Fierce Consort

Chapter 155

Luo Huai Yuan was in a very bad spot at the moment!

If he had to describe his unfortunate experience, he would call it shit hitting the fan!

After arriving at the Fu Province, Xie Mao had told Luo Huai Yuan the details. It turned out this matter required Luo Huai Yuan to appear in person because the copper mine Xie Mao discovered was in Ryukyu, which was separated from the Grand Xi by the ocean.

Ryukyu was located in the eastern part of the Grand Xi's ocean territory. It wasn't one single landmass, but was composed of several small islands.

Xie Mao's information pinpointed the copper mine on one of the islands.

Ryukyu had its own government but was filled with internal unrest year round. Because of its location with Fusang in the south and Little Ryukyu in the north, it was often invaded by outsiders. It was mostly people from Fusang, but there was also no lack of so-called pirates. The situation was extremely complicated.

Due to the Grand Xi opening its ports, Ryukyu's situation had gotten a lot better. The monarch was also doing his best to have friendly relations with the Grand Xi. Using its location as a transfer station for the overseas trade, Ryukyu's economy started healing. Of course this was still just limited to Ryukyu's main island. The surrounding smaller islands were still in chaos.

To put it simply, those with slightly more influence was able to occupy the territory as a king. However, there was nothing to be had on these small islands. Normally, no one would occupy those places.

Another situation was that pirates needed a den for their stolen ships. It was pretty good to occupy some deserted islands. Then there was the black market on the seas. The black market was born during the embargo. Due to Ryukyu's central location between the northeast and southeast seas, it became a transfer station for smuggled goods. After a few rounds, this black market became famous in the area.

Under the Grand Xi's embargo, Ryukyu's black market was especially rampant. After the embargo was lifted, due to the already established market, the place was only a little less prosperous than the Fu Province's port.

The largest black market was located on an island called Yeluo. The influence behind this island wasn't clear. Apart from being independent of Ryukyu, it was said to have an extremely powerful military force. Even the people from Fusang who often plundered the seas didn't dare stir up trouble.

Xie Mao and Yan Zhi had their own affairs on land, and naturally couldn't go overseas easily. Therefore, they sent letters over to the Yun Province to have Luo Huai Yuan make the trip personally. Of course this wasn't the main reason. The main reason was because Luo Huai Yuan had always wanted to set up a path of retreat for himself. A path that would allow his family to escape if things didn't work out internally.

Ryukyu's environment was complicated but if managed appropriately, it could still be a good option. With his own influence, it was possible to live a carefree life as a local ruler.

This was why Luo Huai Yuan would personally make the trip. He had to see for himself.

The circumstances required it!

Since he had made up his mind, Luo Huai Yuan made the arrangements and set sail with the merchant vessels. He first went to Ryukyu's main island to understand the local customs and circumstances before following the merchant vessel to Yeluo Island.

On the way to Yeluo Island, the ship he was on got attacked.

Luo Huai Yuan didn't bring too many people this time. There was only Xiao An Zi and two trusted guards.

This was because the ship was being escorted by one of the navy's warships and also because Ryukyu had always treated merchants with courtesy despite the internal strife. He hadn't been planning on making any major moves this time around, and was merely going to take a look. He didn't want to draw any attention and dressed himself up as a merchant. He didn't expect to be so unfortunate.