Historically, the Nanyang Chinese were desperate to have their own motherland because they had been oppressed by European colonizers and local natives for a long time (not the Manchurian Qing State, which not only distrusted the domestic Chinese, but also hated the overseas Chinese).

Therefore, when the Republic of China was founded, it received a lot of funding from the Nanyang Chinese, and many Kuomintang veterans were born in Nanyang Chinese. Some Nanyang Chinese even declared independence and joined the Republic of China to form the "Republic of Great China", but they were immediately suppressed by European colonizers.

In the most difficult days of the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, in addition to the people at home, there was also a pillar of spiritual and economic support for China -- more than 8 million overseas Chinese. These Chinese living abroad tightened their belts to support the war of resistance, and were subjected to bloody revenge by the Japanese for this.

From these examples, it can be seen that overseas Chinese have a strong patriotic heart and hope to have a strong home country as their backing. Because, relying on others is passive after all, just like duckweed, which can only move with the wind. The wealth earned is also a castle in the air, making wedding clothes for others.

Even if it is to exclude political power, and only consider economic interests, it is beneficial to establish a good relationship with the Ming Dynasty regime, which already owns half of the rivers and mountains and is becoming more and more stable.

Regarding overseas fundraising, Zhu Yongxing is cautious and conservative, but he is still very optimistic in his heart. Moreover, in Siam, which was the first to support the Southern Ming Dynasty, many overseas Chinese businessmen have taken practical actions and given great help to the Ming Dynasty government. Of course, these overseas Chinese also made profits in commerce and trade, and were recognized as dual citizenship in the trial, getting rid of the hat of "outcasts".

Leveraging strength from all directions to seek breakthroughs from unexpected places is what Zhu Yongxing is good at. In terms of raising materials and money alone, the Manchu Qing Dynasty has already been left behind.

Although Zhu Yongxing's life is much simpler than that of the emperors in history. But Chongzhen still wears patched clothes, but he still has no money and food to help the people and support the war. Therefore, in this regard alone, the ministers were extremely admirable, admiring Zhu Yongxing's ability to benefit the people at the same time. It can also raise more and more abundant supplies for cross-sea landings.

As the prelude to the Northern Expedition, the Shandong War is still facing difficulties in material supply for the time being, but as long as it survives this time, a bright and smooth road will appear in front of you. This is a result that many people can foresee, and it can be seen from the fact that the strategic initiative was firmly grasped by the Ming army.

Although it was difficult to continue to increase troops in Shandong in the short term, the Ming army still had naval divisions available, and the vast coastline of Bohai Bay allowed them to carry out effective containment and raids, and buy time for the stability of the war situation.

In order to unify the command of the land and water army. Kuang Guogong Pixiong rushed to Shandong with some young staff officers and set up a command center for the former enemy, so that the army and the naval division could coordinate and cooperate more effectively.

"General Wei, it will take half a month at the earliest, and the second batch of troops will be put into Shandong, maybe it will take longer." At the first military meeting, Kuang Guogong Pi Xiong solemnly told Wei Jun about the specific situation, and also vetoed Wei Jun's request for an important increase in dragoons. "During this time, we can only rely on the current forces. and recruit locally to support the battle. You must know that now it is not a question of the number of troops, but the difficulty of raising supplies in the rear. ”

"The last general knows the difficulties in the rear." Wei Junzhong hesitated for a moment and explained: "But with the current strength, it is indeed difficult to expand the results of the battle. The ideal situation is also in Jiaodong (Jiaodong. The name comes from Jiaodong County in the Qin Dynasty, because it is located in the Jiaolai Valley or the Jiaowei Plain and the area to the east, which is the east, south and north of the sea peninsula area) to gain a firm foothold, and then to expand the land outward. ”

"The same is true of the meaning of the Holy Lord and the General Staff." Kuang Guogong Pi Xiong pointed to the map and said: "It is not required to attack sharply, and it can firmly occupy the Jiaodong area." It's victory. The army may be a little thin, but it will take time for the Manchus to mobilize their troops. Besides, our army has sailors to help in the battle, and the combined land strength of the three major fleets is seven or eight thousand, and if it is used properly, it is almost enough. General Deng, what do you say? ”

Jinghai Marquis Deng Yao nodded, the Jiaodong area is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the naval division can indeed play a great role, so that the Qing army does not dare to go too deep because of the fear of the flank and rear, "The marines can go ashore to help in the battle, or attack and harass and contain it, which will surely make the Qing army fearful." ”

"The Holy One has tried his best to raise funds from all directions, and we must also share our worries for the Holy One." Kuang Guogong Pi Xiong scratched a finger on the map, which was a small piece of the easternmost part of the Jiaodong Peninsula, "Even if it only occupies such a large piece, as long as it can hold on, the saint will not blame." ”

"What the Guogong said is extremely true." Wei Junzhong stared at the map for a long time, smiled with relief, and said: "The last general asked for more troops, but also to expand the results of the battle, maybe to occupy Shandong in one fell swoop. If it is necessary to stabilize the territory, according to the current strength, and then there are sailors to help in the war, what can the Qing army do to me? It's not that the last general boasted that this division is an elite division, which can withstand several times the Qing army. ”

"The elite division is also the division of the hundred miles." Kuang Guogong Pi Xiong glanced at Wei Junzhong with appreciation, and said: "The army is the earliest, and it has the most victories, and even the saint is also praised by Chrysostom." Shandong, as for the place, is where General Wei and General Deng create glory again. The head of the Northern Expedition is the only one. ”

"In addition—" Skin Bear paused and continued, "the previous plan still has to be realized, and from now until the beginning of next spring, at least one army must be recruited and formed in Shandong, and actual combat training must be carried out. Calculating, there are still eight or nine months to go, which seems to be abundant, but if there is an accident, it will not be able to explain it to the saint. ”

"It should be no problem to recruit and expand an army." Wei Junzhong looked more confident, but he also said the difficulties, "Although there are difficulties in grain and grass materials, it can be delayed for a month or two before a large expansion. Now, while the Qing army has not yet assembled, the last general thinks that he should continue to attack the city and seize the land to lay the foundation for the future. ”

"When will Yu Qi's independent division be formed?" Kuang Guogong Pi Xiong pondered for a moment and said, "Even if you can't fight immediately, you should be able to maintain local law and order, right?" ”

Wei Junzhong smiled bitterly and said: "Yu Qi is resolute in resisting the Qing, but his subordinates are uneven, and I am afraid that they will have to go through some rectification." Master Gu had some doubts and hoped to discuss it with the Duke of Guo. ”

"Are you in the habit of the rivers and lakes?" Pi Xiong didn't show too much surprise at this, but just nodded slightly and said, "Well, I will go to Qixia tomorrow to discuss with Master Gu, and I will also see Yu Qi." ”

…………… (To be continued......)