The rise of the poor

Chapter 2190 Success

After taking stock of the enormous wealth hidden in Xu San's treasure vault, Mao Haifeng and the others were overjoyed. This Xu San was truly a great benefactor, having amassed such a large fortune and so much wealth. This trip was definitely worthwhile.

Zhu Ping'an was also filled with excitement. The two white turtles and the ambergris were things he was determined to obtain. Presenting them to the Jiajing Emperor would surely win the Emperor's favor and save him more than ten years of detours!

Now, Yan Song, Yan Shifan, and other members of the Yan faction are still determined to destroy me, but if I am favored by the emperor, I will not be afraid of them.

Therefore, the white tortoise and ambergris were something they were determined to obtain.

The two white turtles had already spoken, so there was naturally no problem.

But this ambergris...

Mao Haifeng didn't recognize ambergris and didn't realize its value. This stuff is more valuable than gold, but its value is secondary. The box of gold is worth far more than this ambergris. However, this stuff is extremely rare and hard to come by; it has a price but no market.

The ancients did not know that this was the excrement of sperm whales. From emperors to Taoists, alchemists and even ordinary people, they all believed that ambergris was the saliva of sea dragons when they slept. They believed that ambergris had great benefits for people, such as strengthening the body, invigorating the kidneys and enhancing virility, and prolonging life. It was simply a divine medicine among divine medicines.

If Mao Haifeng knew this stuff was ambergris, he would definitely have some ideas about it.

Zhu Pingan pondered for a moment, then had an idea. He casually pointed to the treasures in the vault and said to Mao Haifeng with a smile, "General Mao, you have made great contributions in today's battle. All the spoils of today are yours. I will take the two white turtles and the evidence of Xu San's usurpation of the throne back with me."

"Huh?! Young master, we don't want anything?" Liu Dadao, who was following behind Zhu Ping'an, was immediately dumbfounded.

The other Zhejiang soldiers also looked pained. So much wealth! We didn't want any of it, and it all went to the Japanese pirates?

Zhu Ping'an's generosity deeply moved Mao Haifeng, but he resolutely shook his head, saying, "No, no, Lord Zhu, what do you take me for? We're out here, loyalty comes first. Today, if it weren't for the Zhejiang army's superior firearms, we would have been blocked at the gate by the Japanese pirates of Yue Island in the battle at the dock. And in the final battle, if it weren't for Lord Zhu raising the white flag in time to persuade the Yue Island pirates to surrender, we would have suffered heavy losses, and we might not have even been able to capture Xu San and his gang. They might have all escaped, and we wouldn't have had a chance to raid their hidden treasure. Those two white turtles are nothing but a pot of soup, nothing at all. The evidence of Xu San's overstepping his bounds was already prepared by Lord Zhu himself, so it's even less significant. Lord Zhu is essentially giving me all the spoils without asking for anything in return. If word gets out, people will think I, Mao Haifeng, am a greedy and shameless scoundrel. No, no, absolutely not!"

Mao Haifeng strongly opposed it.

Very determined.

Zhu Ping'an was so generous, and he was not to be outdone. In this world, loyalty is paramount, and he couldn't afford to lose face.

“We’ll split these spoils equally. If you don’t agree, Lord Zhu, then you’re disrespecting me, Mao Haifeng.”

Mao Haifeng slapped his chest repeatedly.

"No, no, this idea came from you, the ship was provided by you, and the inside agent was also provided by you. You deserve the most credit for successfully capturing Moon Island. I have always believed in distribution according to work, and more work, more reward. That's why I have the 'Discipline and Performance Assessment' in the army. General Mao, are you asking me to contradict myself? Equal distribution is absolutely not allowed."

Zhu Pingan also looked determined.

"Lord Zhu, you have principles, and so do I. You can't expect me to be a greedy and shameless person, can you?!"

Mao Haifeng also insisted on not giving in.

The surrounding Japanese pirates looked on in astonishment, as if they had seen the sun rise in the west. These two were really something else. They had seen people steal things, but they had never seen anyone give things to others. Moreover, their leader always stole things; when had he ever given anything away?

“General Mao, why are you doing this? How about this, you take the lion’s share, and we’ll take the smaller share. If you refuse again, then there’s nothing more to discuss,” Zhu Pingan said earnestly.

"Well, Lord Zhu, if I were to refuse, wouldn't I become a sinner who breaks the alliance? I'd better accept your offer. On behalf of my brothers, I thank you for your generosity."

Mao Haifeng looked like he had no choice but to accept it, and clasped his hands in thanks to Zhu Pingan.

Deep down, he admired Zhu Ping'an even more. He gave away so much gold and silver jewelry so readily; it was truly admirable.

"Here's what we'll do: of these ten large wooden chests containing gold, silver, jewels, and ornaments, the three chests on the side are mine, and the other seven are yours."

"These four display shelves contain antiques, calligraphy, and paintings. The shelf on the side is mine, and the other three are yours."

"Of these eight boxes of medicinal herbs, the two boxes on the side are mine, and the other six are yours."

"Of course, these two white turtles are mine."

Zhu Pingan casually pointed to the hidden treasure vault, counting from the side, and only took about a quarter of the items, giving the remaining three-quarters to Mao Haifeng.

Of course, Zhu Pingan's seemingly casual gesture was actually part of his plan. He didn't care about the gold and silver jewelry; ten boxes would have been enough. The antique shelf that Zhu Pingan pointed to belonged to him had the most genuine calligraphy and paintings. The calligraphy and paintings on the other three antique shelves were mostly fake, as were the three boxes of medicinal herbs, including ambergris.

"Lord Zhu, your share is far too small, less than 30%. Lord Zhu must give us a larger share." Mao Haifeng, unwilling to take advantage, strongly urged Zhu Ping'an to give him a larger share.

Zhu Ping'an was truly generous. Of the ten boxes of gold and silver jewelry, he only took three boxes; of the four antique shelves, he only took one shelf of antiques and calligraphy; and of the eight boxes of medicinal herbs, he only took two boxes. The rest were all for himself.

Zhu Ping'an's generosity far exceeded Mao Haifeng's expectations; such generosity was truly admirable.

At least, I myself couldn't be that generous.

"No need, this is enough. Today, General Mao and you all helped me wipe out the Japanese pirates on Moon Island. This is my greatest achievement. I will report this to the court, and the court will naturally reward me handsomely. Moreover, I have also gained so much wealth, which is even more joyous. What more could I ask for?" Zhu Ping'an said with a smile, insisting on the distribution as it had been.

After saying this, Zhu Pingan added to Mao Haifeng, "Of course, you helped me wipe out the Japanese pirates on Yue Island, and I will truthfully report your merits to the court and recommend you for commendation."

"Thank you very much, Lord Zhu." Mao Haifeng couldn't help but clasp his hands in thanks to Zhu Ping'an again.

Amid Mao Haifeng's repeated thanks and admiring gaze, Zhu Ping'an smoothly obtained his desired items: two white turtles and the ambergris incense in the box. The battle on Moon Island thus came to a perfect end. (End of Chapter)