For the people on the scene, the existing fleet is already quite shocking, but for Li Xiang, the existing fleet is just a temporary training fleet, because the system has not yet unlocked the top-ranked sailing warships. If according to the naval ship classification standards of 1817, most of the ships unlocked now are level 4 and above. As for the huge level 1, 2 and 3 warships, they are still gray in the system.
Take the 25 battleships in the fleet for example. They are all fourth-level battleships, with between 45 and 60 guns, a displacement of about 1,000 tons, and only two decks. The crew is only more than 400 people.
If it were placed more than a thousand years later, such a warship could only be used for guarding the surrounding area of the entire fleet. If it really attacked, it might not even be ranked at the front. However, in the Tang Dynasty Goguryeo Navy, it would be an absolute flagship.
"Your Majesty, please give the order to set sail."
Although everyone on the boat looked down on King Wu Li Ke, he was Li Shimin's son after all, and was also the commander-in-chief of this Eastern Expedition. So from a procedural point of view, he had to announce this. Li Xiang was already on the platform on the shore.
"The Tang navy crushes Fusang."
According to the original rules, King Wu Li Ge was still supposed to say some of the words in Li Shimin's imperial edict, but at this moment he was so excited that he could hardly speak, so he drew out his sword and pointed directly to the east and spoke loudly.
"Crush Fusang."
"Crush Fusang..."
No one expected that this seemingly weak prince could actually say such words. This has changed many people's perception of him. After all, our commander still has blood.
Qin Qiong and Cheng Yaojin looked at each other, and at this moment they both came up wearing glasses. Although Li Xiang did not say it explicitly before leaving, the deputy generals below already knew that before landing on land, all command power was in Ding Tu's hands.
Although you hold high positions, you are not familiar with naval warfare at all. If you rashly take over command, let alone what the soldiers below will think, the most important thing is that the fleet that has been built at great expense may not be able to exert its strength.
Of course, Li Xiang would never think that his fleet would suffer a loss. Now Fuso's most powerful ship is only a dozen or twenty meters long at most, and there are not many long-range weapons on it. It still relies on the two ships to get close and then jump to fight. It is far from the same level as us.
The reason why Li Xiang asked Ding Tu to be careful was purely because this was the first battle of the Tang Dynasty Navy. We have won countless victories on land, and one more or one less does not matter, but the navy warships must build up confidence. Only when our soldiers and generals have the confidence of victory in their hearts, just like our army, then when we conquer the whole world in the future, they will be able to bring back one victory after another.
The reason why the British Empire's navy was able to become the world's number one navy was because they had a belief in victory in their hearts. No matter how many countries' navies provoked them, even when they were at an extreme disadvantage, they were still able to turn decay into magic. Now the Tang Dynasty's land army has reached such a state, and the next is the navy.
"I'm really jealous watching this. If I had known this would happen, I would have sneaked up to see how the first naval battle was fought."
Su Dingfang said with some envy, to be honest, this guy is really getting restless now, he came all the way from Chang'an, and who knew that he would still be Li Xiang's bodyguard. It turns out that he likes this job very much, but if it is still like this in the future, I am afraid he will start to complain, who doesn't want to make meritorious deeds on the battlefield?
"Don't be jealous. We'll launch a second offensive after they return. Otherwise, what's the point of taking Nanzhao? Isn't it just to gain access to the sea in the south? As long as our navy ships can gain combat experience, we can fly the flag of the Great Tang Dynasty anywhere in the future."
Li Xiang looked at the Tang Dynasty flag fluttering in the wind at the distant harbor, and felt very comfortable in his heart. This place originally belonged to Goguryeo. If he had not traveled through time, it would have taken at least several decades to defeat here. However, after defeating it, no troops were sent to completely occupy this place. Tang Gaozong Li Zhi only set up this administrative agency here, and decades later it was taken back by the local people.
But we are not like that. Li Xiang has always been a man who only eats and doesn't spit out, just like a Pixiu. Now that this place has been occupied by us, don't even think about taking it back. If we let you guys take it back, then why should we go to so much trouble?
"Your Highness, the memorial from Chief Steward Qian has arrived."
While talking about the things in Nanzhao, Zhang Jiuli had already taken out a memorial from his arms. This memorial was written by Qian Ping. In theory, Qian Ping was just a eunuch and had no qualifications to write memorials. He just said it in a nice way.
Su Dingfang also leaned over to take a look. This was because the two of them had spent a long time together under Li Xiang. If it was with another prince, your action would be a bit excessive. You can only see if the other person is willing to let you see. How can you take the initiative to stick your head out?
"Take it and have a look. The King of Nanzhao really made the right choice. This guy did exactly what we said. Changsun Chong is also a talented person. It will take at most half a year to a year. I estimate that as soon as the war here is over, Nanzhao can become our rear base for the southward advance."
Seeing that Su Dingfang was also concerned about the affairs of Nanzhao, Li Xiang directly handed the memorial to him to read. Anyway, there was nothing shameful. If there was, Qian Ping would not have sent someone to deliver the memorial in such a high-profile manner. He would definitely have written some more private letters, and Zhang Jiuli would not have taken them out under such circumstances.
One of them is a eunuch and the other is a criminal. It is impossible for them to go too far in the court. Their future roles are just Li Xiang's personal staff. No matter how great their achievements are, they probably won't be able to step into the spotlight. So Li Xiang also assuredly handed over some trivial matters to them, believing that they would not dare to do anything wrong.
"That guy is a wimp, let's..."
When Su Dingfang said this, he suddenly saw Princess Yongning coming from a distance and swallowed the rest of his words.
