Early morning on December 23, the sixth year of Zhengde Period in the Ming Dynasty.
The people in the place called Aragon Yamen on the east side of the Strait of Malacca started their busy day as usual. On the simple pier on the seaside, fishermen were preparing to go out to sea for fishing, and some cargo ships that had unloaded their cargo last night were preparing to leave the port.
At this moment, someone was surprised to find something strange on the sea. In the early morning fog, there was a huge black thing that seemed to be approaching on the sea. People asked each other in surprise, stared with wide eyes, and pointed.
Discussing.
The answer was soon revealed. The tall masts stirred up the mist, and the broad sails fanned the mist. Like soaring clouds driving the mist, a fleet of huge black tall ships sailed from the sea and entered people's eyes.
Vision.
It's not that people here have never seen big ships. On the contrary, they often see the tall warships of Fo Langji sailing on the sea, showing off their power. From time to time, they will fire a few cannons at the shore. But the dozen or so big ships in front of them are definitely not Buddhas.
Langji warship.
No matter the color, style, or size, it does not look like a Folan warship.
The news spread quickly throughout the town of Longyamen. All the residents and people rushed to the seaside cliff to take a look.
People watched with bated breath as those huge objects sailed from the sea and slowly entered the narrow entrance of the strait blocked by the giant reef of Longyamen.
As the sun rose, the sea fog quickly dissipated, and finally, everything was in full view. Some overseas orphans of the Ming Dynasty saw the fluttering dragon knights, as well as the bright red tassels of armor on the ship flashing above their heads, and the soldiers standing in formation on the deck.
"That's...my Ming Dynasty's treasure ship."
"Oh my god. It's really a treasure ship. Although it's a little different, it is indeed my Ming Dynasty's treasure ship."
"They are saluting the Dragon Tooth Gate Reef... That is... that is sacrificing the Three Treasures Eunuch Master Zheng. That is what he named it when he came here."
"Yes, it is true. My God, how happy it would be if my grandparents were alive. After a hundred years, my Ming fleet has finally come again."
"..."
The local natives do not understand the feelings of these orphans of the Ming Dynasty. However, these descendants of the Ming Dynasty in Nanyang have been instilled with the impression of the Ming Dynasty by their grandparents and parents since they were young, and they know the grand occasion of Zheng He's voyages to the West. Although many of them have
They never returned to the Ming Dynasty. But there is an inseparable connection in their memories and blood.
Their homes still retain the customs of the Ming Dynasty, hang Ming Dynasty calligraphy and paintings, and eat Ming Dynasty food. Many things are in their genes and are difficult to erase.
Once again I saw the treasure ship that my ancestors had told about, and the mighty Ming Dynasty fleet appeared in front of me. It was difficult to suppress the excitement in my heart.
It was the Ming Dynasty's Invincible Fleet that entered the strait. Although it was half a month later than Zhang Yanling's original plan, the Ming Dynasty's Invincible Fleet still arrived at the place where Zheng He arrived after a hundred years.
Zhang Yanling was fully dressed in military uniform and standing on the deck of the Star. The sea breeze blew his black cloak away. At this moment, he was holding a wine cup in his hand, facing the huge reef not far from the ship's side. That was the Dragon Tooth Stone.
This place was named after the eunuch Sanbao. The rocks protruded from the sea, like the fangs of a dragon in the sea. It witnessed the arrival of the Ming Dynasty fleet again a hundred years ago.
"Revere the heavenly ancestors and pay homage to the sages. We, the descendants of the Ming Dynasty, dare not forget the glory of our ancestors. We should fight against the survivors of the past and open up a new situation for the future. The great achievements of our ancestors must be inherited and carried forward.
The great unfinished business of our generation
It’s time to break through the new situation. Today, after passing through the Dragon Tooth Gate, Zhang Yanling, the protector of the Ming Dynasty, offered wine to worship Eunuch Zheng. If there are heroic spirits in the sky, please help me drive away powerful enemies, open up sea routes, and be invincible for the prosperity of the Ming Dynasty and the happiness of my descendants.
.Worship Duke Zheng!”
Zhang Yanling shouted loudly, raised his glass, threw wine into the sea, and bowed respectfully three times.
All the other officers and soldiers stood solemnly and bowed in salute with their hands raised. At this time, the wind was strong and the tide was rolling. Each battleship blew its whistle to show respect and commemoration for this pioneer pioneer and great navigator.
The fleet passed through the narrow entrance of the strait and headed to the northwest of the Manlajia Strait. To say that it is narrow is actually a relative term. Even the southeast entrance of the Longyamen Strait is dozens of miles wide. However, this area of shoals and islands
There are many reefs and only limited waterways.
Entering the strait, Zhang Yanling truly realized what a golden waterway is. The wind and waves here are calm and extremely conducive to navigation. Imagine that without this strait, the Indian Ocean to the west would have to go around Sumatra Island. Not only would it have to go around for thousands of miles,
And you have to encounter bad weather on the ocean. With this golden waterway, everything is much simpler.
Of course, there are still currents in the strait, but the speed is very slow. The water flowing from northwest to southeast has almost no impact on the ships. Therefore, the Armada sailing in such a channel is also facing the waves of the sea for many days.
A commendation from the future Ming Navy.
However, all this is the calm before the war. Everyone knows that a fierce battle is about to begin.
Two days later, the Ming Invincible Fleet stopped at a place called Furong Cliff, fifty miles away from Manlajia Port. This was the battle location chosen by Zhang Yanling after careful consideration.
It is impossible to start a war with the Folangji people at Manlajia Port. Zhang Yanling is absolutely unwilling to suffer this disadvantage. The terrain and sea conditions there are very familiar to the Folangji people. More importantly, their military port is right there and can be used at any time.
Replenish troops, horses, ammunition and repair ships. How could Zhang Yanling be willing to comply with their wishes?
Although the water surface here at Furong Cliff is also very wide, it is advantageous for the opponent's large number of warships. However, the cliffs here are steep and the water flow is gentle, which is conducive to the maneuverability of the armored warships. They can also form an array with their backs against the cliffs to block the opponent's outflanking.
An attempt was made to reduce the disadvantages brought about by the small number of warships.
More importantly, even if it is a head-on fight, the opponent must not be allowed the opportunity to approach the harbor for supplies. Originally, the opponent has a numerical advantage and the firepower is not much worse. Our warships have an armor advantage. The two sides are likely to be on the same level.
Above. Once the opponent obtains the support of a nearby port, everything will be overturned. Therefore, even if it is a frontal battle, the battle must be fought in a relatively fair manner.
Of course, there is nothing fair or unfair in a war. Unless the other person is a fool, who can talk to you about fairness in this kind of battle? When a million troops attack a thousand opponents, do they have to choose a place to fight a fair duel?
Fo Langjiren may not be willing to fulfill Zhang Yanling's wish, but Zhang Yanling has a unique skill of the Ming Dynasty's soldiers and horses: setting up a battle in the afternoon.
For more than ten days, Almeida has been cleaning up the mess after the port was attacked. News of this incident was also learned in China. Almeida received a personal letter from Prince William, severely reprimanding him for his dereliction of duty.
Prince William is the younger brother of King Manuel and is in charge of the military affairs of the Franco Kingdom. Almeida is under his jurisdiction. Because of the reprimand for this matter, Almeida had nothing to say.
Prince William wrote that his Majesty the King was very disappointed with him and suggested that he return to his country to report on his duties and explain the reasons. He said that he would send someone else to take over his duties.
Of course, Almeida refused to go back. Although Prince William had a respected position and held great power, Almeida was not without foundation. Count Alfonso had always wanted to get the command of the Eastern Fleet and had always been in cahoots with Prince William.
How could he not know the matter? Almeida also had people supporting her, and many nobles, including King Manuel, respected Almeida very much.
Almeida knew that Prince William just wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to get rid of his official position. Who was Alfonso? This man was just a speculator, and she would never let him seize the command of the Eastern Fleet.
Therefore, this upcoming battle with the Ming Empire is crucial. If you defeat the Ming Empire's fleet, you will silence everyone. The command of the Eastern Fleet will be firmly in your hands.
No one can shake him. Even after conquering the coastline of the Ming Empire, he will become the governor of the East.
Everything depends on this battle.
Ever since the warships of the Ming Empire entered the strait, intelligence has been coming in like snowflakes in the past few days. News of maritime reconnaissance and land reconnaissance have continued to come in. Descriptions and information on the Ming Empire's fleet have been described from all aspects and angles.
summary.
The good news is that the opponent only has seven warships and three supply ships. The number of warships is less than one-third of his own. Moreover, the opponent does not seem to realize that he intends to wait for them to reach the sea near the port before fighting.
He actually drove straight in to attack Manlajia. This is definitely to his advantage.
The bad news is that the opponent's warship looks very powerful. It is the same size as our flagship Flower of the Sea and larger than our other warships. In addition, the material of the warship is unknown, and it seems to be an armored warship. In addition, its firepower is unknown
, the combat tactics are unclear. These giants just rush forward with their heads covered, which gives people a sense of confidence.
But Almeida has experienced big scenes, so he will naturally not be afraid. He has already ordered the Eastern Fleet to gather on the sea outside the Maraga Harbor. The three fleets gathered in a formation of more than ten miles and laid a pocket, waiting for the opponent to break in.
Complete the encirclement.
Almeida even ordered ten warships from as far away as Guri Port to come for reinforcements, just in case. He has never been an arrogant person, and he knows that he must be cautious to win victory. But he has strong self-confidence.
On the morning of the 26th, he received news that the opponent's fleet had stopped at Furong Cliff. He judged that the opponent did not dare to move forward. They were not reckless, and they also knew the strength of their own fleet.
As the saying goes, heroes think alike. Almeida planned to write a letter in his own handwriting to anger his opponent and make him attack. As a result, before his letter was written, the opponent ordered someone to deliver a letter by boat.
Almeida opened the letter next to the large desk. Although he did not recognize the large words on it, fortunately his daughter Helena did. During this time, Helena became much haggard. He was originally going to send her back to China.
But because she was busy with the war, she never did it. In addition, Helena refused to leave. She said she wanted to watch her father defeat the cunning Ming Dynasty people with her own eyes and kill the person who deceived her with her own hands, so she stayed here.
.
"Helena, read it for me." Almeida handed the letter to Helena, picked up the glass of red wine and leaned on the back of the chair.
Helena flipped up her long, slightly messy golden hair and read out the letter: "Dear Commander Almeida, beautiful Miss Helena. I am Zhang Yanling, the Protector of the Ming Empire, and I am here to greet you on my flagship Star.
Pay your respects."
After reading this sentence, both Almeida and Helena were stunned.
"How...how does he know my name?" Helena asked in surprise.