Chapter 40: The Merchant’s Origins Come to Light

Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Li Chuan stood on the high ground at the village entrance, gazing out at the sea that had once been tranquil. Following months of cooperation and the construction of defensive fortifications, the fishing village had reached a state of relative stability, and the threat posed by the Japanese pirates had been temporarily suppressed. Yet, Li Chuan could not find peace of mind; he knew that the true enemy remained lurking in the shadows.

The scout he had dispatched finally returned with crucial intelligence: a merchant from the Central Plains named Lu Chengchang was hiding a much larger conspiracy behind his facade. On the surface, Lu was a tycoon in the Southern Seas region, focused on maritime trade and the distribution of goods. In reality, he had been deeply entrenched in the coastal areas for years, using the violence of the pirates to forcibly acquire the fishing villages' resources and exploit the villagers.

"Li Chuan, the information is confirmed," the scout said, his face stern. "Lu Chengchang is not only the mastermind supporting the pirates, but he also controls most of the maritime logistics lines through the Central Plains trade routes. Almost every piece of cargo passing through the fishing villages must go through his hands."

Li Chuan clenched his fists, his expression darkening. He had long suspected something was amiss, but only now was the full scope of the plot emerging. The pirate raids, the poverty, and the turmoil of the village were all intimately linked to this merchant. To monopolize the entire coastal trade market, Lu Chengchang had used the pirates as a blade to force the fishermen into submission.

"He thinks he can control us this way, but he is wrong," Li Chuan whispered. "Since the enemy has revealed himself, it is time we prepared for the final battle."

Li Chuan quickly summoned the core members of the village defense alliance, including Wang Degui, Zhao Yuzhu, Li Quanhai, and several other experienced village leaders and warriors. In a simple meeting hall, Li Chuan concisely explained Lu Chengchang’s background and the conspiracy he was orchestrating.

"Since Lu Chengchang controls the maritime logistics, our counter-strategy must focus on that," Li Chuan said, sweeping his gaze across the room. "Our village occupies a superior geographical position, controlling several vital maritime routes. We can use these channels to blockade Lu’s logistics and cut off his supply chain."

"But, Li Chuan," Zhao Yuzhu frowned, "if we blockade these routes, Lu Chengchang will not sit idly by. His influence is immense; he will certainly send forces to strike back."

"I know," Li Chuan nodded, his eyes gleaming with determination. "However, we have our own advantages. First, we have a unified defense system that allows for rapid response. Second, we have close ties with surrounding villages, and we can resist the enemy together. Most importantly, we know these waters and understand how to use the terrain for defense."

Li Chuan’s eyes sharpened as he continued, "Next, we must completely disrupt Lu’s cargo routes to deprive him of logistical support. At the same time, we will wage an information war, spreading rumors to unsettle his forces and prevent him from mobilizing enough strength to counterattack."

"Li Chuan, your plan is bold," Wang Degui mused for a moment. "But since we have decided to act, we must go all in. If we scatter our forces, we will be picked off one by one."

"That is precisely why all actions must be coordinated," Li Chuan said firmly. "I will dispatch elite scouts to track Lu’s logistics routes in advance, while simultaneously arranging ships to intercept his supply chain as much as possible. The defensive lines of each village must be tightly synchronized, leaving no openings for the enemy."

The others nodded in agreement. While Li Chuan’s plan was radical, it suited the current situation. Everyone realized that only by thoroughly disrupting the enemy's logistics could the threat be truly eliminated.

However, just as Li Chuan and the alliance began their preparations, Lu Chengchang did not remain idle. He keenly sensed the movements of the village alliance and knew that if he did not act, his plan would likely unravel.

"This brat Li Chuan is indeed talented to have reacted so quickly in such a short time," Lu Chengchang sat in a luxurious mansion in the Southern Seas, his brow furrowed as he considered his countermeasures.

"Master, Li Chuan’s response was faster than we anticipated. The village's defensive system seems to have taken preliminary shape, and he has already set his sights on our supply transport routes," a man in black reported in a low voice.

"I know," Lu Chengchang sneered. "But does he think blocking logistics is enough to win? He thinks too simply."

Lu Chengchang took a deep breath and ordered, "Immediately send my men to infiltrate the villages and sow internal discord. Those village leaders may be united, but human hearts are fickle. If we stir up disputes and divide their alliance, combined with our other methods, Li Chuan won't be able to hold on, no matter how clever he is."

The man in black bowed and vanished into the darkness.

A cold glint flashed in Lu Chengchang’s eyes. He knew he did not rely solely on the strength of the pirates. In the vast network he had meticulously laid out, there were many more people and schemes waiting to be set in motion. If Li Chuan lacked sufficient wisdom and resolve, he would ultimately be nothing more than a pawn on the chessboard.

Back at the village, Li Chuan remained vigilant. He understood that the full truth behind the enemy's actions was far from revealed. Recent small conflicts between villagers had made him suspicious. Several core members had argued over resource allocation, and the tension between Wang Degui and Zhao Yuzhu had grown palpable, bordering on open hostility.

Li Chuan felt a sense of unease. He knew this was not merely about resources. As Lu Chengchang had anticipated, dissatisfaction was quietly brewing within the village, and the enemy was likely manipulating these grievances to weaken their unity.

"This war is destined to be anything but simple," Li Chuan thought to himself. He walked into the meeting room to discuss defense and resource allocation with the other village leaders, knowing that tonight’s meeting might decide the future of the village.

The air in the simple meeting room was heavy. Wang Degui and Zhao Yuzhu’s eyes met, and an invisible tension filled the room. It was clear their dispute had not subsided, which was exactly what Li Chuan feared most.

"Li Chuan, I was just discussing this with Zhao Yuzhu," Wang Degui said, his voice dull and his brow furrowed. "There are many complaints regarding the recent distribution of fishing resources. Almost every village has people who are dissatisfied."

Zhao Yuzhu added, "It’s not just the resources. Recently, some villagers have reflected that our defensive lines have loopholes, and the young people in the village are beginning to complain, feeling that you have placed all the burden on the shoulders of the older generation."

Li Chuan felt a tightening in his chest. He knew these issues existed, but this conversation deeply disturbed him. This was not just about resources or defenses; it was about the underlying conflicts and grievances that, if left unaddressed, would undermine the entire alliance.

"I understand what you mean," Li Chuan said, his voice steady as he scanned the room. "Our defense alliance is at a critical juncture, and the cooperation of each one of us is vital. These problems must be solved quickly, or they will not only weaken our defenses but also provide the enemy with an opportunity."

He paused, looking firmly at Zhao Yuzhu. "Zhao Yuzhu, have you had any new ideas regarding the training of the young people recently? Is there anything that needs adjusting?"

Zhao Yuzhu was taken aback, not expecting Li Chuan to pivot so directly. After a moment of thought, he said, "Indeed, there are problems with our training. There is a significant gap in enthusiasm and practical ability among the youth. It’s not just physical; they lack experience in handling sudden crises."

Li Chuan nodded. "Experience can be gained, but we must ensure everyone’s mindset is unified. If our hearts are divided, our defenses cannot be solid. Wang Degui, do you think the current resource allocation is fair? Does it need adjustment?"

Wang Degui was silent for a while before speaking in a low voice. "Li Chuan, to be honest, we have sacrificed a lot for the village over the years and hope for due reward. Now, some young people feel the distribution is unfair and are even questioning your leadership. You know how it is—the young don't like seeing the older generation enjoy more resources and power."

Li Chuan frowned. This hit the nail on the head, but he did not argue. He knew Wang Degui had a point; the alliance required balancing various interests. If this internal struggle were not resolved, the enemy would not need to strike at all to crumble their defenses from within.

"I understand your concerns," Li Chuan said slowly. "But I hope everyone understands that our greatest enemy is not our internal differences, but those who hide in the shadows and seek to destroy everything we have. Lu Chengchang—he is our true enemy."

Wang Degui and Zhao Yuzhu remained silent, lowering their heads in thought.

"To ensure the village’s stability, we cannot let anyone divide our strength," Li Chuan continued. "Everyone knows the enemy will not spare us. If we cannot remain united, we will only lead ourselves to ruin."

He looked around with resolve. "Therefore, I have decided to temporarily adjust the resource distribution to ensure that the youth in every village have opportunities for training and resources. At the same time, we must strengthen internal and external communication to ensure everyone is prepared for the coming battle."

Wang Degui and Zhao Yuzhu exchanged a glance and finally nodded. Though still harboring some dissatisfaction, they recognized that only through unity could they face the greater enemy.

However, while Li Chuan and the leaders focused on internal issues, the enemy did not cease their infiltration. Lu Chengchang, realizing the alliance was forming a powerful counter-force, decided to intensify his efforts to exploit internal conflicts and weaken Li Chuan’s leadership.

He sent several carefully selected spies into the village. Disguised as merchants willing to cooperate, they approached the village leaders and sowed seeds of discord.

"Li Chuan’s approach is truly disappointing," a spy whispered to Wang Degui. "The defense line you worked so hard to build shouldn't be under his command alone. If you all united to demand more, Li Chuan would surely agree."

Anger surged in Wang Degui. He did not consider himself narrow-minded, but Li Chuan’s recent decisions had indeed been frustrating. The spy’s words fanned the flames of his discontent.

"You're right," Wang Degui replied softly. "Li Chuan is indeed too dictatorial. We should fight for more for ourselves."

"This is your chance," the spy continued, deepening Wang Degui’s resentment. "If you unite with the other leaders to secure more resources, your status will rise. Besides, Li Chuan is too young and lacks maturity; he acts too hastily for his own gain."

Though dissatisfied, Wang Degui did not fully trust the stranger. He knew he could not easily trust anyone, especially those claiming to help. The tug-of-war between impulse and reason left him deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Zhao Yuzhu sensed the infiltration in his own sector. Young recruits who had been active suddenly became listless, some even questioning Li Chuan’s decisions. Zhao Yuzhu’s suspicions grew, and he decided to investigate.

He discovered that some young men were meeting strangers at night, speaking in heated tones—clearly influenced by outside forces. Everything was happening quietly. The enemy’s methods were becoming more subtle, their goal clear: to divide the village and dismantle Li Chuan’s command structure.

Zhao Yuzhu realized that if he did not act, the village’s unity would collapse. Just as he intended to report this to Li Chuan, he received even more urgent news: Lu Chengchang’s troops had begun moving, attempting to break through the village’s defenses via a new trade route.

"It seems the enemy is ready for the final assault," Zhao Yuzhu muttered, his brow furrowed. He knew there was no more time for internal strife; a decision had to be made immediately.

Li Chuan realized that time was running out. The village’s defenses had to be secured, and the enemy’s infiltration could not be underestimated. Only by regaining full control of the situation could he lay the foundation for victory in the looming war.