At the beginning of the civil castle, the Ming God of War was a little panicked

Chapter 528 Sneak Attack
After a brief rest, the island of Ceylon has regained its vitality.

Fan Zhong was seriously injured and was still in a coma. Peng Qing and Tang Xinggu decided to let Fan Mingchen take charge of the overall situation.

One of these two old brothers is in charge of civil affairs and the other is in charge of maritime trade. When it comes to fighting, they are really not as proficient as others.

Since he was stationed on Ceylon Island, Fan Mingchen has taken the lead in charge many times, he is quite prestigious in the army, and he is also very handy in commanding.

In fact, this is exactly the case. Under the leadership of Fan Mingchen, the Ceylon defenders immediately rebuilt new fortifications and sent Zhang Jin to drive a light warship to investigate the enemy's situation.

Zhang Jin soon brought back news that the Ottomans were preparing with great fanfare, and more warships continued to come from the mainland. It seemed that they were going to do everything they could to take Ceylon.

Fan Mingchen immediately consulted with Zhang Mao, Peng Qing, Tang Xinggu and others to formulate a corresponding battle plan.

Several people discussed it all night, and Zhang Mao, Peng Qing, and Tang Xinggu all suggested that the focus should be on defense.

If the Ottomans came out in full force, the ships brought by Zhang Mao would not be able to compete with them.

The only way is to stick to it, constantly consume the enemy, and wait for the emperor's army to attack, and you can take it down in one fell swoop.

However, Fan Mingchen had a different idea.

"Nowadays, the strength of the enemy and us is very different. The enemy predicts that we will defend to the death, so they will prepare calmly. It is better to do the opposite and launch a sneak attack while they relax their vigilance!"

Zhang Mao frowned, and asked: "Even if the sneak attack is successful, it will only cause a certain amount of consumption to the enemy, but our fleet will suffer the danger of annihilation. I think it is meaningless to do so."

Tang Xinggu nodded and said: "The old man thinks what General Zhang said is right, and it is safer to stick to it."

Fan Mingchen explained: "Soldiers are deceitful. The more we stick to it, the more the opponent will be able to see our true strength."

"what do you mean……"

"Surprisingly, taking the initiative to attack will definitely disrupt the opponent's deployment, making the opponent confused about our reality, so they dare not attack rashly. The longer the delay, the better for us."

After Fan Mingchen finished speaking, the three of them fell silent at the same time.

At present, the Ottomans have the initiative, but the only variable is the sudden appearance of Zhang Mao.

The other party didn't know the strength of this fleet, so they withdrew hastily.

If we can't hold on, it's equivalent to telling the other party that our reinforcements are not strong enough for the First World War.

Then, the enemy will deploy troops more calmly, and then attack on a large scale.

Tang Xinggu thought about it for a long time. When fighting such a thing, it is true if it is false, and it is false if it is true. You must not let the opponent see through your strength and intentions. From this point of view, Fan Mingchen is right. You should launch a surprise attack and cause many casualties It's not important, it's mainly to disrupt the opponent's rhythm.

However, he still has doubts.

"We are outnumbered, so we are afraid of going out for a sneak attack and being bitten. Not only will the strategic intention not be achieved, but the casualties will be increased in vain."

"Don't worry, I have a way!"

After Fan Mingchen finished speaking, he ordered someone to pass on Zhang Jin.

The other three were a little puzzled. Is it appropriate for Zhang Jin to attend such an important meeting?

"Don't worry, everyone. Zhang Jin is very familiar with the sea area and terrain of Ceylon Island and its surroundings. Let him be my adjutant. I will be able to find out the weak points of the enemy's defense. After the surprise attack, I will retreat immediately, and the enemy will be puzzled."

Tang Xinggu fell into deep thought again. Zhang Jin is the son of a rebel. Although he hasn't done anything extraordinary in these years, this time...

Fan Mingchen understood his thoughts, and said, "Tang Tongzhi, Zhang Jin was pardoned by the emperor himself. As the saying goes, don't be suspicious when you employ people, and don't use people who are suspicious. Now that we are in crisis, we should unite internally and reduce suspicion."

Tang Xinggu frowned, thought for a long time, and finally nodded.

In the past, in the imperial court, it was commonplace for civil servants to suspect each other.

Fan Mingchen was right. When you go out to fight, you are still thousands of miles away overseas. You should have less suspicion and more trust.

Zhang Jin hurried over, and after listening to the opinions of several chief officials, she immediately understood what was going on.

"My lords, just leave this kind of matter to humble officials. There is no need for General Fan to go in person."

Fan Mingchen said: "This battle is of great importance, and it cannot be sloppy. It is safer for me to command it myself."

Zhang Jin persuaded: "The general is worried that the brothers will be reluctant when the commander stays at home, isn't that true? In fact, there is no need, because everyone knows your character. Don't worry, I will be enough. "

"This is an order!"

"General!"

Zhang Jin clasped her fists in both hands, saluted and said: "I don't dare to disobey orders, but I dare to speak boldly. The battle is imminent, and a group of dragons cannot be without a leader. As the commander, you should stay on the island to command the overall situation. Please take back your order!"

"You kid..."

Fan Mingchen was so angry that he raised his hand and wanted to hit someone, but was stopped by Zhang Mao.

"He's right, you better not go, I'll go!"

"Where are you going? This is Ceylon Island, not Cochin. What's the matter with you?"

"Oh, you, I'm kind enough to help you, but you don't know what to do!"

"I don't know what's good or bad, anyway, this is Ceylon Island, what you say doesn't matter!"

"All right!"

Seeing the two arguing endlessly, he had no choice but to stand up and stop it himself.

He knew very well that, deep down in their hearts, neither of them wanted the other to take this risk.

"This is Ceylon Island. Mingchen is the commander in chief. I shouldn't intervene too much."

Zhang Mao was unhappy, and said, "Master Peng, what you said..."

"Listen to the old man!"

Peng Qing waved his hand and continued: "However, your current status is the coach, not the vanguard. Your duty is to command from the center, not to charge forward."

Fan Mingchen was a little reluctant, but it was hard to refute.

Peng Qing looked at Tang Xinggu and asked, "Zhang Jin is the vanguard in this battle, is it feasible?"

Tang Xingguzheng nodded his head and said, "It's possible!"

"Then it's settled!"

Peng Qing looked at Zhang Jin and said, "Now you choose some fast warships from the Cochin Fleet, remember your mission, retreat as soon as you get a hit, don't love to fight."

"Yes!"

Zhang Jin took the order, saluted everyone, turned around and left.

Fan Mingchen asked, "What should we do next?"

Peng Qing glared at him, dissatisfied: "You are the coach, you ask me?"

"I……"

Fan Mingchen was immediately speechless, so he could only say, "I'll take people to build fortifications, and I'll leave!"

Zhang Mao hurriedly followed and said, "Does that Zhang Jin know which ships run fast..."

In the barracks, only Peng Qing and Tang Xinggu were left.

Peng Qing smiled and said: "I still remember that Tang Tongzhi, as the supervisory censor, fought against the Confucian scholars in the court, which is admirable."

"What did Mr. Peng say..."

Tang Xinggu waved his hand and said, "Only when we're overseas, do we realize that tongue-in-cheek is useless."

"Oh?" Peng Qing continued to ask, "Then what is useful?"

Tang Xinggu looked solemn, and said slowly: "People, people's livelihood!"

(End of this chapter)