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Chapter 1128 The Clouds Disperse
Previously, people thought that the Ming Empire had powerful ships and highly skilled sailors, which was why it could travel across the world and appear and disappear without a trace. Now, it seems that in addition to the navy, the Ming Empire's army should not be bad either, as can be seen from this musket that can fire continuously.

If we think about it again, the reason why the rebels in Suez were able to easily defeat Hussein Pasha's guards and take control of the entire city may also be related to this weapon.

At this point, whether or not they wanted to resolve the issue through negotiation, they had to think carefully about the consequences. According to the Sipahi cavalry vanguard, the city of Suez had deployed many very powerful, long-range, and fast-loading artillery, which was not conducive to siege.

If the rebels defending the city used such muskets again, even if the more than 10,000 troops he brought were replaced by the Guards Corps, there would be a high probability that they would return empty-handed and suffer heavy casualties.

"This type of gun has a shorter range and is mostly used for self-defense. Piyali Bey did purchase a batch of large muskets, which are longer and heavier and have a longer range."

Wang Datou's answer was very cunning, making it sound as if the defenders of Suez were also equipped with repeating muskets, but in fact, they had none. But it was not a lie, the Mamluk nobles did buy Ming muskets, and they were indeed long and clumsy.

"I still need to discuss the negotiation with the generals. As a reward for your brave behavior, I can promise not to attack the city within three days." Tabar Pasha was fooled. The more ambiguous Wang Datou's words were, the more credible he found them.

This battle really cannot be fought casually, the gains and losses must be carefully weighed. But he was also very good at pretending, and in one sentence he turned cowardice into hospitality and righteousness, and even a hint of grace.

Wang Datou was not annoyed by this kind of face-saving rhetoric. His main goal had been basically achieved, so kneeling down and kowtowing was not a big deal. Since there was a three-day buffer period, it was closer to peace talks. He returned to Suez City happily with his four followers.

It was a luxury to be able to come back alive from the Grand Vizier, but not only did he come back, he also had a three-day buffer period. This was almost like a Greek myth, which made Piyali and many Mamluk nobles dumbfounded and completely convinced.

Two days later, the Grand Vizier sent an envoy to inform that the two sides could negotiate, but the location must be in the Ottoman camp. This time, Piyali Bey also showed his toughness and took the initiative to ask to go in person. Of course, Mr. Pianjiabuliu had to be present.

The two sides reached a consensus after only one morning of talks, and then the Ottoman troops withdrew one after another, and peace came to the city of Suez.

However, the peace period was short-lived, because Tabar Pasha did not agree to allow Suez to be autonomous. He was only willing to suspend the siege and then report to the Sultan. The final decision on war or peace depended on Murad IV's decision.

"Don't worry, your Sultan will not object, and cannot object. Since Tabar Pasha has withdrawn his troops to Damascus, it means that the gains and losses have been clearly calculated. Murad IV has to accept it even if he is unwilling. This is called a pressing situation.

However, you and the other Beys must not relax during this period. The city is now temporarily under your control. Order must be maintained and the people must feel that there is a difference. Without their support, even if you can really govern yourself, it will only be an empty city.

Another issue is security. There is a proverb in my hometown called "a surprise attack". You can't trust everything Tabar Pasha says, and you must have the necessary means of self-protection. I suggest sending small groups of people regularly to the villages and towns along the way to Damascus to gather information and prevent surprise attacks.

The rest of the problem is up to God. I have to go to Tours in the next few days to meet with Mohammed. If Murad IV really wants to negotiate, the Bedouins should also participate in it, which is fair. "

Contrary to the joy and laughter in the city, Wang Datou did not feel relaxed at all, but even busier. Before leaving, he found Piyali Bey who was hosting a banquet and made several serious suggestions. "Don't worry, brother, I will remember every word you say. You are the guide given by God to us, and your deeds will spread throughout Egypt!" Piyali did not get carried away. He took this warning seriously and respected Wang Datou more and more. He swore to the sky that he would carry out the plan resolutely.

All the actions in Suez Port were transmitted to the commander of the Indian Ocean Fleet, Jieji, through the navy communication ship. He was not at the Colombo Naval Base at the moment, but personally led most of the main fleet to anchor in the shallow waters south of Socotra Island.

If the Ottoman Empire refuses to surrender and really launches a military attack on the Port of Suez, the Marine Command will not provide landing support for the time being, but the Red Sea will immediately become a battlefield.

All ports along the coast controlled by the Ottoman Empire will become blockade targets, and no ships related to the Ottoman Empire will be allowed to enter or leave.

If this is not enough to make Murad IV surrender, then all ports along the Red Sea coast should be destroyed, all ships should be sunk or captured, and the Red Sea should be turned into a dead sea.

Then, they would join forces with the Persians to take corresponding measures in the Persian Gulf, completely strangling the Ottoman Empire's cargo channel in the east and see who would suffer the most.

"This big head is really capable of doing things! Look, the Suez port has been basically taken, and we don't have to wait here foolishly. Notify the captains to prepare, leave a squadron to continue observation, and the rest return."

Of course, if the issue of Port Suez can be resolved peacefully, it is better not to resort to force. Soldiers are not murderers or destroyers, and it is not a battle between two armies. The act of purely destroying civilian facilities will not gain much merit, nor will it be a source of bragging rights.

After seeing Wang Datou's secret letter, Jie Ji finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although Murad IV had not yet made a final statement, agreeing to negotiate was a good start.

The next step would be for the officials from the Ministry of Rites to come forward and talk. Presumably, those eloquent people who have been sharp-tongued since childhood and have received true teachings from His Majesty will not waste the opportunity that the Advisory Office and the Navy have worked so hard to obtain.

"If there are a few more big-headed Wangs, we will just have to follow behind and cheer!"

The captain of the flagship was a very stout man, who looked neither Chinese nor Chinese. He took the secret letter and looked at it for a few seconds, but his face showed no joy and he started to make sarcastic remarks instead.

"Sai Qianhu, in terms of rank, you should at least call him senior; in terms of merit, you are still a million miles behind him. Even if you work hard from now on until you retire, you may not be able to catch up. So don't look down on him. The army has its role, and officials have their role.

The Port of Suez is just an overseas territory of the Ottoman Empire and a port. For a country with a weak navy, as long as it does not involve ownership, there is really no need to fight over commercial issues. Resolving the issue through negotiation is the right choice. "

(End of this chapter)