175: Chapter 175 The Fleet of Ten Thousand Heirs

"Wansi," Su Mei's red lips parted slightly, uttering the two characters.

"Wansi?" Li Taiping was momentarily stunned before realization dawned, and he couldn't help but chuckle.

Many Children, Many Blessings, a legacy of ten thousand descendants.

This name... is truly fitting.

"Out there, they now call the sisters on our ship 'Madams' and you 'the Holy Father,'" Su Mei's tone carried a hint of teasing.

"Suddenly gaining so many 'eldest sons' and 'eldest daughters' older than you, our dear Captain, I wonder if your heart might feel a bit sour?"

Li Taiping was being teased by her again.

This woman, her petty temper was really something.

Was it just because I had her working tirelessly for several days and nights without rest? Or because I indulged in carefree fun day and night for several days myself?

Was it necessary to be so sarcastic about it?

Hmm... it does seem rather excessive.

Li Taiping muttered silently in his heart, deciding not to dwell on this issue with her.

He cleared his throat and changed the subject:

"Where are our people now?"

Su Mei shot him a glare, knowing he was playing dumb.

However, she also understood that now was not the time to dwell on such matters.

Her finger tapped a spot on the map as she said:

"Following your instructions, I've already ordered all affiliated ships that have signed the alliance pact to assemble at the border between Mofeng Mountain and Sea and the previous sea area."

"If we turn back now, we can just meet up with them."

Li Taiping nodded.

In truth, with the power of the Many Children, Many Blessings, they didn't need those ships to take action at all; they could sweep across this sea area alone.

But since they were building a force, they had to give these newly joined "family members" a chance to prove themselves, to let them feel the warmth and strength of this big family.

"By the way," Su Mei seemed to remember something and added, "Regarding the treatment of affiliated ships, I've also established a simple tier system."

She pulled up another document, which clearly outlined the different resource allocation standards corresponding to various loyalty levels.

"All affiliated ships can obtain basic living supplies and normal grade weapons and equipment from us without limit."

"Core members with loyalty levels above 80 can apply for upgrade blueprints and materials for tier three ships."

"As for fourth rank: many sons and many blessings..." Su Mei paused, glancing at Li Taiping, "I've set a threshold. Only those guards who are absolutely loyal to us and have rendered significant meritorious service are eligible to obtain them."

"I call this the 'art of managing subordinates.'"

A shrewd gleam flickered in Su Mei's eyes,

"Unconditional generosity only breeds ingrates. Only the carrot and the stick together can ensure they remain forever in awe of us."

After listening, Li Taiping's appreciation for Su Mei grew even more.

This woman was naturally cut out to be the mistress of the household.

Entrusting these matters to her, he felt completely at ease.

"You've done very well. Proceed as you've outlined."

Li Taiping did not stint on his praise.

He knew that as long as his own strength was sufficiently powerful—powerful enough to underwrite all of this—then no matter what methods Su Mei employed, nothing would go awry.

He, the esteemed captain of the Many Children, Many Blessings, couldn't possibly be a useless giant infant who just stretched out his hands for clothes and opened his mouth for food, could he?

He had his pride too!

It was just that in front of the woman he loved, he could afford to be a little mischievous, to act like a child who hadn't quite grown up!

Just as the two were sharing this intimate moment, the ship suddenly trembled slightly and began to turn slowly.

"Let's go, my Captain," Su Mei rose from his embrace, stretching lazily. Her breathtaking curves were faintly visible beneath the smooth silk of her nightgown.

"It's time to review your vast fleet."

...