Late Ming Dynasty: The Counterattack Begins with Sea Pirates

In the spring of 41, Tainan was full of vitality, and the evergreen plants were even greener at this time.

When the first spring breeze reached Zeelandia, it sounded the alarm bells on the towers.

Everyone in the city gathered together, and Governor Hans stood on a high place to give his final speech before the expedition.

As for the specifics of what was said, Liu Qingjiang, who was present, couldn't understand it. He didn't understand Dutch, but he could roughly guess what Hans meant. It was nothing more than those few words before the big battle, about driving the Spanish away.

After the pre-war mobilization was completed, the Dutch used horses to pull cannons out of Fort Zeelandia.

However, Liu Qingjiang's unit was not taken away by Hans at this crucial moment.

From Hans's perspective, these men were originally expected to provide defensive support, but now that the Spanish are on their last legs, there's no need to risk their lives.

A life could cost the Guangzhou government a lot of money. What couldn't they have done with that money?

However, Hans did not leave all of Liu Qingjiang's men in Zeelandia. After all, he needed to send some men out of the city. Although they were allies, he could not be too careful.

He divided Liu Qingjiang's forces into two parts: one part, led by Liu Qingjiang, was stationed in Fort Zeelandia, and the other part was led by Liu Qingjiang's subordinates to Chikan City.

Liu Qingjiang, whose numbers were already small, was divided into two parts, so even if you wanted to cause trouble or rebel, you would be willing but unable to do so.

And so, Governor Hans, with his men, set off triumphantly toward the Keelung area, ready to celebrate his greatest victory since arriving in the East. This success would surely pave a great path for his career and provide him with a key to his financial future.

Watching Hans's troops depart into the distance, Liu Qingjiang felt somewhat impatient inside Fort Zeelandia.

His brothers, seeing Liu Qingjiang's anxious appearance in the room, felt something was amiss. He was about to return to Hong Kong Island, and had already eaten and drunk his fill and received a considerable amount of reward money. What could he possibly be unhappy about? What could possibly make Brother Liu look like this?

The younger brother leaned closer and said, "Big brother, we're going back soon, why don't you seem happy at all?"

Liu Qingjiang turned to look at his underlings inside the house, his face calm but filled with murderous intent: "There's no going back."

Everyone was shocked!

What? We can't go back?

"Brother, you're not making fun of the brothers, are you? How come we can't go back? Everyone's doing just fine, aren't they?"

Liu Qingjiang sneered, raised his head slightly towards the outside, and repeated his words again: "There's no going back."

Everyone looked outside: "Brother? Could it be that these red-haired barbarians are going to kill us? No wonder they wanted to split our brothers in two! I'll lead my men and fight them right now!"

"Come back!" Liu Qingjiang shouted in a low voice.

"We can't go back because we don't need to," Liu Qingjiang continued to explain.

Everyone was confused and didn't understand what Brother Liu meant by those words.

He held out his hand, gesturing for everyone to close the door and come closer to him.

"Before the master came, he instructed me to prepare to retake Taiwan at this time."

"Retake Taiwan!?"

"?"

The people inside the room were so startled that they leaned back, staring at each other.

Retake Taiwan? How can a few of us take back Taiwan? Isn't that just suicide?

"Brother, is this really the master's order? How are we supposed to fight the Dutch? Isn't that just suicide?"

"At this time, the master should be on his way."

"What? But brother, since we came here, apart from the time the master came to reward us near the New Year, we haven't had any chance to contact him. How did the master know about this? Are you really so sure the master has already come?"

"Yes, brother, this happened after the master returned. We had no way of letting him know what was going on on the island. Are you really that sure?"

Liu Qingjiang stood up, glanced around the room, and said calmly, "The reason the master is the master is because he has abilities that ordinary people cannot match. Even if we cannot give him the news, the master will definitely know about it. What we need to do is prepare to take action. You've been on the island for so long that you can't even trust the master anymore?"

Everyone fell silent.

Who wouldn't believe Master Chi? Without Master Chi, would they be where they are today? Their lives were given to them by Master Chi. Even if he were to kill them today, it would only be a life for a life in return.

"Brother, since this is the master's order, what do you suggest we brothers do now?"

"Tell the brothers to get their weapons ready, send men to find out as much as possible about the situation in the city, and the rest of you should not scatter."

"What's next, brother?"

"Wait...wait for the master to come."

……

Hong Kong Island, where the spring breeze is warm and gentle.

"Gentlemen, Taiwan has long been occupied by the Dutch. Today, a momentous opportunity has arrived! We must lead our people to reclaim Taiwan!"

"You have been with me for a long time and know that the court is corrupt and the officials and soldiers are deceitful! Hong Kong Island is only a temporary place to stay. If you want to have peace for a lifetime, you must take Taiwan! Then we can reclaim wasteland, build ships and cities, and have enough to eat and wear! We will no longer suffer for survival or worry about staying alive! The deaths of our family members and brothers in the past are all opportunities for today and blessings for tomorrow."

"Gentlemen, since you are willing to follow me, Chi Honghai, I will surely lead everyone on the island to create a new world!"

The people on the island knelt in obedience, saying, "Without Master Chi, there would be no such day. Master Chi's desperate struggle is still for the sake of the people on this island! We shall follow you!"

However, unlike the others, the Dutch on the island were placed under house arrest and forbidden from making any moves.

In addition to the island's natives, some Englishmen were also responsible for guarding the prisoners.

For the first time, the Tianquan ferry proactively docked in front of Hong Kong Island from the corner.

The massive masts and hull could almost form a huge shaded area.

Everyone on the island, upon seeing this colossal vessel, was filled with awe at its sheer size, which added to their confidence and spirit in anticipation of what was about to unfold.

Chi Honghai led all his men and some trained refugees onto their respective ships.

Chi Honghai climbed onto the deck again, enjoying the spring breeze, looking at everything on the island, the ships below, and the distant direction of Fort Zeelandia.

His excitement made his body tremble slightly.

On this voyage, as the leader, he carried a sword at his waist for the first time, instead of just a short musket as usual.

He gripped the hilt of the sword on his left, listening to the rustling of his robes in the wind.

After taking a deep breath, he forcefully drew the sword from his waist.

With a crisp, clean "whoosh," it was a perfect sound.

Pointing in the direction of Zeelandia.

"Weigh anchor! Raise the sails!"