dmims Chapter 2111 Arrangement
Chapter 2111 Arrangement
The next morning, snowflakes were still falling and the sky was pitch black, but the Zhejiang army had breakfast early, packed up their tents, and prepared to set off.
"After we move camp and set off, you will immediately move camp to Shaoxing City and strengthen the city defense. Shaoxing City is thirty miles in radius, and we will send rangers to patrol in turns. At the same time, we will set up multiple secret sentries to prevent attacks by Japanese pirates. Your most important task is to protect the safety of Shaoxing City. If Japanese pirates invade, the best strategy is to defend, make full use of the advantages of firearms, and do not fight outside the city." Before leaving, Zhu Ping'an repeatedly instructed Liu Mu who was seeing him off.
This time, Zhu Ping'an led 8,000 Zhejiang troops including Liu Dadao to southern Zhejiang, and left the remaining Zhejiang troops including Liu Mu to defend Shaoxing City.
Among these people, Liu Mu was relatively calm and composed compared to Liu Dadao and others. Zhu Ping'an trusted him the most, so he left him behind to defend Shaoxing City.
Zhu Ping'an made a deduction and concluded that there was a high possibility that he would lead his troops to southern Zhejiang while Wang Zhi would send a detachment to launch a surprise attack on Shaoxing.
This expedition to southern Zhejiang was made with great fanfare and was known to everyone. The Japanese pirates had already learned the news. After he took away 8,000 Zhejiang troops, the number of troops in Shaoxing City was reduced, and the Japanese pirates would not be unaware of this situation.
Shaoxing City is a relatively weak military city and also the seat of the governor, so the temptation is still great.
Therefore, we must take precautions in this regard.
Although he had Wang Zhi's mother, wife and children in his hands and was confident that he could control the scale of the war, this would only work after he had established contact with Wang Zhi. Before that, there would be several fierce battles, and he had to hold on in the early stages.
"Don't worry, sir. I will learn your strategy of defending Suzhou and ensure the safety of Shaoxing City." Liu Mu clasped his hands together and promised solemnly.
"Very good, keep this handwritten order. Once a war breaks out in Shaoxing, you must show this letter to everyone and control all the troops in the city, including yamen runners and soldiers. All armed forces will be under your unified command." Zhu Ping'an nodded, then took out an official letter with the governor's seal from his arms and handed it to Liu Mu.
"Sir, this, controlling all the military power in the city, this power is too great. I am of low position and my words do not matter. I can control the Zhejiang Army, but I am afraid it is not enough for me to control all the armed forces in the city." Liu Mu hesitated, worried that he would not be able to do the job.
"The most feared thing during wartime is the lack of unified command. There are guards and government officials in the city. If there is no unified command, once a war breaks out, it will be a mess. Facing the brutal Japanese pirates, it will be a disaster. You may not be as good as the officials in the city in other aspects, but when facing the Japanese pirates, commanding the defense of the city, other officials in the city are not as good as you." Zhu Ping'an looked at Liu Mu seriously and said, "Besides, I don't feel at ease to let others command the Zhejiang Army."
Under his influence, the Zhejiang Army's level of firearms was unparalleled in the world. Generals of that era, even Qi Jiguang and Yu Dayou, could not bring out the strength of the Zhejiang Army when they commanded the Army without being familiar enough with it.
They still believe in cold weapons.
Only generals trained by the Zhejiang Army itself can command the Zhejiang Army and bring out its due level.
"I understand. Please rest assured, sir. I will never let you down." Liu Mu took the official letter with both hands, put it in his arms, and promised solemnly.
"Good, I'm relieved." Zhu Ping'an nodded with relief and patted Liu Mu's shoulder gently, "The safety of Shaoxing City is in your hands."
"Just leave it to me, sir. The city will be there as long as I am here. The city will also be there even if I am not here." Liu Mu straightened his chest and promised with a fearless attitude.
"Don't say discouraging words. The city is still there, and the people are still there." Zhu Ping'an patted his shoulder vigorously and added, "Except for defending the city, everything remains the same."
"You're right, sir. Our Zhejiang Army is fighting the Japanese pirates. If the Japanese pirates don't come, it's fine. But if they come, it will be considered a military achievement." Liu Mu said with his head held high.
"Good, with this confidence, you will think twice before doing anything. That's all." Ping An nodded with satisfaction.
"After I leave, your equipment battalion must step up the production of gunpowder and firearms. I will grant you a special grant of 10,000 taels of silver, which you can use at your discretion. Don't be afraid to spend the money. If it's not enough, come to me for more. My request to you is to produce as much gunpowder and firearms as possible. In the future, there will be continuous wars, and the consumption of gunpowder and firearms will be inevitable."
Zhu Ping'an explained to the people in the equipment battalion.
In this era without lathes and machinery, production efficiency was far lower than that of modern times, and could only be done by manpower.
The equipment battalion still lacked manpower, and the gunpowder and firearms it produced could not keep up with the Zhejiang Army's consumption.
There will be more wars in the future, and the Zhejiang Army will need more gunpowder and firearms.
"Don't worry, sir. We have recruited a group of craftsmen and trained a group of apprentices. They will be able to start their business soon. We have also prepared enough materials such as saltpeter. I will watch everyone produce gunpowder and firearms day and night to ensure that there is an adequate supply for the army." Master Craftsman Ou and others assured.
"We need both quantity and rest. You should work according to the assembly line, in batches and shifts. You should arrange everyone's work and rest schedule, alternating between relaxation and work in moderation." Zhu Ping'an instructed.
"Yes, sir. Your Excellency has told us about the assembly line before. We have divided the gunpowder and firearms into different processes. By following the assembly line process, our efficiency has been greatly improved." Master Ou and others said with a fist salute.
"In addition to production, you should also think about whether you can make a batch of tools or molds to improve the production efficiency of gunpowder and firearms." Zhu Pingan arranged.
"Don't worry, sir. We have already started to create the corresponding tools. After consulting you last time, we were greatly inspired and have initially made a gun barrel drill and planer. Although it also has to be operated manually, the speed has more than doubled." Master Ou replied.
"Very good, keep up the good work." Zhu Ping'an patted Master Ou's shoulder with satisfaction and encouraged them to keep working hard.
Master Ou was patted on the shoulder by Zhu Ping'an and felt very proud.
When Zhu Ping'an was instructing the equipment battalion, Liu Dadao pulled Liu Mu aside and said seriously, "Brother Mu, if, I mean if Shaoxing City reaches the last and most dangerous time, even if you don't want your life, you must ensure that the young lady and the young master and young lady are sent to a safe place."
"Of course, our lives were given by the young master, and it is our duty to die for him. The same goes for you. You will follow the young master to the war. Although you have Wang Zhi's mother, wife and children at your disposal, Wang Zhi is powerful and there will definitely be some fierce battles. When I'm not around, you must protect the young master to the death." Liu Mu also warned seriously.
"Don't worry, we may not be as smart as you, but we are as skilled as you, and we have armor, so we can protect you even in the midst of thousands of troops. If it really comes to a critical moment, we will protect you even if we are torn to pieces." Liu Dadao slapped his chest loudly. (End of this chapter)