"Let's look at this vital international waterway connecting our southern seas to the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean—the Dandan Strait. It is 2,000 miles long, running southeast to northwest, with calm seas and pleasant weather year-round, making it indispensable for trade routes. Therefore, we need to secure the control of this waterway, and also these locations here, here, and here, forming the first island chain in the South Seas. Due to the numerous ethnic groups, small states, and varied populations on these islands, I haven't marked their names yet, as they are too complicated. We'll name them ourselves in the future."
Since Xiangbei had previously discussed with Cheng Mo the plan to establish North-South supermarkets and inns on various coastal islands, hiring locals to build workshops and thereby gaining economic influence, Cheng Mo now spoke confidently and coherently about it.
Cheng Mo's presentation not only provided the group with a fresh understanding of the entire South Seas maritime trade but also won their unwavering support.
"Good! Once the war begins, with Changlin's land assault underway, I will immediately lead 3,000 soldiers, 5,000 of the Prince Mo royal guard, and a militia of able-bodied fishermen to encircle and confront the enemy from the sea. Ziqiu, you will lead 2,000 of the navy along with 8,000 of the Prince Mo royal guard to patrol the Ryukyu Islands, cutting off their retreat or providing reinforcements as needed. Remember, Ziqiu, your primary goal is to locate the pirate strongholds on the islands and eliminate their bases." General Elder Qiao had already made up his mind.
"Judging by their recent grain and oil purchases, the city can hold out for at most eight to ten days. Prince Cheng is scheduled to meet the head of commercial firm Mr. Du in three days; we should hear what information he brings then. Tong Biao agreeing to coordinate grain supplies through headquarters can delay them for at most two days. They will certainly push again. Once the enemy gathers, they will launch a full-scale assault, plundering along the way. I estimate that in five days, we must engage and trap them within the city," Huo Changlin said, knowing that their time to prepare for a large-scale rest was limited upon receiving the procurement data from Tong Biao.
"Yes, that is my plan as well. I received a letter from my maternal grandfather. He has ordered the direct navy of the Cheng family, numbering 20,000 soldiers, to set out from Guangzhou, clear the sea, and finally rendezvous with our forces at the Ryukyu Islands. The enemy, moving south, would find mountainous terrain and sparse population, making it difficult for them to plunder and occupy, especially given that the Cheng family has governed strictly for centuries since the previous dynasty. On the other hand, heading north offers open roads, connected towns, and wealth. Chen Village, Xiawan, and Liuhe Town along the way could all serve as ideal bases for them. I believe they will choose to move north. Therefore, when the Cheng family's guards and General Huo surround them in the city, the 5,000 Prince's guards from the Dongbin Royal Palace will garrison the towns along the route, organizing the people to defend against any rogue soldiers and raiders." This was Prince Cheng MO's first command, and he was putting all his resources on the line.
Xiang Bei felt a pang of concern for him but was also torn about introducing gunpowder and grenades to what was still essentially a cold weapon era battlefield, so she remained silent, lost in thought as she gazed out at the sea from the tea table.
"Additionally, the goods that Head Mr. Du wants to order should be gradually transported from Willow river Liuhe Town to here, stretching out and slowing down the delivery to relax the enemy's vigilance. This matter should be handled by the same city traveler lodges. Do you think that's a problem, Bei? Bei, Bei~" Prince Cheng called out several times, finally breaking Xiang Bei's reverie.
"Ah? Yes, yes, Tong Biao and Ziqiu can meet with Mr. Du, representing Tongcheng and North-South Supermarkets. I'm just worried about the people in the city," Xiang Bei said, suddenly raising her head to look at everyone. "Yes, I need to supply food, now, immediately!"
"Xiaobei, we were just discussing delaying the supply of grain for three to five days," Huo Changlin explained to his usually sharp niece, noticing her distracted state.
But Ziqiu quickly took over, saying, "Second Brother Huo, I think Xiaobei must have thought of something we haven't considered. Let's listen to her."
"No, there's nothing as clever as Ziqiu Brother suggests. I just want to minimize harm to the people live in city. I would like to ask Village Chief Chen to send a message into the city. Before the rear supplies arrive, we can have the city folk come here to dig up cassava, collect tea seeds in the mountains, or press beans for oil. Essentially, we can produce food daily and send it back into the city. The invaders will be eager to have the civilians go out to work. We'll use soldiers disguised as civilians to infiltrate the city and support us during the battle. I hope we can create a pure battlefield to 'corner the enemy and attack them'."
"I understand, Xiaobei. Let's 'Corner the enemy and attack them'. We can have the civilians leave the city to work and then swap places when delivering food back into the city. Lei Zi can lead people disguised as civilians to blend in and stay in the homes within the city, ready to assist from the inside when the time comes," Prince Mo quickly turned Xiaobei's arrangement for the civilians into a tactical decision.
"A brilliant idea, indeed. I approve," General Elder Qiao nodded frequently, noting Xiaobei's concern for the civilians and the tacit understanding between the two young ones.
"Let's not wait then. Let's get it arranged quickly," Huo Changlin, even more excited, slapped Cheng Mo on the shoulder and was about to turn to head to the troops camp.
"Uncle, no rush. We can have Wind department guy Feng Yi notify them. Xiaobei has prepared wine and dishes; let's have a meal together. I just thought of this idea; perhaps we can discuss the details further?" Cheng Mo casually ordered shadow guard Yin Yi to relay the message to Wind guards to contact Village Chief Chen.