Poor Celine. The cost of exotic goods is fantastic violence. Or, the dragon is alarmed but realizes its appetite is less voracious at the moment, especially when compared to the fire god that moves on water. From the Historical origins of Gunboat Diplomacy. In another blatant act of disregard, the Frenglish East India Company, perturbed by the breakdown in trade negotiations with the Qing Empire, commands Nelson to disrupt trade in and around Hong Kong. The captured trade cog Celine is set ablaze at sunrise as a warning to all other ships to stay out of the bay or give up their goods. Miraculously, the Qing Imperial Navy was not present, but the destruction of entire trade cogs, crews, and goods exacted a heavy toll.