"I heard that Duke Protector led our Ming Dynasty navy to go south to the ocean, and defeated the fleet of the Franco Kingdom with great momentum. We captured the city of Da Nang and the land of Manlajia Strait. We will promote our Ming Dynasty's prestige and protect our country of the Ming vassal. Order The whole world is shocked, and the countries all over the world are in submission. I am very relieved."
"The Lord Protector worked hard for our Ming Dynasty, went on expeditions, left his wife and children, experienced wind, frost, snow and rain, and slept in the open. He was often caught in dangers and dangers, and it was not easy to change his ambition, just like a mountain standing upright or a pillar in a torrent. I always say When I think about it, I feel so much admiration in my heart that I can't help myself. The Lord Protector has worked so hard and done so much for the country, no one can match him."
"In memory of the Duke Protector's hard work and meritorious service, this decree is given to the Protector Zhang Yanling, Prince Shaobao, and a pair of python robes with jade belts and a golden crown. The Protector Zhang Yanling is granted the post of full-power imperial envoy to the South China Sea, and the signing of reward contracts with various countries in the South China Sea is also included. The decision is made by the protector of the country, and there is no need to report to me for approval. In addition, his son Zhang Yi attacks the title of Marquis of Jianchang, and his family titles are increased by one level. The reward is one hundred thousand silver, three horses, a chariot, and five thousand pieces of silk. …”
"...This purpose is to commend all the officers and soldiers of the Ming Dynasty's naval forces. They protect the country. All officers and soldiers fight bravely to kill the enemy and promote the prestige of our country. They are loyal and brave men. Zhang Yin, Chen Shiyi, and Wang Hong assist in protecting the country. If the public has meritorious service, he will be given the rank of marquis and be granted the title as usual. The rest of the officers and soldiers will be rewarded based on their merits. After the army returns to Beijing in triumph, the decree will be announced together."
"...I hope that all officers and men will continue to work hard to promote the prestige of our country, kill the enemy with loyalty, fight bravely to be the first, and live up to the expectations of the court and my expectations. This is your purpose!"
After Zhang Yin read out the imperial edict at the military port pier, all the officers and soldiers of the Armada knelt down and kowtowed and shouted long live.
The reward is second to none, but Zhu Houzhao's attitude of affirming the contribution of the Armada is the most important. He traveled thousands of miles away from home to come here to fight against the French people. He was in a foreign country, not accustomed to the acclimatization, and missed his hometown. This kind of The situation can easily make the lieutenants of the army feel confused. They are not as enlightened as Zhang Yanling and know the great significance of freeing shipping routes and overseas colonies. They will think in their hearts, why are we coming here? The Folangji people are fighting It’s not my Ming Dynasty. What’s the point of fighting for these small local countries?
This imperial edict solved the doubts in the hearts of many people. As long as the imperial court recognized it, the emperor recognized it, and believed that it was loyalty to the country, then everything would make sense. It would not be in vain to endure the torment and confusion of fighting in a foreign country.
"My lord, this is the emperor's personal letter, and it is specially delivered to my lord." Zhang Yin handed the letter to Zhang Yanling.
Zhang Yanling took the letter and he could almost guess the content inside.
"Uncle, I am very happy that you have been able to overcome obstacles all the way. The goal of opening up shipping routes seems to be just around the corner. The grand plan of Ming Dynasty's trade power as described by uncle has also made a good start. I am indescribably happy in my heart. Faced with such a situation, I feel as if Having nothing to do, I felt guilty in my heart. I thought that since my uncle led the army to fight abroad, I should wipe out all the pirates along the domestic coast, which would also be conducive to the smooth implementation of the maritime trade policy. Therefore, I decided to mobilize the ships manufactured by Nanjing Bao Shipyard. The two armored ships serve as my ships to destroy pirates."
"...Originally I should discuss this matter with you, but I think you will definitely agree, uncle. My uncle also hopes that I can do something to make my subjects satisfied with me, right? You also promised me, In the future, I will build a dragon boat for me and accompany me to the sea. Why not fulfill this matter in advance? There is no need to hide it between me and my uncle. I know that my uncle is wholeheartedly doing my best, so I will do this on my own. It’s decided. My uncle won’t blame me, right? The reason why I wrote this letter to explain to my uncle is actually because I’m worried that other people will think that I’m holding my uncle back, and that there will be misunderstandings.”
After Zhang Yanling read the letter, he sighed helplessly and stuffed the letter into his arms. He knew that this letter must be Zhu Houzhao explaining to himself why he took his two warships. Although the words in it
It was obviously mostly prevarication and cover-up. I'm afraid Jiang Bin taught him to say this. But at least Zhu Houzhao had this attitude.
He also knew in his heart that this matter was inappropriate, so he had to find some reasons to explain it clearly for fear of getting angry. This shows that he was in awe of himself in his heart. This is a good thing, but in fact it is not necessarily a good thing.
.I need to control a certain degree. Regarding Zhu Houzhao, I cannot let him really be afraid of me. Because I am afraid of being bored, I will eventually develop a rebellious mentality, which is not the result I want.
This time Zhang Yin returned to China and brought back a large amount of materials and supplies. The repair work of several armored ships that had been idle for many days could finally be resumed. This made all the soldiers feel at ease. After all, the powerful enemy was ahead, because the warships
It failed to be repaired and faced great passivity.
In early April, enemy ships approached to provoke, with evil intentions. Fortunately, the shore-based forts had been fully built in advance, posing a great threat to enemy ships at sea. The enemy ships left in despair. However, the Invincible Fleet could only
Watching them come and go freely, there is no way to go to sea to fight with them. Therefore, the arrival of materials such as iron armor and steel frames for ship repairs is naturally excellent news.
The entire cabin was filled with letters from the soldiers and supplies sent from home. This was a spiritual comfort to the soldiers. After the parcels and letters were distributed, the whole army was filled with joy. Soon after, on the dock, everyone
On ships, in the woods, and in military camps, there are soldiers everywhere hiding and secretly reading letters and wiping tears. Greetings from relatives can never be replaced by anything else.
A carriage was also filled with items brought by Zhang Yanling's wives and concubines, and letters from his wives and concubines were also placed in Zhang Yanling's arms. Zhang Yanling was also excited and wanted to read these letters. However, he suppressed his excitement and inspected first.
All materials in the cabin were ordered to be moved ashore and put into storage. Cannonballs and gunpowder were safely stored.
Of course, what I am most looking forward to are the five Longyin Mountain Cannons. They were lifted one by one from the cabin by a tall wooden crane and placed on the pier. Wrapped in oilcloth, they did not show off their appearance, but from the appearance, they were already
Zhang Yanling was excited.
When the oilcloth was lifted and the Dragon Roar Cannon was revealed in its true form, there was a burst of admiration and cheers. This Dragon Roar Cannon is really handsome. It does not have too many fancy structures and is composed of a barrel, body and a wheeled gun base.
The shape of the Dragon Roar Cannon is simple and beautiful. This time, it does not use a structure of multiple cannons. This is to improve the range and power. After all, it is difficult to guarantee the sealing of the bore of the multiple cannons.
The barrel of the gun is actually not as long as Zhang Yanling imagined. The range is six to seven miles. According to the existing artillery structure, the barrel must be at least ten feet longer. But the barrel of the Longyin Cannon is less than seven or eight feet. Zhang Yanling noticed the barrel and chamber of the gun.
There are circles of fine steel hoops on them. This may be the secret.
The secret lies in the double-layered gun barrel plus layers of steel hoops, which ensures its strength. The making of new types of fine steel also increases its lifespan and toughness. So the reason for the enhanced range must be that the barrel of the gun is sufficiently strong.
Under the condition, the multiple effects of increasing the dosage and improving the sealing properties are the result.
In addition to its range power, its gun base also uses an adjustable device, which can adjust the left and right and height design angles. Two large wheels serve as part of the base to ensure its maneuverability. They are steel wheels, covered on the outside.
A thick layer of cooked cowhide. Zhang Yanling was shocked when he saw this structure. This is already the basic appearance of a tire.
Xu Gao's intelligence is really astonishing. I didn't even talk about these things with him. He figured them out by himself. Reduce weight, make movement more convenient, and reduce vibration. These are all benefits. Longyin Cannon
It can maneuver quickly under the pull of horses. Its wheelbase weight can even penetrate deep into places that vehicles cannot reach.
Zhang Yanling couldn't wait to give the order and fired a test shot.
The fusiform cannonball was loaded into the barrel, a standard charge handle was inserted into the rear barrel, and after the match was lit, an earth-shattering roar of dragons sounded. Flames spurted out from the muzzle, and everyone's ears were shocked and everyone stared.
Aiming at the side of the cliff six or seven miles away.
But I saw a cloud of smoke and dust billowing up on the smooth rock wall of the cliff. Debris was flying, and the smoke was filled with dust. A rock on the cliff was smashed and rolled down, splashing the sea water below and churning up large waves.
"Awesome, awesome. With this cannon, our enemies will suffer a lot. Hahaha." Zhang Yanling laughed.
All the soldiers also changed from astonishment to laughter, and they were all amazed. At the same time, they were also proud of their courage. Fortunately, this cannon belonged to them. If it had belonged to the opponent, it would have been a nightmare.