Chapter 3, Bamboo Basket and Vase

In the dim light, he noticed the face of the prostitute; perhaps a decade ago, this woman was a great beauty, but excessive opium and sexual activity had accelerated her aging.

It is well known that, according to convention, a training ship does not appoint a captain. As a newly appointed first officer, Edward Aiven serves as the ship's first commander, or 'acting captain.' While he admires the vastness of the forested sea, he is also keenly aware of the importance of consolidating his own faction, especially on a warship referred to as a floating territory. Edward Aiven understands that his strategies and interpersonal relations will also begin from this point.

The cumbersome etiquette left Lin Haijiang feeling somewhat overwhelmed, yet he was acutely aware that the English of this era lived within the intricate regulations they had established for themselves. Without adhering to these, one would find it nearly impossible to navigate the upper echelons of society in England. For the sake of his ideals, Lin Haijiang understood that he must endure all this hypocrisy and pretense.

Edward Aiven felt that today was his lucky day. Prior to this, he had been contemplating how to recruit the first sergeant, and unexpectedly, the other party came to him. It seemed that everything was accomplished without a word, a highly tacit cooperation where both parties communicated solely through their gazes. This further reinforced Edward Aiven's belief that he had found a clever person.

Lin Haijiang, dressed in military uniform, appeared extremely out of place. Apart from the initially oblivious prostitute, only a timid barmaid approached him. Although she was a foreigner, Lin Haijiang's naval uniform and the rank of petty officer on his sleeve compelled these individuals living at the bottom of society to suppress their arrogance. They could mock and tease anyone, but a midshipman from the Royal Navy, studying at Dartmouth Naval College, was not someone they could deride.

Perhaps they are a sleeping lion, and provoking a slumbering lion does not seem to be a wise idea, but what can one do? A few hundred people can conquer a nation, and a few warships can breach the gates of another country. This glorious era has caused the British to lose their sense of self. Perhaps the glory has not yet reached its peak, but the internal decay of the empire has already begun. If glory truly reaches its zenith, then decline is not far off.

Then it shall be as such! I hope to see Lieutenant Lin at the dock after afternoon tea. I will take my leave now, thank you, Mr. Robert, and my subordinate officer! Edward Aiven's etiquette was nearly impeccable

Robert pronounced the word 'work' with great emphasis, then looked meaningfully at Lin Haijiang, waiting for his response. Lin Haijiang glanced at Edward Ivan, whose face was full of eager anticipation, and after politely greeting Robert and Edward Ivan, said: 'It is my honor, sir'

When their beauty fades, they can only move from Apden to Lante, until they seek clients among the dockworkers. These aging prostitutes incessantly ask everyone if they want to engage with them

Some even expose their emaciated breasts and thighs in an attempt to attract potential clients, while their pimps smoke in a nearby alley, watching their every move. Some less proactive prostitutes may get beaten, but everyone here has become accustomed to it.

In the evening, Lin Haijiang arrived alone at a bar not far from the dock, where the air was filled with cheap beer and a few pence for the prostitutes. Lin Haijiang tossed a few pence to send away a prostitute who was trying to entangle him.

Suddenly, Jiang Linghai stood up and bowed to Mr. Robert, saying: "Respected Mr. Robert, in light of Mr. Edward Aiven's orders, I hope to receive your permission to proceed to the dock immediately, as I believe there is much work awaiting me"

As an observer, he could only watch helplessly as the so-called "unsinkable" giant ship of the British Empire slowly sank. Unfortunately, many people did not see this situation, perhaps because they were too far removed from the bottom; their luxurious lives had already rotted their bones, and socializing had become their only focus. Robert painfully closed his eyes.

In the eyes of Edward Irwin, what could be simpler and more practical than to recruit a rare foreign-born private first class? Lord Edward Irwin needed fame! An opportunity to shine before Her Majesty the Queen

After taking a sip of the unbearably bitter beer, Lin Haijiang set down a dozen or so pence and chose to leave

After he left, the bar returned to its previous clamor, and the smiles on everyone's faces reappeared once again. A drunkard eagerly rushed to the remaining drink in Lin Haijiang's presence and downed it in one gulp

It is evident that he needs Lin Haijiang's assistance to establish authority at the grassroots level, and as a gentleman and commander, he does not need to handle everything personally. Therefore, he believes that Lin Haijiang also requires his generous support

Is this the philosophy of the ancient East? Robert was somewhat taken aback; although Lin Haijiang had good academic performance, he rarely expressed his opinions in front of him, which Robert had always regarded as a form of Eastern subtlety

However, after going around in circles, Lin Haijiang realized that almost everyone harbored deep suspicion towards him. It suddenly dawned on him that it was his military uniform that had caused the trouble. Moreover, Lin Haijiang also recognized that those Chinese laborers would absolutely not be willing to enjoy a drink after work, as that was not the characteristic of hardworking and resilient Chinese people

Robert nodded seriously, watching Lin Haijiang's departing figure, feeling a surge of emotions within. Could this be another side of the wisdom of the Eastern people? Although he had never been to that mysterious and ancient land, he did not believe that the descendants of a nation capable of inventing gunpowder and the compass could be as ignorant as some referred to them as foolish yellow monkeys

After Edward Irwin departed, Robert coughed lightly and looked at Lin Haijiang with a slightly awkward smile, saying: "Dear Lin, I must say that Lord Edward Irwin is quite lazy. He spends too much time on socializing and horseback riding. Although it is not polite to speak ill of others behind their backs, as the first officer of the Phoenix, with the training ship about to embark on a long voyage, he actually entrusted you with the task of installing the new artillery? Moreover, he directly appointed you as his junior officer, which is very irresponsible."

For Lin Haijiang, this is a starting point! A brand new starting point!

Robert frowned and said, "I cannot see the difference between the two!"

Early the next morning, as Lin Haijiang had just arrived at the school, he was found by Robert and taken to the administrative office. Lin Haijiang smiled slightly and nodded in greeting to Edward Aiven, who was sitting in the room. It was evident that Edward Aiven's presence surprised Lin Haijiang.

Robert paused for a moment, shaking his head helplessly and said: "If his ambitions could be proportional to his actual actions, I believe he would become the future commander of the Imperial Fleet, wouldn't he, my dear Lin?"

Lin Haijiang shook his head in response: "It is a British-style practical philosophy"

Edward Aiven had no idea that Lin Haijiang, this First Corporal, not only lacked numerous friends but also had a host of enemies

Lin Haijiang's purpose for coming here can be said to be very simple; he needs to know the specific prices of hiring workers. If he is to cooperate with Edward Irwin in the replacement of the armament on the Phoenix, he must ensure that every penny is spent wisely. A warship is called a warship precisely because of its different purpose. To lose one's life due to a piece of inferior oak plank? Lin Haijiang does not want that! Therefore, he must ensure that every penny is spent wisely. A warship is called a warship precisely because of its different purpose. To lose one's life due to a piece of inferior oak plank? Lin Haijiang does not want that!

Lin Haijiang smiled slightly and said: "The difference between the two is that the 'large bamboo basket' cannot hold water, while the large vase can hold water"

Lin Haijiang similarly responded to Robert with a smile, and Robert's words were indeed sharp enough, artfully belittling Edward Irvin as a 'large bamboo basket' used for fetching water

After Edward Aiven left, Lin Haijiang was momentarily captivated by the sound of seagulls while gazing at the vast, surging blue waves. This training voyage marked a starting point for the proud and confident Edward Aiven, and undoubtedly, it also represented a completely new challenge for Lin Haijiang

Lin Haijiang said with a smile: "I believe that the esteemed Mr. Edward Irwin is slightly superior to the 'big bamboo basket'; he can be considered a large vase"

Robert looked at Lin Haijiang with a gaze that was almost perplexed and said, "The Naval Engineering Bureau will be replacing some problematic artillery on the Phoenix in the coming days, and Major Edward hopes you can cooperate with his work"

Moreover, that little fellow's Hellfire Six Shooter at his waist is no ordinary weapon

Deaf Jack, as the leader of this street, has already instructed six or seven people to keep an eye on this little fellow who has wandered into the wrong place. If he is robbed or killed on his own turf, then his good days will be over