Chapter 129 Mercenary Navy, New Emperor and New Elephant
France is one-third and Britain is one-quarter. Zhu Yongxing chose these two countries with the intention of competition. Whoever contributes more will get more benefits. The two countries will naturally compete for their own interests.
Perform well. On the other hand, the influence of Britain and France in Asia is not too great, and they have less worries about cooperation. Moreover, the trade share is based on the current volume of goods, which is fixed for one year. In the future, tea, porcelain, silk and other goods
The quantity will increase due to smuggling, but it has nothing to do with Britain and France.
The two shipyards cooperated with Britain and France respectively, and Zhu Yongxing was also worried that their technology was hidden for private use. Judging from the tonnage, ship type, tactics and firepower of the world's navies at that time, European countries were already ahead. For example, the Netherlands had a navy of more than 100
A large battleship, each with more than forty cannons. The British began to adopt battle line tactics, which they would boldly use in the Second Anglo-Dutch War.
The sea controlled the land and was restrained everywhere, so that the Qing army could not concentrate all its efforts to attack the southwest. Zhu Yongxing's idea became more concrete and firm after the Qing Dynasty implemented coastal border relocation. The vast coastline was difficult to defend against; the Yangtze River waterway separated the north and the south.
With a powerful navy, it can not only make amphibious landings and attack cities, but also form arrays along the rivers to control the Yangtze and Huaihe Rivers and cut off the north-south food routes.
Water transportation may not have been the only and irreplaceable artery of the Qing court before. But after the ban on sea, it became a fatal weakness of the Qing court.
Because of the Ming Dynasty and the Yuan Dynasty, sea transport was the main one, with river and land transport as supplements. One went from the river to the sea, passing through Zhigukou to Tongzhou, or directly to Liaodong; the other went from the river to the Huaihe River, the Yellow River, and land transport from Yangwu County to Wei
Huifu, and then transported to Jizhou (today's Ji County, Hebei Province) via the Wei River. However, the Qing government gave up on sea transportation. If water transportation was threatened again, the Qing government would have no choice but to maintain water transportation at all costs.
Historically, the ultimate decline of water transportation was precisely because of this fatal weakness.
In 1842, at the end of the Opium War, the British army did not hesitate to pay a heavy price to capture Zhenjiang, the intersection of the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Yangtze River, and blockade water transportation, causing Emperor Daoguang to quickly make the decision to sue for peace. This became the decisive battle in the entire war; in 1853
Later, the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom occupied Nanjing and Anhui along the Yangtze River for more than ten years, and the canal water transportation was forced to interrupt. The resulting war was extremely tragic. The major cities along the canal were severely damaged, and some or even all were burned down.
It is not that Zhu Yongxing has not considered the possibility of taking action now, but after careful consideration, he feels that if Zheng Jun does not mobilize to cooperate, the South China Sea Fleet and the navy of the Thirteenth Navy alone have little chance of success. Since the time is not yet ripe, Zhu Yongxing also
He could only endure it. He was worried that if he acted rashly, it would put the Qing court on guard and not achieve the effect of a sudden attack.
Of course, now that he had this idea, Zhu Yongxing had to work hard in this direction. On the one hand, he tried every means to strengthen the strength of the South China Sea Fleet. On the other hand, he also issued an order to the Thirteen Families to build ships and train sailors.
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However, before the transportation channel with the Thirteenth Family is opened, it is obviously impossible for the Thirteenth Family, which has limited manpower and financial resources, to significantly expand its navy without financial funds, weapons and equipment.
.In other words, Zhu Yongxing can only place his hopes on the South China Sea Fleet at present.
Although cutting off water transportation may not necessarily defeat the Qing Dynasty in one fell swoop, attacking the enemy must save it. This is also a strategy that coincides with the art of war.
At present, the British and Dutch navies have rough standards for classifying ships: a first-class ship has three gun decks, 90 to 98 guns, a crew of about 750 people, and a displacement of more than 2,000 tons;
Class 3 ships have two to three gun decks, with 64 to 80 guns, a crew of about 500 to 600 people, and a displacement of 1,300 to 2,000 tons; Class 3 ships have two gun decks and 50 to 80 guns.
Fifty-six ships, with a capacity of about 350 people, and a displacement of more than 1,000 tons. The second-class ships are the largest number of main ships in the British and Dutch navies.
Zhu Yongxing hired some British naval instructors, and was somewhat unhappy to find that only three warships in the South China Sea Fleet could barely be regarded as level three, and the rest should be classified as frigates, corvettes and sloops.
(sloop).
The era of competing with the great powers at sea was still far away. Zhu Yongxing secretly lamented that he had no choice but to turn his attention to the domestic battlefield first. This was also closely related to the meeting with James.
"Four third-class ships, yes, that's fine." Zhu Yongxing set his first strategic target on the Guangdong Navy, which destroyed the Qing army. If the Zheng family didn't actively cooperate, he would use mercenaries. "The landing is ours."
As for the matter, your country's warships are only responsible for sea operations and shelling land targets according to the instructions of the personnel sent by our army."
"As you wish!" James agreed happily, looking at Zhu Yongxing expectantly.
Greedy British guy! Zhu Yongxing cursed secretly, and moved his finger on the map, drawing James's attention, and finally stopped hesitantly at the Borneo Islands. After a long while, Zhu Yongxing clapped his hands and made up his mind to conquer the Ming army.
One of the islands they captured was given to the British.
"In addition -" Zhu Yongxing lengthened his voice and said: "At the ports controlled by the Huangming Empire, your country's merchant ships can dock for repairs and replenishment."
"All of them?" James's eyes lit up. Doesn't this mean that with the successive victories of the Ming Empire, British merchants will receive more supplies and call at the port. This expected benefit is really huge.
"If your two countries reach an agreement, and if our merchant ships also enjoy the same rights -" Zhu Yongxing looked at James with a half-smile.
"Of course, this -" James was a little embarrassed. After all, this was beyond the scope of his authorization. He had to go back to the East India Company for reporting and discussion. "There is absolutely no problem with this."
If China can be successfully revived, the re-established Huangming will be an open country. Seclusion, sea and port bans will be words that can only appear in history books. Huangming's ports will also not reject all non-hostile countries.
Zhu Yongxing cunningly took advantage of James' inherent concept of the country's merchant ship. In fact, there was almost no loss in this promise.
At present, Britain's influence in Asia is still very small. Although the East India Company invaded India, Britain's position is not consolidated. The area it controls is very small, and large areas of land are still in the hands of princes of large and small states.
According to the historical timetable, it will take nearly two hundred years for India to completely become a colony.
Two hundred years? Zhu Yongxing will not let history repeat itself. After the civil war, Huangming will become an open country and an expansionary empire. Compared with colonists from afar, Huangming has a greater geographical advantage and number of personnel.
Possessing an absolute advantage is where Zhu Yongxing's confidence lies.
There are no permanent friends between countries, only permanent interests. Zhu Yongxing once said this in martial arts halls and academies. Although it is not understood by most people, the seeds have been implanted in the soil, and it is only a matter of time before they take root and sprout.
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The cold winter of the 18th year of Shunzhi has passed, and groups of beggars seem to be reviving in the warmth. The number of beggars along the streets has increased several times. Under the shophouses and ruined temples west of Hade Gate in Beijing City, these people are crowded. One family.
Houses, broken huts and thatched huts were built in clusters at the base of the city wall. The city of Beijing suffered from repeated military riots, and the population was between ten and fifty-six. There were rubbles everywhere inside and outside Dongzhimen, and there were many vacant places. Otherwise, it would be overcrowded. Most of these people
There are also many people with a Guandong accent who sound like people from Zhili, Shandong, and Henan. They wear ragged cotton-padded jackets, have straw ropes tied around their waists, and carry broken bowls to beg for food.
After the fall of Dorgon, Obai, the leader of the yellow flag, believed that his flag suffered a loss when the land was enclosed. So relying on his official position and power, he proposed that the enclosure should be arranged in the order of the eight banners. Hebei
The land in the east should be owned by Huangqi in order, and it is required to exchange land with Zhengbaiqi. If the land is insufficient, "people's land must be enclosed to make up for it".
As a result, not only did disputes arise between the Eight Banners, but the lives of the common people became even more difficult, and they could no longer farm their land. They could no longer stay at home, so they had no choice but to run away with their children and beg for food near the capital.
The hordes of refugees in the capital are all caused by the "re-circulation" of the area.
Shunzhi did not choose a royal prince to serve as an auxiliary, but chose ministers with different surnames. This is related to his experience of Dorgon's dictatorship in his childhood. He did not want another "Dorgon" to control the world of his descendants. But power is
A magic wand can change a person's mind. As a result, although there will be no Dorgon, the authoritarian Obai will appear.
Sony, who ranks first among the four auxiliary ministers, is a veteran of the Four Dynasties and has a grand position. However, he is old and sick, avoids trouble, and often neglects many things. Suksaha belongs to the Zhengbai Banner and originally relied on many people.
Ergon, after Dorgon's death, was reused by Shunzhi because he reported on Dorgon who had just died, and ranked second among the four auxiliary ministers. But he was separated from Dorgon. Sony and others
They all looked down upon him; Yi Bilong, who was ranked third, came from a famous family, but he was mediocre and had no independent opinion in situations. He was also a Xianghuangqi and often agreed with Ao Bai. Although Ao Bai was ranked fourth, because of his seniority and high military exploits, he
The momentum is often overwhelming.
The old emperor Yan Jia and the new emperor ascended to power, offered amnesty to the world, and opened schools to select scholars. This was a practice passed down from several dynasties. In fact, before the imperial edict was issued, officials from all provinces came to the capital one after another, renting houses and hotels, while
Lecture poems and essays while waiting for the imperial edict to be issued.
Although many candidates came to wait for the opening of the examination, the number was not as expected. The innkeepers had the most say in this matter. When the Nanming Dynasty regained Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, the news came, and there were
Many people checked out and left.
As for scholars, their ambition is to be officials and manage the country, which is what the saying goes, "If you are good at learning, you will become an official." Therefore, when there is no choice, although you may feel sorry for Shenzhou Lu Chen in your heart, you can stand up bravely.
Scholars were wiped out by the Manchus, and other people would feel that they had no choice but to take part in the Manchu imperial examinations in order to live up to their humble beginnings and study hard.
But when there was hope for the revival of the Nanming Dynasty, failure to participate in the imperial examinations of the Qing Dynasty would become a stain on life, and a regret that would be regretted for eternity. Moreover, most of the older generation of Jin gentry people still cherished the Emperor Ming.
Elders, they still have a great influence on the younger generation of scholars.
Although Yongli was still in Myanmar and the Nanming government could not hold imperial examinations, it established an academy system and gave scholars the opportunity to realize their ideals.
"You're a bad guy, you're no match for me, a third-class slave, so how can you speak?" Lu Wenyang's ears were still ringing with harsh words, and the place where the whip had been whipped on his back was burning. This was where he had just passed.
The result of seeing injustice and stepping forward to help.
Hey, in the majestic city, at the feet of the emperor, not only the woodcutter and the trafficker have nowhere to reason, but even the scholars are just slaves in the eyes of the Manchu people. Lu Wenyang couldn't help but reveal a self-deprecating smile when he thought of this.
Lu Wenyang came from a poor family. He wanted to take part in the imperial examinations of the Qing Dynasty to avoid labor and taxes. But now he regretted it. He felt that even if he was just to support his family, it would be enough to bring shame to his ancestors.
"The clothes and hats in the elegant collection are changed, and the names on the party members' monuments are wrong. How easy is it for Gou Quan to believe in it? He starved to death and is now the smallest governor." Lu Wenyang thought of this poem, and felt deep regret and self-blame.
I am glad that I have not yet made a mistake. I have not yet become a rebellious and repetitive person through the ages...
Go, leave this filthy place where the people are homeless, the industries are in ruins, the tough ones become bandits and thieves, and the good people who follow the law are frozen and hungry in the ditches. Even though I am in a land ruled by the Tartars, I am still a citizen of the Emperor Ming.
Despite all the hardships, I will return to the rule of Huang Ming and repeat the Han family's clothes.
Lu Wenyang thought of this and made up his mind. He suddenly felt light and refreshed, and the pain on his back was nothing. He opened his legs and strode away.
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"Kangxi was less than ten years old, and there was only one left in his life. The children could not be supported, and the heroes were dead."
Shunzhi had just died less than a month ago. These four prophecies suddenly spread in the capital. Although only a few careful people kept them in mind and thought about the mysteries, it was impossible not to arouse some people's thoughts. Among them
Ao Bai is one of them.
In the main hall, Jieshu is the leader, and below are a group of kneeling obeis, including Bilong and Suksaha. The senior minister Suo'etu holds a stack of documents in his arms and stands behind the three assistant ministers.
There are two rows of imperial guards, wearing bright uniforms, with swords hanging on their waists and standing under the red osmanthus.
As usual, Suo'etu reported the abbreviation of the memorial. Suo'etu read and explained it to Kangxi, which took a full hour.
Kangxi was just a child, pretending to listen and playing with the sapphire Ruyi on the table. It was more of a formality.
Obai could be loyal to Shunzhi, but he couldn't help but despise Shunzhi's son, who was only eight years old. He glanced down and saw Suk Saha lying on the ground silently, and Bibilong
Keep giving him hints with your eyes.
Oboi had long been impatient. When Sony complained that he was sick, and the person he had always been afraid of was not around, he became bolder. He raised his face and intercepted Suo'etu's words: "You just read it, who told you to speak? Your Majesty."
Isn’t it better than you?”
Suo'etu hurriedly apologized and said with a smile: "Back to the middle hall, this is the original decree of the Empress Dowager. I was afraid that the emperor would not understand, so I specifically asked me to explain it."
Ao Bai didn't wait for him to finish speaking and then continued: "These memorials have been sent out by the imperial court a long time ago, so why bother with so many words! The emperor is still young, so these political affairs should be carried out according to the regulations left by the late emperor and be implemented by the ministers and others!"
According to the ancestral system, the emperor who is not personally in charge of the government is entrusted with the full power to handle government affairs by the auxiliary ministers. The daily reports are actually official articles, and you can just listen to them.
But today, little Kangxi heard something new, and he couldn't help but say in a childish voice: "Although I am young and don't know much, I can't even ask questions about what I don't understand?"
One sentence of the question made several ministers choke and had to bow their heads without saying a word. Obai thought to himself: While Sony is away, if we don't block him back this time, he will have to ask about everything in the future, so why should we help the government? Pause
After a long while, he said slowly: "According to the ancestral teachings, the emperor cannot ask questions before he is in charge. But if you don't understand, you can also let the minister explain."
Emperor Kangxi was not aware of Obai's strength today. He was just curious about the memorial and asked, "What's the matter with crying in the temple? Is it a local custom?"
"Crying in the temple" is indeed a long-standing custom in Suzhou. The local economy is developed, the humanities are gathered together, and the middle-class scholars come from affluent families. They have become an important social supervision force. When the government does something illegal and inappropriate,
Scholars often gathered at the Confucian Temple to compose "Juan Tang Wen", and after crying to the founder Kong Shengsheng, they also called the people to complain to the superior officials. In the Ming Dynasty, the "crying temple" complaints with large numbers of people often made the officials dare not
Take it lightly and accept it.
But what is said in the memorial now is that it is not that simple when it comes to the Wailing Temple. Historically, it, together with the "Tonghai Case" and the "Jiangnan Memorial Case", were collectively known as the "Three Major Cases in Jiangnan". The Qing government took advantage of this to raise large prisons and dealt a heavy blow to Jiangnan.
The power of Han landowners and gentry in the region.
In the 18th year of Shunzhi's reign in the Qing Dynasty, Shunzhi passed away. An edict of mourning was issued to Wuxian County on February 1, and the government held a funeral ceremony for three days of mourning. It was at this time that a case of "crying for temples against grain" occurred in Wuxian County, Suzhou. Originally, the people in Wuxian County were
A local petition was organized to denounce the corruption of the magistrate of Wu County. They only went to the Confucian Temple to cry bitterly in front of the tablet of the ancestors and vent their resentment and complaints. However, the Qing court considered the scholars' actions to be
He offended the spiritual status of Emperor Shunzhi and committed the crime of disrespect. A large number of people, including Jin Shengtan, were arrested for this and were "prepared to be executed without distinction of head."
After listening to Suo'etu's explanation, Kangxi didn't say anything. After all, he was young and didn't have his own opinions. He could only follow what others said and listen to the opinions of the auxiliary ministers.
Next, Suo'etu said something about postponing the memorial for his beloved star A to lead the forbidden travel south to the capital. This was what Obai meant. Suksaha looked at Obai with some dissatisfaction, but finally endured his anger.
After the discussion, Kangxi asked again: "Suo'etu, how is your father's illness?"
Hearing the emperor ask about his father's condition, Suo'etu hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed and replied: "Thanks to Master Hongfu, it seems that the phlegm and asthma are better this morning."
"Well, go back and greet him for me."
"Thank you, Master." Suo'etu hurriedly kowtowed and echoed.
Ao Bai saw that Kangxi had nothing to say, so he said: "If the emperor has no holy edict, let me wait for my servants to retire."
Kangxi gave Obai a strange look, and was a little unhappy that he had repeatedly interrupted him today. He paused for a long while, stood up, and left with an unhappy expression.
As soon as Kangxi and others left, there was a dead silence in the hall. Obai stood up nonchalantly and said with a smile: "Stop kneeling, retreat from the court, let's go back!"
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