The Manlajia Military Port has been buzzing with people and extremely busy for some time.
The damaged ships of the Armada and the Franco Eastern Fleet are all concentrated here for comprehensive repairs.
The conditions of the port here are much better than those at Longyamen. There are two special ponds for repairing ships, which brings great convenience to the repair work.
However, since the seven main warships of the Armada were all seriously damaged, except for two that could still cruise on the sea for daily patrol missions, the remaining five were seriously damaged and required major repairs. This made Zhang Yanling very sad.
It's a headache.
Under the current situation, it is actually very dangerous. Although the Eastern Fleet of the Folangji Kingdom fled to Guri Port and Ceylon Port, their strength is still very strong. At least more than 20 warships can still fight. Once
They launched an attack, but with the current situation of the Invincible Fleet, they were simply unable to respond.
By then, the port will not be safe, and all ships and facilities docked at the port will suffer a devastating blow. That will be a huge loss and a huge blow to the entire situation and morale.
In view of this, two armored warships that were still capable of combat had to wander on the sea outside the port on guard day and night. At the same time, more than a dozen local civilian ships were recruited, and more than 50 ships were set up on the sea west of the strait under the cover of fishing.
There are three warning posts in the area. Once the Folan robots launch an attack, an early warning can be issued at least dozens of miles away to prepare for the response in advance.
In addition, in order to guard against enemy attacks, the Ming Dynasty soldiers and horses set up a large number of forts on the cliffs around the port. Fortunately, the number of Tiger Howling Cannons was sufficient, and dozens of Tiger Howling Cannon fort positions were set up on the cliffs, which could effectively
Strike at the invading enemy. The Tiger Roaring Cannon has a range that exceeds the opponent's range and is commanding, so it should be a great deterrent.
But the crux of the problem does not lie here, but that the progress of the repair of the armored warship is not satisfactory. Problems that are difficult to solve are encountered.
The problem of manpower can be solved. After all, hundreds of local indigenous people have been recruited as coolies, which has greatly alleviated the manpower shortage problem of ship repair. The poor repair conditions can also be overcome by finding ways. But the lack of materials and supplies is fatal.
That is insurmountable.
Although the three Kunpeng transport ships carried armor and components for ship repairs, they obviously could not carry too many. Because most of the cabins were used to carry logistics supplies, such as rice, noodles, water, fruits and vegetables, ammunition, horses, etc.
.It is a key material to ensure the fleet's long-distance operations and is indispensable. Therefore, the materials for repairing warships can only carry some emergency supplies.
For the current large-scale repairs, it is obviously impossible to obtain the supply of materials. The fine iron armor used in ships is not ordinary iron, it is irreplaceable. Moreover, some of its configurations are specially made, and it is impossible to build them on site.
If this problem is not solved, there will be big trouble in the future. The armored warships must be repaired as new, because the subsequent battle will be more intense. With the already insufficient warships, if the combat effectiveness is insufficient, it will be difficult to win.
In addition, some ammunition and supplies also needed to be replenished. After several battles in Da Nang and Manlaca Port, they were consumed a lot.
In view of the above-mentioned dilemmas, Zhang Yanling convened everyone to discuss countermeasures.
"Generals, as you all know, the next plan is to attack Ceylon and the ports occupied by the Folangji along the coast of the Garo Empire. Only by occupying them can we go all the way west and open up the road to Persia, Kerman,
It is the trade route of Rasuli and other places in the Western Regions. As we all know, there are good products produced there.
Horse spices and various goods that our Ming Dynasty needs. The extension of the trade channel to the Western Region is an important landmark. Once this channel is opened, our Ming Dynasty’s trading ships can sail out to sea and carry out large-scale trade operations. That will be
A big moment. I'm looking forward to that moment."
Zhang Yanling pointed to a colorful world map hanging in front of everyone and said to everyone. What Zhang Yanling was talking about was the trade route to Central Asia. Go west through the Strait of Malacca and pass through the coast of India to reach Central Asia. Occupy India
The port at the southern tip of the mainland can not only open up trade with the Indian mainland, but also serve as a springboard to ports in Central Asia.
Although this area, called the Western Regions by the Ming Dynasty, can also be reached from the road passage of the Hexi Corridor of the Ming Dynasty. However, the convenience of maritime trade is the best way of trade in this era of inconvenient transportation. The Western Regions have high mountains, long yellow sand, and long roads.
The trade routes on land are rugged and difficult to travel, and the trade routes on land are long and dangerous. How can they be compared with the smooth roads on sea.
Spices, famous horses, gems, carpets and other goods from Central Asia are all unique to the local area. Silk, tea and porcelain from the Ming Dynasty are extremely popular here. Once the trade route extends here, large-scale trade will be able to develop quickly.
Everyone was a little excited. From the map, the port of Malacca was only a stone's throw away from Ceylon and the Sangkara Empire. It seemed to be within easy reach.
"My lord, when can we attack Ceylon Port and Guri Port? The sooner we capture it, the sooner we can achieve our goal." Feng Mazi asked with a loud smile.
Zhang Yanling smiled bitterly and said: "I also want to know when we can attack, but you have also seen the current situation. Our ships are being renovated and are not ready for a fight. I estimate that we will not be able to move for at least two months.
Besides, our troops are not enough to guarantee victory. This is what gives me a headache."
Everyone was silent. In fact, everyone knew in their hearts that the difficulties the Armada was encountering were obvious. This was very worrying. But no one wanted to say depressing words.
"Lord Protector, I have a suggestion. Since we can't move within a month or two, we might as well send ships back to the Ming Dynasty to replenish materials and ammunition. In addition, Nanjing Bao Shipyard should have new ships built. Please request
The imperial court allows additional troops to come." Wang Hong said solemnly.
"Then it will take several months to go back and forth. That's too long." A general muttered.
"There is nothing we can do if the time is delayed. Otherwise, the ship cannot move and the battle cannot be fought. If it continues indefinitely, it will be in vain." Wang Hong said.
Everyone stopped talking and looked at Zhang Yanling.
Zhang Yanling said: "What Mr. Wang said is absolutely true. I am discussing this matter with you today. I plan to send two ships, Kunpeng No. 1 and No. 2, back to China to transport repair supplies and ammunition supplies. At the same time, some injured brothers will also be sent back.
Domestic treatment. As Mr. Wang said, we need to increase our troops. At least two to three armored treasure ships are needed. We underestimated the enemy too much before. It would be ridiculous for a fleet to lose its sea combat capability. This matter is in
In my opinion, there is no need to delay.”
Only then did everyone realize that the Protector had the same idea.
"In addition, we have been out to sea for half a year, and it is time to report the results of the war to the court. The King of Manlajia also plans to send envoys to the Ming Dynasty to see the emperor, thank the Ming Dynasty for their kindness in restoring the country, and re-submit the credentials to restore the master-slave relationship.
In the vassal relationship, these things have to be done
.Some of our agreements with Manlajia are about to be signed and need to be reported to the court for decision. The soldiers have been away from home for a long time and they must miss their families a lot. They can also write letters and send them home. In short, we must send someone
Let’s go back to China. What do you think?” Zhang Yanling said.
"What you said is absolutely true. After being away from home for a long time, all the brothers are feeling homesick. The court doesn't know how we are progressing. We need to replenish supplies and ammunition. This trip is imperative." Wang Hong nodded and said.
Everyone also nodded. Although many people were worried that this delay would take a long time, there seemed to be nothing they could do about it.
At that moment, everyone agreed that Zhang Yanling ordered Zhang Yin to lead two cargo ships back to China to handle various matters.
Without further delay, Zhang Yin led 300 soldiers to board the ship in the evening of the next day and set off. They carried a memorial written by Zhang Yanling, thousands of letters from the soldiers home, and more than 200 wounded soldiers. There were also more than a dozen full-time soldiers.
An envoy sent by King Lajia.
Zhang Yanling went to the dock to see them off in person and watched them sail away. He hoped that they would have a smooth journey and return as soon as possible in order to solve the embarrassing situation at hand.