"This world is big, the sea is also big, and there is endless wealth in the vast space. It is foolish to only focus on the near future and hand over endless wealth to others. When I go back, I will tell the official that I am looking forward to it Join hands with him to create a greater cause."
Looking at the unruly Zheng Zhibao, Zuo Mengeng suspected that his words were playing the lute to a cow.
But I still have to say what needs to be said, and it can be regarded as the most benevolent and righteous act.
He still had complicated feelings towards Zheng Zhilong and Zheng.
In this era of isolation and isolation, Zheng Zhilong is one of the few heroes who sets his sights on the sea.
But his vision is limited and he is only satisfied with his current achievements.
If history does not change, what he and Zheng Chenggong did will naturally be praised by future generations.
But now that the Xia Kingdom exists, Zheng Zhilong and the Zheng family have become obstacles for the Chinese nation to move towards the stars and the sea.
From a fundamental point of view, Zuo Mengeng did not want to use force against the Zheng family.
Zheng's power can also become part of the Chinese nation's exploration and advancement.
But all this depends on Zheng's choice.
Compared with the vital interests of the Chinese nation, personal thoughts and attitudes are insignificant.
Zheng Zhibao obviously didn't understand his subtext.
"Everything was fine before, and Mrs. Zheng hopes that everything will be fine in the future. Everyone should follow the steps and do their own thing. It couldn't be better."
Zuo Mengeng sighed with relief, finally understanding.
Some things really cannot be forced.
I just hope that when things come to an end, Zheng Zhilong will not regret it.
After the four main warships of the East China Sea Fleet reunited, they headed south hand in hand.
They will go to Songjiang Prefecture to escort the fleet transporting steam engines southward, and also complete the first sea trial.
The Zheng family's fleet also traveled in the same direction.
The routes on the sea are obviously the same, but the two fleets are several miles apart.
Looking at each other from a distance, yet clearly separated.
"Boy, you have lived in Prince Xia's Mansion for so long, have you ever heard any important news?"
Looking at the four new warships in the distance, Zheng Zhibao's heart kept beating.
When he fought against the Dutch, he had seen the power of Galenic battleships.
Although Zheng won that battle, everyone could see the difference in performance of the two warships.
Now that he has personally piloted the Galen warship manufactured by the Xia Kingdom, Zheng Zhibao clearly realizes that the Xia Kingdom's warships are probably even better than the Dutch.
Fighting against the Dutch is already so difficult.
If we were to face Xia Guo...
For the benefit of the Zheng family, Zheng Zhibao worked hard.
Zheng Chenggong personally felt Zheng's fear of Xia Guo, which made him feel powerless.
"Uncle Third, there are more opportunities on the ocean. Why are we, the Zheng family, unwilling to try it?"
Zheng Zhibao thought he was talking like a child, so he couldn't help laughing and scolding him.
"You brat, what do you know? Men come and go through wind and rain, life and death, and have already had enough. Now that you have an official position, if you don't live a good life, what are you going to do with your life? You have spent all your money, you may not know. Who is cheaper?"
Zheng Chenggong was silent, thinking over and over in his mind, and finally understood the difference between the Zheng family and Xia Guo.
One side is complacent and complacent, while the other side is vigorous and moving forward.
Amidst this ebb and flow, is there any suspense about the outcome?
The two fleets were covered with stars and moon, all the way south.
Not one day later, the East China Sea Fleet arrived at Songjiang Mansion. Turn around and go up the Yangtze River, eventually disappearing.
The Zheng family's fleet continued southward.
It was very peaceful along the way, and Zheng Zhibao breathed a sigh of relief.
He didn't tell anyone about some of his worries.
What he feared most was that if the Xia Navy suddenly attacked them on the way south, it would be a disaster.
The new ship at your feet is the most important combat power of the Zheng family.
If one of them dies before the victory is achieved, the balance of power between the Zheng family and the Xia State will never be compensated.
Now that everything is peaceful, Zheng Zhibao can't help but despise Xia Guo.
Raising tigers is a disaster, and a woman's kindness is unacceptable.
Behind Zheng's fleet, there were several merchant ships departing from Songjiang Prefecture.
From the looks of it, he was heading to Nanyang.
Zheng Zhibao didn't care, anyway, these merchant ships had to pay Zheng.
After a few more days of walking like this, Fujian was already in sight.
Zheng Zhibao suddenly discovered something unusual.
"Where did the merchant ship behind go?"
The Zheng family members looked at each other, no one could answer.
Yesterday, the few merchant ships were still behind, but today they disappeared after dawn.
Zheng Zhibao just asked a few words and didn't really care.
Perhaps those merchant ships were not fast and were kept apart.
They continued on and arrived in Fuzhou first.
This move was ordered by Zheng Zhilong in advance.
As the provincial capital of Fujian, Fuzhou is the most prosperous, and merchants from all over the world gather here.
What happened in Nagasaki last time made local businessmen in Fujian resentful of the Zheng family. It was only because of Zheng's strength that he did not dare to have an attack.
But Zheng Zhilong was still aware of the unstable situation.
We must let those businessmen who are greedy for money see who is the king here.
The new warship slowly sailed into Fuzhou Port and quickly became the focus of discussion among everyone on the streets.
Sure enough, all those rumors disappeared.
Zheng Zhibao was very proud.
In the next few days, he even asked his men to conduct artillery demonstrations in Fuzhou Port.
The continuous roar of dozens of artillery made those dissatisfied voices completely disappear.
But just in the past few days, Zheng Zhibao discovered something was wrong.
"Where are those merchant ships? Why haven't they appeared yet?"
Zheng Zhibao's heart rang with alarm bells, and he faintly sensed that something unexpected had happened.
According to common sense, merchant ships bound for Southeast Asia must pass through the Taiwan Strait, and usually dock in Fuzhou for supplies.
But he had been staying here for four or five days, and the merchant ships that were originally behind never showed up.
Although the sea is huge, it is impossible for so many merchant ships to disappear into thin air.
"Go check it out and report back quickly."
As a key member of the Zheng family, Zheng Zhibao has never lacked the ability to stand alone.
He immediately sent his troops back the way they came and searched the sea.
However, three days later, the men and horses sent out returned one after another, and they all said that they had not seen the shadow of those merchant ships.
Zheng Zhibao's mind was full of juice, and he couldn't figure it out even if he tried desperately.
But he knew that there was definitely something wrong with this situation.
He didn't dare to stay any longer.
He quickly returned to his hometown and informed Zheng Zhilong of the matter.
"You said those merchant ships disappeared out of thin air?"
Zheng Zhilong was similar to him, also a little confused.
"Have you explored various places along the way? Maybe those merchant ships have docked somewhere."
Shi Daxuan walked in from outside.
"I have sent people to inspect all the places along the coast of Zhejiang and Fujian. It is true that I have not seen any trace of those merchant ships. There must be something fishy in it. We have to be careful. That Xia country is really evil."
Two capable men in a row had the same result, and Zheng Zhilong finally understood what was at stake.
"Send everyone out immediately, no matter what, I want to know what happened!"
