Frazer wasn't wrong when he said that Zhang Heng and the Jackdaw needed time to grow. At the same time, it also applied to the black-market alliance.
A group of black-market merchants led by Redmond and Malcolm pursued profits, hoping to establish order and end the chaos on Nassau. Through a series of means, they managed to win over a sufficient number of supporters and allies. Almost all of the most powerful pirate groups on Nassau were on their side. On the other hand, there were still voices of opposition.
What they were doing now was not in line with Nassau's spirit of freedom and adventure, especially among the small and medium-sized pirates. Many of them were unhappy with the current pricing plan. However, compared to the organized black-market alliance, they lacked leadership and a sense of cooperation. All along, they were like a sheet of loose sand. Their sporadic resistance didn't amount to much. Once the black-market alliance successfully passed through the most dangerous period and stabilized, these pirates had no choice but to accept reality no matter how unwilling they were.
However, Zhang Heng's appearance had given them hope again. The Jackdaw was the only powerful pirate group in Nassau that didn't work with the black-market alliance. Unknowingly, they had become a flag for those who opposed them.
Things had developed to a point where it was no longer just a problem between Jackdaw and the black-market alliance.
This was good and bad for Zhang Heng. Whether he was willing or not, he and his Jackdaw were once again pushed to the forefront of the storm. On the other hand, countless eyes were on them. Both sides could only solve problems within the rules.
This was undoubtedly beneficial to Zhang Heng. As long as Jackdaw developed normally, the black-market alliance would suffer more and more. However, he didn't expect Malcolm, the second-in-command of the black-market alliance, to look for him so quickly.
"I've looked into it. Six days later, Malcolm invited many important people on Nassau to the banquet at Terrance Manor, including some well-known captains and landlords. It's mainly to thank them for their support of the black-market alliance. There shouldn't be any problems in terms of security." Billy was a competent helmsman. As soon as Zhang Heng received the invitation, he looked into the matter and reported the results to Zhang Heng the next morning.
"Thank you," Zhang Heng said.
After the helmsman of the Jackdaw left, Anne yawned and walked down the stairs. "Are you really going to that banquet?"
"Well, Malcolm wants to know what kind of person I am. I also want to know what the black-market alliance plans to do next."
"Ah, I don't understand what you guys are thinking. Why don't you just kill the enemy when you see them? Why do you have to talk so much?" The red-haired girl grumbled as she sat at the dining table. She scooped up some jam and spread it on the bread.
"Sometimes, I wish things could be that simple." Zhang Heng paused. "Let's not talk about this. How's your house search going?"
"It's not bad. Harry helped me ask around and finally found a place that's almost exactly the same as I imagined. It's very close to the dock, only a quarter of an hour away. There are two taverns on the next street, and they're open all night. There's also a small open space in the back where I can practice my swordsmanship. The most important thing is that it's only 200 silver pesos. Harry said that the price can be a little lower, and I think it suits me. I'll pay in the afternoon."
"Congratulations."
Zhang Heng knew what this house meant to Anne. She fled her wealthy family and came to Nassau in search of freedom. When she was young, she often saw her mother, who used to be a maid, acting so cautiously in front of her father. It was then that she became rebellious. She didn't want to live under someone else's roof like her mother did. That was why she was so serious about sharing half of the loot with Zhang Heng.
From the very beginning, both of them had agreed that Annie would only stay here for a period of time. She would move out once she had enough money. Now, the day had finally arrived. After Annie received her share of the spoils of war, she immediately began to look for a house on the island. Today, she finally found a place she was satisfied with and realized her long-time dream.
However, her dream was a little different today.
"From now on, no one can stop me from putting my feet on the table!" the red-haired girl said boldly. "And no one can force me to finish the soup in my bowl!"
"…"
Initially, Zhang Heng wanted to help Anne move. However, at noon, the Jackdaw's crew got into a fight with another group of pirates at the brothel. As the captain, Zhang Heng had to deal with the conflict.
It wasn't a big deal. Although a group fight broke out, no one died. Only an unlucky guy on the opposite side was stabbed in the thigh. When Zhang Heng arrived at the brothel, both sides were in a standoff, and the unlucky guy who was stabbed in the thigh had already bandaged his wound.
Zhang Heng briefly understood what happened and learned that both parties were fighting over a prostitute. Initially, the Hunter's pirates had already bought the prostitute. However, when the Jackdaw's pirates offered to double the price, the prostitute changed her mind. The Hunter's pirates felt that their dignity was being insulted, and both parties started fighting …
This kind of thing happened in almost every brothel. Usually, a small amount of compensation would be enough. However, now that the entire Nassau knew that the Jackdaw had made a fortune, the Hunter's pirates couldn't help but become greedy. They demanded an exorbitant amount of compensation, and when they were rejected, they surrounded the Jackdaw's crew.
The Hunter's captain stood up from the table and straightened his collar. Zhang Heng, however, was too lazy to listen to him. "Let her go."
"No problem. As long as you pay 20 Spanish gold coins for her medical expenses," the Hunter's captain grinned.
"It seems like we can't reach a consensus on this issue. Let's go with the old rules then," Zhang Heng said, unsheathing the saber at his waist.
The Hunter's captain's expression changed. He did not expect the other party to be so ruthless. The so-called old rules stated that if two groups of pirates disagreed, they could either challenge the captain to a duel or gang up on each other to settle the dispute. Zhang Heng, of course, chose the first option.
If it had been 20 years ago, he would not have minded accepting the challenge. However, he was old now and his figure was a little out of shape. No matter how he looked at it, the odds of him winning a one-on-one fight were not high. Thus, he quickly said, "We have more people. Why should I fight you one-on-one?"
But as soon as the words left his mouth, he blushed. Even the Hunter's pirates behind him looked at him with disdain. To pirates who worshipped bravery, such cowardly behavior would undoubtedly be despised by everyone.
However, in order to extort money from Zhang Heng, the Hunter's captain had no choice but to put his pride aside.
"Gang up on each other? Are you sure? " Zhang Heng's expression remained unchanged. He sheathed his saber and turned to the patrons nearby. "Ten silver coins for taking down a Hunter's pirate. Who wants to join?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a large number of people in the brothel stood up.
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