From a son-in-law to a favorite of the empress

Chapter 798

"Since the defeat in the Guangdong Sea Battle, the coastline of Dajin has been blocked, smuggling or exports in several coastal provinces have been completely curbed, and commerce has suffered a severe blow."

"Since the signing of the Guangdong Sea Treaty, Guangzhou, Huizhou, Chaozhou, Zhangzhou, Quanzhou, Fuzhou and other six prefectures have become trading ports, Dajin's legislative and judicial powers have been damaged, and national commerce has been further damaged."

"The people are oppressed, commerce is suppressed, goods are hoarded, the country is humiliated, and all contradictions are on the verge of breaking out."

"We have to take some measures to launch our warships."

Zhou Yuan's voice was very cold, and he had rehearsed such words in his mind countless times.

He looked at everyone and said in a deep voice: "Five days later, the fleet of Chaozhou merchants will set sail from Fuzhou Wharf and head southeast, with the destination being Annan, Siam and other Southeast Asian countries and islands."

"They have dozens of ships of all sizes, full of goods, which are silk, tea and porcelain that have been stockpiled in the past two years."

"This dumping can ease the huge economic pressure on coastal provinces and will lay a good foundation for future export trade. It is a great thing that benefits the country and the people."

"Our mission is to cover the Chaozhou merchants' fleet to go south smoothly and avoid being blocked by Portuguese battleships."

At this point, his eyes became cold.

"Our Fujian-Guangdong Navy has the responsibility to protect the navigation of the Chaozhou merchant fleet, and in fact, it has launched a formal challenge to the Portuguese."

"You have watched our battleships gradually take shape. I believe you know enough about warships. I also believe that during this year, you have been constantly learning new naval knowledge and have made progress compared to before."

"I believe you are capable enough to limit the Portuguese warships."

He stood up, picked up a thick wooden stick, and pointed to the sea chart hanging on the wall.

"Now I will make the following arrangements, please remember them, captains and generals."

The faces of the people were serious enough, staring at the sea chart, not daring to breathe.

Zhou Yuan said in a serious tone: "On the morning of June 20th, the Hengyong and Hengpan ships set sail, respectively in front of the left and right sides of the Chaozhou merchant fleet, leading the way and protecting the merchant ships heading south."

"If the Portuguese battleships block them, use flag signals to warn them to evacuate. If the other party refuses to deal with it and insists on getting entangled, confront them."

"If the other party does not fire, we will not fire. If the other party fires, we will immediately return fire."

"The two ships cover each other, one side fires, and the other side speeds up to support."

At this point, Zhou Yuan said in a deep voice: "Remember, your purpose It is not a fight to the death with the enemy, but to protect the caravan going south, so we must not engage in boarding with the Portuguese warships or engage in boarding battles. "

"And the generals must send a number of naval soldiers to stay on the merchant ships and command the fleet to sail at full speed without staying."

"All the generals must complete the overall deployment and logistical preparations for this war. All resources such as combat personnel, logistic personnel, required fresh water, required food, medicine, ammunition, etc. must be fully prepared and be prepared to be unable to return to shore for a long time."

Zhou Yuan deliberately waited for a while to give everyone enough time to react.

Then he said in a deep voice: "Captains of the Hengyong and Hengpan ships, repeat my previous orders."

The two captains stood up and repeated Zhou Yuan's words respectively, and the atmosphere in the field eased a little.

Zhou Yuan continued, "Heng Gao and Heng Feng only have one day to prepare for battle. You must set off early tomorrow morning and arrive at Huizhou Prefecture Pier before June 20th."

The battleship can sail at a speed of 8 or 9 knots. With the positive effect of the southeast monsoon, it will definitely arrive in three or four days.

"The specific battle plan will be issued to you by then, and you need to strictly implement it."

Zhou Yuan circled Huizhou Prefecture on the map.

After giving everyone another twenty breaths to digest the information, Zhou Yuan continued: "The Self-reliance Ship and the Self-Strengthening Ship will set sail on June 19th and head to the waters southwest of Dongfan Island to keep an eye on the Dutch over there."

"No need to get close, just keep an eye on them. If the other party moves southwest, use flag signals to warn them. If the warning is ineffective, use artillery fire to block their advance."

"Remember, blocking is not desperate. If the other party fights back, you must speed up to the southwest, continue to block, and delay the other party's time."

"The cruiser has a fast speed, they can't run faster than you, grasp the distance and timing, this is the key."

He stood up, looked at everyone, and said loudly: "The remaining Self-Respect Ship, Self-Confidence Ship, Hengli Ship, and Hengshi Ship are the reserve forces. Without the order of this commander, they cannot set sail."

"The four generals have the right to support and advise, but they cannot interfere with the captain's control of the warship."

"I will give you two hours. After two hours, Hengli willCaptains of the four warships, Yong, Hengpan, Zili, and Ziqiang, write a mission report for me. The report should present the complete content of your respective missions, as well as your understanding and implementation plan of this mission. "

Everyone looked at each other and nodded immediately.

Zhou Yuan said solemnly, "Everyone, this battle is a crucial battle for our Great Jin. The fate of the nation, the dignity of the country, and the future of the people all depend on it."

"You must not neglect it, you must not take it lightly, do it immediately."

Everyone said in unison: "We will obey the Marshal's order!"

After everyone left, Zhou Yuan sat down, collapsed on the chair, and let out a long breath.

After sending the task, he did not feel relieved, but felt even heavier in his heart.

This battle is indeed too important. He must think over and over again, and there must be no omissions.

Li Yu'an said: "So... where are we going?"

Zhou Yuan thought for a long time before he said in a deep voice: "Board the Henggao ship and go to Huizhou Prefecture. ”

“Because the escort mission of the Hengyong and Hengpan ships is not complicated, the captain and the general are enough to handle it.”

“The Zili and Ziqiang ships are not in the main battlefield, so I don’t need to be there in person.”

“But... there are many subtleties in the surrender of prisoners in Xiangzhou, and the situation is changing rapidly. Even Guan Lu may not be able to handle it.”

“I’m still worried, I want to go there in person.”

Li Yu’an couldn’t help but smile bitterly and said, “Is that so? But Sister Ningyue and the others are already on their way here, and you are rushing there now, which is a diversion.”

Zhou Yuan sighed and said, “At this time, I can’t care about any love affairs. Shenque will protect them. The champions are so old, let them rest here for a while, just in time to accompany Dai Si.”

Li Yu’an said, “So, Your Highness, King Zhongwu, finally returned to the most important question.”

“Are you sure about this battle? "

This question made Zhou Yuan silent.

He pondered for a long time before finally saying: "We are 80% sure of protecting the Chaozhou merchant fleet to go to Southeast Asia. But we are only 40% sure of achieving the ultimate goal of the plan."

Li Yu'an frowned and said: "Your plan is so perfect, but you are only 40% sure?"

Zhou Yuan subconsciously looked at the sea in the south and murmured: "McPherson has been on the sea for decades and is not easy to deal with."

"I am satisfied if I can achieve the first goal in this battle. "