Ming Dynasty: The Crocodile King of Han Prince Zhu Gaoxu's Family

Chapter 238 The Heartbroken Wang Jinghong
"General Wang, what is the current situation of the navy?" Clearly, Zhu Zhanhe was concerned about the current integration of the navy.

"Your Highness, the navy currently has a total of 263 ships, including 63 treasure ships, 122 horse ships, 39 grain ships, and 102 warships."

The ship is staffed with officers, soldiers, warriors, interpreters, sailors, compradors, scribes, cooks, helmsmen, anchormen, clerks, accountants, doctors, anchor handlers, timber builders, sailors, sailors, and other craftsmen and personnel. Furthermore, in accordance with His Highness the Crown Prince's request, a large number of people are currently being trained. The ship carries a total of over 51,000 people. It must be said that Wang Jinghong, a veteran who accompanied Zheng He on numerous voyages to the Western Ocean, was thoroughly familiar with all the information on board. Faced with Zhu Zhanhe's questions, he spoke fluently and eloquently.

"Very good, General Wang, you've worked hard. I wonder what the current combat strength of the navy is?" After learning that the navy's personnel were fully staffed, Zhu Zhanhe's most pressing concern naturally turned to the navy's combat strength.

"Your Highness, time is of the essence. Even with a large number of personnel assisting, our navy is only barely capable of fighting. The shortage of skilled operators at various work stations on board is simply too great. At present, everyone can only be said to be able to handle the ship's equipment, far from being proficient in its operation."

Some of the crew members even experienced seasickness and other discomforts. It's thanks to Your Highness's ample supplies and manpower that we're still able to get the ship moving. As for mastering its operation, it will probably take several more months of practice." Wang Jinghong replied to Zhu Zhanhe's question with a helpless expression.

To be honest, Zhu Zhanhe was extremely surprised that Wang Jinghong had managed to transform a previously understaffed and poorly equipped ocean-going fleet into a fighting force in less than a month. This completely proved that Wang Jinghong was indeed worthy of his reputation and was a capable leader who could continue to lead the fleet on ocean voyages after Zheng He's death. Therefore, Zhu Zhanhe would not blame him.

"General Wang, you've worked hard this time. I'm already very satisfied that the navy is capable of fighting. Moreover, in addition to long-range deterrence, the navy will also be conducting amphibious operations after occupying Guangdong and Guangxi. At that time, their combat strength will be better."

As for actual naval battles, we don't have any external enemies yet. Let everyone practice their operations more and gradually work together. Time will show everyone the results." Zhu Zhanhe didn't hesitate to give Wang Jinghong high praise.

"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I was terrified." Wang Jinghong was also astonished by Zhu Zhanhe's praise. He had originally thought that the Crown Prince of Han would take the opportunity to find a pretext to remove him from his position as naval commander and replace him with the Crown Prince's confidant. He did not expect that the Crown Prince would praise him so highly, which moved Wang Jinghong.

"Let's set off! The navy has just been established, and morale is currently low. On this vast ocean, I will find a way to boost everyone's morale!" Zhu Zhanhe knew that 80-90% of the navy's personnel were directly transferred from the army, and they were not used to naval warfare. Some of them were even seeing the sea for the first time. Having them spend so much time at sea has led to the navy's low morale. Therefore, Zhu Zhanhe planned to give the navy some encouragement on the high seas and boost their morale!

"Your subject obeys!" Wang Jinghong replied respectfully to Zhu Zhanhe, then turned to look out of the cabin.

"Messenger!" Wang Jinghong shouted loudly to the messenger outside the cabin.

"Please give your orders, Commander." A messenger carrying various command flags rushed in from outside the cabin.

"Beat the gong, raise the flag, target: Fangchenggang, Guangxi Provincial Administration Commission. Let's go!" Wang Jinghong displayed the decisiveness he had shown in his many years of commanding the navy, his words crisp and clear, heading straight for the target.

"I accept the order!" The messenger didn't hesitate at all and went to carry out the order.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang." As the messenger left, a rapid series of gong sounds soon began to ring out outside the cabin. This continued for about the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, until Zhu Zhanhe felt the ship beneath his feet begin to move slowly. Zhu Zhanhe knew that the fleet had set sail.

"Let's go, let's go outside and look at the sea view!" After the fleet slowly left the port, Zhu Zhanhe didn't rest. He led a group of generals to the deck at the bow of the ship to admire the scenery, while the land behind them grew farther and farther away until it disappeared from sight. "Your Highness, our army will reach Fangcheng Port in Guangxi Province within a day." Looking at the deep green sea, Wang Jinghong respectfully reported the navy's sailing status to Zhu Zhanhe.

"General Wang, it's alright. It won't be too late for us to arrive at the Guangxi Provincial Administration Commission tomorrow. Then we can launch an offensive together with the army." Zhu Zhanhe was not surprised at all that they could arrive in Guangxi in one day. After all, sea transport is fast, and the distance is so short.

The azure sea and the emerald sky blended together, creating a magnificent and beautiful scene. Zhu Zhanhe's body trembled slightly with excitement. He knew that the crocodile dragon was excited inside him, after all, it hadn't been able to frolic in the sea for a long time.

"General Wang, I don't know much about naval warfare, but I have a question for you." Zhu Zhanhe was preparing to boost the morale of the navy, so he wanted to ask Wang Jinghong how the fleet could be grouped together.

"Your Highness, please speak freely. As long as it is within my power, I will do my utmost." Upon hearing Zhu Zhanhe's words, Wang Jinghong's heart skipped a beat. In just an instant, Wang Jinghong thought of dozens of possible ways he could die.

"General Wang, I have a method to boost the morale of all the naval officers, but it requires gathering our fleet together. I would like to ask you first, General Wang, are there any hidden dangers in gathering the fleet together?" Zhu Zhanhe wanted to ask Wang Jinghong, "I plan to boost the morale of all the naval officers in front of everyone and give you a shock. I want to know if there are any taboos in naval warfare involved in doing this."

"Your Highness, please rest assured. The navy has this tactic. With just a little preparation, we can launch a defensive counterattack." After hearing Zhu Zhanhe's words, Wang Jinghong broke out in a cold sweat, secretly wondering if he would die in front of everyone. But he still answered Zhu Zhanhe's question seriously.

"That's good. General Wang, please find an open space and set up your formation. I, Your Highness, will personally boost the morale of all the soldiers." Zhu Zhanhe was very satisfied with Wang Jinghong's answer. After all, he really didn't understand naval tactics. If he gave random orders and something went wrong, wouldn't that be a laughing stock? It was better to listen to the advice of professionals.

"I will obey Your Majesty's command!" Wang Jinghong turned and went to make arrangements, his mind preoccupied with his thoughts. Zhu Zhanhe, however, was too busy admiring the sea view to notice Wang Jinghong's sorrowful expression. Xia Xuan, Xiao Xizi, and the others behind Zhu Zhanhe exchanged bewildered glances as Wang Jinghong departed in grief.

"Clang, clang, clang, clang." Soon, the sound of gongs rang out again on the ship, followed by a continuous series of gong sounds.

"Such swift action." Hearing the sound of gongs, Zhu Zhanhe couldn't help but admire Wang Jinghong's efficiency. With the sound of the gongs came a continuous stream of flag signals. Of course, Zhu Zhanhe didn't understand the flag signals very well, which was why he didn't give any random instructions.

"Your Highness, the fleet has been assembled." About half an hour later, Wang Jinghong returned to Zhu Zhanhe to report on the fleet's assembly. Although Wang Jinghong's complexion had improved considerably, he was still somewhat downcast.

"General Wang, you've worked hard." Zhu Zhanhe looked up and saw that, with his treasure ship as the core, the sea was surrounded by layers of ships, from the inside out, from small to large, which looked magnificent. Zhu Zhanhe was even more satisfied with Wang Jinghong.

"This is a treasure! My marine development needs someone like you; I can't let you get away." Zhu Zhanhe looked at Wang Jinghong as if he were looking at a rare gem.

(End of this chapter)