Global colonization began with Ming Dynasty pirates.

"What good would it do us to let them go? All the money would just flow out of the country," Uncle said, puzzled.

"Hehe, Third Uncle, you're mistaken." Lin Hao slowly shook his head, then explained, "There are only two possibilities for these people making a lot of money and going back home."

The first scenario is that someone doesn't fare well, has their money taken away by corrupt officials through various means, and then can't survive. In this case, it serves as a good warning to the remaining people, so naturally no one will think about leaving.

The second option is for them to do very well, buy land in their hometown, and live a wealthy life. This is even more beneficial to us. It can motivate the rest of us to work hard to gain merit, and at the same time, their existence is a powerful living advertisement, constantly telling those around them that they can get rich by following the Lin family. At that time, will we still have to worry about not having enough people?

"Sigh, you're always right no matter what I say. I don't understand these things. As long as we discuss and decide on things, that's fine. I believe in your vision, Hao'er. You'll lead our Lin family to even greater heights. We can just enjoy the good life then," Uncle said with a smile.

"Ahem, Second Uncle, you can't just stand by and watch this happen. You have to put in a lot of effort. Otherwise, this whole thing won't work," Lin Hao said solemnly.

"Oh? Does this money distribution have anything to do with me?" Uncle asked in confusion.

"Of course it's related. The two uncles also participated, and they were the big leaders, so they got the most money." Lin Hao said with a smile. Distributing money to the people every day would make anyone complain, but if they were also allowed to participate in the distribution, it would be a different story.

"Haha, I just killed a few deserters down there, and I can still get a share of the money?" Uncle's eyes lit up slightly.

"Of course, how could the uncles be shortchanged when it comes to splitting the money? But Second Uncle, you still need to do me a favor so that the money can be distributed," Lin Hao said mysteriously.

"Speak quickly!" Uncle said impatiently.

"Hehe, I came here partly to report on the gains, and partly to ask when Second Uncle's injury will heal." Lin Hao took the account book back from his father and handed it to his Second Uncle. He then continued:

"If my second uncle's injuries have healed sufficiently, I hope he can lead a team to Manila and sell all these goods."

Lin Hao's words stunned everyone. Then, his second uncle chuckled and playfully punched Lin Hao, saying, "You're quite shrewd, kid. If these goods go south, their value will at least double. And that doesn't even include the profit from carrying the goods back. So, 2 taels is really nothing. Good lad, you've fulfilled your promise this way, and our Lin family isn't exactly poor either. It's a great idea. But if you calculate it this way, won't our share be less?"

After hearing that he would be entitled to a share of the money, his second uncle's attitude towards the distribution changed within just a few breaths.

"Ahem, Second Uncle, the spoils will naturally be valued at the time of the robbery. As for what happened afterward, that's another matter," Lin Hao replied with a smile, then continued:

"Second Uncle, this trip to Manila isn't just about selling goods; there are a few other important things to do as well."

First, Uncle, if you have time, try to observe the situation in Manila closely, especially the defenses of Intramuros and the number of Spanish warships. This will help us plan for the future. If possible, also try to make friends with the local Han Chinese to prepare for the future.

Secondly, my second uncle should make a trip to Macau on his return journey. No matter the cost, he should bring back a few artillerymen who can build cannons. If they know how to build muskets, he should bring them back as well.

Third, now that we're in Macau, please have Second Uncle investigate the situation of the local people. If possible, recruit as many people as possible; there's no upper limit.

"Then I'm really in for a busy time. I thought I could rest more," Lin Chengbi said helplessly. But then he asked, "I can understand the first two points, but why recruit commoners? The people in Guangzhou speak very difficult to understand, and it will probably take a lot of effort to recruit them."

"That's because these people live on their boats and are all excellent sailors. Our Lin family needs to expand, and the more sailors we have, the better. Locals need some training before they can be used, but these people can be put to good use right away on the boats. You know, we currently have as many as nine boats, but we don't even have enough sailors."

Thinking of this, Lin Hao sighed. No matter what, the Lin family is really short of people right now.

After a pause, Lin Hao continued, "Moreover, if we want to expand our influence to the vicinity of Guangdong and Guangxi in the future, we will need some locals. This is a good opportunity to prepare in advance."

In fact, Lin Hao had a deeper meaning he didn't say: he didn't want his team to be entirely composed of people from Fujian.

In this society, there are strong barriers between regions. If you have people from the same place working under you, they will naturally band together and then resist people from other regions from coming in. This has been fully demonstrated in history.

Historically, those who went to Southeast Asia were geographically organized and extremely prejudiced against others.

In fact, Lin Hao not only wants to bring in people from Guangdong and Guangxi, but he will also try to recruit people from various places, such as Liaodong.

Judging by the timeline, wild boar skins will be available in Liaodong next year, causing millions of Liaodong people to be displaced. Even if I can get just one percent of them, I'll make a fortune.

However, if he does not accept a sufficient number of Liao people, he will definitely encounter strong internal resistance when he needs to send troops to Liaodong.

At this moment, the old man who had been smoking and hadn't participated suddenly exhaled a smoke ring and said, "Hao'er, you just said you needed people. Do you want some of our fellow villagers from Yiwu? Although they can't row, they're all strong."

"Didn't all of Grandpa's fellow villagers join the army? Are there any others willing to come here?" Lin Hao asked with great curiosity.

The old master of the Lin family was originally from Yiwu. He was recruited into the army when Qi Jiguang recruited soldiers in Yiwu for the second time, and then followed him in his campaigns in the north and south.

After Qi Jiguang led the Yiwu troops to one brilliant victory after another, generals from all over the country flocked to Yiwu to recruit soldiers, and almost all the young men in Yiwu were snatched up by the Ming government troops.

Although decades have passed, the reputation of Yiwu soldiers still carries considerable weight in the Ming Dynasty, and many generals still prefer to recruit soldiers there.

"Things are different now. Very few soldiers get paid these days, and delayed payments are common. People are less willing to go now. And the mining area can't accommodate so many people."

The old man sighed. From the letters he exchanged with his old friends and relatives in his hometown over the past few years, he could sense that the situation of his hometown people was becoming increasingly difficult.

"You're really something, you're so generous when hiring outsiders, but now that it's the people from your hometown, why are you so quiet? Just give me a straight answer, how much do you want?"

Seeing that Lin Hao remained silent, Old Master Lin became displeased and continued, "Your cousin's family sent a letter saying that many young men in the clan are unemployed. You must arrange at least 10, no, 20 positions for them."

"Twenty!" Lin Hao asked incredulously, his eyes wide.

"Ahem, Grandpa knows this is a bit much, since we mainly operate boats now, but these people are still very suitable for guarding the village. And given some time, they can adapt to fighting on the boat. I was a landlubber back then, but now I'm an excellent swimmer." Seeing Lin Hao's strong reaction, Grandpa Lin hurriedly explained.

"No, that's not what I meant." Lin Hao stepped forward and pulled the old man aside, saying:

"Grandson isn't complaining about having too many, he's complaining about having too few, Grandpa! Giving me only 20 of these top-tier soldiers, one of the best in the Ming Dynasty, is simply not enough!"

Lin Hao gripped the old man's hand tightly and said solemnly, "Grandpa, please help me recruit at least two hundred fellow villagers from Yiwu. And like I said, the more the merrier! No matter how many, I'll take them all!"

"Is that really true!" The old man's eyes lit up immediately.

"More real than real gold!" Lin Hao affirmed.