The complex terrain of the Zhoushan Islands makes searching extremely difficult.
Neither Zuo Hua nor the other young generals dared to advance.
The East China Sea Fleet adopted a very prudent approach.
Large warships cruise in wide waters, and then small warships enter the winding waterways. Once the enemy is discovered, a message is sent immediately, and the large warships provide firepower output.
As a result, it took three days to complete the entire search.
Only then did Zuo Hua become convinced that Zheng Zhilong had withdrawn.
In the past three days, the Second Marine Division had also arrived.
With the help of the navy, the Sixth Regiment of the Second Marine Division landed directly on Zhoushan Island.
Since the founding of the Ming Dynasty, the Zhoushan Islands have not been taken seriously by the imperial court.
In the second year of Hongwu, Zhu Yuanzhang sent Tang He to handle the defense of the southeast.
Two military attachés under Tang He were beaten to death on Xiushan Island when they intervened in local civil disputes.
This incident made Tang He furious.
He petitioned Zhu Yuanzhang, saying that the local people in Zhoushan colluded with Japanese pirates and caused havoc along the coast, and were unteachable people. He insisted on removing the county government and moving the islanders to live there.
Because of this incident, Zhoushan's population dropped to more than 8,800.
In the third year of Jingtai, the number dropped to more than 400 households.
Since then, the Zhoushan Islands have become a sparsely populated and desolate place.
During the Jiajing period, Japanese pirates used this place as their base and caused great trouble along the coast of the Ming Dynasty.
Later, the Japanese rebellion along the coast was eliminated, and the Zhoushan Islands became a land of alienation.
After the rise of the Zheng family, they naturally saw the importance of this place. They regarded it as a key base to control the East China Sea waterway.
Because of this, when the Xia army landed, they did not encounter any resistance.
In addition to the indigenous people, there are also some smugglers along the coast who are left on the island.
Although these smugglers also have weapons, how can they dare to fight against the army?
What they were most worried about was that the new troops would punish them.
"Since you are merchants, no matter what you have done before, whether you came here through legal channels or not, there will be no further investigation from now on. You can all come here to trade in the future, and the relevant tax and fee guidelines will be notified to you later.
"
Gan Huiqiang came to meet these frightened businessmen in person, and at the same time read out Xia's policy.
All these smugglers were overjoyed to hear that not only would they not be held accountable, but they could continue to do business.
"I have always heard that Xia Kingdom encourages trade. When I saw it today, it turned out to be true. General, please rest assured that we will abide by the law in the future and will not dare to mess around."
These smugglers used to come here to do business. Although they were not controlled by Ming law, they were obviously exploited by pirates.
They were obviously even happier when the new forces openly encouraged industry and commerce.
In a short period of time, order was restored on all islands in Zhoushan.
No one remembered the Zheng family who could not come back, and recognized the rule of Xia Kingdom.
Behind the Second Marine Division, Chen Zhi reported the situation to the central government while dispatching capable officials to establish the political power.
Various subsequent constructions will definitely give the Zhoushan Islands a completely new look.
The newly obtained territory also allows the East China Sea Fleet to repair warships on the spot without having to go back to Waigaoqiao Pier, which really saves a lot of time.
"These six new ships will be handed over to your East China Sea Fleet. I am going back to the Naval Academy and be my principal."
E Honglue went on a journey and made dazzling military exploits. He was satisfied and just wanted to go back and live a peaceful life.
With the acquisition of six new third-level strategic ships, the size of the East China Sea Fleet suddenly expanded to an unprecedented level. It is definitely the largest combat force on the East China Sea.
This made Zuo Hua very happy, and he also made fun of E Honglue.
"Old man, I heard that you found a wife who is twenty years younger than you. You are an old cow eating young grass. Are you worthy of God?"
E Honglue's face turned red and he exploded on the spot.
"We truly love each other, and we have received God's testimony. Also, my name is Andre Ehonglue, not E."
Zuo Hua couldn't help but smile when he saw how angry he was.
"You are now a member of the Xia Kingdom. Isn't it natural for you to be named after the Xia Kingdom?"
"Is there anyone with a surname in the Xia Kingdom?"
"Why not? I heard that in the Manchu Qing Dynasty, there used to be a minister named Eyidu, who has the same surname as you."
Zuo Hua was just bullying him because he didn't understand the history of the East and made nonsense.
Sure enough, E Honglue believed it to be true.
After thinking about it, I thought it would be good to have a surname of "E".
"My child will be born soon, what do you think would be a better name?"
Zuo Hua is not good at this.
"As for naming, His Highness is good at it. Why don't you ask him for advice when you go back."
When E Hong heard this, he immediately beamed.
If your child can be named by Zuo Menggeng himself, it will be of great significance, and you will definitely not have to worry about his future life.
E Honglue left, leaving the East China Sea Fleet with six brand-new third-level battleships.
This suddenly changed the East China Sea Fleet from being weak to a strong one.
It can be said that all Xia Guo’s previous ideas have been realized.
Seeing that the Second Land Warfare Division had completely taken control of the Zhoushan Islands, Zuo Hua left behind four damaged battleships and started heading south with six new ships and the remaining auxiliary ships.
Although the naval battle was a great victory and the Zheng family was severely damaged, Zheng Zhilong survived the defeat and still had some strength left. If he was not dealt with in one go, he might be able to recover.
While heading south, Zuo Hua began to think in detail about how to fight the next battle.
Dealing with Zheng Zhilong in Zhejiang and dealing with Zheng Zhilong in Fujian are completely different concepts.
Fujian is Zheng Zhilong's hometown. He has been in business for many years and has long been deeply rooted. The help he can get is simply unimaginable.
Even if the East China Sea Fleet is now strong and strong, it must still be cautious.
After all, in the Battle of Liaoluo Bay that year, the Dutch fleet was also very powerful.
As a witness to that naval battle, Zuo Hua knew very well how the Dutch failed.
The next actions of the East China Sea Fleet can really be described as going deep into the tiger's den.
Even Zuo Hua, who was so bold, couldn't help but be cautious.
The six new warships under our feet cost a lot of money, so we don't dare to lose them easily.
During the continuous voyage, Zuo Hua could never think of a proper solution.
However, he didn't know that Zheng Zhilong was at his most desperate moment at this moment.
"Is it true that God wants to kill me?"
Zheng Zhilong covered his stomach with his hand, and held a knife on the deck with his other hand. Looking at the tragic situation on the sea around him, he was like an old and frail lion, facing the situation of being eliminated.
Surrounding Zheng's fleet, there were two formations of battleships galloping back and forth, constantly destroying them with artillery.
Under the sun, the Holy Red Cross flag flying high showed the identity of the current enemy.
"Continue to attack, use all your strength, and never let Zheng Zhilong escape."
Putmans had already lost all composure, and his excited and crazy look showed that he had been waiting for this moment for a long time.
The failure at Liao Luo Wan was an unforgettable experience for him.
As a proud soldier, he could never hold his head high.
Now, he can finally take revenge! This chapter has been completed!