Wind Rises in North America 1625

Chapter 586 Contact (Part Six)

In November, the wind in Southeast Asia still carries the humid, salty smell, but the scorching heat of midsummer has faded.

Sunlight shines on the winding coastline of Zheng He Island (now Palawan Island), gilding this land, once soaked in blood, with a slightly tranquil golden hue.

One of the world's longest and narrowest islands, its fate is as tortuous as its shape, and it has long been a chessboard for various forces to contend with.

Over the past few decades, the island has largely been in a dynamic state of north-south confrontation with mutual penetration in the middle.

From the north came the tentacles of the Spanish colonial authorities in the Philippines, who tried to plant Catholic crosses and Spanish royal flags all over the island with a strategy of "missionary work first, fortification as a foundation".

However, due to their distance from their homeland and their small population, their control is weak and unstable.

Fort Saint Isabel (now Tete City), built in 1622 at the northernmost tip of the island, was their most important, and almost only, stronghold on this land.

But it was more like a lone lamp in a storm, constantly subjected to fierce attacks from the Sulu Sultanate in the south and its allies since its inception.

The fortress changed hands several times, with repeated back-and-forth battles between the Spanish and the Sulu people. Every brick in the wall seemed to be stained with the blood and hatred of the warriors on both sides.

The Spanish were so persistent in preserving this remote colonial outpost in order to safeguard the shipping routes to Mindoro and dream of using it as a springboard to spread the Gospel of God to the southern part of the island.

In 1637, some brave, or rather reckless, Spanish missionaries attempted to establish a new outpost in the Bay of Princesa region in the central part of the island, but were quickly overwhelmed by the deep hostility and fierce attacks of the local natives (mostly Moro people who believed in the true God), and ultimately returned in defeat.

The central and southern parts of Zheng He Island were within the sphere of influence of the Sulu Sultanate, which was rooted in maritime and trade networks.

Unlike the Spanish, who were keen on building solid stone fortresses, their power flowed along the blue sea routes, built on flexible military operations, regional alliances, and trade monopolies over precious resources such as pearls, sea cucumbers, and spices.

The numerous coastal villages and tribes on the island either submitted to or allied with the Sultan of Hele, paying tribute in exchange for protection and trade rights.

The Sultan of Sulu maintained close and effective contact with the Moro tribe on the island through regularly dispatched envoys and fleets.

In order to effectively manage this vast territory, the Sulu people established the "Dong Wang" as a local administrative official on Palawan Island, responsible for managing the lucrative pearl trade, collecting various taxes, and maintaining basic local order.

However, four years ago, a Chinese uprising that swept through Luzon and the strong military intervention of a new force known as the "New Continent Chinese Republic" not only completely expelled the Spanish colonial authorities from the main island of Luzon, but the shockwaves it brought also quickly spread to the neighboring Zheng He Island.

The expansion of this emerging power is more rapid, resolute, and efficient than that of the Spanish in the past.

Last year, a small Xinhua fleet took over the already dilapidated St. Isabel Castle without bloodshed, renaming it "North Fort," meaning "abundant in the north."

Immediately, they launched a campaign to fortify the city, relocate the people, and cultivate and reclaim wasteland, showing an intention to take root, thrive, and operate in this place for the long term.

This move immediately touched a nerve with the Sulu people in the south.

Initially, the Sulu Kingdom was indeed overjoyed and delighted by the Chinese settlers' swift and decisive defeat of Spanish rule in Luzon.

After all, in 1637, the Spanish expeditionary force launched a major invasion of Sulu, capturing the capital city of Hoe Le and nearly bringing Sulu to the brink of collapse.

If the events in Manila hadn't forced the Spanish to rush back to help, Sulu would likely never have been able to restore its kingdom.

Therefore, in Sulu's view, Xinhua's takeover of Luzon was primarily about eliminating a major threat to them.

Furthermore, the Sulu people shared the same language and culture as the Ming Dynasty and were connected by blood to the "Celestial Empire," which gave them a natural sense of closeness to China, as they had always admired China and considered themselves vassals.

For centuries, the Sulu Sultanate, under the guise of "tribute," engaged in highly profitable smuggling trade with the Ming Dynasty.

Rare pearls from the Sulu Sea, nourishing sea cucumbers, expensive bird's nests, fragrant cloves and nutmeg, as well as small amounts of sappanwood and ivory, were all luxury items that Ming Dynasty officials and wealthy merchants vied for.

Raw silk, satin, exquisite porcelain, and durable Fujian ironware from the Ming Dynasty not only met the needs of Sulu itself, but also became the "hard currency" for their trade with neighboring regions such as Borneo and Java, generating huge profits.

This golden trade route was a crucial cornerstone of the Sulu Kingdom's wealth and prosperity.

Therefore, when the new Chinese "inherited" the Spanish legacy and established a foothold at the northern end of Zheng He Island, the Sulu people's deepest concern was: would this trade route that sustained the nation's fortune be cut off?

However, it turned out that their worries were unnecessary.

The Chinese in Singapore not only did not obstruct trade, but also greatly promoted regional trade prosperity with their strong shipping capabilities and policies that encouraged commerce.

Sulu merchants were delighted to find that they no longer needed to brave the double risks of storms and pirates to sail to the coast of the Ming Dynasty for trade, as they had in the past.

Now, the new Chinese are transporting goods from the Ming Dynasty directly to Xinhua Port (formerly Manila), allowing the Sulu people to trade nearby, greatly reducing costs and risks.

What surprised the Sulu people even more was that the new Chinese even set up a market in Beifengbao at the northern end of Zheng He Island, with its reach extending to Borneo and the Sulu Archipelago.

The scale, frequency, and convenience of trade are far greater than before.

On this day, Abdul Rahman, the chieftain of Zhenghe Island appointed by the Sultan of Sulu, arrived at the already crowded and busy simple dock outside Beifeng Fort in a lavishly decorated fast boat.

He was representing the Sultan to formally pay a visit to the Xinhua representative in this area, to probe his true intentions, and to find out the background of this new neighbor.

The ship slowly approached the shore, and King Rahmandon, escorted by his entourage, steadily stepped onto this land that had once belonged to the Spanish.

The scene that came into his view was completely different from the gloomy, tense, and gunpowder-filled military fortress he remembered.

The former St. Isabel Castle still stands on the cape, but the walls have been clearly reinforced and repaired, with sharper edges and a taller watchtower, where the red flag of the five stars flies.

A vibrant market town has developed around the fortress.

Hundreds of brand-new wooden houses and bamboo buildings are laid out naturally along the coastline, in an orderly manner.

Most of the roofs are covered with dried banana leaves, with a few conspicuous blue-tiled roofs showing architectural influence from the Ming Dynasty.

A rough estimate suggests that the population here is probably around six or seven hundred, far exceeding the size of the former Spanish stronghold with its dozen or so soldiers and a small number of native servants.

The town was bustling with activity, including not only new Chinese immigrants, but also recruited local natives and merchants from all over.

The air was filled with a mixture of languages, the aroma of cooking smoke, the fishy smell of seafood, and the smell of piled-up goods.

The clanging of metal came from the blacksmith's shop, where Xinhua craftsmen were forging or repairing tools and fishing gear for the pioneers. In front of several newly opened warehouses, shop assistants were busy loading and unloading porcelain and cloth from the Ming Dynasty, as well as spices and rattan from Borneo.

Outside the fortress, the previously messy jungle and shrubs have been cleared away, and neat fields have been created with crisscrossing paths.

As the rainy season draws to a close, the fields are lush and vibrant with life.

In the low-lying areas, rice plants are growing well, while on the slopes, drought-resistant corn and lush sweet potatoes are planted.

Some farmers were working in the fields. Many of them were clearly newly migrated people from the Ming Dynasty, while others were local natives who had been hired or had come to learn the skills.

Inside the harbor, masts stand like a forest, and sails dot the water.

Apart from a few armed merchant ships from Xinhua on guard duty, the majority of the vessels were fishing boats and merchant ships of all sizes.

Most of the fishing boats are nimble and agile. By noon, many have already returned fully loaded, and the fishermen are busy sorting and drying their catch.

Merchant ships came from all directions; some flew the flags of the Sultan of Sulu, some were of the style of Brunei in Borneo, and many even came from the Ming Dynasty.

They moored here, loading and unloading cargo, creating a bustling atmosphere. The docks were piled high with goods in sacks or wicker baskets, and the air was filled with the salty smell of the sea, dried fish, spices, and wood.

This place is no longer a lonely outpost with only soldiers, guns, and prayers, but a vibrant colony integrating military, agriculture, fishing, and trade.

The thriving scene silently demonstrates the determination and ability of the new Chinese to take root here.

"In just one year..." King Rahmandong murmured to himself, deeply impressed by the almost earth-shaking construction capabilities of the new Chinese.

This is quite different from the Spanish colonial model that relied solely on fortresses, firearms, and missionary work.

In a simple but clean hall of the Beifengbao government office, King Rahman of Dong met with the person in charge of the area, Chen Yanzuo, the general manager dispatched by Xinhua to Zheng He Island.

He was about thirty years old, with a lean face, and dressed in a simple indigo cotton long gown. He was not dressed as a soldier, but rather as an accountant or a scholar. Only his eyes were sharp and bright, revealing his competence.

The two sides took their seats as host and guest, and servants served locally produced coconut water and some dried fruit.

After exchanging pleasantries, the King of Dong cautiously got to the point in Mandarin with a Minnan accent: "Chief Steward Chen, Beifeng Fort has truly undergone remarkable changes under your governance, which is astonishing. I wonder... what long-term plans does your side have for this Zheng He Island? I have come here on the orders of the Sultan to seek your advice, hoping to enhance mutual understanding."

Chen Yanzu smiled slightly, picked up the teacup in front of him, took a sip, and replied in a calm tone: "The primary task of Xinhua here is to maintain the peace of this sea area and ensure that merchants and travelers, as well as the outer barrier of Xinhua Port, are not disturbed by pirates or other restless forces. Zhenghe Island is geographically crucial, and Beifeng Fort is the cornerstone for us to fulfill this responsibility."

He paused, looking candidly at the King of Dong, "We are well aware that your country has a long history and profound influence over the central and southern parts of the island, which is both historical and current. We respect this reality and all your country's rights in this region. Therefore, we currently have no intention of crossing the border southward, much less like some Western barbarians who harbor ambitions of conquest and conversion and wantonly invade other people's homes."

The King of Dong felt somewhat relieved, but still pressed on: "So, does the Grand Steward mean... that you are willing to maintain the general structure of the island as before, with both sides dividing the island into north and south based on the existing controlled areas, and not invading each other?"

“That’s a fair understanding,” Chen Yanzu nodded. “We, Xinhua, hope to coexist peacefully and share prosperity with the Kingdom of Sulu. To this end, we have two small requests, which we hope Your Highness will convey to His Majesty the Sultan: First, we hope that Sulu can provide Xinhua merchants with the same security guarantees as your merchants, lift all unnecessary trade restrictions, allow goods to flow freely, and achieve mutual benefit—a win-win situation. Second…”

His gaze sharpened slightly, and his tone became a little more serious: "...I hope His Majesty the Sultan of your country can effectively restrain those... well, the Moro fleets active at sea. Their past actions have posed a great threat to the safety of merchant ships navigating the seas and have also damaged the mutual trust between us. Peace and security are the cornerstones of trade, and I'm sure His Highness the King of Dong also deeply agrees?"

Rahman understood that the other party was referring to the Sulu fleet, which was active at sea and engaged in both trade and military operations.

He pondered for a moment, then solemnly replied, "I understand what Chief Steward Chen means. I will report your peaceful intentions and trade-promoting proposals to His Majesty the Sultan without missing a single word. Sulu has always cherished its friendship with China, and we are also willing to treat such a powerful and friendly neighbor as Xinhua with sincerity and maintain friendly cooperation."

His statement was humble and pragmatic, not merely diplomatic rhetoric, but a sober consideration based on harsh reality.

Just this March, the Maguindanao Sultanate of Mindanao sent envoys to invite Sulu to jointly attack the military stronghold established by the new Chinese in Mindanao—Nantong Fort (now Zamboanga City).

At that time, although there was controversy within the Sulu court, the Sultan, considering that his country had not yet fully recovered from the Spanish invasion and the unpredictable risks that might come from being an enemy of the new China, ultimately declined this risky invitation.

As it turned out, this was an extremely wise decision.

The Majingdan Kingdom mobilized three thousand men to launch a fierce siege to Nantong Fortress, but they crashed into the much stronger and more heavily armed Xinhua Fortress, suffering over a thousand casualties, yet failed to budge the castle in the slightest.

During the retreat, they were pursued by the Xinhua garrison, suffering hundreds more casualties, making it a complete and utter defeat.

This matter had already spread throughout Southeast Asia, and the entire Sulu region was greatly shocked.

The fact that Maguindanao, whom even the Spanish struggled to completely subdue, was so easily defeated by the new Chinese speaks volumes.

Those who understand the times are wise. Facing Xinhua, which is stronger than the Spanish and currently seems more focused on commercial interests and pragmatic development, it is by no means a good strategy to rashly confront them.

Moreover, after the arrival of the new Chinese, they did not force the locals to convert to religion like the Spanish did, which reduced a fundamental point of conflict for Sulu, a country founded on the religion of True God.

On the contrary, they brought tangible economic benefits, and the booming trade greatly benefited the noble and merchant classes of Sulu.

Compared to the Spanish, who only knew how to use swords and fire to promote their faith and plunder wealth, these new Chinese seemed to pay more attention to practical development and long-term commercial interests.

The talks ended in a superficially amicable and mutually restrained atmosphere.

Chen Yanzu personally escorted King Rahmandong to the entrance of the government office, performing the proper courtesies.

As the King of Rahmandon boarded his ship to depart, he couldn't help but look back once more at this land that had miraculously come alive in just one year.

The tension and bloodshed of the Spanish era seem to be fading, replaced by a new order slowly taking shape, led by the new Chinese.

This order is built upon strong military guarantees, yet its core objectives are prosperous trade and pragmatic development.

Unlike the Spanish, which attempted to change people's beliefs, it may subtly alter the economic patterns and political landscape of this sea area that have persisted for centuries in a more profound and lasting way.

Therefore, Sulu must adopt a more prudent and pragmatic strategy in the face of this emerging neighbor.

Suddenly, a horn sounded from the shore, breaking the hustle and bustle of the harbor.

A moment of commotion and surprise erupted among the crowd on the dock as two armed merchant ships anchored in the harbor raised their sails, lowered their mooring lines, and slowly sailed away from the dock.

Then, under the watchful eyes of countless people, they sailed gracefully towards the vast northern sea, like two valiant warriors who had received orders and were heading proudly to the battlefield ahead.
-
(End of this chapter)