Traveling through the late Ming Dynasty to promote Chinese civilization

Chapter 247 Persuading Surrender

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Putmans cleared his throat, straightened his collar, and said in somewhat broken English, “Although we were defeated in the naval battle, I believe that you, as a cultured gentleman, will not treat us like those barbarians. The East India Company would be extremely grateful if you could let us go.”

Van Bommel also said, "The company or family will pay a ransom depending on the employee's position. If the amount is not satisfactory, it can be negotiated..."

Liu Ye chuckled, pointing to his own nose as he replied, "While I don't consider myself the barbarian you speak of, I also don't consider myself the gentleman you imagine. First, let me introduce myself. My name is Liu Ye, and I am the actual owner of this island. My official title is Qiongzhou Camp Commander. The imperial court has allotted me a thousand-strong army, but my actual army numbers nearly three times that limit, and I've also established a navy. Right now, my most urgent need is to expand the navy. However, sailors on warships are not like soldiers. You can't just find a few farmers, train them for a month or two, and give them a spear or a musket. Therefore, I desperately need experienced sailors, and even professional soldiers like you pirates who have undergone formal training would be the best choice."

Putmans remained expressionless and did not answer immediately. His deep-seated contempt for people of Asian descent was not something that could be erased in a short time. He couldn't get over the hurdle of serving the Ming people, but as a prisoner, he couldn't say these words lest he provoke them, so he simply kept silent.

Van Bommel seemed thoughtful. He asked, "The Ming emperor only gave you a limit of one thousand men for the army, but you not only exceeded that limit, you are also desperately developing your navy. May I ask, a fleet of your size is more than enough to protect this island. If you continue to expand, who do you intend to deal with?"

Liu Ye smiled and said, "Who said I'm just protecting this island? My goal is to become the overlord of all Chinese waters, and I will eliminate any obstacle in my way."

The hegemon of all Chinese waters? Putmans and Van Bommel exchanged a glance and immediately understood the relationship between this adjutant and Zheng Yiguan. The so-called alliance was probably just a ploy to deal with them and Liu Xiang. With the end of the naval battle in Liaoluo Bay, the honeymoon period between the two sides also came to an end.

Putmans couldn't help but ask, "But you are just an ordinary general of the Ming Dynasty. Would your emperor allow you to dominate this sea area?"

Liu Ye sneered: "You can ask Zheng Yiguan about that. His rank is lower than mine, just a guerrilla general, but his actions show that he has never seen himself as just a guerrilla. The goal I pursue is also his goal. Military positions are just a legal title. My ambition is not in that. The East India Company, which is blocking our way, is our common enemy. That's why we had this big battle at Liaoluo Bay on Kinmen Island."

Van Bommel sighed, "This is the law of the jungle. You join forces to kill us, and then turn around to determine who is superior. The strong will rule, and the one who laughs last will be the overlord of this ocean."