The sun never sets in America

Chapter 19 Troops and Military System

"Hurry up, put all the ammunition in..."

"Over there, stop dawdling and load the car first."

In Liujiabao's ammunition workshop, the shopkeeper Jiang Zhao is directing the workers in the workshop to carry the cannonballs and rifle shells that have been produced day and night in the past few days, as well as those that have been stored for the first time...

There is also a portion of the packaged gunpowder needed to ignite the bullet.

The so-called packaged gunpowder is actually the fuel required for the ignition and firing of a flintlock musket. It is usually poured into the barrel and gun... After placing the bullet, it is pressed with the pressure bar under the musket and fired...

These paper packets of gunpowder were basically not big, and soldiers could open them by biting them with their mouths... The flintlock muskets of this period basically followed this firing process.

"Hurry, load the truck quickly..." Looking at the heavy ammunition boxes that had been packed on the ground one after another, the shopkeeper Jiang Zhao immediately called on the workers who had been waiting outside for a long time to load the ammunition into the carriage that had been prepared... …

The horse that pulls the carriage is also a famous heavy-duty draft horse in Europe. It was bought by Liu Yan from an English businessman as a horse specially used to pull weapons and ammunition... After all, the farther you go to the back, the more weapons and ammunition there are and the heavier they are. Heavy.

An ordinary horse requires several horses to pull, but this heavy-duty draft horse only requires one. Although it consumes a lot of money... it is better than raising several more horses.

After all, even if America is vast, sparsely populated and rich in resources, horses can survive no matter what.

But as a war horse, even if it is a draft horse, it is different from those wild horses... After all, wild horses do not need to be ridden or pulled, so they are thinner. Military horses are different, and they are not counted as pulling carts. Draft horse.

Let’s just say that the war horses used for riding and fighting need to eat nutritious food such as eggs and soybeans in addition to fodder... Sometimes they also eat carrots to supplement vitamins. It can be said that feeding a military horse is better than feeding several cows. The cost is still high.

In ancient times, they boasted about the so-called [-] cavalry, but tens of thousands of them could not be raised at all, especially in the Central Plains. During the period of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, they had to plunder the whole country to raise so many elite cavalry... But after Emperor Wu, the Han Dynasty The court could no longer afford to support it, which shows how much money and resources the cavalry consumed, especially for an agricultural society...

Boxes of ammunition were moved onto the carriage by the Indian workers... Most of these Indian workers were recruited by Liujiabao over the years, as well as Indian refugees who fled to Liujiabao due to the war during this period and were taken in by Liujiabao... For Among these people, Liujiabao was more wary of the so-called tribal nobles among the Indians, as well as warrior leaders. The others were first arranged to go to school, where they were taught some daily Chinese by teachers who specialized in Indian language... and then they They were dispersed and placed to work in various places in Liujiapu. These Indian workers who were working hard to carry ammunition boxes were one of them...

"Shopkeeper Jiang, this is the number of ammunition that has been loaded into the truck. Please take a look..." Zhang Abacus from the ammunition shop limped and handed the account that had been reconciled with a brush to Jiang Zhao's hand and said, "What are we doing this time?" You have taken out all the quantities of the past two years...here, how big is the fight?" Zhang Abacus asked Jiang Zhao cautiously. In his opinion, this time must be a bad battle, and there might be a shortage of people in the end. Now that he is alive, he has to go to the battlefield, because his leg is so lame.

Although he was lame in one leg, his marksmanship was still accurate, which was why he was worried that the more the fight got worse, the more he would have to go to the battlefield.

"What, are you scared?" Jiang Zhao lowered his head and looked at the account book in his hand, then turned to Zhang Abacus and teased with a smile.

"Afraid, Zhang Abacus is afraid of heaven and earth, but I'm not afraid of anyone..." As soon as Jiang Zhao finished speaking, Zhang Abacus immediately retorted, as if a pot had exploded, "It's not like I've never fought against white devils. I think back then, I almost went to Los Angeles..." Zhang Abacus boasted to Jiang Zhao about how he almost reached Los Angeles, Mexico after winning a battle with the white Mexican militia in the army.

Speaking of what happened back then, Zhang Abacus started talking endlessly, talking endlessly to Jiang Zhao, as if he couldn't finish it... After all, this was the most glorious moment in his life. When he gets old, he still has to talk to his grandson. Say it!

"Okay, okay... stop it, stop it..." Jiang Zhao looked at Zhang Abacus who was talking endlessly about his glorious history, and immediately stopped him impatiently, "I ask you, can we still produce with the materials we currently have? How long?" Jiang Zhao asked Zhang Abacus about the raw materials of the ammunition factory. After all, no matter how good the technology is and how many workers there are, it can't be made without raw materials...

"Raw materials?" After hearing this, Zhang Abacus thought for a while, "Our current raw materials can only be produced for seven days at most, and they are gone after seven days. They are mainly saltpeter. Our saltpeter field method can produce too little. It turns out that we and The Shishan tribe with saltpeter mines bought it, and now that tribe has been wiped out by the white devils, I am afraid that for a while, we can only rely on the saltpeter field method to obtain saltpeter!" Zhang Abacus told Jiang Zhao about the saltpeter that is currently in short supply in the ammunition shop, and Liujiabao's main method of producing saltpeter... is the saltpeter field method invented by Europeans. Normally, the output of this product seems to be okay, but it is definitely not enough to support such a costly and long war...

The nearest saltpeter mine is still occupied by the white Mexican militia group. If it is not taken back, I am afraid that the longer it takes, the supply of ammunition will not be as generous as it is now... and I have to make a calculation.

Once the calculation of this war begins, it means that one's own defeat is not far away, especially in the current firearms war, in addition to the quality of the soldiers and the personal ability of the commander... the most important thing is logistics.

Without logistics, it is simply difficult to fight. Don't be kidding.

Is it possible that using swords and spears to hit other people's muskets and artillery? That is not bravery, that is stupidity.

"Saltpeter, saltpeter..." Jiang Zhao kept chanting the word saltpeter, "Send these ammunition over first, and I will report to Mr. Luo." Jiang Zhao first arranged for an abacus to escort the ammunition. Then he found paper and pen, wrote down the current lack of saltpeter, and prepared to hand it over to an adult named Luo Hun.

This Luo Hun was actually a logistics officer temporarily appointed by Liu Yan to be in charge of logistics mobilization during the war, especially the most important weapons and ammunition.

Luo Hun originally served as the financial officer of the entire Liujiabao. This time he was appointed as the logistics officer for the entire war in a critical situation, and he did his job... Luo Hun has been the financial officer for more than five years. Except for a few small mistakes, he has basically done everything. He has not made any big mistakes, and he is very smart to keep a distance from other people... This is why Liu Yan always trusts him... After all, he is in charge of the entire Liu Family Fort's finances. If he has close contact with other people, It was difficult for Liu Yan not to be suspicious.

And Luo Hun is such a person who makes Liu Yan feel at ease, which shows that he is very good at life.

.............................................

"Should we attack Los Angeles City first or the so-called Fourth Mexican White Militia Regiment?" Lan Yun asked other people in the conference room, pointing to the direction of the Fourth Mexican Regiment and the Monte tribe on the huge map in front of him, "I Our suggestion is to attack Los Angeles first. After all, the city of Los Angeles is empty at this time. According to our people sent there, there is currently only one regiment in the entire city of Los Angeles, and it may not even be full. There are also a large number of Mexican dignitaries in the city. People have been in Nanshan for many years, and it has no effect during the war... At this time, attacking Los Angeles is basically a sure thing, and there will be no mistakes." Lan Yun pointed at the location of Los Angeles City on the map and continued to everyone, with a look in his eyes. A touch of desire, after all, if he leads the team to win the city of Los Angeles... it will be a very high honor for him, and he will also be able to obtain a higher position in Liujiabao after the war...

This is also an important reason why Lan Yun hopes to attack Los Angeles City first. After all, everyone has selfish motives. Even if Lan Yun is very loyal to Liu Yan... but apart from loyalty, it is understandable to think about his own personal future.

"Yes, it is safer to attack Los Angeles first, and the results will be greater." Zhao Wei echoed, in his opinion, it is also the most cost-effective to attack Los Angeles. As for what the Monte tribe told them to hold on for a while, and wait for the Liu family After taking the city of Los Angeles, he came to rescue them...

"You're right, we have to attack Los Angeles first." Xu Zhi, the commander of the Wuwei Battalion, also known as the First Battalion, also echoed Lan Yun's initial suggestion of attacking Los Angeles first. After all, this would have the biggest and most conspicuous results. And what shocks Mexicans the most...

The so-called Military Guard Battalion, the First Battalion, is actually one of the three battalions that have been reorganized so far. Each battalion imitates the establishment of the Mexican white militia, with a total of 600 people... It is mainly divided into the first, second, third and third battalions. .

Its main organization is composed of infantry, artillery, and cavalry.

The main ones are infantry, of which there are about 400 infantrymen, composed of four musketeers, and more than 100 artillerymen, with a total of nine artillery pieces...mainly nine-pounder cannons and [-]-pounder cannons, among which nine-pounder cannons Mostly, after all, the current distance on the battlefield, the distance between the two armies, and the distance during the march... all determine that the relatively light nine-pounder cannon is better than the heavy twelve-pounder cannon, and is more capable on the battlefield. Follow the infantry movement and fight...

Like twelve pounds, both the required draft horse and the weight of ammunition are much higher than nine pounds... but the power is not much higher. In a battlefield where fighter planes are fleeting, speed sometimes , is more important than the little extra firepower... This is also the experience and lessons Liu Jiabao has summed up in many wars.

There are only about 50 cavalrymen. They are not mainly engaged in cavalry operations, but as scouts. During the war, they go to the rear to attack the logistics of Mexican whites... They can even dismount and fight with the infantry. There are only a few of them in the entire Liujiapu. Anyone who can ride a horse and has experience in infantry can serve, and they are all the elites in Liujiabao and the pillars of the army...

The remaining 50 people are cooks, horsemen and other support personnel. Of course, these people can also go to the battlefield when necessary... because of Liujiabao's tradition that all people are soldiers.They also fired their guns.

The so-called Wuwei Battalion is the name of these three battalions. In fact, these three battalions were not battalions at the beginning, but teams. They were called Wuwei at the beginning. Just by listening to the name, you can tell that this is Liu Yan's guard... and now these three battalions. This is basically how individual camps evolved.

In addition to the Wuwei Battalion, there are also the Yingyang Battalion and the Iron Guard Battalion, which are all old troops that followed Liu Yan in establishing Liujiabao.

In addition to the 800 people in these three battalions, four battalions formed by Indians have been formed in the rear, and training is now being stepped up. Except for some of these Indians, they were recruited from within Liujiapu... A large number of them are those Soldiers provided by recently surrendered tribes.

The reason why Liujiabao added his own Indian soldiers inside was not only to facilitate communication, but also to monitor and control the newly recruited Indian soldiers... After all, these people had just arrived and had never fought with Liujiabao from the beginning. When crossing paths, you should be more careful.

The officers inside are basically Chinese or Indian officers who have submitted to Liujiabao for many years.

This shows how strictly Liu Jiabao controls the army, leaving no trace of future trouble.

"I don't agree. If we attack Los Angeles first, wouldn't it be a breach of trust? What will those Indians think of us in the future?" Li Zhaowu, the commander of the Iron Guard Battalion, stood up to refute the plan to attack Los Angeles first, "Everyone, we have to understand "This Monte tribe has many marriages with our Liujiapu, and many brothers' wives are from there. What's more, don't forget the relationship between our young master and the leader of the Monte tribe..." Li Zhaowu reminded everyone, The implication is that the Monte tribe has a close relationship with Liu Peng. If something happens in the end, what will they answer to Liu Peng?

"This..." After hearing this, Lan Yun suddenly became speechless and didn't know how to continue.

"Then according to your wishes, there will be no fighting in Los Angeles. You know, that is an opportunity that has not been available for many years..." Xu Zhi, commander of the Wuwei Battalion, said to Li Zhaowu unwillingly, "Besides, there are only two people on the left and right." When we enter the city of Los Angeles, not to mention these two women, even the daughter of that little bird governor will have to be captured by our young master as a maid..." Xu Zhi looked like a big boss and did not treat Monte The two nominal fiancées of Liu Peng from the tribe took it seriously.

In his opinion, a real man puts his career first, and women are nothing.

As long as they have merit, women can have as much as they want.

"You...you are just being brave and have not considered the consequences of this matter at all...it's no wonder you have the word "zhi" in your name. I think you are just a stupid pig and a stupid cow..." Li Zhaowu pointed angrily. Xu Zhi scolded, "You know our purpose this time is to unite the Indians in the entire California area to fight against the Mexican whites. If we don't even save our own in-laws, how can we win the trust of the Indians and win the trust of the Mexicans?" California, or even the entire America..." Li Zhaowu continued to scold Xu Zhi. In Li Zhaowu's view, the most important thing for those who conquer the world since ancient times is trust, especially for outsiders like Liujiabao. The most important thing is trust.

Without credibility, even if Liu Jiabao captured ten Los Angeles, those Indians would only be intimidated by Liu Jiabao's force... they would never be of the same mind. Once the white Mexicans bribed them a little, they would probably switch sides, so credibility, or It is said that the surface image is very important. After all, even if it is a lie, you have to build a better reputation first... With a bad reputation, who will believe what Liu Jiabao says in the future.

Is it possible to wait to become the next Monte tribe? ?
What's more, they are not even related by marriage.

"Li Guizi, I think you drank a few bottles of horse urine and you no longer know your last name. How dare you yell at Grandpa Xu like this? When I was serving as the captain of the guard for the castle lord, you were still in Guangzhou Mansion, taking the exam to become a scholar. !" Xu Zhi's face turned red when he was angry, and he directly replied to Li Zhaowu, "Don't think that I don't know. You took the scholar exam five times and failed even once. You are still a child and you don't know how to be shy..." Xu Zhi directly exposed Li Zhaowu's shortcomings, that is, before joining Liu Yan's command, Li Zhaowu was once a scholar in Guangzhou Prefecture of the Qing Dynasty. When he was 13 years old, he passed the Tongsheng Examination and was considered a child prodigy in his hometown. The villagers and family have high hopes...

Who would have thought that until he was 25 years old, after 13 years and five major and minor scientific examinations, he failed to pass the exam... He suddenly disappointed all those who had been optimistic about him. From a child prodigy to a great talent, it took him more than ten years. Years ago, I went from being arrogant at the beginning to becoming disillusioned with the scientific examination.

Later, unable to bear the blow and disgusted with the cold water, he gritted his teeth, stamped his feet, and surrendered to the pirates. The pirate was none other than Liu Yan.

It was precisely because of his knowledge that he was considered high among the pirates. Under Liu Yan's careful attention, he read some military books and learned Western tactics from foreigners for a period of time, so he was promoted to the iron guard camp by Liu Yan. Battalion Commander... It can be said that Li Zhaowu's future in Liujiabao is much better than when he took the imperial examination.

For example, this year is less than [-] years, which is the time to make achievements, so Li Zhaowu attaches great importance to this war. In desperation, he had a quarrel with Xu Zhi.

"You..." Li Zhaowu was stabbed in the heart by Xu Zhi, and was speechless for a moment.

Xu Zhi, on the other hand, looked at Li Zhaowu proudly as if he had won.

"Stop arguing. We are all the mainstays of my Liu Family Fort. It's unbecoming to argue and scold each other."

Just when the two were secretly poking and confronting each other, a familiar voice startled them both.

"Castle Master..."

"Castle Master..."

"Little Lord……"

Seeing Liu Yan and Liu Peng walking in, everyone in the conference room hurriedly clasped their fists and shouted.

"Now is not the time to argue about whether to attack Los Angeles first or the white Mexican militia group near the Monte tribe. Now we have no choice..." Liu Yan said this and everyone present was confused. He said, "Look, this is the folder that Luo Hun just sent over." Liu Yan took out a blue book from his arms. He said it was a folder, but in fact it was an internal official document from Liujiabao.

"Saltpeter..." Zhao Wei, who saw it first, frowned, "Is our Liujiabao short of saltpeter?" Zhao Wei asked with some suspicion. After all, there is no shortage of ammunition in daily battles. Why is this? Are you short of ammunition and saltpeter?
"Today is different from the past. We used to fight small battles with the white people and the Indians around us who were dissatisfied with us and had ill intentions towards our Liujiapu. We would send out two battalions at most..." Liu Peng crossed over to his father Liu Yan and said to Zhao Wei explained, "But look at now, we only have three battalions of our own regular troops, and four Indian battalions of deputy troops. In the future, in order to further fight against reinforcements that may come from other directions in the Republic of Mexico, we will also We need to further equip more soldiers... Mr. Zhao, don't forget, we are fighting a long-term war this time, not the usual small fights." Liu Peng continued to explain to Zhao Wei in a serious manner.

"This..." Zhao Wei thought hesitantly, "What do the castle master and the young master mean?" Zhao Wei then tentatively asked Liu Peng and Liu Yan.

"First attack the fourth Mexican militia regiment near the Monte tribe, and then move down the division and capture Los Angeles directly." Liu Peng walked to the map, picked up his baton and pointed at the location of the Monte tribe and the city of Los Angeles. Pointing, and finally with a solemn expression, he knocked hard on the location of Los Angeles City below.

"And according to our intelligence, the enemy's First Mexican Militia Regiment is still on the way to support, and there is no intention to assist the Fourth Regiment." Liu Peng then continued to explain, "This means that we have time and at least In one day, we can deal with the fourth regiment stuck in our rear like a nail, and then just use the Indian battalion training in the rear to hold back the first regiment of white Mexican militia..."

"In this way, my main force can follow the division as soon as possible and capture Los Angeles."

Liu Peng said excitedly to everyone.

"Destroy the fourth regiment and capture Los Angeles..."

I don’t know who started it, but everyone present shouted in unison.

(End of this chapter)