Chapter 64 of Part II
Apology: I made a low-level and childish mistake. I actually brought Shi Qian back to life. In the revised version, I will make amends for Shi Qian's resurrection. Please forgive me. The revised version of Blood Sea will be updated around mid-to-late August. This version does not plan to participate in the rankings. I hope friends can help with the revised version! Thank you!
At this time, the Japanese fleet was already in a state of chaos. The commander of the entire fleet cursed loudly at the people around him: "Baka yarou! Those despicable Chinese have deceived us. That damned family leader has ruined our great Imperial Japanese Navy in the North China Sea!" He then ordered the people around him: "Pass down the order, raise the flag signal: 'This is all a misunderstanding. Our troops will immediately withdraw from Chinese waters! One hour is too short, give us half a day's time. We will retreat immediately!" After finishing speaking, he silently cursed to himself: "Damn it! They've lost the honor of our Imperial Japanese military, in order to preserve the navy's strength, when I return I'll have no choice but to commit seppuku."
Shi Lang's flag signal responded: "Misunderstanding? If it were thirty nautical miles, it would be barely considered a misunderstanding. But three hundred nautical miles is absolutely impossible. You have at most two hours. Delaying by one hour will cost you 10 million taels of gold."
"The commander of the Japanese fleet bellowed in a thunderous voice: 'This is an outrage, a complete outrage! It's all a conspiracy! For the honor of the Great Empire of Japan we are willing to sacrifice everything!'"
About ten officers around him murmured in agreement and said: "For the honor of the Great Japanese Empire, we are willing to sacrifice everything."
"Order all ships in the fleet to open fire on the Chinese. Launch a full-scale, indiscriminate attack and form a defensive line."
"Look at this, it's almost dawn. Inform all fleet captains to form a surrounding formation and disperse. We only need to surround two sides. As for their front, let the Pacific Fleet brothers take care of it. The north side will be left to the Inland Sea Fleet comrades. Our navy still has meat for everyone to eat together."
The deputy officer and staff on the ship also burst out laughing. The deputy officer hastily went to pass on the order.
All fleets acted according to the predetermined target. Underwater, a submarine's rumbling sound was drowned out by the massive sounds of the fleet slowly approaching the Japanese fleet.
The Japanese opened fire first, which was also what Shi Lang intended. He wanted them to open fire first because there were still a few foreign envoys on his own warships.
Shells splashed into the water, creating huge waves. Under the darkness of dawn, the sea also turned black. Another illuminating shell was fired. All warships aimed at their own targets in this gap and large-caliber shells directly hit each other's warships. One unfortunate warship had been hit by an ammunition depot and caught fire. The flames illuminated the battlefield. Explosions could be heard from time to time!
Koxinga's fleet arrived just in time and continuously attacked the Japanese, who stubbornly ran for over a hundred miles. Shi Lang followed slowly behind them. The sky had already brightened at this moment. Shi Lang stood on the flagship, watching as the eastern horizon gradually turned red. The sky was shining with a brilliant glow. In the distance, the silhouette of an airship also appeared in the sky.
At the same time, apart from reorganizing itself, the First Field Army of the PLA also had the Second Field Army, Third Field Army, Blood Red Banner Special Forces (this was also the first public appearance of the Blood Red Banner Special Forces in a battle), Fourth Field Army, and the Thirty-Ninth Corps stationed in Shenyang Military Region, totaling over 1.5 million troops, concentrated on the border with North Korea (Goguryeo).
"Let's watch the sunrise on the sea first, and then we'll fight. Let Zheng Chenggong enjoy it for now."
The naval battle continued. At this time, Japan had already received news that the Japanese Navy was surrounded. However, it was too late by then.
As the numerical advantage continued to grow, Japan's carefully crafted strongest fleet in Asia outside of the Chinese Empire was annihilated in an instant. Time froze at 10:00 on September 18, 1662.
The next afternoon.
The strategic command center of the Chinese Empire in Beijing, Zhu Xiao's face was cold. Looking at the high-ranking generals and government officials present, he said: "What's going on with the Northern Legion? They've delayed for a day and still haven't advanced. If that Lee from the Goryeo Dynasty is still so obstinate... then just have them attack all the way to the Korea Strait."
The officers below did not speak. Even Zhou Lun, who dared to argue with Zhu Xiao in peacetime, remained silent at this time. Zhu Xiao's gloomy expression occasionally exposed his face. He stood up and said to the officials present: "You must tighten up on military matters."
The government should also refuse any form of representation from Japan and formally declare war on Japan to the whole world!
The Goryeo Dynasty ultimately chose to compromise. The imperial family of the Goryeo Dynasty went to Beijing to meet with the Emperor and expressed their allegiance. 510,000 ironclad troops poured into Korea and pressed on to the Korean Strait.
At this time, various European countries have also united to mediate in the middle. Premier Xu Jing replied with one sentence: "This matter is too deeply involved in the Chinese Empire and has a bad influence. We hope that European countries will not interfere in the affairs of the Chinese Empire. Otherwise, the Chinese Empire will cut off trade relations with it, and even go to war! At the same time, Xu Jing also announced the national letter of the former Goryeo Dynasty emperor, indicating that the Goryeo Dynasty is willing to merge into the Chinese Empire as a province, becoming the 34th and 35th provinces of the Chinese Empire - South Dynasty Province and North Dynasty Province.
Standing by the window, gazing at the Chinese warships and many transport ships heading towards the Korea Strait. The smile on Hata's face had already disappeared. Turning around to look at the silent meeting room, he said: "Gentlemen, the Great Japanese Empire has reached a critical juncture of life and death. I apologize to everyone. I will lead you through this difficult time and then commit seppuku to atone for my sins." He finished with his deepest bow.
Japan began to make active preparations for war, and all Japanese forces were united at this time. The news from the airships can be seen. Japan wants to exhaust our soldiers in terms of supplies. After all, cross-sea transportation is not very convenient yet.
September 25, 1662, with Zhu's order to the front line. With the navy and air force as the vanguard, a strong firepower attack began, blocking Japanese firepower to facilitate the army's landing. The first truly meaningful tri-service joint operation officially started. The powerful firepower and the high mobility of the army pushed the front line more than 30 kilometers after the first day of landing.
Looking at the Japanese wailing on the ground, my heart skipped a beat, and my guilt towards Minmin slightly alleviated. However, looking at the tragic scene before me, with the past hatred for the Japanese, I made a decision. Turning to Chen Jinan beside me, "Brother Jinan, pass down the order. Don't let off a single Japanese person, including infants. I want the Japanese to disappear from this world within a month."
Chen Jinnan wanted to say something to me but hesitated and left without saying it.
The Japanese were gradually shrinking their defensive positions. As our troops advanced step by step, I also suffered three or four assassinations and ambushes. The high-ranking ninjas within Japan finally couldn't bear to see the country perish and took action. But at this time, I had already steeled my heart.
In the meantime, several fierce battles also unfolded. Lei Tong, Wu Shuang, Yi Tianxing, Wang Hu and other high-ranking generals were already covered in killing intent at this time.
At this time, our casualties were also relatively heavy. I really didn't expect the Japanese to imitate a similar weapon like ours. It was thought that they would not be able to hold out without logistical supplies and would surrender soon. In the end, underestimating the enemy resulted in more than 20,000 of our soldiers being killed or wounded.
Zhou Lun stood in the office of the Ministry of National Defense, looking at the wall map showing the confrontation between our army and Japan. He muttered to himself: "It's time to break the balance of the world. Europe is also about to accelerate its unification. Hehe, but I think they're not that fast yet. I hope Ah Xiao won't finish with Japan and then go on to fight the Russians."
October 20, 1662. A day that will be remembered forever. After a month-long war, the Japanese nation has been occupied by the Chinese Empire in all areas except Hokkaido. More than 60 million Japanese people have been reduced to just over 4 million, including more than 1.3 million elderly people. At the same time, the Chinese Empire announced the abolition of the Japanese Emperor and the management of Japan by another nation. The reason is that a nation of more than 10,000 people is the true royal family of Japan, while the Yamato people are just a lowly nation in Japan. At the same time, the "Sino-Japanese Hokkaido Treaty" was signed.
The treaty stipulates: 1. Japan will transport 50,000 laborers to the Chinese Empire every year and return them after three years. The transportation will begin from the third year.
2. Japan paid a total of 5 billion yuan in war reparations to the Chinese Empire.
Japan cedes all territories except Hokkaido to the Chinese Empire. These territories are formally incorporated into the territory of the Chinese Empire. Starting from next year, the Chinese Empire will successively migrate 5 million people to these territories.
4. Japan shall not possess any military forces, and all military facilities within Hokkaido shall be dismantled and handed over to the Chinese Empire, except for four military bases which will serve as garrisons for the Chinese Empire's troops.
The number of troops stationed in Hokkaido by the Chinese Empire is controlled at 280,000. The military expenditure is paid half by Japan.
6. Japan must obtain the consent of the Chinese Empire before establishing diplomatic relations with other countries. Otherwise, it will be considered contempt for the authority of the Chinese Empire. The Chinese Empire has the right to increase the degree of punishment.
7. The official language of Japan is changed from Japanese to Chinese. Japanese is allowed to be retained for fifty years. To save funds, the currency in circulation is changed to the People's Currency of the Chinese Empire.
8. The number of police officers in Japan shall not exceed 1% of the population ratio. Firearms shall not be carried at ordinary times.
9. From the day Japan ended the war, in order to alleviate the burden of life, a planned birth control was uniformly implemented. All women of childbearing age who need to give birth must go to the newly established Family Planning Management Bureau to obtain a birth certificate. Those who violate the regulations will be sentenced to death!
As the treaty was signed and preliminary peace was restored in Japan, I returned to Beijing. Looking at the familiar gardens and buildings, it seemed as if the sweet smile and mischievous figure of Mianmian appeared before my eyes once again.
Standing on the building, gazing at the water's surface with ripples of tiny waves. A ancient poem came to mind, and I slowly recited it: "On a clear moonlit night of the twenty-fourth, where is the jade person calling out to play the Xiao?"
A melodious yet melancholic and low voice echoed from behind: "Your Majesty!"
I turned around and looked at the jade person behind me: "Mingfeng, how did you get in?"
Song Mingfeng's eyes looked at me with a hint of resentment and said, "Your Majesty, how did you notice me again? Since Your Majesty returned to the capital, Mingfeng has often come to the imperial palace and no longer needs to be announced."
A thought flashed through my eyes, but I suppressed it in an instant and changed the subject: "Mingfeng, how is your grandfather's case going?"
Song Mingfeng bowed down and said in a soft voice: "Thank you, Your Majesty, for not punishing me. With the help of my family members, my ancestor has gained sympathy from the people and was tried a few days ago. He was sentenced to removal from all positions and is now under house arrest with guarantees from my brother, father, and uncle. Meanwhile, Zeng Qing and General Li were also sentenced although they are dead."
After finishing speaking, seeing that I had a bad expression, his complexion changed slightly, and he said in a low voice: "Sorry! Your Majesty, Mingfeng didn't mean to."
I looked at Song Mangfeng's eyes, thinking of Minmin's appearance when she committed suicide, and waved my hand: "Forget it, it's not your fault. You can go down now. I want to be alone for a while." After saying that, looking at Song Mangfeng's expression again, I added another sentence: "In the future, if you want to come to the palace, you can enter at any time without restriction." As I said this, I turned around and waved my hand, indicating her to go down.
Song Mingfeng looked at me with a resentful and heart-pained expression, wanting to say something, but ultimately didn't say it out loud and retreated.
The people of the empire have not yet come out of the joy of war. Especially the coastal people who are full of hatred for the Japanese pirates, knowing that the imperial army has conquered Japan, from now on there will be no more troubles, and every household is like celebrating the New Year, setting off firecrackers and slaughtering cattle and sheep.
After nearly two or three years of ideological education, people's minds have initially changed from being content to die in their hometowns to now starting to move around other parts of the country. Especially those who went to newly liberated areas to dig for gold filled up the immigration offices of various governments.
Inside the spacious conference room of the Prime Minister's Office, those seated included bigwigs from both the military and political circles. Everyone had already emerged from the shadows of this rebellion, chatting and laughing as they discussed matters. The military personnel, including Lei Feng and others, were discussing who the Empire would declare war on next, while the politicians were discussing how to implement the next law or what the next policy would be like.
I walked in with Zhou Lun and Xu Jin. The meeting room immediately fell silent, and I smiled: "Everyone can speak freely." Looking at my watch, I said: "There are still ten minutes left for the meeting, don't rush. Continue discussing."
As everyone was chatting enthusiastically, Xu Jin coughed and said: "Time's up. Let's start the meeting. Next, please ask someone from the Royal Statistics Bureau to introduce the detailed situation of the first population census."
A lean man from the Statistics Bureau stood up, bowed to me and those around him, saying: "By the time of the census, which is this June. According to statistics, since the Empire does not have a population control policy, there are corresponding subsidy programs for all third and fourth births. Therefore, the current population of the empire has reached over 70 million people. Among them, the proportion of elderly people accounts for only 13%, young and middle-aged people account for 45%, children account for 42%. Among them, unmarried people account for 35% in the young and middle-aged group. So according to the situation, the population of the empire will have a significant increase in the next few years.
Xu Jin looked around and saw that everyone was silent, so he continued: "According to the research and decisions made by the Prime Minister's cabinet, after reporting to Your Majesty for approval. I have made the following decision. Starting from next year's Spring Festival, we will gradually migrate 30 million people to the Western Siberia region, mainly young and middle-aged people. The migration will be carried out on a village or township basis. The state will provide appropriate economic assistance and material support to the migrants. At the same time, we will migrate 50 million people to the newly occupied Japan region. And in the whole country, we will publicly recruit 5 million people to migrate to Southern China (present-day Oceania) to establish two to four cities. We will also migrate 50 million people to the Americas, focusing on the western part of North America." After finishing speaking, he glanced at Zhou Lun.
Zhou Lun also stood up and said: "The Military Commission of the Imperial Army has given orders. Everyone stood up after he finished speaking."
"Chairman Zhu Xiaoling of the Military Commission: First, thoroughly rectify the First Group Army and eliminate all counter-revolutionary forces within the military. Second, mobilize 500,000 reserve troops nationwide to join the field army. Third, in order to protect the interests of immigrants from being infringed upon, deploy 200,000 troops to Siberia, 280,000 troops to Japan, 100,000 troops to Annam, 150,000 troops to southern China, and 350,000 troops to the Americas.
In addition, the four major fleets of the Navy will change their ports of deployment. The Northern Fleet will move from its current base in Dalian to a new base in the occupied Japanese territory. The Southern Fleet will move from Guangzhou to Malacca. The Inland Fleet will be divided and deployed to Shanghai, Guangzhou, Dalian, Taiwan, and Tianjin. The Pacific Fleet will be deployed to southern China.
Furthermore, the four fleets will be supplemented with 50 new battleships, as well as new types of naval vessels, submarines, and aircraft carriers. The Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Fleets will also be established."
After finishing, he picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip of water, then continued: "The Air Force will expand from the existing two airship fleets to eight airship fleets, with a total of 4,000 airships. At the same time, the Royal Academy of Sciences will accelerate the development of new weapons and new combat tools to meet the needs of future warfare. According to reliable information, European countries have already been able to roughly imitate our country's warships and firearms. So I hope that all of you present here will be cautious and careful in facing the enemy."
"After Dezhou Lun finished speaking, I stood up and said: 'Fellow comrades who have gone through life and death together. According to intelligence reports, European countries have already shown signs of forming an alliance, but because we are still maneuvering in the middle, it has not been implemented yet. So, I hope that all of you present can work hard with all your might, prepare to meet the challenges of the world, and let our Chinese Empire's flag fly high across the globe. It would be best if our flag could be seen wherever there is sunlight.' After finishing speaking, looking at their faces full of dreams, I said: 'Alright, dismiss the meeting. Everyone go back and prepare for your own work.'"
Regarding the previous paving, netizens have indeed mentioned it. Xue Hai is really sorry. I also feel that it's not very appropriate, so this is also why there are modified versions coming out. All errors will be corrected one by one in the revised version. Thank you everyone for looking so carefully. Thank you everyone for your opinions.
