While the emperor was pondering how to share happiness with the people, the Ming troops who had fought in the Battle of Port Arthur had already withdrawn from the land. They returned to their respective units, carrying with them their combat experience and their own insights.

The goal of training through combat was achieved, though considerable casualties were incurred. However, thanks to the advantages of positional defense, the overall combat-to-casualty ratio was a solid victory.

The troops needed to rest and replenish their ammunition and supplies. Although the Ming army had won, they were also very sober and did not want to continue fighting with the Jiannu on land.

The fastest to withdraw to the base was of course the Zuoxie of Dongjiang Town. Guanglu Island was very close, and in less than half a day, ships of all sizes entered the port and docked one after another.

After the joy of victory, sadness inevitably set in. Burying the fallen and caring for the wounded took several days before the gloomy and oppressive atmosphere gradually faded.

This is war, this is the norm of war. Sadness is temporary, and life must go on. It's not that people forget, but that they've gotten used to it.

Because most of the casualties were in close combat, the Left Army suffered the greatest losses of all the combat units, with casualties exceeding 2,000. Even if the troops were replenished quickly, it would take at least two or three months of training to reach full strength and equipment.

"Looks like I have to go to Pi Island." Zhang Pan put down the recruitment statistics sheet, smiled bitterly, and said, "I'll see the Marshal and ask him to help the Left Association recruit soldiers."

Guerrilla Commander Shang Xueli thought for a moment and said, "It's not right for the general to leave his station without permission. Why not send me there? I'll just write a letter."

Zhang Pan hesitated for a moment, pondered for a while, and finally agreed.

After writing the letter, he gave it to Shang Xueli, gave him a few more instructions, and sent him out. However, Zhang Pan did not return to his room. Instead, he took a few personal soldiers and rode around the island.

Dengzhen Governor Yuan Keli still had high hopes for the Dongjiang Army and was generous with his supplies. Thanks to this, Zuo Xie had no shortage of food, which also ensured that the rigorous training could be maintained for a long time and with high intensity.

Of course, this is military rations, and the army is given priority. For the common people, it can only be supplied in limited quantities.

Because it is close to the sea, local people can pick up seafood and fish near the coast, so they can have enough food and clothing.

Serving in the army provided both food and pay, which was quite attractive to ordinary people. In addition, most Liao people had grudges against the Jiannu, so they were quite enthusiastic about joining the army.

However, the island’s population is limited, and it is still unable to fully replenish the Left Association.

It was harvest time, the golden autumn season. Wheat and soybeans were planted on the island, all glowing a delightful golden yellow. Locals were rushing to harvest, their laughter echoing far and wide.

Without landlords, the output of the island's limited arable land belonged to all islanders and was distributed according to household. An old scholar was elected by the people. Although he held no official position, he played the role of county magistrate or town mayor.

"General Zhang."

"General Zhang."

Because Zhang Pan was a friendly person and always helped the islanders, the people respected him greatly. Wherever he went, they would bow and greet him.

Zhang Pan returned the greeting with a smile, without any arrogance. He asked about the lives and difficulties of the people from time to time, and was very approachable.

Zhang Zhuzi trotted over from the fields. His slightly lame legs only made his gait look slightly different, but other than that, it didn't affect him much.

Zhang Pan jumped off his horse with a smile. He had great respect for this veteran who had fought bravely and retired with injuries.

"General Zhang," Zhang Zhuzi said, cupping his hands. "We'll resume training as soon as the crops are harvested. It'll take a month or two at most. Even if we can't catch up with our Dongjiang Army, we won't be waiting to be slaughtered."

Zhang Pan nodded with relief and said, "Don't be so anxious. The common people don't have the same food and drink as the soldiers. If the training is too strenuous, it might harm their health."

After a pause, Zhang Pan added, "Lord Wang Yining is currently touring the islands, arranging agricultural and fishery production. The situation should improve in the future."

Zhang Zhuzi said, "I heard they're going to go whaling. Several large ships have already docked at Taiping Bay on Haiyang Island, and they're building some sort of processing facility on the island. Because they're short on manpower, I'm asking the people if they're willing to go. Those willing to go will be setting off by ship soon."

Zhang Pan didn't know much about whaling and didn't know how much of a change it would bring, so he casually said, "It will definitely be beneficial. It won't be worse than it is now."

Baleen can be made into brushes and umbrella ribs, whale meat is an excellent animal protein, and whale oil can be eaten and used to make soap and candles, and as a lubricant in steelmaking and industry.

These are beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Only Zhu Youxiao saw this as an industry and planned to launch whaling and processing in the northern Yellow Sea. The Ocean Island was a processing base.

If the court relied entirely on external supplies, the Dongjiang Army and the Liao people who kept escaping from the Jiannu-ruled areas would put too much pressure on it.

However, if we can tap into our internal potential and develop several profitable industries, such as whaling and processing, it will not only improve the lives of the military and civilians, but also reduce the logistical burden on the court.

Therefore, Zhu Youxiao asked Mr. Yuan from Dengzhen to dispatch several large ships to Dongjiang Town, equipped with giant crossbows for defending the city, and use the ocean island as a base for the purpose of whaling.

As for processing, it is of course very basic, extracting whale oil and pickling or smoking whale meat, that's all.

Zhu Youxiao was the most open-minded person in the Ming Dynasty. Well, no one was so stubborn as to challenge the emperor.

Zhang Pan continued chatting with Zhang Zhuzi. Making everyone a soldier was not only Zhu Youxiao's idea, but also in line with the ideas of Zhang Pan and others.

After abandoning Lushun this time, we must consolidate the occupation next time and strive to build a defense line at Nanguan, so as to isolate Jinzhou and become a bridgehead on land.

According to Zhang Pan's estimate, at least 70,000 to 80,000 Liao people can be accommodated, greatly alleviating the difficulties of too many people and too few resources on the island.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!