Late Ming Dynasty: The Counterattack Begins with Sea Pirates

Two days later, Chi Honghai looked at the ship full of athletes and their families, which was beyond his expectations.

But it's actually quite reasonable. It's too much. Not only is it a lot, but it also takes care of the family matters. This isn't just enlisting in the army; it's finding a secure job.

"Ai Si, have you ordered yet? How many people are there?"

"Sir, not counting their families, there are two thousand brave men alone, most of whom fled from Hubei."

"Hubei? It's already in such a chaotic state?"

"According to these people who fled south, after Zhang Xianzhong entered Hubei, he amassed wealth and killed people on a large scale. The government's soldiers suppressed bandits while also treating these ordinary people as bandits. They could not survive, so they fled south. This is only a part of them who first escaped to Guangzhou Prefecture. We don't know how many more people are behind them," Ai Si replied to Chi Honghai's question, his voice full of lament.

As Chi Honghai listened to Ai Si's answer and looked at the people fleeing on the boat, he saw that they were all emaciated and pale, some even as thin as bamboo poles.

Logically speaking, recruiting seamen wouldn't involve hiring people who seem like a burden, but they were all starving people who were originally normal, but were turned into this state due to hunger and long, arduous journeys.

Chi Honghai didn't blame his subordinates too much. He believed that after they had eaten their fill, their loyalty and ability would be no worse than expected. After all, things gained in the face of life and death are precious, and they would naturally know how to cherish and repay them.

He turned his head and looked at the city of Guangzhou behind him: "How many people are left?"

"Master... what is this...?" Ai Si pressed for an answer.

"After you get back, have Pang San and Shen Er take men and sail along the way to collect refugees who have fled north. Incorporate these people into your team. Remember not to make any big moves. Be discreet and don't let the Guangzhou government find out again."

After speaking, Chi Honghai thought for a moment and then added, "No, Pang San can't go. Let Liu Qingjiang come instead."

"Why, sir! Why can't I, Pang San, do this? I'm the one who recruited many of these brothers." Pang San said anxiously, patting his chest.

Seeing Pang San's anxious nature, Shen Er spoke up for him, saying, "Yes, sir, Pang San hasn't caused any trouble these past few days, and Brother Qingjiang still needs to familiarize himself with the large ship with Instructor Lang. If we call him over to do this now, what will happen to the training?"

Chi Honghai turned his head to look at the ground, blinked, and said, "Alright, then Pang San will be in charge. You better remember, you must be careful and avoid any friction, let alone conflict. We can't afford to make any mistakes right now, understand?"

"Master, just you wait and see. Although Pang San looks carefree, he's actually quite sensible when it comes to this!"

Chi Honghai patted Pang San on the shoulder: "Then I'll give you an extra task right now."

Pang San was somewhat delighted and hurriedly asked Master Chi what the mission was.

Master Chi smiled and said, "Look at these brothers, there should be about three thousand of them. We can't transport them all back to Hong Kong Island this time. A considerable number of them will definitely have to stay behind. How about I leave this matter to you to arrange?"

Upon hearing this, Pang San opened his mouth wide and pointed at himself: "Huh? Me? Master? Me? Can I do it?"

"Didn't you just say you were doing things with discretion? What, you're not doing it now? We'll have to do this when we take in the refugees, won't we? I'll just let Liu Qingjiang do it again."

Upon hearing Master Chi's words, Pang San hurriedly tugged at his sleeve: "No, no, no, Master, please stop!"

He patted his chest again: "Don't worry, sir. These people won't starve or cause trouble under my command, Pang San." Then, he muttered to his master in a low voice, "I just hope you can send a ship to take us back as soon as possible."

The words had barely left his mouth when they drew laughter from everyone around him.

"What are you laughing at? You've been away from home for a while, so you're bound to miss it," Pang San explained.

That's true. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance to go home. Who wouldn't miss home?

After leaving behind some brothers and selecting some strong men to cooperate, Chi Honghai led his men back to Hong Kong Island by boat.

Upon returning to Hong Kong Island, the first thing Chi Honghai did after disembarking was to have Shen Er and Ai Si find Liu Qingjiang's place and have them send someone to fetch Pang San by boat. Afterward, he returned to his residence.

He knocked on the door twice, then pushed it open and entered, only to find that his beloved wife was not there.

After walking around the room and roughly surveying the surroundings, Chi Honghai felt a little thirsty, so he picked up the teapot on the table and poured tea into his cup.

The tea poured out, releasing a puff of white steam. Chi Honghai found it very strange. There was no one in the room, and the water in the teapot should have been cold or empty. Why was the tea steaming?

Only after gently touching the teacup with his fingers and feeling its warmth did he realize that it wasn't just his imagination.

Just as Chi Honghai was wondering what was going on, he noticed the sealing strip under the kettle he had just lifted.

Upon picking it up, I saw the following words written on the paper: "Fresh tea, warm water."

Chi Honghai smiled slightly, picked up the teacup and slowly drank the tea inside, a sweet taste lingering in his mouth.

"Master, Master," Ai Si called from outside the door, gently knocking on it.

"Come in."

As the door was pushed open, Ai Si stepped over the threshold and looked at the master inside who was drinking tea: "Master, the brothers are all ready and will set off immediately."

"Okay, go ahead, and come back as soon as possible."

"Alright, I'll have them set off right away." Ai Si said, then turned to leave.

"By the way, Ai Si." Chi Honghai called out to Ai Si, who was about to turn and leave.

Ai Si turned around and continued to bow respectfully to Master Chi: "Master, is there anything else you wish to instruct me to do?"

"Where did Madam go?" Chi Honghai asked.

Ai Si looked at Chi Honghai with a puzzled expression: "This..."

Ai Si really couldn't answer this question. He had just arrived in Hong Kong Island and was on business, so he was naturally unaware of the recent situation on the island. Moreover, if he were to answer it correctly, he might not be able to save his own life.

Chi Honghai also realized that Ai Si had just returned with him: "It's my fault, I forgot you came back with me."

"Master, today seems to be Sunday. According to the previous rules, Madam should be giving a lesson, right?"

Chi Honghai nodded and waved his hand: "Okay, go down now. You should get some rest after you're done."

"Yes, sir."

After Ai Si left, Chi Honghai drank several cups of tea to quench his thirst before walking outside the room. He turned around, closed the door, and headed towards the teaching building, taking the opportunity to inspect the situation on the island along the way.

It's a rare sunny day, a rare opportunity to relax and unwind.