When Cao Yi returned to the cabin, everyone looked at him expectantly.
"Master Cao, what's wrong with your face?"
Cao Yi smiled awkwardly and said: "It's nothing. I went to the steam engine stove and got burned."
Of course he couldn't tell others that he was rewarded with a big post by the emperor.
What a shame!
Isn't it just a suggestion? As for taking action...
"What did the emperor say?"
"I just said that I was going to Qiongzhou to perform a mission. I don't know what the specific mission is."
Everyone looked a little depressed. The emperor couldn't listen to the advice now. Forget it, do what you like, I'm tired!
The Zhenghe continued to sail south, and at night again, more and more people were feeling dizzy and nauseated.
They were not worried about the dangers of this trip. Such a big ship would not sink if it sailed along the coast.
As for going on a mission...who knows what the mission is, it won't be to fight, right?
In the cabin, Zhu Qizhen stared at the chart. Beside him, the crew members were busy writing calculations. They must always keep track of fuel consumption.
"Your Majesty, according to calculations, the fuel is enough to reach Qiongzhou Island. Now the north wind is blowing. Raising the jib can save a lot of fuel. However, according to the experience these days, the south wind may turn to the south during the day.
Fuel consumption will definitely increase."
"Keep moving forward. If you run out of fuel, you must give advance warning and dock to replenish."
"Yes!"
"Also, order the combat personnel to take a rest quickly. Enemy ships may appear at any time, and everyone must be ready to fight at any time."
"Yes!"
As the Zhenghe headed south, the sky turned from dark to bright again, and it was not far from Qiongzhou Island.
However, the officials accompanying the ship began to fall one after another.
Most of them are seasick, or diarrhea and vomiting caused by acclimatization, and some are still sick despite being strong.
Cao Yi couldn't help but lament that he was so old that he might end up on the ship.
Zhu Qizhen learned that many administrators were sick, but did not show even a trace of concern.
"This group of officials are used to enjoying themselves, and they couldn't stand it after just two days on the boat. But these crew members have been wandering in the sea all year round. How can they stand it?"
Finally, before it got dark again, news came from the deck that the Zheng He had arrived at Qiongzhou Island.
Zhu Qizhen was about to leave the cabin, but was stopped by Jin Ying.
"Your Majesty, the location of the enemy ship is unknown, you should return to the cabin!"
"No, I'll go and see for myself!"
Regardless of the obstruction, Zhu Qizhen came to the deck, took out his telescope and looked into the distance.
On the vast sea, no ship other than the Zheng He can be seen.
Looking towards the shore again, it was still empty, with only a few seagulls circling overhead.
"How much fuel is left?"
Jin Ying replied: "We can still sail for three hours at most."
"Enough!"
Zhu Qizhen then issued an order: "Run two cylinders and circle the island!"
"This...is!"
Jin Ying instinctively wanted to dissuade him, because there was really not much fuel. If he circled the island for a week, he would basically use it up.
However, he knows the emperor's temper best.
That means...not listening to advice!
…………
In the cabin, everyone is still talking.
"Since we have arrived in Qiongzhou, why haven't we returned yet?"
"Didn't I say that I have taken action? I am definitely still preparing now."
"What action?"
"How do I know!"
Cao Yi wanted to say something, but he hesitated. Forget it, he said no more.
Otherwise, it won’t be worthwhile to be elected as a representative and then get a big mouth.
Dangdangdang...
At noon, everyone was eating, and suddenly, the bells on the deck rang loudly.
Immediately afterwards, it became noisy outside, as if there was some emergency situation.
"Master Cao, what happened?"
Cao Yi glanced at him and said angrily: "I don't know!"
At this moment, a cry came from outside: "Report, enemy ship found!"
Upon hearing these words, Cao Yi clearly felt that his heartbeat began to accelerate.
Others had the same reaction. Wasn't it a trial voyage? Why did an enemy ship appear?
Besides, where did this enemy come from?
"The emperor has a decree, everyone is ready to fight, the gunners are in position!"
"Lower the jib and turn on the backup boiler!"
"The medical team is ready to take over the wounded!"
"The main gun is ready!"
On the bow of the ship, there is a heavy black flying tiger cannon.
A thick iron cover is added to the outside of the gun body, making it look like a tank.
On the deck, everyone was running forward, and they made preparations for the war in an orderly manner.
Cao Yi suddenly felt a cramp in his calf and quickly reached out to press it.
Is this... a war?
There are a total of twenty-three stewards who came from Ningbo to trial the ship. At this moment, they all looked confused.
Isn't it a trial voyage? Why is there suddenly going to be a war?
Besides, if we want to fight, put us down!
Bang!
The cabin door opened, and Yuan Bin was seen holding a knife and said coldly: "Today, an enemy ship invaded our Ming Dynasty. The emperor has announced the start of war. All irrelevant people are staying in the cabin. No one can leave the cabin unless summoned!"
When everyone heard that there was really going to be a war, they showed fear.
"Put me down, I want to go home!"
"I want to see the emperor, I want to see the emperor!"
Brush!
With a flash of cold light, Yuan Bin had already drawn his knife.
"Those who resist the decree and do not respect it will be killed without mercy!"
At this time, everyone became quiet.
Cao Yi hurriedly said: "Commander Yuan, please tell the emperor that if a gentleman does not stand under a dangerous wall, he should stay away for a while, wait for an opportunity, and send an envoy to denounce him!"
Yuan Bin glanced at him and said slowly: "They have come to your house and you are still criticizing me!"
"But...after all, when it comes to diplomacy between countries, it's better to be in a safe manner."
"Properly?"
Yuan Bin sneered and said: "The best way to deal with this is to smash the enemy into slag!"
After finishing speaking, he ignored the officials and turned around to leave.
Zhu Qizhen looked with a telescope and saw that there were indeed three ships moored directly in front of him. Neither the style nor the flags belonged to the Ming Dynasty.
What’s even more surprising is that a port has been built here!
Qiongzhou Island is a vast and sparsely populated place, with few people coming and going on weekdays. Unexpectedly, it gave foreigners an opportunity.
Damn, you took advantage of me and took advantage of me. I’m really tired of living!
In the fuel tank, everyone kept adding coal to the boiler. The Zheng He had all four cylinders running and was rushing towards the enemy ship at full speed.
The impeller under the hull draws a long wave of water.
Under the midday sun, the hull casts a huge shadow on the sea.
The lookout observed the opponent's movements and immediately shouted: "The enemy ships have begun to move, one is approaching from the front, and two are outflanking!"
Jin Ying was a little panicked and said: "Your Majesty, with one against three, we have little chance of winning. In my humble opinion, it is better to avoid the edge for the time being."