Total War: Restoration of the Ming Dynasty in Luzon

Amid cheers, the Ming army officially entered the city. The prisoners were taken to a temporary, expanded prison inside the fortress, and the spoils of war were counted and stored away. The meritorious soldiers were rewarded according to their merits.

The city of Lingayan was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, and pigs and sheep were slaughtered. Except for the soldiers who had to stand guard, the Chinese, whether soldiers or civilians, celebrated together with their allies in Ilock.

On the streets, bonfires blazed, filling the air with the aroma of roasted meat and the mellow fragrance of rice wine.

Ming soldiers and Ilock warriors put their arms around each other's shoulders, using broken language and gestures to excitedly depict scenes from famous battles and share the spoils of war.

The Chinese community also warmly offered their homemade pickled vegetables, fresh fish, and pastries to the warriors who had brought them victory and hope. Children frolicked and played among the crowd, curiously watching the painted faces of the Irok warriors and the strange weapons in their hands.

The atmosphere was incredibly lively and enthusiastic.

However, Zhu Jiheng, as the leader, did not participate in the celebration. He returned to the government office with his family, had a brief chat and a meal, and then went directly to the fortress.

At the West City Fortress, Lieutenant Chen personally oversaw the interrogation of the Spanish prisoners. The three officers were interrogated separately, and the soldiers below used both threats and inducements to get them to reveal the intelligence they knew in exchange for their freedom.

As it turned out, these Spanish soldiers were not tough, or rather, even if they were, they quickly succumbed to torture.

The blood-stained confessions were quickly compiled and sent to Zhu Jiheng's desk.

The intelligence provided by the three Spanish officers was very detailed. They were the garrison of Fort Santiago and knew the defenses of Manila and Fort Santiago very well.

According to the intelligence they provided, most of the garrison at Fort Santiago had been incorporated into this advance force led by Colonel Lopez, leaving only a small number of servants and less than half a company of soldiers behind.

Manila itself is also short of garrison troops. Apart from the garrison at Fort Santiago, the permanent garrison in Manila mainly consists of the Governor's Guard, the city's artillery, some rotating companies, and a large number of trained indigenous soldiers.

The most powerful force was the troops stationed at the Cavite Naval Shipyard and Fortress, consisting of about two full companies and attached sailors and gunners. However, the primary duty of this force was to protect the ship's cabins and warships.

In summary, although the Manila garrison numbered less than a thousand, the city walls themselves were built in the style of a bastion, making it easy to defend and difficult to attack. In addition, the Spanish governor would certainly do everything he could to mobilize troops from the surrounding areas to provide support.

If Zhu Jiheng had not had sufficient and secure strength on his side and had chosen to attack the city rashly, he would have certainly encountered fierce resistance from the Western Army and paid a heavy price.

Currently, Zhu Jiheng's forces, apart from the six line infantry companies he has already summoned, two local cavalry regiments, and falcon guns, consist only of the Ilock Allied Forces, which have both numbers and combat effectiveness.

Even if he mobilized all his troops, his total strength could not exceed twice that of the defending army, and he only had a pitiful twenty cannons, including those newly captured and those yet to be summoned.

These twenty cannons are all light cannons, not heavy cannons that can be used to attack fortified positions. They are more than enough to bombard enemy infantry, but to use them to bombard city walls... well, forget about it.

After reading all the testimonies, Zhu Jiheng put down the paper in his hand, looked at the adjutant standing beside him, and said, "It seems that the mobile forces in Manila are currently quite weak. If the Westerners still want to attack, they can only transfer troops from other islands and conscript a large number of natives."

A glint of light flashed in the adjutant's eyes. "Your Highness," he said, "could we take advantage of the situation...?"

"Don't even think about taking advantage of our weakness." Zhu Jiheng waved his hand without hesitation, interrupting his reverie: "Our forces are limited, and our newly acquired territory is not yet stable. Stretching our battle lines would be a path to certain death. Even if Manila is vulnerable, it is not something we can touch right now."

He tapped his fingers on the table and pondered, "However, the value of this intelligence lies in showing us the fragility of the Spanish rule in Luzon. Their control over the core area heavily depends on the loyalty of a few colonial outposts and indigenous vassals."

"The destruction of this advance team is tantamount to tearing a gap in the north of Manila. In the short term, it will be difficult for them to organize an army of the same size and combat power to fight against our army."

The adjutant nodded in agreement, saying, "That's right. The prisoners also mentioned that the governor's control over the local indigenous princes was not monolithic. Some tribes in the upper reaches of the Pasig River, as well as the Bangpan people further north, had long complained about the Spanish conscription and forced labor, but were forced to comply due to the threat of force."

"Now that we have demonstrated our ability to defeat the regular Spanish army, the balance in the hearts of these onlookers may begin to shift."

"That's exactly what we need to take advantage of!" Zhu Jiheng stood up, raised his fist, and said, "A great man once said that we should minimize our enemies and maximize our friends."

"Those indigenous princes have suffered greatly from the oppression of the Western barbarians. As long as we demonstrate sufficient strength and sincerity, they will not hesitate to abandon the Western barbarians and submit to us. In this way, we can not only gain more allies, but also fundamentally shake the foundation of the Western barbarians' rule in Luzon."

After saying that, Zhu Jiheng changed the subject and ordered his adjutant: "You are in charge of selecting those Western captives who are less seriously injured and have families in Manila. Treat their wounds, provide them with better food and drink, and then release them back."

"Let them go back?" The adjutant was somewhat surprised.

"Yes, put them back." Zhu Jiheng said firmly, "Have them pass on a message to the Spaniards in Manila: The Ming army is only here to expel tyranny and protect the Chinese and the barbarians. Anyone who lays down their weapons can save their lives; if they remain obstinate, Snake Kiss Gorge will serve as a warning."

"This may not have a significant effect, but it can spread fear among the Western barbarians, shake their morale, and let them know that we are not to be trifled with, so they will not dare to attack us easily."

The adjutant nodded quickly in agreement. Zhu Jiheng then said, "Please have Ma Kandong and the other Yiluo chieftains spread the news of the great victory at Snake Kiss Gorge, so that the surrounding indigenous tribes know that the Western Barbarians have been defeated, and demand that they make a choice."

Those who offer assistance will be richly rewarded after the war; those who remain neutral will be regarded as friends and neighbors; those who continue to act as accomplices to the enemy will be severely punished on the day the enemy is defeated!

"While spreading the news, you will personally lead the army to cooperate with the tribes allied with us to wipe out the tribes or strongholds around Linggayan that are still loyal to the Westerners, in order to deter those tribes with ambiguous attitudes and ensure the safety of our rear."

"Understood!" The adjutant, his heart pounding with excitement, replied repeatedly, "Your Highness is wise! With this series of moves, the area surrounding Lin Jiayan will be completely under our control!"