Win the Ding 1617

It was approaching late autumn, and the strong wind blowing from the north began to roll up waves on the sea.

On the sea of ​​Zhejiang, near the Zhoushan Islands.

The rising sun finally broke free from the shackles of the sea water, jumped out of the sea level, and projected the light on the dark green deep sea, inlaid a golden skirt on every wave.

A few plump seagulls chirped happily, as if celebrating the end of the difficult monsoon season.They skim over the sea lightly, and the black wingtips bring a string of shiny water splashes from time to time, exuding a pearl-like brilliance under the sunlight.

Looking at the dreamlike and charming scenery, no one would believe that it was a nightmare place just yesterday.

The violent monsoon flooded the whole world with huge waves like mountains, and the Eastern Sea ferociously showed off its terrifying and primitive power.

No one dares to doubt the strength of that kind of power, because not far from the seagull, a sunken ship has already used all its life and property to prove it. What will happen to the fools who want to challenge the mighty power of the sea? Proved himself wrong with that floating, swollen corpse.

Two fat seagulls are resting happily on the surface of the sea. They are the largest and strongest in the group of seagulls. Now their stomachs are full of small fish snatched from the mouths of those weak companions. They happily Enjoying the long-lost feeling of the warm sun shining on the white feathers, this is a wonderful post-dinner rest time. You must know that snatching also requires physical strength.

Suddenly, something alarmed the two fat robbers.They flapped their wings vigorously and kicked their short legs to leave the water, and then staggered to join the group of companions who were flying around.

From the junction of the sky and the sea in the south, a few sail shadows appeared faintly, and then the few became dozens, and the dozens became hundreds. In just a short while, the white sails were like clouds, and the forehead was like a forest. The mast covers the entire sea level.

The sailors of the fleet adjusted the sails skillfully, making full use of the wind speed, and approached with the fleet at a high speed.Under the golden sun, the huge fleet revealed their true colors.

This is a fleet of nearly [-] Dafu boats.The several large-caliber artillery placed on the ship, the busy sailors on the ship, the square bridge and the tall forecastle all silently illustrate the strength of the fleet.The flagship surrounded by many lucky boats like stars holding the moon, the bow of the ship easily cuts through the waves, stirring up waves of snow-white waves.Pearly sprays of water danced and splashed on the hard gray hull of the battleship.Then condensed into strings of crystal water drops and slid into the emerald green sea.on the mainmast.A flag with a big "Zheng" embroidered on a red background and white moonlight fluttered against the north wind.

This is Zheng Zhilong's fleet going north to traffic grain.

The banner of Zheng Ran, Lin Cha, Chen Lin, Yang Geng, Su Cheng and others.The same fluttered on the several Daifu boats around the flagship.

In the flagship's cabin, Shibatora and his nephew Fukumatsumaru are enjoying breakfast brought by the kitchen.

"Uncle, through the Zhoushan Islands. Are we going to reach the South Zhili Sea?"

Over the past few years, Zheng Sen, who is already fluent in Fujian Mandarin, put the crab rice cake in the bowl into his mouth and chewed it, tasting the delicacy made with a little dried shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and diced meat mixed with crab.The rice cakes are infiltrated with crab juice, which is very tasty and chewy; the creamy crab meat is delicious, the crab roe is plump, and the aroma is strong.

"Sen'er, your statement is a bit wrong. It should be said that we have been on the sea of ​​Nanzhili since we arrived at the sea of ​​Zhejiang."

"Then, how many days until Wusongkou? I plan to visit Mr. Qian in Nanjing."

"After we deliver these goods and load the goods that the Yankees promised us in the north, we will naturally go to Nanjing. Otherwise, Fujian is so poor, how can we exchange these goods for money?"

"We can go to Japan! Take a look at Uncle and the others!"

Although he has already passed the exam and became a Gong student, Zheng Sen is a little dull because he has read too much.Zheng Zhihu could only shake his head secretly and sigh.

Since the shogunate quelled the Shimadzu Rebellion, Japan has become more and more stable, and the various daimyos no longer have the idea of ​​competing for supremacy, as long as they can pass on the family business.For a while, Japan actually had a taste of the peaceful years.

And this kind of thing that everyone has dreamed of for so many years came like this, which made the Tokugawa family ecstatic.Overtly and secretly, the decrees of thanking the Southern Guangdong Army continued to be issued.

And the Zheng family's trade share in Japan is getting smaller and smaller.

A few days ago, news came out from Japan that the shogunate was planning to re-implement the national lock-up order, and only allow the ships of the Southern Cantonese Army to enter Japan for trade.

In this way, the northern trade route is even more important to the Zheng family.

These hundreds of boats carried more than [-] stones of high-quality japonica rice, which was undoubtedly a test for the Zheng family, and they planned to transport these japonica rice to Juehua Island for delivery.

In order to successfully complete this business, which is related to the smooth survival of the entire group, Zheng Zhilong deliberately gathered all the shipowners under his command, who have various official titles such as lieutenants, generals, guerrillas, and guards, together to discuss the matter!

Thinking about these things in the past 11 years of Chongzhen, the ship owners are divided into several groups of opinions. One group believes that the sky is high and the emperor is far away, and we are at sea, and no one can control it.One group is worried that they will be hit head-on by the navy of the Nanyue Army going south, which will damage the harmony between the two families. It is best to say hello to the generals of the Nanyue Army currently in Guangzhou in advance.This faction is headed by Shi Daxuan, Shi Lang and his son, while the other faction advocates going quietly, returning quietly, and making a fortune in silence.

But thinking about the current situation in the hinterland of the Central Plains, Zheng Zhilong gritted his teeth and became cruel.

On July 27, Liangyu led his army to pursue Xianzhong, eighty miles beyond Fang County, and was besieged by Zhang Xianzhong.The left army attacked from a long distance, and the soldiers were short of food. The vanguard general Luo Dai was captured, Liangyu was defeated and returned, the army's seals were lost, more than tens of millions of military funds were abandoned, and tens of thousands of soldiers died.The emperor was shocked when he heard about it, and on August 29, he specially ordered Sichang, the supervisor, to give Shangfang sword and reward him at a low price.On the first day of September, the emperor summoned Sichang to the platform.Si Chang said that the minister was ordered to set off at night.February.One hundred platinum, [-] silver for meritorious service, one thousand five hundred silver medals, etc.Seven articles of the Sichang article are presented, and they are all approved.On the fourth day, a banquet was summoned, and on the second day, Majesty Sichang gave a speech. On the [-]th, arrived in Xiangyang.On the first day of October, Sichang swore an oath to the three armies in Xiangyang to attack the peasant army.At that time, the generals of the Ming army accumulated arrogance and had no fighting spirit.Sichang whipped the deputy general, beheaded the supervisor of the army, and impeached and arrested the governor of Huguang, Fang Kongxuan.Rectify military discipline.

"Since the bandits are being suppressed everywhere, the emperor's attention is on Zhang Xianzhong, Yang Sichang and others, so let's just go!"

"That's right! The shopkeepers in Shanxi said that in order to meet our grain, the buyers in the north are going to send troops to attack Ningyuan. Attract the attention of the officers and sailors there. Make room for us!"

then.In addition to dispatching nearly a hundred Dafu boats and Daqingtou in his hands, Zheng Zhilong also gritted his teeth and took out three soft sailing boats from the Dutch red-haired people who had begun to imitate after the Liuluowan naval battle as a reinforcement for the fleet. Take advantage of their speed.Provide sentinels for the front, back, left, and right sides of the fleet.

He sent his younger brother Zhihu, who was the best at fighting, and his eldest son, Zheng Sen, to go north together. One was the younger brother who was the best at fighting, and the other was the eldest son who had grown up and needed some experience.

And Shi Lang was also generously arranged by Zheng Zhilong to join the fleet because he had returned from his studies at the Naval Academy of the Southern Guangdong Army, and he took a sandboat from his family to join the ranks heading north.

"Second Master, the vanguard sentinel sent a semaphore, and further ahead is Causeway Island. The fleet should be able to reach Putuo before sunset. Ask us if we want to replenish fresh water in Putuo and take a rest? If necessary, they will go to Putuo District first. Get settled."

"That's fine, tell all the ships to set up their sails and rest at Putuo tonight!"

Hearing the second uncle's order, Zheng Sen quickly put down the bowl and turned around to look towards the bow of the ship outside the cabin. He saw a series of small black dots faintly emerging from the distant sea level between the seabirds flying up and down on the sea surface. .

"It's Tongluo Island. We've arrived in Zhoushan, and we'll be at the mouth of the Yangtze River soon."

Shi Lang on his own sandboat put down the binoculars in his hand and said with a smile to the boss of the boat under him.

"Yes, young master. Brothers all hope that our journey will be smooth like this."

This sea trade fleet full of polished round-grained rice was slowly sailing towards the distant islands, and no one knew what they were about to encounter.

Standing next to the shiny cannon of the "Sea Shark" which had been wiped clean by the sailors, and the salty sea breeze blowing gently on his face, Zheng Zhihu felt an indescribable comfort.

The Causeway Island, which was only a faint black spot on the sea level half an hour ago, has now revealed its entirety in front of everyone.

On the side of the island facing the fleet, there are steep cliffs hundreds of meters high, and the dense vegetation covers the hard rocks with an emerald green gold curtain.

Several mountain springs flow straight down from the crevices of the cliff, like white ribbons hanging on the emerald green brocade tent, and the clear spring water is like a string of crystals flying into the sea of ​​the Oriental Sea.

Countless huge reefs stand fiercely on the sea under the cliffs. These steadfast island defenders silently warn those ships who want to approach them. A miserable end to flying debris.

Behind the Causeway Island, under the afternoon sun, a series of large and small blue island shadows are faintly revealed.The outlines of villages and temples can be vaguely seen on the island.

Zhoushan Archipelago, like a string of pearls left in the sea, is so beautiful that the sailors who arrived here expressed their sincere admiration. People all admire the magical nature between heaven and earth. Such a beautiful paradise like a paradise is created in the middle of the boundless ocean.

Like the sailors, Zheng Sen couldn't help sighing in the same way. For a while, he was very excited about poetry, and his mind was full of Chinese thoughts, but he couldn't find a suitable outlet for these gorgeous poems to come out.

"Command, now let's go with the wind and turn the fleet into a one-line formation."

Zheng Zhihu was not as educated as his nephew. He looked at the small triangular flag on the top of the mast, put down the telescope in his hand and turned to order to his subordinates.

A guard answered loudly.

"Send a signal, and the whole team changes to a one-line formation."

The sailors on the ship are more eager than anyone else to arrive at Putuo Island as soon as possible. When they arrive on the island, they can have a good meal, drink a few glasses of wine, and worship in the temple, if they are lucky.You can also find a woman on the island to vent the anger accumulated from wandering at sea these days.And the ship owners are thinking that they can exchange the food they carry on the ship for some supplies and valuable catches on the island. This trip can't be all for the public, can it?

In such an atmosphere, the entire fleet quickly sailed towards Putuo Island.

Thinking about the hot, delicious chicken wine waiting for everyone at night, the sailors are more agile, and a few old guys are still singing the little tunes of their hometown while adjusting the angle of the sails. For a while, the fleet is full of people. Joyful atmosphere.

When the fleet passed Zhujiajian on Xifeng Island, a soft-sailing imitation Dutchman in the vanguard found seven or eight gunboats lying at the exit of Baisha Waterway between Baisha Island and Xifeng Island.

"damn it!"

The captain of the soft sailboat saw the iron-blooded [-]-star army flag and the Phoenix flag on the gunboat at a glance. It was the Nanyue Army Navy Division!I'm really afraid of something!

White smoke and flames flickered on the opposite ship, and a cannon shot came.

Follow, amid waves and storms.The voice of the Nanyue Army navy shouting with a loudspeaker can be vaguely heard.

"We are the navy of the Nanyue Army! We are here to patrol the coastal defense. Check for smuggling at sea. The fleet on the opposite side stops and is inspected!"

"We are the ship of Mr. Zheng Zhilong, Fujian Navy! Brothers of the Southern Guangdong Army, you have worked hard!"

Zheng Zhilong's people have always intercepted others at sea, and they have never encountered such a thing.Although I was puzzled, I answered honestly.In the end, I didn't forget to get close to these Nanyue Army sailors by the way.After all, the relationship between the two companies has always been good, and all the rice on board was purchased from Nanzhong.

At this time, the soft sailboat was a thousand steps away from the gunboat of the Nanyue Army Navy, and it was already possible to distinguish the outlines of the gun windows on the opponent's gun deck.

"The fleet of Zheng Zongbing of the Fujian Navy? All sails, anchored, and stopped immediately. Accept inspection."

The leading gunboat issued a stop order.

This order made the people on the Soft Sailboat completely mad. How can we say that the Nanyue Army and Zheng Zhilong's gang also fought against the Hongmaoyi together, and the goods loaded on the fleet were all japonica rice purchased from various places in Nanzhong, and they were also in Nanzhong. If the Chinese ports have paid customs duties, why do they still need to stop the ship for inspection.

The gunners, who were short-tempered and rushed to Putuo as soon as possible to find a woman, almost turned their noses and cursed on the spot.

"Don't mess around!" The captain of the soft sailing boat was also a sentry officer who participated in the naval battle of Liuluo Bay. He recognized at a glance that the huge ship in front of him was Li Shouhan's former ship Changsheng. The important figures of the Southern Guangdong Army are here.

"Sign the flag to the flagship, and tell the second master and the eldest son that there are Nanyue Army sailors intercepting here, and ask how to deal with it!"

"damn it!"

From the lens of the telescope, Zheng Sen could see very clearly that on the main mast of the leading flagship, there was a flag embroidered with plum blossoms blooming proudly in the ice and snow.It was her deadly enemy, Li Shouhan's eldest daughter, Li Huamei!

"It turns out that my niece is here!" Zheng Zhihu thought for a while, and after weighing the pros and cons, he decided to come out to say hello to Li Huamei. Although there are a large number of fleets on his side, they are all cargo ships with deep draft and slow speed. They are all loaded with grain and rice, and they are blocked in the waterway between the islands, and they cannot escape even if they want to escape.

Although there are few ships on the opposite side, they occupy the advantage of the location and seize the upper hand. Moreover, the Nanyue Army Navy has always been known for its fast speed and large number of artillery. No matter how tough a sea hero is, he must bow his head and give in.

"Oh! So it's the second uncle of the Zheng family."

From the bow of her flagship, Li Huamei also saw Zheng Zhihu from a distance, and beside her was the captain of the army, Aji, a beautiful woman from Tianzhu, holding a big copper horn for her.

"I don't know what Second Uncle is doing here with so many boats?"

"Hehe." Zheng Zhihu laughed, thinking to himself, it really is a little girl, can I tell you that I want to sell grain to Liaodong?

"Oh! My niece, I am ordering by my brother to transport a batch of grain and rice to the capital, which can be considered military rations!" Zheng Zhihu made up a nonsense casually, intending to fool Li Huamei, who was a yellow-haired girl in his eyes.

"If that's the case, Second Uncle has worked hard. The emperor will have to praise you and Uncle Zheng's family for transporting food for thousands of miles to Beijing. Bring it here."

Li Huamei stretched out a pair of small white jade hands, and waved towards Zheng Zhihu from afar.

"What does my niece want? Uncle will bring it back for you when he comes back from the capital."

"Nothing else, the second uncle just needs to leave a copy of the official grain transportation document issued by Uncle Zheng's Fujian General Army Yamen for my niece. It will prevent my niece from being difficult to explain when my father asks me in the future."

Li Huamei's words just hit Zheng Zhihu's seven inches.Smuggling grain to Liaodong is a decapitation business for huge profits. No matter how arrogant and domineering Zheng Zhilong is, he will not openly issue an official document stamped with the general defense of Fujian.

Shi Lang, who was at the rear of the fleet, heard the Nanyue Army sailors blocking the way ahead for inspection, and cried secretly in his heart. Being blocked by people in this kind of water area, it is impossible to move forward, and it is inconvenient to retreat. He can only think of it first. Let's talk about Duan Shuidao.

"Drop two sails, prepare to retreat to Putuo Ocean, and turn the rudder northward from Putuo Ocean." He quietly ordered the sailors on his own ship.

"Order the ships and prepare the cannons." Zheng Zhihu quietly ordered his men to prepare for a turnaround.

"Order everywhere, turn the ship around, and load the guns on the left gun deck." Li Huamei also ordered Aji to pass on the order on her behalf.

"It should have been like this a long time ago, what are you talking about with this little girl of the Li family!" Hearing that the second uncle was about to force his way through, Zheng Sen, who seemed to be born to clash with Li Huamei, couldn't help dancing, urging the gunners on the Daqingtou boat to get off. The gun coat is brushed on the gun chamber, the charge is loaded, and it is ready to fire.

"boom!"

A sailor on Daqing's head fired a twelve-pounder shell on a whim.His face turned pale with fright.

This cannon shot became the first shot in the conflict between the Southern Guangdong Army and the Zheng Zhilong Group.

And this war that determines the masters of the East Asian seas is called the children's war because the children of both sides are present. (to be continued..)