Rebirth of The Deer and the Cauldron, Wei Xiaobao Becomes a God

Yao Qisheng chuckled and said in a mysterious way, "The Governor's Office collected some silver to crack down on smuggling before, but it has not been used yet."

"You didn't hand over the money from suppressing smuggling to the court?" Prince Kang's eyes widened.

"Hehe, didn't the emperor say that Fujian Province should prepare for war to retake Dongzhou Island? Shipbuilding and military training require money. It's better to suppress more smuggling ships than to raise taxes on the people!" said Yao Qisheng.

"You are so smart. I will let Xiaoqian go and ask." Prince Kang said.

"Thank you, Your Highness!" said Yao Qisheng.

Hearing Yao Qisheng's words, Prince Kang couldn't help but laugh and scold: "You old fox, you have calculated everything clearly." He knew in his heart that although Yao Qisheng's move was somewhat presumptuous, it was also for the sake of Fujian's preparations for war and the recovery of Dongzhou Island. Moreover, doing so can indeed avoid adding burdens to the people, which is a good way.

So, Prince Kang decided to let Xiaoqian find Zhou Asan and let Zhou Asan ask the rebel leader to talk about the purchase of a large sailing ship.

Yao Qisheng was filled with joy and thanked Prince Kang for his support. After all, if these large sailing ships could be obtained, it would be an important improvement for Fujian’s navy and would also be helpful for future naval battles.

As the plan progresses, a transaction regarding large sailing ships is about to begin. What impact will the success of this transaction have on the war situation in Fujian?

Just as Wei Xiaobao was lying leisurely on the deck of the yacht, holding the gentle and lovely Shuang'er tightly in his left hand and the lively and lovely Ling Zhao in his right hand, the three of them were looking up at the bright stars in the night sky, immersed in the romantic atmosphere, when Taozi hurried over, holding a telegram in her hand, and said in a hurried tone: "Commander-in-chief, Commander Mao of the Navy called."

Wei Xiaobao did not stand up immediately, but just responded casually: "Read it."

Taozi responded, then quickly opened the telegram and read out the contents clearly: "Fujian Governor Yao Qisheng wants to buy the thirteen Western sailing ships captured by our army. Please give us your instructions!"

Wei Xiaobao frowned and thought to himself: "These people are so well-informed that they found out about our spoils so quickly. It seems that there must be spies from the Qing Dynasty hidden inside the Eastern Fleet." Thinking of this, he couldn't help feeling a little annoyed and worried.

Then, he spoke again and instructed Taozi: "Reply to Commander Mao and tell him that the Western sailing ship can be sold, but the total price must not be less than five million taels of silver. In addition, send a telegram to inform him that there are spies in the Eastern Fleet. We must investigate them secretly. Once found, do not rush to arrest them. Keep them. They will be of great use in the future."

After Taozi left, Ling Zhao snuggled up to Wei Xiaobao and asked softly, "Brother Xiaobao, is five million taels too cheap? I remember that two years ago in Iwami County, that rich second generation lost a full one million taels to me in the casino." She blinked her bright big eyes, expressing doubts about the price.

"Haha, you are just a money-grubber. Iwami County has gold, silver and copper mines. Every big family in Iwami County has some mineral veins. These people are rich enough to rival a country." Wei Xiaobao said.

"Really? Then when I return to Japan, I will definitely go to Iwami and rob the homes of a few big families." Ling Zhao said excitedly.

"You are the emperor, why do you always want to rob other people's homes?" Wei Xiaobao asked puzzledly.

"Shuang'er said that your first pot of gold, second pot of gold, third pot of gold... you can't count them all. Anyway, you made your fortune by confiscating people's property, so quickly and in large amounts!" Ling Zhao said with envy.

Shuang'er heard this and thought: This girl, she doesn't learn good things but learns bad things! She shook her head helplessly, thinking that she just said it casually at the beginning, but she didn't expect Ling Zhao to take it seriously.

.........

The next morning, the sun was shining and the air was fresh. In the Qing army camp outside the west gate of Shanghai County, the atmosphere was tense and serious. Suo Etu sat in the center of the main tent, his eyes firm and resolute. He Yu and Fu Nata sat on both sides, looking ahead intently.

Below the tent stood a group of armored generals from the Jiangnan Han Camp. Among them were senior generals like Li Chengdong, as well as other mid-level officers such as deputy generals, lieutenant generals, and flag commanders. Everyone looked solemn and resolute, as if they were ready for battle.

Suo Etu glanced at the generals of the Jiangnan Han Camp below, and his voice was low and powerful: "I, Suo Etu, have come to the Jiangnan Han Camp to help you drive out the Western devils and recover the lost territory. These Westerners, relying on their powerful fleets, are rampant on the sea, robbing our merchant ships, killing our fishermen, and doing all kinds of evil. Now, they have even captured our artillery positions, occupied our key passes, seized Shanghai County, and massacred our people. How can we swallow this?"

At this point, Suo Etu became emotional. He slammed the table and shouted, "Today, we must take back Shanghai County and drive these Western devils back to the sea! You are all brave soldiers of the Qing Dynasty, shouldering the emperor's expectations and the court's trust. Now, I ask you, do you have the determination and courage to fight to the death with me?"

Suo Etu's words were like a thunderclap, shaking everyone's heart. There was silence in the tent, and everyone was infected by his momentum, with a determined light flashing in their eyes.

Li Chengdong was the first to step forward. His voice was loud and firm: "I am willing to die for you, sir. I will fight to the death with you!" Then, other generals responded one after another. They shouted in unison: "I am willing to die for you, and fight to the death with you!"

For a moment, the entire camp was filled with high morale and determination. Suo Etu nodded with satisfaction, knowing that these generals in front of him were ready and would defend the dignity and territorial integrity of the country with their lives.

At this point, the Battle of Shanghai, which aimed to recapture Shanghai County and Wusongkou and destroy the Western multinational coalition forces, officially began.

Soetu's voice sounded again: "Then I will ask General Li Chengdong, the admiral of the Han camp, to arrange the siege mission." After that, he stood up and walked to the side seat next to him and sat down with He Jie and Fulata.

Li Chengdong stood up, saluted respectfully to the three people, then sat steadily at the main table. Then he selected the soldiers and generals in an orderly manner and began to assign combat tasks.

His tone was steady and firm: "The Tibiao Battalion, the Cavalry Battalion and the governor's troops, listen to my order: the red cannons of each battalion and each unit will form a fixed artillery battalion, and the mobile artillery such as the Tiger Cannon, French Machine Cannon, and Chain Cannon of each battalion and each unit will be gathered together to form a mobile artillery battalion."

Then, he continued to issue orders: "More than 2,000 cavalrymen from each battalion will form a cavalry battalion. The infantry will be expanded to 2,000 and 500 men per battalion based on five Tibiao battalions. The navy and the governor's infantry will all be assigned to the Tibiao battalions. All the siege equipment prepared by the Tibiao battalions a few days ago will be distributed. All troops will assemble 5,000 meters ahead."