The sea breeze blows, and the sultry heat is slightly relieved.
Luo Guanying climbed onto the Daming treasure ship along the rope ladder. Looking at the lively and familiar people, she couldn't help but grin, her dark face full of sunshine.
When Shen Wei saw Luo Guanying, he stepped forward and said: "I heard that you discovered chromium ore, why didn't you stay in South Africa to mine, and followed the fleet to the west coast of Africa?"
Zheng He did not take unified navigation actions during his voyage.
In order to ensure that at least one group of the main navy could complete the mission, Zheng He divided the entire large fleet into ten small fleets, sailed separately, and then agreed to assemble in a certain sea area or shore.
The sailing times of different small fleets are different, and the accompanying missions are also different. Although this decentralized sailing plan weakened the navy's strength, it also avoided the fleet from encountering disaster and the loss of all personnel to the greatest extent.
Fortunately, although the fleet was in danger several times and almost capsized, with its rich navigation experience, the navy fleet still arrived near the equator on the west coast of Africa without any danger.
Luo Guanying was among the last fleet to keep up with the Benguela cold current. After arriving at the agreed sea area, he began to land nearby to explore the land of Africa. It was not until Zheng He called that he led his troops to come for peace.
"The chrome ore is handed over to Li Su. They will complete their mission. The rest is up to us."
Luo Guanying's eyes showed tenacity.
Zheng He summoned everyone and put tables and chairs directly on the deck: "It has been a year and a half since we set sail on September 20, the fifth year of Jianwen. Is everyone homesick?"
Zhang Yu, Zhu Neng, Kuang Yu, Zhao Shiyu, Wan Qinglin and others couldn't help but feel a little dazed after hearing this.
It’s been a year and a half.
Time flies so fast. Looking back on this voyage, the first half of the journey was smooth sailing and there was not much danger in the voyage. On the other hand, in the southern waters of South Africa, strong winds and huge waves were surging. If they had not gone ashore for safety, it would have been difficult for the fleet to rendezvous here smoothly.
The sea is wonderful, it gives everyone new insights and exercises everyone's courage.
The sea is dangerous, it swallows up ships, and each brave sergeant is dragged into the depths of the sea, never to be seen again.
The sea is endless. It seems to have no end and is boundless. People and boats are as small as gravel and not worth mentioning.
However, we are all Ming people, soldiers of the Ming Dynasty who drive ships, travel thousands of miles, and hit the sky with waves! We shoulder an important mission, carry the national destiny of the Ming Dynasty, and finally come to the final journey!
Who doesn’t want to miss home?
The age of the parents, the voice of the wife, the smiles of the children, the souvenirs from relatives and friends, the shouts of the neighbors...
After being apart for a long time, everything feels precious.
But the problem is that the mission has not yet been completed, and the thoughts can only be hidden.
Zhang Yu let out a breath, and the figures of his family members disappeared one by one in his mind, and then said: "Don't say any more pretentious words. Everyone who comes here is a well-known man."
Kuang Yu, Yu Zhen and others glared at Zhang Yu. This group of people are all thinking about their families, and you are the only one who is making noise here.
Zhu Neng took a deep breath, felt stuffy again, and spit it out: "The trade wind is coming, the ocean currents have changed, and there is not much time left for us. If we leave early, we can land on the South American continent as soon as possible."
Zheng He looked at the generals with a majestic expression, raised his finger and pointed at the sun and moon flag on the flagpole: "Everyone, you all know the mission entrusted by the emperor, so I won't say more here. But I still need to remind you, Dong Facing the African continent, if you stay here, you still have a chance to return to the Ming Dynasty. If you follow the fleet to the west and enter the vast 5,000-mile sea with no stopping place, you may never return."
This is a road that is likely to have no return. Once it sets sail, the Ming Navy fleet will no longer be able to sail along the mainland. It will lose the docking of the islands and the supplies from the mainland. It will hand over its life to the vast sea. It is life or death. People can predict, and no one can be sure that they will come back alive.
Zheng He looked deeply at the people. Some of them had been sailing with him for many years and were rich in experience. Some of them were sailing with him for the first time and were full of fighting spirit.
But sailing now is no better than before. The sea in front of us is a deadly deep blue. Stepping into it is like walking on the line of life and death. If you are not careful, you will no longer be able to survive.
Zheng He cleared his throat and said in a gentle voice: "I know how heavy the mission is, but I, Zheng He, am the commander of this fleet. If you choose to stay, no one will blame you."
"Stay? Who would stay at this time!" Luo Guanying stomped down the deck with his bare feet, laughing: "You have come all the way from thousands of miles away, shouldering the fate of the country and the destiny of the people. Which one of you standing here is not a man who stands upright? Let's go. I said, let’s just set sail and set sail without too much mobilization.”
Shen Wei nodded repeatedly and echoed: "Deputy Commander Zheng, there is no need to say inspiring words. Our Navy has already made its position clear by arriving here. Everyone is looking forward to digging potatoes and picking corn as soon as possible. No one Will back off.”
Wang Jinghong laughed and said to Zheng He and others: "Look, I just said that there are no cowards in the Navy, so we might as well directly arrange the voyage."
Seeing that everyone's eyes were determined and unyielding, Zheng He nodded solemnly: "In this case, I won't say more. The most dangerous sea area is ahead. It is very likely that many of us will not be able to reach the South American continent. It is very likely that There is no way to return to the Ming Dynasty. However, as long as one fleet obtains new species, as long as one fleet returns to the Ming Dynasty, the victory belongs to the Ming Dynasty navy and to the Ming Dynasty!"
"I hope you will remember that no matter how many people are killed in the sea or how many ships sink at the bottom of the sea on the way forward, you must move forward firmly. Even in desperate situations, you must grit your bones and grit your teeth. Even if the desperate situation is penetrated and killed, we can never give up hope, let alone look back!"
Zhang Yu, Zhu Neng and others were shocked.
The faces of Luo Guanying, Wan Qinglin and others stopped laughing and were full of solemnity. Speaking of this, it means that there is no turning back when the bow is fired, and it means that if you don't succeed, you will be benevolent!
Zheng He was ready to sacrifice, but were he ready?
Zheng He solemnly said: "When the captain dies, the deputy captain takes over. When the deputy captain dies, the helmsman takes over. When the helmsman dies, the captain of the guard takes over. When the captain of the guard dies, the lookout takes over! No matter how many casualties there are on this trip, the fleet must pay tribute to him." Sailing west! The only military order for this voyage is to reach South America alive! Now, I will issue a military order, and the fleets will receive orders to prepare for the voyage! Zhang Yu! "
"The general is here!"
"You will lead one big treasure ship, one medium treasure ship, and two big fortune ships to set sail in three days!"
"Take orders!"
Zhang Yu is a veteran with rich experience in navigation and naval warfare, and he is calm. It is appropriate for him to lead the team on the first voyage.
"Luo Guanying!"
Zheng He shouted loudly. Luo Guanying walked out and shouted loudly: "The general is here!"
Zheng He stared at Luo Guanying. This young man had an unusual status, but he never flinched once. This voyage could be said to be extremely dangerous, but he still did not flinch!
Since we are all going to take this road, let him take the lead.
"You will lead one big treasure ship, one medium treasure ship, and two big fortune ships to set sail in four days!"
Zheng He ordered.
Luo Guanying did not refuse and accepted the order proudly.
Zheng He once again ordered Wang Jinghong, Wan Qinglin, Shen Wei, Zhu Neng and others to sail on staggered days. Zheng He led the rear and sailed last.
Ten fleets sailed in batches.
After the military order was issued, the Navy's preparations for the voyage got back on track, replenishing food and fresh water resources, distributing medicine, firearms, etc., and batches of sergeants were carrying coal.
Coal was dug out on the east coast of Africa and was a perfect substitute for firewood.
The naval fleet is equipped with boilers and distillation equipment. Although distilled seawater cannot replace fresh water, in desperate situations, distilled seawater is far better than drinking seawater directly. Once the fleet is truly helpless, even the fresh water will be exhausted. To the point where only distilled seawater can be used to maintain basic survival.
This measure is very inefficient and is only suitable for use in desperate situations.
Three days later, Zhang Yu's fleet took the lead to leave the coast under the watchful eyes of countless people. In just one day, Luo Guanying, Zhao Shiyu and others also left the coast and embarked on a journey across the vast sea.
Luo Guanying became the commander of the fleet, and Zhao Shiyu was his deputy. The two took control of the flagship treasure ship, Liu An took the helm of the medium-sized treasure ship, and Su An and Wang Zhen each controlled a big fortune ship.
The big treasure ship is in the front, the two big blessing ships are in the north and south of the tail of the big blessing ship, the medium-sized treasure ship is in the back, and the four ships are splitting the waves and moving forward.
Luo Guanying held a telescope, observed the distant sea, and said to Zhao Shiyu who was correcting the course: "How sure are you about this voyage?"
Zhao Shiyu said seriously: "If I hadn't partnered with you, I would still be 30% sure, but now I am sailing with you, I am only 10% sure."
Luo Guanying wanted to kick Zhao Shiyu into the sea: "Is it so dangerous to partner with me?"
Zhao Shiyu nodded heavily: "Whenever I followed you and encountered strong winds and waves? The last time I was in the Arabian Sea, the dragon that appeared in the sky sucked the water. Other ships didn't look for it and insisted on chasing you. If I hadn't hid in time, I wouldn't have been able to tell. It flew into the sky. Also on the coast of East Africa, the strong wind broke the mast and almost killed me by half a foot. If I follow you, I will be 10% sure..."
Luo Guanying was also speechless. When others sailed, it was calm. Why did he always encounter some troubles when he sailed? The sea of love didn't give him face?
"Then you are still following me?"
Luo Guanying grinned.
Zhao Shiyu laughed loudly: "If I don't follow you, I'm afraid you won't even be 10% sure. Only by joining forces can we find a way out in front of the Sea Dragon King, right?"
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Luo Guanying smiled.
The Sea Dragon King and fighting for a way out are just excuses for sharing life and death.
He is his friend, a comrade worthy of life and death!
Luo Guanying pointed to the sea in the distance and shouted loudly: "No matter whether he is 10% sure or 70% sure, we must reach South America, no one can stop us! Brothers, raise the sail for me!"
