The ship was damaged and needed repairs, so Zhang Yanling had to order the ship to return to Longya Gate. At least there was a small port there, and simple repairs could be made.
Zhang Yanling was actually in a very depressed mood. Although this was not the first setback in his life, it was a setback that hit him hard. He was full of confidence in the battle, but the result was not satisfactory.
Fortunately, Zhang Yanling was well prepared. The three logistics supply ships carried spare repair materials and more than a hundred craftsmen, so simple repairs should be no problem. Except for the Yansui, all seven warships can be repaired with some time.
.However, it takes a lot of time to repair the ship, and for a period of time, it will be unable to attack. This situation is tantamount to being trapped here.
Three days later, more than a hundred graves were erected on the cliff above Longyamen Port. They were the navy soldiers who died in the naval battle three days ago. They could only bury them on the spot and bury their bones in a foreign country.
Zhang Yanling stood in front of the densely packed graves, looking at the forest of wooden tombstones written by himself, frowning and feeling depressed.
"Brothers, you came here with me, Zhang Yanling, and followed me through life and death. I couldn't let you return home with great honors, but I made you bury your bones in a foreign land. It's because of my incompetence that I, Zhang Yanling, can't help you."
Zhang Yanling sighed softly, with tears in her eyes.
All the generals around him tried to comfort him.
Wang Hong said: "My lord, no one will die in a war. We people have been prepared for this since we were in the army. No one can blame us. It is sad to be sad, but it is a pity that the brothers who have been together day and night are gone like this."
I am extremely sad. But please do not blame yourself for your loss. Otherwise, the souls of our brothers in heaven will not be able to rest in peace."
"Yes, we won this battle after all. I know that the victory that Mr. Guo hopes for is a complete victory, but one bite cannot make him fat. After we finish repairing the ship, we will go to fight the enemy to the death. Mr. Guo
Didn't I say that this time I went to sea with the intention of never returning? Why are you worried about gains and losses now?" Zhang Yin also said.
Zhang Yanling sighed and said: "You are all right. I am just upset. I think I spent millions of money and several years to prepare for going to sea. Building iron-clad warships, invincible firearms, and you guys
Together with the brothers who swear to follow me to the death, I am full of confidence
It can sweep away the enemies on the sea. However, the reality of the situation makes me embarrassed. Although this battle can be said to be victorious, it failed to achieve my goal. This victory is like a failure. I am sad because I am afraid of my brothers.
The blood was shed in vain. Their precious lives were wasted."
"Why did the Duke say this? We can still fight again." Wang Hong said hurriedly.
Zhang Yanling shook his head and said: "I have thought about it. It is possible to fight again, but the result may not be a good one. For the current plan, the wisest choice is probably to have only two options. One is to retreat, and the other is to increase the number of wars.
The ship can achieve its goal. With our current strength, even if Manraka is defeated
The Folangji fleet here will be unable to fight again in the future. Opening the Strait of Malacca is only the first step. We will not be able to go to Ceylon and the Garo Empire. In this case, the sea route is not smooth, and it is of little significance.
Moreover, if the other side gathers its fleet to counterattack, it will be difficult for us to resist it."
Everyone fell into silence. It cannot be said that Zhang Yanling is too pessimistic, but it can only be said that this is indeed the case. This battle has actually been fought very well. However, the main force of the opponent's fleet still remains. At least one of our own armored ships is unable to participate in the battle.
What will be the outcome of the next battle? No one can say for sure.
"But Lord, it will take a long time to increase the number of troops. The construction period of armored ships is long. It takes at least several months to increase the number of ships, and additional selected troops must be sent out. In addition, if we return to the Ming Dynasty now, if the emperor asks, we will
What should I say? Could it be that the enemy is too strong and we have to turn back?" Chen Shiyi said loudly.
Zhang Yin hurriedly stopped him and said, "Brother Chen, don't talk like that. The Duke is already troubled. By saying this, aren't you putting the Duke in a dilemma?"
Chen Shiyi sighed and stopped talking.
Zhang Yanling waved his hand and said: "General Chen is telling the truth. I issued a military order in front of the emperor and boasted about Haikou. It is really difficult to explain when I go back. I am not afraid of losing face or being punished. I am afraid that the top and bottom officials will not accept the opening of sea trade."
,open
The policy of sea ban has been repeated. That is the last thing I want to see. In that case, from now on, no one will dare to bring up the idea of opening up sea trade and strengthening the country and enriching the people. The sea ban will be restored, and I will return to it in the Ming Dynasty.
Back on the old road."
Everyone nodded slightly. This time to go to sea to fight, open up sea trade, and abolish the sea ban, this was an action advocated by Zhang Yanling. There were quite a lot of criticism in the court, and there were many opponents. If he returned in vain, the opposition would definitely be loud. Your Majesty
It was because he looked at the Duke's face and felt that the matter could be successful, and heard Zhang Yanling's guarantee and described a long-term prospect that he was able to overcome the public opinion. If things were not what he imagined, he would probably shrink back. In that case,
Everything is finished.
"Everyone, I'm upset right now. It's not the right time to make a decision. I think we should take it step by step. First, try our best to repair the ship. Mr. Wang is responsible for this matter. No matter what, the warship must be repaired. Zhang Yin, you are responsible
Be vigilant and safe. This port is too small and the place is too small. We don’t have many soldiers and horses. We will temporarily settle in
Therefore, we must not be attacked by the other side again. I thought about it carefully, hoping to come up with a countermeasure that has the best of both worlds. In short, no matter what, we must not lose confidence and morale. What I said today must not be known to the soldiers.
.We are as usual, training as we should and doing as we should do." Zhang Yanling said in a deep voice.
"I humbly obey my orders." Everyone said with cupped hands.
Zhang Yanling glanced at the grave in front of him and said in a deep voice: "Brother Chen, you are responsible for sorting out the names, birthplaces, and relics of all the brothers who died in the battle. When you return to the Ming Dynasty in the future, you will inform their families. I said that to treat their relatives well, you must
To cash in."
Chen Shi nodded and said, "Don't worry, I will take care of everything."
Zhang Yanling nodded, reached out to take the wine glass from Chang Shun's hand, held it in both hands, bowed to Bai Xin Graves, and poured the wine into the ground. Then he threw the wine glass away and turned around to leave.
Everyone looked at Zhang Yanling's somewhat lonely back and remained silent.
"Don't disturb him. With the wisdom of the Duke, he will have a perfect solution. He is just in a bad mood. Let him adjust his mood and I believe he will recover." Zhang Yin said slowly.
Everyone nodded. They had absolute confidence in Zhang Yanling.
…
In the port of Malacca, after Almeida returned with his fleet from defeat, life was equally difficult.
In more than ten years of traveling across the ocean, Almeida has never suffered such a defeat. First, many warships were burned in front of his eyes. Then, during the battle, he was beaten to pieces by the opponent, causing huge losses.
The powerful fleet of more than thirty warships should be invincible, but its true colors were revealed under the attack of several opponent's warships. The opponent's warships were obviously much more advanced, and their firearms were more fierce. The young duke who commanded the fleet also
Extremely cunning. He is considered a cunning person, but he was defeated. This is simply a shame.
Although he adjusted his retreat in time, saved the main force, and avoided complete defeat, this battle was a huge blow to the morale of the fleet and to his reputation.
After the war, Almeida saw disappointment and disdain in the eyes of the officers. This was something she had never seen before.
Almeida knew that she had to save the situation in order to regain the trust and admiration of these people.
Fortunately, he still has a chance. Ten warships coming from Guri, the seaport of the Garo Empire, are almost here. These ten warships are all new warships equipped with heavy firearms. After they join, they will launch a counterattack.
The opponent's warships were also seriously damaged. The key is that they have no repair port and no dock equipment available, so they can only make simple repairs. In the next attack, they will face the damaged Ming Dynasty fleet.
Moreover, their supplies should be running out soon. The most important thing for an ocean-going fleet is to have sufficient supplies. Food, drink, and ammunition. These are the opponent's weaknesses. Even if they fight next time, they still can't.
It doesn't matter if you win, the opponent obviously can't withstand a lot of consumption. In the end, they will run away in despair.
After thinking about this clearly, Almeida felt much better. He began to actively formulate a battle plan, ordered the injured ships to enter the port for repairs, and actively prepared for the next attack.
Six days later, ten warships from Guri Port finally arrived. Almeida happily went to the port to greet them.
However, when Almeida saw a man coming off the gangplank of the flagship Notre Dame, he was stunned on the spot.
"Dear Commander-in-Chief Almeida, my old friend, hahaha, what? You don't recognize me anymore?"
The man was wearing a brand new military uniform, a tall military hat, his beard was neatly combed, and he greeted Almeida with a smile on his face.
"Why are you here? Mr. Alfonso, aren't you in China?" Almeida frowned.
"What? Not welcome? Hahaha. Mr. Almeida. Of course, you should not welcome me. Because I am here on the orders of the king and prince to take over your duties. Mr. Almeida, Franji
The whole country thanks you for your contribution, but from now on, you can go home and take care of yourself. Hahaha."
Alfonso's laughter was extremely harsh. Almeida's eyes widened and she was speechless in shock.