Chapter 1653 Attack on Manila (3)

Controlling the combat distance is a headache that any country's army will encounter when fighting the Haihan Army. The effective range of the guns and cannons equipped by the Haihan Army is far greater than that of other countries, and the advantage is particularly obvious when fighting in plain areas. Generally speaking,

, there are only two choices left for the opponent. One is to push forward despite the hail of bullets, shortening the combat distance to close combat, and minimizing the advantages brought by the excellent performance of the Haihan weapon; the other is to increase the combat distance.

It is so large that it is beyond the range of Haihan weapons, but this means that it is difficult to cause direct damage to Haihan troops, which will inevitably cause our own side to be passive.

In today's first battle on the plains south of Manila, the Spanish commander chose the second method of handling, actively retreating to increase the fighting distance. It is difficult to say that there is anything wrong with this response, because the Spanish army is mainly composed of infantry.

, and must maintain a tight square formation in order to implement the established tactics. At the speed of the infantry, if you still maintain such a formation and push in front of the Haihan Formation under artillery fire, it will obviously be an extremely stupid suicide.

behavior. Therefore, when the Spanish commander discovered that the war situation was not going in his favor, he immediately ordered a retreat, which was actually a wise choice.

Later, they chose to have the cavalry attack the flanks of Haihan's position in a roundabout way. The purpose was also to shorten the combat distance through the high-speed advance of the cavalry, thereby reducing Haihan's weapon advantage. However, this road was blocked by the rapid attack of Haihan cavalry.

There was still no way to go down, and the Spanish cavalry just came out and sneaked around. About one-fifth of the men and horses were killed without even seeing the owner, and then they had to retreat in despair.

The Spanish army tried two ways to deal with it, but both attempts failed to achieve the ultimate goal. Of course, judging from its troop reserves and composition of arms, it is indeed impossible to fight Haihan head-on. If the Spanish commander knew about his counterparts in the far north,

Thousands of cavalry have failed to attack Haihan's infantry position, so maybe they won't bite the bullet and send the few cavalry they have on hand to meet the challenge.

But there is actually a small problem in Qian Tiandun's judgment. If the Spaniards start street fighting, it can effectively delay Haihan's attack on Manila City, but the street fighting will not only limit Haihan's offensive, but also the defenders' own

The combat effectiveness will also be greatly affected. The combat method that the Spanish army is good at relies on infantry square formations, and there is no way to form formations in street fighting. In the absence of daily training, naturally there are no tactics. Street fighting in

While delaying the Haihan Army's attack, the defenders also had to bear far greater risks than normal battles, and this was an issue that the Spanish commanders had to seriously consider.

Francis was deeply troubled by this at this time. If it were an ordinary opponent, then he would definitely choose to use street fighting to delay the opponent's offensive under the current situation. But now he is fighting against the Haihan Army, even if it is not easy

Knowing whether his opponent is good at street fighting, he did not dare to take risks easily. But this is the city of Manila. If he retreats, he can only retreat into the city and passively defend, giving up a large area outside the city. This is also unreasonable from a military perspective.

tactics.

Francis suddenly remembered that when Juan was still there, although the Manila fleet was limited in strength, it could at least share part of the pressure for the city defense, preventing the enemy from advancing unscrupulously from land to the city of Manila. Unfortunately, the fleet only fought twice.

It was beaten to pieces by the Haihan army, and even Commander Huan was captured alive by the Haihan people. This was really different from the pre-war speculation.

But Francis also understands that the city defense force is now the last hope of the city of Manila. If the Haihan people cannot be kept under the city, the thousands of Spaniards in the Manila area may not have the chance to live here anymore. This is very difficult for them.

In fact, it is no different from dying. And Francis' personal future and destiny have long been tied to the city of Manila. There is no other way but to fight to the death.

In addition to the two armies confronting each other under the city, there is of course a group of people who are most worried about the outcome of the war, and that is the people living in the warring area south of the city. There are not many Spaniards living here, and most of the people who settle here are locals.

Aboriginals, immigrants, and foreign businessmen based in Manila. When war breaks out, those who can run will of course pack up their belongings and roll up their beds and run away, but there are still many people who stay for various reasons, such as the rising tide

This is the case for all the employees of the store and the shopkeeper Ran Tianlu.

Of course, Ran Tianlu had long known that Haihan's land attack route would be to the south of the city, but he could not evacuate here voluntarily. Even Father Blanco had suggested that he enter the city to avoid the war, but he decisively declined. Of course, Ran Tianlu

It's not that he can't bear to part with the property and houses that Chaosheng Commercial Store cannot move, but that he has another special identity. When the Haihan army comes to the city, that's when he really comes into play. How can he escape like other people?

.

Of course, the identity of the Ming merchant also gave him an excellent cover. Even the Spaniards in the city believed that a neutral businessman like him would not be embarrassed by the Haihan army if he stayed outside the city. After all, Haihan is known as

The country was founded on business, and it has always treated multinational businessmen with great courtesy. This is a well-known fact in the Far East. Even in a war zone, Haihan will not deliberately embarrass some businessmen who remain neutral. That's why Father Blanco

He boldly transported all the church's property out of the city and placed it in Chaosheng Merchant Store in trust for Ran Tianlu.

Although Ran Tianlu stayed in the south of the city legally, there were too many uncontrollable things in the war, and he did not dare to be careless. He gathered the store personnel early before the Haihan Army arrived nearby, and stopped external business and

When people come in and out, just guard the Chaosheng Store and wait for the war to end.

Even so, the two armies were fighting in the south today. After the rumble of cannons, there was still some small commotion inside the store. Some employees did not quite understand why the shopkeeper wanted to stay here. In fact, they could have gone out to avoid the war first and waited.

Just come back after the situation stabilizes. Anyway, whether the Spaniards are in charge of this place or the Haihan people are in charge, the Chaosheng Store, which exists as a neutral party, will not be greatly affected. Maybe after the war, it can take the opportunity to make a fortune.

.

Ran Tianlu was actually panicking. Although he had received systematic intelligence training, he had never really experienced a war. He only knew that human life was like an ant in wartime, and his special identity might not be able to be used as a life-saving talisman at critical moments. Fortunately, Shang

There are also about twenty armed guards in the warehouse. Many of these professionals from the Golden Shield Guard are actually veterans who have retired from the Haihan Army. They have hardly shown any nervousness about the war taking place in the outside world, but they have always been

He reassured everyone that this war would not last long, and the Haihan Army would capture this place later. At that time, the store would only need to show its neutral attitude, and nothing would happen.

These comforts finally made Ran Tianlu feel a little calmer. He now hopes that the Haihan Army will advance to the city as soon as possible, so that he and the store can be protected. The Spanish defenders have retreated to the city after today's battle.

It seemed that this retreat was due to the Haihan Army. Ran Tianlu felt that it was safe. When the Spaniards retreated into the city tomorrow, he would be liberated.

However, things did not go as smoothly as Ran Tianlu expected. Shortly after nightfall, a group of Spanish soldiers found Chaosheng Trading Post.

"You...are...going to set up an ambush here?" After hearing the other party's intention, Ran Tianlu felt that he could have two heads with one head.

The Spaniards had a sudden idea to set up an ambush in this area and fight the Haihan people in street battles after dawn. The Chaosheng Commercial Store covers a large area, has sturdy buildings, and has several exits, not only infantry and cavalry, but also horse-drawn carriages.

It can be entered and exited directly from the door. If used well, this place can be used as a small fortress for stationing troops. However, Francis also knew that this place was Ran Tianlu's property, so not expropriating the business store directly was considered to have saved him face, but

Next, fifty infantry and ten cavalry will be stationed in the trading inn, and a six-pound cannon will be deployed here. This group of Spanish soldiers is here to inform Ran Tianlu and ask him to prepare enough rations in advance.

, the troops will be stationed here later.

Ran Tianlu secretly complained in his heart. This is because the Ministry of Security deliberately designed the house according to the function of the stronghold when it set up this business warehouse. In wartime, it only needs a little modification to convert the place into an armed one.

Stronghold. In the battle plan of the Haihan Army, the Chaosheng Trading Post was the place where the frontline headquarters would be set up after advancing to the city. The Spaniards also knew the goods, and they actually chose this place to garrison troops and set up an ambush.

He was not allowed a chance to refuse.

Of course, Ran Tianlu knew that direct refusal would not work. If it were normal, he could try to follow the path of Father Blanco and see if he could get Colonel Francis to revoke such a ridiculous order. But this is wartime, and the army

Temporary expropriation of people's houses can be said to be extremely common, and just saying hello in advance is considered a very polite gesture. If Ran Tianlu refused, I am afraid that a large group of Spanish soldiers would kick in the door next.

Ran Tianlu tried to use gold and silver to persuade the officers who came to deliver the order, and said that he had some friendship with Francis's attendant Gonzalo to see if he could be accommodating and garrison troops in another place. However, the officer decisively rejected Ran Tianlu's request:

"This is a direct order from Colonel Francis. In addition, it was Lieutenant Gonzalo who recommended this place to the colonel."

This damn Spaniard! Ran Tianlu could only curse Gonzalo in his heart for his two faces in front of and behind others. When he went to work in the army earlier, Gonzalo accepted the benefits he gave and spoke very beautifully at that time.

, why will you definitely take care of Chaosheng Store if something happens in the future? But in the end, this is how you take care of him?

Ran Tianlu secretly made a decision in his heart. After the army breaks through Manila City, he must advise the military to deal with this troublesome Gonzalo. But what should he do now? Should he really let the Spaniards stationed in the merchant house? Then the battle will start tomorrow.

After that, this place became a stronghold of the Spaniards. In other words, it became the target of attack by the Haihan Army. In the chaos, if the guns and artillery of the Haihan Army fired at the merchant house, then this place would be

I'm afraid it will be difficult to ensure my personal safety.

But if he rejects the Spaniards now, trouble will come soon, and it will become even more uncontrollable. In desperation, Ran Tianlu can only agree first. While the Spanish soldiers return to resume their duties, Ran Tianlu quickly summons a group of armed guards.

Together, ask them for advice on how to deal with it.

"Everyone, this is a life-or-death situation. The Spaniards are hiding in a business inn and starting a war with the Haihan people. Everyone will be implicated. You are all heroes who have traveled extensively and seen the world. Please give us your ideas quickly. What should we do?

How can we cope with this dilemma?" Ran Tianlu lowered his attitude and asked the armed guards for advice on how to deal with it.

"Then it's up to Master Peng to talk about this."

"Yes, Master Peng served in the army before, so I heard what Master Peng said is correct."

Ran Tianlu's audience was all talking, and they all recommended the man named Fang Peng as their leader, so he took the initiative to step forward and bowed: "Please give me some advice, Lord Peng."

Fang Peng was in his thirties, with a lean build and piercing eyes. He looked like a man of firm will. He cupped his fist towards Ran Tianlu and said, "The shopkeeper doesn't have to be so polite. Since you asked about me, let me tell you."

The shopkeeper has the final say as to how to make the decision."

At that moment, Fang Peng gave Ran Tianlu two ideas. One was to let the Spaniards do what they did without participating or cooperating. When Haihan attacked this place, the Spaniards would naturally retreat into the city, and they should not have been fighting to the death in the merchant house.

.However, this does involve the risk that Ran Tianlu is worried about, that is, he may be accidentally injured by the Haihan army during the battle.

The other method is relatively more proactive. It is also to let the Spaniards into the merchant house, but put down as many people as they come. When the Haihan Army arrives, these Spaniards will be handed over to the Haihan Army. Naturally, they can be exchanged for

A piece of peace. As for the risk, of course it was to quietly knock down dozens of Spanish soldiers in the merchant house, and to keep this secret until the Haihan army arrived.

"Isn't the risk too great?" After hearing this second method, Ran Tianlu couldn't help but be a little surprised by Fang Peng's boldness.

Fang Peng said: "If the shopkeeper is sure that the Haihan people can capture the city of Manila, then he might as well use the second method to make a big change with Haihan earlier, so that he can continue to operate here in the future. If you feel that the situation is unpredictable,

Then use the first method to get a stable result."

Ran Tianlu thought to himself, I am sure that the Haihan army will definitely break the city, but they want to send No. 60 people, how can they subdue so many people quietly in the store without leaking the news?
Chapter completed!