Court Discussion
Yang Cao asked, "Should we close the net within the city?" "Not yet," Wu Mu replied. "The bandit gangs are too mobile. After we failed to catch Xu Tong, Iron Beam Temple...
Chapter 2515: Returning South
Wen Tiren said, "From what I have observed of the Kun people's conduct, perhaps blind suppression is not the only path forward. They are sea bandits, true, but also sea m...
Chapter 2516: Tanka Village
"Kuang Yan, let's go." The scholar beckoned to his servant boy and climbed aboard a Qiwei mule cart. "Coming, Young Master." Once settled in the cart, the scholar ordered h...
Chapter 2517: Principal Tian and Doctor Hou
Although the Tanka people were now permitted to live on shore, most belonged to the destitute class and could not afford proper dwellings. Instead, they bui...
Chapter 2518: Mobilizing for School
"Rest assured," Hou Qing continued. "Following the Senate always leads to better days. I've heard the Chiefs plan to promote fish farming throughout Guangzhou Prefe...
Chapter 2519: Principal Tian Liang
Tian Liang's words put Kuang Lu somewhat at ease. So that was his game. Still, these Kun thieves were remarkably undiscriminating, appointing such a man as school pr...
Chapter 2520: Returning Home
The discounts seemed generous, but ordinary folk weren't buying. Tian Liang found himself with strength and nowhere to apply it, utterly at a loss. Fortunately, Hou Qing h...
Chapter 2521: Xunfeng Night Banquet
At the foot of Xunfeng Mountain, the cold wave had brought frost that withered the leaves and stripped the branches of evergreen trees. Even Guangzhou Prefecture, b...
Chapter 2522: Empty Talk
Li Suiqiu lifted his teacup and took a sip to wet his parched throat. "When the Kun thieves first arrived, I assumed they were merely maritime merchants with some peculiar ski...
Chapter 2523: Continuing Empty Talk
Sensing Chen Bangyan's urgency, Li Suiqiu asked, "Lingbin, you have sharp insight. Do you see any countermeasures available to us?" "The best time to oppose the Kun...
Chapter 2524: Proposal of Raising Troops
"You've seen me. Speak." "Many Ming officials and gentry abuse their power to bully the common folk—seizing farmers' fields during times of natural disaster, a...
Chapter 2525: Deeply Rooted and Intertwined
Mu Min couldn't resist a jab. "Douglas Adams really understood human nature. How did that quote go? 'Anything that is in the world when you're born is norma...
Chapter 2526: Continuing Deeply Rooted and Intertwined
"There's another figure everyone has overlooked—Deng Yunxiao of Dongguan. Of course, he passed away a few years ago. This man rose to become Righ...
Chapter 2527: Chen Wuren
"Have a seat, Little Zhang." Xiao Zishan took a long sip of his strong tea and gestured toward the chair. "I've been thinking for quite some time. You've distinguished yoursel...
Chapter 2528: Taking Office
Splash... Steam rose in white curtains through the large bathhouse, obscuring the naked bodies within while water sounds and voices mingled in a ceaseless murmur. This publ...
Chapter 2529: Complex Situation
"I see—factor endowments determine the laws of economic development." Lin Motian looked thoughtful. "But she must have had her reasons for choosing that location." "She...
Chapter 2530: On the Road to Guangzhou
To pass the tedious hours of travel, Zhang Xiao and Lin Motian discussed the situation in Nanhai County at length. Before they knew it, mealtime had arrived, ann...
Chapter 2531: Sea of Meetings
Wen Desi began by acknowledging Zhang Xiao's concerns. "Comrade Zhang Xiao raises a valid point—we've learned hard lessons in this regard. And if such problems can arise ...
Chapter 2532: Thoroughfare Busy Wearying Difficult
"Councilor Wei, Chief Zhang wants to see you!" Chen Wuren called out to Wei Bifu, who had been dozing behind his rosewood desk. The Councilor's Of...
Chapter 2533: Recommendation
"Yan Junyan, you say?" Zhang Xiao stroked his small mustache, drawing upon his previous experience compiling historical materials. Yan Junyan had been an honest man who se...
Chapter 2534: Baojia
When the Senate first landed on Hainan, Lingao County held only tens of thousands of people, and the entire island numbered no more than two or three hundred thousand. Years of ca...
Chapter 2535: Indian Cotton and Domestic Cotton
The Textile Industrial Park of Nanbao had grown quiet. Where the cotton textile factory once hummed with ceaseless activity, most workshops now stood si...
Chapter 2536: Preparing to Build a Factory
"In the early Qing dynasty, when trade opened at the Thirteen Factories, Guangdong's manual cotton textile industry flourished to meet foreign demand. At the...
Chapter 2537: Winning Hearts in the Village Part 1
The textile internship group busied themselves with their respective tasks, while Uncle and Nephew Chen had work of their own. Chen Ding was occupi...
Chapter 2538: Winning Hearts in the Village Part 2
"Uncle Zhang, Second Uncle was indeed in the wrong here. But he's the Head of Case now, so it's difficult for me to openly defy him." Chen Lin kept...
Chapter 2539: Chen Qings Secret
Chen Lin recounted his visit to the textile park and his participation in Wu Yijun's cotton textile project, laying out each detail in turn. Then he unveiled his grand...
Chapter 2540: Clan Property
Shortly after the meeting concluded, Chen Lin posted a sign in the graveyard bearing the title "Senate Demonstration Private Nansha Cotton Textile Factory Preparatory Offic...
Chapter 2541: Retaking Fengshenghe
As Chen Ding explained further, Chen Lin began to grasp the situation. In the past, clans had operated as autonomous organizations beyond government oversight. How t...
Chapter 2542: Corporatization Reform
Chen Ding led his people to the Ancestral Hall. When he saw the sign for the Nansha Village Office, his brow furrowed. Two young men beside him moved to take it do...
Chapter 2543: Trial Production
While the canal and water turbine projects progressed, construction of the brick-and-wood factory building proceeded at a furious pace. The factory employed timber truss...
Chapter 2544: Guangzhou Textile Market Part 1
Chen Lin thought the internship group was taking things for granted. Certainly, for families short on labor, saving a female worker would be a blessing....
Chapter 2545: Guangzhou Textile Market Part 2
For now, their only hope was that Chinese and foreign merchants would recognize the potential here and begin trafficking Indian cotton. "Hold on, hold o...
Chapter 2546: Guangzhou Textile Market Part 3
"Speaking of cotton stock, there might actually be a fair amount still inside Guangzhou City." Wu Yijun considered for a moment. "The problem is, with t...
Chapter 2547: Guangzhou Textile Market Part 4
"...In the future, merchant ships carrying textiles and raw materials—whether domestic or foreign—will dock directly at these wharves to load and unload...
Chapter 2548: Guangzhou Textile Market Part 5
"It's complicated to explain," An Jiu said with a lovely smile that made Chen Lin's heart flutter despite himself. "It involves shares and equity struct...
Chapter 2549: Hidden Concerns
Why were the Australians buying cotton too? The Nansha factory had only just begun operations—tens of thousands of taels of silver poured in without so much as a ripple ...
Chapter 2550: Hidden Worries
Australians also purchased cotton? Nansha just started operation; tens of thousands of silver invested haven't seen a splash yet. If cotton prices rise like this urgently,...
Chapter 2551: Crisis Emerges
Wu Yijun turned the matter over in his mind and realized his nephew was right. He had spent enough years in commerce to understand how markets worked. Once a crisis erupte...
Chapter 2552: The Cloth Shop Boss
Li Shan scratched his head, mulling over the Guangzhou market report that Chen Xiaobing and the others had brought. "Seems like both assessments are correct?" Zou Bia...
Chapter 2553: The Cloth Store Owner
Li Shan scratched his head and pondered the reports that Chen Xiaobing and others had brought him about the Guangzhou market situation, then said: "Both seem to be...
Chapter 2554: New Market Conditions
"If you'll excuse me for a moment, comrades." Li Qiwei cupped his hands to the two men. "Please, attend to your business—commerce takes priority," Li Shan replied ...
Chapter 2555: New Market Prices
"Two Comrades, allow me to excuse myself a bit." Li Qiwei cupped his hands to the two. "You busy first, business is important." Li Shan said politely. Saw this Li Qiwei...
Chapter 2556: Chu He and Ren Youzi
The two returned from the market and immediately sent word to the Municipal Government—they didn't know who else to notify. Soon after, a courier arrived with An Jiu...
Chapter 2557: The Full Story
"Elder Ren and I have been watching this paper cotton business since it first appeared," Chu He said. "We even visited the Qingyun Teahouse—that primitive futures exchang...
Chapter 2558: The Sequence of Events
"Senator Ren and I started paying attention to this matter shortly after Paper Cotton first appeared. Included Qingyun Tower Tea House, this primitive futures exch...
Chapter 2559: Subsequent Issues
"My personal recommendation regarding this paper cotton incident is simple: pretend we never saw it," Chu He said. Li Shan and Zou Biao stared at him in astonishment. ...
Chapter 2560: Subsequent Problems
"My personal suggestion, regarding this Paper Cotton event, the best handling is pretending not to see." Chu He said. "?" Now Li Shan and Zou Biao were both shocked i...
Chapter 2561: Paper Cotton Aftermath
These concerns weren't unique to Chu He and Ren Youzi—they reflected the prevailing sentiment within the Law Society. Many believed that current commercial law re...
Chapter 2562: Undercurrents in Dongguan
Late at night, the Provincial-Hong Kong General Hospital in the Great World hummed with activity. Doctors and nurses moved through the corridors with tireless p...
Chapter 2563: Conspiracy in the Hermitage
Lin Jian could see his student's thoughts drifting, his face clouded with worry over his mother's grave illness. "I came looking for you today because I want ...
Chapter 2564: Hope
When Zhang Jiayu remained silent, Lin Jian stepped forward. "I am Lin Jian, a sheng yuan of the county school. To gather here today among such righteous warriors is truly a blessing...
Chapter 2565: Past Events at the Academy
"Jiayu! It's been ages..." A friend from Shen Ao Academy greeted Zhang Jiayu as he burst through the doors. "Have you seen Chief Du recently?" Zhang Jiayu cut ...
Chapter 2566: The Press Conference
Gentry and household heads from Guangzhou, Nanhai, and Panyu filtered into the academy throughout the morning—some accompanied by family members, others by servants....
Chapter 2567: Xunyang Tower
The attendees welcomed Elder Zhang Xiao with warm applause. This wasn't Zhang Xiao's first public appearance in Guangzhou, but today's occasion carried particular weight. ...
Chapter 2568: Seeking Help
Nature's call waits for no meeting. Zhang Xiao had consumed several cups of tea during the proceedings, and by the time Liu Xiang launched into his lengthy speech, his blad...
Chapter 2569: Zheng Mingjiang
Zhang Xiao paused and took a sip of tea. "In all of Guangzhou Prefecture, if there aren't ten thousand sons as filial as you, there are at least eight thousand. Countles...
Chapter 2570: The New Medical Records
"The pastries are all made at the factory. This shop doesn't have a preparation room—only a warehouse." "Then let me see the warehouse." The assistant's smile ne...
Chapter 2571: The Gap
After the examination, Lin Motian was fairly certain Mother Zhang didn't have tuberculosis. More likely it was a common respiratory infection—streptococcus, mycoplasma, somethin...
Chapter 2572: Lushi Powder
"I ended up waiting an entire year, and the prizes never came. I had people inquire a few times in between—they kept saying distribution hadn't started yet. I was too busy ...
Chapter 2573: Examination Classmates
Several varieties of the powder, though identical in appearance, revealed their true nature under the microscope—mere mineral dust. These were complete counterfei...
Chapter 2574: Garden Tour
The two examination classmates walked side by side, chatting without pause, their manner so warm and familiar that any onlooker might have mistaken them for old friends reun...
Chapter 2575: Heated Debate Part 1
Zhao Xunru let out a sigh. "Mengliang, your clan has received Ming stipends for generations and basked in imperial favor. Why degrade yourself to serve bandits?" ...
Chapter 2576: Heated Debate Part 2
Liu Dalin lifted his teacup, using the lid to push aside the floating leaves. He took a slow sip to moisten his throat and settle his emotions before speaking. "E...
Chapter 2577: Divination
Now the Australians were treading the same path as the First Emperor. What made them so confident they wouldn't repeat his mistakes? He Wuzhou cleared his throat. "When you e...
Chapter 2578: Investigation Part 1
"Jingshan, how does this outfit look?" Zheng Mingjiang wore a modified hanfu from Shop No. 82. The fabric had an understated elegance, and the accessories suited ...
Chapter 2579: Investigation Part 2
"Fetus-changing pills" struck Zheng Mingjiang as utterly absurd. But she knew the hallmark of fraudulent medicines: impossible claims. The motto was always the sa...
Chapter 2580: Elder Dus Jealousy Part 1
Word that Zhang Jiayu had successfully "sought medicine" and, through a stroke of fortune, become Zhang Xiao's staff aide spread swiftly through the Shen'ao...
Chapter 2581: Elder Dus Jealousy Part 2
After sending the telegram, Du Yibin inquired about Song Yingsheng's third younger brother, Song Yingxing. This had become routine by now. Every so often, E...
Chapter 2582: Investigation Part 3
Cui Hantang had run out of ideas for the moment. Seeing that the two men's belligerence had finally subsided, Zhang Xiao hid his amusement. "This can be done," he...
Chapter 2583: Investigation Part 4
Treatment for female pseudohermaphroditism typically combined drugs with surgery. The children were still too young for surgical intervention, so for now the stan...
Chapter 2584: Investigation Part 5
After passing the sanitation management examination and completing his training period, Yuan Shuzhi joined the Municipal Comprehensive Governance Bureau. This bur...
Chapter 2585: Investigation Part 6
"...I'll disguise myself as a small merchant or traveling doctor and set off for Huizhou alone. Once I arrive, I'll contact you directly." "You've planned this ca...
Chapter 2586: Investigation Part 7
Several dozing passengers stirred with irritation, and unfamiliar villagers seated nearby began hurling complaints: "What brat is making all this noise!" "My chic...
Chapter 2587: Investigation Part 8
Yuan Shuzhi feigned surprise. "Boatman, how do you know someone will want to drown themselves?" The boatman's expression turned contemptuous. "I've seen plenty on...
Chapter 2588: Investigation Part 9
Several onlookers couldn't resist the temptation. Two men who looked like prosperous local farmers each purchased a crate on the spot. Seeing only a few crates re...
Chapter 2589: Investigation Part 10
"You're right—this counterfeit is different," Lu Cheng said. As a member of Guangzhou's Political Security Bureau, she had handled dozens of counterfeit currency...
Chapter 2590: Investigation Part 11
Guo Huiwen found himself at a loss for words. After all, weren't these the very systems Elder Zheng had created? The pharmaceutical factory had operated under th...
Chapter 2591: Investigation Part 12
Yuan Shuzhi arrived at the county seat of Boluo and rested at an inn for a day. Upon inquiry, he learned the medicine market lay another fifty or sixty li beyond...
Chapter 2592: Investigation Part 13
"You'll work on the accounts here," Manager Gao said. "If you need anything, call the assistant—he'll be waiting outside. And don't wander around without good re...
Chapter 2593: Investigation Part 14
What struck Yuan Shuzhi as peculiar about Jubao Tang's small customer business was the pattern: few varieties, but enormous quantities. A single customer might p...
Chapter 2594: Investigation Part 15
What Zheng Xiaoyu said was indeed fact. To control drug distribution at its source—particularly for pharmaceutical endpoints beyond the Senate's direct oversight...
Chapter 2595: Investigation Part 16
Zheng Xiaoyu's successful "fall into corruption" greatly encouraged Lu Cheng and her team. The investigation now had two breakthrough points: Bailing Tang and Ju...
Chapter 2596: Investigation Part 17
Fortunately, Yuan Shuzhi had informed his contacts before going undercover. Political Security officers should be watching the shop around the clock. If anything...
Chapter 2597: Investigation Part 18
Though the season in Guangzhou remained pleasant, the air inside every office of the inspection team's building had grown suffocating. Staff crowded together, pe...
Chapter 2598: Investigation Part 19
The gang's obsession with Provincial-Hong Kong General Hospital was easy enough to understand. It boasted the highest patient volume, the greatest drug consumpti...
Chapter 2599: Investigation Part 20
He Jun was silent for a long time. At last, he spoke. "Since you already know, elder brother has nothing left to hide. This business that was making money hand o...
Chapter 2600: Investigation Part 21
Yuan Shuzhi stood in the accounts room courtyard, watching ants march across the flagstones. The weather was about to turn. Over the past few days, the flow of l...
Chapter 2601: Investigation Part 22
"You truly intend to use this man?" Quan Youde asked once Yuan Shuzhi had departed. "Whether he's trustworthy matters little—he won't be able to talk regardless....
Chapter 2602: Investigation Part 23
"But—" "Hear me out, elder brother." Zheng Xiaoyu's voice was calm and measured. "If you report them, you lose the drug-selling profits at most. But with the Sen...
Chapter 2603: Investigation 24
"So what did you say?" "I told him I never sell heterodox medicines of unknown origin," He Jun declared with righteous indignation. He Jun had nothing more to offer. A...
Chapter 2604: Investigation 25
The methods for stealing drugs proved remarkably diverse. Beyond the sophisticated scheme of using outside hospital prescriptions to obtain publicly funded medications...
Chapter 2605: Investigation 26
Quan Youde knew how to cater to a man's weaknesses. Shortly after they became sworn brothers, he arranged for Lu Renjia to meet a gentle, agreeable young woman—one wit...
Chapter 2606: Investigation 27
But why would she have such a dream? As a committed atheist, Zheng Mingjiang put no stock in "visitations from the dead" or "divine revelations." She believed that dre...
Chapter 2607: Escaping the Tigers Mouth
Yuan Shuzhi continued his auditing work that day, though the estate had grown ominously quiet. Over the past few days, Daoist Wood Stone had been absent. Quan ...
Chapter 2608: An Imperfect Ending
Yuan Shuzhi's escape came as a welcome surprise. Lu Cheng had written him off as lost, yet not only had he survived—he'd brought back the approximate location of the ...
Chapter 2609: Evidence of Guilt
In the main hall outside the County Magistrate's office of the Nanhai County Yamen, Zhang Jiayu—now a trainee advisor—sat absorbed in a book borrowed from Senator Zhang...
Chapter 2610: Planning
At the sound of the voice, the two women paused and appraised the young man in old-style clothing standing before them. The girl drifted toward Zhang Jiayu's desk and leaned in ...
Chapter 2611: Departure
"In your dreams. Those penny-pinchers at the Finance and Taxation Bureau won't agree so easily." Li Yao'er laughed. "The Finance and Taxation Bureau?" Zhang Xiao chuckled. "I w...
Chapter 2612: Sangyuan Enclosure
Hou Wenyong had been thoroughly dispirited of late. He had risen through the secretarial ranks, and his appointment to the top position in the "Most Important County" ...
Chapter 2613: Jiujiang Great Market
Huang Xiyin hadn't expected Zhang Xiao, an outsider, to know so much about Jiujiang's water conservancy. Assuming the man wanted to hear the Song dynasty's achievem...
Chapter 2614: Where the Stars Are
During the late Ming Dynasty, Nanhai County was divided into six Patrol Divisions: Jinli, Wudoukou, Shen'an, Sanjiang, Huangding, and Jiangpu. Each division maintaine...
Chapter 2615: Digging Dikes into Ponds
Since the Hongzhi reign, Jiujiang Township had held a monopoly on fish fry fishing rights along the West River, giving rise to a thriving freshwater aquaculture ...
Chapter 2616: Continued Digging Dikes into Ponds
"You flatter me," Chen Wuren said with practiced modesty. "My family established itself in Xiangshan three generations ago. Thanks to our ancestors' fo...
Chapter 2617: Four Major Domesticated Fish
Knowing that Guan Youde had once worked as a Zhuangjia, Chen Wuren pressed further about fish fry: "Brother Guan, I understand that Jiujiang's fish fry are a...
Chapter 2618: Chaos
Guan Youde bid farewell to Zhong Ji and dragged himself home, his head still foggy. He passed acquaintances along the way without so much as a nod. The door opened with a drawn-out...
Chapter 2619: Family Affairs
"Mom, the world has changed—the Australians are here now. I've heard that under their rule, divorce is permitted. We can go to them for justice. Divorce him. Draw a clear ...
Chapter 2620: Mulberry Market
Guan Zongbao rose at the fifth watch to relieve his mother from feeding the silkworms. Only after completing the morning chores did he cook breakfast. The silkworm droppi...
Chapter 2621: East Guangdong Eight Silkworms
Zhao Hening approached him. "How much for mulberry leaves?" "Seven mace of silver per dan ," Guan Zongbao replied. She clicked her tongue. "Not cheap." See...
Chapter 2622: Seeing Injustice on the Road
"Auntie, where can I buy silkworm papers nearby?" "There's the Jiujiang Great Market. Silkworm paper shops usually rent space there. Some seed vendors also c...
Chapter 2623: Drawing the Sword to Help
Le Ziren stood at attention, awaiting orders. Zhang Jiayu nodded. "My mother can't go on living with him anymore—she wants a divorce," Guan Zongbao said, pullin...
Chapter 2624: Bargaining
Aside from plague, smallpox was the deadliest infectious disease of this era—so virulent it could even influence whether Manchu raiders would risk crossing through the passes....
Chapter 2625: Coercion and Inducement
The gentry hadn't expected Zhang Xiao to estimate Jiujiang's fish fry production with such precision, and they exchanged startled glances. Guan Boyi recovered fir...
Chapter 2626: Reporting
At dusk, the cadres who had been out conducting inspections returned to camp one by one. After days of visiting villages throughout the region, each had accumulated substantial...
Chapter 2627: Nitre Field
At that moment, Chen Wuren's respect for the two Senators grew considerably. In Ming Dynasty society, clan power reigned supreme. The yamen's reach extended only to the count...
Chapter 2628: Li Family Enclosure
Zhu Shilian and Mao Yuanyi arrived at the workshop—a spacious brick-and-tile building divided into sections for nitre refining, sulfur refining, and medicine mixing. ...
Chapter 2629: Welcome
"Set tea for me in the pavilion." The speaker was Li Guangyuan, a man of about fifty who wore a black gauze Dongpo cap and a Taoist robe patterned with swirling clouds and water....
Chapter 2630: People with Exceptional Abilities
With that, he led the group through the manor gate. Li Family Enclosure, true to its name, had originally been polder land—reclaimed by building earthen...
Chapter 2631: Getting on the Boat
Li Guangyuan watched in stunned amazement. Our Great Ming truly possesses such divine talents , he thought. If we could gather more of these extraordinary individuals...
Chapter 2632: Gold Pig
This issue of War History Research was another piece of black material produced by the Ministry of Truth. The exposé required no special fabrication or embellishment—simply plac...
Chapter 2633: Incense Ash
"Jin Zhu, Jin Zhu, cough, cough, don't talk nonsense, don't talk nonsense." Mother Li saw her son speaking without obstruction, hurriedly patted her son a few times while cou...
Chapter 2634: Kun Thieves Go to the Countryside
Jin Zhu watched the spectacle with great curiosity, turning to ask one of the onlookers beside him, "Why is Master having guards trained here?" The man ...
Chapter 2635: Unexpected Complications
After Zhao Hening left, Mrs. Huang ( Huang Shi ) found herself unable to settle her churning emotions. The upheavals of recent days had surpassed anything in her...
Chapter 2636: Surprise Inspection
After two hours ( one shichen ) of kneeling at the Patriarch's home, Guan Youde could barely stand. He didn't understand—he'd been this way for years. Why was the Pat...
Chapter 2637: Unexpected Complications II
Madam Huang fixed her gaze on the man who had spoken. His name was Wu Yixuan, and he appeared younger than Yuchi Gang. A native of Qiongshan in Hainan and a g...
Chapter 2638: Legal Popularization Style Lawsuit Part 1
One of the Clan Elders spoke up angrily. "Zongbao, those are not words befitting a junior. I'll overlook your rudeness this once, given your y...
Chapter 2639: Legal Popularization Style Lawsuit Part 2
On the day of the court trial, women from villages within ten li in every direction descended upon the Grand Camp at Jiujiang Great Market. Th...
Chapter 2640: Legal Popularization Style Lawsuit Part 3
Liang Xinhu reflected that scholars truly were eloquent—those twelve characters had laid out the benefits with perfect clarity. He nodded and ...
Chapter 2641: Legal Popularization Style Lawsuit Part 4
When formulating the relevant laws, the Law Society had been forced to make certain compromises with the commercial customs of the seventeenth...
Chapter 2642: Secrets of Qiaonan Village
Zhang Jiayu was stunned. The local water network spread everywhere—ponds, swamps, and rice paddies covered the landscape. Though narrow paths ran along the fie...
Chapter 2643: Folangji Rapid Gun
Zhang Xiao's inspection of Nanhai County had reached a natural stopping point. Though he was returning to Guangzhou City for now, Foshan couldn't yet serve as the coun...
Chapter 2644: Rapid Gun Squad
Though Li Guangyuan possessed magical arts to rely upon, he had also studied books for several years and understood that no one in history had ever achieved lasting succe...
Chapter 2645: Temple Festival Opera Part 1
A few days later, the opera troupe arrived as promised, and Li Family Enclosure grew more lively than ever. The puppet troupe had already been performing f...
Chapter 2646: Temple Festival Opera Part 2
The Tea-picking Opera on stage was just reaching its climax. The Clown Role Duke ( Gong Ye ) circled the Flower Role ( Hua Dan ) with exaggerated Dwarf Ste...
Chapter 2647: Storm over Xiaoyao Market Part 1
"Li Guangyuan has ascended to Immortal status. The Eight Immortals Society has finally gained momentum in this region. Their influence spreads like wil...
Chapter 2648: Storm over Xiaoyao Market Part 2
With that, the apprentice produced several coins from his pocket. Li Guangyuan accepted one and turned it over in his fingers. The coin was noticeably ...
Chapter 2649: Storm over Xiaoyao Market Part 3
Due to historical circumstances, iron coins had earned a poor reputation among the populace and proved difficult to circulate. By galvanizing them, the...
Chapter 2650: Storm over Xiaoyao Market Part 4
The earthen wall stood no higher than a man, but topped with a bamboo fence, it rose to more than one zhang . The upper ends of the fence stakes had be...
Chapter 2651: The Capital Part 1
Luo Heying found himself thinking of Taoist Wood Stone, who had once laid out a grand Feng Shui formation in Guangzhou, scheming to ruin the Kun Thieves' royal qi. Y...
Chapter 2652: The Capital Part 2
"Ah, him." The Emperor remembered. When the memorial reporting Zheng Zhilong's death had arrived at the Imperial Desk, he had felt somewhat shocked, but the news had...
Chapter 2653: The Capital Part 3
His sudden interest in Zheng Sen was no passing whim. The Imperial Court had simply gained a brief respite and could finally spare attention for the Kun. Two years a...
Chapter 2654: The Capital Part 4
"Yes, the brand is Chen Li Ji," Concubine Tian replied. "His family's medicines are all sold on commission through Changchun Hall." When Chen Li Ji had entered into ...
Chapter 2655: The Capital Part 5
"No need to arrest him. Have men follow him instead. Watch where he goes, whom he meets, what he says. Report back when you have something definite." "Yes, Your Maje...
Chapter 2656: The Capital Part 6
Zhong Kai said nothing, but pointed to a bottle of Guoshi Wushuang resting on the wine table. A chill passed through everyone present—they understood at once that he...
Chapter 2657: The Capital Part 7
Biaoju [Escort Agency] was known as Biaohang during the late Ming Dynasty. Legend holds that the term Biaoju was first popularized by the Australians in Qiongzhou Pr...
Chapter 2658: The Capital Part 8
The woman nodded but offered no reply. Li Rufeng continued, "There's a broken tree by the roadside. The bandits must have lain in wait for Master Leng's carriage, th...
Chapter 2659: The Capital Part 9
"But if you speak of leaving," Liao Sanniang continued, "where exactly could you go? Defect to the Great Ming? The Senate's ambition to seize the realm is plain for ...
Chapter 2660: The Capital Part 10
"If that's the case, all the better!" Both assistant managers voiced their agreement. Li Rufeng, however, remained skeptical. "Are you confident this will work?" "I...
Chapter 2661: The Capital Part 11
In a corner of the room, Assistant Managers Xiao and Wei huddled together, exchanging whispers. Though they too were Naturalized Citizen cadres, they were not "Ling...
Chapter 2662: The Capital Part 12
"It would be best if we could find these two letters," Wu Kaidi muttered. Li Rufeng, however, held no hope. "The letters were probably burned." "Not necessarily," L...
Chapter 2663: The Capital Part 13
Liao Sanniang stopped asking questions. She began slapping Wang Shizhen in a steady rhythm. Her hand was extraordinarily hard—harder than the shoe soles specificall...
Chapter 2664: The Capital Part 14
Li Rufeng nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Since ancient times, the Son of Heaven has always been made by those with strong soldiers and sturdy horses. The Great Song ...
Chapter 2665: The Capital Part 15
Leng Ningyun started awake. He opened his eyes to see a young man in his early thirties entering the room. The visitor wore a snow-blue Taoist robe with a net kerch...
Chapter 2666: The Capital Part 16
The clatter of horse hooves shattered the early morning silence. Several riders emerged from the mist, their silhouettes growing sharper as they approached Beijing....
Chapter 2667: The Capital Part 17
Little Bazi hurried into the living room with a letter in hand, Wu Kaidi close behind him. The moment he crossed the threshold, he announced to Li Rufeng, "Mister W...
Chapter 2668: The Capital Part 18
The three of them forewent horses, taking a mule cart directly back to Heliansheng. They had barely washed their faces and taken their seats when a young fellow bro...
Chapter 2669: The Capital Part 19
Liao Sanniang's left foot touched ground a heartbeat before Liu Wu's. She shifted laterally, a subtle adjustment that forced his center of gravity forward. In the s...
Chapter 2670: The Capital Part 20
"...Delong has some knowledge of the Xia family's client situation," Li Rufeng said. "Manager Wu will go back to check now. There should be news by tomorrow." "The ...
Chapter 2671: The Capital Part 21
The hall was built in the reduced-column style, its front section broad and lofty while the rear rested upon thick wooden pillars. Mottled paint clung to the beams ...
Chapter 2672: The Capital Part 22
A slight smile tugged at the corners of Zhou Lezhi's mouth as he listened to Liu Zhao recount how the Song brothers had failed to swindle money from the escort agen...
Chapter 2673: The Capital Part 23
"That, I will tell you later. For now, you need only follow me and study diligently." The Teacher deflected the question. Zhou Lezhi had heard from Wang Liang that ...
Chapter 2674: The Capital Part 24
As for what the Teacher's supernatural power actually was, Zhou Lezhi would only learn later. But at that time, these rumors simply added another layer of mystery t...
Chapter 2675: The Capital Part 25
Yangzhou sat at a vital juncture of the Grand Canal, its prosperity born of the endless stream of north-south traffic. This flourishing economy had given rise to an...
Chapter 2676: The Capital Part 26
"Many thanks for the Lao Gong Zu 's kind intentions." Wang Yehao cupped his hands in thanks, then turned to Mr. Zhou. "Would Mr. Zhou care to partake in such refine...
Chapter 2677: The Capital Part 27
Not long after Mr. Zhou returned to the boat, he fell ill—perhaps from the shock of the previous night, or perhaps from the cold he had caught on deck. By the next ...
Chapter 2678: The Capital Part 28
Zhou Lezhi had not witnessed the scene of the name being chosen. He only learned of it later, when the Teacher recounted it to him upon bestowing that very name. Du...
Chapter 2679: The Capital Part 29
A few days after the fleet departed Yangzhou, Jin Wenchi's forgery project reached completion. Several meticulously crafted documents lay spread upon the table, and...
Chapter 2680: The Capital Part 30
"There is a matter this nephew wishes to trouble Fourth Uncle with." Since this was a private discussion, Wang Yehao dispensed with formalities and spoke plainly. "...
Chapter 2681: The Capital Part 31
"So it is a token." Liu Sha carefully tucked away the folding fan. "Your Excellency walks the Jianghu as one beyond the secular world—do you have a religious name?"...
Chapter 2682: The Capital Part 32
Wang Yehao unfolded the paper slip that Wang Liang had delivered—a secret report from Liu Zhao in Guangzhou: the departure for the return to the capital was set for...
Chapter 2683: The Capital Part 33
Liu Sha followed Wu Hai into the inner room. The space was dim and reeked of something fishy. In the corner, an eight-or-nine-year-old boy sat chained, clutching a ...
Chapter 2684: The Capital Part 34
With the support of a "cheat" for more than a year, Wang Yehao had successfully risen to occupy the top chair of the Office of Transmission, ranking among the Nine ...
Chapter 2685: The Capital Part 35
"...Upon investigation, Zizhenzhai is a curio shop in Guangzhou Prefecture. It houses an in-house jewelry workshop, and the accessories they produce are exceptional...
Chapter 2686: The Capital Part 36
Mr. Zhou was accompanying his daughter in building a snowman in the courtyard. He claimed it was Juli who wanted to build it, but that was merely a cover—deep down,...
Chapter 2687: The Capital Part 37
"The Master wishes to seize his family's property?" "Once the Qiankun Mirror is obtained, what significance do such properties hold? This is merely a preliminary pr...
Chapter 2688: The Capital Part 38
Master Wang showed considerable concern for Zhou Juli's illness. This concern extended beyond merely summoning physicians and procuring medicines—he went further, s...
Chapter 2689: The Capital Part 39
"Is the news reliable?" He still could scarcely believe it. "Entirely reliable. The Tangbao from Guangdong will arrive within a few days. The official text may cont...
Chapter 2690: The Capital Part 40
Yet of the Shorn-hair Thieves' invasion—their occupation of Lingao, their defeat of the government army, their siege of Guangzhou—he knew nothing. How could he call...
Chapter 2691: The Capital Part 41
Gou Chengxuan stood before the Ziminglou on Huifu Street, staring at its emptied shell—already stripped bare by looters. The sight filled him with despair. His fami...
Chapter 2692: The Capital Part 42
"What's so difficult about that? Brother, I have my own ways of smuggling private contraband." The two chatted merrily until the wine shop closed for the night, the...
Chapter 2693: The Capital Part 43
Zhou Lezhi agreed wholeheartedly with this assessment, for up until now, the Teacher had essentially been dancing in the palm of Master Wang's hand. Master Wang kne...
Chapter 2694: The Capital Part 44
Mr. Zhou's expression grew increasingly crestfallen, his mood visibly souring with each passing moment. After a lengthy silence, he spoke: "Master Wang, I wish to i...
Chapter 2695: The Capital Part 45
Zhou Lezhi saw the Teacher's face had gone pale, filled with disappointment and disbelief. Fearing he might lose his composure and succumb to madness, he called sof...
Chapter 2696: The Capital Part 46
"Did he really say that?" "Yes, your humble servant heard it clearly and distinctly," Zhou Lezhi replied. Wang Yehao nodded with satisfaction. It seemed he wouldn't...
Chapter 2697: The Capital Part 47
According to Zhou Lezhi's reasoning, given the existence of such a "confidant" as Liang Cunhou, Master Wang would likely introduce the Teacher to the Yuyuan Society...
Chapter 2698: The Capital Part 48
In the three years that followed, Zhou Lezhi spent most of his time in Zhaoqing, studying under the Teacher's guidance and helping him write books. "The Kun are no ...
Chapter 2699: The Capital Part 49
"This person has considerable backing?" "Deep and unfathomable." Wang Yehao unconsciously lowered his voice. "Not to mention anyone else—even with the Slave Chiefta...
Chapter 2700: The Capital Part 50
"What exactly is this medicine? Tell Laozi clearly!" the Teacher roared in exasperation. "It is... medicine I begged from Mr. Wu," Jieyi said hesitantly. "Mr. Wu? W...
Chapter 2701: The Capital Part 51
"Yes, Mr. Zhou often says one should never complicate simple matters." At present, Jieyi had merely fallen out of favor temporarily; she hadn't lost all hope. If an...
Chapter 2702: The Capital Part 52
"Is the money still holding out?" Jin Wenchi served as the General Steward in the Stone Old Man clique—all income and expenditure passed through his hands. "For now...
Chapter 2703: The Capital Part 53
He still harbored selfish motives: if he could ransom Senator Leng before the work team arrived—even at a cost of a hundred thousand taels of silver—it would still ...
Chapter 2704: The Capital Part 54
Leng Ningyun existed in perpetual twilight within the room, unable to distinguish sun from moon, having lost all sense of time. The shutters outside the windows had...
Chapter 2705: The Capital Part 55
Old Feng laughed. "Little bastard, you've got guts! You'll be someone of consequence one day!" Little Bazi clumsily remounted his donkey and rode slowly alongside L...
Chapter 2706: The Capital Part 56
The column advanced at a measured pace, its seemingly loose formation imperceptibly divided into front, middle, and rear sections, with flank guards positioned on e...
Chapter 2707: The Capital Part 57
Liao Sanniang's expression darkened, a frown creasing her brow. She regarded the large man sprawled on the ground, then turned to Little Bazi. "Fetch Old Feng. He h...
Chapter 2708: The Capital Part 58
Her preparations complete, Liao Sanniang pointed toward an exposed slope overlooking the roadside and waved to Old Feng. "Uncle Feng, bring that bandit up the slope...
Chapter 2709: The Capital Part 59
Liao Sanniang had already gathered some intelligence on the enemy. The opposition had four relatively tall and sturdy men—these would be her primary opponents. What...
Chapter 2710: The Capital Part 60
Martial Yama finished laughing, then hardened his expression and spoke sternly: "We brothers come from the border army. We've seen our share of battles—even fought ...
Chapter 2711: The Capital Part 61
Hot iron sand sprayed into the big man's eyes, nose, and mouth. He let out an agonized scream, dropped his spear, and clapped both hands over his face—yet somehow s...
Chapter 2712: The Capital Part 62
Small creatures startle and flee only when you stumble upon their hiding places. This is why, in the wilderness, animals always seem to dart out from directly under...
Chapter 2713: The Capital Part 63
The dart slipped through her fingers, its tip staying level. Sharp and stable, it traced a low, flat arc through the air. Seizing the initiative, the dart flew like...
Chapter 2714: The Capital Part 64
The forest branches grew at uneven heights. Short weapons moved with agility, while thrusting a long spear became cumbersome—swinging or maneuvering proved nearly i...
Chapter 2715: The Capital Part 65
The arrow flew level with the ground, maintaining its forward momentum. The bowstring was drawn back to his ear, the fletching resting at the corner of his mouth—"m...
Chapter 2716: The Capital Part 66
Little Bazi was stunned. "It's the words side." He hesitated, then changed his answer. "No, wait—it's the back." Liao Sanniang said, "The front and back of a copper...
Chapter 2717: The Capital Part 67
Zhangjiawan lay scarcely twenty li from the capital, yet it stood as one of the most important destinations beyond the city walls. Five great waterways converged he...
Chapter 2718: The Capital Part 68
The Chongwen Gate of the capital had once been called Wenming Gate, though the common folk knew it as "Hade Gate." Since the characters for "Hade" were considered i...
Chapter 2719: The Capital Part 69
The capital had grown restless of late. Third Master Qin's influence extended only through the outer city; once you passed through Chongwen Gate, the territory was ...
Chapter 2720: The Capital Part 70
"Heliansheng maintains letter bureaus at every major wharf and trading port, both inside and outside the capital. Send correspondence to this address. For urgent ma...
Chapter 2721: The Capital Part 71
"I'm glad you understand," Cao Sheng said. Having reached this point in the conversation and exchanged proper courtesies, Min Zhanlian produced the cover story they...
Chapter 2722: The Capital Part 72
After arriving in the capital, Little Qian spent some money and quickly uncovered everything there was to know about Liu Xiaobian. Liu Xiaobian worked at Nanyuan on...
Chapter 2723: The Capital Part 73
An Australian oil lamp cast bright light across the main hall. Li Rufeng stood in the heart of Heliansheng, his gaze sharp and restless. Before him lay a stack of t...
Chapter 2724: The Capital Part 74
Based on Li Rufeng's understanding of officials and nobles, the likelihood of them booking passage on a coastal liner was exceedingly slim. The sea was too rough, t...
Chapter 2725: The Capital Part 75
Li Rufeng allowed himself a smile. This Huang Qi was quite something indeed. What exactly had Second Master Qin said to bring about this "house cleaning"? Whether i...
Chapter 2726: The Capital Part 76
Before long, they had assembled a clear picture of Liu Sha's activities in Tongzhou. He had established himself there as a fortune-teller and geomancer. By all acco...
Chapter 2727: The Capital Part 77
He didn't go to the west wing first. The main target had been captured and wasn't going anywhere. What mattered now was the interrogation that would follow. An old ...
Chapter 2728: The Capital Part 78
Min Zhanlian saw the man's resolve wavering and knew the will to survive had already taken root. He pressed his advantage deliberately. "I imagine you're just a lac...
Chapter 2729: The Capital Part 79
"How generous was he normally?" "Quite generous at first. All told, he spent two thousand strings of cash at my madam's establishment." Ruijie's voice carried a hin...
Chapter 2730: The Capital Part 80
Four characters stood out prominently on the letter: "Mushi Daoren"—the Stone-Wood Daoist. This name had risen to infamy within the Senate's intelligence network ov...
Chapter 2731: The Capital Part 81
Wu Cheng considered for a moment before speaking. "Hiding someone isn't a matter of one or two days, so they certainly wouldn't keep him in meadows or forests. Most...
Chapter 2732: The Capital Part 82
Shortly after Liu Zhao departed, Zhou Lezhi began pacing circles in the courtyard—an old habit of his. Whenever anxiety gripped him, this rhythmic movement brought ...
Chapter 2733: The Capital Part 83
That night, just past the second watch, Li Rufeng summoned the bureau manager without warning. "Old Zheng, tell the kitchen to start cooking—one portion per head. H...
Chapter 2734: The Capital Part 85
Winter nights stretched endlessly. Even after the fifth watch, no hint of dawn graced the horizon. Only as the Hour of the Dragon approached did a pale glow finally...
Chapter 2735: The Capital Part 85
Before he could finish speaking, a wave of dizziness washed over him, followed by a surge of nausea. Li Rufeng stepped forward quickly. "Chief, the drug hasn't full...
Chapter 2736: The Capital Part 86
Leng Ningyun laughed. "That's what I say, but until the very last moment, we must not flip the table. After all, everyone is eating from it. Appeal to reason and se...
Chapter 2737: The Capital Part 87
"Heliansheng bore the heaviest burden this time, and their losses were considerable," Leng Ningyun said. "I won't mince words. The two of you should compile a compl...
Chapter 2738: The Capital Part 88
Hearing "open for business," everyone exhaled in relief. In the end, one's livelihood mattered most. If the boss dared to reopen, it meant he possessed at least six...
Chapter 2739: The Capital Part 90
"The Master is right," Yanhong said. "Back in our countryside, when the head of a wealthy household dies, they hold an even grander funeral. If they don't, creditor...
Chapter 2740: The Capital Part 90
Leng Ningyun spoke without hesitation. "Thank you for understanding, Third Brother Bao! When you return, please put in a good word for me with Eunuch Yang. As for t...
Chapter 2741: The Capital Part 92
"Whether they bought them at a discount or picked them up off the street, they're still your Delong notes. You bankers have a rule: for bearer notes, you honor the ...
Chapter 2742: The Capital Part 92
Leng Ningyun returned to the bank with renewed confidence. Securing Prefect Zhong's commitment meant having official backing—at least in the eyes of ordinary citize...
Chapter 2743: The Capital Part 93
Wu Kaidi smiled. "Master, have you lost your head? Preparing gifts for the ladies of the house should be left to the two young mistresses." "Oh, you're right, of co...
Chapter 2744: The Capital Part 94
Those afflicted with hypertension particularly despised noise. It made perfect sense that he would seclude himself here year-round, seeking peace and quiet. Moreove...
Chapter 2745: The Capital Part 95
The roving bandits required no special mention. Thus far, several notorious groups had proven utterly predictable—scattering like leaves whenever government troops ...
Chapter 2746: The Capital Part 96
The capital's most exquisite cuisine was never found in restaurants. Beyond the imperial kitchens and the private chefs of officials and nobles, the finest banquets...
Chapter 2747: The Capital Part 97
Though his words sounded reasonable enough, the momentum had noticeably flagged, utterly lacking the earlier spirit of "crushing them before breakfast." Manager She...
Chapter 2748: The Capital Part 98
The noisy hall fell silent. For a single instant, even the faint crackling of charcoal in the braziers could be heard with perfect clarity. Everyone had known Leng ...
Chapter 2749: The Capital Part 99
Manager Shen burst into raucous laughter. Manager Qin joined in with a few hollow chuckles, but the expected chorus of mockery never materialized. Sensing something...
Chapter 2750: The Capital Part 100
"He's that bold?" Wu Kaidi said, shock evident in his voice. "Manager Qiao belongs to the Pingyao Qiao family! Even if he's only from a branch line, the Qiaos won'...
Chapter 2751: The Capital Part 101
At that moment, in a temple outside Zhangjiaawan Town, Xu Ke found himself at an impasse. He had an important lead in hand but could extract nothing from it. As th...
Chapter 2752: The Capital Part 102
By comparison, the Stone Elder Group's approach to organizing and executing intelligence work had an almost modern quality to it. With knowledge comes rapid learni...
Chapter 2753: The Capital Part 103
"Your servant believes that to replenish our grain stores and military pay, we must first pacify the localities. The Eastern Barbarian threat is like a headache—pa...
Chapter 2754: The Capital Part 104
A sudden shiver ran through him. Xu Guangqi was conducting tuntian—military farming—in Tianjin, where he had introduced numerous Western agricultural methods and m...
Chapter 2755: The Capital Part 105
The "Young Master" was simply too young—only thirteen years old. "When the master is young, the state is suspect," as the saying went, and most men of talent and a...
Chapter 2756: The Capital Part 106
The audience, originally intended for half a shichen (one hour), stretched to nearly a full shichen (two hours) as questions and answers flowed back and forth. Onl...
Chapter 2757: The Capital Part 107
"For now, our only option is to endure and facilitate peace negotiations," Mr. Le said, a note of disappointment in his voice. "Peace negotiations..." Qian Taichon...
Chapter 2758: The Capital Part 108
The conversation between Qian Taichong and Zhou Lezhi stretched deep into the night before Mr. Le finally took his leave. Qian Taichong urged him to remain until d...
Chapter 2759: The Capital Part 109
Xu Ke grew increasingly astonished. What exactly was the background of this "Mr. Le"? How could he be so intimately familiar with the Senate? "This Mr. Le possesse...
Chapter 2760: The Capital Part 110
"He is in the Capital—that much I know." Liu Sha spread his hands. "Master Wang treats him like a precious gem and guards him most carefully." "Because he can fore...
Chapter 2761: The Capital Part 111
"Yang Tianliang has such remarkable ability!" Xu Ke exclaimed, unable to contain his surprise. His astonishment stemmed from the fact that the Directorate of Imper...
Chapter 2762: The Capital Part 112
Upon returning to his room, he immediately drafted a concise report based on the confession and transmitted it to Center by telegraph. The detailed confession reco...
Chapter 2763: The Capital Part 113
"The Heavenly Book truly says so," Wang Yehao said, his brow furrowed. "Indeed." "That complicates matters." Wang Yehao's frown deepened. "Yuanqiao is a man who ha...
Chapter 2764: The Capital Part 114
"So we must also focus on exporting culture—yes, culture!" Leng Ningyun grew more animated as he spoke. "And scientific knowledge! The Senate's technology exports ...
Chapter 2765: The Capital Part 115
Yang Tianliang had been plagued by a guilty conscience these past few days and dared not set foot near Yang Gonggong's residence. He had even skipped the customary...
Chapter 2766: The Capital Part 116
Yang Tianliang emerged from Yang Gonggong's residence with trembling legs, yet a weight had lifted from his shoulders. He touched the envelope nestled against his ...
Chapter 2767: The Capital Part 117
"Yang Tianliang is dead." When Liu Sha heard the news, he displayed no surprise whatsoever—as if he had foreseen this outcome long ago. He repeated the words with ...
Chapter 2768: The Capital Part 118
Be that as it may, today's main topic was the Liang family; the Witchcraft Case would have to wait. Judging by Liu Sha's current state, he had seen through the van...
Chapter 2769: The Capital Part 119
Xu Ke did not recognize this person; evidently, the name was absent from the Political Security Bureau's surveillance lists. He pressed further, "Does he have an a...
Chapter 2770: The Capital Part 120
The stamp of a Dumping House served as a guarantee of credit—not something to be used casually. Liu Sha's stamp was almost certainly obtained through illegitimate ...
Chapter 2771: The Capital Part 121
"Where are this father and son now?" "The last time I saw them was in Guangzhou. After that, I lost track of their whereabouts." Liu Sha paused. "This Gou Xunli ha...
Chapter 2772: The Capital Part 122
With the key points established, Zhou Lezhi's arrest rose swiftly to the top of the agenda. Xu Ke reported the relevant intelligence to the Center and soon receive...
Chapter 2773: The Capital Part 123
Yet his master's words echoed in his mind: the calmer the waters, the more likely a tempest brews beneath. This uncanny stillness carried an unsettling strangeness...
Chapter 2774: The Capital Part 124
At this moment, studying the scholar before him, the Emperor harbored doubts. Could this man truly bear such a weighty responsibility? He cleared his throat lightl...
Chapter 2775: The Capital Part 125
Yet the Emperor hesitated. In truth, this matter lay beyond the boundaries of his understanding. The Great Ming's overseas trade was a complicated subject in itsel...
Chapter 2776: The Capital Part 126
"But the Emperor..." Qian Taichong recalled His Majesty's instructions. "The Grand Canal remains frozen. When spring arrives and flowers bloom, there will surely b...
Chapter 2777: The Capital Part 127
If that man returned, Wen Tiren would be the first one he dealt with. To be precise, before Zhou Yanru could return, the Donglin-Restoration Society faction would ...
Chapter 2778: The Capital Part 128
Anping had been reduced to a ruined port after the Battle of Jinmen, and Guangzhou—the only remaining alternative—had fallen when the Kun invaded. The Imperial Cou...
Chapter 2779: The Capital Part 129
In recent years, Wen Tiren had been secretly gathering damaging evidence against the Restoration Society, preparing to deliver a fatal blow. He knew that what the ...
Chapter 2780: The Capital Part 130
Considered from this angle, the scheme seemed plausible. Wang Yehao still did not fully understand why Zhou Lezhi was so fixated on opening the port, though it pre...
Chapter 2781: The Capital Part 131
Xu Yong spat out the grass stalk he had been chewing and slowly drew back from his vantage point. Just minutes ago, he had sensed something amiss near the Zhou res...
Chapter 2782: The Capital Part 132
Third Sister listened to the report from the man she had sent to gather intelligence, her brow furrowing slightly. When he finished speaking, she leaned forward. "...
Chapter 2783: The Capital Part 133
"Sir, after leaving the Zhou residence, should I stop by Master Wang's residence to report this matter?" Wang Zhi hesitated before asking. "This is a significant f...
Chapter 2784: The Capital Part 134
The recipe, naturally, could never be copied out—it was her leverage in this trade. As a rule, she only dispensed medicine and never revealed the formula. To furth...
Chapter 2785: The Capital Part 135
"The young lady comes from a humble family and cannot bear frights." Granny Shi spoke with feigned understanding. "This old woman won't trouble her anymore—it save...
Chapter 2786: The Capital Part 136
"Enough of that nonsense. Just go quietly." You Rong retrieved a small piece of silver wrapped in mulberry bark paper from the drawer and pressed it into Granny Sh...
Chapter 2787: The Capital Part 137
"Let me think about it," You Rong hesitated. "This is a significant matter. I need to consider it carefully." Wu Yan knew this required patient, gradual work and f...
Chapter 2788: The Capital Part 138
Zhao Liangjian spat out the tobacco residue and cleared his throat with another gob of phlegm. Ever since the Emperor had banned tobacco, he'd been forced to aband...
Chapter 2789: The Capital Part 139
"If you ask me, you were reckless." Zhou Lezhi sighed after hearing Xu Yong's words. "Mr. Le..." "I understand what you mean. You Rong is Mr. Zhou's concubine—she ...
Chapter 2790: The Capital Part 140
With the arrival of spring in the eleventh year of Chongzhen, the common folk of the Capital sensed something amiss in the heavenly seasons. Winter had yielded to ...
Chapter 2791: The Capital Part 141
"Enough chatter—I'll give you three wen today!" the middle-aged scholar bellowed. Strangely, his voice now rang with full vigor, entirely sweeping away the listles...
Chapter 2792: New Equipment Part 1
Since the launch of the Mainland Strategy, many Senate institutions had gradually relocated to Guangzhou. Some, though their headquarters remained in place, establ...
Chapter 2793: New Equipment Part 2
"Perfectly suitable, perfectly easy to use—you lot who always crave the new and discard the old!" Comrade Thorpe remarked. "How many years has the Hall rifle even ...
Chapter 2794: Peace Talks Part 1
Intelligence regarding the Imperial Court's suppression campaign in the Capital began flowing continuously into the Foreign Intelligence Bureau through commercial an...
Chapter 2795: Peace Talks Part 2
The composition of these individuals was remarkably complex, comprising both local administrators and high-ranking court officials. Though none had ever truly encoun...
Chapter 2796: Bunk Talk at Sea
When Tan Shuangxi woke, the sky had not yet brightened. Relying on the biological clock honed through more than five years of military service, he judged it to be just b...
Chapter 2797: Reverie of the Future
"These are all trivial matters. Aren't there any important ones?" "The important matter is matchmaking—arranging blind dates. For common folk, that's about as signi...
Chapter 2798: The Meeting
"Zishan, you're a rare guest here." Ma Qianzhu smiled, looking up from the document before him. No sooner had he spoken than an attractive female secretary brought in tea. Or...
Chapter 2799: Triumphant Return
When Tan Shuangxi finally set foot on the land he had dreamed of day and night, what he felt was neither excitement nor joy nor any other stirring emotion—only the rest...
Chapter 2800: Affairs Between Men and Women
Tan Shuangxi followed the voice through the crowd until he spotted the speaker—Yang Zhaodi from his own village. She and her mother, Zhang Lai'er, had immig...
Chapter 2801: Affairs Between Men and Women Part 2
Zhang Berlin said "too" twice but couldn't find quite the right word. The best description would be "a fresh flower planted in cow dung." But he qu...
Chapter 2802: Night Shift
It wasn't until the entire army reorganized for combat readiness before the conquest of Guangdong and Guangxi that he truly encountered such things. Some soldiers would sudde...
Chapter 2803: The First Letter
The night passed uneventfully. The following day brought a battalion meeting, and though Tan Shuangxi couldn't stop yawning, attendance was mandatory. This was an "expand...
Chapter 2804: Sitting On Pins And Needles
After the old man nearly collapsed, the old woman seemed to grasp what had happened and began to sob. Her voice was soft, yet it seemed to shake the quiet afte...
Chapter 2805: The Second Letter
"Press here, quick!" Tan Shuangxi ordered the soldier to apply pressure while he freed his own hands. There was no time to undo Guo Dapeng's clothes or turn him over, so...
Chapter 2806: On The Road
"Delicious!" Zhang Youcai couldn't help but exclaim. "This is real skill!" Lingao Rice Noodles were a local specialty, available practically everywhere on the streets. Canteen...
Chapter 2807: Fatherinlaw And Daughter
After another ten minutes of walking, they spotted a solitary "Five Phoenix" enclosed house standing stark against a small hillside in the distance. Chen Linhua...
Chapter 2808: Lodging
Swallowing his anger, Tan Shuangxi produced the receipt form. "If you could please press your fingerprint here." The Fang girl stamped her print while sobbing, her voice trembling...
Chapter 2809: Tryst I
"Heavens, it's already light out." The man sat up and peered through the window. The sky had brightened to a pale gray; he must have still been dreaming when the rooster crowed....
Chapter 2810: Tryst II
Besides the master bedroom, another room on the second floor had its door standing open. Curious, the man walked over. It was a small room. By the window sat a writing desk bea...
Chapter 2811: Visitor
Both were startled again. The woman signaled for him to stay silent and rose to check the bedroom herself. When she returned moments later, her expression was flustered, and she w...
Chapter 2812: Rare Moments Of Ignorance
Tan Shuangxi continued: "Everything was chaos during the night raid. We were all firing toward the bandits. All we heard was him cry out, just once—'Ouch.' By th...
Chapter 2813: Daya Village
"More young men heading off to be soldiers." Zhang Laicai returned to the private room with a sigh. "Someone has to go, don't they?" Tan Shuangxi said. "This splendid, colorf...
Chapter 2814: Daya Village II
The driver glanced at Tan Shuangxi and smiled. "Sort of." Years of service had taught Tan Shuangxi to recognize when words carried hidden weight. But he was an outsider ...
Chapter 2815: Daya Village III
Tan Shuangxi handed over the notebook Li Anze had left behind, along with the pension check. Li Anze had always loved writing in his diary whenever he had spare time. T...
Chapter 2816: Daya Village IV
"He can't come back to us," Elder Sister Li said through her tears. "But having even a little of his ashes to bring home would be better than nothing at all..." "Lieuten...
Chapter 2817: Daya Village V
The fish fillet was richly fragrant, golden in color and tender in texture, without even a hint of char—a far cry from the blackish dried fish of his memory. "Delicious!"...
Chapter 2818: Banquet
"Going to war—swords and spears have no eyes. Some will always lose their lives. That's fate." Old Master Chen spoke with the weight of years behind his words. "When Little Five f...
Chapter 2819: Return To East Gate Market
Tan Shuangxi and Zhang Laicai departed Daya Village before dawn—not because of any urgent business. The villagers were simply too hospitable. If they didn't lea...
Chapter 2820: Zahras Holiday
He strolled aimlessly along the street. His uniform, the braid on his cuffs, the medals on his chest, and the NCO's sword at his waist all drew the attention of passersby....
Chapter 2821: Lingao Sights
The first things to greet the Persian girl at Meimei Department Store were its famous eight display windows. The enormous all-glass cases were unrivaled anywhere beyond Ling...
Chapter 2822: Besties
Zahra did not have to wait long. Soon a rickshaw—a common sight throughout East Gate Market—came speeding toward her, carrying a petite figure. The passenger who alighted was none...
Chapter 2823: Cultural And Entertainment Life
At this moment, all that glory remained nothing more than ink on paper. Even those closest to the Senators could not foresee the prosperity this place woul...
Chapter 2824: Rich And Colorful
In the near future, given the overly prominent commercial associations of the Ziming House brand, those involved would seek to avoid creating the impression that the Che...
Chapter 2825: Peony House
The tantalizing aroma emanated from a row of sales windows that opened onto Baihui Street. Below each window ran a waist-high counter with a wooden frame, its street-facing si...
Chapter 2826: Origins
Like most chain restaurants in the old timeline, Peony House prepared its fries using frozen semi-finished products delivered from a central kitchen. The potatoes were first fried...
Chapter 2827: Serialized Drama
"There's basil, oregano, thyme, sage," Sonya said, sniffing the air. "How unusual—I've never seen the Chinese use these spices." "Well, this is Australian cuisine..." "Ar...
Chapter 2828: Rebottling
"...Right now, the cultural market on the mainland is the Sahara Desert, thirsting for a downpour of arts and entertainment!" The dearth of entertainment was something every S...
Chapter 2829: International Student Plan
"Allow me to add something to your proposal." Surprisingly, Wu De was the first to speak, his tone affirming. "Expanding personnel exchange is certainly the rig...
Chapter 2830: Grand Rounds
"You're right." Dingding couldn't help feeling deflated. "This is merely my personal perspective—naturally, you should seek cooperation from other departments, but you ought ...
Chapter 2831: Simplified General Practitioners
Walking out of the Combat Injury Department's final ward, Shi Niaoren dispensed last-minute instructions to the attending physicians while privately savor...
Chapter 2832: Partners
Dingding had come to regard Sikade as a true "partner" rather than merely a "business contact" like Dr. Shi. Two factors shaped this view. First, the Commercial Department wielde...
Chapter 2833: Performance Troupes
Once the conversation had reached this level of intimacy, secrets that had previously been unspeakable could now be discussed openly. Sikade revealed what amounted to ...
Chapter 2834: Reporter Mai Ruibao
The restructuring target was the Lingao County Opera Society. Compared to the puppet troupe, most of the opera society's folk art performances required minimal investm...
Chapter 2835: Danzhou Specialty Chemicals
Mai Ruibao had always considered himself more knowledgeable about Senate factories than most naturalized citizens his age. His earliest memories traced back to...
Chapter 2836: Big Firecrackers
"Too little!" "Toluene, oh toluene, my dear Chairman." Qi Chuqin threw up his arms dramatically. "Before, we relied entirely on coal gasification for that pitiful amount....
Chapter 2837: Firecracker Powder
"Dehumidifying buckets. They contain calcium chloride supplied by the alkali plant—it absorbs moisture from the air." Qi Kelong explained, "Once ammonium nitrate absorb...
Chapter 2838: Military Exercise Part 1
"Comrade, these new shells you're describing—what's the significance of developing them?" Sun Shangxiang spoke up again. "A certain Senator once recited two lin...
Chapter 2839: Military Exercise Part 2
As if to confirm Xi Yazhou's assessment, a shrill bugle call pierced through the gunfire echoing across the beach. White side formed into three columns, unleash...
Chapter 2840: Strategy
Xi Yazhou ignored Old Di's interruption. "That's correct, but the Ming-controlled prefectures of Wuzhou, Pingle, and Guilin happen to be the regions with the most appointed offic...
Chapter 2841: Strategy Part 2
"Upon landing, seizing Songjiang and Suzhou prefectures constitutes our first objective. The second objective involves using the task fleet to support ground forces in c...
Chapter 2842: Wei Aiwen and Wang Tao
By the time Wei Aiwen returned from He Ming's office, Wang Tao had already spent over an hour chatting animatedly with Wei Aiwen's female orderly in the lounge. Cat...
Chapter 2843: Wei Aiwen and Wang Tao Part 2
Though the Senator Club traced its origins to the public recreation room from the old Bairen City days, it had evolved over time into a physical forum that...
Chapter 2844: Dingding and Fang Fei
He outlined the fundamental requirements: candidates could be heroes themselves or their comrades-in-arms. The qualifying criteria were strict—model figures must hav...
Chapter 2845: Dingding and Fang Fei Part 2
The question left Dingding stumped. The 1634 organizational restructuring had abolished the "overseas station" system entirely. Hangzhou Station and similar...
Chapter 2846: PennyPinching
"Of course, organizing and coordinating this Mainland Cultural Strategy is equally important. I believe that perhaps Wen... Director Wen could handle it. Several Senators h...
Chapter 2847: The Matchmaking
"So it's you..." Tan Shuangxi greeted Yang Zhaodi across the table, his voice carrying the awkwardness of stumbling upon a private secret. Their conversation on the street...
Chapter 2848: The Agreement
"Let's not talk about this." Seeing Yang Zhaodi's expression darken, Tan Shuangxi quickly turned away, pretending to gaze at the placid river while steadying his own emotion...
Chapter 2849: Strolling Through the Village
Tan Shuangxi's village bore the straightforward name "Outside-the-Field Village"—a designation that told everyone it lay close to the salt field without actu...
Chapter 2850: Childhood Friends
"Just like that—divorced?" Tan Shuangxi still hadn't recovered from the shock, murmuring to himself. The word divorce was nothing new to him; he heard it often enough. B...
Chapter 2851: Uncle Huang
The two men worked and chatted as they went. Between laughter and conversation, they had tidied up over a hundred meters of channel in just over an hour. "You haven't forgotte...
Chapter 2852: Riding the Train
"And there are all the debts that have piled up over the years." Uncle Huang shook his head stubbornly. "Times have been hard—I've borrowed over twenty dollars from vario...
Chapter 2853: New Turmoil at Wanzi Pavilion
There was a bitter irony in the fact that the handbag Zhou Suniang carried—reportedly crafted from meticulously stitched "dragon" (crocodile) skin—was worth...
Chapter 2854: Barging In
"What's going on? A fight?" He Xiaoyue looked outside and saw a group of maids and servants clustering around a woman dressed in luxurious traditional clothing, charging angri...
Chapter 2855: A Dilemma of a Letter
And so the matter was resolved through the "Summary Procedure," much like the countless petty disputes that arose daily in East Gate Market. Once the police arrived...
Chapter 2856: Wu Xinsheng Returns
"You're a Section Chief now—what favor could you possibly need from us?" He Xiaoyue teased. She had seen in the Internal Reference that shortly after Wu Xinsheng went...
Chapter 2857: Midnight
Outside, the night watchman struck the third watch. In the main room of a small courtyard deep within a Ming-Australian Fusion residence in Lingao's upscale district, Zhou Sunia...
Chapter 2858: Chance Encounter
Guo Xi'er watched as He Xiaoyue laughed so long and hard that tears squeezed from the corners of her eyes. The shop assistant beside them looked terrified, clearly wonde...
Chapter 2859: Mutual Learning
He Xiaoyue and her friend had originally planned to visit Apricot Blossom Tower, but since they had invited Chen Shixin on impulse, that venue no longer seemed appropriat...
Chapter 2860: Bridging the Gap
The moment the pot lids were lifted, billowing white steam rose into the air, carrying with it the mingled aromas of oil, cured meats, seafood, vegetables, and scorched ...
Chapter 2861: The Case
The group chatted merrily, not dispersing until nearly nine o'clock in the evening. He Xiaoyue and Guo Xi'er returned to the dormitory tired yet exhilarated, too stirred up to s...
Chapter 2862: Coconut Grove Photo Studio
The moment Senator Huang took charge of the photo studio project, he threw himself into it with absolute dedication—organizing everything on a grand scale. He ...
Chapter 2863: Trial Operation 1
Huang Yaomin picked up the phone. It was Hong Huangnan, claiming he had an urgent matter to discuss. "Old Hong, aren't you supposed to be in Guangzhou? Why'd you come...
Chapter 2864: Trial Operation 2
"I gave you the day off, not a day to chase girls!" A pang of jealousy shot through Senator Huang Yaomin as he watched the young lad laughing with two youthfully radi...
Chapter 2865: Maniao Burger 1
Tan Shuangxi clutched the photography coupon tightly, his heart swelling with gratitude. Without her help, today's outing would likely have been for nothing. Bringing ...
Chapter 2866: Maniao Burger 2
Tan Shuangxi quickly stopped his mother, pressing the Ma'niao Burger back into her hand. "That was during pre-war training when I ate a lot," he reassured her. "I'm on...
Chapter 2867: Senator Dus New Business
As Senator Du slipped out through the back door of Boss Mai's shop, the animation faded from his face. Several establishments he had proposed to the Civil Affai...
Chapter 2868: Extra Number 1
"Stop at the city rail station up ahead." Du Yibin brought the carriage to a halt and addressed his Life Secretary. "Get off here. Head to South Sea Cafe and reserve a p...
Chapter 2869: Extra Number 2
Today, Yang Zhaodi did not evade as she had before. She met his gaze bravely, her eyes clear and expectant, waiting for whatever words might come next. Perhaps a single ...
Chapter 2870: The Qu Family Case
The night-shift officer at the Bairen Town Police Station stifled another yawn. Dawn was beginning to break—another grueling, sleepless night finally drawing to a clos...
Chapter 2871: Madam Qu
Xia Zhongde returned to his study, exhausted in body and spirit. Securing the bail had cost him considerable effort and even more money. Only through such expenditure had he man...
Chapter 2872: LingaoGuangzhou Exchange Conference 1
Xia Zhongde returned to his lodging and turned the matter over in his mind, examining every cause and consequence in meticulous detail. Then he r...
Chapter 2873: LingaoGuangzhou Exchange Conference 2
Fu Bu'er sat in the Four Seas Pavilion, facing more than a dozen gentry from Lingao and Guangzhou arrayed around a round table draped in an ornat...
Chapter 2874: LingaoGuangzhou Exchange Conference 3
Fu Bu'er raised the glass to his lips and tentatively touched the tip of his tongue to the liquid. His mouth twisted involuntarily— What in the w...
Chapter 2875: LingaoGuangzhou Exchange Conference 4
Watching this wealthy young master push his luck, Qingruo felt anger stirring in her chest. In the private rooms each day, guests lost themselves...
Chapter 2876: Private Secretary Xia 1
Gao Ju's gaze slid toward Fu Bu'er. Seeing the wealthy local farmer wearing an expression of pure amusement, he shook his head inwardly while keeping his smile ...
Chapter 2877: Private Secretary Xia 2
"Adapting to the times... well said." An Xi nodded, his tone flat yet carrying some elusive meaning. "But riding the wave can carry one high or low. Some merely...
Chapter 2878: Romance
Fu Er'yin had been leaning against the ornately carved, multicolored pillar in the back building's corridor for quite some time. Today had been his morning shift. After finishing...
Chapter 2879: Chang Shides Defense Against His Charges
Author: Debuchángshī (SB Crew) Since this is an inquiry hearing, the accused should at least be permitted to respond to the charges. I, the defenda...
Chapter 2880: Several Grand Finales
This is the grand finale of Illumine Lingao that I hacked from Chuiniuzhe's computer. Everyone may take a look, but you must absolutely not breathe a word of this! Gra...
Chapter 2881: Zhang Yingchens Fanfiction on the New Daoism
The following pieces were all written by Dàoquánzǐ (cameo character: Zhang Yingchen) from the Longkong Forum. Founder of the Lingao New Daoism ...
Chapter 2882: Extra 4 The Gun Dealer Plan
Extra 4: The Gun Dealer Plan The following account draws upon recent conversations with several transmigrators, augmented by reasonable speculation and publicly available facts. Given the extensive cu...