After a simple rest, the island of Ceylon has regained its vitality.
Fan Zhong was seriously injured and was still in a coma. Peng Qing and Tang Xinggu worked together and simply let Fan Mingchen take charge of the overall situation.
One of these two old brothers is in charge of civil affairs and the other is in charge of maritime trade. When it comes to fighting, they are really not as proficient as others.
Since he was stationed in Ceylon Island, Fan Mingchen has taken the lead in many battles. He is quite prestigious in the army and is also very handy in commanding.
In fact, this was the case. Under the leadership of Fan Mingchen, the Ceylon garrison immediately rebuilt new defenses and sent Zhang Jin to drive a light warship out to explore the enemy's situation.
Zhang Jin soon brought back news that the Ottomans were making preparations with great fanfare, and more warships were coming from the mainland. It seemed that they were preparing to use all their resources to capture Ceylon.
Fan Mingchen immediately called Zhang Mao, Peng Qing, Tang Xinggu and others to discuss and formulate corresponding battle plans.
Several people discussed it all night, and Zhang Mao, Peng Qing, and Tang Xinggu all suggested to focus on defense.
If the Ottomans came out in force, the ships Zhang Mao brought would not be able to compete with them.
We can only hold on and continue to wear down the enemy until the emperor's army attacks, and we can capture it in one fell swoop.
However, Fan Mingchen had different ideas.
"Now there is a huge disparity in strength between the enemy and us. The enemy expects us to defend and will prepare leisurely. Why not do the opposite and launch a sneak attack while they relax their vigilance!"
Zhang Mao frowned and asked: "Even if the sneak attack is successful, it will only cause a certain amount of attrition to the enemy, but our fleet will have to bear the risk of being annihilated. I think it is meaningless."
Tang Xinggu nodded and said: "I think General Zhang is right, it is safer to stick to it."
Fan Mingchen explained: "Soldiers are deceitful. The more we defend, the more the other party can see our true strength."
"you mean……"
"Suddenly and taking the initiative to attack will definitely disrupt the opponent's deployment and make the opponent confused about our true and false position, so they dare not attack rashly. The longer we delay, the better it is for us."
After Fan Mingchen finished speaking, the three of them fell silent at the same time.
The Ottomans currently hold the initiative, but the only variable is Zhang Mao's sudden appearance.
The other party didn't know the strength of this fleet, so they evacuated hastily.
If we fail to hold on, it is equivalent to telling the other side that our reinforcements are not strong enough for a battle.
Then, the enemy will deploy his troops more calmly and then launch a massive attack.
Tang Xinggu thought about it for a long time. In a war, it is necessary to be real and imaginary. You must never let the other party see through your strength and intentions. From this point of view, Fan Mingchen is right. How much damage should be caused by launching a surprise attack?
It's not important, it's mainly to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.
However, he still had doubts.
"The enemy is outnumbered, so we are afraid of going out for a sneak attack and being bitten. Not only will we fail to achieve our strategic intentions, but we will also increase casualties."
"Don't worry, I have a solution!"
After Fan Mingchen finished speaking, he ordered someone to pass on Zhang Jin.
The other three people were a little confused. Is it appropriate for Zhang Jin to attend such an important meeting?
"Don't worry, everyone. Zhang Jin is very familiar with the terrain of Ceylon Island and the surrounding seas. If he is my adjutant, he will definitely be able to find the weak spots in the enemy's defense. He will retreat immediately after the raid and discipline the enemy who is confused."
Tang Xinggu fell into deep thought again. Zhang Jin was the son of a rebel. Although he had not done anything extraordinary in recent years, this time...
Fan Mingchen understood what he was thinking and said: "Tang Tongzhi, Zhang Jin was personally pardoned by the emperor. As the saying goes, you should not doubt the people you employ and do not use the people you doubt. Now in times of crisis, we should unite internally and reduce suspicion."
Tang Xinggu frowned, thought for a long time, and finally nodded.
In the past, it was commonplace in the imperial court for civil servants to be suspicious of each other.
Fan Mingchen is right. When you go to fight, you are still thousands of miles away overseas. You should have less suspicion and more trust.
Zhang Jin hurried over and after listening to the opinions of several chief officers, he immediately understood what was going on.
"My lords, I can leave this matter to my humble position. There is no need for General Fan to go there in person."
Fan Mingchen said: "This battle is of great importance and cannot be careless. It is safer for me to command it myself."
Zhang Jin advised: "The general is worried that if the commander stays at home, the brothers will be reluctant when they charge into battle, right? In fact, there is no need, because everyone knows what you are like, don't worry, I am enough.
"
"This is an order!"
"General!"
Zhang Jin clasped his hands and saluted: "I dare not disobey orders in my humble position, but I dare to speak out. The war is imminent and the dragons must not be leaderless. As the commander, you should stay on the island to command the overall situation. Please take back your orders, general!"
"You kid..."
Fan Mingchen was so angry that he raised his hand and wanted to hit someone, but Zhang Mao stopped him.
"He's right, you'd better not go, I'll go!"
"Where are you going? This is Ceylon Island, not Cochin. What does it matter to you?"
"Oh you man, I came to help you with good intentions, but you are so ignorant!"
"I don't know what's good or bad. In short, this is Ceylon Island, and it doesn't matter what you say!"
"alright!"
Seeing the two of them arguing, I had no choice but to step in and stop them.
He knew very well that deep down in their hearts, neither of them wanted the other to take this risk.
"This is Ceylon Island. Mingchen is the commander-in-chief. It is not appropriate for me to interfere too much."
Zhang Mao was unhappy and said: "Master Peng, what you said..."
"Listen to me!"
Peng Qing waved his hand and continued: "However, your current status is the coach, not the vanguard. Your duty is to command from the center, not to charge into the battle."
Fan Mingchen was a little reluctant, but it was hard to refute.
Peng Qing looked at Tang Xinggu and asked, "Is it feasible for Zhang Jin to be the vanguard in this battle?"
Tang Xinggu nodded solemnly and said: "It's feasible!"
"Then it's settled!"
Peng Qing looked at Zhang Jin and said: "Now you choose some fast warships from the Jiaozhi fleet. Remember your mission. Retreat immediately as soon as you succeed in the attack. Don't be reluctant to fight."
"yes!"
Zhang Jin accepted the order, bowed to everyone, turned around and exited.
Fan Mingchen asked: "What should we do next?"
Peng Qing glared at him and said dissatisfied: "You are the coach, you ask me?"
"I……"
Fan Mingchen was speechless and could only say: "I will take people to build fortifications. Farewell!"
Zhang Mao hurriedly followed and said, "Does Zhang Jin know which ships are faster..."
In the barracks, only Peng Qing and Tang Xinggu were left.
Peng Qing smiled and said: "I still remember that back then, Tang Tongzhi, as a supervisory censor, fought with the Confucian scholars in the court, which was admirable."
"What did Master Peng say..."
Tang Xinggu waved his hand and said: "Only when I go overseas do I realize that words are completely useless."
"Oh?" Peng Qing continued to ask, "What's the use?"
Tang Xinggu looked solemn and said slowly: "People, people's livelihood!"