On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

Zichen Palace.

Murong Yan was wearing a dark black robe inlaid with a golden phoenix, with a tail two meters long. She moved slowly on the golden brick floor, making a subtle but clear "rustling" sound.

She sat upright on the throne, beneath the phoenix crown and pearl curtain, her face cold and serene.

Lin Zhen, in his dark uniform, sat beside him, his eyes deep.

At the foot of the stairs, Lingnan Pacifier Li Yan, Minyue Pacifier Wang Yun, Thunder Burning Division Chief Chu Xiling, and Embroidered Uniform Guard Commander stood in silence, creating a solemn atmosphere.

"Mr. Li, what's the situation in Lingnan Dongzhai?" Murong Yan said in a clear voice.

"Your Majesty," Li Yan bowed, "The new policy has been announced to all the tribes, but the tribesmen are deeply suspicious. Although Pan Xiong of the Black Stone Tribe has reluctantly accepted the order, his attitude is firm. I am afraid he may change his mind. Many other tribes are watching from the sidelines."

"Use both kindness and force." Lin Zhen said in a low voice, "The autonomy of the Dong village can be temporarily allowed. However, it must accept the jurisdiction of the government. Taxes can be reduced, but the laws must be observed. Order the garrison to strengthen patrols and immediately extinguish any signs of rebellion. At the same time, select officials who are fluent in the Dong language to go deep into the Dong village to preach the new policies and teach farming and medicine skills, so as to gain the trust of the people with practical benefits."

"I obey your order," Li Yan accepted the order.

"Regarding the matter of the Minyue Shipyard, Lord Wang," Murong Yan turned her phoenix eyes to Wang Yun.

"Your Majesty," Wang Yun said solemnly, "The shipyard was vandalized, resulting in the loss of fine iron and the frightened craftsmen. Lord Fenlei Sichu has increased security, and the Embroidered Uniform Guard is fully investigating. Preliminary clues suggest it was the work of South China Sea pirates, possibly connected to Chu Batian."

"Chu Batian," Murong Yanfeng's eyes flashed with coldness, "A dog that has lost its home still dares to commit violence."

"South China Sea pirates have been harassing coastal merchant ships frequently in recent days," the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard said in a deep voice. "They are brutal and clearly targeting Daqian merchant ships. It seems there's an organized and premeditated plot, and Chu Batian may be behind it."

"Humph," Lin Zhen snorted coldly, "The clown is struggling to his death."

His eyes were like lightning, sweeping over the crowd: "Pass the order."

"First, the Minyue Shipyard's protection level has been upgraded, the Fenlei Guard has been sent more elite troops, and the Institute of Gewu has been accelerated to develop new warships. The construction period must not be delayed."

"Secondly, the coastal navy will intensify patrols and kill any pirates they encounter without mercy. A large reward will be offered to encourage merchant ships to defend themselves. Anyone who captures and kills a pirate will be rewarded."

"Third, the Embroidered Uniform Guards will intensify their infiltration of intelligence into the South Seas. They must find out the exact location of Chu Batian and the pirate kings he is in contact with."

"Fourth," Lin Zhen's voice deepened, carrying a murderous intent, "Issue this notice to the islands of the South Seas: Anyone who harbors Chu Batian or provides him with money, food, and ships will be considered an enemy of Daqian. Wherever the Daqian navy goes, they will be destroyed."

"We obey your order," everyone responded in unison, and the hall was filled with a murderous atmosphere.

Murong Yan slowly stood up, the trail of her dark black phoenix robe inlaid with gold drawing a solemn arc on the golden brick floor, and the "rustling" sound was clearly audible. She glanced at the ministers with her phoenix eyes, and her voice was clear and majestic:

"Chu Batian is nothing more than a minor problem, and the South China Sea pirates are not a serious threat, but their actions are punishable, and their hearts are punishable."

"The new dynasty has just been established and many things need to be rebuilt. However, anyone who offends the Great Qian will be punished, no matter how far away they are. This is the national policy and cannot be questioned."

"All the nobles should work together to ensure the safety of the people at home, defend against powerful enemies abroad, cleanse the world, and enhance the prestige of our country."

"Your Majesty is wise, the Marshal is wise, and we are willing to die for you," the ministers shouted, their voices shaking the palace.

Murong Yan and Lin Zhen looked at each other, and their deep eyes showed the same determination and resoluteness.

......

The morning bell of Jinling pierced through the mist. The solemnity of the Purple Palace had not yet dissipated, but Lin Zhen's black carriage had already driven out of the towering city gate of the imperial capital.

The heavy wheels rolled over the official road, leaving two deep marks, like the mark of the empire's will engraved on the earth.

Target: Minyue.

The ceremonial procession for the southern tour was simple but majestic. The black iron carriage covered with coiled dragon patterns was surrounded by guards in black armor. The sound of their hooves was like thunder, raising dust along the way.

Inside the carriage, Lin Zhen closed his eyes to rest, his dark uniform making his face look calm. Only his fingertips were unconsciously stroking a warm mutton-fat jade pendant. Deep in his deep eyes, the storm of Minyue was brewing.

The sea breeze from Quanzhou Port, with its unique salty, fishy, ​​and damp chill, blows across the newly erected giant plaque of "Zhenhai Shipyard."

When Lin Zhen's black coiled dragon flag appeared at the port, the air suddenly froze.

The newly appointed Minyue Pacifier Wang Yun, along with officials of all ranks, garrison commanders, and "invited" local powerful maritime merchants, had already been standing in solemn anticipation at the newly built dock square.

The atmosphere was as solemn as the sea before a storm.

Lin Zhen slowly got out of the car, his black cloak fluttering slightly in the wind.

He did not look at the officials who bowed in greeting. His eyes, like a cold probe, swept over the powerful maritime merchants who were dressed in luxurious clothes and had sparkling eyes.

Among them, the most prominent are "Sea Dragon King" Zheng Sanpao and "Quanzhou's richest man" Shen Wanjin.

"Zheng Sanpao." Lin Zhen's voice was not loud, but it clearly penetrated the sea breeze and fell into everyone's ears.

Zheng Sanpao's burly body trembled slightly, and he quickly stepped forward, clasping his fists and bowing: "I am here."

"Did your Jinghai Camp achieve any success while patrolling the sea area?" Lin Zhen asked.

"Reporting to the Marshal," Zheng Sanpao's voice tightened, "We have indeed defeated three small pirate groups recently and seized two ships."

"Three," Lin Zhen repeated, his tone calm and even. "South China Sea pirates have harassed merchant ships more than ten times in just ten days. Are your Jinghai Camp blind or slow?"

Cold sweat instantly broke out on Zheng Sanpao's forehead.

"Shen Wanjin." Lin Zhen turned his gaze to the wealthy middle-aged man beside him.

Shen Wanjin's heart trembled, and a humble smile appeared on his face: "I am here."

"The Shen family's merchant ship was robbed last month. How much loss was there?" Lin Zhen asked.

"This," Shen Wanjin's eyes flickered, "thanks to the blessing of His Majesty and the Marshal, the loss is bearable."

"It's still bearable." Lin Zhen's lips curled up with a hint of coldness. "Boss Shen has a large family and a large business, so he can certainly bear it. I just don't know how those small merchants who have lost all their belongings can bear it."

He stopped looking at the two men and scanned the entire room. His voice suddenly deepened, carrying a powerful force: "Minyue has just annexed us, and the sea borders are still unsettled. Your Majesty has shown grace by reducing taxes and opening trade routes, all for your benefit. However, some are secretly colluding with pirates, tipping off the pirates, allowing merchants to be robbed, and even participating in the destruction of the shipyard!"

The last four words exploded like thunder!

The faces of everyone in the square changed suddenly!

"Wang Yun!" Lin Zhen shouted.

"I'm here!" Wang Yun responded solemnly.

"Has the Embroidered Uniform Guard made any progress in the shipyard fire case?"

"Reporting, Marshal!" Wang Yun's voice boomed. "After a full investigation by the Minyue Thousand Households of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, it has been determined that the fire was caused by arson! The arsonists, a gang of shipyard workers, have been captured! According to their confession, they were instructed by the remnants of the Golden Shark Gang to delay the shipyard's construction schedule! The remnants of the Golden Shark Gang have close ties with the One-Eyed Shark pirate tribe entrenched on Black Wind Island!"

"Golden Shark Gang?" Zheng Sanpao's face turned pale instantly.

"Zheng Sanpao!" Lin Zhen's eyes flashed. "The Golden Shark Gang was once under your command. After their surrender, you promised that their group had been disbanded and their personnel incorporated into the Jinghai Camp. Now, their remnants are causing chaos and colluding with pirates. How do you explain this?"

"I failed to supervise! I deserve to die!" Zheng Sanpao fell to his knees with a thud, trembling all over.

"Oversight?" Lin Zhen's voice was icy. "Or was he deliberately condoning it, or even secretly instructing it?"

"I dare not! I am innocent!" Zheng Sanpao kowtowed repeatedly.

"Whether it's unjust or not, the Embroidered Uniform Guard will investigate." Lin Zhen stopped looking at him and glanced at the powerful sea merchants who were silent as a cicada. "Send the order!"

"First, Zheng Sanpao has failed to discipline his subordinates and has failed to live up to His Majesty's grace! Immediately remove him from command of the Jinghai Camp! Detain him temporarily, pending trial!"

"Secondly, Embroidered Uniform Guards, thoroughly investigate the remnants of the Golden Shark Gang and all those implicated! Anyone found collaborating with the enemy, sabotaging, or looting merchant ships, regardless of their identities, will be apprehended! Principal offenders will be executed by slicing! Accomplices will be beheaded immediately! All property will be confiscated! Family members will be exiled!"

"Third, effective immediately, a curfew is in effect along the Minyue coast! All ships entering and leaving the port must undergo double inspection by the navy and the Embroidered Uniform Guard! Anyone who disobeys will be charged with treason!"

"Fourth," Lin Zhen's gaze fell on Shen Wanjin and the others, "you merchants, you must abide by the law and operate with integrity. Anyone who colludes with pirates, hoards goods, drives up prices, or obstructs the new policies will end up like Shen Wanjin!"

Shen Wanjin's legs went limp and he collapsed to the ground.

"Take him away!" Lin Zhen waved his hand.

The black-armored guards were as ferocious as wolves and tigers, dragging away the pale-faced Zheng Sanpao and the limp Shen Wanjin.

The square was dead silent, with only the howling sea breeze.