1635 Han style rises again

Chapter 692 The tide rises
On October 1653, 10, Zhenzhou (now Vladivostok, Russia).

The appearance of ironware rapidly changed all aspects of society from production to life.Iron farm tools enabled a large amount of woodland to be reclaimed as arable land, which greatly increased food output.Iron tools empowered carpenters and changed the face of architecture and ships.The emergence of iron weapons also greatly changed the course of the war, and greatly reduced the advantage of nomadic peoples in horses compared with farming peoples, and the saying "one Han equals five Hus" appeared.

In terms of cast iron technology, China is more than 1300 years ahead of the West.With the emergence and popularization of wooden bellows, China's pig iron production reached more than 10 tons in the late 12th century, but by 1720, the iron production of Britain was still less than 2 tons.Until the European Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, China's steel was always the leader in the world.

In iron culture, nails are perhaps the most legendary.In Western culture, the most widespread application of iron is nails.In ancient Rome, Jesus was nailed to the cross.In the era of colonial exploration, iron nails became the most commonly used currency for white people to trade with natives; some sailors even used nails as money for whoring.Because there were no nails, the Polynesians lashed their ships with ropes for an adventurous ocean journey.

Until 1800, nails were all made by hand by "nail makers" who fired pig iron red and hammered it one by one.Therefore, nails are not only time-consuming and laborious to make, but also very expensive.

Some ignorant "savages" regarded the white nails as treasures, so that European ships were repeatedly attacked and destroyed in order to extract the nails.According to legend, the great British navigator Captain Cook was pushed into the sea and drowned alive in order to prevent a group of Hawaiian natives from pulling out the nails on the ship.

As far as nails alone are concerned, China does not seem to have moved beyond the manual production stage, nails are often a by-product of blacksmiths.This phenomenon even continued to China decades ago, and the exquisite "foreign nails" were still regarded as a precious item in the vast rural areas.Perhaps, this has something to do with China's inherent holistic way of thinking. In traditional mechanical connections, nails have always been replaced by complex mortise and tenon connections.

But for thousands of years, China has reached a superb level in needle-making technology, and even derived exquisite embroidery and acupuncture.It can only be said that China's iron development technology tree is slightly crooked, and no nails have been pointed out.

For more than [-] people in Zhenzhou, iron tools and a large number of nails from Hanzhou played a vital role.Sharp saws and axes are important tools for felling trees and expanding the initial camp. Wooden plows equipped with iron shovels are sharp tools for plowing the land. Delicate and strong nails are key components for building wooden houses, splicing boards, and building fishing boats.

What's even more rare is that in this remote town of Zhenzhou, ironware is still an extremely important commodity.A nail, or a small knife, can be exchanged for a soft and beautiful fur or precious ginseng from the natives deep in the forest, and then take these things in exchange for more from the Qi people. Nails and swords, and even powerful muskets.

"So, these savages think this information is worth three steel knives? Or a hundred nails?" A Qian Zong officer stationed in Zhenzhou tilted his head and looked at the several Saurons standing there.

"Yes, my lord." A Ming army Xiaoqi said with a smile: "More than a month ago, a group of Oroqen and Hezhe people who escaped from the capture of the Qing captives ran to their stockade. Then these Saurons came from them. I learned from the mouth that the Qing captives have started recruiting a large number of soldiers again, and are preparing to launch a violent surprise attack on North Korea."

"The Qing captives also conscripted several times before. I heard that they were to deal with the Raksha people from the north. Why did they be sure that the Qing captives would go south to conquer North Korea?" the boss Qian asked.

"Well, these Saurons also said that many Mongolian cavalry marched to Shenyang, covering the sky and covering the sky, probably tens of thousands of people, and then marched southeast one after another."

"Tens of thousands of people? Heh, can these savages count?" The boss Qian sneered, "If the Qing captives use tens of thousands of cavalry, wouldn't there be tens of thousands of infantry accompanying them? What's the matter, the Qing captives are going to destroy North Korea? ? Are they not the masters of North Korea?"

The Xiaoqi just laughed when he heard this.This group of Saurons worked tirelessly to come to Zhenzhou through the dense jungle. In addition to exchanging some furs, ginseng and medicinal materials, they also specially asked to see the generals stationed in Zhenzhou to inform them of the news.If this information was not confirmed, how would they dare to lie to the local government, let alone ask for some iron weapons, nails and other tools.

Although these native savages are all majestic and powerful, they are all brave people, but they are straightforward and honest, and they will never make lies to deceive the local officials and people in Zhenzhou.On the contrary, sometimes, local residents and traders took some worthless things and exchanged them for a lot of good things.

"Forget it, you get some shochu for them first, and I will report it to the adults above, and then make a decision." The boss thought that he should report this information to the governor of Zhenzhou and the general, so that they can send these savages down. .Maybe the information brought has attracted the attention of the adults, and a generous reward is also what should be done.

When Luan Shiwei, the magistrate of Zhenzhou, and Sun Dabao, the general stationed in Zhenzhou, heard the news that the Qing had mobilized troops and horses to attack North Korea, they couldn't help but look at each other.As civil and military officials in the imperial court's overseas territories, they knew some high-level information.The cabinet and the Ministry of War are preparing to cooperate with the launch of the Jiangnan Campaign and prepare to unite with North Korea to attack Liaodong.

North Korea will cross the Yalu River in early winter in mid-to-late October, capture Dandong, and then follow the ancient road, passing through Fengcheng, Lianshan, Pingshan, and Benxi, all the way to Shenyang.The Yongchu imperial court gathered 2000 troops to attack Gaizhou, Haicheng, and Liaoyang to the north from Jinzhou City, and joined forces with North Korea in Shenyang.

The idea of ​​the plan is to take advantage of the emptiness of Liaodong to quickly capture Liaoyang, Shenyang, Benxi and other major cities. Then when the midwinter arrives, it will be inconvenient for the Qing to mobilize troops, so that they can have enough time to consolidate and digest the seized Liaodong cities.But if the information provided by those savages is true, then the Qing captives have gathered a large number of soldiers and horses in Liaodong at this time, and they will pre-emptively attack North Korea.Then, wouldn't the troops sent by the imperial court to attack Liaodong be attacked by the superior forces of the Qing army?

"Immediately send people to Denglai and North Korea by boat to report this matter." Luan Shiwei looked at Zhenzhou General Sun Dabao, "In addition, General Sun's more than 45 officers and soldiers went out of Daning City (now the city of Arjo in the Far East of Russia) Mu, [-] kilometers north of Vladivostok), began full alert in case the Qing captured the existence of our Zhenzhou and sent troops to attack.”

"Zhenzhou is surrounded by the sea on three sides, and the entire north is covered with dense forests, and there is no way to find it. It is impossible for the Qing captives to attack here." Sun Dabao hesitated.

"General Sun, you and I are guarding the imperial court's overseas territory, and at the same time, the Liaodong flank is occupied by the Qing captives. We need to be careful in everything." Luan Shiwei said in a deep voice.

"Well... what Lord Luan said is very true." Sun Dabao cupped his hands, nodded and said, "I'll make arrangements now....By the way, there are estimated to be around a thousand Saurons and Hezhes around Zhenzhou. Some grains, ironware and other tools should be selected as strong and strong, and included as servants of our officers and soldiers. Not only will it strengthen the strength of our Zhenzhou, but it will also prevent the surrounding savages from rebelling against our Zhenzhou when the Qing invaders come.”

"...Can General Sun be sure to accept it for my use?"

"I thought that as long as some salt, iron, rice noodles, these savages would be sincerely subdued and used by me." Sun Dabao said with a smile: "Thinking about the Qi people, the army has recruited many Japanese, Annan, and Occupational soldiers." The city is waiting for some servants. Our Zhenzhou should recruit a few savages, and give it a try."
-
October 10, Fuzhou.

"Where is Li Dingguo?" Zheng Zhilong looked at the many generals and staff gathered in the hall, and asked in a deep voice.

"Two months ago, after Li Dingguo returned to Nanchang from Jiujiang, he supervised an army of [-] troops and slowly advanced to Raozhou (now Shangrao City, Jiangxi Province) through Fuzhou. He is currently attacking Quzhou, but for some reason, for more than [-] days, he just surrounded If you don't attack, you are looting places." Shi Fu said with a frown.

"Hmph, Li Dingguo's siege of Quzhou City is to attract Qing troops from Yuhang and Jiangnan to rescue, and create favorable conditions for Sun Kewang's main force to go east to Nanjing." Zheng Zhilong snorted coldly, "Did Sun Kewang attack Anqing now, or Taiping?" (now Wuhu)."

"The news came ten days ago that Sun Kewang has captured Anqing." Shi Fu said, "It is estimated that he should be attacking Taiping at this time. Of course, it is also possible that his troops have already approached the city of Nanjing."

"This Sun Kewang intends to capture all the important towns along the Yangtze River one by one, and then plan for Nanjing?" Zheng Zhilong shook his head and said, "If he does this, anyone in the Qing Dynasty who has a brain knows that his goal is the city of Nanjing. So, slowly Tundi all the way to the east, wouldn't it create an opportunity for the Qing captives to concentrate more troops in the city of Nanjing."

"Sun Kewang must have been worried about the safety of the road ahead, that's why he wanted to conquer several important towns and big ports along the Yangtze River, so that he can take Nanjing and even the entire Jiangnan area with peace of mind."

Hearing this, Zheng Zhilong became silent for an instant, and his face became a little gloomy.The bandits in the past have transformed themselves into the Ming Dynasty's official army. In a few years, they have captured Yun, Gui, Sichuan, Hunan, Guangxi, Guangdong, Jiangxi and other vast areas.The huge Jiangnan offensive launched now seems to swallow the entire Jiangnan again.

"Sun Li is so powerful, it is not my blessing!" Zheng Zhilong sighed softly, "If the Qing captives are expelled, will this world still belong to my Ming Dynasty?"

"Grandpa (after Zheng Zhilong returned to the Ming Dynasty, he was conferred the title of Duke of Nan'an by Emperor Yongchu)?" Dong Runsheng, who was relied on as his confidant, said softly: "I heard that in Hangzhou, Jiaxing, Songjiang and other places, the Qing soldiers mobilized a large number of troops to gather in Nanjing. , The defense is weak. For example, our army abandoned the attack on Taizhou and turned to attack the above-mentioned areas across the sea, thinking that it will be planned later.”

Zheng Zhilong's heart skipped a beat when he heard this.Susong and Yuhang are rich and prosperous, and they are the best in the world. If they are captured, they can add a lot of strength to Fujianping.

"After Zhang Mingzhen captured Ningbo, did he go to Hangzhou?"

"After Zhang Mingzhen's troops captured Ningbo last month, they immediately divided up their troops to plunder the area. Lianke Cixi, Yuyao, Xinchang, Tiantai, Ninghai, and Xiangshan seem to be using this place as a land base to prepare for the future echo with Zhoushan. The general thinks that they also seem to be deeply afraid of Sun and Li's imminent invasion of the south of the Yangtze River. Hangzhou is a big city in Jiangsu and Zhejiang. They estimate that their strength is limited, so they dare not seize it for the time being." Shi Fu glanced at it. Dong Runsheng.

"If we send troops to Susong and Yuhang, will the Qing captives bring in troops to help?" Zheng Zhilong asked again, mainly because he was really worried about the combat capabilities of the Fujian Army Division.

"Probably not." Shi Fu said: "Qi State Navy and... Dagongzi, and Gu Sanmazi and other coalition forces led more than [-] boats along the Yangtze River, Shangshuo to Tongzhou, Zhenjiang, Nanjing and other places, and the north of the river has been cut off. The passage for the Qing army to come to aid. As for the Qing army near Susong and Yuhang, it is reported that most of them have retreated to Nanjing."

When Shi Fu mentioned the "Eldest Prince", Zheng Zhilong's eyelids twitched a few times. Zheng Zhilong couldn't help feeling a little annoyed at his eldest son.In the past, in order to covet the territory of Fujian and Guangdong and the title of a prince, he led the whole town and navy of Fujian to surrender to the Qing captives.But this rebellious son even pretended to go to aid Guangdong, and launched a mutiny on Nan'ao Island. He not only attacked and killed Ji Shiliang, the general soldier of Yanping, but also "abducted" more than 200 soldiers and horses from the Firearms Battalion and other towns, and more than [-] large and small ships.Later, he even led the troops to seize Taiwan, leaving himself with no face left.

In December last year, Zheng Zhilong announced that he would return to the Ming Dynasty anyway, and sent someone to inform his eldest son to return to Fujian to gather strength, but Zheng Sen refused, and continued to occupy Taiwan. Fujian.In such a situation, they actually thought of using Taiwan as a base, and the boat divisions raided and harassed the Qing Dynasty's coast and cities along the river, taking the opportunity to develop and expand their personal power, and at the same time pretend to be loyal and filial sons of the Yongchu court.

Although my confidants and staff suggested that Zheng Sen should be allowed to develop outside, imitating the Zhuge family of the Three Kingdoms, and leaving an extra way out for the Zheng family.But this rebellious son actually disregarded the relationship between father and son. Not only did he show no pretense to himself, but he also frequently hooked up with the officials and generals of the water and land divisions in Fujian Town and recruited them under his command to develop his own power.

I heard that this rebellious son now has more than [-] soldiers. Apart from occupying Taiwan, he also occupied several strongholds in Qiongzhou Prefecture. He was named Jingwuhou by Emperor Yongchu, which is extremely honorable.

"Will we gather troops to attack Yuhang Susong, will Gao Yigong, Yuan Zongdi and others from Chaozhou Prefecture take advantage of us and attack our Zhangzhou and Quanzhou?" Zheng Zhilong asked worriedly.

"Probably not." Shi Fu thought for a while, shook his head and said, "The people of Qi will restrain Gao Yigong and others from coming here indiscriminately. In addition, Shi Lang led 3000 people to station in Longhai, which is enough to keep Zhangzhou worry-free."

"If that's the case, let's gather a large army, seize Hangzhou first, and then attack Susong." Zheng Zhilong said fiercely: "Even if I, Fujian Town, cannot occupy the above-mentioned prefectures and counties in the end, I still have to loot them all and transfer them to Fuzhou. , to increase my strength."

(End of this chapter)