Although the Qiantao area still needs to build water conservancy facilities in order to become the Jiangnan of the Great Wall, the existing arable land is sufficient for the garrison of more than 10,000 Ming troops.
Indeed, these 10,000-plus Ming troops were both soldiers and farmers. With a gun in one hand and a hoe in the other, they claimed half of the cultivated land, while using their guns to defend their homes.
This is similar to the construction corps in later generations. The emperor also hopes to use this model to gain a foothold in the Qiantao area as quickly as possible and be as self-sufficient as possible.
At the same time, occupying the front set is also an early precaution against the westward migration of the tiger rabbit.
The battle with Huduntu was bound to happen sooner or later. This was not only the emperor's plan to conquer the Mongolian tribes, but also Huduntu's destiny as the Great Khan of Mongolia.
It was a pity that victory was undoubtedly in the hands of the emperor. The two opponents were completely unequal, and Hu Duntu clearly didn't have such a profound understanding.
The emperor was clearly very concerned about this year's expedition to Luzon. Not only did he make several additional investments, adding ships and guns to strengthen the navy, but he also offered generous rewards to the officers and soldiers who participated in the expedition.
Obviously, the navy was also full of confidence, and the plan finally reported reduced the number of warships deployed.
According to the strength of the Spanish, Shen Yourong will dispatch 80 warships, and the number of artillery will be four times that of the Spanish. This does not include the power of rockets and galangal cannons.
The sea is full of uncertainties, and even in a monsoon climate suitable for sailing, there is no guarantee of accidents.
The navy has made complete preparations. The islands along the way have been marked with stones, and officers and soldiers have even been dispatched and supplies stored there in advance for navigation and in case of emergencies.
The emperor approved all of these. A layman should not lead the experts, but should provide strategic guidance, which is what the emperor could do.
At this time, in the military port of Dongfan, the navy had already made preparations. Together with the troop transport and supply ships, there were 150 to 160 ships of various sizes, all ready to go.
In the house near the port, Li Dan looked at Yan Siqi with a smile, waiting for him to ask.
Just after the Chinese New Year, Li Dan rushed to Dongfan, ostensibly to have fun and relax, but Yan Siqi knew it was not that simple.
Yan Siqi, who had invested a lot in Dongfan, enthusiastically acted as a host and took Li Dan on a tour of his manor, his orchard, and his hunting ground.
Now, seeing the densely packed warships in the port and the dozens of sea vessels summoned by Li Dan, Yan Siqi knew that this was Li Dan’s real purpose.
"Why do I have to ask?" Yan Siqi was very unhappy with Li Dan's expression. Even at this time, he was still putting on airs. He couldn't just tell him directly.
Li Dan chuckled and said, "If I tell you, you'll have to accompany me on the boat trip. Otherwise, you might leak military secrets."
Yan Siqi chuckled and said, "Okay, I'll accompany you."
Li Dan nodded gently, his face becoming serious. He said, "Luzon! Your Majesty, order the navy to attack the Spaniards in Luzon to avenge their massacre of the people of the Ming Empire."
Yan Siqi remained silent, looking at Li Dan. Whether or not there was military action was irrelevant to Li Dan. Speaking of this, it was time to get to the point.
Li Dan smiled and said, "If the war goes well and Luzon is occupied, I will be appointed Governor-General of Luzon by Your Majesty."
Yan Siqi's eyes widened, his face filled with shock.
Li Dan liked this very much. He slowly picked up the teacup and sipped the fragrant tea gently.
"Governor?" Yan Siqi's mouth slowly closed as he frowned slightly and asked, "The highest-ranking official in Luzon?"
Li Dan nodded and said, "It should be."
After a pause, he explained, "Luzon is an overseas territory, and is different from the interior. The powers wielded by the Governor-General are also quite different."
Yan Siqi snorted and said with great dissatisfaction: "No matter how different he is, he is still the Governor. You have made it difficult for me to hide this."
Li Dan bowed his hands in apology and explained, "When I came to the capital to meet the Emperor, I had no idea His Majesty would order such an assignment. After careful consideration, I accepted the appointment, but I dare not speak carelessly."
Yan Siqi thought about it and felt that it made sense. He couldn't help but sigh helplessly. It was the time, it was fate, who made me lazy!
Li Dan patted Yan Siqi's arm and said comfortingly, "Being the Governor-General of Luzon isn't easy. Forget about this year, but next year you have to pay two million to the court, and the year after that, three million..."
"I pay five million, and you give me the governorship?" Yan Siqi interrupted Li Dan unhappily, as if someone was short of money.
Li Dan waved his hand and said, "There are plenty of opportunities. Why bother competing with me? Even the overseas governor, Your Highness, is still groping in the dark. I asked you to focus on managing Borneo. Don't you understand now? You know, I invested a huge amount in Borneo, but it all became your wedding dress."
Yan Siqi blinked, a sense of realization dawning on him. He tentatively asked, "Do you mean that Your Majesty will appoint governors-general overseas in the future?"
Li Dan nodded and said firmly, "Of course, this also depends on how well my business is doing in Luzon. If it's going well, then why wouldn't you be happy to do it?"
"That makes sense, that makes sense!" Yan Siqi clapped his hands repeatedly, his eyes lighting up as he said, "Once Borneo's operations reach a certain level, I'll recommend myself to Your Majesty and bid for the position of Governor."
"That's right, that's the idea and method." Li Dan clapped his hands and laughed, saying, "Your Majesty sees it all. You don't even need to ask for it. The position of Governor-General will be given to you. Of course, you have to let His Majesty see your efforts and your abilities."
"I understand, I understand." Yan Siqi felt relieved and his future was bright, so his complaints against Li Dan disappeared.
To be honest, Li Dan was not much better than Yan Siqi in terms of business and interpersonal skills. Yan Siqi lacked precision and acted somewhat carelessly, which was why he was inferior to Li Dan.
It wasn't that Li Dan's seniority and abundant financial resources made the emperor's judgment more accurate. After this incident, Yan Siqi also felt the gap between him and Li Dan.
"Even if you lack personal ability, as long as you have talented people under you, the effect will be the same." Li Dan felt that it would be difficult for Yan Siqi to make great progress, so he started to give him some advice.
Yan Siqi nodded repeatedly, feeling genuinely grateful to Li Dan. Even though he had kept it a secret for so long, it was inevitable. And the fact that he had given him Borneo, which he had managed for so long, showed his generosity.
Tomorrow I will set sail on the sea and head straight for Luzon, starting a new chapter in my life.
Li Dan stood up, stretched his legs, and walked to the window to look out. The harbor was filled with masts, and huge cranes that could move along tracks were still busy loading and unloading.
Here were provisions for the army, ammunition, and supplies, as well as those Li Dan had prepared for his own appointment as governor. He had no doubts about victory.
Now, apart from the sudden occurrence of wind and wave disasters, nothing can stop the Ming army from conquering Luzon.
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