Wind Rises in North America 1625

Chapter 240 Go slap him in the face!
“Banderas Valley (present-day Puerto Vallarta)?”

A few days ago, the raiding fleet arrived at Black Shark Island and was immediately warmly welcomed by more than one hundred garrison personnel.

We never expected that when the Spanish were about to launch a large-scale attack on our Qiming Island, our Xinhua did not adopt a conservative defense strategy, but instead organized such a squadron, went south to Mexico, and launched a military strike against the Spanish.

What does this mean?
Our Xinhua is now quite powerful. Not only is our homeland safe, but we are also capable of taking the initiative to attack and reach the territory of the Western Yi.

After several years of construction, Shajing Fort at the northern end of the island has begun to take shape. In addition to a city wall with a circumference of more than 500 meters, more than 40 acres of farmland have been opened up around it, where potatoes, corn and various vegetables are planted.

Although it is impossible to be self-sufficient in food, there is an adequate supply of non-staple food.

In addition, there are tens of thousands of seals living on the shores of the island and abundant fish in the sea, so the garrison personnel have no shortage of meat all day long, and they are all well-fed and healthy.

If it were not for the fact that the island is isolated from the mainland and far away from the mainland of Xinhua, staying there for a long time would inevitably make people feel a sense of isolation and loneliness.

Moreover, as the conflict between the Spanish and Xinhua broke out, Black Shark Island became increasingly dangerous.

Although, this island had long been abandoned by the Spaniards because it was too desolate and barren, it would take some time for them to find it.

But there was no guarantee that one day the Spaniards might suddenly think of sending a ship to take a look, which might expose them to the Spaniards and then cause them to be besieged by the other side.

It can be imagined that once the war breaks out, Black Shark Island will definitely not receive any support from the mainland, and can only rely on the defensive fortifications of Shajing Fort to hold on until they run out of ammunition and food.

If he fell into the hands of the Spaniards, he would definitely be in trouble. He would be tortured and then hanged mercilessly by them.

Yes, the Spanish will definitely do that.

They never show mercy to pagans and will use all kinds of brutal means on them like demons.

Although everyone was worried about the war that might come at any time, morale did not drop.

As the top leaders of Xinhua said, as long as the defenders did not make any big mistakes, it would be difficult for the Spaniards to break through Shajing Fort.

This place is far away from the mainland and supply is inconvenient. If the Spaniards want to take over this island, it will not only be time-consuming and laborious, but also yield little gain. Moreover, a forced attack will definitely result in several losses.

The entire island was desolate and barren, with no fresh water resources. Even if the Spanish landed on the island, they would not be able to stay for long. They could only choose to besiege and blockade the island at sea and force it to surrender.

The island had stored food and various supplies for more than a year, giving it enough confidence to hold out against the Spaniards.

Even if the food is gone, there are still a bunch of seals on the beach and fish and shrimps in the sea, so they can hold out for at least two years.

What will happen two years later?
Well, you're overthinking it. This war will definitely not last two years.

Although Xinhua has a small population and a weak foundation and cannot sustain the war for a long time, the situation of the Spaniards is not much better!
The Thirty Years' War in Europe was in full swing. With the Kingdom of Sweden joining the battlefield, France was also waiting for an opportunity, ready to take action at any time.

A few years later, France joined the war and used all kinds of big moves, which forced the Spanish to be stretched thin and unable to cope.

In order to ensure victory on the European battlefield, there must not be any problems in the Americas, which is the money bag of the Spanish Kingdom. Its stability must be guaranteed and the normal transportation of gold and silver in the area must not be affected.

If Xinhua could repel the Viceroyalty of New Spain's initial attack and then demonstrate its offensive capabilities against Spanish America, Spain would be forced to reconsider its decision to continue the war. Even if the Viceroyalty of New Spain could not bear this and wanted to fight Xinhua again, the pressure from the Madrid court would force them to suppress this idea.

America is a cash cow that supplies Spain, not a battlefield for you to mess around with.

If they were to fight a life-and-death battle with an unknown pirate force and cut off the local milk supply, the important figures in the court would be furious.

Although the northwest coast of America nominally belongs to the Kingdom of Spain, it is not an important core asset, and there is no need to throw too much money and materials into that wild land.

Therefore, due to the influence of the overall situation in Europe, this war could not last more than a few years.

The raiding fleet rested on Black Shark Island for five days and then prepared to go to the coastal area of ​​Mexico to hunt.

When choosing the first target to attack, everyone expressed their opinions.

Some said they would go to northern Mexico, where a large-scale Indian uprising had broken out under their influence. After landing, they could continue to incite the local Indians to resist the Spanish colonial rule.

Some also say that we should go to the Panama region, where the Guaymiye people have almost occupied the entire Azuero Peninsula and have a stable base.

Once there, we can provide the Guaymiye people with more weapons and equipment to make them more powerful.

They could even launch a further attack on Panama City, posing a real threat to the Spaniards.

Others suggested that they should simply go to Acapulco Port and show their power to Spain.

However, when the commander of the raiding fleet, Han Jian, announced the target of the attack, everyone was stunned.

Eight years ago, when Xinhua had just established itself on Qiming Island, we had to go south to raid the Spanish American colonies in order to obtain the much-needed production and living materials.

The first target of attack chosen was Banderas Valley!
How come after so many years, we have to come here again?

"To use an inappropriate analogy," Han Jian said with a smile, noticing the odd expressions on everyone's faces. "We plant a row of chives in the ground in the spring. As long as there's enough sunlight, enough water, and some fertilizer, the chives will stubbornly grow again after being cut over and over again."

"This Banderas Valley, nestled against the mountains and facing the sea, boasts flat, fertile land. After nearly a hundred years of development by the Spanish, it's a prime, cultivated area. They wouldn't abandon it just because of a naval attack. After all these years, the town's population must have recovered, and its economy and livelihoods have flourished. It's perfect for another harvest!"

"As the saying goes, don't hit someone in the face. The Spaniards are intensively preparing to attack Xinhua, assuming we'll retreat to Qiming Island, build fortifications and trenches, and actively prepare for war. They never imagined we'd take the initiative and bring the flames of war to their territory first."

"What they didn't expect was that our first target would be the Banderas Valley, a town we had practically plundered years before. This was a slap in the face to the Spanish. Well, maybe not very damaging, but extremely insulting."

Han Jian's words made everyone laugh immediately.

The attack on the Banderas Valley, an important coastal port, was a heavy psychological blow to the Spanish.

This raid will sound the clarion call for Xinhua's counterattack.

Perhaps, this can also disrupt the Spanish military deployment and buy time for the defense of Qiming Island.

(End of this chapter)