Dragon Sea Empire

December of the 34th year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty.January 1607 AD.Yin Feng returned to Quanzhou with his wife and concubines to pay homage to Zeng Yue's tomb.Then he went back to the old house in the north of the city to live temporarily.

Yin Feng has more than 30 personal guards.Luo Aquan of the special forces has been lurking in Quanzhou City for many days.in addition.More than 100 infantry soldiers of the escort team entered Quanzhou City in makeup.Surrounding the Zeng family's old house, ambushes were waiting to move.

At this moment, Beicheng Old Street is almost guarded by government servants and Chinese company guards.The troops led by Shen Yourong, the governor of Fujian Province, were stationed at the former site of Hebosuo five miles outside the city.And took over the defense of Quanzhou City Gate.Closely check pedestrians.The Fujian government and Yin Feng reached a tacit understanding.Both sides no longer take the initiative to "provocation".certainly.This kind of gentleman's agreement is to prevent gentlemen but not villains.There is no way to stop the tax eunuch Gao Cai and the general Zhu Wenda from doing some secret tricks.so.Yin Feng returned to Quanzhou this time.Lesson learned.I discussed it with the Quanzhou prefect in advance.Sneak into town at night.And with hundreds of guards; of course.The guards on the surface are only the 30 personal guards.The rest are lurking in the dark.Ready to go.

Governor Xu Xueju's confidant Xie Huimin.Bringing a subordinate of Fujian General Zhu Wenda.Came to Yin Feng's home by night.

"The court's decree will be issued in a short time. It is impossible to set up Liuguan County in Taiwan; the ministers of the court and the central government have reported frequent disasters in recent days. The local bandits in the southwest are constantly fighting. However, Ye Xianggao, the right servant of the Ministry of Officials, is from Fuqing, Fujian Province. He tried his best to mediate for Mr. Yin in the court...Now, the court finally agreed to set up a Taiwan water village in Dongfan. The chief officer is the garrison or general. Fujian Dusi. Mr. Yin subdued all the people in Dongfan. This position should be yours." Master Xie said in a roundabout way for a long time.Finally, the real meaning was expressed clearly.Zeng Qi, who accompanied him, remained silent.He felt that the old face was a bit unbearable.

Governor Xu Xueju was unwilling to summon Yin Feng.It's actually a bit embarrassing.He took more than one hundred thousand taels of silver from Yin Feng.But he only got Yin Feng a military officer with no rank and no quota.He was also a subordinate officer of Zhu Wenda, the commander in chief who had a grudge against Yin Feng.Governor Xu revealed his intention to Mr. Xie; the existence of Taiwan Zhonghua Company.How much helped him solve the increasing population of people in Fujian Province.The contradiction between more people and less land.Refugees from typhoon disaster in Quanzhou and flood in western Fujian the previous year.Many of them were recruited by Chinese companies.

but.Xu Xueju did not intend to shift the focus of Fujian's economic development and the solution to the problem of feeding the population to the sea.Ming officials at the time generally viewed the ocean as a threat.The development of overseas trade or export-oriented economy will inevitably lead to the transformation of the natural economy and the destruction of the production form of small farmers.This is intolerable to Confucianism and Confucianism.therefore.It is absolutely impossible for Xu Xueju, who is deeply influenced by Confucian culture, to make such a big change.It is also impossible to do.What he thinks more about is: to avoid major turmoil and troubles along the coast of Fujian Province during his tenure; of course.The unexpected income from my own salary can be guaranteed by the Chinese company.This is also something he likes very much.

Yin Feng nodded: "I don't care about the position. What I care about is the status of the imperial court. There has never been a chieftain in the southeast area. The establishment of a local magistrate county in Taiwan. I didn't have much hope. I also heard some things about it. However, this first assistant Shen has always made things difficult for Mr. Ye. That's why the surrender of Taiwan was abandoned halfway. Mr. Ye wrote a letter to dismiss Gao Cai, the eunuch of Shibo. He is not in the same way as the commander-in-chief Zhu Wenda. That's why Zhu Zongbing wrote against Taiwan's establishment of counties Act of."

Yin Feng didn't care about the court's rewards.He comforted his father-in-law Zeng Qi and said: "The decision on this matter is in the hands of the court chiefs. My father-in-law has done his best. It doesn't matter." He turned his head and said to Mr. Xie: "Since you want to give me a military position, it's best to have a good taste That’s right. I’m a student supervisor. It’s not an exaggeration to get a seventh-rank military officer. Otherwise, I’ll pay some more. Thank you, master, for helping me with activities.”

Zeng Qi and Master Xie looked at each other.I saw that Yin Feng regarded the imperial official status artifact as a bargaining item in the vegetable market.The two looked at each other and smiled wryly.Zeng Qi explained: "Feng'er came back from overseas. I don't know much about the official position of the Ming Dynasty. It is also a normal thing. The guard and commander are usually filled by the commander of the guard and Qian and Baihu. The court should give you a The title of Thousand Households."

Yin Feng muttered dissatisfiedly: "At most, he is only a rank seven. He is still a military officer. Hey..."

After sending off Master Xie.Yin Feng smiled coldly: "A mere garrison, general. Hehe. The court is really stingy." He deliberately left an image of Mr. Xie and his boss, governor Xu Xueju, as keen on official positions.It's just to confuse and paralyze the Fujian government.The battle to counterattack Manila is imminent.The China United Company has no time to deal with the Ming court now.

Zeng Qi didn't wait to sit down.Immediately asked: "Feng'er. You really decided to attack Manila."

Yin Feng was stunned: "Father-in-law. This is the purpose of my establishment of Zhonghua Company. I have never changed in the past three years."

Zeng Qi sighed: "Yue'er has a brother and brother-in-law like you. He should die in peace. Have you ever thought about it. In fact, according to your current status. The wealth and strength you have now. Completely You can establish a country on that Luzon Island."

Yin Feng looked at Zeng Qi's old face.See that face is full of vicissitudes and years.It suddenly occurred to me that Zeng Qi had traveled between Fuzhou and Taiwan for a long time for his own affairs.I couldn't help feeling hot in my heart: "Father... I am your son-in-law. I came to this world. I have no relatives and no reason. You gave me a chance to gain a foothold. You gave me a home. That's why I insist on To avenge Zeng Yue. I don't want to hide anything from you; I want to do something. Far more than revenge for the third brother. This is just the beginning. The way forward. I haven't fully figured it out myself. But there must be various risks. "

Yin Feng stood up.For the first time, he took the initiative to salute Zeng Qi.Zeng Qi's old eyes seemed a little moist.Just sat there sighing.

At first he recruited Yin Feng to work for the Zeng family.Really trying to use him; now.The fate of Yin Feng and Zeng's family is closely related.Especially after Zeng Qi's death.Zeng Qi has already regarded Yin Feng as the heir to his business assets.This emotional tangle.It is no longer an ordinary relationship between father-in-law and son-in-law.

When Yin Feng sent Zeng Qi out of the gate.Suddenly said: "Father-in-law, let Zeng Rui and a few brothers who have no fame go to Taiwan to work."

Zeng Qi was shocked.Turning around with a wry smile, he said, "Feng'er. There are dozens of people in Zeng's family. It's up to you."

……

Yin Feng turned back to his room.But Mai Wan'er hurried in holding a gray pigeon.

"Sir. There's a carrier pigeon. Just arrived."

"Carrier pigeons. Are they from Taiwan?" Yin Feng took out the letter from the carrier pigeon's feet.Watched for a moment.She smiled and said: "This news. Li Lihua must be very happy to know."

……

Spanish Empire Philippine Colony.A night during the dry season in the capital Manila.The north winds that brought Chinese trade ships in previous years have not yet blown here.A few dark clouds in the night sky covered the moon.

Most of the ruins of the Balian Chinese Quarter have been washed into the river by tropical storms.The ground is full of sporadic burnt wood and earth and stone fragments.After Balian was completely destroyed by fire.There are tens of thousands of dead wandering souls wandering here.Only one solitary bamboo house on stilts has been erected for several years; it was a checkpoint for the Spanish colonists.

The Bashi River flooded several times.has turned part of the former Balian District into a swamp.Pieces of reeds and grass by the river are hidden in the night.With the southwest wind blowing.There was a soft buzzing sound.

Somewhere in the grass.The two figures are moving carefully.They squatted and walked on the uneven muddy ground.Walking slowly.While counting; "120 eight, 120 nine, 130..." The moonlight suddenly broke through the clouds.The two stopped.Stop all movement.Carefully observe in the direction of Manila King City.

For a while.The moonlight was blocked by a cloud again.The two gasped.Sitting down on the ground.One of them was a small man with a short shaved Spanish Christian haircut.The face looks like Chinese. .Physiological person.One was approaching 50; the other was much younger. Not even 20 years old.Wearing the commoner clothes of the indigenous hill tribes in northern Luzon.But his face is also that of a typical southern Chinese resident.

"Oops. I forgot. Uncle Zhang. I counted a few steps from the river to here." The young man exclaimed in a low voice.He was when Fujian opened up Manila trade last year.A Chinese sailor who came to Manila with the merchant ship of the Wang family at Nanmen of Fuzhou.His actual identity is a spy of the Military Intelligence Department of the Chinese United Company Guard.His name is Luo Xiaocheng.Haicheng County people.He Haicheng is extremely rich and the major shareholder of Zhonghua Company.Luo Xuri, a great merchant who had protected Yin Feng and his party on the day Yin Feng was assassinated, was from the same family.

The half-old man who was almost fifty was Zhang Wei.It was at the estuary of Ange River in Lingayin Bay (called Hawksbill Harbor in China) that year that Yin Feng was given a map of Luzon.The biological Christian peddler who helped Yin Feng escape from Manila.He relies on the protection of the Yi'eruo tribe to which the Chinese mixed-race youth Da'an belongs.It escaped the massacre of Chinese in Luzon by the Spaniards in the 31st year of Wanli.He was originally a sailor of the Lin Feng fleet that attacked Manila more than 30 years ago.When the Lin Feng fleet was defeated by the joint strangulation of the Spaniards and the Ming Dynasty government and returned home.He was injured and stayed in the mountains of northern Luzon with a group of convoy members.At the same time, he kept his hatred of the Spaniards in his heart.He shaved his hair to make a living and became a Catholic.Do business all over Luzon.Intentionally pay attention to the topography of various places.

The Manila Massacre in the 31st year of Wanli.This is the second time he has been hunted down by the Spaniards.He hid again among the mountain tribesmen.until a year later.After the Spanish Governor's Office in Manila lifted the massacre order against the Chinese.He just came out again.They still make a living by trafficking goods.Because the Spaniards urgently needed Chinese to do business at this time.So he can move around Manila.Therefore, I found out about the existence of the Chinese company.

When the Yi'alo-Hua tribe in Da'an was besieged by taxing Spanish troops.He encouraged Da'an to take the initiative to contact Chinese companies in Taiwan.

This time Fujian reopened Manila trade.Although only two Chinese ships came to Manila.The Spaniards were also ecstatic.Exemption from all taxes on Chinese merchant ships.Even the poll tax on the Chinese was reduced.The Balian district has been burned.The Chinese Catholic community north of the Bashi River was also basically in ruins.These Chinese businessmen thus received preferential treatment.Allowed to enter and live in Manila Intramuros.

Taking advantage of the opportunity of the Spaniards to treat the Chinese preferentially.Luo Xiaocheng and seven or eight other spies from the Ministry of Military Intelligence who came with the boat.He immediately threw himself into his secret work.He followed the address and password given by Yin Feng.Contacted Zhang Wei who was trafficking goods around Manila.

tonight.This is the third night that the two have been surveying the terrain around Intramuros.During the day, they took the opportunity of selling small commodities to survey the terrain around the city wall.At night, the distance was measured secretly; after all, the two Chinese kept wandering around the city wall in broad daylight.It's too compelling.

"It's 130 steps. It's 130 steps from the Bashi River to here." Zhang Wei said with a smile: "Little guy, why did Captain Yin choose you to do the work? You are tired. You are not as good as me, a half-old man. "

Luo Xiaocheng touched his face.He smiled and said, "I'm busy selling goods during the day, and I have to work in the fields outside the city at night. Uncle, why aren't you tired. I can't do it anymore. It's the third night..."

"Chengzi. You don't know. I heard that Captain Yin is going to fight back to Manila. I'm so happy." Zhang Wei sighed.Pointing to the surrounding area, he said: "Look at this riverside beach. More than 30 years ago, Captain Lin's brigade fought fiercely with the Ganla people here. My brother also died under the city of Manila. There was no such city wall back then. .There is only one fence. Forget it. All of this will come to an end. I hope Captain Yin can fight back soon."

Luo Xiaocheng nodded: "Don't worry. When the owner comes back, he will bring hundreds of warships and hundreds of cannons. The city walls in this area can't stop our company's cannons at all."

"Chengzi. Why did you come here? After all, you are doing these things under the watchful eyes of Gan Guanla. It's very dangerous."

Luo Xiaocheng lowered his head.Pulling out the weeds on the ground: "I came to Manila at my own request. I used to farm at home. I have never seen things ten miles away from my village. My father died when I was young. I was raised by my uncles. I grew up. Many of them came to Manila to make a living. A few years ago. All of a sudden they all died in Luzon, where I don't even know where. Without their support, I couldn't survive on half an acre of land at home. .Fortunately. Captain Yin came to Haicheng to help the orphans of Luzon victims. He brought me to Taiwan Island. Taught me to read and write. Taught me to learn the language of the Ganla people. And geography and astronomy. And how to shoot. Gunpowder Blasting... the ship owner gave me a whole new world. I am here. I want to contribute to the ship owner. To avenge my uncles."

Zhang Wei looked at the young man.He kept shaking his head: "Poor child. Ji Zai. From now on, you can call me Uncle. Follow me. We will definitely see the moment when Manila is captured by our Tang people."

"Okay. Uncle. You are my uncle. Hey. We just counted a few steps. Oh. 130 steps. Let's continue counting."

Luo Xiaocheng stood up.Then faint moonlight.I took a look at a compass made in Portugal in my hand.Pointing to the front, he said, "That's right. This is the due west direction. Let's keep counting."

Zhang Wei also stood up: "Hey, Cheng Zi. I don't understand why the owner of the ship wants to know the terrain around Wangcheng so clearly. He even has to calculate the detailed distance and size. Is this necessary?"

Luo Xiaocheng smiled: "This is prepared for the artillery to shoot and range. The owner also said that he would replicate an overview of the city of Manila in Taiwan. Let the guards train on the spot."

Zhang Wei shook his head: "I don't understand. I don't understand what you're talking about. Leave it alone. As long as it can help the ship owner. You just ask me to count the bricks on the wall of Wangcheng. I will do it..."

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Part three.The scroll across the world begins.previous chapters.New impatient friends can skip it.Go straight to volume three.It's all YY.Ha ha