My Pen Pal Zhu Yuanzhang

Chapter 398 Enemies meet on a narrow road
How could there be such a huge ship in this world?

Ali let out an exclamation of amazement. As a businessman who traveled all over the country, he had been on many ships, but he had never seen such a huge and majestic ship. The ship in front of him was probably several times larger than the one he had been on when he came here.

These are more than just ships, they are simply cities on the sea!

Ming Dynasty is indeed the most magical country in the world, the land chosen by God.

When he got closer, he couldn't believe his eyes. These ships were actually made of steel?

This completely shattered his previous understanding. Steel could actually float on the water. This was a miracle that was not even recorded in the Koran!

Ali rubbed his eyes, and under the surprised gaze of Zhu Di and the other two, he quickly ran to the dock, squatted down and looked over. Sure enough, those ships were floating on the water!

How did they do this? Did the Ming Dynasty really possess the power of God?
Looking at Ali's surprised expression, Zhu Di and others shook their heads. Alas, another one has gone crazy.

This has happened countless times since the fleet docked in Temasek. You get used to it.

The three of them waited for Ali considerately. They felt quite proud that Ali, a foreigner, was so curious and even admired the ships produced by the Ming Dynasty.

After a long while, Ali slowly stood up, looking unsatisfied. After returning to the three people, he asked cautiously:

"My three officers, may I ask why this steel ship can float on the water?"

As he spoke, Ali imitated the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty and bowed deeply to the three people.

"I hope you can give me some advice, Master Jun!"

Zhu Di, Xu Huizu and Li Jinglong looked at each other in bewilderment. This was quite new. There were many people who came to the dock every day to see the new scenery, but this was the first time someone asked this question.

The answer is, they don’t know!

However, Li Jinglong was quick-witted. He said casually, "Well, it's just a trifle, not worth mentioning. The essence is something called density, which is all science. Do you understand science? I can tell from your expression that you don't understand. Go read more books."

Li Jinglong spoke a few nonsense words in a nonchalant manner, which actually frightened Ali and also eased the embarrassment for several people. Zhu Di and Xu Huizu secretly gave him a thumbs up from behind.

When it comes to nonsense, you have to look no further than Li Jiujiang!
Ali was stunned by what Li Jinglong said, his face turned red and white, but he became extremely interested in the word "science".

What is this science? It is truly amazing that it can work so miraculously!

What is this density? Is it related to honey?
It's really hard to understand. It seems that I don't read enough books.

Thinking of this, he bowed deeply to Li Jinglong and said, "Thank you for your guidance, General. I have learned a lot from you."

"Okay, okay, come with us on the boat." Li Jinglong waved his hand.

As they spoke, the three men led Ali onto the Dingyuan ship and told him to wait on the deck and not run around, as they were going to the bridge to report.

Ordinary soldiers were not qualified to enter the bridge, let alone Ali, a Arab.

Ali naturally responded respectfully. He would not dare to walk around without Li Jinglong's order. The military commander of the Ming Dynasty was not someone to be trifled with.

They asked a soldier from the first battalion to watch Ali. The three of them came to the bridge and told Xu Da and others about Ali. Xu Da immediately slapped his thigh.

"Oh, I was wondering, that curly-haired boy kept pointing at me and saying something like Seris, it seems like he was saying that I am Chinese."

"But what's so strange about the Chinese? Why does that curly-haired boy look so shocked, as if he saw some big shot?" Tang He asked with some confusion.

"Hehe, isn't Duke Xin a big shot? You are too modest." Li Wenzhong joked.

"Let's go and meet the Arabs." After saying that, Xu Da led a few people out of the bridge. Ali stood on the deck, carefully looking around, and everything on the ship made him feel very new.

He was shocked by the huge cannons and giant chimneys on the ship, but where was the mast?

Only a few years have passed since I left Ming Dynasty last time. I didn't expect that Ming Dynasty could build such a magical ship. It seems that something must have happened in Ming Dynasty during the days I was away.

Compared with this, he was more worried about whether he could be competent for the job of interpreter. If he couldn't understand, it would be a real joke.

Even if I don't get the 10,000 treasure notes as salary, I'll still be finished if the military commander throws me off the boat or directly throws me into jail.

When he saw Xu Da and others, Ali became even more nervous and anxious. These three were wearing the uniforms of dukes. He didn't expect that there was a duke of the Ming Dynasty on this giant ship!
He lived in the Ming Dynasty for a long time and mastered a very important skill, which was to judge a person's social status by the clothes he wore.

He knew exactly what official robes each rank wore, from county magistrate to provincial governor.

If this happened in Castile, he would be a duke, a noble second only to the prince!

I just don’t know which duke these three people are.

"I am Sayyid Ahmed Ali, the humble man, and I am honored to meet the three dukes!"

As he said this, Ali knelt down and respectfully saluted the three people according to the etiquette of the Ming Dynasty.

Xu Da waved his hand and asked, "No need to be polite. I heard that you understand what Seris means?"

"My Lord, I have lived in the Kingdom of Castile since I was a child. I have learned a little Latin, so I know what Seris means."

Ali answered honestly.

"Kingdom of something?" Several people were confused, so Ali explained in detail.

Along the way, Ali explained the Kingdom of Castile and his own origins to them.

From Ali, they learned that hundreds of years ago, the Arabs conquered the Iberian Peninsula where the Kingdom of Castile was located and began to colonize. However, starting from a few decades ago, the indigenous people of the Iberian Peninsula gradually launched a series of wars against the Arabs, won many victories, and re-established the kingdom.

Therefore, the relationship between the Arabs and the Castilians can be said to be a lifelong feud.

After Ali's explanation, the few people had a certain understanding of the Iberian Peninsula.

After a while, they arrived at the prison cell.

Father Makaros and Antonio were leaning against the cabin wall with their eyes closed. When they heard the cabin door open, they immediately opened their eyes and became alert in an instant.

As soon as the door was opened, Makaros saw a man in a robe walking in. After seeing clearly, Makaros immediately jumped up and rushed towards Ali, cursing:

"Damned Saracens, pagans!"

Father Antonio also stood up and glared at Ali.

Zhu Di was quick-witted and kicked Makaros away with one kick, while Ali looked at Makaros and Father Antonio with a look of shock.

Several people looked at all this in amazement. What's wrong with these two guys? Are they hysterical?

Li Jinglong thought about it, and seemed to remember something. He clapped his hands and said to Ali:
"Could it be that the two of them are stuck in something..."

"My Lord, that's right, they are both Castilians!" Ali said with a smile.

(End of this chapter)