With a million soldiers, the empress begged me not to rebel

Deputy Head?

Lord Lu actually trusts me so much!

He was stunned for a moment, then realized that Lu Yan was still waiting for his reply.

He quickly knelt down to express his gratitude.

"Thank you for the promotion, sir!"

"Don't be too happy too soon," Lu Yan waved his hand.

"I'll give you a staffing of 2,000 men. You'll need to recruit them within seven days. I'll then review the training results."

"If you can't meet my requirements, go back to where you came from!"

"Don't worry, sir!"

Tu Rong's eyes sparkled with excitement.

He knew that he finally had the chance to show his talents!

Lu Yan nodded with satisfaction, and then asked:

"What do you need to form a navy? Just tell me, I will give you my full support!"

Tu Rong pondered for a moment and said:

"Sir, to build a navy, we first need warships."

"Secondly, there are soldiers familiar with water, and then there are various weapons and equipment..."

Lu Yan waved his hand and interrupted:

"I'll figure out a way to deal with the warship issue."

"As for the soldiers, you can pick your own. Shannan Prefecture doesn't have much, but it has a lot of people!"

"As for weapons and equipment, they're piled high in my warehouse. You can pick whatever you want!"

Tu Rong was overjoyed when he heard this. With Lu Yan's words, what else did he have to worry about?

"Sir, I have something to ask of you."

Tu Rong said with a little hesitation.

"But it doesn't matter."

Lu Yan said readily.

"I would like to ask your Excellency to allow me to return to Java and recruit some soldiers familiar with naval warfare."

Lu Yan raised his eyebrows.

"Go back to Java? Wouldn't that be too dangerous?"

Tu Rong shook his head and replied:

"Don't worry, my lord. I know Java's terrain and conditions very well."

"Furthermore, I still have some old subordinates in Java, and they have long been dissatisfied with the Javanese court."

"As long as I go back and raise my arms, they will definitely respond."

Lu Yan pondered for a moment and felt that what Tu Rong said made sense.

Moreover, if we can really recruit a group of elite sailors from Java.

That would undoubtedly be a great help to Shannan Prefecture.

"Okay! I promise!"

"However, you must be careful when you go there and never reveal your identity!"

Lu Yan warned.

Tu Rong was moved to tears.

"Thank you for your trust, sir! I will definitely fulfill my mission!"

So, Tu Rong began to prepare to return to Java to recruit soldiers.

Lu Yan began to think about how to get a warship...

That night, Lu Yan tossed and turned in bed, unable to fall asleep.

Warships, warships, where can I get warships?

Suddenly, an idea struck him and he sat up abruptly.

Yes! I can build a ship!

Although Shannan Prefecture is located inland.

But there is a large canal nearby with fast-flowing water, which is completely navigable.

Moreover, Shannan Prefecture is rich in timber, so the materials for shipbuilding are not a problem at all.

Thinking of this, Lu Yan slapped his thigh excitedly, wishing he could start building the ship immediately.

Early the next morning.

Lu Yan summoned all the craftsmen in the mansion to the back garden.

It is called a back garden, but it is actually just a slightly larger open space.

I usually store some miscellaneous items and raise a few chickens, ducks and geese.

It has been temporarily cleared out and is being used as a meeting room.

Lu Yan stood on a crooked wooden block, cleared his throat, and said:

"Masters, I have an idea. I want to build some boats!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the crowd below immediately exploded.

"Shipbuilding? Sir, this is a technical job!"

An old carpenter with gray hair spoke first, his tone full of worry.

"Yes, sir, we are all furniture makers here. Who knows how to build a ship?"

Another younger craftsman followed suit, his face full of embarrassment.

"That's right, sir. We don't even have the tools to build a ship!"

"And this wood is different too. You need special wood to build ships!"

For a while, various questioning voices arose one after another, like a group of ducks quacking.

The quarrel made Lu Yan feel overwhelmed.

He rubbed his temples and thought to himself:

This group of people usually brag a lot, but they are timid when it comes to doing something practical!

"Alright! Stop for a moment."

Lu Yan roared and finally calmed the situation.

He looked around with a hint of menace in his eyes.

"I know shipbuilding is not easy, but you are all the best craftsmen in Shannan Prefecture. Are you going to back down when you encounter difficulties?"

Everyone looked at each other, and no one dared to say anything.

At this moment, a weak voice came from the crowd:

"Well, actually, I can build a boat."

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a thin young man walking out from the crowd.

The man's name was Lu Ban II, a craftsman recruited by Lu Yan from the public.

It is said that his ancestors were descendants of Lu Ban and were proficient in making various mechanical devices.

He is usually taciturn and has a very low sense of presence.

If he hadn't stepped forward today, Lu Yan would have almost forgotten that there was such a person.

"Can you build a boat?"

Lu Yan's eyes lit up, as if he had grabbed a life-saving straw.

"Yeah, some."

Lu Ban II smiled shyly.

"Great! Luban, you've been a great help!"

Lu Yan excitedly patted Lu Ban II's shoulder with such force that he almost knocked Lu Ban II to the ground.

"Thank you for your praise, sir. I will do my best."

"Good! Good! Good!"

"You are a hidden talent, kid! You are usually silent, but I still have to rely on you at the critical moment!"

Lu Yan waved his hand and greeted everyone.

"Stop standing there, come here! Let's discuss how to build this boat now!"

"Lu Ban, tell me, what does it take to build a ship?"

Lu Ban II was a little overwhelmed by Lu Yan's sudden enthusiasm.

"My Lord, to build a ship, you first need the right wood, preferably one that's water-resistant and strong..."

"no problem!"

Lu Yan patted his chest, full of pride.

"Shannan Prefecture has nothing but lots of trees! Cut them down at will!"

The old carpenter couldn't help but interrupt:

"Sir, the wood used to build this ship is not cut casually!"

"It requires specific tree species and special treatment..."

Lu Yan waved his hands impatiently.

"Oh, forget about these details! Luban, keep talking."

Lu Ban II glanced at the old carpenter cautiously and continued:

"In addition to wood, you also need various tools, such as saws, axes, chisels, hammers..."

Lu Yan waved his hand.

"We have all these things in the mansion! If they're not enough, go buy some! What else do you have?"

"We still need some skilled craftsmen..."

Lu Ban II's voice became smaller and smaller, as if he was worried that Lu Yan would say something shocking again.

"Craftsman? That's not a problem at all!"

Lu Yan pointed at everyone present.

"Aren't you all ready-made craftsmen? Can't you build a ship?"

"It doesn't matter! Learn now! Lu Ban, you are responsible for teaching them!"

Everyone looked at each other in surprise. This prefect was really decisive and efficient.

Just do it when you say it, without any ambiguity.

"Oh right, this ship needs to be equipped with cannons! The more the better!"

"When our warships are deployed, won't the enemy be terrified?"