Hyperdimensional Player

Chapter 349 Opening up maritime trade and taking Yizhou.

The Southern Han Dynasty had three major heritages.

The first was the elephant army. The Southern Han Dynasty was located in Lingnan, which was rich in Asian elephants. During the reign of Liu Yan, elephants were first used for military purposes, and the first elephant army was formed.

According to the New History of the Five Dynasties, the Southern Han elephant army consisted of several thousand war elephants, with each elephant accompanied by more than ten soldiers, making it the largest elephant army in the south at that time.

However, after Duncan destroyed the Southern Han, he did not find several thousand war elephants. There were less than a hundred war elephants that were truly tamed and ready for battle. However, in the current era, there are indeed many wild Asian elephants. If there are enough animal trainers or unique secret methods to control them, it is possible to expand the size of the war elephant army to several hundred.

However, raising elephants is really expensive, and the maintenance costs for the military are too high.

Duncan's plan is to focus on training a small number of elephants to see if a legendary war elephant legion can be developed. Large-scale deployment is impossible, as war elephants are relatively vulnerable to fire attacks. To truly unleash their power, war elephants would need to be fully armored.

In the Central Plains, there is a "Fire Ox Formation," which, when pushed to the limit, causes the war elephants to go berserk and charge wildly, making them even more terrifying.

The second legacy of the Southern Han Dynasty was its multi-ship ships.

The naval fleet here was a force that dominated the South China Sea, with tens of thousands of sailors, mainly Tanka people (fishermen on the water) and recruited sailors from Southeast Asia, who were familiar with naval warfare.

If it weren't for the incompetence of Liu Chang and his son, their navy would have been one of the top forces in Southeast Asia.

As for the third legacy, it was the more than 10,000 eunuchs left behind by Liu Chang.

Guangzhou Port.

Duncan changed into casual clothes and went out with Lu Qiongxian, who was dressed as a man, and others. Scattered around him were some pale-faced, beardless figures, all of whom were top-notch guards from the palace. In fact, Duncan didn't need their protection at all, but it was good to give them something to do. After all, he had to give his subordinates some sense of presence and not let them feel that they were completely useless and dispensable.

This is how those in positions of power govern their subordinates.

Behind Lu Qiongxian, several women curiously surveyed their surroundings. Strictly speaking, these women were Liu Chang's aunts and cousins. After Duncan ascended to the throne, he lifted the ban on them, allowing them access to the palace. These women had all been secretly trained by Lu Qiongxian, learning some peculiar skills. One of the beautiful women even had a four-star silver-gray mark, indicating she was Liu Chang's aunt and had survived the reign of Liu Sheng by relying on Lu Qiongxian.

Although Liu Sheng took the wives and daughters of his eight brothers into his harem, not many of them have actually survived to this day. More than half of them have probably died over the years, and those who have survived are all quite cunning and shrewd.

We should not waste human resources; we should make the most of them, regardless of gender.

Duncan isn't afraid of people around him having ulterior motives.

He boarded one of the sea hawk ships, an iron-armored warship that was considered advanced for its time and had once defeated the Southern Tang navy that had launched a surprise attack.

"With such a wealth of resources, why don't they think about expanding at sea?"

Duncan's eyes lit up with delight. He thought to himself that this was exactly what he needed. With the Southern Han's hundreds of warships, he should have no problem conquering Southeast Asia. With further development of naval power and advancements in technology, he could even consider maritime colonization.

Guangzhou's maritime trade was decent; during Liu Chang's reign, foreign merchants presented him with treasures and female slaves.

"His Majesty."

“A merchant from the Arab world requests an audience,” Lu Qiongxian said respectfully as she stepped forward.

Arab merchants were already active in ports such as Guangzhou during the late Tang Dynasty. In 741 AD, the Tang Dynasty established the Maritime Trade Office to specifically manage foreign trade affairs.

After the fall of the Southern Han Dynasty, these Arab merchants repeatedly requested an audience and prepared lavish gifts, but Duncan had no time to attend to them.

He happened to be free today, and immediately a merchant from the Arab world requested an audience.

Duncan pondered for a moment and said, "Bring it up."

It didn't take long.

Several bearded Arab merchants were brought over. They were fluent in Chinese and had a good understanding of the customs of the Central Plains. Upon meeting, they knelt down and sent people to present boxes of rare treasures. Apparently, they had heard of the new emperor's reputation for lust, and the leading Arab merchant also presented several beautiful female slaves from the Western Regions.

A chestnut-haired man, knowing his preferences, offered Duncan some aphrodisiacs.

Liu Chang had collected quite a few in his early years.

Duncan accepted the gift without expression, gave them a few perfunctory replies, told them to continue their business as usual, and then casually sent them away.

"His Majesty."

“They must have come about the ‘opening of the sea’,” Lu Qiongxian said in a low voice.

Duncan nodded slowly.

He had only just started a business in maritime trade when these people caught wind of it, which shows that they were very well-informed.

"Let them wait and see."

Duncan is not in a hurry to develop naval power. He does need maritime trade to replenish the national treasury, but there are many ways to make money. At present, the Southern Han's wealth is not enough to swallow everything.

If Wu and Yue are destroyed in the future, the naval forces of the two regions can be combined, and they will be able to completely dominate Southeast Asia.

Maintaining a regular navy is very expensive, with a particularly large initial investment.

Near the port, Duncan saw some fishing boats belonging to the Tanka people. The Tanka people generally venerate dragons and snakes, believing them to be the embodiment of their ancestors and to have the function of protecting their tribe.

After Duncan took office, he began to promote the worship of the sea goddess.

It is actually Mazu, who is also known locally as Tongxian Lingnu, Shenlong, Longnu, etc.

The Mazu belief in this world is actually a composite, a product of the secret fusion of witchcraft and religion. Lin Mo can only be considered the human form of the Mazu belief. Behind it are the dragon and snake beliefs of the Tanka people, etc. It has not yet been fully formed, so it is quite different from the Mazu belief of later generations.

"Is Your Majesty planning to use the faith of the Sea Goddess to convert the Tanka people?" Lu Qiongxian's senses were very sharp.

Unlike other shamans, the Mazu faith has the function of protecting the safety of sea voyages. Coastal fishermen pray to Mazu for problems such as floods, diseases, and shipping.

Historically, the Mazu belief also emerged from numerous folk beliefs with official support.

However, Duncan himself has accelerated this process.

It's just a matter of getting your account banned!
Duncan was first given the title of 'Lady', then promoted to 'Consort', and later directly given the title of 'Heavenly Consort'.

If he's willing, he can carry it up step by step.

Historically, the initial title of Mazu in the faith was Lady Linghui. She was later elevated several times, becoming Lady Lingci Zhaoying Chongfu Shanli, then Consort Linghui, and finally the Protector of the Nation and the Bright and Prominent Heavenly Consort.

On this basis, the worship of Mazu was further elevated to the title of "Miraculous and Benevolent Heavenly Empress Who Protects the Nation and Blesses the People".

Regarding this line, Duncan raised it step by step according to the progress of the sea opening.

One should eat one bite at a time, and it would be best if he could perform miracles a few times, so that Duncan could easily be given the title of 'Goddess of the Sea' in the future.

The Mazu belief integrates elements of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. Duncan intended to use it to assimilate the Tanka people and other ethnic minority tribes along the coast. Unlike those primitive shamanistic sects, this is considered one of the most moderate folk beliefs.

"Your Majesty, the person has been brought."

At this moment, a pale-faced, beardless eunuch quietly approached and whispered, "They are already waiting outside."

Duncan nodded, a knowing look on his face, and said, "Bring it in."

It didn't take long.

Several dark-skinned, capable-looking men were brought in. The man in the lead was about forty years old, and the two behind him were slightly younger, probably his nephews or nieces. The young men were bold and couldn't help but look up when they came in. They didn't dare to look directly at Duncan, but instead secretly observed the palace maid serving Duncan. When their gaze fell on Lu Qiongxian and the beautiful woman behind her, they couldn't help but pause for a moment, revealing an expression of youthful infatuation and being captivated by beauty.

The leader was very alert and quietly kicked him. The young man behind him immediately realized what was happening and quickly knelt down.

The Tanka people, who spend their lives at sea, have never seen such a pampered and beautiful woman before. Even her milky-white skin is something they have never seen in their lives.

Duncan didn't seem to care. Instead, he looked the dark-skinned man up and down and said in a deep voice, "Have you been to Yizhou?" (Note: later known as Taiwan).

The dark-skinned man dared not raise his head, kneeling respectfully on the ground and saying, "Yes, Your Majesty."

“The area is surrounded by mountains and is inhabited by mountain barbarians.”

In the present era, Yizhou is still in a period of incomplete colonization, and is mainly inhabited by local indigenous people, but it has already been recorded as early as the Three Kingdoms period.

—This is recorded in the Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wu:
In the first month of spring in the second year, Wei built a new city in Hefei. An imperial edict was issued to establish a Chief Instructor to teach the sons. Generals Wei Wen and Zhuge Zhi were dispatched with 10,000 armored soldiers to sail across the sea to seek out Yizhou and Danzhou.

Danzhou is located in the sea. Elders say that Emperor Qin Shi Huang sent the alchemist Xu Fu with several thousand boys and girls into the sea to seek the mythical Penglai Mountain and the elixir of immortality. They stopped at this island and never returned. It is said that tens of thousands of families lived there. Some of the people there would go to Kuaiji to trade cloth. People from the eastern county of Kuaiji would also travel by sea, and some were swept away by the winds to Danzhou. The place is extremely far away, and ultimately impossible to reach. Only a few thousand people from Yizhou returned.

In the study room.

Duncan listened intently as Lu Qiongxian recounted some anecdotes from the Three Kingdoms period. This woman was quite learned; otherwise, she wouldn't have been able to manage the court. Her abilities were somewhat like a beggar version of Shangguan Wan'er; she did have some political talent, though it was only around sixty points at most.

Danzhou should be the Ryukyu Islands of later generations. Sorcerers like Yun Wangji also searched for it. The Immortal Seeking Sect has always been looking for overseas immortal islands.

Yizhou is Taiwan. Since Duncan wants to develop maritime trade, he must first colonize Yizhou. This serves as an intermediate stepping stone and an important supply point. In the future, it can be extended to places like Ryukyu. Ryukyu has a Dragon Palace belief, and in this world, it is highly likely to have some connection with dragons.

As for future expansion into Southeast Asia and other regions, there's no rush. As long as internal stability is achieved, Malacca can be taken at any time.

"Speaking of which, I have so many eunuchs here."

"It wouldn't be difficult to train a Zheng He; voyages to the Western Ocean were inevitable."

Duncan gave a slight nod, and Lu Qiongxian immediately understood. She clapped her hands lightly, and several eunuchs were led in.

No wonder emperors throughout history have favored and trusted sycophants. Lu Qiongxian is truly a shrewd and perceptive person. Sometimes, Duncan doesn't even need to say anything; he just shows a little interest, and she can sense it and even prepare everything quietly.

However, if such people are not used properly, they can also be a disaster.

“I will give you ten large ships, and they will travel with you to Yizhou.”

Duncan pondered for a moment and said, "If this is done well, there will be a great reward."

Let me mark Taiwan first.

Then mark Ryukyu, Fusang and other places. The land around Southeast Asia is not vast, but it is rich in resources. In particular, Fusang in this era is still rich in gold and silver because it has not been fully developed.

After dismissing these people, another eunuch led in a young man dressed as a military officer. He was handsome and practiced both military and martial arts. As soon as he entered the study, he knelt down.

"Your subject Li Yanqing pays his respects to Your Majesty."

The man who entered had a dignified appearance and extraordinary demeanor, which made Duncan take a few more glances at him. Although he was not an emperor who judged people by their appearance, this man looked extraordinary at first glance and must have some talent.

Li Yanqing is indeed quite capable. He managed to capture six counties in the former territory of the Min Kingdom with local militia and stabilize the local situation. He is one of the outstanding talents at present.

“Get up,” Duncan said calmly.

Lu Qiongxian, who was standing nearby, secretly transmitted information about Li Yanqing to Duncan.

The Min Kingdom was destroyed by the Southern Tang Dynasty, but the Southern Tang Dynasty was unable to completely control the former territory of the Min Kingdom. Even today, it is still a situation of warlordism. There are too many mountains in Fujian, making it extremely difficult to completely control the area.

During the reign of Emperor Jingzong of Min, Li Renyu, a handsome official of the Min Kingdom and son of Li Min, was taken as a male favorite by Emperor Jingzong and rose to the positions of Salt and Iron Commissioner and Right Minister.

The person before him was related to Li Renyu by blood.

After the fall of the Min Kingdom, some members of the Li clan fled to the Southern Tang Dynasty. Li Yanqing, who is in front of us, was one of them. He lost his father at an early age and was raised by his mother. He was quite talented, but because of his background, he was often despised by his colleagues.

There was still a hierarchy of contempt during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

Although the Southern Han court was absurd and Liu Chang and his son were licentious and immoral, they at least had a normal fondness for women. At most, they took their brothers' wives and daughters into the harem. Some of the concubines were nieces, which was not a big deal in the imperial family. After all, the Tang Dynasty imperial family was indeed a bit chaotic.

First came Li Zhi, then Li Longji. After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, Zhu Wen still liked to have his daughters-in-law serve him in bed to compete for his favor, in order to determine the position of crown prince.

Compared to them, Liu Chang and his son only preferred eunuchs a little more.

As for Wang Xi of the Min Kingdom, he went a bit too far, having affairs with both men and women. He doted on his nephew Li Renyu, to the point that the court officials at the time despised this male favorite.

This background is a stain on the person in front of you.

If a man uses his male beauty to serve his superiors, his descendants and even relatives will feel ashamed and be ridiculed and despised by the world.

Duncan looked the man up and down, asked him a few questions, and then had the eunuch take him away.

“This person is available.”

"But it still needs some polishing."

Duncan noticed the other man's expression; he seemed to have an urgent desire to prove himself. This kind of person can be used like a knife, but he needs to be sharpened before he can use him.

Li Yanqing is talented enough, but he has never been given important responsibilities.

In addition, he had a strong personality and refused to compromise his principles, so some officials of the Southern Han Dynasty spoke very ill of him behind his back, basically implying that his ancestors had risen to power by selling their bodies. He once heard about this and got into a fight with someone, which resulted in his dismissal and investigation. He was only reinstated after Duncan destroyed the Southern Han Dynasty.

"This man might be useful for conquering the former territory of the Min Kingdom."

Duncan made a mental note of it, then gestured to Lu Qiongxian beside him, and the group prepared to return to the capital.

Expanding overseas is now on the agenda.

Since Guangzhou has all the necessary conditions, developing maritime trade is imperative. As long as trade routes to Southeast Asia can be opened up, the national treasury's future revenue can increase by at least 30%.

Night falls.

Inside the imperial city, Lu Qiongxian led several maids to Duncan's bedroom and respectfully greeted, "Your Majesty."

"All the eunuchs who were castrated while still virgins have been selected."

"Here's the list."

Liu Chang's eunuch practices were completely chaotic.

Some were castrated after they got married, while others were castrated as virgins. Duncan asked Lu Qiongxian to compile a list and select those who were castrated as virgins. Most of these people were not very old.

"Ok?"

Duncan took the list and glanced at it; it was over a dozen pages long. He couldn't help but sigh. People were truly doing everything they could to survive.

Most of the scholars who were castrated had married.

Most of those who were castrated were already unable to survive and had no choice but to enter the palace to make a living.

"Don't let them practice the Sunflower Technique yet."

After a moment of contemplation, Duncan said, "Send someone to teach them the basics of childhood martial arts, and see if they can learn them as well."

Lu Qiongxian nodded respectfully and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

After saying this, she got up and left, leaving behind a group of beautiful female servants.

The leading beautiful woman was a concubine of Prince Tong, Liu Hongzheng, and thus Liu Chang's aunt. She was under thirty years old and quite capable. Behind her to the right, another beautiful woman stood with her daughter; she was the wife and daughter of Prince Bian, Liu Hongji. The Liu clan had a long-standing fondness for beautiful women, and after Liu Sheng killed all his brothers, he selected the most beautiful women to fill his harem.

In 947 AD, Liu Sheng launched the largest-scale massacre and purge against his surviving brothers.

In one day, eight brothers were killed simultaneously.

Then, in 954, his twelfth brother, Prince Gao, Liu Hongmiao, was killed. In 955, his eighteenth brother, Prince Tong, Liu Hongzheng, was killed.

By this point, almost all the brothers had been killed.

The beautiful woman who led the way had been in the palace for six years, under the protection of Lu Qiongxian. Liu Sheng had killed a total of fifteen brothers, and the wives and daughters he brought into the harem were all under the supervision of Lu Qiongxian. She secretly recruited a group of people as her confidants.

It's ridiculous to say that.

After Duncan destroyed the Southern Han, most of Liu Chang's old confidants were no longer useful, but there were still more than 10,000 eunuchs to manage inside and outside the palace. On the contrary, Liu Chang's aunts and uncles, that is, the wives and daughters of the Liu family kings who were killed, were extremely grateful to Duncan, as if he had given them a second life, and their loyalty was at its peak.

In addition, most of them came from wealthy families and were literate, making them very suitable for managing more than 10,000 eunuchs.

The loyalty of these people was bestowed upon them by Liu Chang and his son.

Furthermore, Liu Sheng had been ruthless in his killings, eliminating all his descendants. These women, imprisoned within the capital, were now completely cut off from the outside world. Duncan needed people with such clean backgrounds; the hatred Liu Sheng had incurred had now transformed into loyalty among Duncan's subordinates, requiring little effort to win them over.

“Divide these lists into two parts.”

Duncan handed the list to the beautiful woman who was waiting respectfully beside him, and after a moment of contemplation, said, "Let's call these selected soldiers the Immaculate Army."

Duncan was using some of his players for training purposes.

The beautiful woman respectfully accepted it. Under the candlelight of the palace lanterns, her skin was snow-white and her figure was plump. She did not leave, but instead gestured for the beauties on either side to come forward to change and serve her in bed. They had lived in the palace for a long time and were in their prime. They wanted to seize any opportunity, otherwise they would never have a chance to rise in the ranks.

Lu Qiongxian is trying to cram everyone around her into my life.

No wonder there were so many incompetent rulers in ancient times.

Duncan stayed behind, while the other six waited outside. It seemed he couldn't stay in the capital for long; he needed to go out and explore.

………………

(End of this chapter)