Chapter 55: The Notorious Pirate-The Last Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty(A few words, full of meaning.)

“First of all, you are not some worthless foot soldier. You are a soldier of the Ming Dynasty, a brave warrior defending the homeland,” Zhu Cilang said solemnly. “Secondly, the artillery regulations have been written. Not only will you be able to immortalize your thoughts and skills in writing, but millions will see them, rather than having them gather dust on a shelf. Lastly, don’t think this is unbelievable. Under my command, those with talent have the chance to rise. I know your artillery skills, Liu Quan; there might not be a better gunner in all of Shandong. That’s why I entrust you with the artillery regulations. Your ability is the reason—hold your head high; don’t be so surprised that you can’t believe it!”

At this, Zhu Cilang noticed hundreds of eyes focusing on him, especially those of Liu Sheng, Liu Zhen, Chang Zhilang, and the seventeenth veteran, all glaring intently.

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang raised his voice: “The artillery regulations came first because artillery requires the highest level of technical skill and the most knowledge. Later, I will organize capable soldiers and officers to compile infantry drill regulations, infantry camp regulations, infantry attack regulations, and cavalry-related regulations. To all soldiers who wish to make their names remembered for generations, rest assured, there will be ample opportunity. So, study well, learn to read and write, and develop practical military skills. I, Qin Xia, can grant you wealth and even greater glory!”

After Zhu Cilang finished speaking, Liu Sheng and Liu Zhen roared like thunder, as if they would not stop until their voices were hoarse. The other soldiers followed suit.

“Long live the lord! We will fight to the death in your service!”

...

Seeing this, Zhu Cilang nodded and handed the scene over to two hundred-commanders, instructing them to come to him later, then departed.

Following behind Zhu Cilang, Chang Zhilang occasionally glanced back at the soldiers, his mind filled with the vivid scene just witnessed. Suddenly, a new thought stirred within him.

“It is precisely these loyal and fierce warriors… that give the lord the confidence to challenge Liu Zeqing, Yang Chuan, and Sheng Zhongquan!”

Suddenly, Zhu Cilang paused, allowing the slightly lagging Chang Zhilang to catch up, then smiled and said, “Do you feel that these are the troops I rely on to challenge Liu Zeqing?”

Chang Zhilang almost instinctively nodded. “Your lordship’s military methods are formidable. With such strong troops, Liu Zeqing, the all-show-and-no-substance commander, is nothing.”

“But precisely because of this, I cannot let anyone easily discover my trump cards,” Zhu Cilang chuckled softly and entered his residence.

As the commander of the Linqing Camp of the Tax Collection Division and the superior of Chang Zhilang and others, Zhu Cilang naturally had an independent office... a courtyard.

However, when Chang Zhilang followed him inside, he found the main hall empty.

Zhu Cilang immediately began writing something continuously.

Chang Zhilang glanced inadvertently and noticed the words “Embroidered Uniform Guard” and “Eastern Depot,” quickly averting his eyes and focusing on himself.

What relieved Chang Zhilang was that not long after, someone entered the room.

But when Chang Zhilang saw the visitor’s appearance, he couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wei Yunshan?”

The newcomer was ordinary in stature and looks, nothing remarkable at first glance. His sudden appearance was not particularly surprising, but Chang Zhilang felt a strong sense of rejection, as if suddenly encountering a leopard deep in the mountains.

More importantly, Chang Zhilang spotted a distinctive snake-shaped curved saber hanging from Wei Yunshan’s waist.

After speaking, Chang Zhilang quickly looked around for a weapon. Fortunately, since they were in a military camp, after a few steps, he found a replacement sword Zhu Cilang had left. Struggling somewhat, Chang Zhilang held the long sword, aimed it at the visitor, and said in a shocked voice, “This is the Linqing Camp of the Tax Collection Division, surrounded by my brave warriors. No bandit may trespass! Surrender now, and I may spare your life! Dare to cause trouble, and you will be captured by my troops immediately!”

It turned out Wei Yunshan was a notorious bandit. Judging by Chang Zhilang’s reaction, he was no ordinary outlaw but a formidable figure listed by the Ministry of Justice.

However, despite Chang Zhilang’s agitation, Wei Yunshan only stiffened slightly before kneeling and saluting Zhu Cilang, saying, “My lord, the man has been brought to the gate.”

Chang Zhilang froze.

Zhu Cilang squinted at Chang Zhilang and smiled, “Zihao, relax. He’s one of us.”

“Zihao” was Chang Zhilang’s courtesy name—Zhu Cilang only used it in relaxed settings. Seeing this, Chang Zhilang exhaled and put the sword away, smiling awkwardly, “I was too agitated, my lord.”

Zhu Cilang chuckled and offered a few comforting words but said nothing more about Wei Yunshan.

Wei Yunshan had been recruited by Zhu Cilang from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was a spy planted by them in Shandong for over twenty years. Publicly, Wei Yunshan was a bandit orphaned young and wandering alone, but in truth, he was an undercover agent of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, involved in countless secretive and sinister deeds. His golden snake-shaped saber had become his signature. As for Wei Yunshan’s true origins...

Originally, only heaven, earth, and Yang Huaming—the commander of the Northern Pacification Division of the Embroidered Uniform Guard—knew. After all, such secrets were tightly controlled by the Guard and other means, allowing the spy to operate smoothly.

But a month ago, besides Yang Huaming, another person learned the truth. Moreover, this person’s knowledge increased along with the funds he dispersed.

That person... was none other than the increasingly renowned Si’en in the capital.

Since Si’en knew, naturally, Zhu Cilang knew as well.

Thus... under Zhu Cilang’s arrangements,

Wei Yunshan bowed deeply, weighing the pros and cons. Such so-called chivalrous outlaws, frightening as they might seem, were no match for the Ministry of Justice’s famous captors. Not to mention, retiring and living in peace was difficult without protection from a truly powerful figure; most met a miserable end.

Adding the identity of an Embroidered Uniform Guard spy made redemption almost impossible.

At that moment, Zhu Cilang extended his hand, and Wei Yunshan had no choice but to bow.

But none of this was necessary to explain to Chang Zhilang.

Zhu Cilang letting Chang Zhilang meet Wei Yunshan was merely a sign of trust.

Nodding at Wei Yunshan, soon a man with a haggard expression, writhing in pain and wailing, was dragged in. The man seemed to have expended all his strength on screaming and was utterly too weak to move.