mesbooks Chapter 589 Water Bandits?
Chapter 589 Water Bandits?
The boat is relatively new, well maintained and very fast.
Zhang Ping'an didn't feel seasick while sitting on the boat. He felt very calm as he watched the scenery on both sides of the river pass by.
The old bald man put aside his previous laughter in Ze County and became very alert from the moment he set out, and he was fully alert.
Wearing armor and long swords at their waists, they patrolled the ships.
Even though he had a scruffy beard, he looked different from usual. He looked like a general patrolling his territory, majestic and imposing.
Zhang Pingan couldn't help but say, "Old Baldy, live well, you will definitely become a general in the future!"
The old bald man had just finished an inspection and was feeling a little tired. Upon hearing this, he sat down and poured himself a cup of tea. He sneered and shook his head, "It's not easy to be a military officer, especially for someone like me with no background. I rose to the top entirely through military merit. It's only because the world is not peaceful that I was able to get a sixth-rank military commander. I can't say for sure what will happen in the future!"
"It is precisely because the world is not peaceful that we need military generals like you. A soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier. You can definitely become a general!" Zhang Pingan affirmed again.
"I hope so!" The old bald man smiled again. "When I was a kid, I learned a few words from my master and read some books. I understand the saying in the Records of the Grand Historian: 'When the birds are gone, the bows are put away; when the rabbits are dead, the dogs are cooked.' I understand this principle, so I've never thought about how far I can go in my career as a military officer. It's enough to be able to provide for my descendants at least!
If possible, after peace is restored, I would like to send my grandchildren to school, let them study and take the imperial examinations, and become civil servants, just like you!"
Zhang Ping'an looked at the old bald man with expectant eyes, and did not say that studying was not easy and passing the imperial examination was not that easy.
He just said firmly: "Yes! That day will come! Come, have some tea!"
After hearing this, the old bald man seemed to have seen that day, even though his grandson was not yet born. He smiled so hard that his eyes could not see, and raised his glass and said, "Thank you for your good words!"
Three days passed in a flash and everything went smoothly.
The boat had passed Zhengyang Pass and sailed along the Huai River to the vicinity of Qiu County.
The houses on both sides of the river are hidden behind willow trees, and from time to time you can see people washing in the river.
Judging from their clothing and mental outlook, the people along the Huai River seem to be living a decent life.
The population is much larger than that in nearby Ze County.
The closer they got to Huaiyang Pass, the more cautious the old bald man became.
Zhang Ping'an had no mood to read anymore.
Inspecting the grain boats with Lao Tu.
"I calculated the distance and we will arrive by noon tomorrow," said Zhang Pingan.
"Okay, I'll ask my brothers to be alert tonight and not make any mistakes," the bald old man said seriously, holding his sword.
Anyone with a little experience knows that it is easiest to be ambushed at night.
But even if we know, defending at night is always more difficult than during the day.
Chou time is the sleepiest time of the day.
No matter how hard I try to cheer myself up, my reactions are still slower than during the day.
The bald old man was always on guard and washed his face with cold water every quarter of an hour.
When I heard water birds flapping their wings quickly and flying over the water in the reeds on the shore, I felt something was wrong.
Immediately afterwards, waves suddenly appeared on the water surface near the canal boat.
Although he hadn't heard any sound yet, Lao Bald had already determined that there was a problem.
"Sand birds howl at night, and there must be water bandits hiding!"
The old bald man immediately blew his arrows to warn the enemy, shouting, "There are pirates! Everyone, pay attention! Lower the sails!"
As he spoke, he drew his long sword, listened carefully, and looked around the ship's side.
At this time, the soldiers on the ship also reacted and immediately lowered the sails!
The night watchmen banged gongs in front, behind, left and right of the grain boat to give warnings.
Others lit the large torches that were kept in reserve at the front and rear.
Under the light of the torch, you can see about 60% of what is happening on the water.
Zhang Ping'an also stood up from the cabin at this time, staring at the water, holding a fire egg gun improved by his sixth brother-in-law in his hand.
It looks smaller than before, but it's even more powerful!
After a few breaths, the bald old man pointed to the left and said decisively, "They're on the left. Team A, quickly put down the water-repellent spikes. Team B, put down the hanging curtains on both sides to prevent them from climbing and blocking the rockets!"
Everyone has a clear division of labor and acts quickly.
After a while, a "creaking" sound of friction suddenly came from the deck.
At this time, Zhang Ping'an was very fortunate that when the ship was built, he insisted on wrapping the ship with iron sheets above the waterline and hanging iron nets on the bottom of the ship to prevent fire attacks and shipwrecks, which saved him a lot of trouble.
The quality of the canal boats is impeccable and can be considered top-notch in the shipbuilding technology of that time.
After climbing to no avail, twenty or thirty small boats soon came quickly on the water, shuttling across the water as nimbly as a swallow. Some people stood on the boats, jumped over the side with hooks, and climbed up along the ropes.
The old bald man immediately ordered the arrows to be shot.
But the night wind blew, and the arrows were easily erratic, making them less effective.
Zhang Ping'an raised his musket, squinted his eyes, aimed at the pirates not far away and fired a few shots. Someone fell into the water.
The old bald man was startled for a moment, then laughed and scolded: "This thing really works! Be careful and don't be a target!"
Zhang Pingan said calmly: "Don't worry, I know what to do!"
Even though everyone on the boat tried their best to defend themselves, many agile pirates still climbed onto the boat.
Only head-on combat.
The bald old man showed no mercy and chopped down anyone he saw!
These people were not wearing masks, and they were thin, with only a fierce look in their eyes.
Some people saw Zhang Ping'an shooting one person after another, and seemed to know how powerful this thing was.
He immediately called the others forward and said, "Let's deal with this pretty boy first!"
Zhang Pingan sneered: "Little white face? Are you talking about me?"
"hehe!"
He is not afraid of them. He brought several secret weapons for self-defense when he went out, so he can protect himself without any worries!