Word spread that the imperial fleet had returned and the cargo brought back was to be auctioned. Merchants and magnates from every province flocked to the Capital, some hoping to bid on a rare spice, others eager for exotic treasures.
After stepping off his ship, Yu Younian ceased his travels, dedicating himself fully to training troops by the sea. The Yu family ancestors had been naval commanders, and he was well-versed in water warfare. Since pirates often haunted the shipping lanes, they had to be ready for battle at a moment's notice.
Du Chunlong, meanwhile, buckled down to learn the language of the Western Sea nations; it was a muddled, difficult tongue to master. While the fleet had its own interpreters, what if one became stranded? What if it became necessary to speak for oneself? To avoid such a plight, he learned every word he could.
Chapter 270