Chapter 428: Expanding the Navy

The noble families suspected that Chen Xi was clearing the playing field, but Chen Xi himself had no idea about this and wouldn’t have cared even if he knew. Chen Xi’s plan was to let the noble families naturally fade away within a balanced societal system. Of course, if after all the changes he made, the common people still couldn't compete with the noble families, then there was nothing more he could do.

Chen Xi always saw himself as a guide, while Liu Bei was the enforcer or arbiter. That’s why Chen Xi consistently instilled the principle of fairness in Liu Bei. He knew true equality was impossible, and personal biases would always exist, but as long as Liu Bei had the intention of treating people fairly, that was enough for Chen Xi. He never expected Liu Bei to meet the moral standards of a saint.

By the time they woke up, it was already past noon, but the scorching summer sun still made things unbearable. After hastily eating some dry rations and drinking plenty of water, Chen Xi and Hua Xiong’s group waited under the shade of the tents for the sun to set.

“How many days do you think it will take to reach the Donglai port at our current pace?” Chen Xi asked Hua Xiong.

When Chen Xi asked this, Zhuge Liang’s expression visibly soured. He had never endured such hardships before. During his time at the Zhuge family or even in Chen Xi’s inner courtyard, where he was surrounded by warmth and comfort, everything was always well taken care of for him. Now, however, he was facing the harsh reality of travel, lacking even basic necessities like bathing water and fresh clothes. The clothes he wore had become uncomfortable, and it was clear that his inexperience had caught up with him.

“It will take about three to four days,” Hua Xiong estimated based on their current speed and the distance remaining.

“Good,” Chen Xi replied, looking at the dust on his clothes with a sigh. He now understood the true meaning of being “travel-worn.” The hardships of ancient travel were no joke.

Over the next three days, Chen Xi and Zhuge Liang were thoroughly jostled, but they finally arrived at their destination. After quickly purchasing new clothes and changing into them, Chen Xi led Zhuge Liang to the naval camp at the Donglai port.

By the time they arrived, it was already evening, and Xun Yan had enforced a curfew. However, given Chen Xi's direct approach—breaking into a clothing store, taking what he needed, and leaving money for the owner—no one could really fault the shopkeeper.

“Military grounds, halt!” When Hua Xiong led Chen Xi to the naval camp, it was already late. If it weren't for the long summer days, it would have been completely dark by now.

“Thud!” An arrow landed a few meters in front of Hua Xiong’s feet, kicking up a cloud of dust.

“Under the command of General Liu Bei, General Hua Xiong has urgent business with the naval commander, Gan Ning,” Hua Xiong announced, throwing his insignia to the soldiers on guard.

“Please wait a moment, General. I will inform the commander immediately,” a shadowy figure behind the barricade responded cautiously, retrieving Hua Xiong’s insignia before rushing into the camp.

“Commander!” the messenger shouted outside Gan Ning’s tent. Gan Ning, who had been studying military texts, looked up with a frown.

“What is it?” Gan Ning asked.

“General Hua Xiong, under the command of Liu Bei, has arrived and requests an audience with you,” the messenger reported loudly.

“Hua Xiong? What brings him here?” Gan Ning wondered aloud. Seeing the insignia and knowing it was indeed Hua Xiong, he called for his weapons. “Notify Taishi Ziyi and Mi Fang as well. There may be something significant.”

Although Gan Ning had the demeanor of a bandit, his instincts for warfare were sharp.

“Tell the entire water camp to arm themselves, load the supply ships with provisions, and prepare for five days of rations and water,” Gan Ning ordered as he rushed out to meet Hua Xiong.

After a brief ride, Gan Ning arrived at the camp’s entrance, where he dismounted and greeted Hua Xiong with a broad smile. “Hua Xiong! Who are we fighting this time? My men are ready for action. Just give me the target, and we’ll take them down together!” he laughed heartily.

“We might actually need to fight this time, and the opponent is no pushover,” Hua Xiong responded, his own warrior spirit roused by Gan Ning’s infectious enthusiasm. He then gestured to Chen Xi behind him. “This mission is serious. The strategist himself is here.”

“Greetings, Strategist!” Gan Ning quickly saluted Chen Xi, showing a rare hint of formality. “What brings you here, and how can I assist?”

“We’re heading to rescue the Lu family, and we might have to face off against Sun Bofu. The situation could get tough, so you’ll need to mobilize your entire force,” Chen Xi explained succinctly.

Hearing this, Gan Ning seemed eager for the challenge. A warrior like him wasn’t suited for garrison duties; he thrived in battle and raids. Keeping him stationed in one place wasn’t ideal, but giving him an enemy to fight was perfect.

“But let’s be clear, I came here without official orders since Lord Liu Bei isn’t present. I only have this,” Chen Xi said, revealing Liu Bei’s short sword as proof of his authority.

“What’s that?” Gan Ning asked, puzzled. He had never seen Liu Bei wield this sword.

“It’s the Lord’s personal sword,” Hua Xiong explained with a sigh. “With this, he can command the army. Taishi Ci knows about it, but you probably haven’t seen it before.”

“Ha! Don’t worry about that. You didn’t need to bring it. Liu Bei gave me full authority over the navy after handling the prisoner transfer to Yizhou. We can proceed under my independent command,” Gan Ning said with a wave of his hand. “We’ll take the prisoners along, and while it might slow us down a bit, it’s still within my jurisdiction.”

“Good,” Chen Xi agreed after a brief pause. “But I’ll accompany you. Even though this isn’t considered unauthorized deployment, it’s better if I’m there. This situation is tricky.”

“Alright. Hua Xiong, will you join us?” Gan Ning asked.

“No, I need to report back to Lord Liu Bei. I’ve already left my post for too long,” Hua Xiong replied, shaking his head. “Just make sure to protect the strategist.”