Chapter 8: Making Friends (Part 1)

Along the way, Zhang Wei tried to ask several toothless old men for directions, but unfortunately, it was a complete case of talking at cross purposes. The old men did not understand Zhang Wei's Mandarin, and Zhang Wei could not comprehend their Minnan dialect at all. Zhang Wei was so anxious that he broke out in a sweat, and could only rely on his memory to recall the route he had taken, in case he not only failed to find the restaurant but also forgot the way back. That would truly be a huge joke.

Indeed, once you have recovered, my brother, you may go and find your happiness.

He Bin smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, there is no need to worry. I have family here, so I must return. I was originally going to find a courtesan to accompany you, but then I remembered that you are injured, so I decided against it."

Ah, no wonder the interpersonal relationships of ancient people were good; there were no televisions, sound systems, computers, and not even books in Simplified Chinese, let alone reading YY novels on starting points

Brother, what has happened to you

Upon hearing this, Zhang Wei's spirits were instantly lifted: "Ah, are there prostitutes here?"

After a while, He Bin finally led Zhang Wei to a gray brick and tile house, smiling and saying, "Brother, this is it."

Everyone stood up and said: "Brother Zhang, safe travels. Tomorrow, when we have some time, let’s all have a couple of drinks to welcome Brother Zhang and wash away the dust."

Zhang Wei trudged through the mud with great difficulty, each step pulling out several pounds of mud. After taking a few steps, he had to stop and shake the mud off his feet. If it weren't for the fact that he was wearing counterfeit Adidas shoes, which made walking somewhat manageable, he would have likely had to walk barefoot with his books after just a mile.

Zheng Hongkui, He Bin, Yang Fan, and others all nodded in agreement, except for Zhang Wei; in fact, none of them supported Shi Lang's proposal. Although Zheng Zhilong had early on established a goods transshipment base in Taiwan with the Fujian merchant Yan Siqi, in the eyes of Zheng and Yan, Taiwan was merely a barbaric and barren land, isolated overseas, insufficient for establishing a foundation. If it were not for evading the officials and soldiers, there would be no need to go to Taiwan at great expense. Zheng Zhilong's earnest efforts to seize Penghu from Li Dan were also due to his dissatisfaction with the foundation at Beigang in Taiwan. If it were not for evading the officials and soldiers, there would be no need to go to Taiwan at great expense. Zheng Zhilong's earnest efforts to seize Penghu from Li Dan were also due to his dissatisfaction with the foundation at Beigang in Taiwan.

What does the elder brother think of this person

I also feel this way, always sensing that this fellow is somewhat mysterious, as if he has a significant background.

Is this ... ... the good residence that Brother He mentioned

At this point, Zhang Wei secretly regretted arriving too early. Chen Yuanyuan, Liu Rushi, and Dong Xiaowan have not yet been born. Even if a few of them had been born, they would still be at the stage of playing in the mud without any clothes. It would be inappropriate to see them and then say, "Little darling, come here, let uncle check your body"

Zhang Wei secretly thought to himself: "Surname Zheng, I don't think so." However, he said, "With such words from my elder brother, I can rest assured. In any case, this red-haired foreigner is fine for business, but if they are allowed into the house, it will not be easy to drive them away."

What the brother said is, are you in agreement with Brother Shi Lang's proposition? Then why are you in a state of panic

Zheng Zhilong pondered for a moment and said: "There are quite a few red-haired foreigners in Nanyang, and those guys at https://mhetushu.com are very cruel; in recent years, they have killed quite a number of Chinese people"

Everyone in the hall turned to look at Zhang Wei, clearly curious as to why he would lose his composure upon hearing Shi Lang's words

Zhang Wei mumbled as he lay on the creaking wooden bed, pulling the damp and moist quilt over himself. He lay there in a daze for half a day, but suddenly remembered: "Damn it, I haven't had dinner yet! That fellow He Bin didn't even tell me where to go for dinner and just slipped away. Well, I might as well go find something to eat myself."

In an instant, everyone scattered like birds and beasts. Shi Lang stood there in a daze for a moment, then stamped his foot in frustration and rushed out.

Shi Lang's face turned red with anger, and he was eager to argue further. Zheng Zhilong, looking displeased, waved his sleeve and stood up, saying, "Everyone is tired today, so let's stop the discussion here for now. However, let me clarify something for everyone: Brother Yan intends to move all our belongings to Penghu. As for the next steps, we will discuss them further when Brother Yan arrives."

Brother, do not rush; we have arrived.

And just watch, no matter how great his abilities are, can he surpass my two brothers?

He Bin smiled, stood up, and said to Zhang Wei: "Brother Zhang, let's go. I will arrange accommodation for you."

Ah, my brother, do not take offense. After all, this is an island, and resources are limited. The furniture we need can only be transported from the mainland or sourced locally. Compared to the average islander, your residence can be considered a mansion.

Zhang Wei entered the "mansion" with a bitter smile, prompting He Bin to say: "He and Brother Tushu, then come in and have a seat."

Alas, elder brother, I have not finished speaking. I have heard that since the second half of last year, red-haired foreigners have arrived on Taiwan Island. It is said that they are from the Netherlands in Europe, and they have an East India Company in the South Seas. They have sent several hundred people to Taiwan Island and have built a fortress called 'Chihkan Tower.' Currently, apart from a few ports in northern Taiwan still under Chinese control, the rest of the territory has all fallen into the hands of the red-haired foreigners.

Where is that strange young man today? From his attire and behavior, he hardly seems like a Chinese person

It is said that He Bin tightly held Zhang Wei's hand, smiling as if he were dragging a little lamb, constantly surveying Zhang Wei with ambiguous glances, causing Zhang Wei to feel a tingling sensation all over his body and a chill running down his back

A gust of cold wind blew in, accompanied by a few drops of rain, instantly waking Zhang Wei from his dream of soliciting. He hurriedly ducked into the house, looking around in confusion, utterly unsure of what to do.

Zheng Zhilong pondered, "Although that may be the case, both Brother Yan and I feel that Taiwan is a place beyond civilization. Aside from occasionally seeking refuge from storms, it serves no other purpose. Now that Penghu has fallen into my hands, it is better to disregard Taiwan altogether."

Elder brother, do you know that I come from Fiji? That place has already been occupied by the red-haired barbarians. Those fellows are attacking cities and seizing land, killing and plundering, truly committing every conceivable evil.

After shaking it vigorously a few times, Zhang Wei helplessly said: "Brother He, where is my residence? How is it that after half a day, we still haven't arrived?"

Shi Lang also said: "Brother Zhang Wei makes a valid point. Let us take advantage of the current instability of the Dutch and drive them away. In a few years, when they have gained strength, it will be much more difficult to do so"

Indeed! It is just as you say. My brother, feeling aggrieved at home, took the risk of returning to the Celestial Empire. On the ship, I heard people mention that Taiwan was originally a resting place for our fishermen from the Celestial Empire. Since the Song Dynasty, there have been people who went to Taiwan Island to cultivate the land. Although the Celestial Empire has not officially incorporated Taiwan into its territory, this island of Taiwan is still the land of the Chinese people, and that is indisputable.

Ah... very good, very good. Brother He, you have worked hard; please take your leave now.

As I stepped outside, the rain was not heavy, but the road in front of the door was unpaved. Although the earthy scent of the soil was pleasant, walking with my feet sinking into the mud was far from enjoyable

This young man is indeed a talent, but... I find him somewhat inscrutable

This is indeed correct; Zhang Wei is not a Chinese person. According to him, his ancestors went to the South Seas several hundred years ago and later made their way to Fiji.

Oh my, I truly have a fate intertwined with misfortune. It would be one thing to have been stabbed in the back, but to find that I can't even find a place to eat...

Zhang Wei took a sharp breath, scrutinizing the surroundings. He noticed that the tiled house was indeed intact, but unfortunately, it only had three rooms. Inside, there was nothing of value, apart from a few rickety benches, a broken wooden bed made of mixed timber, and an unpainted Eight Immortals table. Beyond that, there was nothing else.

Zhang Wei silently praised Shi Lang a few times in his heart, but he was not foolish enough to speak up for this stubborn man. Shi Lang then stood up, cupped his hands towards everyone in the hall, and said, "I beg your pardon, I shall take my leave first"

Even though Zhang Wei prided himself on having a thick skin, he couldn't help but break out in a layer of oily sweat over this matter. However, he was quick-witted and, in the blink of an eye, concocted a set of excuses.

After finally emerging from a narrow alley, Zhang Wei, filled with joy, suddenly discovered that ahead lay another intersection. The dark and eerie mouth of the alley gaped open like a monstrous beast ready to devour.

Watching He Bin sway away, Zhang Wei, who was excited yet fearful of being caught and fined by the police in modern society for soliciting, thought to himself: "Damn it, the ancients really had their advantages; hiring courtesans was not only legal but also considered a refined activity. Having three wives and four concubines was normal... I wonder where those ten beauties of Qin are..."

Indeed, I have been overly concerned

Zheng Zhilong snorted coldly through his nostrils and angrily said: "This is quite good. My brother Yan and I have refrained from arguing with these Dutch traders, as their business practices are relatively stable. We are merely biding our time for now. Brother, do not panic; sooner or later, the entire island of Taiwan will still bear the surname Zheng!"

Zheng Hongkui glanced at Shi Lang and said to Zheng Zhilong, "Elder brother, I cannot understand why you would keep this person. He is extremely stubborn, self-righteous, and very difficult to manage"

Zheng Zhilong smiled and said: "How could I not know that this person is indeed difficult to restrain? However, considering his talents, I cannot bring myself to kill him"

Elder brother, I was reminded of something when I heard this brother Shi Lang mention Taiwan

The two laughed heartily and went together to the back hall to celebrate their success