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Since it was a pre-war negotiation, no one would take an attacking stance. The ship sent by Cise went out from afar and connected with the ship outside the maximum attack range of the two fleets.
The one who took charge of the negotiations this time was none other than Baron Luciano's confidant Cotanzo. He was the one who led the troops to attack Luoling Island and was the only one in the fleet who had fought against this group of pirates. At least he would not lose in momentum.
The deputies following him were none other than the five officers who had been released earlier to deliver messages. These people had met the top leaders of the Red Flag Gang and could probably provide him with some advice.
The two sides did not send their own small boats to meet at sea, but instead forced the Xisai people to board the Red Flag Gang's ship.
Cotanzo was somewhat displeased, as this was somewhat suppressive of them. However, when he saw that all the gunboats that originally belonged to Cisse were replaced by Eastern sailors who looked like they could skillfully operate soft sailing boats, he couldn't help but become nervous.
This was a real demonstration. How long had it been since these pirates captured the gunboat? If they could quickly train sailors like these, attacking them and seizing the gunboat would probably increase their willingness.
However, even so, he maintained the dignity of a Cisse officer and walked into the cabin arrogantly. Unexpectedly, his expression changed the next moment. There was a woman in a red dress sitting in the room. Could this be the legendary leader of the Red Flag Gang?
Behind him, a series of exclamations echoed, and some even felt their legs weaken, not daring to move forward even a little. Many of these released people had seen the female shipping magnate before, and were still terrified by her cold and powerful presence.
In an instant, Cotanzo thought a lot. If he rushed forward now and took the woman hostage, would he be able to escape? However, as soon as this thought came to his mind, he found that it would not work because there were many guards standing behind the other party, and this was the Red Flag Gang's boat.
After calming down, Cotanzo saluted and said, "Master of the Red Flag Gang, distinguished lady, I am an envoy sent by Baron Luciano.
, Colonel Cotanzo, I have come to negotiate with you."
On an ocean-going ship, few people could maintain their appearance, especially after a defeat. However, the young man before him was surprisingly clean-cut, with a trimmed beard and clean clothes, like a true gentleman.
Before the interpreter could speak, Cheng Xi asked, "You attacked Luoling Island and are my enemy."
This was not a friendly gesture. Cotanzo hadn't expected the woman to speak Sicilian, much less to be accused of wrongdoing. He immediately grew nervous and argued, "This is war. We are allies of the Long Whale Gang, and fighting is inevitable."
"I should attack you and destroy your fleet." This time, Cheng Xi did not use the Xisai language, but chose his native language which could emphasize the tone more.
The interpreter did not dare to delay and translated it immediately. However, this move was not good news for Cotanzo. She obviously understood Sicilian, but refused to speak it. Was she trying to make a protest?
Straightening his back, Cotanzo said proudly, "Madam, if you want war, we will give you war. Cisse's fleet still has many cannons and many brave and fearless battles. We are not afraid of fighting."
Cheng Xi smiled, and following the interpreter's instructions, she leaned back in her chair and crossed her legs. This was certainly not a ladylike gesture, but the gesture and its meaning were self-explanatory.
Seeing her expression, Cotanzo's heart tightened, and he changed the subject. "But now that you're here, and I'm here too, it's time to have a proper talk. It's the Long Whale Gang you're fighting, not the Xisai people."
"What's wrong? Are you scared of being cheated by the Changjing Gang?" Cheng Xi asked casually.
Cotanzo looked a little embarrassed. This was indeed what Baron Luciano always said. This time they were used by the Long Whale Gang and suffered heavy losses.
Clearing his throat, he said resolutely, "All Xisai wants is trade with the Far East. If the Red Flag Gang can offer the same price, we can choose not to participate in your war."
"What price did the Long Whale Gang ask? Give you a passage through the strait, a trading port, or something else?" Cheng Xi chuckled. "I won't give you these, but I can point out a clear way forward."
Did he decide not to negotiate? Cotanzo's expression was not very good. He stared at the woman in the red dress, thinking about how he would resolutely refuse if she made any excessive demands.
Unexpectedly, the woman said, "With the Changjing Gang's entire army out, their rear will inevitably be empty. If the Xisai people choose to leave now, it would be the perfect time to plunder the Qiongzhou camp or seize control of the strait. I've warned you before that the Xisai people's enemies aren't in the east. Instead of taking what doesn't belong to you, it's better to find a way to keep what belongs to you."
Cotanzo's heart trembled. He hadn't expected such an answer. But was it appealing? At least it was better than facing the Red Flag Gang's army or getting caught up in this war in the Far East.
Cotanzo swallowed hard and said, "We were attacked and lost many warships. We need compensation."
He was answered with an icy gaze, the cold contempt of a victor: "Leave the damaged ship behind, get out now, there will be a chance to reach the Far East in the future, otherwise it will belong to your enemy."
She was not joking, nor was she ignorant and arrogant. Just like the Xisai language she spoke, she understood Xisai's situation.
Cotanzo had heard rumors about this woman. Her father was once the most powerful general in the Far East, commanding an undefeated fleet that plied the seas. She inherited her father's legacy and even the emperor of this country could not defeat her.
But now, they have experienced the tricks of this female shipping king and the deception and betrayal of the man in white. The Long Whale Gang is not a qualified ally. Should they choose another new ally?
After a long silence, he finally said, "You also detained a lot of Xisai people."
"There is a price to redeem prisoners, it has always been like this." Cheng Xi had no intention of giving in. She knew that in the eyes of these people, an opponent who would not ask for war reparations would be seen as weak and stupid, not generous and merciful.
As expected, facing her toughness, Cotanzo did not argue any further, but simply said: "I will convey your meaning to His Excellency the Baron truthfully."
"You only have one chance like this." The last sentence was spoken in Sisse, cold and precise, sending chills down one's spine.
Cotanzo bowed slightly and walked out of the room. It wasn't until the sun shone on him again that he realized his back was drenched in sweat. Although she was a young and beautiful woman, she made him feel uneasy, as if he had encountered a witch who could see into people's hearts.
In any case, he did get a plan, a way to save his life.
As if remembering something, he turned around and asked the people who followed him but seemed to be speechless: "What do you think of what this woman said?"
The officers, once captured and now free, exchanged glances. Someone whispered, "She's a murderous pirate, skilled in combat. We're not at an advantage, so why pay a higher price for an empty promise?"
The Long Whale Gang had made a lot of promises, which were very tempting, but now it seemed that whether they could be fulfilled was a question. Rather than getting stuck deeper and deeper, it would be better to choose something more practical, just like the woman said.
Cotanzo sighed deeply again. It seemed that he could only leave the decision to the Baron.
Returning to the flagship with the agreed terms, Cotanzo faithfully relayed the female shipping magnate's words. Baron Luciano's expression was displeased, but he remained calm. "It's just like she said before. She doesn't need our help. Or rather, not on the battlefield."
Baron Luciano had previously imagined that the Red Flag Gang wanted to win them over and promised them more rewards, so that they could first dock at Wuyuan Island to repair their warships, and then stay away from the battlefield to seek greater profits.
But now, a short conversation broke all these rumors. She really understood the situation of the Xisai people and really didn't care about their defeated army.
The options were limited: continue the fight to the death with the Red Flag Gang according to the covenant, or break the covenant and immediately attack the Long Whale Gang's lair. Which option was more advantageous was self-evident. At least they still hadn't figured out what had attacked the fleet, and they were unwilling to risk their last remaining resources against a main fleet several times their size.
After a long pause, Baron Luciano said, "If we return now, we can still catch the last favorable wind. The Long Whale Gang's camp in Qiongzhou has just been established, so looting won't be difficult. Furthermore, the Long Whale Gang has indeed deployed its entire army, and the remaining troops near the strait are insufficient, making this the perfect time to seize it. We can lose a war, but we cannot lose the entire campaign and our foundation in the Far East."
He had already made his decision, and somehow, Cotanzo felt relieved. He was the leader of the attack on Luoling Island, and he knew better than anyone how tenacious and terrifying those pirates were. If possible, he didn't want to continue making such fearless sacrifices.
"Then, sir, what are their demands..." the adjutant asked in a low voice.
"Leave behind those ships that can't hold on, and take away as much artillery and supplies as possible. Otherwise, they probably won't let us go so easily." Baron Luciano thought for a moment and added, "As for the prisoners, we can consider ransoming them after this battle. Regardless of who wins, it will probably take a long time to rule these waters."
However, they will face a more powerful enemy, or a more powerful friend. Baron Luciano added this in his mind and sighed. When he was crossing the strait with high spirits, who could have predicted the current situation?
With the commander's orders, everything fell into place and began to move at a rapid pace. Five ships, unable to continue their voyage, slowly sailed into Wuyuan Island, surrounded by the Red Flag Gang's army.
The silence from this side also shocked the defeated Changjing Gang, which was almost broken by Li Niu's troops. What was going on? Could it be that the Red Flag Gang persuaded the Fanzi to switch sides? This news must be reported as soon as possible!
Almost risking their lives, several small boats broke out of the encirclement and fled madly towards the Changjing Gang army.
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