Daming: Brother, there is no future for monks, let's rebel

Zhu Han smiled back and said sincerely, "You are too kind, Elder. It is the mutual understanding and support between the Ming Dynasty and the Coconut Island Tribe that made this exchange so successful. We in the Ming Dynasty are also deeply honored to have established such a deep friendship with the nobles. Please convey my respect and gratitude to all the residents of the Coconut Island Tribe."

Zhu Han paused for a moment and continued, "Regarding the follow-up cooperation, we in the Ming Dynasty are willing to continue to send craftsmen and scholars to Coconut Island to not only teach them farming and handicraft knowledge, but also hope to learn about the unique survival wisdom and marine culture of the Coconut Island people. At the same time, we look forward to deeper cooperation in trade to jointly promote the prosperity and development of both sides."

The elder's eyes flashed with excitement when he heard this: "The proposal of the Ming envoy is exactly what we want. We, the Coconut Island tribe, will also fully cooperate to ensure the smooth progress of the cooperation. May the friendship between our two tribes be as broad and profound as this sea."

The two sides reconfirmed the details of the cooperation and agreed on future exchange plans. Afterwards, Zhu Han and his party boarded the returning ship with the farewell of the Coconut Island villagers.

As the boat slowly sails away from Coconut Island, the sea breeze blows gently, bringing a hint of coolness.

Zhu Han stood on the deck, looking at the Coconut Island going away, his heart filled with reluctance and anticipation. He turned to Mr. Wang beside him and said, "Mr. Wang, this trip to Coconut Island not only brought us a wealth of supplies, but more importantly, we established a deep friendship with the Coconut Island people. This friendship will be a solid foundation for future cooperation and exchanges between Daming and the Coconut Island people."

Mr. Wang nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with wisdom: "Your Highness is right. This trip not only deepened our understanding of the culture of the Coconut Island people, but also opened up new trading partners and markets for Daming. This is of great significance to Daming's future overseas development."

General Li also added: "I also deeply feel that this voyage is of great significance. The enthusiasm and friendliness of the Coconut Island people have shown us the possibility of peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit and win-win results among different ethnic groups. I hope that the friendship between our Ming Dynasty and the Coconut Island people will last forever and the cooperation will continue to deepen."

Zhu Han smiled and nodded, his eyes revealing a firm confidence in the future: "Yes, peace and cooperation are the unchanging themes of our trip. As a great power in the East, Ming has the responsibility and ability to promote harmony and prosperity among neighboring countries.

As the fleet gradually moved away from Coconut Island, the wind and waves on the sea gradually subsided. After a period of tension and busyness, the crew began to relax and enjoy the rare quiet time. On the deck, several old sailors gathered together to share their sailing experiences and stories, and bursts of laughter could be heard from time to time.

Zhu Han looked at these hard-working crew members with gratitude and admiration in his heart. He walked up to them, had a cordial conversation with them, and asked about their physical condition and life needs.

As night fell, the stars dotted the deep sky, and the sea returned to calm. Zhu Han stood on the deck, gazing at the starry sky, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

Zhu Han stood on the deck, looking at the faintly visible stars in the distance, with both anticipation for the return journey and deep emotion for this journey. He turned to Mr. Wang beside him and said softly: "Mr. Wang, we have experienced countless storms and witnessed countless miracles along the way. Every member of the Daming Fleet has made an indelible contribution."

Mr. Wang smiled slightly, bowed and responded, "Your Highness is right. This trip is not only an exploration of unknown waters, but also a test of the will and ability of the Ming Dynasty crew. They have demonstrated fearless courage and firm belief, which is a blessing for the Ming Dynasty."

At this time, General Li also came over, his face filled with the joy of returning home: "Your Majesty, Mr. Wang, we are about to set foot on our homeland. This achievement and glory is inseparable from the joint efforts of all the crew members. I deeply admire their tenacity and wisdom."

Zhu Han nodded in agreement, his eyes sparkling with gratitude for the crew members: "Indeed, every crew member is a valuable asset to our Ming fleet. When we return home, I will definitely reward them according to their merits and let them get the due return for their efforts."

Zhu Han then suggested, "It's getting late, why don't we have a few drinks on the deck and talk about this trip together, which can be regarded as a small celebration of this journey."

Mr. Wang and General Li agreed with what they said. Soon, several crew members brought a few pots of fine wine and a few plates of snacks, and placed them on a small table on the deck. The three of them sat together, raised their glasses and drank together, talking about every detail of the trip.

"Your Majesty, do you remember the days when we were in Mugudusu?" Mr. Wang was the first to break the silence, his eyes gleaming with memories. "The residents there were simple and kind, and they were full of gratitude for our arrival. We helped them dig wells and build reservoirs. Those scenes are still vivid in my mind."

Zhu Han smiled and nodded, then continued, "Yes, those days were hard, but seeing the residents of Mugudushu improve their living conditions because of our help, the satisfaction and joy in my heart are indescribable. This is one of the biggest gains of our trip."

General Li also said with emotion: "There are also the Zufar Islands, where the natural scenery and cultural customs are intoxicating. Our exchanges with the Zufar people not only enhanced friendship, but also opened up new trading partners and markets for the Ming Dynasty. Such achievements are rare."

As the topic deepened, the three of them got along better and better. They talked about the interesting things during the voyage, the challenges they encountered, and the wisdom and courage they had in solving the difficulties. The laughter on the deck and the sound of the waves in the distance intertwined, forming a warm and harmonious picture.

After three rounds of drinks, Zhu Han stood up and looked at the sky full of stars, his heart full of longing for the future: "Although this trip is over, the friendly exchanges between Daming and other countries have just begun." Zhu Han looked at the sky full of stars, his face full of longing and determination for the future, and continued: "Mr. Wang, General Li, although we have experienced ups and downs on this trip, we have also gained countless precious friendships and experiences. On the way back, we need to cherish this time and reminisce and share together."

Mr. Wang nodded in agreement, raised his glass and took a sip of wine, and said in a gentle voice: "Your Highness is right. On the way back, we should not only look back on the past, but also look forward to the future. The friendly exchanges between the Ming Dynasty and other countries will surely lay a solid foundation for future peace and development."

General Li heard this, a hint of pride flashed in his eyes, and he said with a smile: "I am willing to follow the prince, no matter the wind or rain, and swear to ensure the safe return of the Ming fleet. After returning home, I also look forward to continuing to expand the territory for the Ming Dynasty and enhance our country's prestige."

Zhu Han smiled and patted General Li on the shoulder, encouraging him: "With a loyal and brave man like General Li by our side, why should we worry about the Ming Dynasty not being strong? However, we cannot slack off on the way home. Daily training and exercises must continue to ensure that every crew member can maintain the best condition."

Mr. Wang took over the conversation and suggested, "Your Majesty, how about we hold a small poetry and singing party on the deck tonight? It can not only cultivate sentiments, but also enhance the friendship among the crew members."

Zhu Han was delighted when he heard this and said with a smile, "This is a great idea! A poetry and singing competition can not only show the profoundness of our Ming culture, but also allow the crew to relax after being nervous. Mr. Wang, how about you host it?"

Mr. Wang readily agreed, and then stood up and announced the official start of the poetry and singing competition. The crew gathered around, some holding wine glasses, while others took out the simple musical instruments they brought with them, ready to show their talents.

A young sailor stepped forward first, holding a flute in his hand, and whispered, "I am so brave that I would like to entertain the prince with a song 'Fishermen's Song at Dusk'." After that, he opened his red lips slightly, and the melodious sound of the flute rang out in the night sky, like the joy and tranquility of a fishing boat returning home with a full load.

At the end of the song, there was thunderous applause. Zhu Han nodded repeatedly in praise, and said with a smile: "What a good song "Fisherman's Song at Dusk", which makes people feel as if they are on a fishing boat, leisurely and contented. Which talented person is willing to take over the next song?" At this time, an aide who looked like a scholar stood up and said with a bow: "I would like to respond with a song "Jiangchengzi"." After that, he chanted softly: "I am old and want to express my youthful madness, holding Huang on my left and Cang on my right... I can draw a carved bow like a full moon, look northwest, and shoot the wolf in the sky."

His poem was full of passion and ambition, which drew applause from the crowd. Zhu Han also clapped his hands and praised: "What a good poem! What a great line 'I can draw a bow like a full moon, look northwest, and shoot the wolf in the sky', it is really awe-inspiring and admirable."

As the poetry and singing competition progressed, the crew members showed off their talents one after another. Some recited poems, some composed couplets, and some sang folk songs from their hometowns. The deck was filled with laughter and a harmonious atmosphere.

At dinner time, Zhu Han, Mr. Wang and General Li sat around a table and enjoyed a simple but delicious dinner. The table was filled with a variety of seafood and vegetables, which were caught and purchased by the crew during the voyage.

Zhu Han raised his glass and toasted everyone, saying: "Dear crew brothers, thanks to your hard work and bravery, we were able to successfully complete the mission and return with a full load. I, Zhu Han, would like to toast everyone!"

The crew members raised their glasses in response, and a strong sense of brotherhood spread across the deck amidst laughter and joy. Zhu Han put down his glass, and his eyes gently swept over every familiar face, his heart full of gratitude.

"Brothers, although we have experienced many hardships during this voyage, our friendship has become even deeper. Although the journey back is long, I have nothing to fear as long as I have you by my side." Zhu Han's words were warm and powerful, making everyone present feel a warm current in their hearts.

Mr. Wang took over the conversation and said with a smile: "Your Majesty is right. Our Ming fleet is not only a brave fleet, but also a united big family. Every difficulty and obstacle makes us more closely united."

General Li also nodded in agreement: "Yes, it is with this unity and trust that we can overcome danger time and time again and successfully complete the mission. I am deeply honored to fight side by side with you."

After dinner, night fell and the stars dotted the deep sky. Zhu Han suggested: "The moonlight is very beautiful tonight. Why don't we go to the deck to admire the moon and recite poems?"

Everyone agreed with what he said. So, they moved to the deck and sat in a circle. The table was filled with tea and snacks. The sea breeze blew gently, bringing a slight coolness, but it also made people feel particularly refreshed.

Zhu Han spoke first, chanting: "When will the bright moon appear? I raise my wine cup to ask the blue sky. I don't know what year it is in the palace in heaven tonight." His voice was melodious, as if it could penetrate the night sky and reach the horizon.

A young aide was inspired by the poem and continued, "I stand up and dance with my shadow, as if I am not in the human world. I turn around the red pavilion, lower the beautiful window, and shine on the sleepless night." His poems are fresh and unworldly, complementing Zhu Han's heroism.

The crew members also joined in, reciting poems or couplets, creating a warm and harmonious atmosphere. They talked about interesting things during the voyage or shared their hometown customs, with constant laughter.

At this moment, a young sailor named Xiao Li suddenly stood up, holding a flute in his hand, and said to Zhu Han respectfully: "Your Majesty, I dare to play a song "Good Night" to entertain you."

Zhu Han smiled and nodded in agreement. Xiao Li then played the flute, and the melodious sound of the flute echoed in the night sky, like the sound of nature, making people feel relaxed and happy.

When the song ended, there was thunderous applause. Zhu Han nodded approvingly: "What a good song "Good Night" is. It is full of tears, complaints, and longings. It is intoxicating."

Mr. Wang couldn't help but admire: "Xiao Li's flute is really unique on the boat. With such a talent accompanying me, I won't feel lonely on the way home."

As the night deepened, the laughter and joy on the deck gradually subsided.

The next morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist and shone on the sea, the Ming fleet set sail again. Zhu Han stood at the bow, looking at the unknown sea ahead, his eyes firm and full of expectation.

"Mr. Wang, General Li, we are about to enter the waters of the Ming Dynasty, and our return date is near. But our mission has not yet ended, and we still need to remain vigilant on the way back." Zhu Han's voice was steady and powerful, revealing an unquestionable majesty.

Mr. Wang and General Li agreed in unison and then got busy.

"Mr. Wang, we have to make sure that this ship is safe and sound. We can't be careless with routine maintenance and inspections." A crew member reminded.

"Don't worry, I understand. Let's split up and check every corner carefully. Our safety depends on this ship." Mr. Wang responded firmly and began to organize the crew to work.

At the same time, General Li was busy on the side: "Patrol and vigilance cannot be relaxed. We must be vigilant at all times to prevent accidents. Everyone cheer up!"

Zhu Han stood by and gave instructions from time to time: "Xiao Wang, pay attention to the sail rope, it looks a little loose. Xiao Li, pay more attention to the sea conditions when patrolling." Every look and every movement of his revealed his care and trust for the crew members.

As the voyage progressed, life on the way home gradually became regular and fulfilling. Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight penetrated the mist, the crew began a busy day.

"Hey, everyone, get up! A new day has begun, we have to get up and get ready." shouted a crew member.

"Yes, time flies. However, every day of drifting on the sea is full of challenges and opportunities." Another crew member responded, and began to make his bed. (End of this chapter)