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There were indeed many people lying in ambush on the numerous small islands near Panyu, but they were not the main force of Ning Fuchai's Red Flag Gang, but a group of sea merchants who obeyed orders obediently.
Ever since they boarded the Red Flag Gang's ship for pepper futures, this group had sent troops to occupy the island. Their original plan was to take advantage of the conflict between the Red Flag Gang and the Long Whale Gang by providing some back-up support and prolonging the battle. The lack of danger, and the lack of anyone to oversee the battle, led many to secretly plot, hoping to take advantage of the situation by not putting in any effort.
Unexpectedly, when the war finally broke out, it was completely different from what they had imagined. The Long Whale Gang had no intention of seeking out the Red Flag Gang and marched straight towards Panyu City. The passage of the army frightened the sea merchants, and when the Long Whale Gang's fleet arrived at the estuary, they were even more anxious.
The family's property is all in Panyu. The Changjing Gang is a real gang of bandits who commit all kinds of evil, such as burning, killing, looting and so on. Now they have become the government army. If the court is unwilling to stop them, won't they lose everything?
It was a matter of life and death, and no one could sit still. However, no one could tell how to fight. There were only a few dozen boats and a few hundred people on a small island. Charging on them would be a death sentence. But if they didn't fight, what would happen to Panyu?
Just when they were burning with anger and even started cursing the Red Flag Gang, the military order reached the ears of these sea merchants.
"Attack the rear of the Long Whale Gang, then quickly retreat and reunite near Wuyuan Island?" Upon hearing this news, everyone couldn't believe it. What kind of fighting method is this?
Someone immediately complained, "Aren't they using us as bait? The Long Whale Gang is not easy to deal with. If we really attack their rear, won't we be swallowed whole?"
The Long Whale Gang's fleet was too large, and some of its ships hadn't yet reached Haikou, remaining near these small islands. They could fight, but once a fight broke out, they weren't guaranteed to escape. The Red Flag Gang was throwing them into a trap, leaving them with no way back.
However, the messenger said, "The government troops have already started fighting with the Changjing Gang. If we attack their rear now, they will be overwhelmed. If we wait any longer, we won't have such a good opportunity. Don't you want to save Panyu?"
What?! The imperial army actually engaged in a fight with the Long Whale Gang? This news was simply shocking. How could those defeated remnants dare to confront the Long Whale Gang head-on? However, since they were so close, scouts had indeed reported similar news. Many people immediately realized that this must be the imperial court's change of heart, and they wanted to target the Long Whale Gang.
With the government troops in front and behind, the Red Flag Gang in the back, and the Qingfeng Gang hidden somewhere, their combat power should not be underestimated. After all, this is just a lure, not a real head-on confrontation. Besides, at this point, we can't disobey orders. This concerns our own property. Are we really going to let the Long Whale Gang attack Panyu City?
Once they figured it out, the merchants stopped hesitating and began to attack the Long Whale Gang's rear. With such a large fleet, the rear route stretched for miles. The small boats that sprang out in all directions were like ants, biting whatever they could get their hands on. As if enraged, the dragon immediately turned and retaliated.
This reaction was too quick. The merchants were really caught off guard. No one dared to fight. Following the instructions of the Red Flag Gang, they fled for their lives towards Wuyuan Island.
The situation ahead was in turmoil, but Wuyuan Island in the rear was peaceful. No one could have imagined that the main force of the Red Flag Gang, which had disappeared earlier, had returned to the island, led by none other than Cheng Xi himself.
"Boss, the fleet besieging Luoling Island has withdrawn. Could something have gone wrong?" Yan Yuan was a little surprised by the column of smoke rising from the sea. This was not what they had imagined.
When they occupied Wuyuan Island, they essentially blocked the Longjing Gang from sending back any information. How could this group of barbarians abandon Luoling Island and withdraw without orders?
This is also a question in the minds of many people. The change came too suddenly. If it is misjudged, it will affect the overall situation.
Looking at the rising black smoke, Cheng Xi thought for a moment and suddenly said, "They may not be cooperating with the Long Whale Gang, but they really lost."
"What?" This statement was so unexpected that many people exclaimed in surprise. They hadn't left any ships on Luoling Island. How could the islanders alone defeat the Xisai fleet? Contrary to their expectations, almost all of the Xisai gunboats had been left on Luoling Island. This force was not easily resisted. Some even worried that Lin Meng and his men wouldn't be able to withstand it.
Yan Yuan frowned and thought for a moment, then nodded, "It's indeed possible. No matter how Lin Meng and his men fought, they must have hit a wall. If they are really withdrawing, should we fight them head-on?"
If they want to join up with the Changjing Gang's army, they must pass through Wuyuan Island. Attacking at this moment can catch the enemy off guard.
Unexpectedly, Cheng Xi shook his head and said, "Send someone to investigate the situation first to see what's going on."
She didn't think the Xisai people would abandon Luoling Island just because they hit a wall. They were probably the last to want to participate in direct combat, and the captives sent back would always be useful. Perhaps it was because of this that Ning Fu couldn't trust the Xisai people and kept them all on Luoling Island instead of dividing them into two groups for his own use.
Now, the battle ahead has begun, and it won't be long before the enemy will swarm in. The more this happens, the more cautious we must be. It's best to find out more before making a decision.
At Cheng Xi's command, countless small boats were deployed to scout for the enemy. Soon, they returned with startling news: the Xisai fleet had clearly been attacked. Many ships bore signs of burns, and several were tilted, likely taking on water and in danger of sinking. They were heading directly towards Wuyuan Island, likely intending to dock and repair their ships. The ships from the Changjing Gang, however, chose not to join the Xisai people, seemingly having fallen out and wanting to join the main force directly.
This caused an uproar among the crowd. How could it have become like this in just a few days? Could it be that Lin Meng had used some magic, or was it that the bandits and the group of whale thieves had fought each other, causing such a bizarre scene?
Regardless of how the fight unfolded, Li Niu was the first to step forward: "Boss, the barbarian fleet is doomed. Now is the time to strike back when they're down! Let me lead the troops, and we'll definitely be able to take them down!"
As soon as Li Niu said this, the others responded loudly. Originally, fighting on two fronts was risky, but in the current situation, they had a chance to first defeat this small force and then confront the main force of the Changjing Gang. Isn't this a godsend opportunity?
However, facing the enthusiastic crowd's request for battle, Cheng Xi shook his head: "Our opponent is not the Xisai people, but the Changjing Gang. Since we are in trouble, why not take this opportunity to persuade them to surrender and make the Xisai fleet turn against us?"
This startled everyone. Yan Yuan was the first to react: "If the people of Xisai were really seriously injured by Lin Meng and his men, they would probably hate us to the core. How can we convince them to turn against us?"
Cheng Xi smiled. "The people of Xisai have come all this way for money and benefits. Why bother putting in effort for something that can be solved with money? Li Niu, take your men to stop the deserters from the Changjing Gang. Don't kill them all at once, but hold them back so they can't join the main force. The rest of you, lead your troops out together. We must give this defeated army a good fight."
…
The journey from Luoling Island to Wuyuan Island was still headwind, and it would take quite a while. However, frightened by the black smoke from the island, the Xisai people sped up their ships. No one knew what they would face if they slowed down, and they didn't know if a fleet was waiting to launch a surprise attack along the way.
With almost all their strength, the Xisai people finally arrived near Wuyuan Island with their tattered sails. However, when the island was in sight, before everyone could cheer, a huge fleet appeared in front of them.
Baron Luciano looked at the imposing warships flying red flags, his face pale, and he didn't know what to say. Such a large fleet could only be the Red Flag Gang's main fleet. Shouldn't these pirates be fighting the Long Whale Gang? Why were they quietly guarding here? Especially when their fleet was severely damaged, the crew exhausted, and almost unable to fight.
"Sir, do you want to fight the enemy? Some of the ships may not be able to survive until tomorrow!" The adjutant also looked panicked and asked anxiously.
Large warships don't sink that easily. With all the crew working tirelessly to repair the breaches and reduce weight, they can still hold out for a while. However, even if they can hold out, they're no longer viable for naval battles; they're like floating targets. Furthermore, given the current situation, even if they could escape unscathed, where could they go?
Baron Luciano stared at the enemy, speechless for a long time. At this moment, he didn't know who had tricked him, or how he had ended up in such a desperate situation. Was this the end of his journey to the Far East? He had lost his fleet, but gained nothing. How would his family, his wife, and his children cope in the future? He hadn't joined the army for this very reason.
Baron Luciano opened and closed his lips, but for a long time he gave no instructions. However, the messenger beside him suddenly shouted, "Sir, that seems to be our ship!"
Sure enough, a standard Western-style soft sailboat was swaying towards this side. This was a sign of an attack! Baron Luciano's eyes suddenly flashed, and he shouted, "Send a ship to meet them and see what they have to say! Oh, and send those officers who escaped back with them!"
This time, he brought with him the five officers released by the Red Flag Gang, who were now the best candidates for negotiations.
No matter what these pirates want, he can consider it. The most important thing now is to protect himself. He can't afford any more losses in this Far East war!
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