1635 Han style rises again

Chapter 951 Visiting the European Fleet ([-])

Fort Estuary, January 1679, 1.

Estuary Fort is located where the Yuquan River (now the Buffalo River in South Africa) enters the sea. It is the only river port in the territory of South Africa. The terrain is narrow and the facilities are not perfect.It stands to reason that a port with such conditions is simply not suitable for berthing a huge fleet of eighteen ships.

However, one of the important figures in this fleet was unfortunately caught with wind and cold when passing here, and the situation was quite serious, and he urgently needed to land for treatment and recuperation.Therefore, the accompanying dozen or so ships had to temporarily dock in this simple river port, waiting for the recovery of the great man.

After careful treatment by the doctor and five days of recuperation, the high fever of Ji Changrong, the special envoy appointed by Da Qiqin to visit Europe and Zuo Qing of Honglu Temple, has gradually subsided, and his health has gradually improved.This morning, he even ate a large bowl of rice porridge and half a steamed bun, and then got out of bed and walked around for more than half an hour.

After the news came out, all the entourage of the mission could not help but breathe a sigh of relief.

If my important minister of the Daqi Pavilion and the imperial ambassador suddenly fell ill halfway, it would be difficult to explain to the mainland.

The commander of the escort fleet, General Guangwei (Major General) Cao Tong once wanted to send a fast ship back to the mainland when Ji Changrong was seriously ill, and urgently reported to His Majesty and the cabinet, asking if another special envoy would come and continue the scheduled visit to Europe.

Fortunately, this auspicious person from Zuoqing of Honglu Temple had his own astronomy, and the doctor of the mission was clever and precise in medicine, and healed Ji Changrong's fever and aversion to cold with evacuation and antipyretic methods.Seeing that, after a few more days of recuperation, he will fully recover, and the mission will be able to continue to Europe as planned.

In October last year, in order to gain a sense of presence in front of the European powers and to demonstrate the prestige of Qi, His Majesty the Emperor and the Prime Minister organized this huge delegation to Europe to visit the main The European powers will conduct a friendly state visit.

The members of the entire mission include more than ten departments including diplomacy, military, trade, culture, science and technology, civil affairs, industry, agriculture, transportation, etc., with a size of more than 460 people. The total number of people exceeded 4000, which was the largest number of Qi State's previous visits.

In addition, His Majesty's ninth son, King Rong Qi Zidan, also represented the Daqi royal family and visited Europe with a delegation to show the demeanor and charm of the oriental royal family.

After more than 40 years of continuous expansion, Qi has gradually established its maritime supremacy in the Indian Ocean region. The navy not only has nearly [-] combat ships of various types, but also has established sea bases and supply transfers dotted around the Indian Ocean region. point, firmly controlling the situation in the region.

Two years ago, the Qi State crossed the sea to conquer the Mughal Empire, fought from the east coast to the west coast, and defeated the Mughal army several times. In the Battle of Gujarat, it destroyed more than [-] Mughal troops in one fell swoop. Aurangzeb, the crouching emperor, shocked the world.

Perhaps because they were not satisfied with the illustrious martial arts established in the Indian Ocean region, His Majesty the Emperor and the cabinet government wanted to take this opportunity to visit Europe to spread Qi's reputation far and wide to Europe, and even the entire Atlantic coast.

The mission to Europe plans to visit Ottoman, Portugal, Spain, France, Holland, Shinra, Denmark, Sweden, Brandenburg-Prussia, England and other major European countries in order to promote and deepen mutual understanding between the East and the West, and enhance and expand bilateral economic, trade and cultural exchanges.

Well, to put it bluntly, it is to inform the European powers that our Great Qi Empire is about to intervene in global affairs, and you don't need to be "surprised by allies".

The ships participating in the escort this time have deployed eight cutting-edge main ships and two supply transport ships from the two major fleets of the local fleet and the Indian Ocean Fleet. There are four 1200-ton steam-sail frigates.

Of course, this small-scale escort fleet may seem insignificant in the face of dozens of warships owned by European maritime powers such as Britain, France, and the Netherlands, but it means that Qi's military power is projected far away for the first time. Europe, in front of the Western powers, fully demonstrated the sea power of an Eastern empire.This is of great symbolic significance to the US Navy.

"If we want to expand the influence of our Qi country to Europe, not only must we firmly grasp the vital territory of South Africa, but we also need to seek several sea bases in West Africa and even North Africa."

Deputy Commander of the Escort Fleet, General Mingwei (Brigadier General) Qi Pengfei accompanied Cao Tong as he walked slowly on a busy street, surrounded by several guards from Hekou Fort holding muskets.The peddlers who set up stalls on both sides saw a group of big men coming, and they hawked local specialties even more vigorously, hoping to kill them severely.

"I heard that the African Trading Company has established a supply station near Elmina Castle (Dutch Gold Coast) controlled by the Dutch." Cao Tong looked at the scene full of fireworks on the street and felt very happy. "At that time, when we visit the Netherlands, we can mention it by the way to see if we can build a naval base there. As for the North African region, I am afraid it will be a bit tricky. On the Ottoman site, a series of trader stations will be established. It is estimated that people will not say much What, after all, it can bring them a lot of commercial benefits. However, once we want to deploy military forces there, the Ottomans will definitely not allow it."

"In North Africa, besides the territory of the Ottomans, there is also an independent Moroccan Sultan Kingdom." Qi Pengfei said: "More than ten years ago, the Arabs in Morocco overthrew the Saad Dynasty and established the Alawi Dynasty. It is said that In order to get rid of the influence and control of the Ottomans, and to expel the Spaniards occupying Mamura and the British occupying Tangier, their current Sultan is trying to obtain assistance from foreign forces. Therefore, I think this For our country of Qi, it may be an opportunity."

"You have done a lot of homework on the situation in the Mediterranean region!" Cao Tong couldn't help but look at this royal son with admiration, "You mean, when we pass by Morocco, we should pay a visit to the sultan of the Alawite Dynasty by the way." , see if we can get a foothold?"

"All this is just a preliminary idea of ​​mine. It's still immature, and I need the commander's help to carefully consider it." Qi Pengfei said modestly.

Qi Pengfei's father is the eldest brother of His Majesty, the late Cheng Wang Qi Dahai.There are two older brothers above him. The eldest brother Qi Pengwu died in the Dongzhou Maori war in the 25th year of Qianwu (1667). The second brother Qi Pengzhang died in the 27th year of Qianwu. In the first year of Han Xing (1670), after His Majesty ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, he became the king of the county.

Qi Pengfei graduated from the Jianye Naval Academy when he was in Qianwu for 13 years (1655), and has been serving in the navy for more than 1676 years. In the sixth year of Hanxing ([-]), he was promoted to the rank of General Mingwei, commander of the Home Fleet and Southwest Squadron.

It is said that the Admiralty intends to split part of the huge Indian Ocean Fleet and establish the West Indian Ocean Fleet, anchored at Fort South China (now Port Elizabeth, South Africa, also known as Mandela City), and the most popular candidate for fleet commander If selected, there will be this royal child.

This time, Qi Pengfei traveled to Europe with the mission. Not only was he able to visit the Atlantic coast and several major European powers, and personally observe their maritime strength, but also added a bright resume to him, which is very important for him to seek the post of Commander of the Western Indian Ocean Fleet. , provided great help.

You must know that the strategic positioning of the proposed West Indian Ocean Fleet by the Ministry of the Navy is to control the cross-linked waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and maintain the maritime trade routes of South Africa and the west coast of the Indian Ocean. Naturally, it will face the threat of several major European maritime powers.If the Qi State can acquire several naval bases in West Africa and North Africa, it will certainly be able to greatly move the defense space of the West Indian Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, gaining an extremely superior strategic situation.

Qi Pengfei has such a long-term vision and forward-looking strategic vision, it seems that he still has two brushes, not relying on his status as a child of the royal family to get into the position of a high-ranking officer.

"However, visiting Morocco on the way, there are some slight changes in the whole itinerary." Cao Tong said with a smile: "In this case, we still need to seek the opinion of the special envoy of the mission, Ji Honglu."
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"The cabinet and the military intend to take over the entire South African territory?" Fan Yungui, governor of Hekoubao, looked at his guard captain in astonishment, "Did you really hear that?"

"Returning to the Governor, my subordinates have been walking around with the naval officers who have landed in the past few days. I have heard them mention more than once that the Navy is going to upgrade the squadron stationed in South Africa into a large fleet, and also build South China Fort into the Western Indian Ocean. The largest naval base in the region." Xia Yantao, the guard captain of the Hekou Fort, said with a vow: "Think about it, the South African territories control the key points in the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. How can private capital permanently control such a large area? Five years ago, the cabinet took back the governance power of the Dongzhou (now New Zealand) territory under the Handong Trading Company, established the Dongzhou Governor-General, and brought it directly under the jurisdiction of the government. Therefore, our trading company should have this awareness."

"That's right. In the whole world, there is no king. Our South African territory is no exception." Fan Yungui smiled self-deprecatingly, "There are more than 3 large and small fortresses in the entire South African region, and the population is more than [-]. As a land of a mansion, it is really impossible for me and other merchants to control and occupy it for a long time."

"Isn't that so?" Xia Yantao thought deeply, "It's just a pity that our trading company is here to conquer itself. Not only does it take advantage of the convenience of the location, it takes advantage of the many ships that come and go to stop for supplies, and it can also search and exploit the surrounding tribes, wantonly Selling the indigenous people in the interior earns tens of thousands of dollars every year. If all of this is owned by the government, I don’t know if these jobs can be done again?”

"If the cabinet government takes back the governing power of the entire South African territory, it will most likely become a special overseas territory like Dongzhou. And our African trading company, I am afraid that we only have the exclusive right to trade!" Fan Yungui shook his head and said: " As for the pickling business you mentioned, most likely you won’t be able to continue doing it openly.”

"As Governor Fan said..." Xia Yantao's expression changed when he heard the words, and he asked cautiously: "In the future, those things can only be done secretly?"

"..." Fan Yungui glanced at Xia Yantao, ignored him, got up and walked outside the house.

Ji Changrong, the special envoy to visit Europe and the Zuoqing of Honglu Temple, is about to recover, and it will only be a few days before his departure. I should take this opportunity to walk around and get closer, maybe I can make a good impression in front of this big man. The impression will be of great benefit to his future development.
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Cape Town, May 2.

Vincent Jansen, the governor of the Dutch East India Company in Cape Town, led a group of colonial officials and businessmen, stationed on the pier, and waved goodbye to the Qi State task force visiting Europe.

"The Qi people are finally going to enter Europe." Governor Vincent Jansen said softly: "From now on, we will welcome a powerful foreign force from the Indian Ocean region in Europe."

"Your Excellency, I remember that the Qi people sent diplomatic missions to our United Province more than ten years ago." A businessman reminded with a smile.

"Although people from Qi came to Europe more than ten years ago, at that time, it was still a very inconspicuous regional power, and its influence was not even comparable to that of Siam on the Indochina Peninsula." Governor Vincent Jansen said : "But now, they will reappear in front of all European powers as an image of a pivotal world power. With the Indian Ocean hegemony they have established, I believe that Qi will get the attention it deserves before any European country And enough respect."

"Qi State is located in the Hanzhou Continent, so far away from our Europe. I think their influence should only be limited to the Indian Ocean, and has not yet radiated to our European region." Another businessman said disapprovingly.

"Mr. Banks, you have never been to the East Indies, let alone the mainland of Hanzhou, so your understanding of the strength of Qi is very incomplete." Vincent Jansen The governor said with a smile: "Over 40 years ago, Qi State gradually developed from a small settlement to the current Indian Ocean hegemony. .”

"There is a terrifying endogenous power in this country. Driven by this power, they are changing rapidly and their military strength is increasing day by day. According to the evaluation of the company's senior management, the overall strength of Qi's navy is likely to be on par with our United Provinces. It even slightly exceeded. What is even more amazing is that their investment in the Navy is more than twice that of our United Provinces. Gentlemen, do you know what this means?"

"This means that the combat power of Qi's navy is likely to be professional warships, professional officers, and professional sailors. Although, I don't know much about the construction of the navy. But I think that a country's Once the navy is professionalized, its officers and soldiers may be better trained, their military equipment more secure, their combat deployment faster, and their combat capability stronger.”

"We, the United Provinces, are unable to achieve the professionalization of the navy. A few years ago, several sea battles with the United Kingdom and France had mobilized countless civilian armed merchant ships to barely maintain our sea power. balance of power, and thus avoid a landing operation by sea against our United Provinces by England and France."

"As your Excellency the Governor said, Qi's maritime power really made our East India Company feel an unprecedented threat." A local colonial official in Cape Town echoed: "Over the past 20 years, Qi's presence in South Africa They expanded aggressively, immigrated to this place continuously, and opened up many colonial strongholds. Their nearest fortress is even only more than 70 leagues away from Cape Town (1 league is approximately equal to 5.556 kilometers), but we have not yet felt a real threat. However, the four specialized warships they stationed in the region two years ago are a real threat to our Eastern trade, and the very existence of Cape Town."

Two years ago, the Qi State Indian Ocean Fleet established the South African Squadron and stationed in Nanhua Fort in order to further strengthen Qi State's military control in this area.

There are four professional warships under this fleet, all of which are cutting-edge iron-ribbed wooden hull ships with a displacement of about [-] tons, and one of them is a steam-powered ship.Whether in terms of firepower or cruising speed, these warships far surpassed the many armed merchant ships passing through the sea area, and became a powerful deterrent force in the region, which aroused strong attention from Cape Town.

Although, the Qi people explained to Cape Town that this move was to combat pirate forces along the coast and maintain trade routes in the area, and it was not aimed at any country or region.

However, this behavior of deploying military power still makes the Dutch deeply jealous.In case, someday, the relationship between Qi State and the United Provinces (or the East India Company) is in tension, wouldn't it be possible to block it easily and quickly by virtue of Qi State's geographical advantages and the battle fleet stationed here? The route between the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean, and then cut off the lucrative Eastern trade! ?
(End of this chapter)