"Your Excellency. Humble ...... The lowly duty didn't bother the adults. After Liang Chao saw Zhang Fan come out. A look of trance. It seems that something is bothering me in my heart. Plus he was too excited about things just now. Without asking what was going on, he rushed in. So he was afraid that he would disturb Zhang Fan's family affairs.

"Nope. Nothing. Zhang Fan didn't raise his head to look at him. still looks like a worried face. I don't know what I'm thinking when I keep my head down.

Liang Chao was worried about whether Zhang Fan would blame him. Although Zhang Fan has never blamed others indiscriminately before. But obviously. This time it's about Zhang Fan's family affairs. Now. Zhang Fan said it was fine. Liang Chao was also relieved. But nothing was found. Zhang Fan is simply absent-minded.

"Your Excellency. You would never have imagined. Who's back. Liang Chao has regained his previous momentum. said excitedly to Zhang Fan.

"Oh. Who is it? Zhang Fan still didn't slow down. Still asked so weakly.

"Your Excellency." Now. Liang Chao finally noticed that something was wrong. Amplified a little bit. Asked worriedly. "Your Excellency. You're fine. "He's very sensible. He didn't ask Zhang Fan what happened.

"Hmm." Now. Zhang Fan finally came back to his senses. looked at Liang Chao and asked. "What the hell is going on. Something that makes you so fussed. ”

"Adults can't believe it. Who's back. "Liang Chao only has the third time. Said with a wave of excitement. It's just that Zhang Fan's heart was heavy just now. Liang Chao's own enthusiasm cooled a little.

"Oh." Listen to Liang Chao say this. Zhang Fan's interest in his heart was also raised. "Something that makes you look like that. It must not seem like a trivial matter. And look at what you look like. It's not going to be a bad thing. But I can't guess a little. Who is back? will make you so happy. ”

"Actually, this thing. There is nothing to be happy about. The main thing to do is to be happy for adults. Liang Chao said. Adults remember. Last year in Gangnam. The lord specially recruited Zhao Xiande, a local maritime merchant, into Weizhong. Then ordered Wang Xiliang to go to sea with him. ”

"Of course I remember it. I still remember. The DPRK and China did not allow merchant ships to be equipped with artillery. I also specially borrowed several artillery pieces for Zhao Xiande to bring. also asked Wang Xiliang to bring many people with him. Zhang Fan naturally remembered this incident. This incident can be regarded as the beginning of a big event that Zhang Fan intends to do. Naturally, he remembered it clearly. Suddenly. Zhang Fan was puzzled. He didn't know why Liang Chao would mention this matter to him. "How could you suddenly bring them up. You said someone was back. Could it be ......?"

"Yes, sir. It was they who returned. Liang Chao saw that Zhang Fan understood. He also said happily.

"This ...... I haven't received any news. Although Zhang Fan was also happy in his heart. But he wondered why he didn't receive any news.

"Your Excellency. Here's what happened. Liang Chao heard Zhang Fan ask. Quickly explained. "Since every year. Most of the merchant ships returning to sea were between June and August, in the height of summer. And even if someone's ship is late to come back because of other problems. It will not be more than mid-October at the latest. So October passed. No one paid any attention to that. Even the cities along the coast are very idle.

"Then Zhao Xiande and Wang Xiliang were instructed by the adults. There are many more places to go. Naturally, it was much slower. In terms of lowliness. They were able to come back in such a short time. It's a god speed. ”

Listen to Liang Chao say this. Zhang Fan also suddenly realized. But then. His heart was even more puzzled. Magellan's trip around the world. It took several years. And now. Zhao Xiande and the others came back in less than a year. Zhang Fan naturally didn't believe that they had been to the Americas. Something must have happened in between. That's why they'll be back so soon.

"Where are their people. Is it still in Gangnam? Zhang Fan hurriedly asked.

"Back to my lord." Liang Chao saw that Zhang Fan looked a little anxious. also quickly replied. "Their sea boat returned to Jiangnan five days ago. After the ship arrived. They just took a short rest and headed straight to the capital. They had just arrived. ”

"Where are they now?" Zhang Fan heard Liang Chao say that they had arrived in the capital. Naturally, I wanted to see them right away. "Take me to them quickly."

Liang Chao doesn't talk much nonsense. Lead the way directly. Outside the gate of Zhang's house. The horses are ready. It seems that Liang Chao is also prescient. knew that Zhang Fan was planning to meet them.

Zhao Xiande and a few others waited in the post station. I saw Zhang Fan coming. It's also a hurry to see you.

Eliminate that red tape. Zhang Fan looked at these people. found that they left on their faces in addition to the vicissitudes of life left after the wind, frost and rain. But not much has changed. I didn't wear anything out of the ordinary. It didn't carry any ornaments that were different from those of the Central Plains.

"This way. You've worked hard. Zhang Fan greeted them first.

Wang Xiliang naturally had nothing to say. He was originally serving in the brocade guard. Zhang Fan gave him the order. Naturally, he was going to do it. It's that Zhao Xiande. Thank you very much to Zhang Fan. After all, Zhang Fan allowed him to run ships at sea more safely to do business. Although it is said that there is Zhang Fan's participation. so that he made much less money on each trip. But it's safe. For today's Zhao Xiande. It is not because he is short of money that he continues to make money. It's just because of the thrill. And safety is what he needs most now.

"Thank you for your kindness. This time with a villain...... This is a humble position. This time the humble position is a blessing to the adult. Returned safely. Zhao Xiande said to Zhang Fan. A beaming smile on his face.

"Oh." Zhang Fan heard him say this. Some doubts arise. Turning to Wang Xiliang asked. "You said you would return safely. It's not like you've encountered something along the way. ”

"Your Excellency. Speaking of this time. It's also dangerous. Wang Xiliang recalled the picture at that time. It's also a frightened look. "At that time, our three ships were already on the verge of arriving in Portugal. But I met some kind of English pirate. Wrong. That's not some pirate. It's simply a warship of another country. Come to think of it, these Western barbarians are really uncivilized. I don't know etiquette. The two countries are fighting each other. He openly sent his own army to rob the merchant ships of other countries. We found out later. Those people weren't soldiers. It's an authentic pirate. But he was recruited by the queen of England. What plunder certificates were also awarded to them. They were allowed to rob the merchant ships of other countries. It's just that most of those pirates usually have the idea of fighting the Spanish merchant ships. I don't know how this time. We actually got our idea. I think it's because we think that our Ming Dynasty is too far away. Moreover, in the past, Zhao Xiande's fleet did not go there with artillery. That's why you're going to rob us.

"Fortunately, this time it depends on the wisdom of adults. Let's put on those guns. Let the pirates who don't have long eyes have a good drink. ”

Zhang Fan heard him say this. I also have some understanding in my heart. It seems that the great era of colonial plunder has already begun. Britain and Spain have already begun to fight. It is estimated that this time it will affect the pond fish.

Zhang Fan, who has a bad history, has a memory of this period of time. Only the Spanish Armadada. At the time of the decisive battle against Britain with absolute superiority. but it was almost completely destroyed. However, Zhang Fan did not know when the naval battle took place. But listen to the words of Wang Xiliang and Zhao Xiande. Apparently it's not yet the beginning.

But even Zhang Fan, who is not familiar with history. There is a lot to be gained from what the two of them said. The reason why Britain is doing this. They even recruit pirates who are outlaws. to help yourself fight the Spaniards. Apparently because Spain has profited too much abroad. And Britain is in the embryonic period of capitalism. Because of the development of light industry. There is an urgent need for overseas markets to sell their products.

"But let's talk about it. This time is also quite dangerous. Zhao Xiande still looked palpitating. Said. "Those pirates actually sent six ships to rob us. Although this time we put on the artillery. But there are still some people who can't beat them. I was able to get through this time safely. I have to thank one person for doing it. ”

"Oh." Zhang Fan heard him say this. Confused again. "To whom to thank."

"Your Excellency. That's how it goes. Wang Xiliang explained. Although this time our ship was loaded with artillery. But after all, we only have three ships. If the other party is also three. There's nothing to be afraid of. But now the other side has six ships. And we don't know how to fight a naval war. ”

"So." Zhang Fan continued his words. "This time. A man skilled in naval warfare stepped forward. Helping you will only be the fleet. Beat off the pirates. Or let you break through. ”

"Your Excellency is right." The two said in unison.

"I'm curious about who this guy is." Zhang Fan said. "Someone who can have this ability. It will be reused in the future. ”

"Actually, this person knows everyone else." Wang Xiliang said. "She's the woman who came to me as an envoy last year."

"Joanna." Zhang Fan heard that it was her. Slightly surprised. But on second thought, it's the same. After all, Joanna comes from a military family. And Portugal as the beginning of colonization. There will certainly be no shortage of such a thing as naval warfare.

"And. Humble feelings. "This time. Wang Xiliang continued. "Your Excellency wants that Joanna to work for our Daming. It's not impossible. ”

Hear him say that. Zhang Fan was even more puzzled.