1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 413: Loose Attitude
Ruan Jinggui has known Wu Sen for many years, although he doesn't have a lifelong friendship with Wu Sen like his younger brother, but after long-term contact, he still understands this person's temperament very well.Wu Sen is indeed a bit brainy and likes to get into the wrong things, but in fact he is not stupid, on the contrary he is a rare smart person in the army.The year before last, the South Vietnamese army was able to push the battle line northward across the Hengshan line of the Zhengjiang River. It was because of the sudden advance of the South Vietnamese navy, they entered the Zhengjiang River from Donghai along the coastline, occupied the waterway silently, and crossed the large army. This is a natural moat, and it was Wu Sen who proposed this battle plan to the Ministry of War at that time.

The battlefield advantage gained by the South Vietnamese Army at that time was already very obvious. If the troubled Haihan people did not intervene in the Annan Civil War, it is very likely that the South Vietnamese Army would be able to turn the advantage into an overwhelming victory, and even advance all the way north. It is not impossible to attack Shenglong Mansion.

It's a pity that Wusen's personal ability is useless in the face of the powerful strength of the Haihan militia. In the next few confrontations, the Nanyue navy did not have a single victory. He gnawed it out one bite at a time, so that when Wu Sen finally chose to fight the Haihan militia, he could only rely on dozens of small boats with firelights to launch the charge. As a result, the army of the Haihan militia was thrown from the river bank halfway. Get rid of it.It is ridiculous but also sad that the majestic naval division ended up being destroyed by the army.

In Ruan Jinggui's view, it's hard to say how much Wu Sen's tough attitude after being captured was due to his loyalty to the court, but a considerable part of it certainly came from his unwillingness to admit defeat.And Ruan Jinggui believes that as long as Wu Sen's unwillingness to admit defeat is resolved, there is a great possibility of persuading him to change his mind and join the Haihan people.

Seeing that Wu Sen didn't refute him immediately, Ruan Jinggui quickly continued to persuade him: "Brother Wu, although the Haihan people were opponents, they did not massacre the city after they captured Hue. All the soldiers in the city who voluntarily surrendered, They were all released safely after the war. Even those who refused to surrender were not massacred. Think about it, when we fought against the north, what would happen to the captured officers?"

Wu Sen just snorted and didn't answer.Of course, he is very aware of his side's treatment of prisoners. If this high-ranking enemy officer and prisoner refuses to surrender at the first time, he will have to be beheaded—this senior officer's head is a great achievement. pieces.

Ruan Jinggui went on to say: "The city of Hue was breached that day. In order to save the lives of the soldiers and innocent people in the city, the brothers chose to surrender. At that time, the brothers were also unwilling. Thinking that my Hue Dynasty ruled thousands of miles of country and hundreds of people. Wan, how can I be convinced that I lost to an army that came across the sea like this? But after I came to Sanya, I slowly came into contact with the customs here, and understood the real situation of Haihan. How short!"

Ruan Jinggui pointed to the mine not far from the tent and said: "Take this mine as an example. The guns and heavy artillery made by the Haihan people are all made of fine iron produced here. Brother Wu, you have worked here for a few days. , Have you ever felt the difference between the iron mines here and the iron mines in Annan back then?"

Wu Sen was silent for a while before he said: "Only in terms of mining speed, this iron mine is far faster than Annan. The hammers, chisels, shovels and other tools provided by the Haihan people are all made of fine iron, not only the self-propelled mine carts pulled by ropes There is no need for manpower to transport the ore mined from the bottom of the pit, even crushed stone and beneficiation, and the mines in Annan are absolutely incomparable."

Ruan Jinggui said: "What you see is only the part around you. On the way here just now, this officer Fu also told me about the general situation of local steel production... Officer Fu, can I repeat what you just said if?"

Fu Li nodded in agreement.Ruan Jinggui went on to say: "This iron mine produces more than 20 jin of iron ore every day. After rough processing in the mine, it is sent to the smelting workshop under the hillside to be smelted into refined iron, which is used to make Haihan militia. The guns used are only one-tenth of the refined iron output here!"

There is no need for Ruan Jinggui to explain what steel production means to a country's armed forces. Wu Sen will naturally understand the meaning.The figures mentioned by Ruan Jinggui show at least one thing. Haihan did not use militarism to enhance the militia's combat effectiveness. On the contrary, they still have great war potential and have not been used in the military field.If all these resources were invested in the war, the speed of the defeat of the South Vietnamese army would probably be even faster.

As for what Ruan Jinggui said was Haihan people bragging, Wu Sen is not very sure, but he is very clear about one thing, the daily output of ore here is indeed more than 20 catties, because hard labor like him is strictly stipulated In order to complete at least five hundred catties of ore mining every day, otherwise the food supply that can be obtained that day will be halved, and according to his observations, there should be no less than 500 hard laborers working in the mine every day. Ruan Jinggui from the sea The production figures heard by the Han people are not too much.

The iron ore production capacity in the area under South Vietnam’s rule is actually not much lower than here, but they are scattered all over the place. Whether it is smelting or transportation, they are not as well planned as the Haihan people.Of course, the most important thing is that South Vietnam does not have the ability to develop and produce high-end weapons like Haihan itself. The steel resources obtained by the Ministry of War can only be used to make armor and cold weapons, and the combat effectiveness is naturally used by the Haihan militia who use firearms The gap widened.Even if South Vietnam can continue this war, in the long run, the war potential in terms of steel resources alone is far less than that of Haihan. It can be said that the defeat is already doomed.

Fu Li looked at Wu Sen's silence from the side, so he decided to add another knife to him: "Actually, the executive committee has already had a bigger iron ore development plan, and the Ministry of Industry has already found a large iron mine on Qiongzhou Island. After the mine veins are developed, the production capacity will be dozens or even hundreds of times that of this place!"

Before Wu Sen responded, Ruan Jinggui was shocked by the news: "Such a large iron ore? How much iron will be produced!"

Fu Li proudly boasted: "The train we took when we came here will lead to everywhere in the future. As long as it is under the rule of the Executive Committee, there will be train tracks passing through it!"

"If it can be realized, then thousands of miles a day will no longer be a myth!" Although Ruan Jinggui is not sure whether what Fu Li said is true or not, he has already experienced the convenience of the train. This type of transportation is much faster, and the only shortcoming is probably the need to build special roads and lay iron tracks, and the cost must be very high.But for the Haihan people who are so rich that they can't run out of iron, it doesn't seem to be a big deal.

"If there is such a thing, it will be convenient to mobilize troops within the territory." Although Wu Sen has never taken a train, there are also small trains that pull ore from the mine to the smelting workshop. See, so he can roughly understand the scene that Fu Li is boasting about.

"I think if there is such a thing in Annan, it will take at most two or three days to reach Thang Long Mansion and Hue Mansion by land. How can there be a split between the North and the South, and the situation of confrontation for many years!" Wu Sen couldn't help sighing. , There is actually a sense of desolation at an untimely birth.

"Brother Wu, if you still have the idea of ​​doing something for the people of Annan, you shouldn't give up on yourself here!" Ruan Jinggui heard a sign, and quickly seized the opportunity to persuade him: "The Haihan Executive Committee is now in Guangzhou. Looking for talents, with your ability, it is not difficult to get a position in the Haihan Navy..."

"It's the navy, not the navy!" Fu Li corrected coldly beside him.

"Yes yes yes, it's the navy, the navy!" Ruan Jinggui hurriedly responded: "I have talked with several heads of the executive committee, and they have circled four places in the coastal area south of Hue as the exclusive Haihan area in the future. In the future, the navy will be stationed in the port. Brother Wu is familiar with the local people's conditions and sea conditions. If he is willing to serve on the executive committee, he will definitely have the opportunity to return to his homeland in the future!"

Wu Sen's eyes lit up, but he quickly shook his head and said, "How can a defeated general be reused? Even if Wu is allowed to return to Annan, he will most likely be just an ordinary sailor, with no future at all! "

Hearing that Wu Sen's tone was obviously loose, if Ruan Jinggui didn't know how to persuade him, he didn't have to play the role of lobbyist anymore: "If the Executive Committee is willing to give Brother Wu an officer position in the navy, then Brother Wu Are you willing to change your family and pledge allegiance to the executive committee?"

Wu Sen hesitated and said: "Personal fame is small, but if the reputation of the Wu family is affected by me and my family is implicated, then there is no redemption!"

"You don't have to worry about this!" Ruan Jinggui is so smart, how could he fail to understand the oblique meaning in Wu Sen's words, and quickly said: "When the city of Hue was destroyed, I have already come forward to protect your family of thirteen. Although you Your family members are still in Hue City, but they are safe. As long as you say a word, I will apply to the chief to let all your family members move to Sanya, so that there will be no worries!"

"This..." Wu Sen probably didn't expect Ruan Jinggui to prepare everything in such a comprehensive way, but he immediately agreed to Ruan Jinggui's invitation—if he accepted so quickly, what loyalty did he say earlier? , What persistence, aren't they all slapping themselves in the face?
Ruan Jinggui is a veteran in the business field, and he is very good at trying to figure out people's hearts. Seeing Wu Sen's hesitation and hesitant to give a clear answer, he already guessed what he was thinking, and immediately said: "Brother Wu might as well think about it carefully." Consider! Officer Fu, can I take a step to speak?"

Fu Li nodded and left the tent first, followed by Ruan Jinggui.After the two walked a certain distance, Ruan Jinggui bowed to each other and said, "Officer Fu, I have something to ask for!"

"If you want me to release Wusen privately, it goes without saying that even if you let him escape, he will not be able to escape from the nearby mountains." Fu Li raised his finger and pointed to the continuous mountains in the distance. I dare not say it too far, Lidong and Miao villages within [-] to [-] miles are all under the mobilization of the executive committee, and strangers from outside who are active in these places will be arrested and sent to this mine in Tiandu if they are found Come up. Even if he can get out of this place, don't even think about leaving Qiongzhou Island! The Ming government in the nearby counties maintains very close contacts with us."

"How dare I come up with such an unreasonable idea!" Ruan Jinggui hastily denied: "Wu Sen is a key criminal in the custody of the Ministry of Justice. Although I have some personal relations with him, I have no intention of helping him escape from prison. Officer Fu must not be wrong. I'm down!"

Fu Li looked at Ruan Jinggui and saw that his attitude did not seem to be pretending, so he asked, "Then what do you need my help for?"

"I'm asking Police Officer Fu for your convenience. Say hello to my colleagues in the mine, and first transfer Wu Sen to a lighter job. After going back to report to Mr. Yan, I will take the Ministry of War... No, I will take the Military Commission In exchange for Wu Sen's freedom." Ruan Jinggui quickly expressed his thoughts one by one.

"Are you afraid that Wu Sen will die of exhaustion in the mine before the release order from the Military Commission comes down?" Fu Li understood his thoughts after hearing his explanation.

"I don't dare to talk nonsense." Of course Ruan Jinggui would not directly admit Fu Li's statement. The prisoners in this mine are under the supervision of the Ministry of Justice. Wouldn't that offend the Ministry of Justice in disguise?
"I just watched the conversation between the two of you, and I think his mind must have been active, but are you really sure that he will change his mind and be loyal to the executive committee?" Fu Li asked Ruan Jinggui again.

"I dare not say with [-]% certainty, but there should be [-]% to [-]%." Ruan Jinggui saw that there was hope for this matter, and immediately put aside his previous thoughts of not making guarantees, and planned to help Wu Sen first. Get a lighter treatment and then say: "This Wu Sen has moved his mind. If I can give my subordinate a few more days to persuade him slowly, I will be able to persuade him to join the executive committee!"

"Okay, then I'll trust you once." Fu Li nodded and said, "I'll go find someone, you go to the tent and wait for me."

"Thank you Officer Fu for that!" Ruan Jinggui hurriedly thanked him.

Fu Li didn't dare to decide this kind of thing by himself, so he ran to the duty room on the mine first, used the phone here to get in touch with Ren Liang, and then informed him of the situation here.Ren Liang has always been willing to give prisoners of war a chance to work. Luo Shengdong and Gao Qiaonan were excellent examples. He heard that Ruan Jinggui had already persuaded Wusen, but it seemed that he was not ready, so he asked Fu Li to talk to the supervisor of the mine. Just say hello and put Wu Sen in an easier position first.

When Fu Li was looking for Ren Liang to make an idea, Ruan Jinggui was not idle, and hurried back to the tent, and said to Wu Sen: "Brother Wu, it's just you and me at this moment, let me tell the truth if I have something to say! I also know that you look down on me in your heart and think that I have betrayed my country and defected to the enemy, but the choice I made was really only to protect my family, the lives of the people in Hue City and the lives of the soldiers in the army! Haihan is powerful, and the collapse of the Hue court is only a matter of time , if I can save more people's lives, it doesn't matter if I get scolded as a ****."

Wu Sen shook his head and said, "I don't blame you for surrendering Haihan. What kind of choice you make is your business. I don't want to surrender, and it's just my own decision."

"It's okay, if you don't want to today, I will come back tomorrow." Ruan Jinggui could clearly feel the loosening and change of Wu Sen's attitude, so he was no longer in a hurry for this moment. The topic shifted to my living conditions and what I saw and heard after I came to Sanya.

Wu Sen has been detained since he disembarked from the ship, and his daily activities are limited to two places, the mine pit and the group prison. Hearing Ruan Jinggui's description of the various scenes in Shengli Port and Sanya Port, he naturally had Interested, listened to him quietly.

Fu Li came back after making the phone call, stopped outside the tent and listened to a few words, then he didn't rush in, but stood silently outside for more than ten minutes, and he didn't appear in front of the two of them again until Ruan Jinggui's narration was over. : "Today's visiting time has come, Ruan Jinggui, you follow me and leave now."

Ruan Jinggui got up and said: "Brother Wu, take care of your body, rest well, and come back to visit you tomorrow!"

At this time, Wu Sen no longer had the obvious hostility at the beginning. Although he didn't say goodbye to Ruan Jinggui, he still nodded silently and did not reject the other party's kindness.

After Fu Li took Ruan Jinggui out of the mine, he said to him: "I have already arranged Wu Sen's work for him. From today onwards, his work tasks will become easier. As for the visiting time tomorrow , It’s still the same as today, when the time comes, you just go to the train station to meet me.”

"Thank you, Officer Fu! I am very grateful!" Ruan Jinggui hurriedly bowed and bowed, thanking Fu Li for his help.

Fu Li waved his hand and said, "You don't need to thank me, everything is for the Executive Committee!"

"Yes, yes, serve the executive committee!" Ruan Jinggui did not forget the slogan he learned during the isolation camp, and immediately responded.

"Do you know how to count?" The supervisor of the mine suddenly asked Wu Sen nonchalantly when he brought him back to the mine.

"I know numbers." Although he didn't know the purpose of the other party's question, Wu Sen didn't take it too seriously.

"Well, from now on, you don't need to dig mines, just stand here and count!" When he walked to the side of the mine cart, the overseer suddenly stopped, turned to him and said, "Is the point counting? These Every time the hard labor brings a basket of ore, you will give him a bamboo chip, and you can’t give it to the basket if it’s not full, or if there are too many gaps, you understand the rules, right?”

"Understood!" Wu Sen naturally understood this rule, because he had already received bamboo chips here for a few days.

The hard labor in the mine has a daily production quota of at least [-] jin of ore, and each bamboo basket containing ore can hold about [-] to [-] jin of ore. The person who counts gets a bamboo chip in his hand. If at the end of the day, ten bamboo chips are not handed over to the supervisor when the work is over, it means that the labor of the day has not been completed, and the food that can be obtained the next day will be reduced. was halved.Apart from the official supervisors, distributing bamboo points here is almost the easiest job in the mine.

(End of this chapter)