If you traveled back to ancient times, while others ate Guanyin clay, you would actually have giant

Some things are best left unsaid. If it were anyone else, Eunuch Chang would never say more, but Zhou Wu was different. From the first time he met Zhou Wu, he felt that this boy was different from ordinary people and made people feel close to him.

Zhou Wu tried his best to persuade Chang Qing to stay, but Chang Qing only ate one meal and then left. As usual, Zhou Wu gave him some money when he left.

"What are you doing?"

Chang Qing was somewhat annoyed. He considered Zhou Wu a friend, but when Zhou Wu gave him money, he was furious. It was clear that he had offered his warm welcome but was met with indifference. Had he misjudged Zhou Wu? Zhou Wu disdained to be friends with a eunuch like himself.

"Don't misunderstand. There are many people and rules in the palace, and everyone is as shrewd as a ghost. You'll inevitably need some money to bribe people in there. If it's not enough, send someone to deliver a message, and I'll send someone else to send more."

Chang Qing immediately realized that he had misunderstood Zhou Wu. He was right. From childhood to adulthood, apart from his parents, only Zhou Wu had ever been kind to him.

"Thank you very much."

Chang Qing didn't know what to say to express his current emotions.

"Take care on the road, and remember to write if you encounter any difficulties."

What started as a casual expression of concern between friends turned out to be a real life-or-death situation for Changqing.

"Congratulations, Brother Wu! Congratulations, Brother Wu! Even the Sage knows your name now!"

"Niu Er, watch your words."

Although Niu Er was just joking, sometimes words can lead to trouble, so it's always good to be careful.

"Tell the guys, we're having an extra meal tonight."

“Okay~~~”

. . . . . .

Both Niujia Village and Zhou Wu personally are currently developing in a better direction, presenting a thriving scene. However, Deng Yuanliang soon brought bad news.

Niujia Village Committee.

Because Niujia Village and Qingyang County, which are under Zhou Wu's jurisdiction, are large and have many soldiers, it is no longer possible to simply find a place to sit and work as before. Therefore, Zhou Wu had someone build a village committee office. At this moment, in the meeting room, all of Zhou Wu's key personnel had solemn expressions.

"Pirates~~~~"

Zhou Wu tapped the table while muttering to himself.

Indeed, Deng Yuanliang encountered pirates on his way back from trading with the Moon Man Kingdom. Although he escaped unscathed thanks to the size and speed of his ship, it served as a wake-up call for Zhou Wu and the others, reminding them that pirates also existed in this era.

How many people are there in Duofang?

"There were about a dozen ships that intercepted us this time. Although they were not as big as ours, they obviously knew our whereabouts and laid an ambush on our only route. If it weren't for the Bull Demon King's ship being sturdy, we probably wouldn't have had such a smooth operation this time."

Even now, Deng Yuanliang still feels a bit scared when he thinks about it. Those pirates were all fierce and ruthless, desperate men who had lived on the edge of death.

"It seems our actions have aroused some envy, Niu Er."

"exist."

"Immediately have the Qingyang Army join naval combat training, and every subsequent overseas trade voyage will require the Qingyang Army to escort it."

"promise."

"Yuan Liang."

"exist."

"From now on, cease all overseas trade and fishing until the Qingyang Army has formed a naval combat capability. Until then, you will be primarily responsible for the modification of armed vessels."

"promise."

Although Deng Yuanliang was not a military man, he was the most experienced among those present in terms of maritime experience. Therefore, it was most appropriate to entrust the task of building the armed ships to him. Moreover, Zhou Wu would personally review the final plan.

"Niu Er".

"exist."

"I'd appreciate it if you could do the trouble of finding out more about the pirates."

"rest assured."

Niu Er has lived in Niujia Village his whole life, and his information channels are definitely the most numerous and extensive among those present. As the saying goes, "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated." Intelligence is the decisive factor in war.

Although Zhou Wu announced that all the Bull Demon King ships were undergoing maintenance and repair and that sea operations had been suspended, it still aroused a lot of suspicion. After all, all the ships had been docked in port all winter, and it was only early spring, so why were they undergoing maintenance and repair?

Moreover, the Qingyang Army has increased the intensity and scale of patrols near the village, especially near the port, where the Qingyang Army patrols day and night in full armor.

In fact, Zhou Wu had no choice. Since everyone knew about the existence of pirates, strengthening patrols was a helpless measure to prevent them from landing and attacking.

However, after a few days, when everyone saw that nothing had changed, they stopped gossiping. Since the men didn't have to go out to sea during this period, the work in the fields was all done by the men, leaving the women with nothing to do. Many restless women set up stalls in the bustling parts of the village, selling all sorts of goods and snacks, which actually stimulated the commercial atmosphere of Niujia Village.

"Grilled fish! Secret recipe grilled fish, great value for money, come and try it!"

"First, open the giant oysters—a gas station for men, a beauty salon for women. Take a look!"

"Grilled squid, so delicious!"

The sounds of vendors hawking their wares and the chatter of the crowd filled the air.

Zhou Wu and Li Baiwei walked in the liveliest part of the village, enjoying a rare moment of solitude together.

"Bai Wei, would you like to try this?"

Although Zhou Wu was asking questions, he had already paid for the candied hawthorn from the old man.

"I haven't had this in a long time."

Bai Wei still had a candied hawthorn in her mouth, seemingly recalling the past. However, she quickly realized that she might have said something wrong. She glanced at Zhou Wu and, seeing that he didn't react unusually, breathed a sigh of relief.

In the past, Niujia Village was deserted and many people couldn't even get enough to eat. Back then, people couldn't have imagined having the life they have now, where they not only have enough to eat and wear, but also have extra money to buy new clothes for their families and snacks for their children.

Zhou Wu hadn't walked two steps when he ran into Uncle Niu. Uncle Niu now patrols this snack street several times a day, not for any other reason than to see more of this bustling and lively scene.

"Scholar, I never imagined that our Niujia Village would have such a day. It's all thanks to you."

Perhaps it's because of his age, but he often sighs.

"Uncle Niu, this is nothing. We have a long good life ahead of us."

"You little rascal, you're just good at saying nice things to make Grandpa Niu happy, haha."

. . . . . . .

"Sir, is this plan feasible?"

Deng Yuanliang looked at Zhou Wu with some nervousness. After all, he was just a scholar, and this was the first time he had ever modified the weaponry of the Bull Demon King. Zhou Wu's expression was somewhat solemn, which Deng Yuanliang noticed.

“Yuanliang, it has indeed been quite difficult for you, but you have done a great job.”

Zhou Wu was actually telling the truth, but his expectations were a bit too high. After all, he was an experienced person, while the others were all natives, so they were not comparable.

Deng Yuanliang's design involved adding some bows and arrows, as well as small catapults, to the Bull Demon King. The catapult idea was actually quite good, at least many people wouldn't have thought of it. However, the catapults would take up a lot of space on the ship, turning it into a completely armed vessel and losing its commercial value.