Chapter 435
Conquering the World, Colonizing the World!
The next day.
Inside the Fengtian Hall in the capital city.
It was still the same three generations of Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying sitting on the dragon throne.
However, all the officials participating in this court meeting have become military officers!
Since Zhu Ying announced yesterday that the Ming Dynasty would begin to implement its expansionist policy, he immediately ordered the Wang Wei Wing Dragon Legion to send all Ming generals to the capital.
They came to participate in the military council.
At this moment.
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony,
In addition to the generals who commanded the main battle battalions, even Mu Ying, who was stationed in Yunnan Prefecture, came.
Because Yunnan Prefecture was quite far from Beiping Prefecture, Zhu Ying specifically ordered Liu Lei to ride a winged dragon to bring Mu Ying over.
In addition to these generals, the ministers of the six ministries were also present.
After all, in addition to waging war, logistics are also very important for expansion.
The general needs to coordinate and cooperate with the six ministries.
When these generals and the six ministers arrived at Fengtian Hall, everyone immediately paid their respects to Zhu Yuanzhang, Zhu Biao, and Zhu Ying.
The court meeting then officially began.
Zhu Ying spoke first, saying, "Everyone should be very clear about the content of this court meeting."
"Yesterday, the Ming Dynasty announced its latest national policy, which is to pursue a path of expansion."
"The current Ming Dynasty is so powerful that it far surpasses any other dynasty in the history of the Central Plains."
"The greater the strength, the greater the responsibility. I have already decided with my grandfather and father that the Ming Dynasty will unify the world, and all other ethnic groups will have to obey the Han people!"
Zhu Ying's domineering speech undoubtedly ignited the ambition of every general.
For a time, all the generals were shouting "Long live the Ming Dynasty!"
Subsequently.
Zhu Ying deliberately stepped down from the throne and came before the crowd.
"Zhang Ming, Guo Zhen!"
"The general is here!"
"Unfold this world map and show it to all the generals!" Zhang Ming and Guo Zhen immediately responded after Zhu Ying finished speaking.
soon.
Zhang Ming and Guo Zhen then slowly unfolded this enormous world map.
Subsequently, Zhu Ying had Guo Zhen and Zhang Ming hang the plaques in the center of the main hall for all the generals and ministers of the six ministries to view.
no doubt.
When the generals in the hall saw such a huge world map, their expressions became quite serious.
This was the first time they had ever seen what a world map looked like.
Before this, most generals believed that the territory of the Ming Dynasty was basically the whole world.
But when they saw the world map, they suddenly realized that although the territory of the Ming Dynasty was vast, it was only a part of the entire world map.
Zhu Ying slowly walked up to the world map and then began to explain it to the generals and the six ministers in a serious tone.
"Now that the north of the Ming Dynasty is stable, the entire northern frontier has become part of the Ming Dynasty, and the Japanese islands in the east have naturally become a colony of the Ming Dynasty."
"Furthermore, although Ryukyu is nominally a vassal state of the Ming Dynasty, it is already of one mind with the Ming Dynasty and can also be called the Ming Dynasty's sphere of influence."
"Therefore, the eastern coast and the north have been basically pacified. If the Ming Dynasty were to expand further, the western and southern regions would naturally be its main targets."
"This time, I've decided to start in the south."
After Zhu Ying finished speaking, he deliberately pointed to the southern part of the Ming Dynasty's territory.
"Currently, there are four countries that border the southern border of the Ming Dynasty: Annam, Champa, Zhenla, and Siam."
"These four small countries are not powerful. Even if they join forces, they naturally cannot contend with the Ming Dynasty."
"However, you must not let your guard down, as most of the territories of these four countries are located in mountainous rainforests."
"In the tropical forests, the lush trees make it easy for the enemy to hide. In addition, the Ming soldiers may not be able to withstand the heat of the place."
Zhu Ying's statement was quite objective.
He is very clear.
Although the military strength of the Ming Dynasty is currently second to none, no country in the world can compare with it.
However, since ancient times, it has never been easy for the Central Plains dynasties to completely defeat these countries in the southeast.
At this time.
Mu Ying, who was guarding Yunnan Prefecture, also spoke up: "What His Highness the Imperial Grandson said makes sense."
“Yunnan Prefecture is adjacent to Annam, and their climate and terrain are very similar.”
"Conquering these four small southeastern countries is no easy task, and our Great Ming must take it seriously."
After hearing what Mu Ying said, Zhu Ying nodded slightly.
Zhu Ying continued, "Of course, while occupying these four countries is challenging, it is not impossible."
"Moreover, the military strength of the Ming Dynasty is now greater than that of any other dynasty in the Central Plains in history."
"As long as the military plan is well-formulated, relying on the fighting power of our Ming army, we can easily destroy them."
"I have summoned you generals to the Fengtian Hall today in the hope that you will discuss how to conquer these four countries."
As soon as Zhu Ying finished speaking, Lan Yu, the general of the cavalry battalion, spoke first: "Your Highness, I believe that we should first concentrate our forces to attack Annam."
"Annam had previously submitted to the Central Plains dynasty, and for a long time was even a vassal state of the Central Plains dynasty."
"This humble general believes that there are still many officials and common people in Annam who want to return to the rule of our Great Ming Dynasty."
"Therefore, in this southern expedition, we can first concentrate our forces to attack Annam!"
When Lan Yu explained his tactics, Zhu Ying immediately approved of them.
He then said, "What Lan Yu said makes some sense."
"If we want to expand southeastward, we must first take over Annam."
"Tang Duo, tell me, what is Annam's military strength like?"
Zhu Ying asked Tang Duo, the Minister of War.
The latter quickly responded, "Your Majesty, Annam's population is currently around three million, and its military strength is approximately one hundred thousand."
"If a nationwide mobilization were to take place, the number could increase to around 300,000." "In addition, the populations of the other three countries are not much different from those of Annam."
"If the populations of these four countries are combined, the disease could exceed ten million."
Tang Duo, as the Minister of War, gave Zhu Ying a brief summary of the general situation of these four countries.
At that moment, Zhu Yuanzhang, sitting on the dragon throne, immediately showed confidence after hearing that the combined population of these four countries was only a little over ten million.
He suddenly addressed the crowd, saying, "Since the four countries of Annam, Champa, Zhenla, and Siam have a combined population of just over ten million, they are naturally no match for the offensive of our Great Ming."
"Following my suggestion, let's go all out! Mobilize the cavalry battalion, infantry battalion, and divine machine battalion; we'll surely annihilate these four countries."
Zhu Ying also agreed with Zhu Yuanzhang's statement. Although the territories of Annam, Champa, Zhenla, and Siam were mostly rainforests, suitable for ambushes, the national strength of these four countries was far inferior to that of the Ming Dynasty.
If the Ming Dynasty were to launch a forceful offensive with its main forces, no country could possibly withstand it.
Then, Zhu Ying said to the generals, "Grandfather's words make sense."
"Our greatest advantage today is our military."
"The Ming army is the most powerful army in the world. Whether it is infantry, cavalry, or even artillery, they are the most elite forces."
"With the cavalry battalion, infantry battalion, and heavy infantry battalion as the main force, we will first attack Annam!"
"Annam is located in a mountainous region, where the infantry battalion can lead the charge, followed by the Shenji Battalion!"
"Adopting a steady and methodical approach, we will gradually erode Annam's territory."
"After that, we continued to eliminate the Champa Kingdom, the Zhenla Kingdom, and the Siam Kingdom."
After Zhu Ying explained the overall tactics to the general, everyone agreed.
At this moment, Zhu Biao, the Crown Prince of the Ming Dynasty, suddenly spoke up: "If we want these four countries to completely submit to the Ming Dynasty, in addition to military suppression, we must also win their hearts and minds."
"I heard that the people in these four countries are quite poor and their lives are very difficult."
"After the Ming army occupies these four countries, it can help the local people develop commerce. It is said that these small southern countries produce tropical fruits and have a lot of trees, which can make the people rich."
As a benevolent ruler, Zhu Biao viewed the southern kingdoms differently from the northern border and the Japanese islands.
These southern states did not invade the Central Plains dynasties very often throughout history.
For most of the time, they simply wanted to break free from the rule of the Central Plains dynasty.
Therefore, in Zhu Biao's view, these southern countries are fundamentally different from the tribes on the northern grasslands.
Moreover, some of these southern countries even revered learning from the culture of the Central Plains.
If the Ming Dynasty wants these four countries to completely submit to it, in addition to military suppression, it must also bring development to these four countries and benefit their people, so as to achieve long-term stability.
After Zhu Biao finished speaking, Zhu Ying added, "What Father said certainly makes some sense, but these four countries have not yet been pacified, so we should first conquer them by force."
"After defeating all four southeastern countries, if the local people submit to the Ming Dynasty, we can certainly seek to improve their lives. However, if they want to resist, we should mainly use force to suppress them."
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang naturally agreed with Zhu Ying's view.
Zhu Yuanzhang declared with overwhelming confidence, "This campaign against the Annamite kingdoms is the first step in the land colonization of our Great Ming Dynasty. This war can only be won! It absolutely cannot be lost!"
"Generals, we must be vigilant, we must be ready at any moment, and we can even carry out a massacre of the city! This will serve as a deterrent!"
"Your subordinates obey!" the generals replied in unison.
Then Zhu Ying added, "In this battle, I will personally lead the Royal Guard Winged Dragon Army to oversee the battle from high above!"
"If I see any troops failing to perform their duties, I will certainly punish them according to military law!"
"Of course, if any soldier fights bravely and is not afraid to sacrifice himself, I will reward him handsomely!"
After Zhu Ying finished speaking, the generals in the hall shouted, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, we will fight bravely to serve the Ming Dynasty!"
Afterwards, Zhu Ying said to Tang Duo, Minister of War, and Yu Xin, Minister of Revenue, "This battle is of utmost importance. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue must naturally make preparations for transporting military equipment and provisions!"
"Yu Xin, Tang Duo, the matter of transporting military equipment and provisions shall be handed over to the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War."
"You two departments must work together to provide logistical support for the Ming army."
Yu Xin, Minister of Revenue, and Tang Duo, Minister of War, immediately responded, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue will cooperate to ensure the army's logistics!"
Zhu Ying nodded and continued, "The countries like Annam are far from our Central Plains. The food, military supplies, and other materials needed by the army can be transported to Yunnan Prefecture by rail."
"Then Yunnan Prefecture will send troops to transport them to the front lines! Every step must be flawless!"
Everyone readily accepted the order and pledged their support.
At last.
Zhu Ying then turned his attention to Mu Ying.
Zhu Ying knew very well that Mu Ying was crucial to the Ming Dynasty's unification of the four southeastern kingdoms.
On the one hand, Mu Ying was quite familiar with countries such as Annam, and on the other hand, the army led by Mu Ying was extremely familiar with mountain and rainforest warfare.
So Zhu Ying went up to Mu Ying and said, "Mu Ying, although the Ming Dynasty is mainly using infantry battalions to attack Annam and Champa, your troops should also provide support."
"Although the infantry battalion is extremely powerful and is the strongest infantry force of our Great Ming Dynasty."
"However, these soldiers are not familiar with the rainforest and mountains. You can pass on your experience to them to help the infantry battalion win."
Mu Ying immediately responded, "Please rest assured, Your Highness, Mu Ying will fully support the infantry battalion, and this humble general will also dispatch troops to cooperate in the battle."
Zhu Ying continued, "I had some prior knowledge of Annam. The forests of Annam only occupy half of its territory, so attacking Annam with infantry battalions as the main force is more than enough."
"However, the territories of the other three countries are mostly mountainous and rainforest."
"Therefore, when attacking the three countries of Champa, Zhenla, and Siam, you should still rely on your own army."
"From now on, the Yunnan Prefecture army under Mu Ying's command will be converted into a mountain battalion."
"It is in the same order as the Cavalry Battalion, Infantry Battalion, and Divine Machine Battalion."
"After conquering Annam, the main attacking force will be changed from infantry battalions to mountain battalions, and the general of the mountain battalion will naturally be Mu Ying!"
Upon hearing what Zhu Ying said, Mu Ying was naturally quite excited and immediately accepted the order.
"I will obey your orders!"
"Thank you for your trust, Your Highness. I will do my utmost to build the mountain battalion and fight for the Ming Dynasty on the battlefield!"
Mu Ying's original duty was to guard Yunnan Prefecture, but now he has been promoted to the position of Grand General of the Mountain Battalion. For Mu Ying himself, this is undoubtedly a promotion, and at the same time, he will have more opportunities.
"During this period, you can continue to recruit troops in Yunnan Prefecture, especially those who are good at fighting in rainforests and mountains. At the same time, the mountain battalion should also conduct rainforest and mountain warfare on a daily basis."
"Once the mountain battalion completes its training, I will certainly give it an important place!"
After Zhu Ying finished speaking, Mu Ying thanked him again and said that she would do her best to build the mountain camp!
...(End of chapter)