（o8o4）

Brothers, it's really amazing! Don't say anything, send the second update right away! The atmosphere at the Harrier Bay Naval Base suddenly became tense with the arrival of Zhang Zhun. Because of the suddenness of the incident, all the senior officers of the navy are not here, and Zhang Zhun must personally grasp all the work. With Zhang Zhun's order, all the officers who stayed at the base were busy. The relevant combat preparations will be carried out immediately.

Zhang Zhun's first order, of course, was to inform the various batteries at the exit of Mawan to prepare for the shelling of Yang Tiansheng's fleet. The relevant identification flags were urgently sent to each fort. If a ship is unable to answer the flag accurately, it will be attacked by the battery.

On both sides of Mawan, as well as Huangdao in the middle of the Mawan estuary, the Tiger Ben army set up forts. There were four large turrets in total, each with sixteen Wyvern cannons. In terms of range, these Wyvern cannons can basically block major shipping lanes. The only point, regret, is that the power of the Flying Dragon Cannon is indeed inferior to the powerful Hongyi Cannon. In the event of long-range bombardment by the redcoat cannons of enemy ships, it is impossible to fight back.

In general, of course, with the presence of these batteries, the enemy's warships wanted to sneak up on the Partridge Bay shipyard, which was unlikely. Even if there is no interception by the Tiger Ben Navy in the open sea, other warships must undergo the baptism of artillery fire if they want to enter without permission. Each of the dragon guns in these batteries is equipped with ten sub-gun chambers, which can shoot quickly in turns, and the firepower is still very fierce.

Zhang Zhun's Gu Erdao order, of course, is that all the basic aspects should be prepared for war. He shouted loudly: "Everyone" moves! ”

The ammunition of the three fleets is all brought by itself, "I don't really need to worry about ammunition, mainly in terms of medical care, intelligence communication, etc." It is necessary to have enough doctors, as well as medicines, "to treat the wounded at any time." At the same time, the exchange and transmission of intelligence is also very crucial. After this order was issued, Zhang Zhun immediately felt that he had neglected a very important link, that is, the training of naval staff officers.

It must be admitted that with the continuous expansion of the Huben Army's naval contingent, "the relevant combat readiness work will become more and more frequent." Compared with the Sixth Army, the Navy's staff work is more professional and complex. In other words, there is a need for higher-quality professionals. And Zhang Zhun didn't show up until this time, and he forgot to cultivate talents in this area.

It can't be said to be forgetting, "it's more than enough but not enough." Zhang Zhun is not from the navy, and he really doesn't know much about naval staff. At present, the focus of the Huben Army Naval Officer School is to train captains, first officers, sailors, helmsmen, gunners, and other professionals.

In fact, Zhang Zhun was not very satisfied with the exhibition of the navy. Compared with the 6th Army, the Navy does have too much knowledge to inculcate and too much work to subdivide. But "it's also something that can't be helped. The Tiger Ben Army Navy simply does not have such professional talents.

Talent does not fall from the sky, especially talent for naval warfare. In East Asia at that time, "What kind of navy did you have a staff officer?"

Saiviara followed Zhang Zhun's side, attracting the surprised eyes of many people. Many people are curious about her relationship with Zhang Zhun. For the eyes of others, this golden beauty ignored all the eyes, but paid special attention to Zhang Zhun's actions. When Zhang Zhun personally gave orders and had to personally inquire about big things, Saiviara suddenly smiled happily.

When there was no one, Saviara seized the opportunity and whispered: "Brigadier General, if you are kind to me, I will give you a chief of staff!" ”

Zhang Zhun asked casually, "What chief of staff?" ”

Saiviara said unhappily, "You knowingly asked. ”

Zhang Zhun frowned and said, "Who?" ”

Saviara said quickly, "Hiber Thomas. He's a good friend of my father, and he's been teaching at the Royal Naval School, and I think he can help you train a group of naval staff. If there is a group of naval staff officers, you don't need to do all that kind of thing yourself. ”

Zhang Zhun's heart moved slightly, and he asked a little suspiciously: "He is a teacher at the Naval Academy?" True or fake? There's no way I'll be able to verify his identity. ”

Saiviara smiled slightly, and said slyly: "To be precise, he is the vice president of the Royal Naval Academy of the British Empire. Three generations of his ancestors were seafarers. He was also a seafarer when he was young, and he went to the New University 6 and participated in round-the-world voyages. He taught at the Royal Naval College after the age of thirty-five, and because of his outstanding performance, he became the vice-president of the Royal Naval College in ten years. ”

Zhang Zhun frowned and said, "How did he come to East Asia to fight?"

Saviara said in a somewhat bitter tone, "He's a Puritan. ”

Zhang Zhun frowned and didn't say anything.

It is no wonder that a dignified vice president of the Naval Academy also went to East Asia to make a living, and it turned out that he was a Puritans. In seventeenth-century England, the Puritans had a hard time. The struggle between religions has always been the most brutal, and it has a bit of a never-ending flavor. Such was the struggle between the Puritans and the Catholics.

If there are many Catholics and few Puritans, it is natural that they will not be able to fight Catholicism, and it is predictable that they will be treated unjustly and even persecuted. Even after Cromwell's victory, the Puritans struggled, and they were persecuted by other religions and had to go into hiding. They had to avoid the British Empire's sphere of influence in order to survive.

Sai Viala said eagerly: "He is a teacher with rich naval warfare theory and considerable naval combat experience, and he also knows a lot of Chinese and can communicate with you simply. If you give him a certain status, "he can help you train a group of excellent naval staff." ”

Zhang Zhun said quietly: "His request is ......"

Saiviara said bluntly: "He can serve as the vice president of your Naval Academy" The salary per month is at least thirty taels of silver. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded lightly, and said with a serious expression: "Okay" I thank you for your kindness, he is indeed the talent I need. However, you must tell him that I only need his knowledge of naval warfare. I don't need his religious indoctrination. Whether he is a Catholic or a Puritan, we don't need it. ”

Sylvia said slyly, "I understand. ”

Zhang Zhun nodded and said quietly: "You send someone to inform you."

Saviara hurriedly turned and went.

In the sea near the mouth of the Yangtze River, a huge fleet is moving slowly.

In total, this fleet has more than 30 large warships, and there are more than 20 ships of other types. So many warships, mixed with a dozen large unarmed merchant ships, appeared on the surface of the sea together. The flag flutters "the masts are lined up, and it looks very spectacular.

Most of the ships still have standing water on their decks. They had just experienced a storm that wasn't very strong. On the sea in June, the weather is changing, and the sun is shining just now, and in the blink of an eye, it will give you a storm, which will drench you from head to toe.

Standing under the mast, looking at the standing water on the deck, Yang Tiansheng's mood was a little depressed. Every summer, the surface of the East China Sea changes uncertainly. A long expedition at such a time is not a smart thing. Thankfully, they didn't encounter any major storms along the way, otherwise "the loss of ships was inevitable."

"Dad, shall we leave Fujian like this?"

A man with a sturdy physique and dark skin walked up to Yang Tiansheng's side from behind and asked a little unconvinced.

His name is Yang Pengling, and he is Yang Tiansheng's eldest son. Yang was born with several sons, but only this one was the best. If there is no accident, his mantle will be passed on to this son of his own.

"What about the damage?"

Yang Tiansheng asked with a closed face.

"Lao Feng, Lao Ma, Lao Peng, and Lao Han's warships are a little damaged, and everything else is fine. Two ships went into the water and had to be abandoned. ”

Yang Pengyu replied.

"Fortunately, God is on our side."

Yang Tiansheng said with a little emotion.

"Dad, you haven't answered my question yet."

Yang Pengling said stubbornly.

"Ugh."

Yang Tiansheng still did not answer.

The contradiction between him and Zheng Zhilong is getting deeper and deeper. He had already sensed that Zheng Zhilong had made up his mind to squeeze him out. If he is not interested, what awaits him is Zheng Zhilong's torn face. The difference in strength between him and Zheng Zhilong is too far, once the two sides tear their faces, he has no certainty of victory.

"If Brother Yan Siqi hadn't died, how good it would be!"

Yang Tiansheng sighed quietly in his heart.

There is a huge secret between him and Zheng Zhilong, that is, about Yan Siqi. In fact, Yan Siqi has been dead for more than ten years, and his grave has been overgrown with wild grass, but the two have always declared to the outside world that Yan Siqi is alive. This huge secret is unknown to ordinary outsiders.

The outside world knows the names of Zheng Zhilong, Yang Tiansheng, and Yan Siqi, and knows that the three of them are one with each other, but in fact, this is inaccurate. The so-called Yan Siqi is not the real Yan Siqi at all. Why do the outside world know about these three people? Of course, there is an arrangement for newcomers. Who is the person with a heart? Of course, it's Zheng Zhilong.

"Dad, why do we want to go north to Shandong?"

Yang Pengling still stubbornly asked Lou, "Go and fight Zhang Zhun." ”

Yang Tiansheng said coldly.

"Zhang Zhun wants to meddle in the Japanese market, and it is not us who loses, it is Zheng Zhilong who loses, why should we give Zheng Zhilong a head? When I think of Zheng Chenggong, I can't get angry. Why can their Zheng family bully our Yang family? With the ability, their Zheng family's fleet went north to deal with Zhang Zhun by itself! ”

Yang Pengyu said angrily.

"You and Zheng Chenggong" "Alas" Peng, "You and others are not on the same starting line, your father" is far worse than his father. Your dad can only eat some leftovers, barely filling his stomach, big fish and meat, all in other people's bowls. Even if your dad is slanderous, there is nothing he can do! Others have more than two dozen three-masted gunboats, but your father only has five. When it comes to the number of large warships, your father's strength is "not as good as thirty percent of others." ”

Yang Tiansheng said bitterly.

"Dad, even so, we don't need to confront Zhang Zhun? We can go to Nanyang, how can it be better to do business in Nanyang than in Shandong? ”

Yang Pengling said a little excitedly.

"Peng, the situation in Nanyang is much more complicated than you know. The Dutch, the Spaniards, the Portuguese, the French "are all in full swing in the South Seas, and even the British cannot gain a foothold in the South Seas, let alone us?" If we go to the South Seas, if we don't do well, we will all perish in one night. ”

Yang Tiansheng shook his head and said.

Yang Pengling said unconvinced: "Then we only have the only way out of going north?" ”

Yang Tiansheng said in a deep voice: "Peng" Have you forgotten the conditions I told you? ”

Yang Pengling said unconvinced: "Dad, I haven't forgotten. I just think Zheng Zhilong is hypocritical and won't fulfill his promise easily. He said that as long as we defeated Zhang Zhun, he would take the Yangtze River. The sea to the north belongs to us, and he will never interfere, and he will allow us to trade freely in the Japanese market. It seems that this condition is indeed very good, but I always feel that there is no such good thing in the world, so Zheng Zhilong will not be so generous! ”

Yang Tiansheng said meaningfully: "He is not so generous. ”

Yang Pengling said eagerly: "Dad, since you know that Zheng Zhilong is scolding you", why do you still agree? If we defeat Zhang Zhun and Zheng Zhilong sends people to attack us, it will still be an indispensable battle! ”

Yang Tiansheng sighed slightly, and said bitterly: "Peng, don't you feel it?" When Zheng Chenggong came to deliver the news, the fleets of Zheng Zhibao and Zheng Zhihu were already in full array. If I don't agree, Zheng Zhilong will immediately turn his face and do it. I know his personality so well that he doesn't give me a chance to refuse! ”

Yang Pengling gritted his teeth and said, "However, we can detain Zheng Chenggong as a hostage." Zheng Chenggong is in our hands, how dare Zheng Zhilong? Yang Tiansheng shook his head and said earnestly: "Peng, you are still too naïve. Your father, or Zheng Zhilong's father, can't change his plan just because of a hostage. Even if we detain Zheng Chenggong, Zheng Zhilong will still kill him, he doesn't care about this son at all. So, you must not take any chances. Otherwise, Dad won't save you. ”

Yang Pengling said a little unconvinced: "I don't believe that Zheng Zhilong will really kill his son, as the old saying goes, tiger poison does not eat children!" ”

Yang Tiansheng shook his head lightly, sighed bitterly and said, "Peng, you really pay it back!" Nothing to understand! For the sake of one's own interests, don't say one eldest son, even if all the sons are killed, so what? Sons can be born, and if there are none, you can find a few women to have another child. When a man reaches the age of sixty or seventy, he can continue to have sons. Even if all the sons died, so what? However, once this power is lost, it is difficult to get it back. ”

"Peng, you must remember that interests and power are the most important, and everything else can be discarded. There is power, there are interests, how many women do you want not have? How many sons are you going to have? But if the power is lost, the strength is lost, you have nothing. Anyone can put you to death. ”

Yang Pengling's mouth opened, as if he wanted to refute his father's words, but he couldn't find more powerful words. In fact, he is also a young man in his twenties, only five years older than Zheng Chenggong. Zheng Chenggong is fifteen years old, and he is twenty years old.

Yang Tiansheng said bitterly: "Peng, in the future, you will understand." ”

Yang Pengling heard that his father was unwilling to continue discussing this topic, so he frowned and said, "Then, Daddy, can we successfully eliminate Zhang Zhun this time?" ”

Yang Tiansheng said confidently: "Yes." Zhang Zhun's naval strength is definitely inferior to ours. Even people like Yang Guohua can be generals, which shows that Zhang Zhun "really has no talents." Besides, "the navy is not something that can be developed overnight, and we have worked hard for more than 20 years to have the strength we have today." How many years has Zhang Zhun been on the spot? It's less than three years. ”

"It is impossible to build a water army in three years. It's okay to pretend, but it's a bear bag when it really fights. Most of the black iron heads fell for Zhang Zhun's tricks and were plotted by Zhang Zhun. But this time, we are going north in a big way, and our strength is strong, even if Zhang Zhun has any conspiracy, "it will not be effective for us." We first knocked out his shipyards, cut off his roots at sea, and then sealed him off and forced him to raise his hands and surrender. ”

Yang Pengling frowned and said, "However, we only have 5,000 armed sailors, and we can go ashore to fight." Even if we defeat Zhang Zhun's army, we still have to fight on the 6th! With 5,000 people, can you defeat Zhang Zhun's Tiger Army? It is said that Zhang Zhun's Tiger Ben Army once defeated Jianyu........."

Yang Tiansheng said disdainfully: "That's all bragging, and few people in Jiangnan believe it at all." Defeat Jianyu? Just rely on him to get the right guy? No kidding. This must be Zhang Zhun in order to cover up his defeat, sent people to spread the news, and as a result, it was spread falsely "It also reached our Fujian." In the eyes of the discerning person, it is simply a joke! ”

Yang Pengling said a little worriedly: "However, Yang Wenyue believes it. ”

Yang Tiansheng said disdainfully: "Yang Wenyue is a scholar who has no courage, he was frightened by Jianyu before, and he was frightened by Zhang Zhun again, and his brain is not good. Only people with bad brains "will think that Zhang Zhun really has such a great ability to defeat the Tartars." This kind of courageless civil official is the most useless. Have you forgotten what Xiong Wencan said about Yang Wenyue? ”

Yang Pengling wanted to say something, "It's hard to say." Subconsciously, he felt that Zhang Zhun was not so easy to deal with. But "my father's statement seems to have made sense. How could Zhang Zhun defeat Jianyu? This is simply not possible. Even Xiong Wencan said that it was impossible. Xiong Wencan's insight is much more powerful than this Yang Wenyue.

"General, we have already crossed the mouth of the Yangtze River."

It was at this time that a subordinate came to report.

"Plus forward!"

Yang Tiansheng shouted loudly, "Peng, as long as we defeat Zhang Zhun, we will be able to gain a foothold in Shandong." Once we have gained a foothold in Shandong, we can gradually accumulate strength, and then go south to regain everything we have lost. Zheng Zhilong thought that if he drove us away, he could be the king of Fujian and the king of Dongfan, he was dreaming. The Dutch are waiting for trouble with him! ”

Yang Tiansheng was full of spirit and said hard.

"Dutchman"

Yang Pengling said to himself.

The Dutch mentioned by Yang Tiansheng made Yang Pengling's inner taste very complicated. For a long time, Zheng Zhilong's pirate military group did not get along with the Dutch, and the two sides repeatedly fought fiercely over the issue of maritime trade. If the warships of both sides meet at sea, it will definitely be a situation of artillery battle.

The Dutch, relying on their powerful and numerous warships, seemed to regard themselves as the overlords of the South Seas, and had to intervene in all maritime trade. All those who offend their interests are regarded as enemies by them. The Dutch had always wanted to establish a stronghold in the East China Sea in order to gain more profits. This stronghold is located on Dongfan Island.

At the beginning, when Yan Siqi was still alive, he attached great importance to Dongfan Island. Yan Siqi has established a base in Taiwan to support a huge circle of trade routes. If it weren't for Yan Siqi's contributions, Zheng Zhilong wouldn't be where he is today. Zheng Zhilong's strength is strong, and the most important thing is that he has received most of Yan Siqi's subordinates. Therefore, for Dongfan Island, Zheng Zhilong can't let go.

If the Dutch want to occupy Dongfan Island, they will definitely have to clash with Zheng Zhi Longsheng. Even if there are no large-scale conflicts now, there will be in the future. The existence of Dongfan Island will greatly restrain Zheng Zhilong's forces, making him dare not go north to chase and kill the Yang family with all his might. Once Zheng Zhilong and the Dutch are fully launched, it will inevitably be the result of losing both. This is their Yang family's chance. As long as they defeat Zhang Zhun, they will have the opportunity to accumulate strength and give Zheng Zhilong a knife in the back.

Thinking of this, Yang Pengling's spirit slowly lifted up. Yes, it is useless to say so much now. The current task is to defeat Zhang Zhun and gain a foothold in Shandong! As long as you defeat Zhang Zhun, everything is easy to say!