.Chapter 798: Sea Breeze (Part 2)
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After becoming a disciple, Lin Feng realized that he was not Zheng Ruozeng's only apprentice... In fact, it was more appropriate to say that he was a "student". It turned out that Zheng Ruozeng had opened a captain training class within the Nanyang Company, and he was one of the fifteen people in the first phase.
Zheng Ruo was once the class teacher and hired more than ten Western teachers to teach. He also personally taught three courses: "Chinese Studies", "Marine Political Science" and "moral education class". He studied very heavily and had to attend classes every day. There were no holidays. In addition to the three courses taught by Zheng Ruozeng, there were also mathematics, geography, history, structure, mechanics, physics, chemistry, and the "ship" courses that introduced the world's most advanced seaship knowledge.
The most important one is mathematics. Western teachers told them that the quality of navigation is all about mathematics, so they also focus on mathematics in the course arrangement. In three years, he studied algebra, geometry, triangle, and arc triangle - the earth is round, so navigation requires arc triangle. Later, he had to study calculus, but it was a headache to think about it now. However, the requirements for the training class are very strict. If you fail the three exams in one semester, you will be expelled; if you fail the two subjects, you will be suspended for one semester; if you fail the one subject, your salary will be halved... Although you are only students now, your salary is comparable to that of the first-rank official in the court. For the sake of money, you have to grit your teeth and insist on not failing the subject.
In addition to three months of sea internship every year, Lin Feng and his classmates repeated boring study day after day. During this period, some people could not bear to drop out of school, some were persuaded to leave at work... But it is said that after leaving the class, the company arranged a good arrangement. If it weren't for being strong by nature, he would have thought that he would just forget it... After three years, he and five other classmates were left in the class to graduate successfully, and there were two new training classes to start, and there were more students.
There should have been one year internship period, but in the past three years, the Nanhai Company's business has expanded ten times and has become the third largest shipping group, which further highlights the talent gap. He, the former pirate, was directly appointed as the commander of the Fifth Escort Team. He has five fully armed warships, specially cruised on the most rampant pirate sections. He completed 50 escorts in half a year, encountered pirates twenty-seven times, repelled opponents twenty-seven times, sunk fifteen enemy ships, captured twenty-seven, and captured more than two thousand people. He was in the limelight for a while, and his reputation was so popular in the South China Sea that it was famous in the South China Sea.
After completing the mission last month, after returning to Hong Kong for rest, his escort team did not set off again, but accepted a secret mission - carrying 1,500 mercenaries to attack Luzon.
As a new fleet commander, Lin Feng is extremely sensitive to events that occur in surrounding areas, and what attracted his attention this year was the "Five Peaks Alliance Attack on Luzon".
Since the New Year, the imperial court issued an edict that those who volunteered to defend Luzon could win a great victory, the entire sea business community would be in full swing. If the imperial court could be named an earl, the glory of the ancestors would be the second. The most important thing is to legally set up camps in Luzon and control Manila - an important port that is no less than Malacca.
The maritime merchants knew very well what this meant, so they gathered in Taiwan during the Chinese New Year to instigate Wang Zhi to take the lead in sending troops. After all, the other side was a powerful Spain. Although they had committed a taboo of military strategists away from the rear, without the old ship owner, the maritime merchants did not dare to start the war easily.
In fact, Xu Hai is a better candidate for the leader, but he and Wang Zhi had already divided the sphere of influence. Southeast Asia was not his territory, so although he was so anxious that he scratched his head, in order to avoid offending Wang Zhi, he had to sigh.
Wang Zhi's physical condition has been much worse than before over the years, and his ambitions seem to have dissipated. Although he wanted to take the lead, he did not want to offend the Spaniards. He hesitated so much. It was not until March that he finally made up his mind to send his general, adopted son Mao Haifeng, to lead his headquarters, join forces with various maritime merchants, to form a joint fleet of 2,000 people, and set out from the Taiwanese chicken cage to attack the Luzon Islands.
However, the preparation for this attack was too slow and there was no effect of a surprise attack. As soon as the fleet entered Manila Bay, it was discovered by the Spanish patrol clutches. It soon attracted the Spanish warships that had been on high alert. The Philippine Governor Legaspi personally led the fleet to give a head-on blow.
Since the opponent was prepared, the right choice should be to avoid the edge at this time. However, Mao Haifeng, who was brave and fierce, relied on his strength to far surpass the opponent, even formed an array to launch an attack. However, on the battlefield, it was not possible to win if there were more soldiers, and this was even more so in naval battles. Although this team of pieces together had many ships, they had no cooperation with each other. In terms of weapons and combat effectiveness, they were far inferior to the powerful Spanish Navy. The cannons were not as far as others and could beat them accurately, so they could only be beaten passively; when fighting on the side, Spain was even more invincible, killing them so hard that they could fall into trouble.
Both sides' naval battles ended with a crushing defeat in Mao Haifeng's troops. At least fifteen ships and more than 500 people died at the bottom of the sea. Mao Haifeng had to lead his army to retreat.
Seeing that the Ming people were killed, Li Ya was really relieved. In fact, he saw the huge fleet, and he gasped. If he was outnumbered, all the hard work and sacrifices of many years would be wasted. But he was too happy and soon news came that the Ming people did not retreat to Taiwan, but went north along the coast of Luzon, entered Daimao Port, and established a hamlet in Banshilan, and set up many forts. He was prepared to stay in Luzon and was welcomed and supported by the locals.
How could he allow others to snore on the side of his bed? Although Li Yabi is not a Chinese, he also understands this truth. Ban Shilan is only four hundred miles away from Manila. If he doesn't destroy it for a day, Governor Li will not be able to sleep well. After a period of preparation, he mobilized almost all of his country's troops in Asia - five main ships, thirty speedboats, 600 Marines, and 5,000 servants of all ethnic groups. The troops were divided into two groups, attacking from land and the other launched an assault from sea, with the intention of causing threats from both sides to the other side.
The sea commando was very lucky. When they arrived at Daimao Harbor under the night, they found that all the other warships were docked in the harbor. The sailors all went ashore to rest, and only a few people guarded them. As a result, the entire Spanish fleet was easily burned down.
On land, the Spanish commando also launched a fierce attack, killing more than 100 "pirates" at the outer stronghold... Yes, the Spanish called them that. At this time, the water commando also joined in and attacked Mao Haifeng's nest. However, Mao Haifeng was a veteran who had been in the battlefield for a long time. Taking advantage of the critical moment, he finally completely grasped the command and ordered people to light the fence of the camp, which was already full of hay, and the fire suddenly soared into the sky, and the Spanish could not invade.
Taking advantage of this rare respite, Mao Haifeng gathered his troops and reorganized them, and survived the most dangerous first night.
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The next day, the Spanish planned to form a square formation to attack, but Mao Haifeng is worthy of being an old bandit. The strongholds he built based on the terrain are not only strong in construction and strict in defense, but also equipped with several cannons and many small cannons, which can be said to be a turtle shell with both offense and defense.
In contrast, the Spanish guns had too small caliber and were not enough ammunition. Frontline commander Salcido gave up his strong attack... This is very wise, otherwise the Spanish commando that was attacking the stronghold would be completely eliminated by the red-eyed Mao Haifeng.
After research and decision, the Spaniards adopted the method of siege but not fighting, and waited for the Mao Haifeng tribe to consume all the food and grass, which hit Xiao Mao's thoughts... If the Spaniards had heard of the Battle of Cengang, they would never choose this seemingly correct strategy.
The siege lasted for three months, and naturally there were many fierce battles during this period. Mao Haifeng was trying to cleanse up the shame, so he always came to the front line to command, so that his side would always maintain morale. Not only was he not broken through the stronghold, but he also caused considerable damage to the other side.
However, the Spanish turned attack into difficulties and gained the advantage of war and supplies. The Maohaifengs were trapped in the stronghold and their food was gradually exhausted. Surprisingly, the reinforcements sent by Wang Zhi only showed off their faces outside Luzon, and Shi Shiran returned on the grounds that the opponent's navy was powerful and unable to get close, as if he had given up on them.
Although Lin Feng had a grudge with Mao Haifeng, he could not watch his compatriots being wiped out by the Western Barbarians and remained indifferent. He asked Zheng Ruozeng to send him to Daimao Port to rescue the siege, but they were all rejected. There was only one reason for disagreement - the time was not ripe.
The Nanyang Company's organization is very strict. Without the president's consent, the escort team could not leave the Sixteen Pu. Lin Feng could only sulk and be anxious... Finally, before he became a husband-watching stone on the beach, the president issued a departure order. At this time, it was already June.
According to Zheng Ruozeng's plan, Lin Feng's fleet would not go to Daimao Port, but detour to Manila Bay. Taking advantage of the lack of Spanish troops, he took Manila directly to surrounded Wei and rescue Zhao. According to Zheng Ruozeng's estimate, the entire flight from Macau to Manila would be 2,500 miles... In the unit he learned, it was 675 nautical miles. The latest model of warship, with a full load of 18 knots, can arrive in two days, so he contacted the local branch and prepared to cooperate in two days... on June 18th, to help Lin Feng's troops take Manila.
However, human calculations are not as good as heaven's calculations. The day after the fleet set out, it encountered a sudden typhoon. Although relying on Lin Feng's experience and knowledge, the fleet escaped and lost only more than 200 people, it was also hundreds of miles away from the route, and it was one day late to reach the periphery of Manila Bay.
The original plan could no longer be implemented. Lin Feng, who was cautious by nature, did not dare to act rashly and decided to find out first. He had already familiarized the charts here and directed the fleet to hide outside Manila Bay, on a crescent island. At the same time, he sent a small boat to go deep into Manila Bay while the night was dark and connected with the contact person on the shore.
The next morning, the news came back that the company was preparing to create chaos, but was indeed captured by the Spanish authorities. However, the next day, the city did not increase its guards and the defenders should go home, as if they were just treating it as an ordinary riot. They did not expect that this was a part of a certain plan.
It was impossible to cooperate inside and outside. What should we do next? Lin Feng and the mercenary commander fell into thinking. But soon they stopped hesitating because an emergency made things simple - a Spanish grain transport ship that delivered supplies to Daimao Port had to urgently deviate from the channel due to the leaking water at the bottom of the ship and docked towards Crescent Island. As a result, they were packed with dumplings by Lin Feng's warship. There were 25 Spanish soldiers on the ship. Lin Feng left a living mouth, killed all the rest, and the materials on the ship would naturally not be wasted.
At most one day, the main Spanish force in Daimao Port will find that the grain transport ship is missing. If its commander is cautious enough, he will definitely return to the army to protect his nest. In other words, the time left for Lin Feng and the others will be only one and a half days at most.
It was necessary to make a quick decision. Lin Feng's fleet immediately entered Manila Bay and broke down from afar to avoid disturbing the Spaniards on the shore. Taking advantage of the time before nightfall, Lin Feng asked the land commander of the mountain-cultural armor to hurry up and select the commando. When it gets dark, he will immediately land and take Manila.
The commander was prepared and soon organized a suicide squad of 400 people, of which 200 were musketeers and the other 200 were Japanese mercenaries... The domestic war in Japan became more and more intense, and countless defeated samurai and soldiers were expelled from the country. However, now there are no Japanese pirates. Fortunately, their organizational, disciplined and obedient nature are almost perfect, and they are brave and fearless of death when fighting. They are deeply favored by maritime merchants and do not worry about not having jobs.
Nanyang Company is one of the most Japanese maritime merchants. This time, Lin Feng brought out more than 2,000 people, including more than 500 from Japan, more than 200 people, more than 300 Annan people, and only half of the real Ming people. The mixed personnel do not mean that they are unorganized and undisciplined. In fact, under the scientific management, strict training, and generous treatment of Nanyang Company, as long as they are not hopeless Indians and Luzons, they can become qualified members of this multinational force.
Thinking of this, Lin Feng glanced at the burly and dark giant man. He heard that these people were all trained by him, and they were indeed not good at being handsome.
But this man was mysterious. Lin Feng asked him what his name was, and he replied: "I forgot my previous name, please call me Lao Hei."
Even the real name is unwilling to be revealed. It seems that this Nanyang company is really secret.
The sky was extremely dark that night, with stars and moon submerged, and strong winds. This was not only conducive to the commando's hidden landing, but also caused difficulties in landing. But time was no longer easy to wait. The 400-person suicide squad, led by a samurai who was said to have been the nickname, named Onomizu King, forced a boat to set off.
Standing on the deck with Lao Hei, watching the suicide squad disappear from sight, Lin Feng sighed and said, "It feels like since Mao Haifeng came to Luzon, luck is not on our side. All unlucky things have happened. It's really evil..." If it weren't for the sudden strong wind and the army went straight to Manila tonight, it would be sure to win, so how could it take any more trouble?
Lao Hei also agreed, but there was no trace of wavering on his face and said in a deep voice: "Have Mr. Kaiyang told you the meaning of this battle?"
"Well." Lin Feng nodded with a serious expression: "He said that we are fighting fiercely at the intersection of history. This seemingly small battle will determine who will be the real master of Nanyang. If we cannot defeat the Spaniards, they will gain a foothold to march into Asia, establish bloody colonies, and even pose a threat to the Ming Dynasty. At that time, hundreds of thousands of Chinese in Nanyang will be in a very dangerous situation, and we will also lose control of Nanyang, which will be even more unable to protect the safety of our compatriots in Nanyang." There are too many Chaozhou people going to Nanyang, so Lin Feng has special feelings for these people.
"Yes." Lao Hei nodded and said, "So many sacrifices can be endured, and victory must be guaranteed." Lin Feng nodded heavily.
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In the strong wind, the suicide squad did not land on the shore until the next morning at Mao Zedong. When asked the guide, he actually left Manila City for more than ten miles. Stop talking about anything, run quickly and move forward. So, under the guidance of the guide, he hurried towards Manila City.
Some locals discovered these people, but not only did not panic, but joined the team to lead the way. It is said that Raja Suleiman's death completely intensified the hatred between the Spanish and the local indigenous peoples. It seems that this is true.
Half an hour later, the desperate suicide squad finally saw the city of Manila in the distance. Ono Mizuno was about to order a final charge, but the locals told that the villa of the Spanish commander-in-chief Goyt was on the side of the road. Ono had two unique to the Japanese, so he immediately changed his mind and attacked the villa.
The battle was short and fierce. After paying seven or eight lives, the suicide squad attacked the villa guarded by more than a dozen people and killed everyone in the house. It was also their time to operate. Goyt was actually at home and was about to dress neatly to go to work in the city. He was shot in the arm with an arrow and was shot dead while trying to jump out of the window to escape.
However, such a burst of random shots made them lose their precious suddenness. The Spaniards in the city finally woke up and they were able to bring weapons and ammunition to fight.
You have to admire these Spanish people who work as colonial and are well-trained. Taking advantage of this very short time difference, they set up an ambush circle on the roads in the city. When Ono led the suicide squad and hit him head-on, he was killed by a dense rain of bullets and was defeated in an instant.
At this time, the suicide squad was too far away from the fleet, and reinforcements and supplies were difficult. Seeing that it was impossible to win the battle, Ono had to order the withdrawal of troops. When he retreated to the villa where the fire was still burning, he slapped himself hard and cursed: "Baga, what a pig's head."
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Chapter completed!