Leaving Da Nang and entering the vast sea again, the fleet began a long journey.
The expression on the face of Zhang Yanling, the Protector of the Ming Dynasty, gradually became serious as the fleet went deeper into the South China Sea.
Generally speaking, Zhang Yanling is a humorous and easy-going person. He has the determination to remain calm despite the collapse of the mountain. You can rarely see panic and anxiety from his expression. However, the generals of the Armada gradually felt it.
The Duke's expression was depressed and his heart was anxious.
All this was also reflected in the order issued by Zhang Yanling a few days after the fleet left Da Nang.
A few days after leaving Da Nang, Zhang Yanling issued a series of military orders, requiring all warships to maintain combat readiness and all soldiers to remain on high alert.
During the day, they were on alert to climb high and look into the distance. Soldiers on alert were also equipped with extremely rare and top-grade telescopes. When the weather was fine, they could observe the movement on the sea within a radius of more than thirty miles from the mast.
Lights are strictly controlled from after dark at night. No one is allowed to violate discipline and expose the traces of the fleet.
One of the bodyguards got up at night to take a pee and lit a fire dumpling. Zhang Yanling happened to see him. He was immediately whipped ten times, and his skin was bruised. This was because of the diligent and hard work of the bodyguard.
The smile on Zhang Yanling's own face gradually faded. For several days, she stared at the chart in the boat hall and used the compass to calculate the navigation direction and distance. It gave people the feeling of facing a formidable enemy.
These various measures and Zhang Yanling's mood obviously affected the officers and soldiers of the fleet. The entire fleet fell into a kind of silence and tension.
Zhang Yanling did not do this intentionally, he was really nervous. He had said before that he had no absolute chance of winning the sea battle with the Fo Langji people. That was also the truth.
Although the previous battle went smoothly, it was only a small group of French warships. In terms of warships and firearms, our side crushed the opponent. In fact, it was not a real test. The real test was actually in the next battle.
After the battle at Da Nang, Zhang Yanling understood that the news must have been sent out. The Eastern Fleet of the Franco Kingdom in Manchuria must have received the news. The previously planned strategy of defeating each one and the final decisive battle was obviously bankrupt.
Once the news reaches the commander of the Eastern Fleet, the Franco Kingdom, the other party must have begun to organize warships and prepare to fight.
The other side has two options. One is to send the fleet north to come for revenge and a decisive battle. The other is to sit back and wait in the Strait of Malacca, waiting for work, waiting for its own fleet to arrive.
The reason why Zhang Yanling ordered his soldiers to prepare for battle, to strengthen the lookout of the surrounding sea, and to strictly control the lights at night, was to discover the traces of the opponent's fleet as early as possible and to respond quickly. Also, to keep the traces hidden.
But obviously, after sailing for seven or eight days, they had penetrated deep into the southern part of the South China Sea, and were only more than ten days' sea journey from Manlajia. However, not a single warship from the other side appeared. This can only mean that the Folangji people chose to wait in Manlajia.
Hold yourself.
The other party obviously understands his intentions. This is not an ordinary voyage, this is a decisive battle. The purpose of the Ming Dynasty fleet's voyage is not to cruise, but to compete for sea power and trade routes. The Malacca Strait Channel is a golden strait channel.
If the Ming Dynasty fleet wants to make a difference, they will definitely come here. There is no need to go to them.
Precisely because the other party had such determination, Zhang Yanling also felt an invisible pressure.
It's like a master's fight, but the fight hasn't started yet. In fact, the two sides are already engaging in games and battles at all levels. In fact, the battle has already begun, and the two sides have already begun to compete.
After several days of thinking, Zhang Yanling decided to make some necessary adjustments.
In fact, so far, Zhang Yanling is not clear about the strength of the Eastern Fleet of the Folangji people. He only knows that they have swept through overseas countries and established many port strongholds and colonies. There is no specific information on how many ships they have or how powerful their firearms are.
Known.
It is absolutely undesirable to use previous battles to speculate on the opponent's true strength, and to take it for granted that the opponent's centipede ship has meager combat effectiveness. Moreover, how many battleships the opponent has is crucial.
Although his seven armored warships are powerful, Zhang Yanling is also confident that his warships are the most powerful warships in the world. However, after all, there are only seven armored warships. And he is not familiar with naval battles. If the opponent's warships have a large number, and the number reaches several
Ten or even hundreds of ships. Even if the combat power is the same as that of the previous centipede ships, if your own fleet rushes into the strait rashly, you will be seeking death.
Tigers are also afraid of wolves.
Furthermore, Zhang Yanling knew nothing about the conditions of the strait. Wind, waves, terrain, location, ports, and other factors. It was like when he was about to fight the enemy, he knew nothing about the terrain of the battlefield. He moved forward with his eyes darkened.
Rush, ignore it. That is a big taboo.
Zhang Yanling is certainly not the kind of reckless person. He knows the importance of this battle. Once he fails, the grand blueprint in his heart will be shattered. Moreover, he will never have a chance to do it again.
Moreover, this is not only related to his own plan, but also to the lifeline of the Ming Dynasty. It is also related to the honor and disgrace of future generations. If this naval battle is lost, then the Folangji people will definitely take the opportunity to go north to the Ming Dynasty sea area to attack.
.Forcing the imperial court to cede island territory for them to colonize would also control the maritime trade lifeline of the Ming Dynasty.
Then, humiliation will come early. Not only will you fail to achieve your goal, but you will get burned and become a sinner of history.
Zhang Yanling acted extra cautious and nervous because he thought of all these situations. He couldn't be hasty in this matter. He actually didn't have the ability to be hasty and willful.
In view of this, Zhang Yanling made a decision when he arrived near the South China Sea Islands and was about to reach the Strait of Malacca in a few days.
In the evening of that day, Zhang Yanling summoned several senior generals to hold a secret meeting.
"Everyone, we will arrive in Managara in a few days. I think, I don't need to say much, you also know that this battle is a matter of life and death. Whether our Ming Dynasty's policy of opening up waterways and ensuring smooth sea routes can succeed this time will depend on the next battle.
Decision. This will be a great battle, a battle that will shine in the annals of history." Zhang Yanling stood in front of the huge Kanyu sea map and said calmly.
More than a dozen core generals looked up at Zhang Yanling, watching the sunset shine on his face.
They all felt quite emotional. In fact, everyone already understood the meaning of this battle. So soon, this battle is coming. Everything the Protector has done in the past year has cost a lot of manpower, material and financial resources.
Everything you do will soon be tested in this battle. All preparations are for the upcoming battle.
"Please rest assured, Lord, we are already prepared to serve the Ming Dynasty to the death. We will not return the enemy until we defeat it," Wang Hong shouted in a deep voice.
"That's right. If we don't defeat the enemy, we will never fight back. We are ready to die in the sea. We will fight to the death and never back down." Everyone said in unison.
Zhang Yanling laughed, nodded and said: "Of course I know that you are all loyal and brave people. However, I don't like to hear that you are ready to be buried in the sea. I, Zhang Yanling, have led the army since, and I have experienced everything big and small.
I have fought some battles and have not lost a single battle so far. My opponents are really dead.
Death. This time will be no exception. I don’t want you to be buried in the sea. I want you to defeat your opponent. Death means defeat. What glory and pride is there in defeat? History is written by the victors and is given to the losers.
There is only ridicule and scorn. Everyone, I don’t want to be scorned and laughed at after my death.”
All the generals said in unison: "In compliance with the teachings of the Duke, we swear that we will win this battle. We are confident that we can defeat the enemy."
Zhang Yanling nodded and said: "Okay. What I want is your words. But brothers, I have thought about it for a long time these days and feel that we have little chance of winning. It's not that I don't have confidence. I mean, the enemy's situation is unclear at the moment, and
In the naval battle, we rushed into the Strait of Malacca so rashly, in case the Folangji people gathered
With heavy troops and a dragnet, wouldn't we be trapped in it? Although our warships are invincible, if there are too many ants, they will kill the elephant. No matter how unfavorable the terrain is, we may be completely passive. Therefore, I don't think we can rush in and fight so rashly.
I invite you all here today because I have made a decision..."
Zhang Yin and Chen Shiyi had been following Zhang Yanling for a long time and already understood Zhang Yanling's thoughts. Listening to Zhang Yanling's words, they opened their mouths as if they realized something.
Sure enough, Zhang Yanling continued: "I decided to go to Manlajia to spy on the enemy in person, to find out the location of the battlefield, and where is the suitable place to fight. See how many enemy warships have gathered, see where their ports are, and supply warehouse materials.
The location, where the ship is anchored. If there is a chance to destroy their ship, it is best. If there is no chance, at least be aware of it. As the saying goes, know yourself and the enemy and you will be victorious in a hundred battles. I must be well aware of it. What do you think?"
"..."
The audience was silent, and more than a dozen senior generals stared at Zhang Yanling, dumbfounded. Zhang Yin and Chen Shiyi sighed in their hearts: "Sure enough, the Duke of the country is going to take an adventure. Play the part where the center blooms and sneak attacks on the enemy.
set."
"How can that happen? My lord, you are the coach, how can you take such a risk? Manlajia is already occupied by the Folangji people, and a war is imminent, so it must be heavily guarded. You are just throwing yourself into a trap.
How could you do this? Absolutely not." Wang Hong said loudly.
"No, you can't do this. It's too risky."
"My lord, please think twice. This matter should be considered in the long term. Or you can send me and others to go there. My lord must not go there in person."
Following Wang Hongzhiyan, all the generals also started to object.
Zhang Yin and Chen Shiyi, on the other hand, didn't say anything. They knew that since the Duke of Guo had called everyone to announce the matter, it had actually been decided. It was useless to object. Didn't the Duke of Guo know the danger? But he would still go.
"Everyone, I know you are worried about my safety. But compared to the upcoming decisive battle, I think this trip is absolutely necessary. Others cannot go, I must see the terrain, battlefield, ship equipment, and make an assessment with my own eyes.
In addition, you don’t have to worry. According to
I know that there are many people from the Ming Dynasty living on the island of Malacca. My face is not out of place there. As for danger, it is actually not dangerous at all. If you don’t explore the enemy’s situation with your own eyes, this battle will be lost. Therefore, I mean
It’s been decided, you don’t need to dissuade me.” Zhang Yanling said solemnly.
Wang Hong frowned and said: "My lord is going to take risks. What should I do if something goes wrong? Should we still fight this battle?"
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "If I die there, Mr. Wang will immediately lead the fleet back to the Ming Dynasty and will never fight."
"My lord..." Wang Hong frowned and spoke, but Zhang Yanling reached out to stop him.
"Everyone, the news of my departure from the fleet must be kept secret and must not be known to the officers below. To avoid gossip and cause panic. After I leave, the Invincible Fleet will be jointly commanded by Sir Wang Hongwang and General Zhang Yin. Tonight , the ship went into the lake ahead of Nanxun Island overnight and hid in it, and was not allowed to go out. Ten days later, you set off south to the South Sand Reef. If I come back alive, I will board the ship there. Do you understand me?" Zhang Yanling? said in a deep voice.
Wang Hong sighed and looked at Zhang Yin. Zhang Yin held his hands in a deep voice and said without saying a word: "I humbly obey my orders."
Wang Hong had no choice but to obey the order. Everyone had no choice but to accept the promise.
Zhang Yanling smiled and said: "Don't be like this. I am willing to take this risk just to win this decisive battle. This risk is definitely worth it. You must be fully prepared to rectify your armaments and boost morale in the past few days. This war actually starts from It has started from now on, so keep your spirits up and don't take it lightly. Brothers, please."
Zhang Yanling cupped her fists and raised her hands, thinking about everyone smiling and bowing. The generals hurriedly bowed in return and loudly agreed.