Chapter 5, Shootout (Part 2)

Zhang Wei swiftly moved behind the valiant sailor Zhu Hanyong as the enemy launched their attack. After all, these fellows had spent years traversing the seas, honing their robust physiques. Although they were taking blows and cuts in the front, they were still able to withstand it without losing their lives. If Zhang Wei were to endure a few strikes like that, he would likely lack the strength to even call for help

Zhang Wei thought to himself: I am not your father, so why would you be so considerate? What kind of reasoning is it for a younger brother not to help his elder brother fight? Thus, he patted his chest and said: "Elder brother, this is indeed your fault. Although I may not be particularly strong, I am still a man of seven feet. How can I let myself hide in the cabin while you fight bravely?"

Zhang Wei and He Bin retreated in alarm, joining Zheng Zhilong at the bow of the ship. He Bin shouted to the sailors on board, "Brothers, come quickly to help Captain Zheng defend the bow; the captain will not treat you unfairly." The sailors responded in unison, and immediately six or seven strong men rushed out, grabbing some miscellaneous items from the ship, standing valiantly at the bow.

Around Li Dan, several individuals were armed with long knives, all of whom were valiant warriors carefully selected by Li Dan. Therefore, although Zheng Zhilong's side had a slight numerical advantage and occupied a favorable position, they were forced to retreat continuously under the direct assault of the opponent's long knives

Li Dan, accompanied by his companions, successively felled several sailors who were blocking their way. Just as he was about to assist his brother in ambushing Zheng Zhulong, he heard a series of thuds behind him. It turned out that Zhulong's subordinates had already arrived and were boarding the ship.

Zheng Zhilong, seeing the subordinates chasing after Li Anping rushing over from a distance, smiled with satisfaction and said to Li Dan: "Boss Li, I have the intention to let you go, but I fear that after you escape, you might cause me trouble. If you wish to retire, how can the Penghu Islands compare to Fujian? It would be better to retire here instead"

With a sorrowful smile, Li Dan shouted to the subordinates surrounding Zhang Wei and He Bin: "Everyone, jump into the sea and run! If you can escape, then escape; if you cannot, accept your fate. I still have my wife and children on the island, so I will not leave."

Upon seeing that it was Li Dan's younger brother who had come, Zheng Zhilong, who had originally intended to explain, shouted: "This is bad!"

Zheng Zhilong tightened his grip, took a few steps back, and looked out to see who was coming. It turned out to be Li Dan's younger brother, Li Anping, who was covered in blood, his clothes tattered, stumbling towards the boat.

Li Dan, seeing that the situation was dire, forced a smile and said to Zheng Zhilong: "Zhilong, we are brothers, and I have treated you well. If you want territory, you have already obtained the Penghu Islands. Please give me this ship along with the books, so that I can take my family back to Fujian to live out my days in peace."

With a toss of the long knife in his hand, Li Dan said to Li Anping: "Brother, put down the knife. Let us see if the great hero Zheng can spare our lives out of consideration for our past relationship"

Zheng Zhilong did not realize that Zhang Wei was secretly plotting against him. He thought that this younger brother, having never experienced the dangers of the world, was frightened after hearing the truth. Therefore, he comforted him gently, saying: "Brother, you won't be needed for this matter just yet. You should return to the cabin and rest for a while. Until the matter is resolved, do not leave the cabin."

This is excellent, brother; as the elder brother, I have not misjudged you

Zhang Wei, after bravely declaring his willingness to take a knife for his leader, obtained a dagger from He Bin, concealing it in his sleeve. He then followed Zheng and He towards the bow of the ship. Feeling anxious, he thought to himself: I am here to revive the Chinese nation, so I must not let any blind fool stab me twice. If someone wants to take a stab for my leader, fine, let them do it. I can take two stabs for my leader without any hesitation; I certainly won't be angry. Feeling anxious, he thought to himself: I am here to revive the Chinese nation, so I must not let any blind fool stab me twice. If someone wants to take a stab for my leader, fine, let them do it. I can take two stabs for my leader without any hesitation; I certainly won't be angry.

Zheng Zhilong leaped up, his eyes shining brightly. He drew a finely crafted short knife made of steel from under the bed, concealed it in his sleeve, exchanged a glance with He Bin, and proceeded towards the cabin exit.

Elder brother, you are mistaken! Our wives and children have long been killed by these beasts; do you still expect them to leave you a way out?

The oppression has gone too far. Brothers, let us fight against this rebellious scoundrel!

Ah ... ...

Hearing the sounds approaching from behind, he picked up the long knife that had been thrown on the ground and charged with all his might towards Zheng Zhilong. Just as Zheng Zhilong was forced back a step by Li Anping, Li Dan seized the opportunity and shouted loudly, raising the long knife in his hand to strike at Zheng Zhilong's back!

Zheng Zhilong暗道: "Are you trying to trick me into attending a feast at Hongmen? That can be avoided. How about you go ahead to Yama first and make a preliminary visit? After a few decades, when the brothers have passed, then you can invite me again."

Zhang Wei's impassioned words elevated Zheng Zhilong's regard for him even further. Pulling Zhang Wei back to the cabin, he shouted for He Bin to instruct the kitchen to prepare more food and drinks, wanting to enjoy a few drinks with his brother Zhang Wei. If it weren't for He Bin's reminder, by the time of the afternoon confrontation, this future maritime overlord might have been drunkenly sprawled on the bed, at the mercy of others.

After lunch, the three did not leave the cabin. Zheng Zhilong lay on the bed with a sullen face, while He Bin was restless, which made Zhang Wei feel quite disdainful. At that moment, Zhang Wei was unaware that He Bin had always excelled in business. Following Zheng Zhilong, he had positioned himself as a strategist. Usually, he only needed to use his words, but now, suddenly being asked to wield a knife and cut someone, how could he not feel nervous?

Although Zhang Wei comes from a modern background and was not a model student in his youth, he has never resorted to violence or fought with others. While he may claim to be calm, he cannot deceive himself. In a state of helplessness, he can only think back to the gangster movies he has watched, reflecting: Chen Haonan may have a few more muscles than I do, but my biceps are much stronger than his. If he can take down dozens of people, I should be able to handle ten or eight without any problem, right?

However, Li Dan wore a smile that did not reach his eyes; he merely responded lightly and then stepped forward to head down to the boat. As the group reached the shore, they realized that just a few dozen steps further lay the ambush point arranged by He Bin. At that moment, they all heard someone in the distance shouting frantically: "Elder brother, Zheng Zhilon, that white-eyed wolf, has turned against us, run quickly!"

Li Anping, like a mad tiger, despite being covered in wounds, wielded a simple knife, striking at Zheng Zhilong with every blow. Although Zheng Zhilong was highly skilled in martial arts and possessed a strong physique, he was momentarily at a disadvantage against Li Anping, who was determined to fight to the death. Li Anping disregarded the short knife aimed at him by Zheng Zhilong, entangling him to the point where he could not escape.

Zheng Zhilong had not yet spoken, but He Bin stepped forward and replied, "Exactly, Li Touer, Zheng Laoda just mentioned to me that there have been some misunderstandings with the boss lately, and he was thinking of going to the residence for a meal, so everyone can get closer to each other."

Upon hearing that all his family members had perished, Li Dan was momentarily rendered speechless, trembling as he pointed at Zheng Zhilong, and after a long pause finally said: "You, hello!"

Zhang Wei felt a mix of anxiety and unease, his thoughts shifting from Hao Nan to Dong Cunrui. The boat, however, paid no heed to his fears. After two days of sailing, it finally approached the shore in the evening with a loud "bang".

Li Dan was taken aback, and everyone around him quickly drew their knives. He Bin, in a state of urgency, shouted, "Li Tou'er, do not believe it; Zheng Laoda is not that kind of person." At the same time, he signaled urgently for Zheng Zhilong to run quickly

Hastily drawing out a short knife, he shouted: "He Bin, Zhang Wei, quickly retreat with me to the bow of the ship and hold our ground; we must not let them escape."

Three people in one boat encountered Li Dan and five others at the bow of the ship. Li Dan nodded to Zheng Zhilong and said, "Zhilong, after we disembark in a while, please come to my residence. I have matters to discuss with you"