First Minister of Ming Dynasty

But just because it went well, it made Zhang Ximeng even more stressed. If he didn't make any noise, it would really be impossible.

Zhang Ximeng murmured: "Know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be imperiled in a hundred battles. Now I want to ask you a question from your heart. If you fight head-on with the Yangtze River Navy of the Yuan Army, what are your chances of winning?"

Zhang Ximeng paused, and added, "I want to listen to the truth."

This suddenly made several people frown.

In the battle at Ruxukou, although they won and even captured a few ships of the Yuan army that were not on fire, it is undeniable that the warships of the Yuan army were much stronger than them. It's hard to say the outcome.

Let them fight head-on with the Yuan army, the chances of winning are really slim.

Yu Tingyu was the oldest and had the highest prestige. He pondered for a while, and then said: "The governor asked, and the humble officer can only say that the Chaohu Navy has no cowards. No matter how much the loss is, we can defeat the Yuan Tartars!"

Liao Yongan also said: "That's right, we decided to take refuge in the lord and fight out of Chaohu Lake, just to make contributions and fight for a future. No matter how powerful the Tartars are, we are not afraid!"

Zhang Ximeng nodded, the Chaohu navy is indeed courageous and popular.

With this vigor, there is indeed hope to make contributions.

But Zhang Ximeng also knows that doing so is risky, and it's not small.

How to break the situation?

Zhang Ximeng thought about many ancient and modern, Chinese and foreign, and various war cases... In conclusion, it is still the same sentence, you fight yours, I fight mine, what equipment you have, and what kind of battle you fight.

Don't fight until you have to.

Zhang Ximeng pondered over and over again, running through the map of the Yangtze River over and over again in his mind. Suddenly, Zhang Ximeng came up with an idea, and the more he thought about it, the more reasonable he felt.

"Old General Yu, please help me to find out... Yuan Tartars attacked Hezhou, can we attack Jiangnan and force the Yuan army to retreat. In this way, it will take up the ship capacity of the Yuan army's navy and mobilize them Get up, our chance has come!"

Yu Tingyu didn't expect Zhang Ximeng to come up with such an idea... He frowned and said, "Where is the governor going to fight?"

"Tongling!"

Zhang Ximeng said bluntly that Tongling was located upstream of Ruxukou, and the Yuan army's defenses were weak and it was easy to take down.And once Tongling is captured, they can bypass the rear of Wuhu and Taiping, attack the naval garrison, and mess up the rear of the Yuan army.

Moreover, 10 yuan troops were in Hezhou, and the south of the Yangtze River was empty. They thought they had the Yangtze River Navy as a barrier, but they didn't expect that Zhu Yuanzhang had the Chaohu Navy here.

Although the Chaohu Navy is not necessarily the opponent of the Yangtze River Navy, it can easily send people to the other side!

"I think it works! The governor's move is really clever!" Yu Tingyu praised, and everyone else nodded in support, thinking that this method is good and you can try it.

Zhang Ximeng breathed a sigh of relief, but immediately realized something.

Cross the river!

This important event concerning Zhu Jiajun's future, unexpectedly happened under such circumstances, by chance, in his own hands, Zhang Ximeng suddenly felt very excited.

At the same time, Zhang Ximeng also knew that to cross the river and conquer cities, he must have soldiers who dare to fight, and he must have strong military discipline and not mess around.

Zhang Ximeng immediately sent someone to send a secret letter to Zhu Yuanzhang.

Lao Zhu's reply was very fast, and it took less than two days. Along with the reply, Zhu Yuanzhang also sent a fierce man——Chang Yuchun!

Allowed to cross the river!

Chapter 149 Crossing the River!Cross the river!

With Lao Zhu's permission, the first task of crossing the river will naturally fall into the hands of Zhang Ximeng, the naval commander.

But it is not a simple matter to cross the river to fight, the time is tight and the task is heavy.

Zhang Ximeng discussed with Yu Tingyu and Liao Yongan overnight.

"This is what I plan to temporarily organize the left and right battalions of the Navy. The commander of the left battalion is Liao Yongan, and the deputy commander is Yu Tonghai. The commander of the right battalion is Yu Tingyu Yulao, and the deputy commander is Liao Yongzhong... What do you want? How about next?"

The two looked at each other with weird expressions. Under Zhu Yuanzhang, apart from Zhang Ximeng, the temporary governor, the highest military position was the battalion commander.

Giving them one for each of them is of course no problem, and it is also in line with the reality of the Chaohu Navy.But the problem is that the two deputy commanders are too weird.

Let Liao Yongan's younger brother serve as Yu Tingyu's deputy, and let Yu Tingyu's son serve as Liao Yongan's deputy. Is this a game of matching?

Both Yu Tingyu and Liao Yongan were a little dissatisfied, but they didn't dare to speak out, they just kept silent.

Zhang Ximeng saw it in his eyes and smiled slightly, "I know what you two are thinking, but I want to ask, how many buildings does the Yu family have?"

Yu Tingyu was startled and said: "There are more than 60 ships."

Zhang Ximeng looked at Liao Yongan again, "What about you?"

"There are more than 40 ships. Although it is not as good as the Yu family, our Liao family soldiers are brave and good at fighting. This time we entered the Yangtze River, we will take the lead!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled again, "I'll ask again, do you know how many buildings there are in the Yangtze River Navy?"

Now I asked two people. They have been in Chaohu Lake and really don't know the situation of the Yangtze River.

Zhang Ximeng pondered: "The Yangtze River Navy has more than 300 ships of all kinds, and they are generally bigger than your ships! We are not as powerful as humans, but we still have to distinguish each other, and distinguish each other by family. How about How can we successfully defeat the Yuan army?"

Of course, these two people understand this truth, but how could they easily give up the interests in their hands and the family's years of management.

Zhang Ximeng was not in a hurry, but said with a smile: "Old Yu, General Liao, I might as well tell you a little more news. I have already selected land in Yangzhou, and I want to build a shipyard to build warships."

"What?" Liao Yongan was taken aback, "Captain, do you want to build a ship yourself?"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "It's not that I want to build a ship, it's my lord... May I ask which lord who wants to build a ship by himself can't build a ship by himself? What's more, he is on the bank of the Yangtze River, without a strong navy, he will only be bullied by others!" "

Liao Yong'an nodded silently, and there was a rippling in his heart. They took the fleet to seek refuge, and they thought it was a timely gift, but they didn't expect that the Zhu family's army had planned a long time ago, which was quite surprising.

Yu Tingyu is old and cunning, he pondered for a while, then smiled and said: "Building a boat is not a one-day job, just the wood is very difficult. We have been trapped in Chaohu Lake for several years, so we only built some small fishing boats."

"Yes." Zhang Ximeng admitted frankly, "shipbuilding is indeed not an easy task, but you can't give up because of difficulties. The navy may be more difficult than the land, but as long as you are willing to put in, you will always see results, or it will take three to five years. Or ten or eight years, there will always be a time of success. The shipyard in Yangzhou has recruited thousands of people, as long as the master is determined, there is nothing that cannot be done!"

The two of them were shocked when they heard this.

Indeed, Zhu Yuanzhang has made it to this day step by step, which is already amazing.He eradicated the powerful, divided the land evenly, and fought bravely. These are not things that ordinary heroes can do.

With such a heart, it is impossible to build a ship or build a navy.

Realizing this, both Yu Tingyu and Liao Yongan lowered their heads subconsciously, and their pride lost another three points.

Zhang Ximeng saw it, and continued: "My lord has ambitions for the world, and he doesn't just focus on the Central Plains. Mongolia swept the world, conquered thousands of miles, and destroyed forty countries. Now the western vassals belong to khanates, countless. These countries may not be in the lord's hands." In my heart... Chaohu Lake is too small, and the Yangtze River is too narrow! A real navy must sail across the sea and spread the might of heaven in foreign lands. You may think that I am talking big here, but to achieve great things, you must first have a vision and pattern …The navy cannot be someone’s private soldiers, let alone a few ships and tens of thousands of soldiers. The navy needs a large number of shipyards, needs to allocate timber from all over the world, needs skilled craftsmen from all over the world, and has grain and rice merchants."

"If you just guard your own one-acre three-point land, it will be difficult for the navy to become bigger. Of course, to grow bigger, the navy needs a broad mind and embraces all rivers. Since you choose to join the lord, you want to become a part of Zhu's army, so Make meritorious deeds, enshrine your wife and son, and leave a name in history. If you don’t have this kind of thought, wouldn’t it be better to stay in Chaohu and be the king of the mountain?”

The two brows trembled, and their hearts were surging.

Zhang Ximeng made the truth clear, but it was still too difficult to take this step.

Yu Tingyu said: "Captain, to tell the truth, four generations of our family have lived in Chaohu Lake. Those veterans have been with us for decades, and they have long been used to it. If it were someone else, they wouldn't recognize it!"

Zhang Ximeng smiled, "Yes, there will always be some difficulties, but a powerful navy is the capital of the lord to fight for supremacy in the world. Water and land have two legs, and one is indispensable. You have also seen the ships and weapons of the Yuan army. But it’s too strong. I’ve already ordered a batch of catapults and gunpowder to come over. There will be more ships, sailors, food, grass, and weapons in the future... Accept the suggestion of reorganization, and naturally get priority supplies. You can’t resist the order. Will it benefit you?"

Zhang Ximeng's was already a direct temptation.

Any military leader has a natural impulse to expand... Who doesn't want to have more and more soldiers, better equipment, and more and more military expenditures at their disposal.

Holding these things in his hands, Zhang Ximeng didn't worry if they would not take the bait.

Of course, doing so will not eliminate the traces of the family. The navy will still be dominated by the Yu family and the Liao family.

He even said that as long as he entered Jiqing, Zhang Ximeng's first suggestion was to establish a military academy, not only the navy, but even the army would have to undergo further reorganization.

All in all, we must cross the river and have a wide space so that we can flex our muscles!

Yu Tingyu and Liao Yongan pondered for a long time, finally nodded, and Yu Tingyu also said: "Commander, since we have attached ourselves to the superior, we will be single-minded and never intend to be the grass head king. It's just that the kindness is hard to shake, the hearts of the people are hard to break, and there are too many subordinates. Some can't figure it out."

Zhang Ximeng smiled and nodded, "I know exactly what Mr. Yu is thinking. Don't worry, I have prepared acres of land, as well as shipyards and wharves. There are many places. Those who come here this time are all meritorious ministers. In terms of distribution, they will enjoy double ration fields according to the treatment of soldiers. Even if they are abolished, they will let the big guys live comfortably and richly, and will not make things difficult for you."

Yu Tingyu breathed a sigh of relief, and looked at Zhang Ximeng, a young man with admiration.

The strength has been demonstrated, the truth has been clarified, and now the benefits are also delivered.

What else can I say?

Be obedient!

Almost two companies began to rectify the navy overnight.

First of all, those small boats that can only be used for fishing, as well as a group of elderly soldiers, were all abolished.

Both sides consolidated all the building ships, Liao Yongzhong led 21 ships and merged them into Yu Tingyu's command, Yu Tonghai led [-] ships and merged them into Liao Yongan's command, keeping the number of their respective building ships at more than [-].

When Gu broke through Ruxukou, he seized several building ships from the Yuan army. Those that were too heavy could only be demolished, but some of them were too light and could be used after repairs.

The largest building boat among them became Zhang Ximeng's ship.

The huge warship, the vermilion flag was flying.

The meeting with Chief Governor Zhang finally arrived.

In addition to the large building ships, Zhang Ximeng also ordered to select a batch of small and medium-sized warships with a strong structure, a total of about [-] ships, half of which were used as supplements to large ships, and the other half were used as troop carriers.

These troop carriers generally have a relatively shallow draft, and can carry a maximum of 30 people, and a minimum of [-] to [-] people. In the cabin, they are also equipped with things such as ladders, wooden boards, crossbows, ropes, etc. Once the landing is successful, they can launch immediately. Tough battle.

In other words, while Zhang Ximeng was rectifying the navy, he also created a navy and marine corps.

And the commander of this marine corps, without a doubt, is Chang Shiwan who is rampant all over the world!

As mentioned earlier, Chang Yuchun was not lucky. He made up a story about a golden-armored god asking him to join the Ming Lord. As a result, he was stared at by Lao Zhu and was almost kicked out.

Later, because of gambling, Lao Zhu was caught.

Therefore, Chang Yuchun did not participate in the battle against Tuotuo, and was kept in Hezhou all the time, as a spectator and a spectator.

Now Chang Yuchun was in a panic, but what could be done?

However, opportunities are always given to those who are prepared. Chang Yuchun is stationed in Hezhou.

Zhu's army remained in Hezhou with too few troops, and the militiamen were about to collapse at the first touch, and the Yuan army was about to seize the city.At this time, Chang Yuchun stepped forward. With more than 700 troops, he brazenly launched a counterattack, and defeated an army of several thousand yuan and a ten thousand households at once.

Afterwards, Chang Yuchun continued to attack like a killing god, beating another Wanhu until he almost fled back to the south of the Yangtze River.Chen Ye first personally led the troops to rescue, and then stabilized the situation.

Thanks to Chang Yuchun's brave performance, Zhu's army finally survived the most difficult time, defending Hezhou, and waiting for Zhu Yuanzhang to come.

Undoubtedly, with this performance, Chang Yuchun suddenly became a celebrity in front of Lao Zhu's eyes, and was rewarded with a lot of fine wine.

"My, I'm unlucky because of these wines!"

Chang Yuchun felt aggrieved and told Zhang Ximeng... Ever since Zhu Yuanzhang caught him for his negligent drinking last time, he has never been drunk again.

It happened that this meritorious service was rewarded again, Chang Yuchun couldn't control it when he was happy.

He drank too much, and the people below drank too much.

Just in time for Lao Zhu to order Chang Yuchun to cooperate in attacking Jilong Mountain.

Just because of this meal of wine, Chang Yuchun fell asleep soundly, and when he arrived, he was already an hour late, which delayed the battle opportunity and made Lao Zhu very angry.

He scolded Chang Yuchun severely, saying that he would not change his thieves and was hard to drive...Chang Yuchun also had nothing to say, why was he so unlucky, he got a turnaround so easily, and then he messed up himself.

"Sir, do you think I should ask for an amulet or change my name...Someone told me that a big man named Yuchun is a bit frivolous, and changing it to Qiu might be able to hold back."

Chang Yuqiu?

Zhang Ximeng couldn't help laughing, "You, stop thinking about it, after all, you still don't understand what is called a soldier and what is called military discipline... My lord sent you here, probably to make you commit crimes and make meritorious deeds. I have no other requirements for you. Just one sentence."

Chang Yuchun was startled, and hurriedly said, "What are you talking about?"

"It's very simple, all actions follow the command, and only when you walk in unison can you win!"

Chang Yuchun chewed silently for a while, and finally nodded vigorously, "I wrote it down!"

In a blink of an eye, another five days later, the navy's training was preliminarily completed, and Chang Yuchun's marines were also ready. A total of 500 people were divided into fifty troop carriers and ready to go.

Zhang Ximeng also put on a leather armor and boarded the boat.

Frankly speaking, he is not so calm, the weather on the big river is unpredictable, it is not so predictable.Moreover, the navy of the Yuan army is still much stronger than them. If the Yuan army attacks, he is not sure whether this fleet can win.

Although Zhang Ximeng secretly released a small boat before, found a corpse, carried a letter on his body, and went down the river. If the Yuan army found it, they would think that the Zhu family army was going to attack Taiping, and instead gathered heavy troops in Taiping defense, in that case, he won.

Zhang Ximeng didn't know whether the Yuan army received the letter or not, but they did cross the Yangtze River smoothly. The two winged ships escorted the troop carrier, and they approached the shore, and the troop carrier quickly landed on the beach.

The first one to jump off the boat was Chang Yuchun. He held an iron gun in one hand and a shield in the other. Without any hesitation, he led his subordinates and rushed towards Tongling County.

Tongling is named after copper, and here is the famous copper capital, which began in Shang and Zhou Dynasties and flourished in Han and Tang Dynasties... Copper production has lasted for thousands of years and has lasted for a long time.

Chacha copper is what Zhu's army lacks the most at the moment.

After Chang Yuchun landed, he rushed straight to the county seat. The soldiers guarding the city were still in a daze, completely unaware of what was going on. It wasn't until Chang Yuchun rushed to the front that he hurriedly gave the order to pull up the suspension bridge.

But they were one step too late, Chang Yuchun rushed up the suspension bridge with a few strides, pierced the rope with the tip of his gun, stood on the bridge, and shouted loudly: "Follow me and kill in, and you will make great achievements!"

After speaking, Chang Yuchun was the first to rush in, brandishing an iron gun in his hand, no one could stand it, and killed more than a dozen people in a blink of an eye, and the follow-up soldiers all rushed into Tongling!

At this moment, Commander Zhang had just approached the shore and hadn't had time to land yet.