Chen Pengnian nodded, but did not say anything. There were indeed one or two thousand people stationed in the Spanish military camp in the southern suburbs outside the city at any time, both as hostages and as a means of exploiting the Spanish. These soldiers went out with the navy and were also pledged. It was just a different way, and there was no problem at all. However, it was inconvenient for him to interrupt when the navy was on an expedition.
Seeing that Chen Pengnian remained silent, everyone knew that he had no objection to Angel's proposal. Fu Han, who was eager to set off, paused slightly and said: "In this case, the navy can be divided into two groups. I will take the lead in setting off with one group. South Africa, capture the Cape Peninsula and clear the way for the army and merchant fleet.¡±
Divide the troops? Liu Zhisheng couldn't help but frowned slightly. The fleet conquering Africa was not huge. There were only more than thirty warships, half of which were auxiliary ships. Moreover, most of the navy soldiers accompanying the ships were new recruits. If the troops were divided rashly, once they encountered the British , a fleet of the size of the Netherlands will inevitably suffer losses, and he does not want too many losses.
Ever since he became the dean of the Guangzhou Naval Academy and heard that Zhenwu planned to conquer Africa and that he might lead the army, he had used various channels to inquire about the situation in Africa. He was far more knowledgeable about the situation in South Africa and West Africa than Zhenwu. To be clear, the problem in South Africa is not big. There are only a small number of Dutch occupying the Cape Peninsula, and there are not many Dutch immigrants in the interior. It can be said that conquering South Africa is effortless.
But it is not so easy in West Africa. West Africa is not only rich in gold, but also has slave trade, ivory trade and pepper trade. The Gold Coast, Ivory Coast, Slave Coast, Pepper Coast and other place names are all well-known in Europe. In addition to the Netherlands, the United Kingdom , France, and Portugal are all very active in West Africa. The Gold Coast, Slave Coast, and Ivory Coast are all densely populated with fortresses and trading stations. A few miles apart, there is a fortress. In the coastal waters, the fleets of various countries that rob merchant ships are not small.
For the forts along the coast. He was not very worried. With the long-range and accurate artillery guns, it was easy to conquer simple fortresses. What he was worried about was that fleets from various countries, like pirates, were harassing and robbing the merchant fleet of the Qing Dynasty and threatening their supplies. They After all, they are not as familiar with the waters of the West African Gulf as the European navies.
Liu Zhisheng also knew Fu Han's eagerness to set off. One of them was a man and the other a man. He has been competing all the way since the Shanghai Naval Academy, but there is no distinction between the top and the bottom. Each time he is promoted, he is promoted at the same time. During his next expedition to Africa, he focused on South Africa. Naturally, his military achievements were not as good as those in West Africa. He felt a little disappointed, which is human nature.
After pondering for a moment, Liu Zhisheng said: "Dividing the troops is a good way to save time. However, I suggest that the majority of the navy go first. Capture the Cape Peninsula first, and then wait for the subsequent merchant fleet at Cape Town Port. After reuniting, we will go north. There are too many European warships in West Africa, and the merchant fleet does not have enough warships to escort them. It is really uneasy."
??Conquer the Cape Peninsula first? Fu Han couldn't help but his eyes lit up. What Liu Zhisheng meant was that after the Cape Peninsula was conquered, all the navy's warships would go to West Africa? This guy is really open-minded. At that moment, he said: "This is a very good proposal. As the saying goes, when a lion fights a rabbit, you should try your best. The troops are divided into two groups, which is really underestimating the enemy. The majority of the navy will go first, leaving a small fleet to protect the merchant fleet behind. After converging with Puton and then heading north, it¡¯s really a combination of both.¡±
Seeing that the two of them agreed, Yinzhen and Chen Pengnian were naturally speechless, but Liu Zhisheng continued: "The navy, the new imperial guard army, and the accompanying personnel in the expedition to Africa have more than 30,000 people. In addition, the situation in West Africa is complicated, and the logistics supply is natural. The more sufficient the better, and all subsequent merchant ships must be loaded with all kinds of supplies. I hope Prince Dun and Chen Dutai will supervise this matter."
Yinzhen and other brothers were all entrusted in West Africa. There were more than 6,000 private soldiers of their brothers who accompanied the army to West Africa this time. Liu Zhisheng attached so much importance to logistics, so he naturally greatly agreed. He chuckled and said: "Don't worry, I will ask all merchant ships coming to Garopa to load various supplies. You will make a list."
"General, I would like to thank you in advance." Liu Zhisheng bowed and said.
"No need to be polite." Yinzhen smiled slightly and said to Angel: "The navy will set sail in three days, you go back and make arrangements first."
Angel knew that they still had military affairs discussions, so he hurriedly bowed and left. After he exited the room, Yinzhen glanced at everyone and said seriously: "When I was resigning, the emperor carefully explained that the expedition to West Africa was of great significance. It would not only greatly support the navy stationed in Europe, but also be crucial to the enfeoffment of South America. Importantly, Africa's gold and slaves are urgently needed by the Qing Dynasty. If the conquest of Europe is for long-term interests, then the conquest of Africa is for the immediate interests. It is a matter of great importance and cannot be lost.
In addition, we must not slack off in the expedition to South Africa. The Cape Peninsula is the only route from the Qing Dynasty to Europe. Controlling the Cape Peninsula is not only conducive to mid-way supplies, but also conducive to controlling this route. Furthermore, I might as well say it bluntly. Let me tell you that the Emperor attaches great importance to South Africa and this expedition willThe five thousand soldiers and horses are just the vanguard, and subsequent heavy troops will be sent for large-scale conquests. "
Having said this, he glanced at Fu Han and then continued: "The Emperor has made it clear that South Africa will not be entrusted to the princes and nobles, but will be included in the territory of the Qing Dynasty. You must not be negligent."
Hearing these words, Fu Han couldn't help but feel nervous. The emperor actually valued South Africa so much? Why is this? To the Qing Dynasty, South Africa was just an enclave. Why did Zhenwu attach so much importance to it? The Tenth Master would never dare to talk about such a major military matter, let alone use the Emperor's mouth. It seems that South Africa has a lot to do, and this expedition cannot be ignored. Thinking of this, he hurriedly bowed and said: "General I won¡¯t dare to live up to the emperor¡¯s trust.¡±
Liu Zhisheng was also very surprised. Zhenwu valued South Africa so much, why did he come? It is said that South Africa is far less valuable than West Africa. It is incomparable in terms of geographical location and economy. He did not dare to think too much and hurriedly followed up: "The words of heaven are earnestly admonishing, and I will definitely keep it in my heart. We must be cautious in everything, live up to the holy expectations, and strive to achieve full success."
Seeing the solemn expressions of the two men, Yinyin couldn't help but smile and said: "I don't understand naval battles, so I dare not interrupt randomly. Since the six thousand men and horses under me, Brother Bage, Ninth Brother, Thirteenth Brother and other brothers are accompanying me, For a naval expedition, you have full authority to be at the disposal of the navy. There is no need to have any scruples. As the saying goes, if the skin is not preserved, how can the hair be attached? The navy is the foundation of the expedition and needs cannon fodder. Even if they are allowed to go first, I and a few brothers can afford the loss. .¡±
Seeing that Yinzhen understood the righteousness so well, Liu Zhisheng hurriedly bowed and said: "Your Majesty is righteous, I will be grateful to you forever."
"Stop being polite here and go get busy." Yinqi said with a smile.
Everyone hurriedly stood up, bowed and exited the second hall. When they arrived on the corridor, Liu Zhisheng glanced sideways at Fu Han who was standing beside him, and chuckled: "Do you feel comfortable now?"
Seeing the two people talking, the following generals deliberately slowed down their steps and distanced themselves. Fu Han turned around and glanced at him, then turned to glare at him and said, "We are all seven-foot-tall men after all. Is that as bad as you think?"
"Yes, we are just too small." Liu Zhisheng said with a disapproving smile. After a slight pause, he continued: "However, since the Emperor attaches so much importance to South Africa, it is impossible to say that the New Guards Army and the Marine Corps should vigorously support South Africa.¡±
"Don't mention it." Fu Han hurriedly refused: "Although the Emperor values ??South Africa, the top priority is still West Africa. You must not put the cart before the horse. Just as you said, capture the Cape Peninsula first, leaving a thousand people behind. Just defend, the army will attack West Africa with all its strength, solve West Africa, then turn around and go south, we are not far away anyway, are you afraid that I will share the credit?"
"I'm really afraid that you will steal my military exploits." Liu Zhisheng chuckled.
Fu Han was stunned when he heard it, then he came back to his senses, smiled slightly and said: "I dare you to have an idea again? Don't hide it, pour it out and listen to it."
Liu Zhisheng stopped his smile and said seriously: "Have you never thought about why the emperor values ??South Africa so much?"
"I was wondering about this." Fu Han frowned and said, "The emperor has always had unique vision. Such a rich land in West Africa has been enfeoffed, so why did he take South Africa back to the imperial court alone?"
Liu Zhisheng glanced at it and said softly: "What does the emperor lack most now?"
Fu Han rolled his eyes and said, "What's missing? Of course it's a lack of silver." As soon as the words came out, he reacted and said in surprise: "There are silver mines in South Africa? This is unlikely. I haven't heard from Western missionaries. Got up."
"Not many people know about it." Liu Zhisheng lowered his voice and said, "It can be said that the emperor sent out heavy troops to conquer the barren land of South Africa. How can it not be weird? I haven't heard that silver is produced in Africa and gold is produced in West Africa. It¡¯s quite famous.¡±
"You mean there are gold mines in South Africa?" Fu Han could not help but widen his eyes and exclaimed softly.
"Never leave ten." Liu Zhisheng said solemnly: "As for the Dutch in South Africa, stop killing them and rush to the seaside to sell them to the Netherlands."
"Why?" Fu Han asked in confusion.
"Why else?" Liu Zhisheng glanced at him dissatisfied and said: "The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Portugal are now allies. The purpose of the navy in conquering Europe is to provoke war in Europe. If the Dutch are massacred in South Africa, it will inevitably lead to the Three Kingdoms If we turn our spearhead to the Qing Dynasty, we will lose more than we gain. Besides, our navy is currently growing rapidly, and it is not appropriate to fight with several European maritime powers at this time."
"Won't the capture of West Africa cause the three countries of Britain, the Netherlands and Portugal to target us?" Fu Han said quite puzzled.
"Of course not." Liu Zhisheng said firmly: "West Africa is a treasure land. Britain, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain all want to get involved. It is not possible to go it alone. We have to involve Spain and France.Come in, in terms of strength, population, and merchant ships, France and Spain combined are not our opponents. Sharing some benefits with them will not only help provoke war in Europe, but we can also avoid becoming the target of public criticism. "
"Haha." Fu Han chuckled and said, "The emperor sent your boy to West Africa. You really know people well."