Shuangyu Island.

The island was filled with a tense atmosphere before the war.

The spies of Franc found out that the Ming army was about to launch a fierce attack on Shuangyu Island. Unlike the previous few times, this time the Ming army mobilized many large lucky ships, large ships, strong ships, and powerful guns. The combat effectiveness was very impressive.

There are more than 1,000 Franchise soldiers on Shuangyu Island and several artillery guns. The terrain of Shuangyu Island is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Under normal circumstances, Franchise people can defend it.

But there are not only Franji people, but also Ming people and Japanese pirates on Shuangyu Island.

On weekdays, these forces do not interfere with the rivers and are at peace.

But it was a turbulent moment, and both sides were careful, fearing that their interests on Shuangyu Island would be violated by each other.

There is no law on the island, and whoever has a hard fist will be tough.

On the contrary, the weak side can only swallow their anger and let others slap them.

As the largest smuggling port in the southeast of the Ming Dynasty, ships of all sizes were docked in Shuangyu Port. However, the port has been closed at this moment, and no ship is allowed to leave the port without the order of Governor Franchise.

Because the nobles on the island received news, the Ming army and the spies on the island should work together to control the port.

As for who is a spy, it is easy to distinguish.

Both Japanese and Ming people are possible.

In short, just in case the port is the safest way.

This will cut off the connection between the Ming army and Shuangyu Island and focus on defending it.

Even if the Ming army had strong ships and sharp guns, they would not have any good solutions to face tight defense.

The only regret is that it is impossible to go to sea during this period, and all parties on the island will lose some of their benefits.

But it's worth it in the long run.

But Xu Dong doesn't think so.

As the largest maritime businessman and pirate in Fujian and Zhejiang, he felt that he was targeted by Franchise.

It seemed that Franji people believed that he was a traitor and were always wary of him and his subordinates.

All signs show that conflicts and even fires may break out at any time.

Of course, Xu Dong would not sit still and wait for death. He summoned his adopted son Xu Chaoguang and his confidant Wang Zhi to discuss countermeasures.

Xu Dong’s residence is an independent two-story bamboo building located on the northern foot of Shuangyu Island.

Open the window and you can see the entire port.

The bitter sea breeze blew in, and it hurt like a knife cutting flesh on my face.

However, Xu Dong enjoyed this because the pain could keep him awake.

"Caoguang, what do you think?"

Xu Chaoguang was originally the son of Xie's family in the Putu City, Xiawai, Haiyang County. Xu Dong killed his father and captured his mother when he robbed the coast. At that time, Xu Dong had no son, so he adopted Xu Chaoguang as his son.

Because Xu Chaoguang was still young, he did not have a deep impression of this memory and followed Xu Dong across the sea.

"Father, according to the child's opinion, the red-haired ghosts have long disliked us. This time they just made an excuse and hoped to eradicate us in one fell swoop. We cannot sit still and wait for death, we must seize the opportunity."

Xu Dong did not make a sound, but looked at Wang Zhi.

Wang Zhi is Xu Dong's fellow countryman.

Both of them are from She County, Huizhou Prefecture. Wang still achieved nothing until he was in his thirties. He became ruthless and joined the pirate team of his fellow villager Xu Dong and started a smuggling business.

Because of his ruthlessness, Wang Zhi quickly gained the trust of Xu Dong and soon became Xu Dong's confidant.

There are many people in their team, and there are very few Japanese ronin, which is very different from other pirates.

"The boss, it seems unusual to me. This news came from the Ming army when it was about to attack the island, which seemed to be a disturbing military morale."

Wang Zhi paused and said, "Franji people entered Shuangyu mainly because they used it as a transit point and a place to settle down, so they have been engaged in triangular trade between Hirado Island, Fujian and Zhejiang, and Manlacia for a long time."

"They partnered with Japanese and Fujian-Zhejiang private merchants to sell pepper, spices and other goods from Manraghaga and other places, exchanged silk and cotton cloth with local merchants in Shuangyu, and then shipped them to Hirado Island, Japan for sale, exchange for silver, and then used to purchase the cargo for the next voyage."

"In other words, if the Franji people want to continue their business, they can neither offend Fujian, Zhejiang and Japanese, nor offend Japanese. Otherwise, what is the significance of his occupying Shuangyu?"

Wang Zhi's words completely awakened Xu Dong.

Yes, what Franchise people do is not a one-time transaction, but a long-term trade.

If he offended the Fujian-Zhejiang maritime businessman, he would not be able to continue his business with any Japanese side.

"Ji Tian, ​​what do you say about Shinshiro?"

These two people are the Japanese leaders on Shuangyu Island, and basically all the Japanese ronin on Shuangyu Island listen to them.

Even if Xu Dong really wants to take action, he must unite with the Japanese, otherwise his subordinates alone will not be enough to shake the status of the Red-haired Ghost of Franji.

"Entertainment Father, there is no movement on the Japanese side yet."

Xu Chaoguang paused.

"But my son has sent people there to inquire. He will come back and report it immediately when there is any news."

Xu Dong nodded.

He didn't want to turn against Franchise before he had no choice.

Because even if he successfully seized control of Shuangyu Island, he would suffer heavy losses.

In this case, the Ming army is likely to take advantage of the situation and get a bargain.

Xu Dong did not intend to give up Shuangyu until he had no choice. He has a deep foundation in operating here for many years. It would not be so easy to start over if he changed his place.

"Five Feng, you'd better go there in person to find out their words. You have to snatch them before Li Baitou."

Li Guangtou, whom Xu Dong mentioned, is from Fuzhou and is another force on Shuangyu Island after the Xu pirates.

Compared with the Xu family Huizhou faction, Li Guangtou's Fujian faction was much more low-key. But Xu Dong was still afraid that they would have some plans.

As for Wang Zhi who had taken a boat to Japan three years ago, he called himself the owner of Wufeng, and was welcomed by the local vassal lord Takanobu Matsuura. Takanobu Matsuura was very much hoping to trade with the Ming Dynasty, but because of the "Ningbo Tribute Competition" incident, the Ming Dynasty court ordered Japan to explore the trade for ten years, with three ships and hundreds of people, and it was prohibited to bring weapons.

Since this incident, the Ouchi family monopolized the kameng trade and sent the last two dispatch ships, but each time they were strictly restricted.

In this case, Takanobu Matsuura from Hirado Island had no choice but to choose to smuggle. Shuangyu Island is a very suitable place for trading.

There is a hill more than 200 meters high on both sides of Shuangyu Island. There is an open space with a width of more than 40 miles between the two mountains, which is used for cargo distribution. A river running north and south passes through the island, making it very convenient for ships to enter the port.

All goods transactions are carried out on the island and there is no need to go ashore at all.

He sent someone to Shuangyu with Wang Zhi for investigation. After the Japanese arrived at Shuangyu, they were very satisfied and reported the local situation to the vassal lords, and the cooperation was successfully negotiated.

Ji Tian and Shinshiro were both confidants sent by Takanobu Matsuura. They had a good personal relationship with Wang Zhi, so Xu Dong hoped that Wang Zhi would go there in person.

...

...The Great Way of Heavens
Chapter completed!