Qin Zhongtang, who had always been high-profile, arrogant and domineering, disappeared from Ningbo City, but everyone still misses him.
In fact, everyone knew about Qin Zhongtang's whereabouts. He went to Dinghaiwei for inspection, but he should have been able to go back and forth in one day, but for some reason he lingered and never returned.
In the eyes of the local wealthy families, this seems both normal and a little abnormal.
It's normal. After all, the Japanese pirates are coming again soon. It's not strange for Qin Zhongtang, the commander of the southeast, to go to the Coast Guard for inspection. It can even be said to be a necessary gesture.
It was abnormal because Qin Dewei had been so aggressive before, using the most tough and high-pressure attitude to start a war in Ningbo City, as if he was going to fight to the death with the local wealthy family.
As a result, before the hard work came to a result, he suddenly gave up halfway and ran to Dinghaiwei. So what does it matter here in Ningbo City?
Regarding the matter of sending troops to attack Shuangyu Island, Qin Dewei, who had a strong sense of confidentiality, did not publicly give the order. He only communicated it internally among the mobilized officers and soldiers, or just before departure.
Most of the insiders like Lu Bori and his officers and soldiers have already boarded the ship to Shuangyu Island. In these days, there are no telephones and Internet, so it is impossible to spread the news at sea.
Even the soldiers and civilians of Dinghaiwei, let alone the people in Ningbo city, only thought that Lu Bo had returned to Fujian by boat with his troops.
This is why Qin Dewei tried so hard to mobilize troops from Fujian in the first place, so that they could come and go without causing people to think too much.
If Zhejiang officers and soldiers suddenly went to sea, everyone would definitely wonder what they were doing.
Therefore, the four major families who did not know the truth were a little confused and couldn't understand Qin Zhongtang's behavior of suddenly abandoning Ningbo and staying in Dinghaiwei without returning.
But fortunately, now they have a wise man who is like a bright light, who can always clear up the clouds and give them guidance at critical moments.
Therefore, each family sent people to Sanjiangkou outside the city to seek advice from Yan Shifan, the ship inspection commissioner.
Yan Shifan replied as expected: "After Qin Dewei has exhausted all means, you still refuse to give in and surrender. Now it is Qin Dewei's turn to be in trouble.
I concluded that Qin Dewei was no longer able to survive, and if he stayed in Ningbo City, he would only appear to be a weakling, so I had to temporarily go to Dinghaiwei to take a breather."
After everyone thought about it following the thoughts of the leading figure, Mr. Yan, they immediately felt that it made sense.
Earlier, Qin Dewei suddenly postponed the college examination and then immediately went to Dinghaiwei. Maybe he knew that there would be scholars making trouble during the college examination, so he deliberately went out to hide as a delaying strategy.
Later, everyone heard that the Fujian soldiers sent by Qin Dewei to scare people had boarded the ship and left.
This further proves what Lord Ming Deng Yan said, although Qin Dewei is strong, it will not last long. Time is on the side of Ningbo locals.
Until now, the local wealthy family, which had been having a hard time in recent months, finally saw the dawn of victory.
As long as he waits to establish good contact with the Japanese pirates coming by the wind and lead them ashore into Ningbo City, Qin Dewei will be able to commit a serious crime that will put him at a disadvantage in defending his territory.
Then the dust can be settled and the God of Plague is sent away! From now on, in this land of Ningbo, a few wealthy families will have the final say in all affairs!
Ever since Qin Dewei traveled through time, he often complained in his mind that the communication methods of this era were very backward and inconvenient.
However, everything has its disadvantages and advantages. The communication method that makes Qin Dewei, a time traveler, find it inconvenient, often becomes an opportunity for Qin Dewei to create information gaps.
For example, when Lu Yi led thousands of troops to attack Shuangyu Island, Xu Dong and Baldy Li, the two leaders of the Shuangyu Island forces, were not on Shuangyu Island.
The two big leaders were currently on Lieyu Island, chatting and laughing with Wang Zhi, the leader of the emerging force who had come from afar. They had no idea about the beating of Lao Wo, and no one could inform these two people.
Xu, Li and Wang Zhi don't have the confidence and strength to defeat each other, so sitting down and talking is the best way.
Even though Wang Zhi was just a small leader under Xu Dong, at this time Xu Qiye must admit that Wang Zhi has the qualifications to fight against others. After all, strength is respected in the sea.
After two days of talks, both sides got what they wanted, and everyone was happy.
There are three groups of people who permanently live on Shuangyu Island. Except for those who were born in the Ming Dynasty and the Folangji people, the rest are Japanese.
During the talks, Xu and Li allowed Wang Zhi's forces to replace the Japanese forces and become a permanent force on Shuangyu Island, and to help Wang Zhi when necessary.
But what Wang Zhi had to pay was to share the trade channel with Japan with Xu and Li.
Originally, Xu, Li and their captains mainly did business with the Folangji people, and also had some contact with Nanyang, which was generally a southern route.
However, in recent years, with the explosion of Japanese silver mine production, the profits from trade with Japan were extremely huge. However, Wang Zhi took advantage of this opportunity, which directly led to the rapid expansion of Wang Zhi's power.
Xu and Li were of course very keen on trade with Japan, so this time they would rather allow Wang Zhi's forces to station on Shuangyu Island in exchange for sharing trade channels with Japan.
At least for now, it seems that this is a win-win cooperation, and the only loss is the Japanese power.
After many important matters were discussed, both parties sat on the deck and drank tea in an elegant manner.
Xu Dong and Xu Qiye were in a good mood. Suddenly he remembered another thing and said to Wang Zhi: "I have a small business here. It was entrusted by my friends on land. Will you do it in Wufeng?"
Wang Zhi asked in surprise: "Is it worth mentioning, Master Qi, that it's a small business?"
Xu Dong explained: "In terms of money, it is indeed not a big deal, but it can have some beneficial effects on us.
A friend needs to contact two large groups of Japanese people and go ashore to Ningbo City to make some noise. Wufeng, you are familiar with the Japanese people, you should be able to help arrange it, right?"
These days, many maritime powers are part merchants and part pirates, and Wang Zhi is no exception. No one would believe him if he had no contact with the Japanese pirates at all.
"What's the explanation here?" Wang Zhi did not directly agree and continued to ask.
Xu Dong pointed to Xu Weixue next to Wang Zhi with a smile, "He reminded me that it would be very detrimental to us if Qin Dewei was allowed to dominate the Ningbo family.
So if you have the opportunity to send the Japanese ashore and destroy the majesty of Qin Dewei, why not do it?"
Another leader, Baldy Li, echoed: "Qin Dewei is too obedient and doesn't know how to honor us. We should teach him a lesson and let him know that smuggling a bowl of rice is not so delicious."
Both sides laughed a few times. Although Wang Zhi wanted to have good relations with the government, he couldn't act "unsociable" at this time. He just nodded and said: "I understand!"
Anyway, it is not difficult to contact some Japanese pirates. If it creates some difficulties for the government, wouldn't it be able to enhance one's own status when it comes to negotiations?
Once he has established a firm foothold on Shuangyu Island, Qin Dewei will surely understand that leader Wang Wufeng is not an unknown person, but a decisive figure in the East China Sea, and is the best partner for the government.
!
While he was talking, Xu Dong suddenly asked Xu Weixue a little strangely: "Why do you always look restless today? I am also absent-minded when I talk to you."
Xu Weixue cursed secretly. Now he is in the biggest gambling game in his life. The results will be announced in these two days. Can he not be nervous?
Although you, Mr. Xu Qiye and Mr. Wang seem to be scolding Fang Qiu and have finalized the pattern of the East China Sea in the next ten years in just a few words, but maybe after today, it will be nothing!
Just when Xu, Li and Wang Zhi were thinking about the future blueprint of the East China Sea, the offensive and defensive battle for Shuangyu Island was basically coming to an end.
Lu Bo, the commander-in-chief from Fujian Province, stood outside the Tianfei Palace on Shuangyu Island, looking at the last handful of stubborn enemies who were still hanging on, his whole body trembling with excitement.
Unexpectedly, never expected that he, a maritime naval attaché, who had spent his whole life catching smugglers and killing Japanese pirates, would actually achieve something similar to "opening up new territories".
For having made such great contributions to Qin Zhongtang, it is not too much to be promoted to a second-rank commander, and then to be appointed as a guard general, which is basically the highest pinnacle of a local military attache's life.
Looking back on the process, Lu Boring had to admit with conviction that although Qin Zhongtang hid in the safe rear and led the troops at the front, more than half of the credit still belonged to Qin Zhongtang.
The two Han leaders of the Shuangyu Island bandits were both transferred away from the mountain by Qin Zhongtang, which directly left the Shuangyu Island bandits without their backbone and they fell into a leaderless state.
Although there are still Japanese and Folangji people, these outsiders obviously cannot command the Han forces.
Moreover, when the two leaders left Shuangyu Island, they also took hundreds of their most elite men with them as guards, which greatly weakened Shuangyu Island's defensive strength.
The total permanent population of Shuangyu Island is only a few thousand people. After losing hundreds of elites, the number of remaining officers and soldiers is about the same, and their combat effectiveness is not as good as that of the selected officers and soldiers.
In addition to diverting the tiger away from the mountain, Qin Zhongtang also created the unexpected timing of the attack, and even the attack plan was drawn up by Qin Zhongtang.
The topography of Shuangyu Island is that there are two islands with a waterway as a harbor. The Han people and the Buddhists are on the east island, and the Japanese are on the west island.
The plan drawn up by Qin Zhongtang was to pretend to be a merchant ship and then block the entrance and exit of the waterway first.
Then they set off rockets to burn the ships parked at the pier to prevent the island bandits from escaping overseas. They then shelled the water village, then stormed the beach and landed, first occupying the water village as a base.
Don't worry about the Japanese on the West Island for now. After burning the boat, the Japanese won't be able to get over.
Then continue to bombard the Folangji people's residential area at the foot of the mountain. After the bombardment is completed, let the general tell the Folangji people that this is a war between Han people and has nothing to do with the Folangji people. They are allowed to surrender and retain
Possessions and food.
If the Folangji people are willing to obey, a thousand officers and soldiers will be left to guard the Folangji people, and the remaining officers and soldiers will follow the path and launch an attack on the mountains and plains.
Originally, there was a bandit camp guarding the route, but an insider named Xu Hai opened the gate of the camp, allowing the officers and soldiers to easily capture the camp.
Afterwards, the bandits had no defensive fortifications to rely on. The officers and soldiers robbed and killed the enemies along the houses, advancing smoothly.
The last two hundred remaining bandits all fled into Tianfei Palace and were tightly surrounded by officers and soldiers.
At this point in the war, although it is not completely over, it can be said to have been a complete victory.
Lu Bor first told several soldiers: "You guys take two ferries and go to Dinghaiwei first to report the victory to Qin Zhongtang!"
Then Lu Yi's eyes fell on the gate of Tianfei Palace again, and he scratched his head in embarrassment.
Tianfei is Mazu. Many of these merchants and pirates were from Fujian, so they brought the belief in Mazu with them. The Tianfei Palace was even built on Shuangyu Island.
As a Fujianese, Lu Bo was also in awe of Tianfei, so he was a little embarrassed when he saw the bandits hiding in Tianfei Palace.
It could have been very simple, just set a fire and the bandits would have to come out and capture them without being burned to death.
But firstly, Lu Bo was very resistant to the burning of Tianfei Palace, and secondly, Qin Zhongtang had issued an order not to set fire to it casually when he arrived on the island, and to keep the building intact as much as possible.
There was no choice but to attack by force. Lu Ti waved his hand and ordered the sword and shield bearers in front and the spearmen in the back to advance in formation.
Fortunately, the advantage so far is too great. Two thousand people attacking two hundred people is just a waste of time. The overall situation is irreversible.
More than half an hour later, the Tianfei Palace was also captured. The remaining bandits were basically the most stubborn group of people, and they were basically killed because of their stubborn resistance.
In Dinghai Acropolis, Qin Zhongtang sat on the top of the city and watched the sea view. Five hundred soldiers could only accompany the Zhongtang to blow the sea breeze.
Qin Zhongtang also wrote several poems on the city gate tower, but unfortunately no one appreciated and applauded them.
Because of the confidentiality, none of the soldiers knew what Qin Zhongtang was waiting for here.
A sharp-eyed soldier pointed to the sea in the southeast and shouted: "There is a ferry coming from the other side of the sea!"
Qin Zhongtang's mood suddenly became tense. This battle on Shuangyu Island has completely deviated from the original historical trajectory.
Although we have tried our best to create an advantage and have also transferred Lu Bo from Fujian, the situation is uncertain. Who knows what will happen if there is a real fight?
Fortunately, the officers and soldiers who came by ferry to report the news brought good news, and they still only reported it to Qin Zhongtang alone.
Qin Zhongtang looked at the sky and realized that it was a bit late today, so he immediately told the officer: "Get on the boat tomorrow and go to sea!"
It wasn't until the next day, after getting on the boat, that Qin Zhongtang revealed his destination: "To Shuangyu Island!"
Half a day later, Qin Zhongtang arrived at Shuangyu Island, which he had longed for, with five hundred guards.
Lu Boring greeted Qin Zhongtang respectfully in the water village. You may not be respectful before the battle begins, but you must respect him after the battle.
After all, whether he can be promoted to the commander of the capital and add a commander-in-chief depends on how Qin Zhongtang writes a battle report to the court.
Qin Dewei stood on the shore, looked around, looked up at the top of the mountain, and nodded with satisfaction. There was no arson, and the buildings could be used immediately.
Then he said to Lu Bo: "Where is the Fo Langji people? Let's go see the Fo Langji people first."
Lu Ti was surprised. The thing that he paid the least attention to was the surrendered Westerners. Apart from sending troops to guard the settlements, he didn't take them seriously at all.
Unexpectedly, after Qin Zhongtang came to Shuangyu Island, the first thing he did was to see the Fo Lang robot.
Could it be that Qin Zhongtang has never seen a red-haired ghost and wants to see something new?
While he was thinking, he led Qin Zhongtang to the foot of the mountain, and then drove all the Flemish people to the small square in front of the church so that Qin Zhongtang could see enough.
The person who led a thousand officers and soldiers to guard the Folangji people was Xu Shi'an and Xu Sanye. He also participated in the military operation to attack Shuangyu Island.
But Lu Boring knew very well that this was just a piece of gold-plating, so he arranged a simple job for Mr. Xu to guard the captives of Fo Langji.
From a distance, Qin Dewei saw a tall and tall woman, pulling Xu Laosan's sleeve rudely.
Seeing this bitch, Qin Dewei suddenly understood why Xu Laosan evaluated Fo Langji women as "like men".
Too lazy to pay attention to Xu Laosan's troubles, Qin Zhongtang looked around at the Buddhist figures in front of the church. This was the first time Qin Dewei had seen Western white people since he traveled through time.
Westerners in this era were generally not tall and their nutrition seemed to be inferior to that of Han people.
Although many Western adventurers are robbers and executioners, Qin Dewei has to admire the adventurous spirit of these people.
Under today's technological conditions, people often sail tens of thousands of miles across the sea to grab territory or engage in trade, and they conquered the Ming Dynasty all the way from Europe. This kind of spirit cannot be accepted.
There are about a few hundred Folangji people on Shuangyu Island. Although they are the smallest among the three forces, they can still firmly occupy a position due to several strengths.
In addition to having a lot of silver in their hands, they also have two major strengths: advanced ships and sharp artillery. It is precisely because of these conditions that the Fo Langji people can gain a foothold on Shuangyu Island.
But now, the Fulangji people's ship was burned by the officers and soldiers who took advantage of the dusk to sneak attack. Therefore, these Folangji people lost their biggest support and surrendered happily.
The Qin Zhongtang shogunate originally had no generals who could speak Folangji, but they hired a few from Guangdong last year, and they came in handy at this time.
"I say something, you translate it, and the translation must be accurate without any mistakes!" Qin Zhongtang told the general manager.
While listening to Qin Zhongtang's words, the general translated: "This is Qin Dewei, Earl of Fengzhou, deputy prime minister of the Ming Dynasty and governor of the East China Sea!"
This title of self-introduction was very aristocratic, and it immediately calmed these Francois.
"Count Qin said that this war is between the Ming Empire government and the rebels, and has nothing to do with you Fo Langji people!"
"Earl Qin said that he would authorize merchants from the Ming Dynasty to form a special company on Shuangyu Island and grant taxation and judicial powers!"
"Earl Qin said that the legal property of you Francois will be respected, provided that you will not violate the judicial power of the special company."
"Earl Qin said that he needs shipbuilding information and can offer high salaries to hire relevant talents."
"Count Qin said that the Incas you massacred in America are the descendants of the Han people who migrated to America thousands of years ago. Our Ming Empire is very dissatisfied with this and reserves the right to declare war!"
Qin Dewei talked a lot in bits and pieces, even commented on a few issues about Catholicism and the Reformation Movement, ridiculed the Holy See, and then left with Francois stunned.
Every one of the Ming Dynasty people present expressed their admiration for Qin Zhongtang.
Everyone knew that Qin Zhongtang was good at deceiving people, but they didn't expect that even in front of Fo Lang Ji, who didn't understand the language and culture, he could make up nonsense and fool Fo Lang Ji into stunned.
Lu Bori chased after Qin Zhongtang and asked: "What should we do next? The two leaders of Shuangyu Island are still on other islands, and there is a group of Japanese on the West Island."
