Chapter 58: Coastal Council

Li Chuan sat in the center of the hall, his gaze calm yet unable to mask the undercurrent of unease rippling through the room. Local magnates, merchant leaders, and several officials sat in a circle along both sides. Every face was grave, their whispered exchanges fraught with hostility and probing intent.

By this point, the discussion had long since strayed from its original agenda. Li Chuan had initially hoped to use the meeting to outline his fishing village reconstruction plan and advance the implementation of the "Coastal Defense Cooperation Initiative." Yet, from the very opening, several local dignitaries had raised a barrage of skeptical questions regarding his proposed reforms, frequently lacing their remarks with sharp, sarcastic barbs.

"Li Chuan, this proposal sounds grand, but where are the details?" a lavishly dressed salt merchant sneered. "You mentioned reorganizing the defense of the fishing villages, but how do you plan to allocate labor and resources? These villages are already desperately impoverished—by what right do you guarantee they have the capacity to shoulder these extra burdens?"

Another landowner, clad in brocade robes, chimed in, "Furthermore, while the stability of the fishermen is certainly important, if it means an increase in our taxes, does that not run counter to our original intentions?"

Nearly every eye in the room locked onto Li Chuan, and he felt the pressure on his shoulders multiply exponentially. What troubled him even more was that these doubts were not entirely baseless—the issue of resource allocation among the fishing villages was indeed a major hurdle in the plan, and tax adjustments directly touched upon the delicate balance of the entire coastal region.

Instead of rushing to defend himself, Li Chuan raised his eyes slightly and committed each of these grievances to memory. He knew that unless he thoroughly dispelled the doubts of these powerful factions, his subsequent actions would face insurmountable obstacles. Just as he was about to speak, however, a crisp yet commanding voice interrupted him.

"What you all say has some reason to it, but it is ultimately far too short-sighted."

The crowd turned at the sound to see Princess Lana slowly rising to her feet. Dressed in a simple, elegant gown devoid of excess ornamentation, she nonetheless radiated an intangible aura of oppression that commanded awe and reverence.

"Taxes, labor, resources—these matters are undoubtedly important, but have any of you considered what kind of peril the coast would face without Li Chuan's plan?" Lana's voice was clear and piercingly cold. "You have all been speaking solely of your own interests, yet none of you have mentioned how to safeguard the common people's right to survival."

A hush fell over the assembly. Many expressions shifted uncomfortably, though a few individuals remained defiant, attempting to retort.

"Your Highness, of course we care for the common people, but ideals are one thing; without practical and feasible measures, how can a mere proposal convince us to submit?" an elderly clan elder frowned as he spoke. "Moreover, who will bear the consequences if this plan fails?"

Lana's sharp gaze swept over every hesitant face in the hall.

"Li Chuan's plan may carry risks, but if we refuse to try, can any of you guarantee that the common people will remain free from intrusion and that coastal stability will not be shattered?" Her tone was resolute and unyielding. "If anyone truly has a better method, I am willing to listen. But if not, I ask you all to choose your words with care."

Her words carried an unquestionable authority, momentarily rendering even the most vocal grumblers speechless.

At that moment, a young merchant with a soft, effeminate voice stood up with a smile.

"Her Highness's stance is admirable, but I fear it is far too biased." He gently waved the folding fan in his hand and said with profound implication, "Li Chuan is merely of ordinary fisherman stock, with shallow credentials. Even if he possesses some whimsical notions, he inherently lacks practical experience. To entrust such a plan to his leadership—is that not deeply irresponsible toward the coastal common people and merchants?"

As his voice trailed off, several previously silent faction leaders nodded in agreement. Li Chuan clenched his fists slightly, remaining silent. He knew that arguing at this moment would achieve nothing and would only provoke a more intense confrontation.

Upon hearing this, Lana let out a quiet, indifferent laugh.

"Biased? If this princess were to show bias, it would only be toward those who possess true capability." Her tone was calm, yet it caused the young merchant's smile to freeze slightly.

Lana turned to Li Chuan, her voice softening marginally. "Li Chuan, though your plan has yet to be implemented, I believe you certainly have reasons that can convince everyone. Present your ideas in detail now."

A jolt went through Li Chuan, and he nodded slightly. He stood up, drew a deep breath, and began:

"Lords and gentlemen, the core of this proposal is not simply about resource allocation or tax adjustment; it is about forging long-term safety and prosperity for the coastal populace."

His voice was not loud, but it resonated with determination, gradually drawing the attention of everyone present.

First, the transformation of the fishing villages does not rely on external funding, but rather on the optimization and integration of internal resources to enhance self-sufficiency," Li Chuan picked up a sketch from the table, pointing to the fortifications marked upon it. "Take the fishing village under my charge as an example. If we can improve the coastline fortifications, we will not only repel coastal bandits, but we can also increase the fishermen's production efficiency by more than thirty percent."

Li Chuan's words struck home with undeniable weight, and the murmurings in the hall gradually subsided. Many began to lean down to inspect the sketch closely, while those who had previously voiced opposition wore contemplative expressions.

"Second, the tax adjustments within the plan are not a bottomless pit, but an investment. Once the coastal fisheries regain their vitality, your trade will likewise benefit from it," Li Chuan swept his gaze across the room, his tone unwavering. "I promise that within one year, the yields of the pilot village will at least double, and all input costs will be recovered within two years."

The moment the words fell, an uproar broke out in the hall. Several wealthy merchants involuntarily began to whisper among themselves, clearly piqued by Li Chuan's confidence.

At that moment, Lana chimed in opportunely: "You may feel that Li Chuan's plan is overly risky, but I am willing to vouch for him personally. Should the plan fail, I shall bear full responsibility."

With these words, the hall fell dead silent. All eyes turned toward Lana, filled with complex emotions.

"Since Your Highness is so resolute, naturally we dare not disobey," a tremendously influential salt merchant finally spoke up first. "However, we also hope Your Highness can ensure fairness in the distribution of benefits."

Lana smiled faintly and turned to Li Chuan. "Do you have the confidence?"

Li Chuan straightened his back and replied with resonant strength, "Rest assured, Your Highness, I shall not let you down!"

With Princess Lana's staunch support, the faction representatives who had initially harbored skepticism toward Li Chuan's plan gradually lowered their guard. Yet, a few stubborn hardliners continued to murmur among themselves, seemingly unwilling to accept it fully.

The young merchant stepped forward once more, speaking with a provocative edge:

"Li Chuan's plan sounds pleasant enough, but who cannot make verbal promises? How are we to trust that the results of the pilot village will truly meet expectations?"

At this, many nodded in agreement, shifting their gazes back to Li Chuan as they awaited his response.

Li Chuan pondered for a moment. Instead of rushing to refute, he turned the proposal in his hand to the final pages.

"Please examine this, everyone. This is the detailed budget and timetable for the pilot village. I am willing to make this plan public and subject it to your complete supervision," Li Chuan said in a low, powerful voice. "Not only that, I will also establish observation posts within the pilot village and invite you all to send representatives to witness every single phase firsthand."

These words considerably dampened the dissenting voices in the crowd. Many began to study the proposal meticulously, and some even raised questions to engage in discussion with Li Chuan. Meanwhile, Lana stood quietly to the side, her formidable aura subduing those who still hesitated.

Realizing the situation was turning against him, the young merchant attempted to stir up trouble again, but Lana cut him off directly with a single sentence.

"If you lack the daring even to attempt a pilot village plan, then I must seriously doubt whether your judgment and capability ought to be reassessed." Though Lana's tone was calm, it harbored a sharp undercurrent.

The young merchant's complexion shifted drastically, and almost instinctively, he bowed his head with a sycophantic smile. "Your Highness's reprimand is just; this subordinate indeed failed to consider the matter thoroughly."

As the opposition gradually dissipated, the tense, antagonistic meeting unexpectedly reached a unanimous consensus—Li Chuan's plan would officially commence under Lana's supervision, and all participating factions would send representatives to take part in the cooperation.

When the meeting adjourned, Li Chuan let out a long breath, finally feeling the massive boulder weighing on his chest lift by more than half. Yet, he understood well that this was only the first step.

Lana walked over to his side and spoke softly, "Li Chuan, you did very well, but do not forget, this is merely the beginning."

Li Chuan turned to look at her, gratitude welling up in his eyes. He knew that had Lana not stepped forward today, his plan would likely have found it impossible to progress.

"Your Highness, thank you for your trust," Li Chuan bowed solemnly in gratitude.

Lana waved a hand dismissively, a hint of teasing amusement gracing her lips. "I am not helping you; I am helping myself. Should you fail, I shall be the one mocked by those people."

Hearing this, the corners of Li Chuan's mouth ticked upward into a relaxed smile. "You jest, Your Highness. I certainly will not let you down."

Lana nodded slightly, her tone growing gentler. "Actually, I am more curious: why are you so stubbornly persistent about this matter? The fishing village's troubles are important, but logically speaking, you could easily have chosen an easier path."

Li Chuan fell silent for a moment. He raised his head, his gaze burning with conviction as he said:

"Your Highness, this land raised me; I cannot stand idly by and watch it destroyed." He paused briefly before continuing, "More importantly, if no one steps forward to change these things, the common people of the future may not even be able to preserve the meager stability they have right now."

Lana gazed at him quietly, seemingly moved by his words for a brief moment, before returning to her habitual composure.

"What you say is well spoken, but the road ahead will not be easy. Those who outwardly agree may not truly support you with all their might," she reminded him softly. "In this game, what you need is not merely a plan, but ample wisdom and patience."

Li Chuan nodded, a fighting spirit igniting in his eyes. "Rest assured, Your Highness, I am fully prepared."

Lana smiled faintly and turned to leave. Yet, at the very moment she walked away, Li Chuan sensed an inexplicable touch of loneliness and exhaustion in her retreating figure.

On the third day following the conclusion of the meeting, Li Chuan personally traveled to the pilot village to mobilize the residents. Initially, the villagers harbored doubts regarding the reconstruction plan, and some even held hostile resistance. However, through Li Chuan's patient explanations and the gradual display of preliminary results, a growing number of people began to join in.

During the first phase of constructing the fortifications, Li Chuan led the villagers in utilizing local stone and timber to build several simple yet sturdy watchtowers. These towers not only boosted the fishermen's sense of security but also served as command centers to facilitate the future organization of responses to emergencies.

As the villagers watched these towers rise, a glimmer of trust and anticipation slowly took root in their eyes.

Yet, just as everything appeared to be proceeding smoothly, an abrupt crisis quietly descended.

Night fell, and amidst the tranquility, the faint silhouettes of unidentified vessels emerged upon the distant sea. The village's watchtower was the first to detect the suspicious movement of the ships. Immediately afterward, the villagers gathered together in tension and anxiety.

Li Chuan hurried to the scene without delay and made his deployments at once. Calmly, he addressed the crowd: "These people are most likely nearby marauders. Do not panic; we need only hold our defensive line, and they will be powerless to threaten us."

Under Li Chuan's command, the villagers relied for the first time upon the newly built fortifications, uniting as one to defend their homeland. Following a whole night of standoff, the marauders ultimately retreated empty-handed, while the morale of the villagers soared triumphantly from the victory.

The following morning, Li Chuan stood atop the watchtower, watching the sunlight flood the entire fishing village as a multitude of emotions stirred within him. He knew that the true challenges were only just beginning, but having weathered the battle of the previous night, he grew all the more convinced that as long as they remained united, no obstacle was too great to overcome.

Far off on the hillside, Lana quietly observed the scene, a faint smile playing upon her lips.

"It seems my judgment was not mistaken," she murmured softly to herself before turning and walking away.