"Seven?" Zhu Biao was a little surprised, "Why so many?"
Han Du sighed and explained: "Isn't it because this land is too slender? It is at least three thousand miles from north to south. It would be good for a governor's palace to be able to control several hundred miles around. If it is too little, I am afraid it will not be able to hold it. Even
Even if seven governor's offices are established, it may not be possible to protect these lands."
"Are you being too unfounded? Is there such a powerful country around here that dares to compete with us?" Zhu Biao still didn't believe it.
This time when he went to sea, Zhu Biao saw various kingdoms, but in terms of military strength, none of these kingdoms could compare with the Ming Dynasty, including Western kingdoms like Hurumos, which could not be compared with the Ming Dynasty at all.
Han Du nodded, "It's true."
Seeing the disbelief on Zhu Biao's face, Han Du had no choice but to continue: "The news I just received is that the Timur Empire seems to be somewhat interested in these lands."
Han Du's news was given to him by Faraji. Although Han Du didn't know why Faraji told him the news, Han Du did not doubt it. Because Han Du could not find a reason for Faraji to lie to him.
She could even hide the news and not tell herself. Even if something happens in the future, she can't blame her.
But Faraji had to bring this news to Handu.
"Timur's empire?" Zhu Biao was even more confused and asked puzzledly: "Aren't they in the north of Horumos? How come they are here?"
Handu sighed, waved his hands, and said: "Actually, they are not just on the side of Khrumos. The Timur Empire is attacking everywhere. Their furthest expedition has reached near Aleppo."
Zhu Biao was silent for a while. If it were another kingdom, or even the Ottoman Empire, he might not take it to heart. Although the Ottoman Empire is also a powerful country in the eyes of these Westerners, Zhu Biao doesn't know much about it after all, and he doesn't know their true nature.
Strength.
But the Timur Empire was different. He knew about it. If he were in the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Biao would not be afraid of the Timur Empire. But here, tens of thousands of miles away from the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Biao would be weak and weak.
I am not confident that I can withstand the Tamerlane Empire with the Governor's Palace alone.
Nodding, Zhu Biao agreed with Handu's idea of setting up seven governor's offices. There was no way. If we really wanted to resist the Timur Empire, even setting up seven more would not be enough.
Han Du found Bai Yunhu, Tang Jing and other seven people. The seven people who had some suspicions in their minds were all very excited. Especially Bai Yunhu, he finally got the coveted governorship.
"General, I'll be waiting for you. Goodbye."
His Royal Highness, please pay homage to the Marquis of Zhenhai~"
"Get up." Zhu Biao said lightly, and then turned his eyes to Han Du.
Han Du immediately raised his head, looked at everyone and said, "Why did His Highness call you here today? I'm afraid you have some guesses in your mind, right?"
The seven people headed by Bai Yunhu suddenly showed smiles on their faces. Ever since they knew that the Mamluk Dynasty had ceded land in addition to paying gold, they began to be concerned about these lands. The gold will definitely be brought back to the capital by the Marquis, but
You can't take this land with you, can you?
Since the land cannot be taken away, people must be left here to guard it, otherwise it will be meaningless to cede the land. And the best way to hold the land is to set up a governor's palace.
Han Du stopped beating around the bush with them and nodded directly and said: "You are right in your guess. His Highness is indeed going to set up the Governor's Palace here. And not just one, but seven!"
"Seven?"
Although Bai Yunhu and others had some suspicions when they saw the other people around them, they were still a little confused when they heard that seven governor's offices were set up all at once.
Han Du waved his hand and said: "If there is more, I won't say more. I want to remind you that the establishment of seven governor's offices is not for you to restrain each other, but for you to work together to jointly defend against the enemy."
Bai Yunhu misunderstood something, and suddenly asked with a solemn expression: "Does the Marquis mean to be wary of the Mamluk dynasty?"
"It's not just the Mamluk dynasty." Handu shook his head, "Your location can be said to be a place of four wars, not just the Mamluks, but also the Timurids, Ottomans, Persians, Arabs, etc.
.Do you still think that this is Nanyang and you can easily suppress one party?"
Not only did Bai Yunhu and others not show any fear, but they all clasped their fists and promised: "The general is willing to issue a military order. If he loses the Governor's Mansion, he is willing to come and see you!"
Han Du shook his head and sighed: "Look at you, who wants your heads again? You should keep your heads for yourself."
Han Du glanced at Zhu Biao, indicating whether he should warn everyone. Zhu Biao understood, but he shook his head with a smile. In this case, Han Du had no choice but to continue: "However, before you take office, I
Indeed, I have something to tell you."
"The general will be waiting for you, please pay attention."
listen."
"Bai Yunhu, you will serve as the governor of this place." Han Du directly named him.
"General, I obey. Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Lord Marquis." Bai Yunhu knelt down in front of Zhu Biao with a face full of joy and bowed several times. Finally, he got his wish, and he was very happy in his heart.
Han Du paused and said: "You have three tasks. The first is to build the port and settle the navy. I will leave you thirty warships. You must send people to control these warships. That is what you want
Defend the harbor with all your strength, because you are the last resort for the other governor-general offices. If things go wrong, I will allow you to retreat to the sea."
"The last general takes orders." Although Bai Yunhu was a little surprised that the Marquis left so many warships, this was all as it should be. Each governor's mansion has a certain number of warships, otherwise what would the governor's mansion do to eliminate pirates?
, maintain waterways?
"Thank you, Lord Marquis." Everyone looked relaxed and happy when they heard that they didn't have to defend the Governor's Mansion. They didn't have to bear the responsibility of guarding the land, and there was still a way out, so the seven of them had nothing to fear.
"The second is that after Faraij hands over the slaves, you have to organize the slaves to start digging the canal. This matter is very important. As long as the canal can be dug and our warships can enter the Mediterranean, then the rules
The land along the Mediterranean coast such as Croat and Aleppo was saved."
"As soon as the slaves arrive, the general will immediately prepare to dig the canal and strive to dig it out as soon as possible." Baiyunhu replied.
Han Du smiled and nodded, and continued: "Third, you still need to urge that woman Faraij to repay the money every year. And send the money to the capital safely."
"As ordered." Bai Yunhu immediately said with his fists clasped.
Han Du nodded and looked at the others, "In the two governor's palaces of Mecca and Medina, you should face fewer enemies. Try to hold on to your territory. If you have spare time, you can try to help others. And Antioch and
There are two governor's offices in Aleppo. If there are really too many enemies and nothing can be done, just give up. As long as you bring your people back to me, I will not hold you responsible for your crimes."
Everyone knew that the people the Marquis was talking about were naval officers, but they were going to fight. How could they escape unscathed?
After a while of embarrassment, Bai Yunhu took the lead in the end, cupping his fists and explaining to Han Du: "Master Hou, the sword has no eyes on the battlefield. If you are afraid of casualties, then I am afraid that the hands and feet of the general will be restrained."
As soon as Bai Yunhu finished speaking, others began to echo, "Yes, the Marquis also knows how to fight.
You can't be so timid in battle."
"Listen to what I have to say first." Han Du waved his right hand, stopping everyone's words, and then said: "I asked you to each bring two thousand naval officers, not to let you fight those people.
"
If we don't let them fight to the death, how can we fight this battle? The seven people looked at each other a few times and looked at each other.
"I ask you to lead the navy officers so that you can protect yourselves. As for the matter of fighting, you can leave it to those slaves."
Having said this, Han Du turned to Baiyunhu and said: "Some of the slaves that the woman Faraiji gave us were defeated prisoners. You should pay attention to selecting these slaves, give them weapons and equipment, and form a slave corps.
, let them fight for us. I think these defeated prisoners prefer to fight on the battlefield than digging canals."
Let the slave legions fight on the battlefield, while the Ming Navy is only responsible for supervising the slave legions. In this way, it can be ensured that there will be no casualties among the navy officers.
"I will obey your orders!" Han Du had already considered this for them, and naturally the seven of them had no objections.
Han Du turned to look at Zhu Biao and said: "Your Highness, this place is different from Nanyang, and it is also different from Mount Ceylon. I am afraid that there will be no peace here in the near future. There will be no merchants in a short time."
They come here to do business, so it is difficult for them to receive any taxes. The annual tribute, Your Highness, is it okay?"
Zhu Biao nodded immediately and said: "As long as you send the Mamluk compensation of 50,000 pounds per year to the capital, I will personally report the amount of tribute to my father and reduce it to you as appropriate."
"Thank you, Your Highness." The seven people all bowed to Zhu Biao with gratitude. For them, they had to dig a canal and organize a slave army to resist foreign enemies. The annual tribute from the Governor's Mansion was indeed a problem. No matter it was
Building a port, digging a canal, or organizing a slave army all require a lot of financial and material resources.
The tax revenue is not sufficient. If they are asked to pay tribute again, they will indeed be overwhelmed. Now that they have received Zhu Biao's promise, the seven of them breathed a sigh of relief and sincerely thanked His Highness the Crown Prince.
Seeing that the seven people had no objections, Han Du waved his hand and said, "In that case, you should go back and prepare first. In a few days, you will lead your own troops and go to take over these cities."
Each of the seven governor-general offices established by Han Du was supported by a large city. They were originally designed to resist foreign enemies. Of course, it would be easier to defend them inside a fortified city.