1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 610 Joint Military Exercise
During Ning Qi's mission to Zhangzhou led by the main members of the mission, Shi Diwen was not idle at the Zhongzuo Institute. These days, he let Xu Yuzhuo take him with him, and ran almost all over the islands in the coastal area of ​​Zhangzhou. Zhangzhou has a general understanding of the deployment of military forces.

As one of the most important sea ports in Fujian, Zhangzhou has always been the area under the care of Shibazhi. In recent years, it has been attacked by Shibazhi from the sea almost every year, so the defensive pressure here is also quite large.The main force of the garrison is deployed inside and outside Zhangzhou City. The city defense force is about 2000 people. The island defense system at the mouth of the sea with Zhongzuo City as the core has more than 6000 garrisons. In addition, there are also naval forces stationed here. There are more than [-] people in the establishment, and the total strength exceeds [-] people, which can be regarded as heavily armed.

Of course, according to the consistent style of the Ming army, this military statistics are only paper data.Although a considerable part of the Ming army deployed in Zhangzhou is actually a private army of Xu Xinzhi, and the vacancy situation in the army is much better than that of the general guard army, it is still impossible to completely ban the phenomenon of empty pay in the army.According to Xu Yuzhuo, if the vacancy ratio of the Guards Army's troops is less than [-]%, it is considered a pretty good job.

Therefore, although the Zhangzhou garrison has 6000 people on paper, the actual number of soldiers is only about [-]. After excluding the logistics, command and other departments, the real combat force is less than [-]. It is necessary to rely on this to defend a city. It is probably enough, but if you add the long coastline, many island strongholds and coastal waters, it is indeed a bit stretched.If Xu Xinsu hadn't followed Haihan's suggestion to take the route of elite soldiers, and bought a large number of artillery to reinforce various strongholds, and established a strategic depth of multi-layer defense, then this pattern of scattered deployment of troops would really be easily defeated by opponents from the sea. Break each one.

Although the Fujian Ming army has been imitating Haihan's military system and purchasing a large number of standard weapons produced by Haihan to arm soldiers, there is still a big gap between the actual combat effectiveness and the Haihan militia.This is because the weapons Haihan exported to Fujian were originally export versions with reduced performance, or old-style weapons that have been eliminated and replaced, and there is a certain gap in performance between the weapons listed by the Haihan militia.The second is that Haihan has a high-efficiency command system that the Ming army cannot imitate. The wireless communication system based on black technology cannot be copied at all, and this difference in the command system will also significantly affect tactical arrangements and combat effectiveness. The effect reflected on the battlefield will be magnified geometrically. Some tactics that the Haihan militia can accomplish are like a fantasy to the Ming army.

Another factor that is invisible and intangible is the morale of the troops.Since its establishment, the Haihan Militia has never lost a single battle, big or small. This image of an ever-victorious army has a great effect on the morale of the troops when it comes to wartime.Therefore, although most of the battles that the Haihan Militia has experienced are fighting more with less, there have never been any accidents such as troops fleeing in fear of battle.And the members of such an army will invisibly increase their loyalty to Hai Han.The Fujian Ming Army has the title of official army, but it has been passive for a long time in the confrontation with pirates. Over time, the self-confidence of these troops will also be negatively affected, which will directly affect their performance on the battlefield.

Although the Fujian Ming Army's performance has improved after Xu Xinsu came to power, the overall situation is still in a passive state. It is difficult to compare with the confident feeling of the Haihan Militia in terms of morale.Shi Diwen concluded after many days of investigation near the Zhongzuo Institute that although the fighting will of the Ming army in Fujian is stronger than that of the Ming army on Hainan Island, this so-called strength is relatively speaking, and it is difficult to predict if they continue to eat Will the last few defeats turn into a group of sheep soldiers who have no resistance in front of pirates like the local defenders in the original history.

However, this is not bad news for Haihan. Shi Diwen believes that this shows from the side that Haihan's policy of restricting arms exports has played an obvious role. It is directly linked to the frequency of combat, and one of the fundamental reasons is that Haihan restricted the export of original ammunition to it, making it difficult for the Fujian Ming Army to guarantee daily live ammunition training and large-scale sustained combat, often after ten and a half months. , Even if the situation is dominant, they have to stop, because they have to wait for the next batch of arms to arrive before resuming the war.

Of course, this embarrassing situation has become a thing of the past. In the future, Haihan, who has lost patience with Shibazhi, will gradually release some restrictions on arms sales, so as to support the Fujian Ming army to launch a large-scale attack on Shibazhi. offensive.Once the issue of weapons supply is resolved, the fighting power of the Ming army in Fujian can immediately rise to a higher level, and Qian Tiandun, who will be sent to Fujian to guide the battle, can also make full use of these "Associates" to gradually eliminate the Eighteenth Army at the lowest possible cost. Zhi's power in Fujian and Taiwan.

After Ning Qi and Xu Xinsu returned to Zhongzuo City, Shi Diwen first introduced the general plan of the joint military exercise to them: "...the joint fleet will start from Zhongzuo, circle eastwards and turn north after passing the Golden Gate. Conduct a one-day maritime combat exercise off the coast of Quanzhou. Then continue northward, targeting Nanri Island, for an amphibious landing exercise. The entire exercise will take about three days. In addition, we are preparing for the shooting part of this exercise Live ammunition drills are all arranged, so as to be as close as possible to the actual combat situation. The specific preparations will be discussed by General Xu.”

Xu Yuzhuo went on to introduce: "For this joint military exercise, the two sides have invested a total of 1500 troops and [-] ships. The relevant personnel and materials have been deployed in place. A few days ago, Mr. Shi has summoned the officers of the participating troops to hold After the preparatory meeting, now we only need to wait for an order to leave at any time.”

Xu Xinsu frowned and said, "This Nanri Island...does it need to be considered again?"

Ning Qi asked puzzled, "What's wrong with Nanri Island?"

Xu Xinsu explained: "Mr. Ning does not know that this Nanri Island is the hub of the waterway. Shibazhi has always regarded it as his life. There are rock camps built on the island. Thousands of soldiers are usually stationed. Dozens of soldiers The boat is very difficult to deal with. Although our army has launched several offensives, it has failed to capture the island, which can be regarded as a thorn between Zhangquan and Fuzhou."

Shi Diwen said: "The situation that Mr. Xu said, I had a serious discussion with General Xu a few days ago, and General Xu also showed me the general map of the island's defense. With all due respect, I think the island It may not be as difficult to conquer as your army imagined, we can take this place within a day or two, and then realize the safe navigation of several major trading ports along the coast of Fujian."

"Within a day or two?" Xu Xinsu repeated Shi Diwen's words in disbelief.Back when he led his troops to attack the pirate camp on Nanri Island, he fought for seven or eight days, with nearly a thousand casualties. In the end, he ran out of ammunition and morale, and had to choose to evacuate.The location of Nanri Island happened to be stuck between Zhangquan and Fuzhou, which caused troubles for the routes from Zhangquan and Fuzhou to the north day after day. Nanri Island launched a sneak attack on the port cities on the north and south sides.If it weren't for the inability to take down Nanri Island, how could the defense along the coast of Fujian be as passive as it is now.

"I know Master Xu may have some doubts about our arrangement, it doesn't matter, Master Xu can board our flagship 'Prestige Signal' and witness this small battle with us." Shi Diwen responded Very confident, he immediately invited Xu Xinsu to come and observe in person.

Of course, when talking about this joint military exercise, Haihanfang had already made it clear that he wanted to invite Xu Xinsu to participate.However, according to Shi Diwen's arrangement, this joint military exercise is not just an exercise, but a real plan to show off its force.

Xu Xinsu hesitated a little and said, "If we really want to attack Nanri Island, isn't the number of these more than 1000 people a little too small? Why don't you give me a few more days to gather elite soldiers from the counties of Zhangzhou and Quanzhou, and then try to attack the island?" .”

"It's not necessary." Shi Diwen shook his head and said, "Master Xu, we are not planning to use your troops as cannon fodder to consume the combat power of the pirates. We, the Haihan Militia, will be the main force in the battle to land on Nanri Island this time. The army just needs to cooperate."

When Shi Diwen brought his words to this point, Xu Xinsu couldn't object anymore. He sent people out to help the Ming army grab the territory, and repeatedly evaded it, which might make Hai Han people suspicious—— You are not with Shibazhi, why did you stop him from fighting?
"The remaining thing is to pick a good day and auspicious day to set off. But my personal suggestion is that the sooner the better, because the longer we delay, the greater the possibility of leaks." Shi Diwen said very bluntly: " If we want to act first before the news reaches Nanri Island, then we'd better set off within two days."

Seeing his father's eyes looking towards him, Xu Yuzhuo hurriedly bowed in understanding and said: "I also think that the plan formulated by Haihan can be boldly tried! I beg your permission!"

Xu Xinsu was silent for a while before opening his mouth and said: "I don't believe the sayings like good days and auspicious days. Since Mr. Shi said to leave within two days, then the day after tomorrow morning, troops will be dispatched to Nanri Island!"

Shi Diwen nodded and said, "Very good, then Xu Shen will understand what measures should be taken now?"

"Immediately block the entry and exit of the whole island, and all personnel return to the team to wait for orders, and enter into a state of combat readiness from now on." Xu Yuzhuo replied sternly according to the Haihan military theory he had learned.

"One more thing, inform the quartermaster to prepare delicious food and wine. When our joint fleet returns triumphantly, we will celebrate in Zhongzuo City." Shi Diwen added confidently.

Xu Xinsu was probably also infected by this emotion, and became excited: "If Nanri Island can be captured in this battle, then I will reward the three armies after the battle... Well, the Haihan militia members are included!"

But after the excitement passed, Xu Xinsu soon became a little bit afraid again, and asked Ning Qi who was sitting next to him during the banquet: "Mr. Ning, is he sure about this battle?"

Ning Qi thought to himself that you are really in a hurry to go to the doctor, I am a teacher but not a general, ask me if I am sure, you might as well go to the temple and ask for a lottery.Of course, the slander is over, and the scene that should be said has to be beautiful: "Master Xu, don't be nervous. Since the establishment of the Haihan militia in the seventh year of Tianqi, we have fought [-] or [-] battles, regardless of the opponent. No one has ever been defeated or unable to complete a battle goal. Thinking back when we sent troops to Annan, the opponent's strength was dozens of times ours, and in the end they were beaten helplessly. Then Annan Hue City is known as the most strong city in the country, and it may be a bit stronger than Zhangzhou City, isn't it also conquered by our militia army?"

In fact, Ning Qi did not personally participate in the Annan civil war, so these remarks are mostly nonsense.At the beginning, the Haihan militia sent troops to Annan. Although they played an important role in some key positions in key battles, the main force to attack South Vietnam was still the North Vietnamese army. A little underwhelming.

However, these rhetoric are very effective in fooling Xu Xinsu. After all, the achievements of the Haihan militia have long been famous in Fuguang, and in the mouths of those Annan businessmen who came to Fujian to do business, they spread the prestige like a heavenly soldier descending from heaven.After hearing this, Xu Xinsu felt her confidence greatly increased, and said with a smile on her face: "If this action can calm down Nanri Island, another nail will be missing on the route from Fujian to the north, and the goods shipped to the north will no longer need to be transported like this." Now it’s relying heavily on land transportation.”

Ning Qi responded with a smile: "Master Xu said that we are looking forward to buying large quantities of goods to rich places like Hangzhou, Songjiang, and Nanjing!"

Shi Diwen heard it clearly from the side, and expressed his attitude murderously through Jiu Jin: "Our two coalition forces wiped out Shibazhi, and we will start from Nanri Island!"

June 1631, 6, the fifth day of May in the fourth year of Chongzhen in Ming Dynasty, happened to be the Dragon Boat Festival.However, there is no festive atmosphere in the Central Left Institute on this day, because the island’s external communication has been completely closed a few days ago. Everyone knows that there will be a major military operation in the next few days, but the target has not been announced. Only a few senior military officers knew the inside story.

Out of safety considerations, Shi Diwen did not allow Ning Qi to participate in this military operation, but let him stay on the island as a support for the rear.Accompanied by Shi Diwen, Xu Xinsu boarded the deck of the "Wei Signal" warship early in the morning, taking advantage of the short time before departure to visit this impressive giant warship.

(End of this chapter)