Huangming

Chapter 234 Recruiting Soldiers and Finding Ships, Confiscating Property to Aid Emergency

To revitalize the Tianjin Navy, the most important thing is to have warships!

Chen Qiyu stood in the main hall of the water fortress, looking at the desolate scene outside the window, and felt a chill in his heart.

"What kind of navy is it if it doesn't even have warships?"

If the officials in the imperial court knew about the situation of the Tianjin navy, they would probably laugh their heads off.

At that time, the joke about the Mongol navy will probably be repeated in the Ming Dynasty.

He recalled how the Mongols had tried to build a navy, but their ships were rotten and their soldiers were not good at swimming. Their attempts to conquer Japan failed several times and ultimately became a laughing stock.

Has the Tianjin Navy really fallen to this state?
Do not!
This situation must be ended by me, Chen Qiyu.

He turned to the old soldier beside him and asked, "How many warships does the Tianjin Navy still have?"

Upon hearing this, the old soldier gave a bitter smile and said in a low voice, "There are only a few Cangshan ships left."

Chen Qiyu frowned.

"Not a single Fujian ship remains?"

The old soldier remained silent for a moment, then slowly reached out and carefully tucked the silver ingot that Chen Qiyu had just given him into his inner pocket before whispering, "There aren't a single one left."

Chen Qiyu felt a tightness in his chest.

The Fujian-style ship, as the core main warship of the Tianjin Navy, was designed specifically for long-range operations with its pointed bottom and deep compartments.

This ship is forty meters long and can carry three hundred elite sailors. It is equipped with twelve to eighteen heavy cannons. Its three-story towering superstructure gives it an absolute height advantage on the battlefield, allowing it to launch rockets from above to suppress enemy ships.

With a displacement of 800 to 1,000 tons, it could directly ram enemy ships with its sturdy hull during naval engagements, and also launch devastating attacks with a barrage of guns fired from its sides.

In the Battle of Cengang in the thirty-fourth year of the Jiajing reign, the Fujian ships, relying on the "plow-sinking tactic," rammed and destroyed twelve Japanese pirate ships in one fell swoop, striking fear into the hearts of the Japanese pirates and becoming a symbol of the Ming Dynasty's naval power on the sea frontier.

Without Fujian ships, how can we fight the enemy?
How to deter pirates?

How to cross the vast ocean?

how……

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anger within him.

"What about the Haicang ship?"

The old soldier shook his head.

"Not a single one left."

Chen Qiyu's expression grew increasingly grim.

The Haicang ship was a medium-sized cruiser of the Ming Dynasty navy, suitable for coastal operations.

The ship was about 25 meters long and 6 meters wide, equipped with four shotguns, and a flamethrower at the stern, which could be used to launch close-range fire attacks on enemy ships.

With its two-mast, four-oar structure, it could still reach a speed of five knots even when sailing against the wind, and with a draft of only 1.5 meters, it could flexibly navigate inland waterways, making it a special counter to the Japanese pirates' "Yawata-sen".

During the Imjin War, the Haicang ships were widely used as troop transports due to their high maneuverability and moderate firepower, providing important maritime support to the Ming army.

Now, all of these main warships of the Ming Dynasty's navy are gone?

Chen Qiyu's heart sank to the bottom, but he still asked again, "Can the Cangshan ship still go out to sea?"

The old soldier sighed and said, "It can barely float on the water, but if a real fight breaks out..."

He didn't say anything more, but his meaning was clear: these ships probably couldn't even beat a pirate's small boat.

Once they reach the sea, even a slightly larger storm could capsize them.

"I looked through the military register and found that during the Wanli era, there were still eight Fujian ships, twenty-five Haicang ships, twenty Cangshan ships, ten each of Wucao ships, Chongbiao ships, and Sha ships, and five each of fire ships, chain ships, eagle ships, wheeled boats, and red dragon boats. How come now, there are only a few Cangshan ships left?"

The Cangshan boat is a light patrol boat, modified from a fishing boat in southern Fujian. It has a long hull, about 15 meters long and only 3 meters wide. The standard crew is 28 people, and it can carry an additional 20 "water ghosts" (special sailors). It is good at carrying out reconnaissance, raid and other missions.

Not a main battleship.

As for the black-cowed ships, bow-shaped ships, sand ships, fire ships, chained ships, eagle ships, wheeled ships, and red dragon boats, each had its own characteristics. They were used for transportation and supply, fire attacks and surprise attacks, or close-quarters combat boarding, and all of them were important supplements to the Tianjin Navy's combat power.

Where have all those ships gone now?
The old soldier from the Tianjin Navy, his body hunched over, nervously rubbed the corner of his clothes with his rough hands, and said in a low voice, "Sir, those warships... sigh, those are all things of the past."

A trace of regret flashed in his cloudy eyes.

"Over the years, nine out of ten ships lent out never returned; some were sold off privately, with the money ending up in the pockets of corrupt officials; others were said to have 'sunk accidentally,' but who doesn't know it was embezzlement by those in charge? The rest, due to years of neglect and rotten planks, didn't even have time to be repaired before they rotted in the dock..."

The veteran's voice grew increasingly low.

"If it weren't for the fact that we old folks still need to rely on these few Cangshan boats to fish and make a living, we probably wouldn't even be able to keep this little bit of our wealth."

As he spoke, his gaze swept over the few dilapidated Cangshan boats by the dock. Their hulls were already worn and tattered, their masts were crooked, and their sails were riddled with holes, as if they would fall apart in the wind and waves at any moment.

Chen Qiyu listened quietly, his knuckles turning slightly white, but he remained calm on the surface.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the surging anger in his chest, and asked in a deep voice, "Where have all those warships gone? Or rather, how can I procure enough warships in such a short time?"

He knew perfectly well that building new ships now would not solve the immediate problem, and it would probably be several years before the warships were launched.

The task the emperor entrusted to him was to reorganize the Tianjin Navy and restore its combat power in the shortest possible time.

The ability to quickly find usable ships is directly related to whether the navy can regain its former glory.

The veteran hesitated for a moment, then whispered, "The wealthy merchants along the coast do own some ships, but most of them are merchant ships and fishing boats; they hardly have any large ships..."

Chen Qiyu frowned: "Where did those large ships that were sold off end up?"

The veteran sighed: "Most of them were sold to the south, I heard..."

He hesitated, then finally just shook his head.

South?

Chen Qiyu felt a chill run down his spine.

The ships in the south are probably already in cahoots with local officials and pirates, so how easy would it be to recover them?
Chen Qiyu questioned the old soldier a few more times, but seeing that he couldn't get any more useful information, he waved his hand, signaling that the soldier could leave.

The old soldier bowed and took his leave, and before leaving, he touched the silver ingot in the inner pocket of his chest, as if afraid that it would disappear.

After the old soldier left, Chen Qiyu stood alone in the main hall of the water fortress, looking out at the desolate dock, his heart growing heavier.

Today, the Tianjin Navy is reduced to a few dilapidated Cangshan ships barely floating on the water, with very few sailors left, making it virtually defunct.

It would be impossible to rebuild such a navy in a short period of time without several months.

He forced himself to calm down and think of a solution.

Currently, there are no large ships available, but the small boats are still usable.

Fishing boats and merchant ships along the coast can be requisitioned and used as temporary warships.

In addition, the ships that the Grand Canal Administration had "borrowed" from the Tianjin Navy over the years must also be ordered to be returned.

However, these are ultimately just stopgap measures.

Small boats are ultimately unsuitable for long-distance voyages and combat, and they cannot withstand the wind and waves at sea.

Thinking of this, Chen Qiyu's gaze sharpened, and he had already made up his mind.

He immediately summoned the clerk beside him and ordered in a deep voice, "Order the canal transport office to return all the borrowed ships according to the records in the naval register!"

"I obey my orders!"

The clerk clasped his hands in acceptance of the order and hurriedly left.

Chen Qiyu then turned to another close aide and continued to instruct: "Send more people to patrol along the coast. Register all fishing boats, merchant ships, and even old ships that have run aground. Requisition those that can be requisitioned and purchase those that should be purchased!"

His attendant nodded in agreement and turned to arrange manpower. However, Chen Qiyu knew in his heart that these hastily assembled ships were far from enough.

To truly restore the Tianjin Navy's fighting strength, it is necessary to recruit craftsmen as soon as possible and start building large ships in the shipyard.

Especially the Fujian-style ships—only such giant ships could withstand the wind and waves, cross the vast ocean, and engage in battle with the enemy!
“Lord Xiantai, if you have any orders, we are ready to lend a hand.”

Zhao Shuaijiao stepped forward and spoke.

The sooner Tianjin's defenses are established, the sooner they can go to the Liaodong front to make contributions.

Therefore, Zhao Shuaijiao and others wanted the Tianjin Three Guards and the Navy to be rebuilt as soon as possible, even more than Chen Qiyu.

Distracted by Zhao Shuaijiao's words, Chen Qiyu turned to face the three generals of the Beijing Garrison, a rare look of satisfaction in his eyes.

These three deputy commanders of the Beijing Garrison were all capable officers specially transferred from the Beijing Garrison by the emperor.

It was with their assistance that he was able to stabilize the situation in Tianjin within just a few days.

Now, he does indeed need their help.

"I'm sure you're all already aware of the situation regarding the Three Guards of Tianjin and the Tianjin Navy."

Chen Qiyu said in a deep voice, "The military households of the Tianjin Three Guards and the Tianjin Navy have almost all deserted and scattered, and their organizational structure has been almost completely destroyed. The most urgent task now is to recruit new soldiers as soon as possible."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three men's faces: "This matter is of great importance and cannot be handled by anyone but a professional. After much consideration, I can only feel at ease entrusting it to the three generals."

Zhao Shuaijiao was the first to clasp his hands in greeting: "Rest assured, Your Excellency, we will do our utmost!"

Zu Dashou added, "Tianjin has a large number of displaced people, making it a good place to recruit soldiers."

"good."

Huang Degong nodded in agreement.

"Especially those civilians who fled from Liaodong, most of them had seen blood on the battlefield, and with a little training they would become good soldiers."

Upon hearing this, a complex expression flashed in Chen Qiyu's eyes.

He naturally knew that the refugees in Tianjin mainly came from Liaodong.

Tieling, Kaiyuan, Shenyang, Liaoyang—these were once the territories of the Ming Dynasty, and now they have all become battlefields.

In order to survive, those people had no choice but to leave their homes and flee all the way to this place.

Tianjin, being adjacent to the capital, often became their final destination.

"The Liaodong Campaign"

Chen Qiyu sighed softly.

"The rise and fall of dynasties bring suffering to the people, and war makes them suffer even more."

The outcome of the battle in Liaodong is now uncertain.

Even if the Ming Dynasty wins, it is unknown how much it will have to pay.

It's not impossible that the defense of a city would escalate to the point of eating the corpses of its inhabitants.

These people are all unwilling to become the 'price' they pay.

Upon hearing this, the three generals all became serious.

As seasoned veterans, they understood all too well what war meant.

Chen Qiyu then changed the subject.

"That is why there must be some capable people among these refugees. They have experienced war and know how to survive. With a little training, they will surely become elite soldiers."

Zhao Shuaijiao solemnly promised: "We will strictly control the selection process and choose suitable candidates for the Censorate."

"Thank you for your help."

Chen Qiyu bowed deeply, his tone sincere.

"This matter concerns the reconstruction of Tianjin's defenses, and even more so the safety of the Ming Dynasty's coastal defenses. I hope the three generals will put in a lot of effort."

The three generals agreed in unison and then took their leave to prepare for recruiting soldiers.

Chen Qiyu respectfully saw the three generals out of the hall. Watching their departing figures, Chen Qiyu felt a little relieved.

At least, he was not fighting alone on the road to rebuilding Tianjin's defenses and navy.

However, as if he had thought of something difficult, Chen Qiyu's smile gradually faded, and his brows furrowed again.

He slowly walked back to his desk, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, his thoughts surging like a tide.

Recruiting soldiers is only the first step; many more thorny problems await resolution.

The shipyard needs to start building new ships immediately, the fortifications of the water fortress urgently need repair, the docks need to be expanded to accommodate more warships, and the gun emplacements and watchtowers along the coast must also be repaired as soon as possible.
Each of these tasks is an urgent priority, and each requires a significant investment of human and material resources.

Thinking of this, Chen Qiyu couldn't help but rub his temples.

What troubled him most was that all these plans revolved around one key issue: money!
Recruiting new soldiers requires resettlement allowances and military pay; training the navy requires provisions and supplies; building a Fujian ship often costs thousands of taels of silver; not to mention the repair of water fortresses and the expansion of docks, each of which requires huge sums of money.

These expenses add up to a considerable sum.

Where does the money come from?

Chen Qiyu muttered to himself, his gaze falling on the empty ledger on the table.

The military pay allocated by the imperial court was already stretched thin, and local taxes were even more woefully inadequate.

He suddenly remembered the warships that had been sold off, and the silver that should have been used to maintain the navy, now seemingly in someone's pocket.
Just as Chen Qiyu was frowning and racking his brains to raise funds for the army, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.

The footsteps approached from afar, sounding exceptionally clear in the silent hall.

"Reporting to the master!"

The guard strode into the hall, knelt on one knee, and spoke with a hint of excitement in his voice.

"The Imperial Guards have arrived, saying that the confessions from Zhang Erxin and the others have been obtained!"

Upon hearing this, Chen Qiyu was taken aback at first, and then a long-lost smile suddenly appeared on his face.

He slammed his hand on the table, his eyes gleaming: "Good! You've come at just the right time!"

Just moments ago, they were worried about the huge military expenses for rebuilding the navy, but unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better in the blink of an eye.

Zhang Erxin and his ilk had been entrenched in Tianjin for many years, embezzling military funds and reselling military equipment, lining their own pockets with countless ill-gotten gains.

Now is the time to make them vomit up everything they've swallowed!
"Bring him in immediately!"

Chen Qiyu gave the order without hesitation.

Before long, a Jinyiwei captain dressed in a flying fish robe slowly walked in.

He first bowed respectfully to Chen Qiyu, then took out a sealed confession from his pocket and presented it with both hands: "Reporting to Your Excellency, this is what Commander Xu personally interrogated. Please take a look."

Chen Qiyu took the confession and eagerly tore off the seal.

His eyes grew brighter and brighter as his gaze swept quickly across the pages, until finally he couldn't help but slam his hand on the table and exclaim, "Good! Good! Good!"

The three "good" words, each louder than the last, echoed throughout the hall.

Chen Qiyu's hands trembled slightly as he held the confession, his face beaming with undisguised joy: "With these embezzled funds, the funding for rebuilding the three garrisons of Tianjin and the navy will be secured!"

He immediately ordered the Imperial Guards in front of him: "Pass on my order, Xu Xianchun is to immediately lead the Imperial Guards to confiscate all the property of Zhang Erxin and others according to the list in this confession! Not a single copper coin shall be missed!"

The Imperial Guard captain clasped his hands in acceptance of the order: "Your subordinate will go and relay the order immediately!"

(End of this chapter)