Chapter 960 Escape! Escape! Escape! See where you are going!

(0960)

【Today's fourth update is delivered!】

surrender?

Continue to fight?

Zheng Chenggong didn't know how to make a decision.

At this moment, he felt a blank in his mind. He seemed to think of a lot of things, drowsy and full of them. However, if he wanted to analyze accurately, Zheng Chenggong couldn't do what he was thinking. He felt that his mind was no longer under his control.

In fact, everything in front of him made Zheng Chenggong enter a state of escape. He didn't want to face everything in front of him, and he didn't want to believe everything in front of him. He couldn't bear everything in front of him, and he couldn't accept it. He hoped that he was dreaming. As long as he woke up from the dream, everything in front of him would disappear.

This result was absolutely unbearable for him. Last time, in Zhang Zhun's hands, he had already suffered a loss once, and he was definitely unwilling to suffer a loss for the second time. This time, when he came to Nanjing, Zheng Chenggong came with a revenge mentality. He originally wanted to give Zhang Zhun a ruthless person, but he didn't expect that he accidentally got into the big net of the Hu Ben Army. There was no more terrible thing in the world than repeating the same mistakes.

To use one word to describe Zheng Chenggong's mood at this moment, that is, he wants to die. Really, he really wants to die. Instead of enduring the torture of defeat like this, it is better to die happily. Anyway, if you die, you will be completely destroyed, and if you die, you will have nothing. As long as you die, everything around you will leave him.

At that time, he would not feel the father's reproach or the contemptuous eyes of others. He would no longer need to be locked in a small dark room to reflect on himself, nor would he have to worry about his heir position. There was only endless darkness around him.

However, Zheng Chenggong was unwilling to die like this. He was really unwilling to accept it. His ambition and ideals have always been very lofty. He always felt that his father's vision, only staring at the sea in East Asia, was indeed too small. Defeating the Dutch and unifying the South China Sea was his initial goal. Dominating the ocean was his ultimate ideal.

In order to achieve his goals, Zheng Chenggong has made a lot of efforts. He has worked hard to learn naval combat knowledge, worked hard to improve his command ability, and worked hard to understand the opponent's movements. He hoped that he could realize his ideal step by step. However, before his talent could be displayed, it was all broken in Zhang Zhun's hands.

The cruel reality repeatedly hit him. He was accidentally defeated by Zhang Zhun in the last battle. There was no excuse for the defeat in this battle. In the last battle, he could also cause a certain degree of casualties to the Hu Ben Navy, but this battle was completely in the position of being beaten.

Zheng Chenggong couldn't understand why he was so unlucky that he would meet the Hu Ben Navy here. If he met on the sea, even if he lost, he would have the possibility of running away. At worst, he would retreat temporarily and make a comeback in the future! However, here, on the river near Nanjing, he didn't even have the chance to escape. If he blamed him, he could only blame himself for being too unlucky and encountering such a tragic incident in such a place.

"Big Young Master?"

Zheng Shouyuan asked in a low voice.

Zheng Chenggong had no reaction.

In fact, when he heard Zheng Shouyuan's cry, he didn't respond because he didn't know how to answer Zheng Shouyuan's words. Faced with the scene in front of him, Zheng Chenggong had no way to rescue him. The only thing he could do was to refuse to surrender. He would rather be defeated than surrender to the Hu Ben Navy. He did not want Zhang Zhun to see his ugly appearance of defeat.

"well!"

Seeing Zheng Chenggong like this, Zheng Shouyuan could only sigh.

Such a result was indeed a big blow to Zheng Chenggong. It is not surprising that he had such a reaction. As the eldest son of the Zheng family and the future heir of the Zhang family, Zheng Chenggong has been highly expected since childhood. Therefore, since his birth, Zheng Chenggong was arrogant and above his gaze. His goal is much bigger than Zheng Zhilong.

Sometimes, when Zheng Chenggong discusses issues with his father, Zheng Shouyuan will listen. Zheng Chenggong's words are full of pride and ambitions and the belief in winning. Zheng Chenggong obviously disagreed with his father's caution and down-to-earth.

If Zheng Chenggong's idea is to follow Zheng Chenggong's fleet, the Zheng family's fleet should expand desperately, take out all the main forces to fight against the Western powers, and eliminate all the Western powers in one fell swoop, thus dominating the business of the Nanyang. As long as it dominates the Nanyang, the profits of the Zheng family will increase at least three times. Such a huge profit is enough to support the Zheng family's fleet to dominate the world.

Zheng Zhilong was a little worried about his son's thoughts. After all, he was a person who was in the wind and waves. He had eaten more salt than the rice his son had eaten. Zheng Zhilong knew very well that his son was a little ambitious and unrealistic. However, in order not to dampen his son's enthusiasm, Zheng Zhilong generally would not say it out loud.

As a result, Zheng Chenggong's character gradually became more ambitious and unrealistic. He felt more and more that the Zheng family fleet began to have the ability to dominate the world. As long as he defeated the Dutch, no one else would be the opponent of the Zheng family fleet. Therefore, the last time the Zheng family fleet wanted to deal with Zhang Zhun, Zheng Chenggong, who was only fifteen years old, immediately volunteered.

Unfortunately, his first action was defeated by the Hu Ben Army. This made Zheng Chenggong feel very uncomfortable. Originally, he thought that it would be easy to destroy the Hu Ben Army with his own abilities, but unexpectedly, he was beaten by the Hu Ben Army. It is not necessary to mention the psychological discomfort.

When he was locked in a small dark room to reflect, Zheng Chenggong was full of his mind, and he had only one belief, that is, revenge. He eagerly hoped that he would have the opportunity to lead troops to fight again. Zheng Zhilong had feelings for his eldest son, so he gave Zheng Chenggong a second chance. Unexpectedly, Zheng Chenggong's second action became what he is now.

No matter who is replaced, he will not be much better in his heart after being hit by the same opponent in succession. Especially for a proud person like Zheng Chenggong, it is indeed too uncomfortable to lose in Zhang Zhun twice in a row. Zheng Shouyuan estimated that in Zheng Chenggong's heart, he would have the heart to eat Zhang Zhun raw.

In fact, even Zheng Shouyuan himself was extremely moved. Even he himself could not have imagined that Zheng Chenggong was defeated again for the second time. As an old man of the Zheng family, Zheng Shouyuan's experience in naval battles was very rich. However, in the situation in front of him, Zheng Shouyuan himself had no way to get out of the predicament.

Compared to the last defeat, the consequences of this time are probably even more serious. Last time, Zheng Chenggong brought back some warships and preserved some of his strength. However, this time, I am afraid that even a warship would not have the chance to take back. Maybe even he and Zheng Chenggong themselves will die at the hands of the Hu Ben Army.

When the Zheng family fleet was scattered all over the world, who knew Zhang Zhun's name? Does anyone know the name of the Hu Ben Army? However, in just a few years, Zhang Zhun rose and became stronger. The Hu Ben Army Navy under his command could actually bare his teeth at the Zheng family fleet.

Such a result is indeed too uncomfortable, and it is difficult for Zheng Shouyuan to accept it. The rise of the Zheng family fleet took twenty years. It was a heavy price to go through hardships and ups and downs in the middle.

The elders of the Zheng family, including Yan Siqi, racked their brains and exhausted all their energy to build the Zheng family fleet to what they are today. However, a maritime power that had only appeared for four or five years had defeated them. How could you be called the elders of the Zheng family feel?

A child of four or five years old, defeating a 20-year-old young man, sounded like a fantasy. However, when all this really happened in front of him, Zheng Shouyuan had to swallow the bitter fruit helplessly. He began to regret that he shouldn't have fought against the Hu Ben Army. If the Zheng family fleet formed an alliance with the Hu Ben Army, how could there be the miserable defeat today?

In fact, if you think about it seriously, it is not impossible to form an alliance with the Hu Ben Army. The sea is so big and there is endless wealth that no one can grab. As long as the Hu Ben Army Navy and the Zheng family fleet unite to deal with the Western powers and grab the profits they control, both families can eat well. Unfortunately, the Zheng family chose the way to start a war.

Now, it is too late to say anything. At this point, even if the Zheng family proposes to form an alliance, I am afraid that the Hu Ben Army will not agree. Zheng Shouyuan is not very clear about what kind of person Zhang Zhun is. However, he knew very well that as a overlord of one side, he would never give in if he had the upper hand. It was like Zhang Zhun must force Huang Taiji to death. A kind-hearted and ruthless person would definitely not become a overlord of one side.

...

Since Zheng Chenggong had no other instructions, Zheng Shouyuan had to let the battle continue. As for the current situation, it was not that easy for the Hu Ben Navy to eat the Zheng family fleet in one go. At least, the Zheng family fleet could still last for three or four days. If the situation changes during these three or four days, the Zheng family fleet still has a chance of life.

As a result, the shelling on the sea continued to continue. The main battleships of both sides continued to fire at the other side. The rumbling sound of cannons echoed on the river surface. The rich smoke of gunfire covered most of the river surface. Until the evening, the battle continued.

During this period, Zheng Shouyuan sent people ashore and tried to send messages by land to request reinforcements from Zheng Zhilong, who was far away in Fujian. Zheng Chenggong could not do such a shameful thing. However, Zheng Shouyuan could do it. Zheng Shouyuan believed that for Zheng Chenggong's safety, Zheng Zhilong would definitely lead his army to rescue. No matter what, Zheng Chenggong is the eldest son of the Zheng family!

Since the Zheng family fleet is going to fight to the end, Li Jicheng will naturally be with him. On the one hand, he arranged warships to take turns to participate in the battle, and on the other hand, he sent Cangshan ships to guard the Yangtze River Estuary. If the Zheng family fleet's warships appear at the Yangtze River Estuary, he will immediately prepare for two battles.

At the same time, Li Jicheng also informed Zhang Zhun and the senior management of the Hu Ben Navy through various news channels. Li Jicheng estimated that Zheng Chenggong would definitely request reinforcements, and Zheng Zhilong should also provide reinforcements as soon as possible. If the Zheng family fleet came out in full swing, the Hu Ben Navy would definitely have the entire army to be dispatched.

Both sides fought from dawn to dark, and from dawn to dawn, with almost no pause. Both sides sent warships to take turns to participate in the battle. The injured warships were transferred to the back and handed over to the craftsmen to repair as much as possible. After the repair was completed, they reappeared on the front line and continued to participate in the battle until it was really impossible.

In the fierce shelling, the ships on both sides were constantly damaged, and the sailors on both sides were also constantly injured and injured. A large amount of blood was poured into the river, and the river surface was already dyed red. In the morning and evening, the sunset and the sunset shone on the river surface, and it was red. However, this red scenery only makes people feel terrifying, not beautiful.

Amid the rumbling cannons, the people watching the fun in Nanjing were almost gone. All fools knew that no matter which side they won, their purpose was Nanjing City. No one could tell whether they would have had some excessive actions after entering the city. For the sake of their own life, it would be better to leave Nanjing City temporarily.

...

The news continued to spread, and the senior management of the Hu Ben Army, including Zhang Zhun, were also alarmed at this time. Similarly, Zheng Zhilong, who was far away in Fujian, also knew what was happening here. Without thinking, both of them quickly ordered reinforcements. So, the reinforcement fleets of both sides were rushing towards the estuary of the Yangtze River.

The first Navy of the Hu Ben Army was naturally the Second Fleet stationed on Jeju Island. Then, the Third Fleet stationed at Busan Port also arrived. All the warships that could be drawn on Zheng Zhilong were dispatched. Zheng Zhilong himself led the team himself. Seeing that a bigger battle was still brewing.

The fierce battle also alarmed their respective ground troops. The first thing the Hu Ben Army did was the Zhuque Legion stationed in Yangzhou. They quickly moved westward to the Liuhe and Jiangpu areas, and could cross the river and attack Nanjing at any time. The Zheng family army was alarmed by the musket team coming from Fujian. They traveled starry night and desperately rushed to Nanjing City. The battle between the two armies on land was also about to break out.

...

The shelling caused great losses to the warships of both sides. After the next day's shelling, all six dragon god ships of the Tiger Ben Navy withdrew from the battle. There was no way, these six dragon god ships were all scarred and had to be repaired before they could continue to fight. Similarly, the three-masted gunships of the Zheng family fleet were basically paralyzed. So, both sides replaced the sword-tooth ships and armed merchant ships to continue bombardment.

The number of casualties on both sides is also increasing. On the side of the Hu Ben Navy, two or three hundred people die every day. On the Zheng family fleet, there are a lot more. After all, the Dragon God Ship is still very lethal. In general, the consumption speed of the Zheng family fleet is more than two or three times faster than that of the Hu Ben Navy.

On the third day of the battle, the Zheng family fleet finally couldn't resist. In the three-day shelling, the Zheng family fleet's warships had lost more than 70% of the warships. The rest of the warships were also covered with scars. If it weren't for geographical reasons, the Zheng family fleet could not escape, otherwise there would have been warships that would have escaped in the chaos.

"The eldest son..."

Zheng Shouyuan asked for a bitter request.

"Retreat!"

Zheng Chenggong had no choice but to give the order.

The defense line for the Zheng family fleet to retreat was the position of the Longjiang Shipyard. Zheng Chenggong was still very familiar with the structure of Nanjing City. His move was obviously to prepare for his own retreat. The Longjiang Shipyard was hidden deep in a mudflat, and large warships could not enter. This means that only small boats could continue to fight.

Zheng Chenggong's thoughts are actually very simple. If he can't defeat the Hu Ben Navy at sea, he will give up his ship and go ashore to retreat. The Zheng family's musket team is coming from Fujian on a night and night. Calculate the time and it should be almost arrived. As long as he meets with his musket team, safety will be guaranteed.

However, how could the Hu Ben Navy give Zheng Chenggong the opportunity to escape easily? Li Jicheng immediately ordered the warships to catch up. The small, light and flexible Cangshan ships became the vanguard of the Hu Ben Navy. So, the two sides continued to engage in artillery battles near the Longjiang Shipyard.

The shells continued to fall on the mudflats, splashing a lot of mud. The already deserted Longjiang Shipyard was unprecedentedly lively. The shells fell into the mud and made strange gurgling sounds. After the continuous battle, the Zheng family fleet was wiped out. Zheng Chenggong threw down his flagship and hurriedly ran towards Nanjing City.

Of course, the Hu Ben Navy was not to be outdone. Li Jicheng immediately ordered a group of sailors to go ashore to pursue. Zheng Chenggong ran in front and the Hu Ben Navy chased behind. The distance between the two sides was only about two or three hundred meters. Unfortunately, the Hu Ben Navy was not equipped with army weapons such as the Hu Ben Gun, otherwise, Zheng Chenggong would never be able to escape.

However, even so, Zheng Chenggong was already in a very embarrassing situation. Not to mention that the fleet he led was all destroyed, even when he went ashore to escape, he was chased by the enemy. It was really embarrassing. The dignified eldest son of the Zheng family ended up like this. Zheng Chenggong couldn't help but feel a little sad. Could it be that he was really going to die here?

"Big Young Master!"

"Here!"

Suddenly, a *** shouted.

However, Nanjing City was opened and a team of muskets came out from it.

Zheng Chenggong turned his head and looked at it, and was ecstatic. It turned out that it was Zheng Zhilong's black musket team. The cave gate in Nanjing City opened, and the musket team that came from Fujian happened to occupy Nanjing City. This was a mercenary composed of most African black slaves, and its combat effectiveness was quite good.

"withdraw!"

"Retreat to Nanjing City!"

Zheng Chenggong yelled with relief.

He took the remnants of the Zheng family fleet, abandoned all the warships and rushed into Nanjing City. Then, he immediately ordered to close all the city gates and then asked the musket team to guard them closely. The sailors of the Tiger Ben Army chased them near the city wall and were shot by the black musket team and had to retreat.

Zheng Chenggong was relieved after repelling the pursuit of the Navy sailors of the Hu Ben Army. He hurriedly learned about the situation in Nanjing. As a result, he was shocked to find that at this time, Nanjing City was already deserted and there were only a very small number of residents.

Fortunately, Liu Zongzhou was still here. As the Minister of War in Nanjing, Liu Zongzhou believed that he should stay in Nanjing City, no matter what changes happened here. Liu Zongzhou did not have any welcome to Zheng Chenggong's arrival, and his expression was quite cold.

Judging from the battles in the previous three days, Zheng Chenggong's performance was indeed disappointing. This made Liu Zongzhou even more desperate about the strength of the Zheng family fleet. Even if he cooperated with the Zheng family fleet, he would not be able to defeat the Hu Ben Army. Since that is the case, why should he cooperate with the Zheng family fleet?

"Liu Zongzhou, you should believe us!"

Zheng Chenggong said angrily.

Liu Zongzhou didn't say anything.

“Put it out!”

"Cut it!"

Zheng Chenggong shouted angrily.

Since this unintentional Liu Zongzhou is seeking death, he will do his best.

Liu Zongzhou was killed, and Nanjing City became even more lonely, which made Zheng Chenggong feel that he seemed to be in a prison room. He hurriedly ordered the black musket team to use all the resources in the city, and then defend Nanjing City to the death, waiting for reinforcements.

However, there were not many resources in Nanjing that could be used by Zheng Chenggong, and the number of soldiers that could be supplemented was even smaller. The black musket team searched in the city for a long time and found only a few hundred old, weak, sick and disabled. There was no way, Zheng Chenggong had to rely on the five thousand musket team to defend Nanjing. His only hope was his father's reinforcements and arrived quickly.

...

"Commander, they have occupied Nanjing City."

A staff officer reported to Li Jicheng.
To be continued...