107
No one knew how much gunpowder was placed on the ship, but red clouds rose up, flames shot up into the sky, and amid the deafening thunder, the two intercepting boats were overturned in an instant, and even the treasure ship under everyone's feet shook violently, making it impossible to stand steadily.
Lu Nan also failed to stand firmly and grabbed the guardrail. His ears were buzzing and his head was full of stars, but his eyes were fixed on the flames in the sky, his eyes were bloodshot.
Why did the ship explode? Who were these people? How dare they attack the treasure ship?
Lu Nan opened his mouth, wanting to shout loudly, asking everyone to calm down and order other ships to rush to help. Unexpectedly, a large hand reached out from the side and locked his neck. He staggered a few steps and was dragged. The cold blade kissed his throat. Only then did the buzzing sound in Lu Nan's ears fade away, and he heard a cold threat.
"Don't move!"
It was Yan Yuan! The one who caught him was Yan Yuan!
Lu Nan wanted to struggle, but the arm that was holding him was as strong as iron. The blade pushed forward lightly, causing a slight pain in his neck and a cold and damp sensation.
The hairs on Lu Nan's back stood up and he stopped moving immediately.
Where were the guards around him? Why didn't anyone stop him?!
"Boss!"
"Big Boss!"
"The thief is so brave!"
At this time, the shouting and cursing came into the ears, and the young man who had just boarded the boat stood up, waved the dagger in his hand, and spilled a string of blood.
Only then did Lu Nan realize that the three personal soldiers who always stayed with him had fallen to the ground, and their blood had stained a large area of the deck.
When were these people killed? There were only two people, and they dared to cause chaos on the treasure ship. Aren't they afraid of death?
The young man was truly fearless. He sheathed his dagger and, ignoring the shouting crew members around him, walked briskly to Lu Nan's side and said with a smile, "Boss Lu, the situation is critical. I'm sorry for offending you. Please be magnanimous and don't take it to heart."
That pretty little face now looked like a venomous snake. Lu Nan was shocked and angry, struggling and saying, "Who are you? How dare you rob my Lu family's treasure ship..."
The young man shook his head repeatedly: "Big Boss, you misunderstood. We are also members of the Lu family. We just joined the Second Young Master Lu. The Second Young Master said that the world has changed. It is safer to join a smart one."
Lu Nan was stunned. Were they really from Luoling Island? Did Lu An join Lu Jian?
The young man didn't continue speaking. Instead, he tilted his head and said loudly to those around him, "Everyone, please be careful. We are worthless. We will die if we die. It would be inappropriate if we hurt the boss."
The blade pressing against Lu Nan's neck immediately gained strength. Lu Nan was so frightened that he didn't even dare to swallow. He shouted anxiously, "Put down your weapons! Put away your bows and crossbows!"
These two dared to board the boat alone and their skills were so amazing, they were obviously warriors. Why would they risk their lives fighting with this group of lunatics?
The big boss has been restrained, so doesn't that mean he has the final say? Everyone looked at each other, no one dared to risk the boss's life, and they all put down their weapons.
The young man then turned around and smiled again, "The big boss seems smart, but he's really clueless. The Third Young Master Lu is neither good at literature nor martial arts, and he only holds his position thanks to Madam Chen. But what kind of status does Madam Chen hold? Would she look down on us merchants? When she takes power in the future, she might give the position to her trusted confidants, leaving the big boss no place to stand? The Second Young Master is different. He can single-handedly create a world for himself, and he knows how to appoint people to positions. If the big boss joins him, he will definitely be valued."
Lu Nan was so angry that he laughed: "You ignorant kid, don't you know who my uncle is?"
His aunt was indeed from the Chen family, a noble family. She was arrogant and ruthless, but with his uncle looking after her, who would dare to say anything?
The young man sighed and said, "Boss, don't you know the current situation at the court? Let's not even talk about whether Mr. Lu can get promoted. If he does, and rebels are everywhere and the country is in turmoil, who will be the first target? Madam Chen should have accepted your assignment, but if you lead the troops to suppress the bandits, how can you really get away with it? Even General Qiu didn't end up well, let alone others."
Lu Nan's heart skipped a beat. If it was what he said before, he would have just regarded it as bullshit, but now that they were talking about the general situation in the world, he could no longer pretend not to hear it.
Seeing his expression was off, the young man immediately continued, "Let's not talk about others, just the second-in-command. He's clearly captured such a crucial island, but Madam Chen hasn't even looked upon him with any respect. In today's world, isn't it all about the strength of the army and the horses? Others don't take the second-in-command seriously, but the Second Young Master Lu doesn't. That's why he has dozens of ships and thousands of men. The big boss is also extremely talented, so why should he be inferior to others and just be a seaman?"
Lu Nan suddenly said, "No matter how sharp your words are, Lu Jian can't defeat the Lu family!"
This is the most crucial point. No matter how powerful Lu Jian is, what can he do alone to the Lu family that has stood in Jiangdong for hundreds of years?
He must be crazy to turn to a discarded person who has no foundation and has been kicked out of the family!
Unexpectedly, the young man raised his eyebrows and said, "Boss, there are probably three to five hundred people on this treasure ship. They can chop me into minced meat with just a few moves. But you are in my hands. Two worthless lives in exchange for one of yours is not a loss. How can a barefoot person be afraid of a person wearing shoes? Besides, our second son is the eldest son. He may become the owner of the Lu family in the future."
Lu Nan's face turned pale. His life was indeed in the hands of the two men. Isn't it true that those who are barefoot are not afraid of those who wear shoes?
As for whether Lu Jian can take over the Lu family, it is not that important. He has to stay alive first!
However, he couldn't show any fear at this moment. Lu Nan forced himself to say, "You also know that there are 500 elite soldiers on the ship? Even if you use a trick to capture me, there is no way to escape from here! If you don't surrender quickly, I will spare your life for Lu Jian's sake..."
Before he could finish his words, the young man sneered, "The big boss must be frightened and confused. Hey, move aside and let the big boss see what's going on outside."
Before Lu Nan could move, the person who was strangling him from behind moved first, dragging him two steps towards the side of the boat. The others did not dare to stop him and made way. This turn allowed Lu Nan to see the scene in the distance clearly.
The few small boats that had been lazily following the Fuzhou ships suddenly showed their fangs and blocked the retreat route. The ambush pirates also came close, and the Fuzhou ships were immediately caught in a situation where they were surrounded by wolves in front and tigers behind.
More than a dozen large and small ships gathered together, and at this moment the shouts of killing were deafening and arrows were raining down.
Lu Nan knew it was not good at first sight. The person he thought was his help suddenly turned against him, which was enough to put people in danger, not to mention that without the bows and crossbows and cannons on the treasure ship, how long could those Fu ships hold out?
The enemy's attack was too fierce and their methods were too brutal. If all the escorting Fu ships and small boats were lost, how could he break out of the encirclement with only one boat?
Unexpectedly, at this moment, another voice came from my ears.
"Boss, don't get me wrong." The young man smiled and pointed around the treasure ship. "See? Those four ships are loaded with gunpowder. As soon as the order is given, they will attack in unison. These ships are fireproof, but can they withstand gunpowder?"
Lu Nan's face changed. He then realized that his boat had been surrounded by people.
The small boats that were guarding the side before either sank or went to support the Fu ship. The others were brought by Yan Yuan. Now they have made way for them to park beside the treasure ship.
If we could use artillery, we might be able to sink two or three of them. However, as long as we could get close to one, it would be no problem to blow a big hole in the ship!
They're going to sink the treasure ship! Lu Nan's lips trembled: "There are treasures brought back from Southeast Asia on the ship..."
The young man sneered, "If it can't be used by the Second Young Master, it might as well be blown up and sunk."
As he spoke, he raised his voice and shouted, "A ship loaded with explosives has surrounded you. If you don't surrender, you will sink with this ship!"
As soon as he said this, a buzzing sound immediately sounded on the deck.
The explosion just now was truly astonishing. The people on board were all seasoned sailors, so how could they not know what a collision would be like? This was deep in the ocean, not to mention the whirlpool and tsunami a massive ship capsizing would bring. That would be a dead end!
Although they are all desperate criminals who dare to venture out on the sea, who can be willing to be eaten by fish when they are about to arrive at their doorstep?
Besides, they are not deaf. Many people have already understood that this matter is ultimately caused by the feud between the Lu brothers.
No matter what, the Second Young Master Lu is the master's legitimate son. Surrendering does not mean surrendering to the enemy, so it should not be difficult for him to make a living.
Only those who have wives and children at home can't help but worry.
If he surrenders to the Second Young Master, it will be troublesome if the mistress holds him accountable.
Lu Nan's eyes were already showing a struggle. Just now, he was only worried about his own life, but now, he thought his men would surrender to the enemy if he died. Wouldn't his death be in vain?
But if he surrendered to the enemy, how could his aunt spare his family?
Yan Yuan felt that the person hanging on his body suddenly became limp and lost the strength to struggle. He quickly raised his head and winked at Cheng Xi.
Cheng Xi had been staring at Lu Nan, so he naturally wouldn't miss this subtle change. He immediately lowered his voice and asked, "I wonder if the big boss knows Mr. Liu Yuan, the old shopkeeper?"
Lu Nan looked over blankly. Of course he knew Liu Yuan, an old shopkeeper who had worked for the Lu family all his life and was deeply trusted by his uncle.
If I remember correctly, he also went to Panyu this time, and was in charge of the tea shop?
Cheng Xi smiled, but his voice dropped two notches. "Old Shopkeeper Liu is the real culprit behind the Lu family's current misfortune. He received favors from the late Madam twenty years ago, and this time, his entire family fled, and his son and daughter were all properly cared for. There are countless people like Old Shopkeeper Liu in the Lu family. May I ask, Chief Shopkeeper, were you acquainted with the late Madam back then? And how much does Madam Chen trust you?"
Lu Nan felt dizzy and almost fell to the ground.
Did he know the late wife? Of course he did. After all, she was his uncle's legal wife and had once managed the household. Which Lu clan member wouldn't be willing to make friends with her? And now, the fleet he brought back had been hijacked by Lu Jian's men! Several of the Fu ships were lost, and the treasure ships would most likely be robbed as well. Even if he escaped death and returned to Jiangdong, would his aunt let him go? Most likely, he would still be charged with treason, which would bring disaster to his family.
If that is the case, it would be better to surrender and let Lu Jian save his family's lives.
Thinking of this, Lu Nan's lips trembled, and after a while he said, "We are all Lu family members, we can discuss it..."
At this point, is there anything else to discuss?
Half an hour later, the treasure ship docked at Wuyuan Island. All of Lu's crew members and soldiers were driven off and taken into custody.
The battle on the Fujian ship side also ended. Several ships traveled back and forth on the sea, cleaning up the battlefield and rescuing damaged ships.
Lu Nan himself was taken onto another boat and headed towards Luoling Island.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
