my brother-in-law is the prince

Erdan was a little dazed.

He glanced at Qiu Song, and finally set his eyes on Zheng He.

It's not that Er Dan has never come into contact with Qiu Song during this journey.

However, Qiu Song, in Erdan's view, is the kind of person who cannot be contacted, but Zheng He, who can communicate well.

He couldn't even comprehend that it was inconceivable that the Ming Dynasty would send such a seemingly thoughtless person as the deputy envoy of the fleet this time.

But... In detail, this may not be beneficial to the bastard. Knowing that people are not familiar with power and fraud, it can just complete the Pope's strategy of diverting disasters to the east.

So he smiled and said: "We have already prepared more than a dozen loyal pilots. The waters in the Venice area are complex, and they know the hydrological situation like the back of their hands. In addition, we have also prepared supplies in the port of Sicily. , the Pope hopes that the navy can quickly launch an attack."

Zheng He frowned. In his opinion, the fleet was exhausted after eight months of sailing.At this time, urging the fleet to fight the Venetian immediately had ulterior motives.

What's more, he already knew about the situation of the Venetians. Although this country is underestimated, it has been engaged in business for hundreds of years, and now... owns tens of thousands of ships.

Although most of them are small ships, the size of Venice's warships and navy is not small, and it has already ruled the roost in Europe for many years.

In addition, the country's hundreds of years of wealth accumulation can be said to be countless rich people, and they have a considerable number of mercenaries for them to drive.

There is money, there are boats, there are people.

As the commander of the fleet, Zheng He hopes to be more cautious, first to find out the reality, and to find the opponent's weakness.

As for the pope, he also needs to be careful.

Zheng He hesitated, but did not speak yet.

But Qiu Song said: "Since that's the case, then let's go to that Venice, first take the Venice and then talk about it."

Erdan was taken aback.

His intention was...to attack Venice.

Taking Venice has another meaning.

Venice is a fortified city. In order to protect their property, they have established strong defense measures, coupled with many defenders, this is a city that is impossible to break through by sea.

Of course, to Erdan, it doesn't matter what Qiu Song says, as long as Qiu Song is willing to attack, then everything will be fine.

Er Dan was overjoyed, and immediately said: "Then, I will wish the general success."

Qiu Song said: "Don't forget, the gift you promised!"

"Of course." Erdan said with a smile.

Qiu Song put on a straight face: "I'm serious, don't think I'm joking."

Er Dan put away her smile: "Of course."

Erdan backed out.

Zheng He frowned: "General Qiu, is this a little reckless?"

Qiu Song said: "Brother told me that we must attack immediately without hesitation."

Zheng He was full of doubts: "The one we worry about is the Pope. They are so eager to hope that we will go to war with the Venetians. I am afraid that there will be a conflict between the snipe and the clam, and the fisherman will benefit from it."

Qiu Song said: "Brother told me to attack immediately!"

Zheng He said: "We are telling you the Pope's intention..."

"Brother, tell me..."

Zheng He looked exhausted, his heart was very tired, the fleet had too many things to worry about, and it was impossible to explain to the one in front of him.

So he sighed: "Since that's the case, then... act decisively!"

…………

A team of sailors began to gradually leave the fleet.

Although the navy's men and horses are traveling with the fleet sailing to the west, they are not subordinate to each other. There are [-] captains of the model battalion, and at the same time, there are more than [-] fleets composed of the Ming navy, all of which belong to Qiu Song. control.

For today, they practiced repeatedly for several months in the water village.

After that, it sailed for eight months and arrived here.

Several ships wrapped in iron armor, as well as dozens of fast boats, have now begun to head towards the established route.

As for the fleet sailing to the west, it will follow behind and provide support at any time.

This fleet of tens of thousands of people is divided into two, connected end to end.

The wind and waves in the Mediterranean Sea are not strong. Compared to the vast ocean, this place is like an inner lake. From now on, Qiu Song ordered that the supplies of all personnel on the ship begin to increase.

In the bottom warehouse, the sealed canned beef and canned fruits and vegetables were all taken out for people to eat as much as they wanted.

Along with the fleet, in addition to a dozen or so pilots, Erdan and Luqiu also accompanied them.

"I really didn't expect everything to be successful." Donkey Ball couldn't help but sigh excitedly. He used Latin, trying his best to prevent the walls from having ears.

There was a smile on the corner of Erdan's mouth, he was obviously very satisfied with the current result: "Yes, this Ming Dynasty's navy is very powerful, it seems...it can severely damage the Venetians."

Donkey Ball said: "I hope it can be hit hard... Is the Pope ready?"

"Yes, he has already begun to recruit knights from France and the states of the Holy Roman Empire, and the knights from the fiefdoms of the Pope will also enlist. In addition, there are also Swiss mercenaries..."

Donkey Ball said: "What is the Pope's plan?"

"If the Venetian navy fails, then, under the threat of these Ming fleets, some of us will go to Venice. In order to protect their property, the merchants in Venice will be forced to ask us to help them resist the Ming fleet. Fleet. Of course...they have to pay the price..."

Donkey Ball smiled and said, "When someone falls into the sea, in order not to drown themselves, they will agree to any harsh terms, right?"

Erdan nodded: "If Venice wins, then... these Ming fleets arrived here after eight months. Under the condition of being severely damaged, the Pope can request them in the form of supplies and assistance. .If necessary... we can even pretend they park for supplies and then attack them."

Donkey Ball frowned: "Will this tear up the agreement we concluded with them..."

Erdan said: "This is the Lord's arrangement..."

Lvqiu seemed to get some relief from this sentence, so he relaxed, pursed his lips, and shrugged.

"However..." Erdan calmly said, "If the Ming army wins and we also learn that the Pope has started to call on European knights to help the Venetians and resist the Ming navy, we must be prepared."

Donkey Ball said: "You mean... we may have to prepare to be called by God?"

Er Dan frowned lightly and said, "Yes."

Donkey Ball nodded, but said nothing more.

To them, it doesn't really mean much whether the Ming army wins or loses. They have already made all the plans, and the only thing that surprises them is actually why the Ming army is so stupid and easily lost. into their trap.

But in any case, they were successful. Regardless of the final outcome, the Pope was the one who won.

The merchants of Venice, as well as these Ming troops, were all losers without exception.

Donkey Ball couldn't help but sighed: "It's a pity that we may not be able to see that the merchants in Venice will return to the embrace of the Lord again."

Erdan didn't make a sound.

After half a month.

Suddenly the fleet has reached a certain shore.

Facing this sudden fleet.

The sea here is surprisingly calm.

Although there are many small and medium-sized merchant ships, they are far away from the fleet, and the fleet seems to have no interest in attacking these small ships.

But... Er Dan is constantly using the fast boat to communicate with the land.

All he had learned was a sudden and reckless intrusion into the Mediterranean, and apparently the Venetians had heard the news.

Moreover, the Venetians have obviously realized that this fleet from afar is aggressive this time.

The news quickly spread to many cities in Europe.

And then, in addition to starting to strengthen their defenses, the Venetians also began to gather their fleet in the nearby waters. Of course, they didn't seem to plan to have a decisive battle with Ming's fleet in the vast Mediterranean Sea.

Instead, they hope to lure Ming's fleet to attack Venice's coastal defenses, while the Venetian fleet ambushed the Ming's fleet behind.

This is also the reason why the Ming Fleet was able to go smoothly all the way.

In addition, the Venetians played a trick.

They wantonly publicized the strength of the Daming Navy, causing many people to panic.

And the result of panic... just brought great benefits to the Venetians.

Under panic, many people frantically flocked to Venice with their wealth.

This is actually understandable.

At this time, the vast majority of people in Europe are still in the countryside, including many businessmen, and the little nobles in the countryside are unable to protect themselves. No one can predict what the consequences will be if a group of heretics break in suddenly. .

But the city of Venice is different.

This is a city rarely seen in European history.

This huge city, carrying the wealth of half of Europe, has never been breached for hundreds of years. The reason why Venetian merchants dare to store their wealth here is precisely because... the city of Venice brought them sense of security.

Therefore, Venice not only did not have an outflow of wealth because of this terrible news.Instead, a steady stream of wealth came with the little nobles and businessmen who came here to take refuge.

As for the intelligence collected by Er Dan, it was only selectively reported to Qiu Song.

Of course, Qiu Song didn't seem to have much interest in this.

Sometimes I don't even have the patience to listen.

So much so that the deputy general Liu Tao who came along this time couldn't help but feel a little worried.

"General, we are about to attack. After three hours, we can arrive at the battlefield."

After hearing this, Qiu Song said solemnly: "Check the gunpowder depot again, and check all the weapons again, let the soldiers rest for a while, so that they can launch an attack at any time."

Liu Tao hesitated to speak.

Qiu Song glanced at him and said, "What else do you want to say?"

Liu Tao smiled wryly and said, "General, I'm humbled to think... Are we a little reckless..."

After hearing this, Qiu Song actually burst out laughing.

Liu Tao frowned: "The meaning of humbleness is that we should strengthen our understanding of this place, especially to find out the opponent's deployment and coastal defense, and..."

But Qiu Song said: "Then tell me, let my elder brother come here, can we win?"

Liu Tao was born in the Naval Academy, so he couldn't be more respectful of Zhang Anshi, and immediately said: "If His Royal Highness Wuhu County King is here, of course...you can succeed, His Highness has a clever plan..."

"Since you know that my elder brother has clever plans, then you shouldn't have any doubts."

"Ah...this..."

Qiu Song said: "My second elder brother Zhu Yong, although reckless is a little bit reckless, but in fact he is quite kind-hearted and has the style of a general. My third elder brother Zhang Fu is very stable and does everything. Besides, the sailor and model In the camp, there are quite a few generals, such as that kid Gu Xingzu, he is the smartest, and the eldest brother praised him for having the talent of Zhou Yu. But have you ever thought about why the eldest brother chose me?"

Liu Tao was taken aback.

Qiu Song continued: "Don't think that I don't know anything, you all worry that I only know how to fight, and ignore the rest, just blindly fight and rush, but you know, doesn't my elder brother know? He let me come, This shows that the eldest brother has already predicted that this battle will be all about fighting and charging, and there is no need to have any worries, and there is no need to frantically collect intelligence, do tricks, or... how to know yourself and your enemy."

Liu Tao was a little confused when he heard this, he actually felt that there was some truth.

"Since that's the case, then think about being a bird, eat and drink enough, and after three hours, follow me to attack and flatten this bird Venice! The rest...you can ignore it." Qiu Song said: "Use the strongest explosives for me, Order the whole army to beat them hard as they did during the drill at Songjiangkou."

Liu Tao solemnly said, "Here."

Qiu Song crossed his hands, and then showed a happy look.

After eight months, it was time for the tiger to come out of its cage.

…………

Three hours later.

Suddenly, on the coast, a fleet appeared.

The appearance of the fleet soon caused smoke to rise from the defenders on the shore, and the bell rang.

This is a signal of caution.

Obviously, the defenders of Venice never imagined that Ming's fleet would be so reckless, attacking as soon as it said it would attack, and they didn't even investigate whether there was a Venetian navy nearby or find out the city defense of Venice.

In any case, it is clear that the whole of Venice is not chaotic, everything is in order, and it seems that for many people, this has not suffered any impact.

But then... one after another, some people started to push out the cannons on the ships, and some people tore off the gun cover.

Immediately after.

The battleship suddenly began to tremble.

Under the violent trembling, the artillery began to roar.

Europeans are not ignorant of artillery.

It can even be said that since the Mongolian Expeditions brought gunpowder to Europe, the development of artillery throughout Europe has been extremely rapid.

But this thunderous cannon roar was still beyond everyone's imagination.

What's even more frightening is... these artillery pieces are not iron balls, but blooming shells.

After the shell fell, the shell exploded, and all of a sudden... flames burst out.

On the ironclad ship, because of the firmness of the hull, the several tubes of giant artillery loaded have already begun to load the shells at this time.

then……

The entire ironclad ship also began to tremble.

The huge roar quickly overwhelmed the sound of other cannons.

The huge cannonball smashed straight into the solid sluice, and then the sluice collapsed, and with the explosion of the huge cannonball, it was instantly torn apart.

At the same time, kerosene bombs, bombs, and giant artillery shells dedicated to breaking the city covered the sky like a rain of fire.

On the sea level, the smoke of gunpowder, the blazing fire on the shore, and the collapse of city walls here and there, all of a sudden, turned this place into a purgatory on earth.

This city, which is almost connected to the sea, never imagined that under the bombardment, the city walls built for hundreds of years and the coastal fortifications were continuously built. The artillery, unable to attack the giant ship at sea, was buried in the sea of ​​fire.

At the same time, boats used for landing began to be lowered from the giant ship.

Along the rope ladder, the captains of the Model Battalion were fully armed and began to enter the boat.

Following the tide of the sea, they began to rush up the beach slowly.

The thunderous sound of the artillery took half an hour.

The Venetians obviously couldn't imagine that in this world, cannons could be transported onto ships, and a ship could carry dozens of cannons.

It was even more unimaginable that the power of this cannon was ten or a hundred times greater than the cannons they knew.

Half an hour later, the first boat carrying more than 30 captains rushed onto the beach.

They quickly began to gather, but... wherever they saw, there was no enemy resisting at all. On this coast, as far as the eye could see, there were all broken arms and limbs, as well as the collapsed gravel and rubble.

More and more boats rushed onto the beach densely, like ants attracted by cube sugar, they quickly gathered into a torrent.

And on board.

Erdan and Donkey Ball stared at all this with suffocation. They looked at the Ming army that had gathered and started to attack the inner city of Venice.At this time... As far as their eyes could see, they could only see a black patch in front of them.

What is even more suffocating is... all of this... was just a blink of an eye, and the coastal defense that Venice is so proud of is like paper.

"Now... what should I do now?"

"Pray." Erdan closed her eyes and began to draw the sign of the cross on her body.

Donkey Ball was already in a state of confusion, and said: "We...have we...have fallen for their tricks...if they can break through Venice without any effort, then...our plans will all come to naught. "

Erdan said: "Pray, at this time, the Almighty..."

At this time, there was another roar, and the two of them were on the deck, only feeling that the giant ship was trembling.

This huge voice had already drowned out Erdan Hou's words.

Soon, as far as the eyes could see, the people on the boat could already see the inner city of Venice starting to catch fire.

There seemed to be skirmishes starting to break out.

Yes, it's really just a skirmish.

The Venetians, who were almost caught off guard, were hit by this sudden attack, and after a large number of casualties, their morale quickly fell to the bottom.

Even if there were still a group of brave people, when they wanted to organize a defense, it was actually too late, because the landing of the Model Battalion was extremely fast.

This model battalion was at the mouth of Songjiang, and it had been practicing for several months. The only thing it practiced was to cooperate with the fleet and carry out infantry coordination.

So even though the artillery on the ship was still roaring, the infantry of the Model Battalion seemed to have a tacit understanding with it, and they could still launch the attack smoothly.