The war that took place on West Java not only involved Beihai Town, the Dutch East India Company and various sultanates, but also the forces of all sizes on the Malay Peninsula are paying close attention.

Since the beginning of the 16th century, the Portuguese and Dutch have successively invaded Southeast Asia and colonized the entire Malacca economic circle. The political struggle that lasted for more than 200 years has led to the originally unified Malay Peninsula area being divided into many small states.

In the north, Kedah, Kelantan and Dingjianu were controlled by the emerging Siam Quakri Dynasty; although Pili was an independent state, it was often attacked by Kedah from the north and Selangor from the south; Selangor was an independent state of the Bugis people; further to the south was a loose union of the small states of the Minangkabau, they each ruled and were not controlled by the Johor Kingdom; although Pahang was part of the Johor Kingdom, it was ruled by the Pandhala Kingdom and increasingly separated from the control of Johor; because the Johor Sultan was driven to the Lóne Islands by the Dutch and Aceh people, he engaged in pirate activities under the encouragement of Sultan Mahmoud, and his jurisdiction over the mainland was ineffective, and in fact he was ruled by the Tianmenggong.

Each country has its own world, and most of their residences are built along a main river. The so-called capital is almost the same as the village community, with only a few more palaces and mosques of the Sultan. These villages and towns are all located near the estuary. The rulers use the terrain of the river to control the entry and exit of the people, organize defense of foreign enemies, and impose toll and import and export taxes.

In another time and space history, this separatist situation created by the Portuguese and the Dutch made wedding dresses for the British. When the VOC went bankrupt, the British in Penang quickly seized Malacca and Temasek, thereby controlling the main maritime channels for East-West trade.

In this two hundred years of chaos, the Chinese were not conspicuous. First of all, the Fujian and Guangdong Chinese who divided the groups by region were already very closed and exclusive. In the 18th century, immigrants who went to Southeast Asia began to engage in mining tin mines and farming. They planted pepper in Tengjianu, planted betel nuts in Liou, and produced betel nut paste. During the Bacheng Massacre more than 50 years ago, a large number of Fujian and Guangdong immigrants fled from Java to the Malay Peninsula. Now, the total number of Chinese people in various places on the Malay Peninsula is about 100,000.

July 4, 1793, Malacca City, 3:00 pm.

After 22-year-old Zeng Youliang was wearing a bamboo cloth gown, he walked out of the Governor's Mansion on the west bank of the Malacca River, hurriedly crossed the suspension bridge and headed straight to Chinatown on the east bank. On the way, he met someone he knew on the way, and just nodded his head and passed by. When he arrived at a temple with flying eaves, he saw four big words "Flying from the South China Sea" written on the mountain gate, and a group of dragons were carved on both sides of the gate. Between the white walls and red tiles, various myths and animal statues were piled on the eaves of the swallowtail-shaped eaves, which shone brightly and dazzlingly in the sun.

Here is Qingyun Pavilion, a Chinese Buddhist temple that plays the role of "combination of politics and religion" in Malacca City. It is also the earliest temple where Han monks stationed in Southeast Asia in history. It is also the first Guanyin temple in history that can be recorded in Malaya. The main buildings in the temple are all made of nanmu, and the inside and outside are decorated with raw lacquer, and black and red. Among them, the main hall is Guanyin Bodhisattva, the left altar is Mazu, and the right altar is Guan Gong. Behind the main hall is the office hall where the Chinese Kabitan is located.

In 1673, Zheng Fangyang, the first Chinese in Malacca City, and his successor in Malacca City, jointly planned to build this temple. For 120 years, Qingyunting has become the center for the Chinese in Nanyang to maintain the faith of the Chinese in the Han Dynasty, with the advantages of Malacca City.

As for why a Buddhist temple is called "Ting" rather than a "Temple", it is mainly related to the two Chinese people who were planned to be built at that time. Most of the Chinese residents in Malacca City were engaged in maritime trade and local business. In their opinion, if a person gets rich through business, it will be like a rising star and rising to the sky.

Interestingly, although this is a Buddhist temple, every year when Jingzhe, a special "fighting villains" event will be held.

Zeng Youliang entered the mountain gate and first bowed to the Guanyin statue at the entrance of the main hall, and then he walked around to the court behind. When he entered the door, he saw that Kabidan Chen Qihou, Lei Zhenlan Cai Shizhang, and Chen Qihou's younger brother Chen Yi were talking.

"Mr. Dexin, something big happened!"

45岁的陈起厚头也不抬的道:“成向来了,出什么事了?说来听听.”

"The navy under the command of King Zhao of Beihai Town defeated the Dutch fleet on the Thousand Islands north of Bacheng five days ago. Sixteen warships were either sunk or captured!"

"You're serious about this?" The three people in the house were shocked when they heard this. Chen Qihou looked up at Zeng Youliang in shock. The ink on the brush in his hand dripped onto the file and dyed a large piece of black.

"Ouch!" Cai Shizhang, who was beside him, hurriedly stepped forward and wiped it with rice paper.

"It's true. I just went to the Governor's Office to send a ticket. When I passed by the Governor's public room, his house door was not closed tightly. He was so upright that he shouted to the city defense commander in anger. Many people heard it!"

After Zeng Youliang finished speaking, he said with some meaning: "Mr. Dexin, it seems that the Dutch is about to be finished, so we must make plans early."

The three of them were middle-aged and 42 years old, Cai Shizhang raised his hand to stop Zeng Youliang's words. He walked outside the house and said to a servant standing in the corridor: "Ashui, go to the door and guard it. If someone comes, let him wait first."

After his subordinates left, Cai Shizhang turned around and said, "Cheng Xiang, you said this too early. What is this loss for the Dutch? It's just a drop in the bucket! They have hundreds of big ships in the entire Nanyang area! Besides, you also saw the Dutch's troop ship passing by a few days ago. It was not a few thousand people, but tens of thousands!"

Chen Qihou stroked his beard and thought for a while, and asked Zeng Youliang: "Cheng Xiang, who else have you said this?"

"I didn't tell anyone else, I went straight to here after coming out of the town hall."

Cai Shizhang waved his hand and said, "Okay, let's break this matter in your stomach, don't talk nonsense everywhere. As the saying goes, with big feet and big shoes, these things are not something we can get involved in."

Chen Yi, who was standing beside him, also said, "Yes! I don't know, everything will never happen. Cheng Xiang, you are still young, and victory or defeat has been common in military affairs since ancient times, just a naval battle. Even if King Zhao has several large iron ships, may he compare with the Dutch fleet with the sailings of the clouds?"

Zeng Youliang was in high spirits, but he was very upset when he was hit by the two of them with guns and sticks, so he retorted: "I don't like the Dutch's arrogant appearance all day long. Judging from me, they will definitely fall into a big fuss this time."

Although Cai Shizhang was dissatisfied, Zeng Youliang's father was also his ex-Grabidan, and he always had to save face when speaking. So he continued to persuade: "Cheng Xiang, no matter how much Java is, it is not our business. Even if Beihai Town wins, I think both sides will suffer. The last time King Zhao won easily, but he caught the Dutch off guard. This time, the people have brought tens of thousands of troops to avenge them. I don't think it will be a big deal for less than a year or two."

Zeng Youliang remained silent after hearing this, and didn't know how to refute it for a moment. At this time, he heard the voice of the officer A Shui from outside: "Master! The Governor's Office sent someone to send a message and asked the two Governor's Office to go to the Governor's Office to discuss something."

Chen Qihou said in a deep voice: "What's the matter?"

"The man didn't say anything, just asked the two masters to go there as soon as possible."

"Please sit in the concierge for a moment, and we'll go there now."

Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang looked at each other in surprise, thinking that they were still asking to go to the Governor's Mansion at this time. It seemed that something was wrong. The two of them did not dare to neglect, so they went to the next door to change their clothes, went out to carry the sedan chair and left with the visitor from the Governor's Mansion.

The Governor's Palace in Malacca Castle is located in the Malacca Castle, and the castle is located at the foot of Mount Sao Paulo on the left bank of the Malacca River, facing the sea. The castle was built by the Portuguese in the early 16th century. After the Dutch took over, it was expanded. The entire castle is 1,400 yards in a circumference of 1400 yards, with six towers equipped with cannons, four gates, and a trench leading to the strait. Now only VOC staff and Dutch free people are allowed to live in the castle. Every time it gets dark, the suspension bridge will be closed by soldiers and no one is allowed to approach it.

Chen and Cai hurriedly followed the people from the Governor's Office to cross the suspension bridge. After a brief inspection by the guards, they soon saw Abraham Kupeles, the Governor of the VOC, who was stationed in Malacca.

During the Dutch ruled Southeast Asia, Malacca was just a county under Batavia's management, and all military and political affairs were controlled by Batavia. After Beihai Town defeated Chin City, Malacca City was placed under the direct jurisdiction of the Governor-General of Ceylon because it guarded the strait and had a more important position.

Kupeles looked ugly, raised his hand and picked up a letter, and said in a deep voice: "Look at it, this is sent by someone this evening. It is of great importance. I ask you to keep it confidential after reading it and not disclose it to outsiders."

"Please rest assured that I am both a citizen living in Malacca City for the past, and taking office as a court is also a service to the Governor's Office."

Although Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang were surprised, they still made a promise. After hearing this, Kupellus handed over the letter. Chen Qihou opened it and found that it was written in Chinese. When he looked up, his heart suddenly skipped a beat.

"Guo Xuexian, commander of the Second Squadron of the Northern Navy, warned the Governor of Malacca, Abraham Kupeles: Your fleet in the Java Sea has been annihilated by us, and more than 1,000 officers and soldiers from Major General Kabion have become prisoners. Your ground offensive on Java Island has also been defeated by us one after another. At present, the remaining defeated soldiers have fled to Silang and Wandong.

On behalf of the Northern Navy, I will issue an ultimatum to you, limiting you to hand over the city of Malacca within 24 hours. All defenders will put down their weapons and surrender out of the city. At that time, we will ensure the safety of the lives of the people in the city. Otherwise, our fleet will launch a shelling attack on the castle of Malacca. Don’t say that you are not prepared! At 13:28 pm on July 4, 1793."

After reading the letter, Chen Qihou was stunned. Cai Shizhang next to him finished reading it, then took it over and looked at it, and was also confused. This was clearly a letter of surrender! The content in it was just a sentence, giving you unconditional surrender 24 hours a day, and if you don’t agree, fire!

“When did this letter come?”

"Three hours ago."

It turned out that in the afternoon, a sloop under the flag of Johor Sultan entered the Malacca River from the outside sea. As soon as the Malay captain on the ship found the captain of the guard at the port, saying that there was a letter from the Northern Navy that it needed to be handed over to the governor immediately. When the captain of the guard heard that it was a letter from the Northern Navy, he hurriedly took the captain into the castle. When Kupeles received the letter, he opened it and found that it was written in Chinese. After being translated by the translator, he knew that something was wrong, so he immediately asked his subordinates to summon Chen and Cai to come over.

"It has been 15 years since I was appointed as the governor of Malacca City by the company. I have always treated Chinese people equally and get along well with each other. Of course, although I have done a lot of work on some unreasonable systems of the company, I am powerless in some things. If this crisis can be overcome, I will assign more tax-packing projects to you."

The tone of Kupeles's speech was completely gone without his usual domineering and arrogant attitude, which made Chen and Cai feel proud.

It is said that since the VOC colonized Southeast Asia in the early 16th century, if it were not for the participation of a large number of Chinese workers, the Dutch themselves would not be able to carry out large-scale urban construction, making Malacca and Batavia picturesque.

However, following closely behind were thousands of immigrants who were deceived into Java and Malaya plantations and mines, working like slaves. The poor working conditions caused many people to be seriously malnourished, and unbearable escapees were often whipped to death. In the eyes of the Dutch, Chinese workers were at their own faults because they were originally untouchables in their own country.

This chapter is not over, please click on the next page to continue reading! Since the Bacheng Massacre, the Dutch ruled the Chinese in Southeast Asia has become more severe. The tax paid by Chinese people is the highest among all ethnic groups; those of Chinese descent must wear traditional Chinese clothing, including men having to wear braids; Chinese people in various places are only allowed to live in designated Chinatown areas. Every time they leave Chinatown, they have to apply for a license that is difficult to obtain; in addition, in order to ensure their rule and authority, the VOC strictly prohibits Chinese from intermarrying with the Dutch.

With the help of discriminatory treatment of the colonial government, Chinese merchants who always provide better and faster services at lower prices are often described as poisonous snakes, hyenas or vultures, full of cunning and conspirators. Although they have lived in this land for more than a hundred years, they are always regarded as outsiders.

After the initial shock, Chen Qihou and Cai Shizhang were over. After listening to Kupeles' words and recalling the content of the letter in Beihai Town, both of them couldn't help but have a thought that the era of Chinese people being proud in Malaya has arrived!

However, the scheming Chen Qihou knew that the more he was, the more he could not be careless. If the Dutch were anxious to jump over the wall, it would be a disaster for more than a thousand Chinese in Malacca City, so he hurriedly bowed: "Yes, yes. The Governor General has been with us for many years and has been taking good care of us. All of us and the Chinese people are grateful."

Cai Shizhang also hurriedly said: "Your Governor General has something to give you, and we will definitely work hard for the people of the whole city."

Kupeles nodded with satisfaction and then said, "I have something to ask you two for help. First of all, I want the people of Chinatown to enter the castle tonight. There are not many Chinese people in Malacca City, and there are still many empty houses in the castle, which are easy to resettle."

"Ah!" Chen and Cai's faces changed, thinking that this was clearly a shield for Chinese people, which was too immoral!

A grim smile appeared on Kuperus's face: "What? Are there any difficulties?"

"Governor General, it's too late now, and the furniture has been resting... It's better to go tomorrow morning..."

"No! It must be done tonight! Colonel Morellus is already calling the troops, you must assist."

Chen and Cai dare not refuse to agree. As the saying goes, if they dare to say "no", they will immediately be in trouble!

"The second thing, I will appoint you two as negotiators in Malacca City and take a boat to negotiate with the commander named Guo early tomorrow morning."

"Please give me some advice, what should I do?"

"Try to delay the time. I might as well tell you clearly that the 30,000 troops led by Governor Overstraten and His Excellency Artin are besieging Batavia, and the troops in Beihai Town are less than 6,000. Although we lost a game at sea, it does not affect the overall situation. Do you understand?"
Chapter completed!