"Deputy Marshal, why don't you go tell the Marshal and raise the tax by 30% for the time being?" Shi Naian said with a frown.
"If we don't increase it, the 30% tax is a lot. If we increase these taxes, the people will have to work hard for a year and they may not even be able to have a full meal. It will not be conducive to the general's popular support, so we cannot increase it." Zhu Han We are still opposed to increasing taxes on the people.
"What should I do?"
Shi Naian also did not want to increase the burden on the people, but if he did not establish a safe warehouse of grain and grass supplies, he could not guarantee the response to emergencies.
"Sir, there is actually nothing to worry about. The so-called scholars, farmers, industry and commerce, we are short of money, we can't just stare at a 'farmer' and try to pick up the wool. I am a farmer. If I piss off the farmer, that's a big deal." The boat will capsize." Zhu Han said with a smile.
"What the deputy commander said makes sense, but the scholars are already honest because they are allocating land to the local tycoons. Most of them have already joined the deputy commander's service, so why don't we add more taxes to them?" Shi Naian said.
"In addition to these two, there is also industry and commerce!" Zhu Han said.
"Agriculture is the foundation. Now that agriculture is not prosperous, how can we talk about industry and commerce?" Shi Naian still thinks in the same old way. He only thinks that the world's interests are certain. If agriculture is not good, then industry and commerce are useless.
"Then sir, you are wrong. I have heard that the world is rich. We can't make much profit just by relying on salt. If we make some other products and sell them to Jiangsu and Zhejiang, it will be equivalent to In addition, several salt trade lines have been opened!" Zhu Han said with confidence.
"What does the deputy commander mean?"
"I plan to set up the Department of Industry and the Department of Commerce in Chuzhou, supervise a number of workshops and shops, and strengthen the bureau's armaments for our army." Zhu Han said.
When he heard that the Department of Industry and the Department of Commerce were to be established, Shi Naian did not show any surprise. He knew that the deputy commander always valued industry and commerce.
However, these two industries are different from agriculture. Even in the initial stage, they require a lot of manpower and material resources, and they cannot be effective just by working hard in the farmland.
"Deputy Commander, whether it's the Department of Commerce or the Department of Industry, I'm afraid they need a lot of money to prepare, right?" Shi Naian asked.
"Well, you're right. I've done a rough calculation. It requires at least three hundred thousand silver, as well as a large number of craftsmen and supplies."
In Zhu Han's plan, the workshops established in the first step are mainly for high-profit industries such as glass, sugar, and printing, which have already been successfully tested, and can quickly recover costs and make profits.
It is almost impossible to establish so many workshops just by relying on local craftsmen in addition to the state.
really.
When Shi Naian heard Zhu Han's plan, he immediately took a breath of cold air.
"Deputy Commander, what a generous act!"
He was so poor but he dared to think of such a big plan. Shi Naian really admired Zhu Han.
With a start-up capital of 300,000 silver coins and at least thousands of craftsmen, Shi Naian felt that he could not figure out a way no matter what.
You know, the taxes collected by the Mongolian Yuan in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were only about two million silver coins.
Shi Naian felt that if he wanted to obtain this start-up capital, he might have to send more soldiers to Jiangsu and Zhejiang to gather Qi Mansion to threaten and extort.
"That won't work. Bolu and others in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces have already claimed to be 'mutual protection between the two rivers' and have shown their neutrality in front of the people of the world. If we attack Jiangsu and Zhejiang again, I am afraid it will affect the hearts of the people everywhere, and it will also It will affect the salt trade." Zhu Han objected.
Today, the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties are already caught in a fight between two factions.
Both Empress Dowager Qi and Emperor Aiyou faced a huge identity crisis. Many Mongolian and Yuan princes and generals doubted the legitimacy of Emperor Aiyou's identity.
Hama, Temur and others from the opposition supported Wei King Polo Timur, and they were very likely to enter Beijing to "Jingnan".
Bolu, Ji and others in the south of the Yangtze River actually jointly issued a proclamation, declaring that the Jiangxi Province and the Zhejiang Province would not interfere in the struggle between Dadu and Bianliang. , neither to Dadu nor to the King of Wei in Bianliang.
Many people feel that the provinces of Jiangsu and Zhejiang and Jiangxi have made a bad move and are sitting on the fence with no favors from both sides.
No matter which side gets the advantage in the future, they will definitely not be spared.
but.
Zhu Han knew that was not the case.
Ever since the Red Scarf Army, under the command of Zhu Han, killed Emperor Yuan and annihilated an army of one million men, the Mongolian and Yuan officials in Liangjiang had thoroughly experienced the feeling of "their vitality has been exhausted."
Even the emperor was killed by rebels, but he was still busy fighting among himself. How could there be any justice if the Yuan Dynasty did not fall?
Therefore, Pingzhang Bolu of Jiangsu and Zhejiang has already begun to plan for the possibility of completely surrendering to the Red Turban Army Zhu Yuanzhang brothers in the future.
After all, the troops in the north of the Yangtze River are powerful. Once they cross the river and go south, let alone Bolu's Jiangsu and Zhejiang troops, even if they join forces with the troops in Jiangxi Province, they may not be able to stop the attack.
Therefore, this "mutual protection of the two rivers" seems to be an attempt to help the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties, but it is actually an ambiguous statement to express anger with Zhu Hantong.
How could Zhu Han threaten Bolu and others at this time?
"Did the handsome man have another idea?" Shi Naian asked.
"Well, that's right. I heard that there is a wealthy man in the south of the Yangtze River. It can be said that he is as rich as anyone in the country?" Zhu Han asked.
Shi Naian's eyes suddenly lit up. "Shen Fu Shen Wansan?"
"That's right, it's Shen Wansan!" Zhu Han said with a slight smile.
Shen Wansan's name can be said to be a household name in Jiangnan, known to all ages. Because Shen Wansan has so much wealth, many people think that Shen Wansan has a cornucopia of treasures given by gods hidden in his home, which is why he has so much wealth.
Zhu Han knew that Shen Wansan was actually a good businessman. Based on the fields in the south of the Yangtze River, he expanded various workshops and shops and supported thousands of craftsmen. He also engaged in maritime trade and exported large quantities of porcelain, silk, Tea and other specialties.
"I remember that my husband once served as an official in Suzhou. He must have some connections. Can you go to Suzhou and find out Shen Wansan's background for me? If possible, I will go to Suzhou in person and learn about this for a while. Shen Wansan, let’s discuss a plan to make a fortune." Zhu Han said immediately.
"What, the deputy commander is going to Suzhou?"
"We will definitely rule Jiangnan soon. If we don't meet Shen Wansan first, we are afraid that it will be difficult to deal with the gentry and wealthy families in Jiangnan in the future, so we will just practice our skills first." Zhu Han said with a smile.
"The deputy commander-in-chief's body is worth millions of dollars and is related to the great cause of liberation. He cannot go to Jiangnan in danger. After all, Jiangsu and Zhejiang are still nominally Mongolian!" Shi Naian was very worried.
Today, Shi Naian has the ambition to help Zhu Yuanzhang's brothers strive for world hegemony.
As the deputy commander, Zhu Han couldn't have any surprises.
After Zhu Han heard this, he burst out laughing.
"Don't worry, sir. Liu Bowen wrote to me several times and told me that Bolu, Fan Yao and others are frightened every day, lest we find a reason to invade Jiangnan. If I go to Jiangnan, it would be abnormal for them not to offer sacrifices to their ancestors. How could anyone dare to It’s not good for me.” Zhu Han smiled.
Bolu, Fan Yao and others are now very scared, lest Zhu Han and others do not respect martial ethics and march to Jiangnan alone, not even leaving them a chance to be fat sheep.
"That makes me feel relieved. I don't know when you plan to let me go to Suzhou. I had some contact with Shen Wansan back then." Shi Naian said.
Shi Naian's ancestral home was in Suzhou and he later moved to Xinghua. After becoming a scholar at Mengyuan High School, he was first awarded an official position in Suzhou Prefecture and was later promoted to the magistrate of Qiantang County.
During those two years in Suzhou, I naturally had dealings with Suzhou celebrity Shen Wansan.
"Just wait a few more days. I'm going to Suzhou now. After all, I want to get Shen Wansan to do business. I plan to ask you to bring some samples to Shen Wansan to see, so that he won't pay for it." Zhu Han said.
"Then I will be on standby at any time!" Shi Naian said quickly.
Zhu Han planned to ask Shi Naian to bring three samples in total, namely transparent glass, white sugar and soap.
Workshops in all provinces can now produce these three products, but due to the shortage of raw materials and the shortage of craftsmen, they cannot expand production on a larger scale.
Making transparent glass and soap requires a large amount of soda ash. This natural mineral requires large business channels to have sufficient supply and reserves.
Making white sugar is relatively simple, just decolorizing brown sugar with yellow mud water, but a large amount of brown sugar raw materials also requires the support of a large company.
Zhu Han spent the next few days in the backyard of the Yamen whether he had anything to do or not.
He set up several commodity workshops for testing directly in the backyard of the Yamen. They were not big anyway, with a total of dozens of people.
After another three days of preparation, the number of samples required by Zhu Han was finally prepared.
"Seventy-five, five hundred glass bowls, one thousand catties of white sugar, five hundred catties of rock sugar, and one thousand soaps."
Second brother-in-law Li Zhen saw Zhu Han coming and hurriedly came up to report with a smile.
Since being appointed to take charge of the rebel salt business, the second brother-in-law Li Zhen has become more and more skilled. Not only does he manage the salt business in an orderly manner, but he also helps Zhu Han supervise the establishment of three workshops: glass, sugar and soap. .
"Very good! Second brother-in-law, please hurry up and send someone to prepare for shipment. All glass bowls are protected with straw. Don't break them. Sugar and soap are also wrapped in good oil paper to prevent them from getting wet. Let's In the future, you will have to rely on these things to make a lot of money." Zhu Han said with a smile.
Second brother-in-law Li Zhen nodded quickly and arranged for a few capable men to prepare and pack the carriages, horses and boats.
"Qi Wu, I heard that these goods are all going to Shen Wansan?" Second brother-in-law Li Zhen asked in a low voice.
His face was full of reluctance. Such a large amount of goods was priceless.
Zhu Han laughed when he heard this. "Send it away? How is that possible? Although I want to win over Shen Wansan, I am definitely not trying to please him. It can even be said that Shen Wansan should try his best to please us. There is no need to give it to him."
Recently, the news that the Red Scarf Army killed Emperor Yuan and annihilated millions of troops in Huaidong has set off a storm of public opinion among the people in Jiangnan.
Many people in the south of the Yangtze River have spread rumors that the Red Scarf Army will march south to Jiangsu and Zhejiang in the near future. At that time, there will be a big reshuffle of power and wealth.
Rich people like Shen Wansan were all horrified, fearing that the Meng Yuan court would fall and the Red Turban Army would confiscate their homes and steal their wealth.
"That's good, that's good!"
When the second brother-in-law Li Zhen heard this, he immediately smiled like a flower. As long as his family does not suffer a loss, the second brother-in-law Li Zhen will feel comfortable.
"I plan to put this batch of goods on consignment with Shen Wansan. I also want to show Shen Wansan our new goods and let him know that future cooperation will be profitable," Zhu Han said.
Whether it is glass, sugar or soap, it can only be made with technical advantages.
As a successful businessman, Shen Wansan must understand the profits involved, and if he wants to make money, he must cooperate with Zhu Han.
In order to ensure that Shen Wansan cooperates obediently and does not have to worry about Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Meng Yuan officials launching an army to investigate, Zhu Han also specially sent a letter to Liu Bowen, explaining his plans and asking Bolu, Fan Yao and others to prepare the red scarf for the elimination of the state. We must ensure the safety of the troops going south, otherwise if something goes wrong, the Red Scarf Army will bombard Jinling and raise troops to punish them.
Zhu Han had just sent someone to deliver a message to Liu Bowen and was preparing for Shi Naian to go to Suzhou when he received another military intelligence.
"Deputy Commander, there is a military report from Longhaiwei in Taizhou. There are many large ships coming from the East China Sea, under the banner of the Koryo Kingdom. It seems that they are coming with bad intentions."
As soon as Zhu Han fell asleep, Chen Baodao woke him up.
The Red Scarf Army set up Longhai Guards in Taizhou, Huaidong, specifically responsible for alerting the enemy on the outer sea.
Unexpectedly, just over a month later, it was already working.
Zhu Han took the military report and read it immediately.
"These Goryeo sticks are very good lackeys of the Mongols. They sent the navy here so quickly." Zhu Han sneered, looking very chilling in the candlelight.
"Deputy Commander, what should we do?" Chen Baodao asked.
The Red Scarf Army only had a dozen ships and hundreds of naval forces in Longhaiwei, and those Goryeo naval forces who were able to cross the sea must have had no small boats. Once a battle broke out, the naval vessels would be at a disadvantage. Defeated.
"Haha, these Korean sticks are just a coincidence. I just have a new ship, so I can use them to practice my skills!" Zhu Han said with a smile.
Subsequently, Zhu Han sent Chen Baodao to order the Red Turban Army Shipyard hidden on the north bank of the Yangtze River to prepare for war and be ready to attack at any time.
As for Shi Naian's trip to Suzhou, it will not be affected at all.
"Deputy Marshal, I heard that there is an attack by Goryeo barbarians. Why don't you postpone your trip to Suzhou for the time being and ask your subordinate to help plan the military plane!" Shi Naian was a little uneasy.
"It doesn't matter, sir, just go to Suzhou. I've asked Liu Bowen to say hello, and the journey will be smooth. As for these Korean naval forces, they are just clowns. I can wipe them out with just a few clicks of my fingers." Zhu Han said.
"Well, I will go to Suzhou immediately. I hope the deputy commander will win!" Shi Naian said.
Shi Naian led the Red Scarf Army merchant ship and set off south. Zhu Han left Zhou Dexing, Chang Yuchun and others to stay in Chuzhou. Hu Weiyong was in charge of government affairs. He took Chen Baodao, Hu Yiba, Lan Yu and others to the north bank of the Yangtze River. secret navy base.
Here, two brand-new level five artillery sail warships finally revealed their ferocious looks.
The fifth-level sailing battleship was made by Zhu Han after signing in to the system to obtain the drawings, and after some deletions and modifications by the craftsmen.
It throws away some excess weight and gains a shallower draft, enabling unobstructed navigation in the Yangtze River and offshore waters.
There are a total of thirty eighteen-pound guns, twelve-pound guns, and six-pound guns on both sides of the ship. If it were placed in the Age of Discovery, this firepower would probably only scratch the itch of first- and second-level battleships.
However, in today's inland rivers and offshore waters, these two level five offshore warships are the destructive water war demons.
"Dear mother, such a big boat!" Lan Yu exclaimed.
As a teenager, Lan Yu was already promoted by Zhu Han to be a member of the Model Army's Private Thousand Households due to her bravery in combat. She was a strategic talent that was focused on training.
"Haha, it's just a hundred-foot ship. You won't be scared to death when a hundred-foot warship is built in the future." Zhu Han joked.
"Deputy Commander, this is already big enough!" Lan Yu was still speechless.
After Zhu Han and his party arrived, a group of Red Scarf Army generals came out from the navy camp to greet them.
The leader was a man with a long body and an iron face, a ferocious face, like a glaring King Kong, and he was about three years old.
As soon as he saw Zhu Han, he immediately led his followers to greet him.
"Last General Hu Dahai, pay homage to the deputy commander!"
It turned out that this man was Hu Dahai, a famous general in the early Ming Dynasty. He was from Sizhou. He had been in the rivers and lakes in his early years and had a lot of experience in water warfare. After defecting to the rebel army in Sizhou, he was assigned by Zhu Han to secretly train new water weapons here. military.
"Get up, how is your naval training going?" Zhu Han strode towards the military camp.
Hu Dahai and others quickly stood up and followed Zhu Han, reporting as they walked.
"Don't worry, Deputy Commander. Our brothers in the water village have all practiced. As long as we go into battle, no matter what thieves we encounter, they will be blasted to death!" Hu Dahai shouted loudly like a bell! shouted.
Later, Hu Dahai's two sons, Hu Sanshe and Hu Guanzhu, also shouted loudly.
Hu Dahai and his son almost shared the same face. Zhu Han looked at the rough and cute look and immediately waved his hand.
"Since you, Hu Dahai, have made a promise, I will give you this opportunity!"
"What, really?" Hu Dahai suddenly looked surprised.
After joining the Red Scarf Army in Chuzhou, Hu Dahai originally planned to earn military honors such as "climbing first, seizing the city, and beheading generals" based on his ordinary abilities. However, just because he said he was familiar with some water battles, he was put on the bench. This is the bow of the navy.
"Of course it's true, but I'm still a little worried. How do you master the navy drill manuals and artillery drill manuals I gave you?" Zhu Han asked.
"Don't worry, deputy commander. We have more than 600 brothers here. They eat, drink, and practice without forgetting. They are already very familiar with it!" Hu Dahai said excitedly.
"Okay, then I'll see what you're capable of during the voyage!"
Military information came from Longhaiwei, which means that the Goryeo navy has been lingering for many days.
Zhu Han decided to go to Longhaiwei immediately to repel these Goryeo naval forces who did not know the heights of the sky.
"Okay, deputy commander!"
Hu Dahai waved his hand happily, and the dozens of feet of camouflaged water plants covering the river surface were moved away.
The two sail warships flew downstream along the Yangtze River.
Zhu Han led everyone aboard the battleship and tested the naval gunners' operations along the way.
Thirty artillery pieces, large and small, fired several rounds in an orderly manner, which made Zhu Han quite satisfied.
.
.
Taizhou Longhaiwei, the mouth of the Yangtze River.
A fleet under the Korean flag was stationed on the shore.
On the largest tank ship, Quan Qian, the envoy of the Third Division of Korea, was looking proudly into the distance.
There, a group of Goryeo soldiers and horses who had landed were setting fires everywhere, trying to lure the red scarf navy on the north bank to attack.
Quan Qian was an important minister and deputy prime minister of Goryeo, and he belonged to the "Tingyuan faction" in Goryeo.
This time, under the orders of the Empress Dowager Qi of the Yuan Dynasty, she led a huge navy fleet with a total of thirty large and small ships.
Their purpose was to challenge the officials of Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces on behalf of the Empress Dowager Qi of the Yuan Dynasty and blame them for the so-called "mutual protection of the two Jiangsu".
When necessary, the Goryeo navy would use force on behalf of the empress dowager and emperor of the Yuan Dynasty to teach Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces a lesson.
Because according to the intelligence provided by most of the Yuan Dynasty, the red scarf navy in the Yangtze River area was mostly small boats and could not fight the Goryeo navy coming across the sea.
"Sir, the red scarf thief has become a coward and refuses to come out to fight!"
After setting fire to lure them, Long Haiwei's red scarf navy still guarded the camp, and the ships had no intention of attacking.
"Forget it, if they don't come out, then let them go!"
Quan Qian said with a proud look on his face.
Then, he asked his entourage again.
"Did Jiang and Zhejiang provinces send someone to reply to the letter? Why haven't we prepared trackers for us yet?"
The Goryeo Navy warships were sea-going ships and were unable to sail upstream in the Yangtze River. They had to be towed by trackers before they could move forward.
The task of finding trackers naturally needs to be arranged by Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces.
"Sir, the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces have not responded yet. I am afraid that Bolu and others will disobey." said a young Goryeo official.
His name is Yuan Hao, he is Quan Qian's son-in-law, and he is also the navy and horse envoy of the Goryeo Kingdom.
"Hmph, we have an order from Empress Dowager Dayuan, how dare Bolu really rebel? We'll just wait here."
Quan Qian, relying on the Empress Dowager Qi's family, no longer took Bolu's Mongolian identity seriously.
In the past, this was something that the Koreans would never have dared to think about. As a vassal state, the Koreans were worse than eagles and dogs in front of the Mongols.
Even the King of Goryeo, because the queen he married was Princess Mengyuan, was bullied and insulted by Princess Mengyuan like a slave.
However, several Korean kings did not dare to have the slightest temper.
Quan Qian and others felt that both the Red Scarf Army and the Yuan Army had been defeated. Seeing such a large and powerful naval force, they no longer dared to fight.
They only need to stay at the mouth of the Yangtze River and not leave. As for food supplies, they can go ashore and plunder the Han people in the territory of the red scarf thieves in the north.
If there is really no need to rob, then go to the south bank to rob. Anyway, they are all Han people under the rule of Meng Yuan. They are just third-class untouchables. They are equivalent to second-class Koreans.
After nightfall, the Korean navy ate the chicken, duck and fish they snatched from the shore, and then fell asleep happily.
Soon, after one night, morning mist appeared on the Yangtze River.
The Red Turban Navy led by Zhu Han only had ten ships in total. Except for two fifth-level battleships, the rest were all fast boats with small displacement.
"Deputy Commander, there is a Korean naval force ahead. They have been camping on the shore for a long time."
A clipper commander came to report to Zhu Han.
Zhu Han frowned slightly. "Is there any movement among Long Haiwei's men?"
"not at all!"
When Zhu Han heard this, he felt a little unhappy.
The Goryeo naval forces were stationed right under their noses, but the Long Haiwei navy did not move at all.
Are these people cowards?
"Hu Dahai!" Zhu Han ordered.
"The general is here!" Hu Dahai quickly stepped out from behind.
"Attack and destroy these Goryeo barbarians!" Zhu Han said.
"Okay, I will obey the order!" Hu Dahai immediately took the order and left.
Soon, the two fifth-level battleships of the Red Scarf Army raised their full sails.
The two warships first turned their heads and sailed towards the south bank of the Yangtze River, and then maneuvered their sails to plunge diagonally behind the Korean navy.
The Korean naval sentry who had just woken up in the morning finally discovered two ships of unknown origin.
"Sir, a ship is coming!"
Quan Qian, who was rewarded, didn't take it seriously at all.
Because these two warships came from the south bank, Quan Qian thought they were sent by the Meng Yuan Province of Jiangsu and Zhejiang to greet them.
Moreover, there are only two ships in total. Even if they are slightly larger, they cannot be the opponent of their Korean navy.
"Why are you panicking! He must be from Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. Maybe there is an apology gift on board!" Quan Qian's eyes were full of greed.
Quan Qian has long heard about the prosperity of Jiangnan in China.
Now they are here under the order of the Empress Dowager, that is, they are the imperial envoys of Dayuan. The Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces must try their best to please themselves.
However, the sailing route of the two ships was very strange. They did not approach directly, but sailed diagonally to the side and rear of the Goryeo navy.
When they were a hundred steps away from them, the two boats turned around and turned one side of the boat sideways towards them.
All the Goryeo naval forces were confused by what they saw in front of them.
"Something's wrong, hurry up and prepare for battle!"
Upon seeing this, Quan Qian immediately ordered.
If it were a ship from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, it would definitely be approaching, but now it was doing something strange a hundred steps away. Quan Qian already had a bad feeling.
"Yes, sir!" Son-in-law Yuan Hao responded quickly.
but.
Before Yuan Hao had time to issue the order, he was shocked and stunned by the loud noises.
Boom boom!
boom!
I saw two large ships in the distance blowing out clouds of white smoke and making thunderous noises.
Then, a series of explosions sounded from the ships of the Goryeo navy.
ah!
The hard wooden hull was like a paper lake, shattering into pieces.
Many Korean navy soldiers were beaten to death by flying sawdust.
The big ship Quan Qian was riding on was the object of special attention.
At least three shells hit Quan Qian's ship, and many Goryeo navy soldiers were beaten to death on the spot.
Quan Qian was so frightened that he collapsed to the ground, holding on to the side of the boat with one hand and shouting something unknown.
"Come on, come and fight!"
"Fight!"
His son-in-law Yuan Hao emboldened himself, raised his sword high and shouted loudly, hoping to get the Goryeo navy to launch a counterattack.
but.
The signal flag of the Goryeo Navy had just been hoisted when another loud rumbling sound was heard from the two large ships on the opposite side.
"Big guns!"
Quan Qian finally realized that these enemies of unknown origin must be red scarf thieves.
Because, after the disastrous defeat of Huaidong before the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty, rumors about the powerful artillery of the Red Scarf Army had already spread to Goryeo.
However, Quan Qian and the others never expected that the red scarf thief's artillery could be so powerful.
Even at a distance of a hundred steps, you can still achieve such high accuracy!
This time the artillery bombardment was even more intense than the first time.
The single-layer wooden hull of the Goryeo navy could not withstand the bombardment of more than ten kilograms of iron projectiles, and it was riddled with holes in an instant.
Moreover, what frightened Quan Qian even more was that his son-in-law Yuan Hao was directly hit by the artillery of the Red Turban Army during this bombardment. Half of his upper body was smashed into a pile of rotten flesh without even a groan. , so utterly dead.
Quan Qian immediately turned pale with fright and lost the courage to organize a counterattack. No matter how the generals on the side shouted, they just lay on the deck and wailed without making any move.
The artillery hit rate of the two battleships of the Red Turban Army was basically only about 30%.
"It's still a bit bad."
Zhu Han was not very satisfied with this hit rate.
Hu Dahai, who was next to him, heard this and immediately said with some shame.
"Deputy Commander, after I go back, I will train those boys hard!"
Zhu Han nodded slightly: "It doesn't matter now. These Korean naval forces have already been beaten. Come closer and beat them harder."
The two artillery warships of the Red Scarf Army were basically invincible dimensionality reduction strikes in the late Yuan Dynasty.
Although the wooden warships at this time were very careful in their protection, they could only defend against ordinary collisions and stone throwing. They were basically defenseless against the fierce bombardment of artillery.
Nowadays, once it is violently bombarded by the 18-pounder, I don't know how to deal with it.
The ships of the Goryeo navy have not deployed yet, but are still clustered together, which provides an excellent opportunity for the Red Scarf Army.
After the Red Scarf Army warships approached, several more rounds of bombardment were carried out, smashing all the sails, masts and other key elements of the Koryo navy, leaving them without the ability to maneuver.
Some Korean naval warships behind them began to flee in a hurry, and they sailed to the sea through the current.
However, the two warships of the Red Scarf Army were far superior to them in sailing and maneuvering. In just a short time, they sank several Goryeo warships trying to escape on the Yangtze River.
Dozens of warships of the Goryeo navy that originally showed off their might were half sunk by the Red Turban navy, and the rest were in dilapidated condition, drifting in the river and waiting to die.
After half a day of final fighting, more than a thousand Korean navy soldiers were captured.
Zhu Han ordered the Red Scarf Army warships to dock and escorted these Korean navy troops to Longhaiwei Water Village.
The commander of Longhaiwei Water Village had just opened the camp gate when Zhu Han shouted sharply.
"Being afraid of the enemy and afraid of fighting, what crime do you deserve!"
Zhang Dayou, the commander of Long Haiwei, quickly apologized: "Deputy Commander, Long Haiwei only has a few small boats. If you leave the gate of the water village, you will die."
Zhu Han ignored these reasons at all.
This Longhaiwei is their first stronghold in Huaidong. It not only provides warning to the Yangtze River water surface, but also shows its strength under Zhang Shicheng's eyes.
Facing a few Goryeo naval forces, the Yonghaiwei rebels could not stand back and watched as the Goryeo navy came ashore to loot, burn, and kill.
If this crime was not punished, Zhu Han felt that the consequences would be bad if Zhang Shicheng knew about it.
"Come here, send him back to Chuzhou, and we will discuss the crime after I get back!"
Zhu Han shouted sternly, and two soldiers came forward and escorted Zhang Dayou, who repeatedly begged for mercy.
Then, Zhu Han looked at Hu Guanzhu, the second son of Hu Dahai beside him.
"Hu Guan, you have done a good job in shelling the enemy today and hit the most hits. I have ordered you to command the Longhai Guard. From now on, you will guard the rivers and seas for the army!"
Hu Guanzhu, who was less than twenty years old, was stunned with surprise when he heard the news.
Hu Dahai, who was on the side, was the first to react. He put his foot on his second son's butt.
"Asshole, why don't you thank the deputy commander quickly!"
Only then did Hu Guanzhu realize what he was doing, and he immediately gave him a big salute: "I thank you, Deputy Commander, and I will fight to the death to repay you in the future!"
Hu Guanzhu was originally a gun commander in the Red Turban Army, equivalent to a small flag or something in the infantry.
On top of the long ones, there are also the general flag, hundreds of households, thousands of households and the commander.
Hu Guanzhu was promoted from chief to commander of Long Haiwei, almost on an equal footing with his father.
Zhu Han did this, on the one hand, because Hu Guanzhu was indeed solid in combat skills and could practice artillery extremely skillfully. On the other hand, he wanted all the navy soldiers to see the benefits of military exploits, and not to think that the navy could not gain anything. When it comes to the level of heads, there is no promotion in battle.
After inspecting Longhaiwei, Zhu Han discovered some shortcomings and ordered the accompanying personal guards to record them one by one, preparing to start rectification immediately after returning to Chuzhou.
The main problem of Longhaiwei's defense is the shortage of manpower and artillery.
The Yangtze River is wide for several miles downstream, so the Red Scarf Army must add some large ships with combat effectiveness.
This matter is easy to handle. Although the Korean navy warships captured in this battle are not as good as the latest artillery warships of the Red Turban Army, they are still enough for their own use. They only need some repairs and they can be put to use.
Another artillery issue forced Zhu Han to return to Chuzhou to make plans.
Several of Longhaiwei's artillery pieces are too small. Not only do they not have a far enough range, they also have very little power.
After Zhu Han decided to return to Chuzhou, the next big thing was to build artillery with a longer range and more power.
Yonghaiwei's fort must have artillery that can cover the near shore to avoid another attack by the Goryeo naval forces under their noses.
"Sir, what should we do with those Goryeo barbarians?" the personal guard commander Chen Baodao suddenly asked.
There were more than a thousand Goryeo prisoners of war, and Zhu Han wanted to keep their lives.
"Bring the leader here first." Zhu Han said.
"As you command, my lord!"
Soon, a middle-aged Korean man about forty years old was brought in.
His face was full of fear and fear, and he was obviously frightened by the artillery of the Red Turban Army.
"My dear, please spare my life! My dear, please spare my life!"
As soon as he saw Zhu Han, he immediately knelt on the ground and shouted in Chinese.
Zhu Han knew that he was a high-ranking Goryeo official, but he seemed to be proficient in Chinese and Mongolian.
"What is your name and what official position you hold in Goryeo? Tell me everything." Zhu Han said coldly.
Then, Quan Qian, who was kneeling on the ground, told everything like pouring beans through a bamboo tube.
From the struggle between Dadu and Bianliang within the Mongolian and Yuan Dynasties, to the struggle between the two factions of "anti-Mongolian" and "supporting the Mongolian" in Goryeo, everything is mentioned.
"There are millions of people in Goryeo who already hate the Mongols. As long as you let me go back, I will definitely urge the king to let Goryeo rebel against the Mongols and join the rebel army!" Quan Qian finally said begging for mercy.
Zhu Han would not believe a word of such nonsense.
The Koreans have long been accustomed to being Mongolian dogs. The Red Turban Army in history has invaded Korea several times, but they have never fallen to the Red Turban Army.
Now that it was just a naval defeat, how could the King of Goryeo turn to the Red Turban Army.
"When it's time to let you go, I will let you go, but now is not the time." Zhu Han smiled coldly.
"Then, when?" Quan Qian kneeled on the ground and asked bravely.
Zhu Han was too lazy to pay attention to him and waved his hand to ask the soldiers to take Quan Qian down.
At the same time, he said to Chen Baodao and Hu Guanzhu beside him.
"Early tomorrow morning, we will gather the nearby people. They have all been harmed by the Goryeo thieves. Let them come to the military camp to watch the punishment. We will take a hundred of the Goryeo prisoners and behead them in public to avenge the people."
For these prisoners, Zhu Han retained them to lead the party in preparing to attack Goryeo soon.
Although the peninsula where Goryeo is located is mostly mountainous, it is barren and has inconvenient transportation, and it has little output.
However, in today's Goryeo, there are a large number of resources that the Red Scarf Army is extremely short of, and that is horses!
As a loyal lackey vassal of the Mongols, Goryeo raised a large number of horses in the country as specialties to pay tribute to the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty. It can be said that Goryeo's pariah children were starved to death, and the war horses of the Yuan Dynasty were starved to death, which was a big sin.
Moreover, on Tamna Island in the south of the Koryo Peninsula, which was later known as Jeju Island, the Mongols set up a general administration office here specifically to manage horse administration.
Now there are approximately 50,000 to 60,000 horses, and they are all excellent war horses.
Although Tamna Island is not a territory of Goryeo, most of the residents speak the Goryeo language, and the majority are Koreans.
Zhu Han really wanted to capture Tamna Island, so he naturally needed a group of guides who could speak Korean.
"All the remaining prisoners will be escorted back to Chuzhou, and they will have to work hard for three months to tame them. I will be of great use in the future."
Zhu Han gave orders to Chen Baodao.
Everything in Long Haiwei quickly settled down.
After Zhu Han returned to Chuzhou, he immediately sent people to Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces to report to Bolu and others, and solved possible potential threats for them.
Pingzhang Bolu and others from the Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces were very happy. Finally, these troublesome "imperial envoys" from Korea had no choice but to come.
In this way, Bolu and the others do not have to offend the Empress Dowager Qi, and can continue to be their own fence-sitters.
A few days later.
Shi Naian, who went to Suzhou to see Shen Wansan, finally came back.
Shi Naian looked relaxed, and it was obvious that the trip to Suzhou went smoothly.
"Deputy Commander, I saw Shen Wansan. As soon as he took out the three products, Shen Wansan was immediately impressed!"
As long as a normal businessman can definitely understand the value of glass, sugar and soap.
Zhu Han was not surprised at all by this result.
"How confident do you think it is for Shen Wansan to come to Zhuzhou with his money and craftsmen?" Zhu Han asked.
What is most lacking in the state now is money and craftsmen, which are also the issues that Zhu Han is most concerned about.
"Businessmen value profits. As long as it is profitable, Shen Wansan can do anything. However, Suzhou is still under the rule of Meng Yuan, and Shen Wansan seems to have scruples." Shi Naian said.
