1627 Rise of the South China Sea

Chapter 829 Shi Diwen visits the old

Of course, the situation in Nanyang is very different from that in Fujian. There is no giant country like Ming Dynasty in the local area, and the civilization level of the indigenous regime is far less than that of the foreign colonists. Therefore, when they deal with foreign invasions, they do not have much home ground. Once the advantages and buffer zones fail in one or two major battles, it is likely to usher in a disaster of national annihilation.

For these countries, it is really difficult to find a force like Haihan who is willing to sell relatively advanced weapons, because almost all outsiders who come to their land come with the purpose of invading, and naturally they will not ask They provide weapons like muskets and artillery.Even if occasionally foreign forces sell a small amount of weapons to these indigenous regimes in order to crowd out each other, it is difficult to really change the balance of power between the two sides.

In such a general environment, Hai Han undoubtedly played the role of a spoiler, and it was the kind that caused considerable headaches for Western colonists.The Dutch have already suffered several losses under Haihan's hands, and Batavia's post-war reconstruction has involved most of their energy. There is no effective way to deal with it.After losing the Abunna Islands for a period of time, some smarter Dutch people have gradually seen Haihan's ambitions in the South China Sea.Abunna, an archipelago once only used by the Dutch as a route supply station, is very likely to become a springboard for Haihan in the South China Sea, allowing them to extend their tentacles to the line of Sumatra and Java Island.But even though the Dutch were aware of this crisis, they couldn't find a suitable way to resolve it. They could only watch Haihan and the Portuguese accomplices infiltrate the South China Sea bit by bit.

However, for Haihan, these indigenous regimes in the South China Sea are really too poor. Not to mention compared with the Xu family in Fujian, they are even slightly inferior to Annan and Champa. The arms orders placed by Haihan are not large. , the profits that can be brought to Haihan Military Industry are relatively limited.If it were not for the consideration of the political role and long-term effects of such measures, the Executive Committee may not be interested in spending time and energy to maintain these relationships.Therefore, if it is to seek profit growth points, the effect of opening up new markets to the south is actually relatively limited.

Compared with the poor and white natives of the South China Sea, the situation north of the Fujian Strait is much better.Jiangsu and Zhejiang are one of the most affluent areas in the entire Ming Dynasty. In terms of purchasing power, Jiangsu and Zhejiang must be higher than Fujian and Guangdong.If the arms market in Jiangsu and Zhejiang can be opened up, it will greatly promote Haihan's military industry.Of course, after the opening of the arms trade, other Haihan industrial products and financial systems will follow, pouring into this emerging market in large numbers.

Prior to this, Haihan industrial products, including weapons, had actually flowed into the Jiangsu and Zhejiang areas sporadically, and because of the scarcity, the market prices remained high.The price of a set of limited-edition glass stationery produced by Haihan in Jiangsu and Zhejiang is almost two to three times higher than that in Guangzhou. Most other industrial products also show similar price trends.The price difference in the market did not flow into Haihan's pocket, but was earned by middlemen. The Ministry of Commerce naturally hoped to control the local market in its own hands through commercial means.

"Arms trading must be done, but it needs to be done with caution. The situation along the coast of Jiangsu and Zhejiang is more complicated than that of Fujian, and we need to spend more time identifying buyers." Qian Tiandun's statement was very cautious, and he did not immediately agree. Opinions of the Executive Committee conveyed by Shi Diwen.

"You mean that if the weapons are exported to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, there will be problems with the flow?" Shi Diwen immediately asked knowingly.

Qian Tiandun nodded and said: "It has been more than 200 years since the Hongwu period, and the pirates and pirates have been able to occupy the Zhoushan Islands for such a long time. It seems impossible to justify the incompetence of the government. According to the information we have, the local government There may indeed be some unclean relations with the pirates. If we export weapons to the local area, it is very likely that they will be lost to the pirates, just like the stupid things you Americans did in the Middle East before crossing over."

In the time and space before crossing, the United States has engaged in military exports to the Middle East for decades, but every time it does so, it shoots itself in the foot every time, and the object of support eventually becomes its own enemy, but The Americans are still happy to continue to play the role of regional shit sticks, constantly spending large sums of money to train their opponents, and using this to perfectly explain to the world what it means to have a worrying IQ.

Shi Diwen was a Chinese-American before crossing over, and he also carried out military missions in the Middle East during his military service. However, he did not intend to defend the US Middle East policy. He just shook his head and said: "Those are stupid politicians who go to The tricks played are different from the situation we are facing now. But if what you said is true, it really needs to be handled carefully."

Although there is a difference in performance between the exported weapons and the weapons equipped by the Haihan militia itself, if a large number of these weapons and equipment flow into the hands of Haihan's opponents, it will be a big trouble.Now that the military is aware of this hidden danger, it must not sit idly by.

"I have talked with Xu Xinsu here, hoping that he can introduce some reliable Zhejiang officials for us. However, it is not appropriate for our military to come forward for this matter. It may still need someone from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce to preside over it." Qian Tian Although Dunn has made preparations, it is clear that these tasks have exceeded the scope of the military's authority, and the Executive Committee will probably not be happy to see the military take care of all diplomatic, commercial and trade affairs.

"But if I leave it to those white shirts, I'm afraid there will be no results in three to five months!" Shi Diwen is obviously not optimistic about the efficiency of civil servants, and three to five months may not be too much in other systems. For a long time, but not so for the military.The Penghu garrison began to set foot in Taiwan in October last year, and it took less than half a year to take full control of the main parts of the island's coastal areas in March this year. To wait such a long time, for those who are determined to rely on outward expansion to accumulate military exploits It is indeed a torment for the Chinese military.

"The official process still needs to be followed. Civil servants are civil servants, and we do ours." Qian Tiandun has been sitting overseas all year round, and has his own understanding of how to balance rules and freedom: "For non-controlled areas We have autonomy in military reconnaissance operations. If we encounter the threat of force during the reconnaissance operation, we can also launch a counterattack. We will do it when it is time to do it, as long as we control the intensity."

Shi Diwen also got it right: "Isn't this the same as I was here the year before last, as long as you catch the opportunity, you will do it directly."

Qian Tiandun nodded and said: "That's the reason. The Executive Committee may not approve major military operations for the time being, but small military operations that do not require approval can also be awarded military merits."

"You still have a way!" Shi Diwen couldn't help giving a thumbs up.

When Shi Diwen came to Penghu, what he was most worried about was not the problem of running in with his partner and the fleet under him, but that he would not have a battle to fight in the short term, wasting the position of this front-line commander in vain.But what Qian Tiandun said just now undoubtedly gave another way to solve the problem.Although this practice of playing around the edges may not be able to get the support of the Executive Committee, it should not be explicitly prohibited from taking advantage of this loophole by the military, as long as it does not create an unmanageable situation.

With the current strength of the Haihan Navy, it is very difficult for anyone in the Far East to engage in one-on-one close-range confrontation with the Haihan warships. Boat.As long as the Fujian Fleet organizes a small-scale armed fleet in the name of reconnaissance, it can go north and enter the Zhoushan area at an appropriate time.At that time, it would be reasonable for the local pirate gangs to fight with each other. After completing the basic investigation tasks, the Navy will be able to make a record easily.

Of course, this is easy to say, but there are still many details that need to be paid attention to when implementing it.From Wenzhou to the Zhoushan Islands off the coast of Ningbo, there are many islands near the coast of this road, many of which are under the control of various pirate gangs. It will take a certain amount of time to slowly clear this road.In addition, Haihan's military doesn't know whether these pirates will take the initiative to form a group. If they feel the threat of Haihan and choose to form a group for defense, it may be difficult to completely defeat them only by relying on a small fleet.

"It's after the anniversary that you have to move. You can rest assured these few days. If you want to go to Zhangzhou, this is a good time." Qian Tiandun said with a smile: "I went to sea with you to fight Nanri The officers of the Fujian Navy on the island will be very happy to know that you are here again."

Speaking of this, Shi Diwen also showed a knowing smile on his face: "These guys may not be good at fighting, but they are good at eating, drinking and having fun. When they went to Zhangzhou last time, they did greet them well. It wasn’t that the Military Commission sent me back to command the fleet, I really wanted to stay here in Fujian and enjoy my life.”

At that time, it was Xu Yuzhuo of the Fujian Navy who was in charge of receiving Shi Diwen. His other identity was Xu Xinsu's fourth son, and he was also one of the many generals from the Xu family in the Fujian Ming Army.At that time, Xu Yuzhuo brought a group of officers and greeted Shi Diwen very thoughtfully every day. If the assassination case hadn't happened later, Shi Diwen would probably have been trapped in Zhangzhou city and didn't want to move.Of course, Shi Diwen is not ignorant of the other party's real purpose. Although they call each other close brothers and sisters at the wine table, this kind of friendship is ultimately for the benefit of their own camp.He can also understand what Qian Tiandun said. Since you have a good relationship with the high-level officials of the Fujian Navy, you might as well use this time to go to Zhangzhou to inquire about the official news and see if you can learn from the Navy officers. Side routines to some useful information.

"Then I'll go to Zhangzhou tomorrow and meet with Xu Yuzhuo and his group to see if they have made any progress!" Shi Diwen readily accepted the task.

Early the next morning, Shi Diwen took a team of personal guards and took a boat to Zhangzhou.Xu Jiaqi, the representative of the Ming army stationed in Penghu, also sent a special person to go with him, so that he could organize the reception work as soon as Shi Diwen arrived in Zhangzhou.

From Magong Port in Penghu to Zhongzuosuo off the coast of Zhangzhou, the straight-line voyage is about [-] nautical miles. Shi Diwen's boat set off early in the morning and did not arrive at the destination until the time when the lanterns were lit.Since the center left is a restricted military zone, small boats approached before entering the port to check the identity of Shi Diwen's ship.At this time, the person Xu Jiaqi sent to follow the boat played a role. He lay on the side of the boat and loudly revealed his identity to the Ming army on the small boat: "This officer is Liu Biao, a captain under General Xu Jiaqi, and Shi Di from Haihan is on board." General Wen Shi, quickly inform the adults in the city."

The school lieutenant under Xu Jiaqi is nothing more than that, but the general from Haihan is no small person.The Ming soldiers on the small boat didn't dare to ask any more questions, and now one person walked from the side of the boat to the deck along the rope net to guide the helmsman on board.The rest of the people quickly turned back to the port in small boats and reported the news back.

Zhangzhou is the most important trading port in southern Fujian, and it is also the base camp of Xu Xinsu. As the maritime barrier of Zhangzhou, Zhongzuo has stationed a large number of naval and military forces all year round.The main force of the Fujian Navy is currently stationed here, and Xu Yuzhuo, the main person Shi Diwen will visit on this trip, is also in the city.

Before Shi Diwen's boat docked, the city gate of Zhongzuo opened, and a group of people came out of the city, the leader was Xu Yuzhuo.Although he didn't know why Shi Diwen suddenly appeared in the Zhongzuo Institute at this time, Shi Diwen's status in the Haihan Army was no less than that of Qian Tiandun, and he was not stationed in Fujian. It will not be a coincidence.

"General Shi, long time no see!" Seeing Shi Diwen walking off the gangplank, Xu Yuzhuo got off his horse and greeted him proactively.

"So is General Xu. You look good!" Shi Diwen looked at Xu Yuzhuo, who was a bit fat, and greeted with a smile: "Seeing that you are much fatter than two years ago, I am relieved."

Xu Yuzhuo said with a smile: "Your army beat Shibazhi away last year. Without Zheng Zhilong, the troublemaker, the coast of Fujian is calm. I have nothing to do all day, so I can only indulge in eating and drinking." He was quite complacent while talking He patted his slightly protruding abdomen: "It's inevitable to get a little fat, who doesn't like these peaceful days, right General Shi?"

"Anyway, you are the most reasonable to eat, drink, and have fun. I don't think anyone can speak up to you." Shi Diwen replied with a smile: "I'm here to find you to eat, drink, and drink this time. You won't dislike me as an unexpected visitor, will you?"

"General Shi has a noble status, I can't even invite you if I want to, how can I dislike it!" Xu Yuzhuo waved his hands repeatedly and denied: "I'm afraid that I won't take good care of you, and it would be a crime to let General Shi not have enough fun! Xu Jiaqi is really Yes, knowing that General Shi has arrived in Fujian, he did not say hello in advance, so that I can have more time to prepare!"

(End of this chapter)