Ming East India Company

Acunia took the document and listened as the interpreter translated it word by word. He gripped the document tightly with his fingertips, his knuckles turning white, and his face turning ashen.

In his view, the Ming envoy in front of him was no longer negotiating, but rather posing a naked threat.

Considering the mission these two men were on, Acunia was not only furious but also terrified.

How could the so-called emperor of the Ming Dynasty send an envoy across the ocean just because of a rumor circulating in the public?

The so-called exploration of resources and appeasement of all nations are merely pretexts to deceive others! This is clearly a sign that the Ming Empire wants to interfere in Southeast Asian affairs and probe the true situation of Luzon!

Recalling the previous rumors of war between the Ming Dynasty and Japan in Korea, he increasingly felt that this was a declaration of war against him rather than a request.

Although over the years his merchants and missionaries had reported to him that the Ming army was corrupt and no match for the Spanish Empire.

But the Ming Dynasty was, after all, a behemoth with a population larger than the entire continent of Europe. Who knew whether this giant with feet of clay would be a pleasant surprise or a source of horror if it really launched an expedition?

Suppressing her anger, Acunia feigned calmness and asked coldly through the interpreter:

"Luzon is under the rule of the King of Spain. We have never heard of any gold mines there. Moreover, we have no obligation to disclose Luzon's resources to you. If you insist on your own way, then we will have no choice but to negotiate with you using the cannons of galleons."

Before Wang Shihe could say anything more, Yu Yicheng quickly stepped forward to mediate:

"Your Excellency, we were sent on this mission in good faith and strictly adhered to diplomatic protocol throughout. We were by no means trespassing or causing trouble."

Yu Yicheng's words revealed his panic.

"Our Great Ming Dynasty is a celestial empire, with a wise and sagacious emperor and strict laws. We two are acting under imperial decree, seeking only to investigate the facts and return immediately upon completion. We will not linger or cause any disturbance. We hope that Your Excellency will consider the friendly relations between our two nations and grant us this favor."

Yu Yicheng knew that if they continued talking, they might lose their heads. So he used all his knowledge to come up with a story that would appease Wang Shihe without driving Akunia crazy.

Acunia looked at the two men before her, one composed and the other fierce, a mocking smile playing on her lips, her tone suddenly hardening:

"As His Majesty the King's representative, I rule this territory. You two need not waste any more words. This is Spanish territory, and foreign exploration is not welcome. I urge you both to return to the Ming Dynasty as soon as possible and refrain from making such unreasonable demands!"

These words were tantamount to an order to leave, leaving no room for negotiation. Wang Shihe wanted to demonstrate his "great power spirit" one more time, but Acunia suddenly raised her hand to interrupt him, her expression impatient. She immediately waved for the guards to come forward, clearly intending to forcibly expel the two of them.

Left with no other choice, the two could only suppress their emotions, bow and take their leave. As they walked out of the governor's mansion, Wang Shihe stood up straight the whole time, walking slowly away under the cold gaze of the guards, as if he had won some great victory.

As soon as he stepped outside, Yu Yicheng couldn't help but complain to Wang Shihe:

"Magistrate Wang, do you know that your words just now almost cost us our lives?"

Unexpectedly, Wang Shihe didn't take it to heart:

"So what? As envoys of the Celestial Empire, even if we can't achieve Ban Chao's ambition, we should at least have Su Wu's integrity. What kind of decorum would it be if we were to be so subservient to the British?"

Yu Yicheng was almost scared to tears by Wang Shihe:

"Magistrate Wang! Even if you want to make a good impression, don't do it in a situation like this! Look at those red-haired sailing ships in the harbor. If they really hold us hostage, do you think anyone from the Ming Dynasty will come to our rescue?"

Wang Shihe remains unyielding:

"As His Majesty's envoy, dying in a foreign land is only to be expected of you. What is there to fear? On the contrary, you, as an accompanying military officer, are cowardly as a mouse in the face of the British. What kind of behavior is this? Aren't you afraid that His Majesty will blame you?"

Yu Yicheng's good intentions were met with ingratitude, leaving him speechless with anger:

"Alright, alright, if that's the case, then you can be your Su Wu! I'll stick to being Li Ling."

He then turned and left.

Once Yicheng had gone far away, Wang Shihe breathed a sigh of relief and quickly took out a handkerchief from his pocket to wipe his sweat.

To be honest, how could he not know how powerful the red-haired man was, and how could he not understand the danger he had just faced?

However, he had his reasons for doing so. First of all, His Majesty's plan to send troops to Luzon was definitely going to fall through and there was absolutely no possibility of it being completed.

Under these circumstances, if we honestly go back and report, we certainly won't satisfy His Majesty; at best, we'll achieve nothing.

By taking a tough stance now, I might earn a reputation for not fearing foreign powers and maintaining my integrity, thus gaining some political capital.

As for the risks, there's nothing that can be done about it. It's not uncommon for officials in the Ming Dynasty to be flogged in court, and some unlucky ones have even been beaten to death. Everything has a price; taking a little risk isn't necessarily a bad thing.

According to the custom of the Ming Dynasty, after returning, he, Yu Yicheng, and the interpreter each needed to write a memorial to be submitted to the Fujian governor for investigation.

The reason I deliberately clashed with Yu Yicheng was to get Yu Yicheng to impeach me, exaggerating my "arrogant" behavior in Luzon.

When superiors see that two completely opposing parties are providing the same negotiation details, they will inevitably have "unwavering faith" in his performance here.

Thinking about the immense prestige he might gain, Wang Shihe couldn't suppress a smile.

……

Inside the governor's mansion, as soon as the two Ming officials left, Acuña immediately summoned his colonial officers, his tone filled with suspicion and ruthlessness:

"Those two officials from the Ming Dynasty were extremely arrogant and conceited in their speech, showing no respect for His Majesty the King and God. They came here not to explore for minerals, but to declare war on us."

They plotted to seize Manila, steal our colonies, kill our wives and children, and take away the shipping routes we depend on for survival…”

Acuña's words immediately caused panic among the Spaniards present.

Archbishop Miguel de Benavides immediately stated:

"Since Satan's sword is already close to the angel's neck, I support Your Excellency in taking any necessary measures."

Naval Commander Antonio de Morga expressed his opinion:

"We don't need to worry too much. We have analyzed the Ming fleet before, and they have no strength to fight us at all."

Their largest warships couldn't withstand a single cannon shot from the Manila galleons. Moreover, their ships lacked cannons and posed no threat to us whatsoever.

If war breaks out, they should pray that we don't go north to plunder them, rather than invading us instead.

The naval commander's statement reassured everyone present.

Acunia's complexion had recovered somewhat.

"But what if they join forces with Sanglai in the city?"

A voice came from the corner of the wall.