Chapter 2, Rescue

Although this place is not far from the seaside, it is still at least several thousand meters away. Even at low tide, the seawater does not recede completely, and one must swim to reach the shore. For Zhang Wei, who is twenty-one years old and visiting the seaside for the first time, how could he possibly swim over?

Ah ... where is this ...

Zhang Wei, who hurriedly ran towards the shore, did not keep his mouth shut; he kept fantasizing about being able to sit by the pond and watch beautiful women bathing. However, he only realized that he was surrounded by boundless sea water, leaving him, a landlubber, both shocked and furious.

One should not speak in such a manner; my elder brother is to me as if he were my own parents reborn, and thus I offer my deepest respect with a bow.

Good! A true man should act this way. Rest assured, my dear brother, by following me, Zheng Zhilong, you will surely have your wishes fulfilled

Hmph, the current sage is merely a good carpenter; to be an emperor, he is not as good as I am! Trusting the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and the woman Ke, they have corrupted the court's governance. Although the world is not in great chaos at present, in my view, the signs of a nation’s downfall are gradually becoming apparent

Zhang Wei, feeling at a loss, could only wade through the water until it reached his waist, at which point he dared not proceed further. Although he had not yet reached the shore, he was merely a few hundred meters away from the actual beach.

Zhang Wei, who had read "New Song," had prepared this set of explanations since he decided to return to the Three Kingdoms, to prevent anyone from fabricating rumors about him, which would later be difficult to clarify. Thus, not only did his ancestors reach the South Seas, but he also sent them further away to Fiji.

Zhang Wei naturally shared the same cabin with Zheng Zhilong, and there was also a thin and small man from Nan'an, Fujian, named He Bin, who was about twenty-four or twenty-five years old and was an subordinate of Zheng Zhilong

The two quickened their pace to catch up with the people ahead. Zheng Zhilong briefly explained a few things to Li Dan before proceeding alongside Zhang Wei. Li Dan, however, did not say much, merely leading the group silently towards the dock where the ship was anchored.

Zhang Wei carefully scrutinized the person before him, only to find that this individual had a tall and robust physique, with a dignified appearance that did not resemble that of a typical person from Fujian, but rather resembled a northern hero. However, when speaking, the corners of his eyes were raised, revealing an air of arrogance, and one could also detect a hint of cunning in his gaze

Zheng Zhilong entered Macau at the age of ten, later residing in Luzon, and then moving to Hirado, Japan. Several years ago, he also led a group to manage Taiwan, making a living at sea all along. Currently, he is following the notorious pirate Li Dan from Penghu. Zhilong is well-informed and has always held himself in high regard. Although he has only recently allied with Li Dan, he has developed ambitions for independence as his strength has gradually increased. Therefore, he has recently formed alliances with various heroes and generously bestowed favors, planning to seize the opportunity to confront Li Dan and monopolize Penghu.

Zhang Wei, feeling dizzy and heavy-headed, found himself on a beach where the blue sea continuously crashed against the shore, seemingly drawing closer to him as he lay there.

The few who heard someone calling for help were momentarily taken aback. Turning their heads, they saw a figure, no larger than a soybean, jumping up and down in the waist-deep seawater, desperately shouting for help

Thus, Zhilong is willing to become sworn brothers. May I ask in which year you were born and what is your age?

This ... ... elder brother

As they walked and talked along the two lines, seeing that several people were approaching from the direction of Zheng Zhilong, they found a small mound of earth, pretended to light three incense sticks, and knelt down to swear an oath of brotherhood.

Alright, I am willing to follow you, my elder brother, and would go to great lengths to repay the life-saving grace with my life!

As Zhang Wei saw him about to leave, he could not care less about wringing out his own clothes and hurriedly chased after him. First, he bowed deeply and said, "Elder brother, please take your leave slowly, and allow me to pay my respects."

Even though he was both thirsty and exhausted, at this critical moment, Zhang Wei could not care less about his hoarse voice and shouted at the top of his lungs.

Ah, it turns out that Brother Zhang is not from Fujian, yet he speaks Mandarin. I am Zheng Zhilong, from Shijing in Fujian Province. Brother Zhang, please follow me.

Zhang Wei, who is wholeheartedly determined to start a business and unify the Three Kingdoms, is currently facing a significant setback, and tears are flowing down his face uncontrollably.

Peh peh peh ... ...

Zhang Wei, who adhered to the ancient customs of propriety, disregarded Zheng Zhilong's advice and insisted on bowing down to the ground. Zheng Zhilong, feeling helpless, could only turn to the side to accept the gesture of respect, and in his heart, he developed a slight fondness for the person before him

A comfortable life must be sought by oneself. Wealth and honor are often found in danger; this is how we, the people of Fujian, are. We would rather die than live in poverty, for a good life is earned through hard work. Since my brother has fallen into misfortune and returned from afar, even though he is not skilled in swimming, it does not prevent him from following Zhilong to seek a measure of wealth and honor.

As soon as Zhang Wei came ashore, he hurriedly spat out the seawater that had choked him. Zheng Zhilong said little, wrung out his clothes, put on his jacket, and prepared to leave

% % ー ... ... ー ... ... ー ''

Zhang Wei, who dared not move forward, could only wait in anguish, hoping that a passerby would come along the beach. Little did he know that hundreds of years later, this place would become a famous scenic area, bustling with tourists. How could anyone in China at this time have the leisure to visit the seaside? He watched from the afternoon until sunset, his eyes growing weary and his neck aching, yet not a single shadow appeared.

Zhang Wei, who clung tightly to the reef like a turtle with all four limbs on the ground, waited for the tide to recede. Once he saw that the danger had passed, he finally opened his eyes to look around, only to exclaim, "How苦!"

After a long struggle, Zhang Wei finally spotted a large reef standing ahead. He paid no mind to whether the reef was taller than the rising tide; like a person grasping the last straw of hope, he desperately climbed up using both hands and feet.

Alas, what can be done about this... It is a pity that I, having traveled thousands of miles back to the Celestial Empire, had hoped to enjoy a few days of peaceful life.

I, being unaware of Chinese algorithms, only know Western algorithms, yet I am already twenty-one years old

When he fell from the space-time rift, it was precisely during low tide. Dazed and confused, he lay on the beach for half a day, and the tide had quickly rushed to his feet.

With great difficulty, Zhang Wei forced a smile and replied in the most authentic Mandarin, "My surname is Zhang and my given name is Wei. I encountered a shipwreck and, being unskilled in navigating the tides, found myself trapped here. I earnestly hope that you, my esteemed brother, will come to my rescue"

There is no need for politeness; those who navigate the sea understand that saving lives and being saved are both ordinary matters. Who has not experienced a time of misfortune?

Am I truly so unfortunate that my grand ambitions are to be dashed in this sea

Ah, these damned aliens, how could they throw me on the beach

Ah, what my elder brother said is indeed correct. Now, looking around, all I see are Westerners with high noses and blue eyes. Being in Fiji is truly suffocating for me. Therefore, I am determined to return home

Upon arriving at the dock, Zhang Wei looked around and saw a fortune ship approximately seventy meters long, with a mast about eleven meters high, moored at the shore. Considering the shipbuilding standards of the time, this vessel could be regarded as a large ship.

The tide continued to surge, yet fortunately, the rock on which Zhang Wei had climbed, though not large, was sufficiently high. Although the water lapped at his feet, it was much more stable and would not wash him away

I have my own opinions. This time when I arrive in Penghu, I will invite him to my home, and at that time...

Ah, there is no need for that, elder brother. I am merely feeling nostalgic for the elders at home. However, when I set out, I was determined that I would not return home without the finest clothing.

Alright, I have taken my leave. However, I have urgent matters to attend to and cannot stay for long, so I must take my leave now. My brother, you have faced difficulties and are in distress; it is essential that you find an inn soon to rest and recuperate your health.

The young man, unaware of the discussions among those behind him, hurriedly ran to the seaside, took off his shirt, and plunged into the water. In the blink of an eye, he swam to Zhang Wei's side.

Hello... Is anyone there? Help! Help!

This villain harbors treachery, and over time, chaos will surely arise. Old Li, you should make plans early.

Zhang Wei suddenly felt dizzy, almost falling to the ground. He secretly cursed, realizing that there was a gap of over a thousand years, from the Three Kingdoms to the Ming Dynasty. This blunder was truly outrageous!

Several people were greatly astonished; the place from which the shouting came was merely a few hundred meters from the shore. A skilled swimmer could make several trips back and forth in just a short while, yet they could not understand what was wrong with that person, who was shouting wildly there.

The leader paid no attention, but among the ranks, a young man was undeterred and went straight to the seaside

Hmph. These red-haired devils do not even know what fault they have committed. They have occupied the entire world yet remain unsatisfied, and now they have taken Taiwan. Now they are setting their sights on Penghu, but that is simply out of the question

Touching the communicator at his waist, he was just about to press it to summon the aliens to take him back. Just as he was about to reach the communicator, he caught a glimpse of several figures appearing by the seaside through tear-filled eyes.

Hmph, Zheng Yi is increasingly disregarding me!

The protagonist, who has lived in the inland since childhood, is utterly oblivious to the crisis before him. After finally managing to stand up, he looks around but is blinded by the glaring sunlight. When he turns to look back, he sees waves, resembling small mountains, surging towards him from all directions.

Zhang Wei widened his eyes, completely unaware of what the other party was saying. Seeing the person who came to his rescue, yet unable to communicate, he became anxious in an instant

Upon arriving in Zhao, Zhang Wei soon felt a sense of melancholy after the initial novelty wore off. In the cramped cabin, a small candle flickered, swaying with the motion of the waves, casting the faces of the other two people in the cabin in alternating light and shadow, creating an atmosphere of oppression and tedium

Exhausted, Zhang Wei gasped for breath, feeling both anxious and angry, unable to restrain himself from cursing loudly. Having grown up in China, where the language of insults is exceptionally rich, and having experienced the onslaught of the internet, Zhang Wei's curses were truly remarkable, akin to a hundred flowers blooming, with petals falling in profusion

Ah, hetushu.com! Brother, you originally came from Fiji. I heard that it was originally inhabited by indigenous people, but several decades ago it was occupied by the red-haired foreigners and became a land of colonialism for Westerners

In the present day, it is the era of the Apocalypse, and the reigning emperor's surname is Zhu, with the national title being the Great Ming.

Following in the footsteps of Zheng Zhilong, Zhang Wei squeezed out a few tears: "My elder brother may not know, but my ancestors crossed the sea to the South Seas, and then traveled from the South Seas to Fiji Island, far away from our hometown. Because I long for my homeland, I disregarded my family's advice and returned home alone. However, I did not expect to encounter a shipwreck not far from home, and I barely escaped with my life. All my belongings and money were lost to the sea, and now I am not only without relatives but also completely penniless"

The two extended their hands, lightly struck a palm, and burst into laughter together

Call ... ... ''

Zhang Wei, who was not particularly striking in appearance, was saved by Zhilong, who initially had no intention of taking him in. However, unable to withstand Zhang Wei's persistent entreaties, Zhilong thought that having one more little brother was better than having one less. Thus, he decided to form a brotherhood with Zhang Wei, accepting this short-haired, Mandarin-speaking younger brother, believing that in future conflicts, he could at least serve as a shield against an opponent's blade.

Ah, I am twenty-six, while my younger brother is much younger than I am

Dear brother, I am unaware of the current year in the Celestial Empire, which dynasty it is, or which emperor sits upon the Dragon Throne

The extremely frustrated Zhang Wei could only muster his spirits and continued to ask: "Esteemed brother, is the current emperor a wise ruler? How are the times now? While passing through the South Seas, I heard people say that it is not very peaceful."

His mind was filled with names like "Min Province" and "Zheng Zhilong," which were absolutely unfamiliar in the context of the Three Kingdoms. Zhang Wei, feeling dazed, was held by Zheng Zhilong's arm around his neck and was dragged all the way to the shore

Hahaha, from this moment on, my brother and I shall share life and death together

This is only natural; I, as a younger brother, will always look up to my elder brother.

Zheng Zhilong noticed that Zhang Wei appeared displeased, but he attributed it to his longing for home. He then expressed his concern, saying: "Dear brother, if you find it difficult to adapt here, when the ships of the red-haired devils arrive in some time, I will have someone take you back home."

Thus, everything will follow the arrangements made by my elder brother