Late Ming Dynasty: The Counterattack Begins with Sea Pirates

Chi Honghai spread his hands out from behind his back.

"Lord Chen, such a good thing for me is not something that can be bought with money."

Chen Qian remained silent, watching Chi Honghai's empty hands without making any move.

"It seems that Lord Chen is not entirely satisfied with my sincerity. But has he considered that I, Chi, have already received favors from you? How could I possibly offer something that would truly impress you?"

After speaking, Chi Honghai took two steps forward until he was in front of Chen Qian, and deliberately lowered his voice: "I have come to deliver a message to you, sir."

"News? What kind of news can be considered good news?"

Chi Honghai coughed lightly, placing his fist to his lips: "Taiwan may be planning something big."

Upon hearing "Taiwan," Chen Qian's expression turned serious, but he wasn't thinking of the Westerners on the island; he was thinking of Zheng Zhilong, who was directly opposite him.

"You mean Zheng Zhilong is going to take over Taiwan?"

"What Lord Chen said is not entirely wrong, but it cannot be said to be completely wrong either."

Chen Qian turned his head to look at Chi Honghai, twirling his beard with his right hand.

"Brother Chi, we're in the same boat. It's not very nice of you to be playing sign language in front of me now, is it?"

Chi Honghai chuckled and continued, "How could I dare? I just received news that the foreigners in Taiwan are about to fight amongst themselves. Compared to previous frictions, it doesn't seem that things will be so easy later on."

"You mean Zheng Zhilong will play the victim at that time?"

"My lord, if you were Zheng Zhilong, wouldn't you be happy to be the fisherman? With both sides in your hands, you can sit comfortably in the top position in the southeast corner."

"How could we let such an opportunity slip by? By taking over Taiwan, we can not only live as a local tyrant in peace, but also claim a great credit from His Majesty."

"But that's the problem," Chi Honghai immediately interrupted Chen Qian, saying, "Sir, you also know that if Zheng Zhilong takes over Taiwan, how much leverage will our Guangzhou Prefecture have to oppose him? And for such a great achievement, won't Zheng Zhilong be promoted and ennobled?"

As Chi Honghai spoke, he pointed to the official seal on Chen Qian's desk.

"My lord, what should we do if a Governor-General of Fujian and Guangdong arrives?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qian, the Governor-General of Fuzhou and Guangdong, could no longer sit still. Although they were on the same path, paths can be divided into left and right, and it was clear that he and Zheng Zhilong were not on the same side.

If Zheng Zhilong were to actually ride on his head, the feeling of having shit on one's head would be unpleasant for anyone.

Moreover, Chen Qian has been in officialdom for many years and has acted opposite Zheng Zhilong many times. He knows Zheng Zhilong's character and conduct better than Chi Honghai does. If Zheng Zhilong really becomes his superior, then he will not only have to suffer in silence, but he will also have to wear the same shoe on both feet.

If you're ruthless enough to fabricate charges and gather evidence, then forget about your future; you might not even be able to save your life.

Therefore, Chen Qian could not accept the Zheng Group's recapture of Taiwan under any circumstances, at least not while Zheng Zhilong was still alive.

"Where did you get your information? Is it true?"

"Oh, sir, you're damaging my reputation as a businessman. We're both in business, and reputation matters. If word gets out, how will we do business in the future? Besides, sir, don't forget, I'm still officially on Zheng Zhilong's side. We can see the other side of the strait just by looking up a little further; how could I be mistaken?"

"My lord, what you should be thinking about now is how to handle this matter. I am of little power and cannot get involved in such an important matter."

Chen Qian closed his eyes for a moment: "Taking over Taiwan isn't that easy. The foreigners on the island won't be able to make any progress anytime soon. Although this matter is urgent, there's still time to prepare. But you, what are you doing, recruiting sailors in my Guangzhou Prefecture with such fanfare? What's the point?"

As the other person finished speaking, they opened their eyes and looked at Chi Honghai, a chill and distrust emanating from their gaze.

Often, the closer you get to this point, the more natural and composed you must be. If you show even a hint of fear, even if you are sincere, the seasoned veterans of officialdom may not believe you are genuine.

Chi Honghai explained his behavior in Guangzhou Prefecture in a natural way: "Sir, is it strange? I am, after all, someone under the government. Although I am not a high-ranking official, I still have a title, so I can be considered to have a legitimate position."

"Of course, I know that Lord Chen didn't want to hear me say this, but Lord Chen, don't forget that we were in the same boat just a couple of sentences ago. If Zheng Zhilong really gains power, Lord Chen will be in trouble, but do you think I, Chi, will be in trouble? You must understand why I cooperate with you."

In Chen Qian's view, Chi Honghai's words were somewhat far-fetched, but not unreasonable. As for conscription, it was not a big deal in his opinion. The lives of the people were none of his concern, and he, Chen Qian, did not need to pay for the conscription.

Chen Qian knew perfectly well that Chi Honghai dared to recruit soldiers in this way not only because he was afraid of Zheng Zhilong's strength, but also because he was afraid that Chen Qian would stab him in the back.

Regardless of who he fears, Chen Qian now sees Chi Honghai as an ally. He needs Chi Honghai to provide him with intelligence and he needs to give Chi Honghai some strength so that he will have an ally if he really breaks ties with Zheng Zhilong in the future.

Chi Honghai isn't stupid; he should know what it means to be "if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold."

But Chi Honghai is not stupid. He is indeed afraid of Zheng Zhilong and also fears the Guangzhou government. However, when it comes to the final moment, it is uncertain whether he will help or not, and who he will help.

"Don't make a big fuss about it. You don't have any official documents from the imperial court. If they really investigate, it won't be easy to explain yourself, since you're not one of my people in Guangzhou."

Chi Honghai took two steps back and bowed to Chen Qian: "Thank you for the reminder, sir. I will take care of this matter in the next two days."

"Since you're already here, why not have a meal or a cup of tea before you leave?" Chen Qian said.

"My lord, you flatter me too much. How could someone of my rank like me possibly sit at the same table as Lord Chen and discuss matters of state? Although I am cooperating with you, I understand that you are always a lord and I am always a nobody. From now on, if I want to travel in the southeastern sea area, I will have to rely on you as my guide."

After listening to Chi Honghai's words, Chen Qian smiled with satisfaction and pointed at him with his hand.

The two looked at each other and laughed, ending their conversation.

Only after Chi Honghai had completely left the mansion did he finally breathe a sigh of relief.

Even a mosquito's leg is still meat, and luckily, this tiger still has to rely on itself to eat big chunks.

Upon returning to the city gate and meeting his subordinates, Chi Honghai told them that the recruitment of sailors would be stopped immediately after two more days.

Everyone was puzzled. They had only been here a short time and so many people had already signed up for the job. Why was the master no longer doing it now?

Chi Honghai looked at everyone and said, "Guangzhou Prefecture is ultimately not our territory. They're not blind. We should know when to stop."