Win the Ding 1617

On Nan'ao Island at the junction of Fujian and Guangdong, it takes 50 minutes to shake a flat-bottomed mu boat from Laiwu Ferry in Chenghai to Changshanwei Ferry in Nan'ao Island.This is a small island that makes people feel relaxed and happy, calm and serene, like a paradise.

However, that's just what it looks like.In fact, in the historical records of all dynasties, the records about this small island are not calm and gentle, but rebellious.Not pastoral, but swords and blood.It is a synonym for "pirate", and it is a nightmare that disturbs local officials in Fujian and Guangdong and even the imperial court from time to time. Especially after Longqing opened the sea, the frequency and scale of pirate activities here can be called "the most in China", and it has become a A "tumor" of public security in the southeast coast.

The reason is due to the geographical environment here.The distance here from the mainland is neither far nor close, which is enough to keep a "safe distance" from the government, and it is also convenient to "invade" the mainland at any time; the residents of Nan'ao Island were forcibly relocated during the Hongwu period, leaving a large area of ​​land for Farming; the mountains on the island are steep, which is conducive to building cities and villages, and there are dangers to rely on.The most important thing is that it is located at the hub of the international trade channel, only a few nautical miles away from the main route of the Pacific Ocean.Therefore, since the Southern Song Dynasty, it has become a hideout for pirates.By the end of the Ming Dynasty, the pirate forces in Nan'ao had become so powerful that there were "hundreds of warships and more than [-] people gathered" at every turn, rampaging across the sea and taxing passing ships, just like a maritime kingdom.Well, why does it sound a bit like pig's feet?

Wu Ping, Lin Guoxian, Xu Dong, Xu Chaoguang, Lin Feng, Lin Daogan, and Zeng Benben were many pirate leaders who were active on Nan'ao Island during this period.They have an intricate relationship with each other.For example, Lin Feng is the grandson of Lin Guoxian, Wu Ping is Lin Guoxian's nephew, and Lin Daoqian's fleet includes Lin Feng's ships, and Zeng Yiben took over Wu Ping's tribe...

And right now, this place has become Liu Xiang's destination.

There is no other reason. In addition to the above reasons, there are all the conditions and mass base suitable for the normal needs of pirates.

Although due to the sea ban, it is not allowed to blatantly go to sea, but "no one does a loss-making business. The beheading business is rushing to do it."In the face of the temptation of huge benefits, few people can bear it.Many wealthy families, officials, and relatives of officials along the coast have ties to pirates; they trade with Liu Xiang and Zheng Zhilong and others through Nan'ao Island openly and secretly.For those ordinary people who rely on maritime trade to make a living, not being able to "communicate" will undoubtedly have a huge destructive effect on their livelihoods, so they often participate in private aid activities with pirates.With the idea of ​​"a boat with a leaf, send a melon, transport a keel, and get a huge profit", some simply join the "organization".Treat pirates as a career.Under such circumstances, the pirates had a "popular foundation". When the officers and soldiers came to encircle and suppress the pirates, the coastal people's reaction was "every time they see the officers and soldiers move, they will report it with sparks, and the government will send out secret orders, but they will evade it."

Here, Liu Xiang's gang can get supplementary personnel, supplies, and equipment, repair damaged ships, and breathe a sigh of relief in order to meet Zheng Zhilong's attack again.

Seeing Nan'ao Island appearing in the distance where the sea and the sky meet, Liu Xiang couldn't help but let out a long breath at the bow.Arriving here is a safe haven.Located at the junction of Fujian and Guangdong provinces, even if Zheng Zhilong had the courage to fight across the border, it would be very troublesome.Moreover, the Liu Xiang gang has an unclear relationship with officials at all levels in Guangdong Province.

Although since the third year of Wanli (1575), the deputy commander-in-chief's yamen has been established here, and there is a deputy general who leads [-] sailors to garrison here, but with the help of Brother Kong Fang, this place is still a paradise for pirates.

"Send the word and tell all the ship owners and brothers that when we arrive in Nan'ao, there will be enough meat and meat, and there are beautiful girls waiting for you brothers on the island! But, remember! Rabbits don't eat grass by the side of their nests, and they are not allowed Committing a flower crime! Only whoring is allowed! No adultery!"

There is no way, the relationship between the residents of Nan'ao Island and various gangs on the sea is too close and too complicated. It is hard to say which girl is a distant relative of a certain ship owner. For partners who make a living at sea, discipline should also be emphasized.

What's more, there is also a Nan'ao Deputy Commander's Mansion on the island. Although it is said that it has been managed with money in the past, if something happens, everyone will not look good.

"understand!"

"understand!"

"Hey! There are so many secret doors and half-closed doors on the island, why do we bother to use strong ones?!"

A group of people laughed wildly and violently, watching Nan'ao Island not far away getting closer.Watching the small red-headed boat that was casting a net for fishing in the distance put away the fishing net in a panic, turned around and rushed towards the island, several pirate leaders laughed even more.

"We are going to your island to replenish fresh vegetables and fresh water, and to repair ships. By the way, let the brothers get a good night's sleep. It's not a bandit on land who doesn't give money, why are you panicking?!"

Amidst the laughter, a fast boat galloped from behind to report.

"Report to the captain! Liu Jiu, the Seventeenth Houseman behind the palace, called the flag, and the Dutch fleet also retreated! It seems that there is still a chasing team from the Zheng family behind, and the Seventeenth Houseman asked, what should we do?!"

Hearing this urgent military situation, several leaders stood up from their seats!

"This Zheng Yiguan is really desperate! His family defeated the Dutch?!"

"How many ships does the Dutch have now?"

"I would like to report to the captains, all the bosses, only five of the nine Dutch boats are left, and all of them have suffered a lot of trauma. Brothers, from a distance, many of the sails are only half!"

"How far is it from us?"

"About two hours by water?! But, my brothers said, the Dutch gunboats are battered and moving slowly. I'm afraid it will take three to four hours to catch up with us!"

"Flag! Tell all ships to raise full sails! Speed ​​up! Use all oars!"

"Captain, are we going to run faster?"

"No! We want to run to Nan'ao Island as soon as we get there. In four hours, the ships will be replenished with food, vegetables, fresh meat, fruits and clean water. That's enough! When the Dutch arrive, we'll sail away with the wind! Let Zheng Zhilong that The traitor is going to fight the Dutch! Let's go to the sea of ​​Guangdong to find an island to rest and sleep!"

Nearly sixty pirate ships of all sizes raised their full sails, stretched out long oars from both sides of the ship, and rushed towards Nan'ao Island with all their strength.

Seeing that the outline of the houses on the island can be clearly distinguished, and the color of the roofs can be seen clearly, suddenly, with the last fishing boat, it went around Nan'ao Island and entered the port.A white sail looms from behind the island.

Immediately afterwards.One piece, two pieces, three pieces, five pieces, ten pieces.The white sail shadows are like clouds rolled up by a typhoon at sea.Quickly roll up and rise.With the appearance of Fan Ying.Gunboats appeared on the sea of ​​Qing'ao Bay!

"Damn it! Whose boat is it?!" Liu Xiang's current state is a bit like a dragon trapped in the shoal being caught by shrimps, and finally escaped from the siege of the army and Zheng Zhilong.But being blocked here again, if it's really a tiger that doesn't show its power, why don't you just treat me as a sick cat?

"Look at the flag! Are they those broken ships from the Yamen of the Deputy Chief of Nan'ao?!"

If it was the broken boats of Nan'ao Vice President's Mansion, Liu Xiang would not mind sending them all into the sea to take a bath and sober up.

"The banner of the Daming Navy was not found!"

Such a voice floated down from the observation deck on the top of the mast.

"Captain! The shape of the boat is not Daming's lucky boat either! It's a bit like the boat of Frang Robot!"

A leader pointed to a gunboat whose outline could be vaguely discerned in the distance, and his voice was distorted.

It's not the Ming Navy, and the ships are in the style of Westerners. No one has such a huge fleet on the water in this area.Could it be that the Dutch reinforcements came from Batavia? !

When people encounter such a situation, they are willing to think in a positive way.Especially in the situation where the future is unpredictable at the end of the road, I am more willing to believe that this is the reinforcement of the Dutch.

Seeing that the fleet sailing from Nan'ao Island on the opposite side is getting closer and closer, it can be seen from the shape of the ship and the black holes on both sides of the gun ports that the design style and construction technology of this fleet have a strong European style.

Involuntarily, a hanging stone in Liu Xiang's heart fell to the ground.

"This must be the reinforcements of the Dutch. Even if it's not, it's the English fleet, or the fleet of Francois who came to check the wind. I don't care who it is. I'd better go to Nan'ao Island to replenish and rest first!"

The distance between the fleets of the two sides was only a few miles, Liu Xiang waved and ordered someone to come forward and talk, trying to understand the origin and purpose of this fleet.

A fast boat was about to gallop out of the fleet, and the opposite fleet, which was adjusting its formation, made a somewhat puzzling move.

Flags are hoisted on the mast!

"Ming Southern Central Army President Ma! Li!"

Along with this flag, there are several other flags. Flying in the wind on the fore-mast is the flag of the Navy of the South China Army, the iron-blooded eighteen-star flag.Flying on the main mast is the commander's flag, with a large Li character, shining brightly in front of Liu Xiang's eyes, making his eyes hurt.

"I'll kill you with a knife! You Li Shouhan, I have never had any grudges with you, and I have never looted your territory. Why did you do this to me?! I threw your son into the well In, or robbed your concubine?! Are you treating me like this?!"

Liu Xiang was full of resentment.

However, resentment, complaining, useful?The gun windows of several Fubo-class battleships in the Nanzhong Army Navy Training Fleet have been opened, and the cannons of each door are like the fangs of a dragon, shining with penetrating light.

"I opened this mountain, and I planted this tree. If you want to live on from now on, you will save money to buy roads. You can't say a word if you have a broken tooth. Come and watch. The cannon is one cannon. Don't worry about burying it!"

On the bow of the Changsheng ship, the guard sitting firmly on the tiger-skin chair, intentionally recited in a weird voice the green forest folk songs that he heard from the storytelling, which was specially used for robbery, and Xiaohuamei who was sitting beside him quacked The laughter continued.

From Hong Kong to departure, it took a day and night voyage to Nan'ao Island, which is not far from Hong Kong Island and Liuluo Bay. The island is only 11.8 nautical miles away from Shantou, Guangdong, 160 nautical miles east of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, 97 nautical miles north of Xiamen, and 180 nautical miles southwest of Hong Kong.

Anyone whose family has a man earning a living at sea.All of them were distributed to Bu as comfort, "Tell your brothers and nephews later, don't run around with Liu Xiang, following my general is the right way!"

The people Liu Xiang saw on the boat casting nets and fishing were all disguised as sailors of the Nanzhong Army, in order to observe the movement on the sea and lay a good foundation for the fleet's attack.

After resting for a day and a night, the navy of the South China Army waited in the waters of Nan'ao Island, waiting for Liu Xiang's fleet to arrive, followed by the defeated remnants of the Dutch who were chased down by Zheng Zhilong brothers.

"I'll repeat my lord's military order again! This battle is mainly about capturing. First, no shotguns are allowed. Second, rockets are not allowed. Third, try to capture as many prisoners as possible after falling into the water! Can you hear me clearly?!" Before leaving the port, practice Chu Tianlei, the commander of the fleet, reprimanded several captains with a dark face.

Although I don't understand why rockets are not allowed to be used in naval warfare.Shotguns are not allowed either.But the captains still nodded aggrievedly to make it clear.

"Under the attack of the huge Chinese national fleet. We have to admit that the company's combat objectives and missions have completely failed. We are facing at least 150 Junk ships. Among them, there are about 50 very large warships , These warships are equipped with artillery with good performance, and the shooting speed is very fast. I believe that there is an artillery team with extremely strict training on the opposite side! Under the cover of these artillery fire, the morale of the soldiers is high and they are eager to try. At this moment, They approached us. The speedboat erdijck and the speedboat brouckerhaven were hooked by the Chinese ships. These ships immediately ignited and burned regardless of their own lives and the lives of others. Once our ships were hooked by the junk boats, China People would jump into the boat like crazy and fight hand-to-hand with us on the narrow deck. Twice I had to participate in this kind of cruel battle in person, because you don’t know when there will be a weapon or a firecracker The projectile hits you from a strange angle. In this case, only a brutal fight could drive the Chinese back, but the Sicape was finally broken by a large number of Chinese who jumped in, and It was taken away by them. Our fleet commander was also captured. I can only lead the en and salm to get rid of the many burning ships and escape to the open sea to catch up with our ally Liu Xiang fleet. And at the same time He returned to Batavia together for a rest. Affected by this defeat, I think the company's sea power has been weakened to the point where it can no longer do anything on the coast of China this year."

Putesman almost finished writing today's voyage diary with tears in his eyes. Regarding the fiasco at Liuluowan, he had to make an explanation to the East India Company's board of directors and provide a logical explanation.Otherwise, it will be an extremely cruel ending to face him.

Eleven ships from Batavia!Now there are only five left, all of which are scarred.There are also those gold coins that hired the Liu Xiang Group, the cannons and gunpowder that armed them, all of which were spent in the company's finances, and now they are all in vain. How can this not make Putmans' heart twitch?

There were several rhythmic knocks on the door, and then the captain of the ship and Putesman's adjutant appeared at the door.

After a bloody battle, the captain's beautiful uniform was torn in strands, and the front of the snow-white shirt was stained red with blood. Compared with the captain, Putesman's adjutant was in a more serious condition. Fortunately, the projectile passed by, the lead bullet was not interested in further understanding his head, and a dying Japanese soldier chopped his arm, almost to the bone.Right now he can only hang his arm with a strip of cloth torn from a cotton shirt.

"Your Excellency, we have already caught up with Liu Xiang's fleet, do you want them to wait for us and move forward together?"

The captain is quite professional, he knows that this is not the time to pursue Liu Xiang for abandoning his allies and fleeing.

"But the soldiers and officers on the other ships all sent semaphores, demanding that these cowards at sea, scum and cowards who fled the battle be punished! Otherwise, they will not know how powerful the Dutch are!"

The Adjutant's opinion represents that of the surviving Fleet Soldiers and Officers.If Liu Xiang hadn't led his fleet to leave the Dutch and flee first, Zheng Zhilong would not have concentrated all his artillery and fireboats to attack the eleven Dutch ships. This is the most important reason for today's fiasco.

"Maybe it's a good idea to use Liu Laoxiang as a scapegoat." This idea flashed in Putesman's mind.

"Impossible! There is still Nicholas's chasing troops behind us. How can we fight Liu Laoxiang's troops at this time? If we fight, we have to wait until our troops are out of contact with Nicholas's troops. Only when we are in a safe zone can we find a way to punish Liu Laoxiang for his actions!"

"Where are we now?"

Putesman is unwilling to engage in such unnecessary quarrels. What he cares about now is how to get rid of the pursuers as soon as possible.He knew that if he walked forward for a section of land and water, he would be in the sea of ​​Guangdong, and it would be difficult for Zheng Yiguan's navy to pursue him here.

"In front is the so-called Nan'ao Island that the Chinese say, and now on our right are the four islands they call Dragon Island, Tiger Island, Lion Island, and Elephant Island."

Looking to the right through the window of the cabin, several small islands are inlaid on the water surface like black pearls in the distance, and they have reached the boundary of the Fujian sea area!

Putman suddenly heard the hymn of God.

However, a shrill cry came from the top of the mast!

"Enemy attack!"

A fleet quickly attacked the side and rear of the Dutch fleet from the direction of Brother Island on the south side!

A huge three-headed tiger logo made of gold and silver hung impressively on the bow of the leading battleship.

It was the brigantine fleet led by Zhang Xiaohu, the left wing commander of the South China Army Navy, which also included four rocket ships!

The siege of Liu Xiang and Putmans has been completed! (To be continued..)