The Great Isle Water Village in Ju County, Donghai Commandery, to the southeast of Dayu.
To pacify the sea and secure the maritime borders, there must naturally be a navy, and with a navy, water villages are indispensable. Water villages serve as bases for training naval personnel or for defense and offense.
The Great Isle Water Village was newly constructed on the orders of Zhou Fugui, marking perhaps the first water village in Donghai Commandery, or even the entire Great Yan Empire.
Since the Xianbei people swept south and rode across the Central Plains, constant warfare and turmoil had left no time for the establishment of water villages. Even those insightful individuals within the Great Yan Empire who recognized the importance of water villages, navies, and maritime borders lacked the financial resources. Crucially, they needed the full support of the Emperor and his court, all of which was unattainable. The Xianbei Yan prioritized land over sea, cavalry over infantry, hence the great defeat at Niuzhu Ji and the standoff between Yan and Xia across the Yangtze River.
The Great Isle Water Village, in its nascent stage, was extremely rudimentary. Yet, even so, the financial resources required for its construction were squeezed from Zhou Fugui's very teeth.
Relying on oneself is better than relying on others. Zhou Fugui harbored intentions of peace with the so-called Zhen'ao Kingdom, that is, the Donghai pirates. He released Gao Wenting not only to demonstrate his sincerity but also in hopes that Gao could act as a go-between. However, Gao Wenting was as the saying goes, "The ancients have long since departed on their yellow cranes; this place alone remains, with its Yellow Crane Tower. The yellow crane has flown away and will never return; a thousand years of white clouds drift idly by..."
Therefore, Zhou Fugui had to prepare for the possibility of a fierce counterattack from the Donghai pirates.
Water villages are naturally built against mountains and by water, with three sides facing the sea and the rear backed by mountain ranges or towns.
The Great Isle Water Village was constructed by the sea, against a rocky mountain. From the mountaintop, one could survey everything along the coast. The boundless azure ocean stretched out, its silver waves lapping gently against the rocky shores. The weather was exceptionally fine that day, the sea calm and the waves tranquil. The blue sky, white clouds, and the azure sea, coupled with the jagged coastline, formed a picturesque and magnificent scene.
"Pengcheng, have there been any unusual occurrences recently?" Zhou Fugui, the Marquis of Pingliang, Grand Governor of Donghai, and Prefect of Donghai Commandery, stood on the rocky mountain, gazing at the rudimentary water village and the beautiful coastal scenery, but his heart was heavy as he asked Dongye Han, the commander of the Snow Bear Army Navy, with a troubled expression.
"Aside from spotting a few pirate scout boats, there have been no other unusual occurrences. The pirates have not attacked the water village, nor have there been any reports of harassment elsewhere..." Dongye Han replied with a grave countenance. "Grand Governor, the pirates suffered a significant loss in the matter of Ju County, a loss so heavy that they seemed to be intimidated. However, Grand Governor, this subordinate believes otherwise! The pirates who have occupied Donghai for years will not yield or surrender so easily. Perhaps... perhaps they are plotting something?"
"The calm before a great storm?" Zhou Fugui nodded upon hearing this. "What worries you, Pengcheng, is also this governor's concern! But you... do you have any brilliant strategies?"
After speaking, Zhou Fugui cast a look of apology at Dongye Han.
Zhou Fugui had compelled Dongye Han to remain in Donghai Commandery, using the people of the commandery as leverage, appointing him as commander of the navy. However, he could offer him little. To this day, the Snow Bear Army Navy still possessed only a few dozen warships, with hardly any large vessels. Moreover, they were short on provisions, manpower, funds, and naval armaments. They lacked almost everything, and this situation could not be improved in the short term. This was one of the reasons Zhou Fugui was so eager to negotiate peace with the Donghai pirates.
Dongye Han shook his head slightly.
Even the most skilled housewife cannot cook without rice. No matter how adept Dongye Han was at naval warfare, well-versed in military strategy, and brave and skilled in battle, without ships, provisions, soldiers, and armaments, he could do nothing. Like Zhou Fugui, he could only sigh in helplessness.
In Ju County, Dongye Han had achieved victory against the odds, defeating the pirates with a smaller force. However, this was a surprise attack fought near the coast, with support from shore-based archers, and thus they had fortunately triumphed.
The main force of the Donghai pirates, however, was hidden deep at sea. For Zhou Fugui and Dongye Han to eliminate this deep-seated threat and completely eradicate the pirates and maritime dangers, they would need a powerful navy capable of venturing into the deep sea and engaging the pirates in decisive battles.
All of this seemed utterly impossible at present.
"Grand Governor, this subordinate has suddenly thought of a method," Dongye Han said after a long pause.
"Hm? Pengcheng, what excellent strategy do you have?" Zhou Fugui turned, looking at Dongye Han with delight.
"Grand Governor, the navy to the south... the navy in the south is powerful and possesses countless warships, making it as easy as flipping one's hand to deal with the pirates!" Dongye Han replied.
Dongye Han's heart still yearned for the south.
After speaking, Dongye Han glanced at Zhou Fugui's expression. Zhou Fugui's face remained calm, unruffled.
"Young Master Dongye, no matter what, you must preserve this nascent Donghai navy," Zhou Fugui said after a moment, without commitment, merely gazing at the sea, his words carrying a deep meaning.
How could Zhou Fugui not understand Dongye Han's intentions? This was also a matter frequently discussed between Zhou Fugui and his trusted confidants like Li Qing. However, the time was not yet ripe, and it was too early to discuss. Since the conditions were not yet met, it could not be revealed to the public. Even though Zhou Fugui greatly admired Dongye Han, he could not let him know.
Dongye Han sighed in his heart and nodded silently.
"Let's go, accompany this governor to watch the soldiers train," Zhou Fugui said with a smile, patting the somewhat dispirited Dongye Han before continuing, "Today, this governor will also board a ship and train with the soldiers!"
"Grand Governor, is there any need for that?" Dongye Han said with a smile.
"There is a need, a complete necessity!" Zhou Fugui said. "When the enemy is brave, one must always be at the forefront of the soldiers. If this governor dares not board a ship, does not wish to board, how can he speak of leading from the front? Moreover, this governor will not board your command ship. This governor will board a regular soldier's warship."
As they spoke, they rode their horses down the slope and reached the water village by the sea. Zhou Fugui dismounted, handed his horse to Pi'e, rolled up his sleeves, and prepared to board a warship.
"Hold on!" Dongye Han quickly said to Zhou Fugui as he saw this. "Grand Governor, you intend to board just like that?"
Zhou Fugui was wearing the loose robes of a Grand Governor of the Great Yan, not to mention his feet were clad in heavy, fur-lined boots that became even more cumbersome when wet. How could he possibly engage in naval combat like this? It was feared that if he fell into the water, he would sink to the bottom and never resurface. Of course, some fought in armor, but they had to be prepared to never surface if they fell into the water, or to quickly shed their armor and clothing.
However, Zhou Fugui was completely unaware and asked Dongye Han with surprise, "What do you mean?"
At this time, Zhou Fugui was skilled in cavalry and infantry combat, but naval warfare was a complete mystery to him.
"Grand Governor..." Dongye Han removed his boots and stood barefoot in the seawater before replying, "The key to naval combat lies in one's feet. If you cannot stand steady on board, how can you fight at sea?"
"Ah, ah, someone, bring a short tunic!" Zhou Fugui suddenly realized and, in a flurry, began to strip off his clothes and shoes while ordering those around him.
The loose robes of a Grand Governor of the Great Yan were removed and replaced with a brown short tunic. Leggings were tied, and his feet were bare. A heavy sword hung at his waist, dressed similarly to other naval soldiers.
Pi'e wanted to follow him onto the ship but was stopped by Zhou Fugui.
Such a large fellow, if he got on board, might capsize the small boat, Zhou Fugui thought to himself.
"THUMP!"
"Huh?"
"Grand Governor?!?!"
With his preparations complete, Zhou Fugui stepped onto the gangplank.
Zhou Fugui had thought he had been on boats before, and even if he hadn't eaten pork, hadn't he seen a pig run? Thus, he stepped onto the gangplank connecting the shore to the warship somewhat carelessly. However, the gangplank had grown some moss, and Zhou Fugui's feet slipped as he stepped on, nearly sending him headfirst into the sea... causing everyone to exclaim loudly.
"No panic! No panic! Be calm! Be calm!" Zhou Fugui shouted a few times, half-squatting on the gangplank before shakily standing up. Spreading his arms, he walked towards the warship as if walking a tightrope.
At this moment, some wind and waves had picked up on the sea, constantly washing against the warship, causing it to sway unsteadily. The gangplank on the ship naturally shook with it, making Pi'e and the other guards on shore hold their breath.
Pi'e and the other guards were not afraid that Zhou Fugui would suffer any accident or life-threatening danger. They were by the sea, and there were countless naval soldiers who were skilled swimmers. If Zhou Fugui fell into the sea, they were confident they could pull him out. What Pi'e and the guards worried about was that the Grand Governor of the Great Yan, the Marquis of Pingliang, the Grand Governor of Donghai, the Prefect of Donghai Commandery, and the commander of the Snow Bear Army would fall into the sea right before the eyes of all the naval soldiers. Wouldn't that be too embarrassing and undermine the Grand Governor's authority?
However, Pi'e and the others' worries were unnecessary. After regaining his balance, Zhou Fugui, against the increasingly strong sea breeze, walked across the gangplank in a few steps and entered the warship's cabin.
This was a small sailing boat that could carry at most twenty people, not a warship. Propulsion relied on sails and oars. There were ten naval soldiers on board.
"Set sail!" Zhou Fugui removed his heavy sword, planted it, scabbard and all, on the deck at the bow of the ship. Looking out at the boundless sea and waves, he couldn't help but feel elated and ordered loudly with great spirit.
A gust of sea breeze swept by, making Zhou Fugui's long hair flutter, giving him a remarkably dashing and spirited appearance.
"Grand Governor, Commander Dongye's order has not yet been given..." After exchanging glances, a soldier cautiously said to Zhou Fugui.
Dongye Han's discipline was extremely strict. Using a ship without orders was a capital offense!
"Ah, I will await the order then!" Zhou Fugui nodded upon hearing this.
Through this minor incident, Zhou Fugui increasingly admired Dongye Han. It was regrettable, however, that Zhou Fugui could not give him much. Even Dongye Han had refused his attempts to recommend him for merits.
Dongye Han was determined to return south; why would he serve as an official under barbarians or accept enfeoffment from the Xianbei court?
"DRUM... DRUM... DRUM..."
"HORN... HORN... HORN..."
Just then, the sounds of war drums and horns emanated from the command ship, accompanied by the raising of signal flags. Dongye Han had finally issued the order for the exercise.