Global colonization began with Ming Dynasty pirates.

Of all trades related to the Ming Dynasty, the raw silk trade was the most popular. Moreover, only the Ming Dynasty had the goods, making it a clear seller's market.

The profit margin for raw silk was extremely high. In the Ming Dynasty, a load of ordinary raw silk cost only about 60 taels of silver, but when sold in Japan, it could fetch over 150 taels, a profit of more than double. For top-grade raw silk, the profit was even higher.

After taking control of all the Fujianese sailors, Lin Chengfeng couldn't wait to rush down to the cabins to inspect the ship.

According to Lin Chengfeng's rough estimate, there were at least 300 dan of raw silk on the ship. Even at the lowest purchase price of 60 taels, it was worth 18,000 taels. If it could be sold in Japan, the value of that raw silk would instantly exceed 45,000 taels.

However, judging from the ship owner's southward voyage, it seems likely that the ship is heading to Macau or Manila for sale. If it's only heading to Macau, then the profit will be significantly reduced.

However, this was none of Lin Chengfeng's business. After seizing the supplies, the merchant group would handle them. They naturally knew better than Lin Chengfeng how to sell them at a high price.

After Lin Chengfeng told all the sailors the estimated price of the ship, they were immediately greeted with cheers.

It should be noted that, according to the rules of the Four Seas Gang, 30% of the profits from each robbery must be used as rewards.

Although this 10% figure deducts all expenses, such as ammunition costs, ship maintenance fees, and the cost of various supplies, and is calculated at local prices, it still amounts to nearly four thousand taels of silver. Even though the three ships together carry around 200 people, and the captains and leaders each take the lion's share, even the most ordinary crew member would still receive more than ten taels. And this was just for one interception.

However, Lin Chengfeng didn't have time to slowly move the supplies. He immediately ordered several men to control the sailors on the ship, and then the Flying Dragon 3 escorted the Fujian ship to the water fortress.

As for the sailors on the ship, Lin Chengfeng did not make things difficult for them. Instead, he lowered two sampans and let the remaining sailors row to the shore on their own.

As for the other two ships, under Lin Chengfeng's orders, they continued to pursue the two ships that had been there before, heading south.

Lin Chengfeng assessed the positions of the two ships and then ordered a pursuit of the Fujian ship.

So much time has passed; given the speed of that bird-shaped ship, even with their speed advantage, it would be difficult for them to catch up. But the other Fujian ship isn't that fast; if they try their best in that direction, they might still be able to find it.

After successfully plundering a ship, all the sailors were in high spirits. They obeyed Lin Chengfeng's every command with utmost enthusiasm, maneuvering the ship quickly and skillfully, and continuously searching towards their target.

But perseverance pays off. After half an hour of searching, they actually found the Fujian ship. They were incredibly lucky.

However, in reality, our speed was too fast. We finished the initial battle quickly, and our pursuit speed was even faster. That's why we spotted the enemy in the distance not long after we set off.

Upon seeing the two ships of the Four Seas Gang charging towards them like sharks smelling fish, the captain of the Fujian ship felt a chill run down his spine: "It's over, it's over! They came so quickly. Those two guys are useless; couldn't they even hold them off for a moment?"

At this moment, the two single-masted sailing ships were traveling at a speed of nearly 12 knots, while the Fujian ship, even with all its might, could only manage 7 knots. In just a short while, the two ships were already close in distance.

A moment later, Lin Chengfeng's sailing ship was level with the enemy's, all the gun ports were open, and the cannons were ready to fire at any time.

Just then, the other ship suddenly lowered its sails and slowed down, then raised a white flag.

"Cease fire and remain on guard. Shuanzhu, take the small boat and men up there. Take control of their ship first." Unlike the previous direct approach, Lin Chengfeng dared not approach the ship recklessly before the enemy's fighting strength was broken. Otherwise, if the enemy pretended to surrender and fired a few shots at him while he was getting close, the losses would be devastating.

However, this time the enemy's surrender was genuine. Moments later, Chen Shuanzhu, who was the first to land, waved a flag to confirm that the ship was safe.

As Lin Chengfeng landed, the ship's owner immediately knelt on the ground and kowtowed to Lin Chengfeng, pleading, "Hero, spare my life!"

Lin Chengfeng looked at the other person with interest: "What's your name? You seem to know me."

The moment the other ship saw them, it abandoned its crew and fled. Then, as they approached, it immediately raised a white flag and surrendered. This didn't seem like the behavior of people who frequently traveled at sea.

"I am Chen Lang, and I do not know the name of this leader. But I recognize this flag. In the entire Fuzhou sea area, who does not know that your gang has destroyed Li Jiu and taken his place? I was fortunate enough to witness your gang defeating Li Jiu's fleet with a smaller force near Dalian Island, so I dare not oppose your gang. I beg this leader to show mercy." The man lay on the ground, resting his head deeply on the deck.

Hearing this, Lin Chengfeng felt a slight surge of pride, as it meant he was beginning to gain some renown. Therefore, he replied casually, "You do have some knowledge. Are you the owner of this ship?"

"I dare not claim to be the ship's owner. I am merely the ship's steward, responsible for running the ship for my master at sea," the man continued, still lying down.

Under the Ming Dynasty's maritime ban policy, there were generally two types of people who engaged in maritime trade.

The first type is small, humble families, just like the Lin family before. In these families, the main members or even the head of the family personally sail out to sea, relying on this kind of risky attitude to earn enough money to start a business.

Another type is wealthy families, who typically send their servants out to trade, rarely venturing into business themselves. Since they have control over the family, they aren't afraid of rebellion.

Chen Lang was the latter. Although losing the cargo on the ship would mean a severe punishment upon his return, it was still much better than losing his life.

"You're very sensible." Lin Chengfeng nodded with a smile, then pulled him up from the ground and pointed to the flags on his two ships.

"Since you recognize our Four Seas Gang's flag, listen carefully. From now on, stop whenever you encounter one of our Four Seas Gang's ships. As long as each ship pays a thousand taels, we won't make things difficult for you. In addition, if you can purchase insurance in advance, we will guarantee your safety from Fu Ning Interface to Dalian Island."

When Lin Chengfeng helped him up, Chen Lang was still trembling, but after hearing Lin Chengfeng's words, he stared at him with wide eyes.

Did he hear that right? Just 1000 taels to get through customs? Don't they want the cargo on this ship? You know, while the cargo on his ship isn't as valuable as the previous Fujianese ship, it's still worth over 10,000 taels. Is the other party simply uninterested, or completely unaware?

And what does it mean that paying in advance guarantees safety?

Although his fear hadn't subsided, his businessman's instincts led him to ask, "Sir, what do you mean by 'paying in advance to guarantee safety'? How is that guaranteed?"

Lin Chengfeng chuckled and patted the other man on the shoulder: "How can I guarantee it? You just need to go to Dongluo Island in the south and pay a fee for your ship's insurance, and you'll receive a flag. The next time you sail in these waters, we won't levy any taxes on you. Moreover, if other pirates hijack your ship, we'll compensate you in full."

"Such a good thing!" Chen Lang's eyes widened in disbelief.

But then he asked, puzzled, "When other pirates hijack our ships, you pay them in full. Doesn't that mean you're losing money? Who does business at a loss?"

"Hehe." Lin Chengfeng chuckled, then revealed a cruel smile. "In the waters between Fu Ning and Dalian Island, if anyone hijacks your ship, just report it to us. We will compensate you for your losses, and as for our losses, that will naturally be the responsibility of the pirates who hijacked your ship."

To successfully collect protection money, the most important thing is to eliminate all competitors.

However, going directly to their door to remove it is clearly not in accordance with morality.

Since that's the case, we need to find a reasonable excuse. And if the other party dares to rob the Four Seas Gang's clients, then we will naturally have a legitimate reason to act.

I believe that once this happens a few more times, there will be no second voice in this sea area that spans more than 200 kilometers from north to south.