Late Ming Dynasty: The Counterattack Begins with Sea Pirates

In September, news came from Zeelandia again.

The envoy who came to Hong Kong Island was still there for the same reason as before, but this time it was not for the English, but for the Portuguese (Spanish).

"Greetings, Your Excellency." The envoy touched his left shoulder with his right hand and bowed to Chi Honghai in respect.

Chi Honghai looked at the red-haired man in front of him, glanced at their ship, and muttered to himself: "Luckily, the Tianquan usually doesn't stop here, but at the corner to the north. If we were a little further ahead, we would have seen it. But this envoy is definitely not coming with good news. Good things don't usually come knocking on your door."

"What brings the envoy here? Is there some new business to discuss?" Chi Honghai asked with a smile as he pulled the envoy away, while instructing his men to help their ship reposition to dock a little further to the left, where there were some hidden reefs that could easily cause a collision.

The envoy was not polite and spoke very directly: "I have come to convey the governor's request that you cooperate with us to intercept the Spanish fleet."

Another ship hijacking? The Spanish? They really don't let anyone get away with this. They just finished with the English, and now they're going after their own people. The Dutch are really direct and efficient.

According to them, Chi Honghai was already an ally of the Dutch, and had previously fulfilled the cooperation agreement by intercepting English merchant ships. Since they were allies and could attack the English, the Portuguese should be able to do the same, or rather, it was only right that they should.

The tone of voice wasn't one of discussion, or even business cooperation; it was more of a request, which puzzled Chi Honghai, making it seem as if he were begging Chi Honghai.

Oh, maybe that was Chen Qian's attitude back then.

Instead of giving him a direct answer, Chi Honghai warmly invited him to taste some fine tea and pulled him to sit down for a leisurely chat.

In reality, he was giving himself room to think and consider whether the deal was worth doing.

Of course, it cannot be done.

The English are not to be trifled with. They are newcomers with no power and no foothold. Even if they seek revenge, they can't cause much trouble. Besides, they spend so much money every year. Even if you let me beat up the English this time, I would be in the wrong and could only try to appease them.

Intercepting Spanish ships was really a difficult task. Did the Spanish think they were as easy to bully as the English?

Not only do they occupy Keelung in northern Taiwan, but they also have influence in the Luzon Islands to the south. If they really want to talk to someone or seek revenge, it's much easier for them than for the British. This is the principle of being close to the water tower.

Putting aside the situation of the Spanish, the Portuguese are also currently under Spanish rule. Although the Portuguese in Macau do not acknowledge this, they have no choice but to accept it. This has angered the Spanish. If the Portuguese in Macau find out about this and receive orders from above, they may not be able to smooth things over with words alone, unless Chi Honghai is willing to gamble on the Portuguese's eagerness to restore their country.

Even Chi Honghai was unaware of this situation, let alone the officials of the Ming Dynasty. In their view, the Spanish and Portuguese were both referred to as "Flangjiren" (Frankish people), and even if they were not family, they were still allies.

In short, this Spaniard is someone to mess with, but not now. If it were now, it definitely wouldn't be me.

Chi Honghai refused the Dutchman's request. Of course, a reason was needed for the refusal, and the reason was quite simple.

People from the imperial court have arrived.

This reason is a major headache for anyone in officialdom. When someone from the imperial court comes, whether it's a leader parachuted in or a temporary inspector, they always have to put on an act, and after that, they have to make a profit.

Whether you follow the wishes of those in power is your own business; whether they are happy to deal with you or report you to the authorities is their business.

In short, if you please people and stay out of trouble, you won't necessarily make a mistake, but if you cause trouble at this critical juncture, losing your official position would be the least of your worries, especially since this is a private transfer. Besides, Chi Honghai is just using the imperial court's name! He's not a member of the imperial court at all!

The Dutch envoy was initially persistent, still bringing up the contract, but it should be said that even allies have conditions, and allies are not omnipotent, obliging to grant every request.

If you want me to intercept and kill the English, I can do it, and I'll do it cleanly and efficiently, without you Dutch having to lift a finger. You can choose whichever you want.

After a struggle, the envoy returned empty-handed, but before leaving, Chi Honghai seemed to have thought of something. He called the envoy back and said something to him.

The people from above will only be here for a while. Once this storm has passed, I can send people to Fort Zeelandia to help Governor Hans suppress the bandits.

Upon hearing this, the man exclaimed, "This is outrageous!"

It was originally a dispute between the Dutch and Spanish over the exclusive right to Taiwan, so what are you doing here? Of course, we won't agree to this.

Chi Honghai knew that this would definitely not be agreed to. There was no need to report it. Anyone with a brain would know the principle of inviting a wolf into the house.

It was precisely because he knew this that he had to say this seemingly casual remark in front of the envoy, to show that he was willing to cooperate and sincere, and that he was even willing to take some risks to send people to help him, but if he was not willing, there was nothing he could do. As for the current situation, as an ally, he really could not help him.

After a long discussion with no progress, the Dutch envoy returned to Fort Zeelandia with some anger.

Hans did not show much emotion upon hearing the news.

It wasn't because he actually believed Chi Honghai's story—he hadn't verified it, so he could only be skeptical—but mainly because he was just taking a chance and didn't expect Chi Honghai to help him twice in such a short time.

He was also aware that he had taken advantage of the other party when they sent someone to buy things last time. Although his subordinates didn't understand, he certainly did. This time, he didn't ask them directly, which was a way of saving face and not ruining things.

However, Hans was quite pleased with the offer from the other party to go to Zeelandia as an assistant.

The people of the Ming Dynasty don't seem that smart. How could the Spanish in Keelung to the north be a match for them? Back when the Low Countries were seeking independence, they fought for decades but their large and powerful families couldn't subdue us Dutch.

Decades ago, the invincible Spanish Armada was destroyed by the English. Now, Spain is just a weak and feeble camel. Otherwise, why would it be begging those rude English pirates?

……

Since learning about the general situation in Taiwan, Chi Hung-hai has been thinking about this precious land day and night. Although he can't have it, one must always have something to look forward to.

As the sea breeze blew, I thought about what Liu Qingjiang had said a few days ago, and the matter proposed by the Dutch envoy.

Letting the wolf into the house?

I insist that you Dutch people do this willingly!