Chapter 6, reality is very harsh

However, after Lin Haijiang finished speaking, he felt a bit regretful. Yet, since the words had already been spoken, regret was evidently of little consequence. Just as he was about to have his meal, Steward Zhao and two servants brought over several large cardboard boxes, saying: "These were sent by a few foreigners this noon! They rambled on about a lot of things, but I didn't understand! But goodness, those foreigners are so tall!"

However, most of the routes lead to Indochina. For these Chinese people who have been deceived from the South Seas to Europe, their greatest happiness while drifting abroad is to visit Guangzhou. Yet, they are unaware of what they are conveying to their own country.

After settling the day's wages in the evening, Lin Haijiang watched the figures of gratitude leave, and he squeezed his pocket tightly. For the first time in his life, having taken a cut or, in other words, exploited the labor of others, Lin Haijiang felt uneasy. The money was truly not much; if this continued, he could earn eight pounds and twenty pence daily from these one hundred sailors.

The Royal Arsenal at Woolwich truly lives up to its reputation, and Lin Haijiang even contemplated directly ordering ironclad warships from the Royal Arsenal once he had sufficient funds

The modification process of the Phoenix was remarkably smooth, with Sigur tirelessly accompanying Lin Haijiang in and around the warship every day without complaint. Lin Haijiang felt very satisfied with this.

While passing by a dress shop, Lin Haijiang suddenly saw a black and white lace maid outfit displayed in the window! Upon seeing the maid outfit, Lin Haijiang inexplicably thought of the two young girls, Lily and Ziju. He realized that sometimes he could be quite wicked; what was a perfectly normal piece of clothing in this era seemed utterly depraved in his eyes

Lin Haijiang was truly taken aback upon seeing Butler Zhao's appearance; what he thought should only exist in a play was now vividly present before him. No wonder some artists in later generations often quote the saying that art originates from life. However, in Lin Haijiang's view, Butler Zhao is indeed a trustworthy servant to rely on

The busy day quickly came to an end. Lin Haijiang gazed at the setting sun, its golden rays casting a warm glow over the Phoenix. Edward Aiven, the competent commander, indeed lived up to his words to Lin Haijiang, "I trust you absolutely!" Now, the renovations of the bridge and the upper deck have entered the final stage, but there seems to be an issue with the steel framework intended to reinforce the gun positions.

As soon as the person entered, Steward Zhao hurriedly came forward. It had been a few days since the young master returned. Steward Zhao had gone to the dock several times over the past few days, but seeing that Lin Haijiang was busy coming and going, he did not dare to disturb the young master, as Steward Zhao was well aware that the young master was about to graduate, and this period was extremely important for him.

The two young girls, Baihe and Ziju, were busily running around without a moment's rest. Lin Haijiang looked at their cheerful figures and smiled faintly. They were already sixteen or seventeen years old; if they were back in their home country, they would probably be considered old maids. Fortunately, Baihe and Ziju were bought as coarse servant girls, so they were not subjected to foot binding. Otherwise, he would have to personally witness the heinous mutilation of women known as the three-inch golden lotus!

Like most of his compatriots in his previous life, Lin Haijiang, who holds the rank of a junior officer, belongs to the category of those who cannot afford to buy a house or marry a wife. Is it really inappropriate for him to have a slight fantasy about girls of the same age?

Moreover, pointed dress shoes would make their feet feel extremely uncomfortable on the warship, which is why round-toed high-top leather boots began to gain popularity

With the addition of the five pounds that Xigeer gives him for his afternoon tea each day, Lin Haijiang's pocket is already able to hear the rustling sound of pounds.

However, in Lin Haijiang's memory, this type of military uniform needs to be personally tailored by the individual. Why would Edward Ivan send ready-made clothes instead?

During this period, Lin Haijiang helplessly discovered that he seemed to have fallen into the trap of money. Reality is indeed very harsh

Standing in front of the mirror, I indeed appeared much darker and had lost some weight; however, the reflection of myself in the mirror increasingly resembled that of a naval officer

Not letting go of every penny in front of him, Lin Haijiang felt that he had become a "Géronte". Walking down the street, Lin Haijiang touched the dozens of pounds in his pocket, and at that moment, he found it incredibly amusing. It was as ridiculous as a child holding onto his "savings pig" wanting to buy an aircraft carrier.

After several days, Lin Haijiang has gained a clear understanding of the main structure of the sailing warship, and he has also learned that the Aitwen Royal Arsenal is capable of undertaking the construction of ironclad ships

Lin Haijiang adjusted his exquisite blue officer's triangular hat, fully aware that the uniforms of the Royal Navy of the British Army have undergone continuous improvements, lacking a definitive standard and name. Some fleets even make alterations to their uniforms to distinguish themselves from other fleets.

Lin Haijiang remembered that someone once slandered him as being repressed and reserved, and now seeing it for himself, he truly found those words to be not without merit! With a helpless sigh, Lin Haijiang ultimately felt quite pained as he spent 1 pound and 3 shillings, purchasing two sets of maid outfits under the intense gaze of the shopkeeper, a middle-aged woman with a face full of freckles.

Baihe took the package from Lin Haijiang's hand and immediately handed him a warm towel. Lin Haijiang wiped his face and felt as if his entire face was peeling.

How could someone so reeking of money still resemble a soldier? Even Sigur said that Lin Haijiang is more suited to be a successful businessman. Perhaps to others, it sounds like a compliment, but to Lin Haijiang, it is more painful than being scolded.

Moreover, as soon as the young master graduates, they will be able to leave this barbaric place. Thinking of how he has been away from home for several years, not knowing whether his elderly mother and wife and children are well, Butler Zhao's eyes momentarily reddened.

Thank you, young master! Both Lily and Zijuang, who is standing at the door, appear somewhat excited. The two young girls clearly do not receive gifts often, and the unexpected present has truly delighted them.

Spending all day among busy workers, Lin Haijiang has undoubtedly benefited greatly. He utilized the authority granted to him by Edward Irwin to recruit one hundred idle Chinese sailors at an extremely low cost, allowing them to assist on the ship

Due to the reliance of merchant ships on monsoons during this era, the waiting time for ships, which can last seven to eight months, encourages these idle Chinese sailors to take on odd jobs to supplement their income. Furthermore, any experience gained from working on warships or doing odd jobs can enhance their future commissions.

After opening several boxes in succession, Lin Haijiang suddenly understood, for in the last box was a set of his own officer's uniform, the one he had laundered at the naval academy. As a result, Lin Haijiang's evaluation of Edward Aiven quietly rose by a notch.

Lin Haijiang saw Baihe fiddling with the package she had brought back, so he waved his hand and said: "This is for you two sisters! Take good care of it!"

Butler Zhao was flustered as he gestured to the appearance of the foreigner delivering items. Lin Haijiang curiously opened one of the boxes, and a blue double-breasted naval officer's uniform with yellow gold trim and a standing collar with a round neck suddenly appeared before his eyes. Below it was a pair of crisp white officer trousers with red edges. Unlike the pointed lantern shoes of previous years, the young and enthusiastic Royal Navy officers increasingly preferred straight-cut trousers, rather than the lantern pants that required at least two people to help put on.

Edward Aiven, while enjoying his leisure time, did not forget his promise and was able to arrange everything very appropriately, which greatly satisfied Lin Haijiang

It is not necessary for officials in leadership positions to always take the lead in the front lines; otherwise, what is the purpose of having subordinates? However, officials must address the concerns of their subordinates, and only such leaders can be considered competent leaders