Chapter 174 Tianjin Landing Battle (Part 1)

"Master Jin, long time no see, where are you making a fortune?" Gao Rushi bowed to a middle-aged man with a smile on his face, turned to the guest sideways, and said, "Master Jin, please, please, please, please."

Master Jin asked Jin Yuanbei to hold his fists and return the greeting, "Thank you for inquiries from the tall shopkeeper, Jin will tell the truth. Jin hasn't been there any time, and he hid at home with my ninth concubine." He was full of energy and whispered: "I didn't tell you that the tall shopkeeper, I, Jin, have a first wife in a room, and the eighth concubine. It can be said that I have read a lot of girls, but I don't like this ninth concubine. That taste is really memorable. If I hadn't been thinking about your tall shopkeeper, I am still with my ninth concubine at home!" When I recalled the wonderfulness of ninth concubine, the ecstasy taste came to my heart again, and I smiled so hard that there was only a small gap left in my eyes.

"Master Jin, Mr. Gao congratulates you!" Gao Rushi welcomed Jin Yuanbei into the house and congratulated him: "When Mr. Gao saw that Mr. Jin's face was shiny, he knew that Mr. Jin must have a happy event, but he didn't expect that he had a connection with a beauty."

Jin Yuanbei picked up the tea and took a sip, pointed at Gao Rushi and smiled: "Gao Dashangkeeper, look at what you said. Your mouth is so good, and straw will be said to you as gold bars. Well, this sounds comfortable. Beautiful people, beauty, the more you get along!"

"Master Jin, are you polite me or scolding me?" Gao Rushi sat down and continued: "Master Gao's auspicious star shines, not only will he be with a beauty, but he will also be with something."

Jin Yuanbei was a little curious and asked, "What?"

"Silver." Gao Rushi pointed at the table with his right index finger and said, "How much salt is Mr. Jin this time? How about ten thousand stones? I have prepared it for Mr. Jin."

Ten thousand stones of salt are really not a small amount. Jin Yuanbei was startled and said, "So much? How could I have such a big appetite and I can't eat it all at once."

Tianjin is originally an ocean, because the Yellow River has diverted several times through Tianjin and flowed into the Bohai Sea. The Yellow River is a famous river with a high silt content. A large amount of silt and sand has been deposited, forming the Tianjin Plain.

The rise of Tianjin every day has been happening for nearly six hundred years, which is facilitated by China's history.

Historically, China's economic and cultural center shifted from west to east. During the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, it was mainly centered on Guanzhong. Later, the population increased and economic activities became more and more frequent. In addition, Chang'an was seriously damaged, and the status of Guanzhong began to decline. The status of the Central Plains began to rise, and the political and economic center began to move eastward and to the Central Plains. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, the political center shifted northward, that is, to Beijing now, while the economic center shifted southward to eastward.

It is precisely this historical change that makes Tianjin's history unique. Before the Tang Dynasty, Tianjin's status was not very large and was not valued by dynasties in history. Since Beijing became the capital, due to Tianjin's special geographical location, it is the southern gate of Beijing, and its status has increased dramatically and has become a strategic barrier for Beijing.

Tianjin has a special historical process from a small place that was not valued by the court to an important strategic rush today. Looking at the history of Tianjin's development, some people lament that Tianjin is always related to war, and it is war that gave birth to Tianjin. In fact, the reason why Tianjin is becoming more and more important in war is that China's political center shifts northward, and another reason is that its extremely important strategic position has to be strengthened and built into a strategic barrier for the capital Beijing.

The first person to develop Tianjin was Cao Cao. In order to conquer Wuhuan in the north, Cao Cao dug three canals: Pinglu Canal, Quanzhou Canal and Xinhe Canal. This was the earliest artificial river in Tianjin's history. A large amount of military supplies were transported from Tianjin to the north, which led to the victory of Cao Cao's northern expedition to Wuhuan.

In order to conquer Goryeo in the east, Emperor Yang digs the Yongji Canal, and the Grand Canal that runs through the north and south was formed. The Grand Canal combines the Yellow River, Huai River, Yangtze River and the rivers in the North China Plain that merge into the sea (now the Haihe River Water System) into a waterway transportation network, making the status of Haihe, which is close to the northern end of the canal and has the convenience of river-sea shipping and shipping more important.

From then on, Tianjin has become an important terminal for north-south cargo transportation and grain transportation, and its status is becoming increasingly important.

The most mixed place of dragons and snakes on the pier is, and the three religions and nine out of them have emerged, forming a unique folk custom in Tianjin. Some people lament that Tianjin people are aggressive and like to fight, which has a lot to do with Tianjin's geographical location.

Zhu Di, the Emperor Cheng of Ming Dynasty, won the throne in the "Jingnan Incident" and then moved the capital to Beijing. Naturally, Tianjin's status was improved. Tianjin Wei was established, and the name of Tianjin came from this. The meaning of Tianjin is "where the emperor passed by", because of Zhu Di, the Emperor Cheng of Ming Dynasty.

In the Yuan Dynasty, Tianjin had two important parts, one was Zhiguzhai and the other was Sanchakou. In addition to being an important canal transport terminal, Tianjin also had an important salt production place. The salt produced was sold to all parts of the country, which was an important salt tax place for dynasties. In the Yuan Dynasty, the salt production in Tianjin was handed over to Gao Song and Xie Shi's 18 families to operate.

Gao Rushi is a descendant of Gao Song, who runs the salt industry. Jin Yuanbei is a big salt merchant and his big customer. The two of them started to talk about business as soon as they met.

"Master Jin, I've thought about it for you. This time there is a little more goods. You don't have to give me your money at one time. You can pay half of it first as a deposit, and you can pay the rest when you come back." Gao Rushi looked at Jin Yuanbei and was looking forward to his answer.

Jin Yuanbei thought for a while and said, "Thank you for your kindness from the shopkeeper Gao Da. It's not bad to do this. But how can I sell it? How big a belly and how much food I have, this is the rule in the industry. Not to mention that I don't have so much money, nor do I have so many shops, it's really a dilemma."

Gao Rushi pointed out: "Mr. Jin, there is a place. I wonder if you are interested?"

"Oh, where is it?" Jin Yuanbei Suzhigao Rushi was very business-oriented and became interested in it all at once and asked quickly.

Gao Rushi closed the door, lowered his voice, and said, "Yangdong. I heard that Japan is short of salt. The price of one or two taels of salt is as low as one or two taels of silver. If you bring ten thousand stones of salt over there, you will bring back ten thousand stones of white silver. Master Jin, think about it, 10,000 stones of silver, aren't you the number one salt merchant in the world? How many women are there like the ninth concubine?"

"I have heard of the money in Japan that is as rich as the mountains of elephant. It's just that the sea is long and it's not easy to go. If there are new ships from the Southern Dynasty, it would be easy." Jin Yuanbei hesitated a little.

Gao Rushi's words were mysterious and said, "Mr. Jin, there is a saying that should be said or not."

"The tall shopkeeper has something to say, just say it." Jin Yuanbei blurted out without thinking.

Gao Rushi encouraged Jin Yuanbei and said, "There is an old saying that 'wealth and wealth are in danger'. Where can we get wealth without taking risks? There are not many places like Japan that are rich and rich. If you don't go, I will sell the salt to others."

The Japanese are island countries, surrounded by seas, and can cook the sea for salt, but they lack salt at all. However, the Japanese were supposed to be in a war-torn era, and the production of salt was greatly reduced. However, the Japanese were a silver exporter in the world at that time, and there was a lot of silver in China. Those warlords used silver to buy things from abroad, giving people the illusion of "rich and oily".

"No, no, let's discuss something." Jin Yuanbei was a little sensible and said, "What are the requirements for Gao Dashangke?" For businessmen, they can't get up early without profit, and there is no benefit, and Gao Rushi will not be so active.

Gao Rushi smiled and said, "The other half of the silver is counted on my stocks and silver. How about our 50% account?"

After weighing the trade-offs, Jin Yuanbei felt that although Gao Rushi was a little cruel, it was a good idea. He could still make a lot of money and said, "Then let's make it."

"I'm sure." Gao Rushi nodded in agreement, and waited to go downstairs. The knock on the door was very urgent, and there were anxious voices coming, saying, "Shopkeeper, it's amazing, it's amazing."

This is Gao Bao, a fellow salt shop, who was a man from Gao Rushi, and he shouted: "Gao Bao, what's the matter with you? Why do you use such a lot of force? You might as well remove the door panel."

"Shopkeeper, it's amazing. The Southern Dynasty fleet is coming. It's almost time to reach our salt field. What should I do?" Gao Bao's voice sounded again, very anxious.

Gao Rushi didn't even think about it, and opened the door and shouted at Gao Bao: "No, you'll spread rumors, you don't want to live anymore." If the Mongolians find out about this kind of military and national affairs, it will definitely be a crack in his head.

Gao Bao hurriedly argued, saying, "Shopkeeper, Gao Bao Bao even has great courage and dare not talk nonsense. If I talk nonsense about this kind of thing, even if I have ten thousand heads, it would not be enough for the military man to cut it off."

Gao Rushi thought about this and couldn't help but believe it a little and asked, "Really?"

Gao Bao stamped his feet and said, "Shopkeeper, can this be fake? I just hold my own mouth and dare not say anything."

"How many ships are there?" Gao Rushi asked.

"I don't know." Gao Bao blurted out, and realized that there was something wrong with this. He hurriedly explained: "There are too many ships, and there is no head in front and no tail in back, covering the sea and river, and the sun cannot be shining through."

If Gao Bao was telling the truth, then the Southern Song Dynasty must have been killed by thousands of troops. Gao Rushi paused for a moment before saying, "Oh, my salt field. Oh my God, there is my salt. I have bought all the salt from several other companies. Master Jin, please ask your people to help transport the salt."

For businessmen, the advantage is friends, and the advantage is enemies. Jin Yuanbei didn't want to get involved. He hurriedly said, "Gao Dashangkeeper, my boat is still parked at the dock, I'm going to work. You're busy first, don't have to send it off. Say goodbye." He held his fists and turned around and ran away.

"A heartless thing!" Gao Rushi cursed at Jin Yuanbei's back, slapped his forehead and said, "Oh, why did I forget this? I should tell Master Wanfu that he should prepare early." He turned around and ran away.

Gao Bao hurriedly shouted: "Shopkeeper, we are Han people, why should we tell the Tartars? Why do we have to be traitors?"

"Shut up! Don't you want to survive?" Gao Rushi shouted while running, thinking in his mind that his salt field was consented by the Mongols and had long been tied to the Mongols. If the Southern Song army fought to destroy the nest, how could there be a complete egg? It would be better to stand with the Mongols.

As Gao Bao said, the Southern Song fleet that was marching on the Haihe River at this time was really invisible to the front and the rear. At a glance, I saw a long dragon of ships advancing on the Haihe River, with masts as forests, and I don’t know how many ships there were.

"We'll be in Zhigu Village soon, and we can kill the Tartars again!" Zhao Qian rubbed his hands excitedly, looked at the increasingly clear Tianjin, and asked Zheng Jinghe, "General Zheng, I have always been unable to understand why we have to bring so many ships? Twenty invincible warships and other warships are enough to plow the Zhigu Village several times, and there is no need for these civilian boats. Even if all the warships near the Tartars come, they can still deal with them. General Zheng, are you bluffing?"

Zhao Liangchun next to him explained to Zhao Qian: "General Zhao, think about it, our goal is not to capture Zhigu Village, nor to capture Dadu. Even if we occupy it for a while, it is impossible to defend it. After all, we are alone and unable to continue. Therefore, our goal is to cause psychological shock to the Tartars. To achieve the best effect, naturally, the greater the movement, the better, and these civilian ships are necessary."

"What General Zhao said makes sense, but I think General Zheng's intention is not this, but other intentions." Zhao Qian disagreed with Zhao Liangchun's analysis and said: "If that is the case, why does General Zheng need to bring bags and other containers? What are these containers used to hold?"

Zhao Liangchun analyzed from a military perspective: "That is also very useful. When we arrive at Dadu, the people will put soil on the ground and throw it into the moat, so that the moat can be filled, and the army can enter the city. Once we enter Dadu, we will directly kill to the imperial city to capture Kublai Khan. That's good." Thinking of this unexpected battle, the attack on Kublai Khan was caught off guard. After the Mongolian army was hit by a sudden blow, it was difficult to resist. He could fish in troubled waters and attack Dadu to get benefits. He was so excited that his eyes were shining.

This kind of thing that alone army is directly at the heart of the enemy is rare in a thousand years. It is not only about grasping the timing, but also about the planner's courage and strategy. He does not dare to plan such a big deal. Even if he has enough courage, he will not dare to do it, because the consequences will be very serious, and everyone has to weigh it.

However, once you succeed, the results of the battle can no longer be expressed in words. It is difficult for Zhao Liangchun to be not excited. Don’t say that he is excited, it will be difficult for anyone to be excited.

"You two don't have to guess, I'll just say it." Zheng Jinghe smiled and said, "This time we went north to attack the city and land, rather than attacking the heart. The emperor means that we should use this action to achieve the purpose of attacking the confidence and morale of the Tatars, and at the same time boost the morale of the people. The more the movement, the better."

The phrase "attack the heart" summarizes Li Jun's intentions well, which is remarkable!

Zhao Liangchun and Zhao Qian knew about this and nodded, "Of course."

Zheng Jinghe continued: "The place of Zhigu Village has not been very long, but it is a rich place, rich and rich. I think since we are here, we can't return empty-handed. In addition to damaging the morale of the Tartars, we also have to bring some real things back."

Zhao Liangchun and Zhao Qian suddenly realized and said in unison: "Yes, the salt, grain and medicinal materials here are all items urgently needed by the court. If they were seized for us, it would be great."

After Kublai Khan set the capital in Dadu, he strengthened the construction of Tianjin. In addition to adding some important military facilities, he also transformed the docks and rivers in Tianjin, making Tianjin's prosperity more and more prosperous. The grain transported from Shandong can be directly sent to Tianjin and then transported from Tianjin to Dadu.

Of course, the medicinal materials in the Northeast can also be transported ashore from Tianjin by sea and then transported to Dadu. Therefore, it can be said that Tianjin is actually a huge warehouse that stores the food, salt and medicinal materials that the Southern Song Dynasty urgently needs. If you are lucky, you may encounter silver transferred from Mongolia to other places, which will be huge.

If all these things were seized, it would be a heavy blow to Kublai Khan and would have a lot of strength to the Southern Song Dynasty.

Zheng Jinghe is a typical profit maximizer. He thought that since he was going to do damage, why not bring some supplies back before ordering the civilian ship to follow up.

When Zhao Liangchun and Zhao Qian thought of the benefits, their eyes were filled with wonderful little stars, and their faces were so excited that they shone on their faces.

"Even if there is no harvest here, you can still gain something elsewhere." Zheng Jinghe calmly.

His words had to be very vague. Without specific explanations, Zhao Liangchun and the others would never have thought of it. Naturally, it was mostly the capital. It seems that Zheng Jinghe really wanted to respond to Li Jun's call and let go of his hands and make a big move.

Zhao Qian jumped up and said, "I'm going to log in!" Without waiting for Zheng Jinghe to speak, he ran away with a smile. Look at his excitement, he looked like a child.

"Then we are not polite." After obtaining Zheng Jinghe's consent, Zhao Liangchun blew out the flag. Twenty invincible warships lined up in battle formations and forced themselves towards the Tianjin Wharf. Looking from the shore, a dark forest of masts appeared at the Tianjin Port.

The artillery on the invincible warship has already been aimed at the port, as if the greedy God of Death is the mouth. With a command, tens of cannons will be fired together, and the Tianjin port will turn into a sea of ​​fire.

"Tell me, what's the matter?" Tianjin ward Batru looked at Hu Rushi with annoyance and put five thousand taels of silver on the table. He thought that you hadn't given five thousand taels of silver, so he was too lazy to pay attention to you, the stinking tyrants,

Hu Rushi rushed to Batru's mansion to ask for Batru and blocked Batru's personal soldiers. In desperation, he had to say that he was giving gifts to Barut, and his personal soldiers came to him to meet Barut.

"My hot face is pressed against your deep ass! If it weren't for the fact that my salt field is worth a lot of money, I wouldn't care about your business!" Hu Rushi cursed in his heart, squeezed out a smile, and said, "General, the big thing is wrong. The Southern Dynasties fleet has arrived in Zhigu Village. The general must make plans early."
Chapter completed!