blogombal Chapter 452: Merchant Ships, Converted to Military Use
Chapter 452: Merchant Ships, Converted to Military Use
Manager Tang Yaowu hurriedly led a huge fleet consisting of about 200 large and medium-sized ships of the Civil Reform Movement, rushing through the waves.
Delicate ripples appeared on the sea surface, as if the sea was warmly welcoming this meaningful gathering.
His face was full of anxiety and anticipation, and his eyes were shining with pride at the upcoming results.
The fleet is like a winding dragon, moving forward steadily under the influence of the sea breeze. Each ship appears solid, reliable and full of power.
……
When the fleet finally arrived at the port where Li Muchen was guarding, Manager Tang acted decisively and ordered all ships to anchor in an orderly manner.
Li Muchen had been waiting on the shore for a long time. His eyes swept across the 80% new and shining ships, and his heart was filled with indescribable excitement.
After the ceremony, Manager Tang led the generals onto the flagship and began to elaborate on the excellence of these civilian-reformed ships.
His voice was deep and powerful, and every word he said carried weight and could not be ignored.
"Generals, please look here!"
Manager Tang pointed to the sides of the ship, where the space originally used to load cargo was now occupied by majestic cannons.
The black muzzles of these cannons seem to demonstrate their power and majesty, which makes people feel awe involuntarily.
"These are our princess' ten ocean-going vessels. After meticulous renovations, they are now fully equipped with artillery. They have been transformed from former merchant ships into powerful warships!"
After hearing this, the generals gathered around and carefully examined the cannons. They knew that in a naval battle, cannons were the key to victory or defeat.
These artillery pieces before us are not only numerous, but also incredibly powerful, enough to frighten any enemy and make them flee at the sight of them.
"Not only that," Steward Tang continued, "these warships are also steam-powered. From now on, we are no longer restricted by wind power, but can directly burn coal to drive the ships through the waves!"
His words were filled with pride and confidence, as if he was showing the generals the excellent performance of his own ships.
After saying this, he led the generals into the cabin, where pieces of shiny black coal were neatly stacked.
The coals are carefully compressed, and each piece exudes an attractive luster.
"These are specially developed compressed coal blocks," Steward Tang explained. "They are not only highly efficient in combustion, but also easy to store. These coal blocks are enough to support our warships sailing continuously for a year!"
As the generals listened to Manager Tang's introduction, expressions of surprise and admiration appeared on their faces.
They understood that this meant that the Yu Dynasty's warships would have longer-lasting endurance and would be able to fight for long periods of time in vast waters far away from the coast without worrying about running out of fuel.
"So, what are the speed and maneuverability of these warships?" a lieutenant general asked, unable to suppress his curiosity. He knew that in naval warfare, speed and maneuverability were equally crucial, in addition to powerful firepower.
"Please rest assured, General!" Steward Tang replied with a smile. "Our craftsmen have thoroughly optimized these warships, bringing their speed and maneuverability to unprecedented heights. Whether pursuing the enemy or evading attacks, they can handle it with ease."
Li Muchen stroked his beard and laughed out loud, "This large ship can carry 5,000 soldiers, and the medium-sized ship can accommodate 3,000 soldiers. Our 600,000-man army can almost accommodate them..."
Manager Tang responded with a smile, "There's no need to crowd it so much. Two hundred large and medium-sized ships are more than enough. The remaining space can just be used to store more supplies..."
……
Li Muchen methodically directed the soldiers to board the warship. His guards held a small porcelain bottle and distributed pills to each soldier one by one. These pills were called "anti-dizziness pills" and could effectively relieve seasickness symptoms.
Manager Tang stood aside and watched Li Muchen distribute pills, and couldn't help laughing: "General Li, do you think our soldiers are all rookie sailors? Don't worry, these warships are sailing smoothly, even soldiers who have never been to sea will not get seasick easily." There was a hint of confidence and pride in his tone.
Li Muchen laughed heartily and replied, "Manager Tang, I'm just taking precautions. After all, our soldiers are fierce tigers on land. I'm a little uneasy about letting them sail across the ocean all of a sudden."
Li Muchen knew very well that this sea voyage was a brand new challenge for the soldiers, but he also believed that his soldiers could adapt to the environment at sea.
Manager Tang stroked his beard and said with a proud smile on his face: "General Li, don't worry. Our warships have been carefully designed and repeatedly tested. Not to mention our soldiers, even those pampered nobles will not feel uncomfortable sitting on this ship." His words were full of confidence and affirmation in the warships.
As the last soldier boarded the warship, Li Muchen gave the order to set sail.
With battle flags flying and drums beating, the warships slowly left the port and headed towards the unknown sea.
Li Muchen stood at the bow of the boat, looking at the coastline getting farther and farther away, and a feeling of heroism surged in his heart.
He firmly believes that this elite force will create brilliance at sea!
"Now, our Yu Dynasty finally has its own maritime power. From now on, no matter who wants to bully our Yu Dynasty, they must first ask our navy for permission!"
Upon hearing this, Manager Tang was also cheered up. "That's right, General Li. Our Yu Dynasty's navy will be our Yu Dynasty's Great Wall on the sea. Anyone who wants to invade our Yu Dynasty must first pass through us!"
The two smiled at each other, with determination gleaming in their eyes.
The soldiers quickly boarded the warships, and Li Muchen and Manager Tang also boarded their respective flagships.
With an order, the entire fleet slowly left the port and headed towards the vast ocean.
Along the way, the soldiers were shocked by the spectacular sight. They had never seen such a huge fleet, nor had they ever thought that they would be able to become a part of it one day.
"Look at those seagulls, they seem to be welcoming us too!" A soldier shouted excitedly, pointing at the seagulls circling in the sky.
"Haha, of course. We represent the navy of the Yu Dynasty, so of course they have to give us face." Another soldier said with a smile.
The fleet sailed on the sea, and the soldiers' laughter and cheers echoed one after another. Although they were in the vast ocean, their hearts were full of longing and hope for the future.
...
The fleet slowly sailed into the port of Bottle Island. When they saw the situation on the island, everyone was stunned with shock.
The ground was littered with beheaded corpses and broken limbs, and the blood dyed the entire island red.
At this time, Li Yifei and others were busy cleaning up the body fragments.
Li Muchen excitedly held the "Thunderbolt" in his hand, his eyes gleaming with joy. He said excitedly: "With this, I can conquer cities and territories and do anything!"
Afterwards, Li Muchen and other generals began to interrogate the Japanese and pirates captured by Li Yifei from the Bottle Island.
"Clap clap clap!"
Suddenly, a series of crisp slaps rang out, and Li Muchen angrily slammed the table several times. The table shook violently, as if it would fall apart at any moment.
"These damn Japanese people actually dared to cross the southern barbarian area and come to the border of our Yu Dynasty to capture people for hard labor..." Li Muchen was so angry that he gritted his teeth.
Li Yifei quickly stepped forward and poured a cup of tea for his uncle, comforting him, "They want to send these coolies to the large mineral veins that the Japanese have discovered to mine!"
At this time, Liang Modong saluted Li Muchen and said, "General, when we go to the Japanese this time, we can consider sending these people directly back to the Yu Dynasty by ship and hand them over to the court for disposal!"
Li Muchen found Manager Tang and asked him to take these laborers back to the Yu Dynasty to report to the court.
All the original personnel on the warships were left behind and incorporated into the army to become part of it.
Rub one's hands
Japanese people,
are you ready?