Chapter 36: Collaboration with Princess Lanna

The sea breeze was faintly salty, carrying a moist chill that gently swept through the fishing village. The scattered lights of the village huts flickered in the night, casting a serene atmosphere. Yet, inside the largest council hall at the village entrance, the mood was solemn. Li Chuan sat at the head of the table, his expression calm but with a flicker of inquiry in his eyes. Opposite him sat Princess Lana, adorned in an exotic gown, her face stern yet graceful, her gaze sharp and unwavering.

“Village Chief Li Chuan, I’ve taken the liberty to come tonight because I believe there may be a possibility for cooperation between us,” Lana said directly, her tone steady and clear.

Li Chuan raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes sweeping across the few attendants behind Lana—nimble and evidently highly skilled warriors. He responded coolly, “Princess, our fishing village is but a collection of ordinary folk. How could we be worthy of a word like ‘cooperation’?”

Lana smiled faintly, seemingly in no rush to convince him. “Your humility surprises me, Chief Li. The fact that you have stabilized this perilous coastal land and successfully formed an alliance already speaks volumes about your extraordinary capabilities.”

Li Chuan’s eyes flickered as he lifted his teacup for a sip, then after a pause said, “Since Your Highness is aware of our situation, why not be frank—what exactly do you need?”

Leaning forward slightly, Lana’s voice grew more solemn. “Chief Li, I need your wisdom and strength to help me reclaim the power that is rightfully mine.”

Her words stirred discontent among the village’s key members standing behind Li Chuan. One couldn’t help but step forward. “Princess, your words border on arrogance! We are barely able to defend ourselves. How could we possibly entangle ourselves in royal conflicts?”

Lana turned her gaze to the man, her eyes radiating authority. “Brother, you might think royal affairs are distant from you, but I assure you, if my enemies succeed, they will not spare your village. Have you considered how you will respond then?”

Her words left the room momentarily speechless.

Li Chuan pondered for a moment, breaking the silence. “Princess, cooperation can be discussed, but what will our village gain from it? If this is just empty talk of benefits, forgive me for saying this, but we may not have the strength to bear such risks.”

Lana smiled gently, as if expecting the question. “It’s simple. I can supply your village with weapons and food, and even open trade routes for you in the Southern Seas. As long as we cooperate, I will fully support your defense and development.”

“Easy to say,” Li Chuan narrowed his eyes sharply. “But what if you fail?”

Lana’s tone turned resolute. “If I fail, my enemies will certainly not spare me, but more importantly, you will become their target as well. So rather than saying you are helping me, it would be more accurate to say we are standing together against a greater threat.”

The atmosphere fell silent once again. Li Chuan scanned the room; the villagers clearly remained uneasy about the proposal, yet no one voiced opposition.

“Very well,” Li Chuan finally nodded, a hint of caution in his eyes. “Princess, I can agree to cooperate, but we need a clear plan. Before finalizing it, I want to test each other’s sincerity first.”

Lana nodded softly. “Naturally. I’m willing to hear your thoughts, Chief Li.”

Li Chuan waved to his trusted aides to bring a map, spreading it across the table and pointing to the vicinity of the village. “This is our main defensive area. And here”—he indicated a more distant stretch of sea—“is where the pirate raids are most frequent. If you truly wish to cooperate, assist us in clearing out these pirates to prove your resolve.”

Lana’s gaze fixed on the map, a cold smile curling her lips. “You are indeed meticulous, Chief Li. This area happens to be one of my enemies’ secret trading points. I will dispatch my personal guard to aid your operation and provide intelligence.”

Li Chuan was momentarily taken aback, then smiled. “It seems Your Highness came prepared.”

Lana did not hide it, speaking frankly. “I have already investigated your character and abilities. Tonight’s meeting was simply to confirm your stance. Since our goals align, there is no need for further words.”

“Better so,” Li Chuan agreed. “Then I shall watch closely for your sincerity.”

The night deepened. After seeing Princess Lana off, Li Chuan returned to the council chamber where his trusted aides gathered quietly around the map.

“Chief, I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something off about Princess Lana,” one said.

“Yeah, who knows if she’s just using us? If things go wrong, it’s our village that suffers!” another added.

Li Chuan raised his hand for silence. “I understand your concerns, but she makes a valid point. If her enemies succeed, our village will inevitably be caught in the crossfire. Rather than waiting to be destroyed, it’s better to take the fight to them.”

---

“But what if she’s just using us to wear down her enemies?” someone still doubted.

“That’s why I proposed a test,” Li Chuan said firmly. “This operation isn’t just to remove threats for our village, but also to see if she’s trustworthy. If she shows enough sincerity, then we’ll decide how to proceed.”

The group nodded, still harboring doubts.

Meanwhile, in Princess Lana’s camp, a similarly tense discussion was underway.

“Your Highness, Li Chuan is capable, but overly cautious. Do we really need to cooperate with him?” a servant whispered.

Lana sat at the table, fingers tapping lightly. “His caution proves he is a reliable ally. Only such a man would not abandon his partners when it matters most.”

“But the fishing village’s strength is limited. Can they truly help us against your enemies?” another frowned.

Lana smiled faintly. “Limited strength is no issue. What matters is their unwillingness to submit. Moreover,” her gaze darkened, “Li Chuan’s wisdom exceeds that of ordinary men. Used properly, he will be my right hand.”

The servants fell silent, preparing quietly for the forthcoming operation.

---

Morning sunlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the village harbor. Over a dozen small fishing boats and two warships lay quietly moored as crew busied themselves loading weapons and supplies. At the forefront stood Li Chuan, flanked by key village members and warriors ready to depart. He lifted his eyes to the distant horizon, determination shining in his gaze.

“Chief, Princess Lana’s people have arrived,” a guard reported softly as he hurried over.

Li Chuan nodded and turned to the approaching fleet. A magnificent warship led the way, bearing exotic banners—undeniably Lana’s personal guard. Moments later, Lana disembarked, followed by a dozen guards wielding foreign longswords, their armor gleaming and movements precise, exuding formidable intimidation.

Lana approached Li Chuan with a slight smile. “Chief Li, I have brought my elite troops for this operation. They are more than enough to handle the pirate threat.”

Li Chuan nodded, eyes appraising. “Good. Our goal is to clear the three nearby pirate gathering spots to ensure they can no longer threaten the coastal villages.”

Lana inclined her head slightly. “What’s the plan?”

Li Chuan gestured to the map spread before them. “Based on reconnaissance, these three sea areas are the hotspots.” He traced three red circles on the chart. “The pirates operate in small groups without strong connections. We can take them out one by one.”

Lana studied the map thoughtfully. “The terrain is complex, and currents swift. A rash attack could scatter our forces.”

Li Chuan’s lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s why I’ve assigned two scouting ships to lure them from their nests. Our main fleet will lie in ambush where the currents are calmer, striking them successively.”

A flash of approval crossed Lana’s eyes. “Your strategy is indeed thorough. However, my manpower is limited. Can adjustments be made?”

Li Chuan nodded gravely. “Success depends not on numbers but coordination. Your troops will cut off their retreat while mine engage head-on.”

Lana smiled in satisfaction. “Agreed. I will follow your lead.”

---

By afternoon, under the blazing sun, the calm sea in one of the three areas was suddenly broken by the swift approach of a dozen scout boats—Li Chuan’s reconnaissance fleet tasked with drawing pirate attention.

“Captain, there’s movement ahead!” a crewman pointed toward the horizon where several pirate ships flew black flags, rapidly approaching.

The scout commander ordered quickly, “Keep advancing. Don’t reveal our hand!”

Nearby, Lana’s warships lay hidden behind reefs, perfectly concealed. A guard whispered to Lana, “Your Highness, will this plan truly work?”

Lana’s expression remained calm, her eyes sharp as a torch. “Li Chuan is no reckless man. If he dares to use this scheme, it means he has accounted for every detail.”

Soon, the pirate fleet gave chase. The scout ships abruptly turned, leading the pirates into the ambush zone. As the pirates entered the designated waters, the concealed warships suddenly revealed themselves!

“Release arrows!” Li Chuan commanded from the warship’s deck. At his signal, hundreds of arrows rained down upon the pirate fleet.

Chaos erupted. Pirates raised shields, but many fell to the unexpected volley.

Lana’s warship surged forward. Standing at the bow with drawn sword, she shouted, “All forces, attack! Cut off their retreat!”

Her guards, expertly trained, moved swiftly to seal the pirates’ escape routes. A fierce naval battle ensued.

“Chief, the pirate flagship is approaching!” a fisherman shouted.

Li Chuan looked in the indicated direction—a massive pirate warship bore down from behind, its prow bearing an armored commander—the pirate leader unmistakable.

“Keep formation! Stay calm!” Li Chuan ordered, adjusting his ship’s angle and aiming cannons at the flagship. “Target locked! Fire!”

A thunderous boom followed as cannonballs struck the pirate ship’s flank, bursting into flames.

After an afternoon of intense fighting, the pirate fleet was nearly annihilated, only a few vessels escaping by luck. Lana personally led the prisoners back to the village.

---

Back in the village, Li Chuan held a brief victory meeting before meeting Lana alone in the council hall.

“Princess, this success owes much to your support,” Li Chuan said, lifting his teacup calmly, though his eyes held a probing edge.

Lana smiled softly. “Chief Li’s command was the key to victory. We merely added the finishing touch.”

“However...” Li Chuan set down his cup, his gaze darkening. “Though we cleared the pirates this time, it is likely only a temporary victory. Their backers will not relent. Greater threats loom ahead.”

Lana nodded, her expression grave. “You are right. This victory is just the beginning. To truly resolve the issue, we must find the puppet masters and eradicate their power.”

Li Chuan lowered his head in thought, then said slowly, “In that case, Princess, I am willing to deepen our cooperation. But I need you to provide detailed intelligence about your enemies and their movements.”

A complex emotion flickered in Lana’s eyes before she nodded. “Very well. I will share all I know. But Chief Li, I have one condition—”

Li Chuan looked up, steady and calm. “Speak.”

“I want absolute assurance of safety for me and my people throughout our cooperation,” Lana said with solemnity.

Li Chuan was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Agreed.”

They exchanged a glance, and in that silent accord, trust quietly blossomed.