mousepad-d2 Chapter 52 Military Operations in Cebu
Chapter 52 Military Operations in Cebu
The blockade of Cebu was a prelude to the next military attack, but before that, Zhu Jiheng also needed to prepare for the possibility of the Dutch interfering.
He looked at Chen Ang and asked, "Ever since our army captured Manila, the Red-haired barbarians have been highly vigilant towards us. Have they made any new moves?"
Chen Ang immediately replied, "Your Highness, the barbarian fast ships are still frequently appearing in the waters near Luzon to scout our movements. Their main naval force is still in port, and there are no signs of large-scale mobilization."
However, their vigilance towards us is increasing daily. If we launch a large-scale military operation in Cebu, it is difficult to predict whether the "Oryza" will misjudge our intentions, thinking that our next target is Batavia, and thus launch a preemptive strike.
Lü Qianfan echoed, "The barbarians are cunning and adept at taking advantage of others' misfortunes. Our army's advantage in attacking Cebu lies in a swift victory. If the battle drags on, or if there are unforeseen circumstances in the rear, complications may arise."
Zhu Jiheng listened to this and pondered for a moment, saying, "The barbarians are wary of us, but they haven't figured out our strengths and weaknesses yet. They probably won't dare to start a war in a hurry. I'm afraid we don't have much time left to use our troops against Cebu."
Having said that, his gaze sharpened, and he made a decisive statement: "Chen Ang, you immediately prepare enough provisions and ammunition for a thousand men to last half a month, load them onto the ships, and wait for news from Cebu. Then, immediately march on Cebu and conquer it within half a month, regardless of the cost, and wipe out the remaining Western barbarians!"
"If our army can truly capture Cebu in half a month, it will firstly demonstrate our military might and intimidate the surrounding barbarians; secondly, it will prevent the red-haired barbarians from interfering!"
After Zhu Jiheng finished speaking, Chen Ang quickly clasped his hands in response.
……
With Zhu Jiheng's indirect urging, intelligence from Cebu finally began to reach Luzon Prefecture a few days later, and the strength and weakness of the garrison in the city were also initially understood.
In the past few days, the troops recruited in the barracks, cannon foundries, and shipyards have completed their training and have been formally incorporated into the Ming army's combat sequence.
Zhu Jiheng did not allow the three buildings any time to be idle, and immediately added three squads of line infantry, two squads of 12-pounder infantry guns and two level 5 ships to the recruitment list.
Zhu Jiheng did not immediately assign the two newly recruited fifth-class ships to the navy to carry out the mission of blockading Cebu. Instead, he ordered them to remain in port temporarily and await further orders.
Getting back to the main point, according to the news that came back, there were about 500 Spanish regular troops in the city. With the addition of armed civilians who were temporarily conscripted and a small number of pro-Spanish native servants, the total number was barely 1,200. Morale was generally low. The city's supplies could last for several months, but people were in a state of panic and the number of people fleeing was increasing every day.
In terms of defenses, Cebu's city defenses are not as strong as Manila's. The fortifications are old, and the number of cannons is limited, mostly small and medium caliber. It relies on the firepower of Fort San Pedro at the port entrance to block the waterway, but the garrison is already insufficient.
Although Colonel Salcedo tried to remain calm and claimed that he was waiting for Mexican reinforcements, there was no definite news of reinforcements, and a sense of despair permeated the city.
"Excellent!" Zhu Jiheng's spirits lifted as he looked at the intelligence gathered on the table. "The Cebu garrison is nothing but a frightened bird, trapped in an isolated city! Their only reliance is the port fortress and unknown reinforcements. Our army, riding the wave of our recent victory and guided by intelligence, should be able to take it in one battle!"
Now that the intelligence was clear, Zhu Jiheng no longer hesitated and immediately ordered the mobilization of troops.
Considering that there were only 500 truly combat-ready Spanish regulars in the garrison, he decided to deploy six squadrons of line infantry as the main force for this expedition, and recruited 1,000 warriors from the allied tribes as auxiliary troops, in addition to two squadrons of newly-made 12-pounder infantry guns and a squadron of falcon guns to provide fire support.
He was also granted the rank of General Chen Ang, and boarded a requisitioned merchant ship to sail directly to Cebu under the escort of the Nanyang Fleet.
To avoid being discovered by the Dutch and leaked to the Spanish in Cebu, all of this had to be done quickly and discreetly.
Upon receiving the order, Chen Ang felt a heavy burden on his shoulders. This was not just a simple matter of going to war to wipe out the remaining enemy forces; it also carried a strong political connotation. If they were victorious, the Luzon Regent's government would gain more influence over the surrounding powers, and it would also give the Chinese in Southeast Asia more confidence.
But if they were defeated, the Dutch would certainly not hesitate to send troops to try to seize Luzon from them.
Therefore, this battle is one where only victory is allowed, and defeat is not permitted.
Five days later, on January 2, 1684, the 16th day of the 11th month of the 37th year of the Yongli reign (the Yongli/Regent reign calendar will be used thereafter), all the Ming troops embarked on their expedition. On the day of their departure, the sun rose and the sea breeze was blowing.
In Luzon harbor, masts stood like a forest, battle flags fluttered. Zhu Jiheng, dressed in sturdy armor, personally came to see Chen Ang and his army off. Looking at the high-spirited, fully armed soldiers, he solemnly patted Chen Ang on the shoulder and said to him:
"Cebu may be weak, but it will fight like a cornered beast. Moreover, it is located on a remote island, and its supply lines and terrain are not as familiar as those of Manila. We must proceed with caution and not underestimate the enemy."
Chen Ang knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice, "This humble general will certainly live up to Your Highness's trust! I will do my utmost to quickly accomplish the task and uphold the prestige of our nation!"
Zhu Jiheng nodded slightly, then looked at the group of officers and allied leaders behind Chen Ang, and encouraged them:
"Your mission is to thoroughly clear the flanks of our Ming Dynasty's Luzon Imperial Palace and to display your might in the South Seas. I urge you to remember military discipline, fight bravely against the enemy, and make the remnants of the Western barbarians tremble in fear, so that all who watch may know the might of our Ming army! I await your victory report in Luzon. When you return in triumph, I will reward you according to your merits and celebrate this great victory together!"
"May the Ming army be victorious! Long live Your Highness!"
The officers shouted in unison, their eyes filled with fervor and loyalty as they looked at Zhu Jiheng. This look deeply surprised the allied commanders around them, who had not expected that their prince would have such support in the army.
……
The fleet set sail, escorted by two fifth-class ships, and departed from Luzon port. Riding the monsoon, they headed straight for Cebu, cutting through the waves and making a smooth voyage.
Six days later, the fleet arrived in northern Cebu and joined a level 6 ship that was carrying out a blockade mission. Together they sailed south along the coastline, heading straight for Cebu Port.
At this time, Cebu was shrouded in unease, just as the intelligence had indicated. Although Fort San Pedro outside the port still stood, the morale of the garrison troops at the fort was already low.
The Ming navy's blockade for days had almost isolated Cebu Port from the outside world. No merchant ships were able to break through the blockade and enter the port. The Moro people on the surrounding islands, who had always been hostile to the Spanish, also chose to wait and see and remain inactive after realizing that the Ming army was preparing to attack Cebu.
The city was in turmoil, and rumors were rampant. The spies sent by Zhang San played a significant role behind the scenes. These spies, with their European or mixed-race appearances, were able to easily convince the city's residents of their words.
Furthermore, their deliberate manipulation led to the spread of rumors throughout the streets and alleys, such as the Ming army's preferential treatment of those who surrendered voluntarily and the impossibility of reinforcements from New Mexico arriving. Even some of the garrison soldiers believed these rumors, further diminishing their courage to resist.