The war that took place on the island of West Java not only involved Beihai Town, the Dutch East India Company and various sultanates, but also the large and small forces on the Malay Peninsula were paying close attention.
Since the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese and the Dutch have successively invaded Southeast Asia and colonized the entire economic circle around Malacca. The political struggle that lasted for more than 200 years has caused the originally unified Malay Peninsula to be divided into many small states.
Kedah, Kelantan, and Dinga Nu in the north were controlled by the emerging Chakri Dynasty of Siam; although Perak was an independent state, it was often attacked by Kedah from the north and Selangor by the Bugis from the south; Selangor is an independent state of the Bugis people; further to the south is a loose federation of small states of the Minangkabau people. They govern their own affairs and are not controlled by the Kingdom of Johor. Although Pahang is part of the Kingdom of Johor, it is controlled by Pandaha. The rule of the Luo Kingdom was increasingly separated from the control of Johor; the Sultan of Johor was driven to the Liene Islands by the Dutch and Acehnese, and engaged in piracy with the encouragement of Sultan Mahmud. His jurisdiction over the mainland area was in name only, and he actually died. Meng Gong rules.
Each princely state is a world of its own, and most of their settlements are built along a main river. The so-called capital is almost the same as a village community, except for a few sultan's palaces and mosques. These villages and towns will be located near the mouth of the river. The rulers used the terrain of the river to control the entry and exit of their subjects, organize defense against foreign enemies, and collect toll taxes and import and export taxes.
In another time and space in history, this divisive situation created by the Portuguese and Dutch served as a wedding dress for the British. When the VOC collapsed, the British in Penang quickly seized Malacca and Temasek, thereby controlling the main sea lanes for east-west trade.
In this two-hundred-year chaos, the Chinese are not conspicuous. First of all, the Fujian and Guangdong Chinese, who are divided into groups by region, are inherently closed and exclusive. In the 18th century, immigrants to Southeast Asia began to engage in tin mining and farming. They planted pepper in Terengganu and betel nut in Li Nei to produce betel nut paste. During the Bacheng Massacre more than fifty years ago, a large number of Fujian and Guangdong immigrants fled from Java to the Malay Peninsula. Today, the total number of Chinese in various places on the Malay Peninsula is almost hundreds of thousands.
July 4, 1793, Malacca City, three o'clock in the afternoon.
22-year-old Zeng Youliang was wearing a bamboo cloth gown. After coming out of the Governor's Palace on the west bank of the Malacca River, he hurried across the suspension bridge and went straight to Chinatown on the east bank. When I met someone I knew well on the way, I just nodded and passed by. When he came to a temple with upturned eaves, he saw the four characters "Fei Lai from the South China Sea" written on the mountain gate, and a dragon was carved on both sides of the gate. Among the white walls and red tiles, various mythological and animal statues are piled on the swallow-tail-shaped eaves, shining and gorgeous in the sun.
Here is Cheng Hoon Pavilion, a Chinese Buddhist temple that plays the role of a "political and religious complex" in the city of Malacca. It is also the earliest ashram in Southeast Asia where Chinese monks were stationed in Xi. It is also the first recorded Guanyin in the history of Malaya. Dojo. The main building in the temple is all made of nanmu, and the inside and outside are painted with raw lacquer, shiny black and red. Among them, the main hall is dedicated to Guanyin Bodhisattva, the left altar is dedicated to Mazu, and the right altar is dedicated to Guan Gong. Behind the main hall is the court hall where the Chinese Kapitan has his office.
In 1673, the first Chinese Kapitan in Malacca City, Zheng Fangyang, and his successor Kapitan Lee Weijing jointly planned to build this temple. Over the past 120 years, Cheng Hoon Teng has become the center for Nanyang Chinese to maintain the Chinese Guanyin belief by virtue of its hub advantage of Malacca City.
As for why a Buddhist temple is called "Ting" instead of "Temple", it is mainly related to the two Chinese Kapitan who planned to build it at that time. At that time, most of the Chinese residents in Malacca City were engaged in maritime trade and local business. In their view, if a person became rich through business, it would be like rising to the sky.
What's interesting is that even though this is a Buddhist temple, every year during the Waking of Insects, a special ceremony of "beating the villain" is held.
Zeng Youliang entered the mountain gate, first bowed to the Guanyin statue at the entrance of the main hall, and then went around to the court hall at the back. When I walked in, I saw Kapitan Chen Qihou, Lei Zhenlan Cai Shizhang, and Chen Qihou's younger brother Chen Yi talking.
"Mr. Dexin, something big happened!"
45-year-old Chen Qihou said without raising his head: "Cheng Xiang is here. What happened? Tell us."
"The navy under King Zhao of Beihai Town defeated the Dutch fleet at Thousand Islands north of Bacheng five days ago. Sixteen warships were either sunk or captured!"
"Are you serious?!" The three people in the room were shocked when they heard this. Chen Qihou looked up at Zeng Youliang in astonishment. The ink on the brush in his hand dripped onto the file, staining a large area black.
"Ouch!" Cai Shizhang, with sharp eyes on the side, hurriedly stepped forward to wipe it with rice paper.
"It's absolutely true. I just went to the Governor's Mansion to deliver the deed, and passed by the door of the Governor's apartment. His door was not closed tightly, and he was yelling angrily to the commander of the city defense. Many people heard it!"
After Zeng Youliang finished speaking, he said pointedly: "Mr. Dexin, it seems that the Dutch are going to be doomed, so we should make plans early."
The second eldest among the three, 42-year-old Cai Shizhang raised his hand to stop Zeng Youliang. He walked outside the house and said to a guard standing in the corridor: "Ah Shui, go and guard the door. If anyone comes, , let him wait first."
After his men left, Cai Shizhang turned around and said: "Cheng Xiang, it's too early for you to say this. What is this loss to the Dutch? It's just a drop in the bucket! They have hundreds of big ships in the entire Southeast Asia! Besides, Yes, you also saw it when the Dutch troop transport passed by a few days ago, it was not a few thousand people, but tens of thousands of people!"
Chen Qihou stroked his beard and thought for a while, then asked Zeng Youliang, "Cheng Xiang, who else have you told this to?"
"I didn't tell anyone else, I came straight out of the city hall and went straight here."
Cai Shizhang waved his hand and said: "Okay, keep this matter in your stomach and don't talk about it everywhere. As the saying goes, having big feet and wearing big shoes is not something we can get involved in."
Chen Yi on the side also helped: "Yes! If you don't know, nothing will happen. Cheng Xiang, you are still young. Victory and defeat have been commonplace for military strategists since ancient times. It is just a naval battle. Even if King Zhao has several large iron ships, Is it possible to compare with the Dutch fleet with its sails and oars like clouds?"
Zeng Youliang was originally in high spirits, but he was hit by two men with guns and sticks. He felt quite unhappy, so he retorted: "I can't stand the way the Dutch are arrogant all day long. In my opinion, they are like this It’s going to be a big fall for sure this time.”
Although Cai Shizhang was dissatisfied, Zeng Youliang's father was also the former Kapitan, and he always wanted to save face when he spoke, so he continued to persuade: "Cheng Xiang, no matter how much trouble there is in Java, it is none of our business. Even if Beihai Town wins, I think maybe both sides will suffer losses. The King of Zhao won easily last time, but he just caught the Dutch by surprise. This time they brought tens of thousands of troops to take revenge. I don’t think there will be a year or a half without a clear winner. .”
Zeng Youliang was silent after hearing this, and for a while he didn't know how to refute. At this time, I heard the voice of the officer Ah Shui coming from outside: "Sir! The Governor's Mansion sent someone to send a message, asking the two gentlemen to go to the Governor's Mansion to discuss anything."
Chen Qihou said in a deep voice: "What's the matter?"
"The man didn't say anything, he just asked the two gentlemen to come over as soon as possible."
"Ask him to sit down in the concierge, and we'll be there right away."
Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang looked at each other in surprise, thinking that they were still allowed to go to the Governor's Mansion at this hour. It seemed that something serious had happened. The two of them did not dare to neglect, so they went to the next door to change their clothes, went out, got on the sedan chair, and left with the people from the Governor's Mansion.
The Governor's Palace of Malacca City is inside the Malacca Castle, and the castle is located under St. Paul's Hill on the left bank of the Malacca River, facing the sea. This castle was built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and expanded after the Dutch took over. The entire castle has a circumference of 1,400 yards, six towers equipped with cannons, four gates, and a trench leading to the strait. Nowadays, only VOC employees and Dutch free citizens are allowed to live in the castle. Every time after dark, the suspension bridge will be put away by soldiers and no one is allowed to approach.
Chen and Cai hurriedly followed the people from the Governor's Palace across the suspension bridge. After a brief interrogation by the guards, they soon met Abraham Kupelus, the VOC Governor stationed in Malacca.
During the era when the Dutch ruled Southeast Asia, Malacca was just a county under the management of Batavia, and all military and political affairs were controlled by Batavia. After Beihai Town captured Ba City, Malacca City became more important because it guarded the strait, so it was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Governor-General of Ceylon.
Kupelus's expression was ugly. He raised his hand to pick up a letter and said in a deep voice: "Take a look. Someone sent this this evening. It is of great importance. I ask you to keep it secret after reading it." It cannot be leaked to outsiders.”
"Please rest assured, Governor-General, both of us are citizens who have lived in Malacca City for a long time, and we are also serving the Governor-General's office when we take up court duties."
Although Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang were surprised, they quickly made their guarantees. After hearing this, Kupelus handed over the letter. Chen Qihou opened it and saw that it was actually written in Chinese. When I looked up again, my heart suddenly skipped a beat.
"Commander of the Second Squadron of the Northern Navy, Guo Xuexian, is telling the Governor of Malacca, His Excellency Abraham Kupeles: Your fleet in the Java Sea has been annihilated by us, and more than a thousand officers and soldiers from Major General Kabien on down have become prisoners. You are here The ground offensive on Java Island has also been defeated by our side one after another. At present, the remaining defeated troops have fled to Silang and Wandong.
On behalf of the North Korean Navy, I issue an ultimatum to you, requiring you to hand over the city of Malacca within 24 hours. All the defenders will lay down their weapons and leave the city to surrender. At that time, we will ensure the safety of the people in the city. If not, our fleet will launch an artillery attack on the Malacca Castle, don’t say it was unexpected! July 4, 1793, 13:28 pm. "
After Chen Qihou read the letter, he was stunned. Cai Shizhang next to him waited for him to finish reading, then took it over and took a look, and he was also confused. This is clearly a letter of surrender! The content inside is just one sentence, giving you 24 hours to surrender unconditionally. If you don’t agree, we will fire!
"When did this letter arrive?"
"Three hours ago."
It turned out that in the afternoon, a sloop carrying the flag of the Sultan of Johor sailed into the Malacca River from the open sea. As soon as the ship's Malay captain docked, he found the captain of the guard at the port and said that there was a letter from the Northern Navy. It needs to be handed over to the Governor immediately. When the guard captain heard that it was a letter from the Northern Navy, he hurriedly took the captain into the castle. After receiving the letter, Kupelles opened it and found that it was written in Chinese. After asking the translator to translate it, he knew something was wrong and immediately asked his men to summon Chen and Cai.
"It has been 15 years since I was appointed by the company to serve as the governor of Malacca City. I have always treated the Chinese equally and lived in harmony with each other. Of course, I have also done a lot to deal with some of the company's unreasonable systems. , but it is also powerless on certain things. If this crisis can be overcome, I will assign more tax package projects to you."
The tone of Kupelus's words completely lost his usual bossy and condescending attitude, which made Chen and Cai feel proud in their hearts.
It is said that since the VOC colonized Southeast Asia in the early 16th century, had it not been for the participation of a large number of Chinese laborers, the Dutch alone would not have been able to carry out large-scale urban construction, making places such as Malacca and Batavia picturesque.
However, what followed was that thousands of immigrants were coaxed into plantations and mines in Java and Malaya, where they worked like slaves. Poor working conditions left many people severely malnourished, and those who could not endure it were often whipped to death. In the view of the Dutch, Chinese workers are to blame for such treatment, because they are originally pariahs in their own country.
Since the Bacheng Massacre, the Dutch's rule over the Chinese in Southeast Asia has become more severe. The taxes paid by the Chinese are the highest among all ethnic groups; those with Chinese ancestry must wear traditional Chinese clothes, including men must have braids; Chinese people from all over the country are only allowed to live in designated Chinatown areas. Every time they left Chinatown, they had to apply for a license that was difficult to obtain; in addition, in order to ensure their rule and authority, the VOC strictly prohibited intermarriage between Chinese and Dutch.
Fueled by discriminatory treatment by the colonial government, Chinese businessmen who always offered lower prices and better and faster services were often described as vipers, hyenas or vultures, full of cunning and conspiratorial images. Although they have lived in this land for more than a hundred years, they have always been regarded as outsiders.
After Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang experienced their initial shock, after listening to Kupelus's words, and then recalling the contents of Beihai Town's letter, both of them couldn't help but have an idea. The era of Chinese people in Malaya has arrived!
However, the wily Chen Qihou knew that at this time, he should not be careless. If the Dutch jump over the wall in a hurry, it would be a disaster for more than a thousand Chinese people in Malacca City, so he quickly handed over his hand and said: "Yes, yes. Your Excellency, the Governor, and we have known each other for many years. , has always taken good care of us, and we, the people of Chinatown, are all grateful."
Cai Shizhang also said quickly: "Your Majesty, the Governor, has something to say. We will do our best for the people of Hecheng."
Kupelus nodded with satisfaction and then said: "I came to you two because I have something to ask for your help. First of all, I want the people of Chinatown to live in the castle tonight. There are not many Chinese in Malacca City. , there are still many empty rooms in the castle, which are easy to arrange."
"Ah!" Chen and Cai's expressions changed, thinking that they were clearly trying to use the Chinese as a shield. It was so wicked!
A grin appeared on Kupelus' face: "What? Are there any difficulties?!"
"My Lord Governor, it's getting late now and all the furniture has been put to rest. Why not do it again tomorrow morning?"
"No! It must be done tonight! Colonel Mollerus is already gathering troops, and you must assist."
How dare Chen and Cai refuse to agree? If they dare to say "no" to the so-called "human beings", they will be in immediate trouble!
"The second thing is that I will appoint you two as the negotiators of Malacca City. You will take a boat to negotiate with the commander named Guo tomorrow morning."
"Please tell me, Lord Governor, how should we discuss this?"
"Try to delay as long as possible. I might as well tell you clearly that 30,000 troops led by Governor Overstraten and Lord Altin are besieging Batavia, and Beihai Town has less than 6,000 troops there. Although we Losing a battle at sea does not affect the overall situation. Do you understand?"
Chen and Cai, who had no knowledge of war, wiped the cold sweat from their foreheads with their sleeves and said hurriedly: "I understand, I understand."
(End of chapter)
