Bai Gongzi was momentarily stunned. "Build ocean going ships? We are in Shaanxi. We are tens of thousands of li away from the sea. Building sea ships here feels a bit…"
Li Daoxuan smiled. The reaction was perfectly understandable. For people living in Shaanxi, talking about ocean going vessels at a time like this did sound baffling.
However, if one set aside the immortal ship he had personally placed inside the box and looked only at the technological level and production capacity of the people within it, starting work on sea ships now was not early at all. If anything, it was already a little late.
Western ships were already roaming across the globe, while Great Ming's maritime technology remained painfully backward. If they did not hurry and catch up, what were they waiting for? Waiting until Western steel warships sailed straight up to their doorstep before reacting?
Li Daoxuan's expression turned serious. "Everyone here has been in Shaanxi for a long time, so you may not be aware of the situation along the coast. In recent years, Western pirates have been running rampant along the southeastern shoreline. Just two years ago, there was the Battle of Liaoluo Bay. In that battle, our dynasty was completely outmatched in shipbuilding technology. We only won by relying on numerical superiority."
Everyone exclaimed in surprise.
Song Yingxing suddenly spoke up. "That is correct. Western sea ships are already extremely formidable."
Wang Zheng nodded as well. "I have heard of this too."
Li Daoxuan continued, "I hope you can put in some extra effort and design a truly powerful steam-powered warship. Then we will work through Shi Kefa to establish a shipyard in the coastal regions, transfer the technology and equipment there, and attempt shipbuilding on site."
Song Yingxing hesitated. "Dao Xuan Tianzun, even if we have ships, we do not have enough sailors. Ocean navigation is completely different from river travel. That aspect…"
"I have already considered that," Li Daoxuan replied calmly. "I will also have Shi Kefa find a solution. You should focus on the technological problems. Other matters will be handled by others."
The scientists immediately understood. "We obey."
…
Shi Lang sat aboard a river boat, heading toward Anqing Port.
It was already late summer, and the temperature had begun to fall. However, long hours under the sun still made river travel unbearably hot. Shi Lang wore only a short jacket. Sunlight shone on his slightly darkened skin, giving it a faint sheen.
The boatman glanced at him and laughed. "Young master, your build is nothing like that of ordinary young masters."
Shi Lang laughed. "I was never good at studying. I only enjoy practicing with blades and spears."
The boatman asked, "At your age, running around outside like this, are your parents not worried?"
Shi Lang smiled again. "My father hopes I will make a name for myself."
Shi Lang's ancestor was Shi Bing, an evaluating official during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Southern Song. But by the time of Shi Lang's father, Shi Daxuan, the family had already begun to decline.
Shi Daxuan believed that his son's broad forehead and large face were signs of future nobility. He placed great hopes on Shi Lang, always dreaming that his son would one day become a duke or high minister and restore the family's former glory.
Because of this, Shi Lang began venturing out at a young age. Not only did his father not stop him, he actively supported him.
The boatman nodded. "Ah, trying to build a career. No wonder you are heading to Anqing Prefecture."
That remark caught Shi Lang's attention. "What? Are there opportunities there?"
The boatman replied, "Young master, do you not know? Anqing has not been peaceful lately. Huangmei river bandits are causing chaos, and bandits from Henan are pushing south. Even Fengyang was burned to the ground. That region has seen constant fighting. In just a few months, the court has replaced several officials stationed there. Right now, there is Right Provincial Administration Commissioner Lord Wang, along with a newly arrived official surnamed Shi. I hear he achieved great merit suppressing bandits in Shaanxi. Very formidable."
Shi Lang's eyes lit up.
Not only was he not afraid, he felt a surge of excitement.
Since ancient times, heroes emerged from troubled times. The more chaotic Anqing was, the greater Shi Lang's chance to rise.
As they spoke, Anqing Port came into view.
From afar, Shi Lang spotted an enormous ship.
So big.
Incredibly big.
As someone from the Fujian coast, Shi Lang had personally seen the three-masted galleons of the Franks. Yet compared to the ship before him, even those great sailing vessels looked a full size smaller.
"Wow. So it is true. There really is a giant ship here. Uncle Zhu did not lie to me." Shi Lang was overjoyed. "Quick, row over there. I want to take a closer look."
The boatman laughed and shook his head. "That is a warship. How could they allow people to board it casually?"
Shi Lang said impatiently, "Just row faster."
As they spoke, the giant ship suddenly began to move.
It did not raise sails. No oars were visible. Yet it abruptly accelerated, charging straight out of the harbor and heading upstream.
Shi Lang panicked. "What is going on? I just arrived and it is already leaving? Chase it. Hurry. I will pay extra. Extra money. Chase it."
At the mention of extra pay, the boatman immediately rowed with all his strength. The small skiff shot across the water like an arrow.
However…
The giant ship ahead was even faster.
In an instant, it reached a speed of over twenty knots, surging upstream like the wind.
Watching the distance widen, Shi Lang grew anxious. "Boatman, do you have another oar?"
"Yes. Under the plank behind you."
Shi Lang flipped the plank open, grabbed the oar, and began rowing with all his might.
The skiff sped up again.
Unfortunately, it was still useless. Shi Lang could only watch helplessly as the giant ship pulled farther and farther away.
"This makes no sense," Shi Lang shouted. "That ship is huge. It cannot possibly be this fast."
The boatman laughed helplessly. "But it really is."
"Keep chasing. Do not stop rowing. I will pay more," Shi Lang roared. "Chase it."
Just as it seemed they were about to lose it completely…
Suddenly, the sound of gunfire rang out ahead.
Shi Lang was startled. Only then did he realize that the giant ship, which had nearly vanished beyond the horizon, had stopped. It was now engaged in battle on the water with a group of small boats.
The boatman shouted, "Huangmei river bandits. So the giant ship rushed out to fight them. No wonder it ran so fast earlier."
"Row over there," Shi Lang exclaimed in delight. "Opportunities to watch a naval battle up close are rare."
The boatman protested, "Young master, do not joke. Rowing over there is far too dangerous."
Shi Lang snapped back, "If you are afraid of danger, what kind of soldier can you become?"
The boatman cried out, "But I am not a soldier."
Shi Lang pulled out all the travel money his father had given him and tossed over a bag of silver with a loud clatter. "Row closer. It is all yours."
With heavy rewards came courage.
The boatman weighed the bag, gritted his teeth, and thought, To hell with danger. Charge.
They quickly drew closer.
Ahead, three cargo ships were surrounded by a swarm of bandit boats. The giant warship maneuvered alongside them, driving the bandits back. Its massive hull rammed and turned, while gunfire erupted along the gunwales in a deafening barrage.
The bandits were beaten into utter disarray and routed on all sides.
Shi Lang jumped with excitement. "Damn. That is incredible. With a ship like this, even fighting the Franks' three-masted galleons would not be a problem. Too strong. This is far too strong."
He was shouting in exhilaration when a loud splash erupted beside them.
A bandit suddenly surfaced from beneath the water, grabbed the side of the skiff, and with a swift motion, leapt aboard.