Late Ming Dynasty: The Counterattack Begins with Sea Pirates

The other party hesitated, saying that while they might think Chi Honghai was a conman who was trying to scam firearms, they were more concerned about how difficult the matter was to resolve.

Firearms and even cannons need a place to be stored. Obviously, the English did not store them in Macau. The nearest place would be across the Strait of Malacca to India.

The sailing distance is not far by modern standards, and it was acceptable for the English who sailed all year round at that time. However, the preparation and preparation time for the round trip would take some time, and there was a fear that they would miss out on the opportunity.

Seeing the other party's furrowed brows and the expression of having something difficult to say, Chi Honghai seemed to remember that the English had not yet occupied Malacca at this time, otherwise they would not have been so eager to bombard Humen.

"Your Excellency, please rest assured. Recovering Taiwan is not a major event for the court, but it is not a minor one either. Military strategists always plan for the long term, and there will be no rush to take action within the next six months. Although your location is relatively far away, you should still be able to make it in time if you hurry."

"Rest assured, I will inform my superiors about this matter and submit a letter to His Majesty. His Majesty will then know the sincerity of your country and will surely find that you are fully capable of becoming a partner of our Great Ming Dynasty."

Upon hearing Chi Honghai's words, the Englishman's expression relaxed, and he smiled as he looked at the court official before him.

Although it was unclear what official position he held, there was a limit to how low one's rank could be, even if it was the lowest.

"With your words, sir, I feel much more at ease. I will go back and immediately tell the governor of the East India Company that we will definitely help with this matter."

"I just don't know, once everything is ready, will these military supplies be sent directly to Guangzhou Prefecture?"

Upon hearing that these military supplies were to be sent to Guangzhou Prefecture, Chi Honghai's mood immediately changed, but he couldn't let his inner turmoil show on his face.

"No."

"Is that not allowed, sir? Aren't you an official under the Guangzhou Prefecture?" The Englishman was taken aback. He knew that although this matter would benefit him, whoever made the recommendation would naturally receive a reward. Now that he was an official under the Guangzhou Prefecture, how could he not allow the military supplies to be transported directly to Guangzhou Prefecture?

"Of course not. The task of attacking Taiwan is not handled by the Guangzhou Prefecture; it falls to the Fujian Prefecture."

"According to you, sir, this credit that should have belonged to you is being given away to someone else for nothing?"

Chi Honghai waved his hand: "Hey, that's not right. Whether it's Guangzhou Prefecture or Fujian Prefecture, it's all land of our Great Ming Dynasty, and we're all officials of our Great Ming Dynasty. Whether we do a lot or a little, we're all working for the Emperor. Why are you picking and choosing between big and small merits?"

Even Chi Honghai himself didn't believe these words, let alone that they could be kept from the English. The two men understood each other implicitly, gave an awkward smile, and both acknowledged the polite remark.

"However, these military supplies cannot be sent directly to Fujian Prefecture."

"Uh? My lord, I don't quite understand what you mean. If the military supplies aren't being sent to Guangzhou Prefecture, or Fujian Prefecture, then where else can they be sent?"

"If we can't send them to Fujian Prefecture, it's simple. Think carefully: if your ships are carrying these military supplies to Fujian Prefecture, where are they headed?"

"Of course, we'll head towards the southeast sea area."

Which road?

"Proceed along the Taiwan Strait."

"Has Your Excellency considered that your journey along the Taiwan Strait into Fujian Prefecture might not escape the notice of the Dutch? At that time, all the ships will be Western-style cargo ships flying your flag. What if they are intercepted and killed?"

"You should know that not long ago, I was the one who salvaged an inscription from your three ships, which is how we got a trace of them."

At this point, the Englishman gritted his teeth and said, "You're right, these damned beggars, that's all they're good for! We'll have to deal with them one day."

"Don't get excited, don't get excited. The Ming Dynasty will take care of these stinking beggars for you. However, this batch of military supplies cannot be sent to Fujian Prefecture like this. If it is discovered or even intercepted, it will not only be a loss for you, but also not a good thing for us."

The Englishman composed himself: "Then tell me, where should these supplies be sent?"

"What's the fastest you can expect to arrive?"

"Return to the East India Company to prepare military supplies, then come back here..."

"What's wrong?"

"It might be a bit slower. Malacca is currently in Dutch hands, so we can't just squeeze it in directly. We'll have to transport it from somewhere else."

That makes sense. The fastest route from India to China is through Malacca, but Malacca is not currently in English hands, but in Dutch hands.

Although the two countries are not at war, they can still do things secretly and create some minor frictions.

Crossing the Straits into Malacca is not so easy. If you go back from the east, you can pay to cross, but you won't make money from the goods. Making a toll is good enough.

But if it comes from the other side, it's not as simple as just paying money, especially if you're carrying several ships' worth of cargo.

Even if they did spend money on you, the Dutch would still be making money off you.

A toll fee, and a robbery.

But this is your problem, not mine. There are always more solutions than problems. Why are you complaining to me?

Do you think I can just say a few words to the Dutch and let you come and go as you please?

Even if it were Chen Qian himself, let alone himself, he wouldn't have that much face.

"I really can't help with this. I can only ask you to think of a solution as soon as possible. If His Majesty attacks Taiwan ahead of schedule, there's nothing I can do to stop him."

The other party affirmed Chi Honghai's statement and assured him that it would take at most six months.

As for the location, it was set in Hong Kong Island. Chi Honghai didn't press the issue and directly set the meeting time for March of next year, at which time he would send the silver and firearms directly to the vicinity of Hong Kong Island.

If we want a good harvest, let it be a great harvest. In March, Chen Qian will offer tribute, and the English will also send gifts.

Eight hundred thousand taels of silver, plus a ship full of firearms, is enough, more than enough.

Both parties reached an agreement, signed the contract, and the meeting ended amicably.

The English wouldn't have easily believed these things, but mainly, they were too hateful and too envious.

They might not be able to seize this territory now, and they don't have any good ways to do business normally. When have they ever suffered such a setback at sea?

Naturally, I'm not happy for others to have a good life; if anyone's going to have one, it's me.

For some time afterward, the English East India Company was very busy.

While busy fulfilling the agreement with the Spanish, they were also busy preparing military supplies and redrawing flight routes.

Time flies, and even with a hurried pace, it's already January of 39.

The cold at the end of winter wasn't too severe, especially since this was in the south, and according to high school geography, this was at least a tropical climate.

Chi Honghai was also waiting in a greenhouse on Hong Kong Island. During the Little Ice Age, you were cold, and I was warm.

But soon, a piece of news made his body, which was still a little chilly when he went out, even more excited.