Chapter 539 Landing (Part 1)

[South Palat]

[Kings’ Castle]

In the morning, at the Kings’ Castle wharf, a fleet occupied all the berths on the pier.

Since the civil war began, shipping on the Cinders River has been declining.

No more large and small convoys, loaded with goods from the Horse Country, gathered from all over South Palat to the Kings’ Castle;

No more merchants from all over the world speaking a variety of dialects, transporting rare treasures from all over the world.

The Kings’ Castle wharf was gloomy and depressed, and the porters had to find other ways out.

When the Red and Blue Roses confronted each other across the river and the civil war entered a stalemate, shipping on the Cinders River recovered slightly.

After a while, you can see a few small boats loaded with wool, tobacco and pine oil, like exploring the way, heading downstream alone.

Occasionally, some bold speculators who smelled the smell of money would dock at the docks of the Fortress of the Kings, carrying fine wine, sugar and spices whose prices were rising as they became increasingly scarce.

After all, the people of Palatus always had extra things to sell and things that could not be produced to buy.

After the United Provinces Inland Navy, flying the Red Rose Flag, defeated the fleet of the Hongchuan Military Government and completely controlled the waterway of the Jinliu River, the Fortress of the Kings dock even ushered in a peak in throughput.

Every Fortress of the Kings merchant who was engaged in export business - whether it was selling wool, wood, tobacco, tar, or even mushrooms and beeswax - was racing against time to send the backlog of inventory downstream, even at a loss, to clear the inventory.

The self-trampling of the Palatus people made the United Provinces Merchants, who had no mortal enemy, make a lot of money, and also made the Fortress of the Kings docks hot again.

But anyone with a discerning eye could see that this kind of enthusiasm was like the last rays of light of a dying person.

As the inventory was cleared and the war dragged on, the manor owners and self-cultivating farmers in various parts of Palatus dared not grow cash crops anymore, and they all switched to growing grain for stability. The Zhuwangbao dock was completely deserted and no longer as prosperous as before.

So the arrival of this fleet at the moment was particularly rare.

All the dock workers who could still move were called over. Even those dock workers who were conscripted into the city defense camp were sent over.

The new recruits of the city defense camp who were not used to carrying muskets and spears returned to their old jobs today.

They were shirtless and carried bags of wheat weighing 100 kilograms from the cabin.

The sun had just come out, and it was still cold in Zhuwangbao in the early morning, but the dock workers were sweating and panting.

Carrying a big bag is much more tiring than carrying a matchlock or a spear, but if there is a choice, the dock workers would rather carry a bag of grain weighing 100 kilograms.

As for the Zhuwangbao dock, the only berth where a crane can be used was occupied by a large ship that stood out from the crowd.

Unlike other single-layer, flat-bottomed riverboats in the port, the big ship under the long arm of the mooring crane has a pointed head, a round body, a big belly, three masts that reach straight into the sky, and a double deck that looks down on the dock.

The three masts are two long and one short, the two long ones are for horizontal sails, and the short one is for triangular sails.

From the bottom of the front mast at the bow, there is also a bowsprit, which means that when the wind is against it, it can hang another triangular sail at the bow to sail into the wind.

There are a row of holes on each of the two decks, which are now closed.

Among them, the holes on the upper deck are large and widely spaced, which are gun ports; the holes on the lower deck are smaller and narrowly spaced, which are oar holes.

This means that it can not only sail with the wind when there is wind, but also be driven by oars when there is no wind.

Merchant ships on the Ash Stream River will not be equipped with so many oars, because even slave oarsmen are too expensive, and the oar positions take up too much space.

In calm weather, merchant ships can wait patiently for the wind to come;

Even when encountering rapids and dangerous shoals that require human labor, merchant ships prefer to use trackers rather than oarsmen.

So, there is no doubt that the large ship docked in the middle of the dock is a warship.

And it is not an inland warship built for slow sailing in the river, but a coastal warship built for cutting through the waves on the sea.

The Palatians on the dock couldn't help but cast a curious look at the warship.

In the "small bathtub" port of the Kings' Castle, it is really strange to see a ship that originally sailed in the "big bathtub" of the inland sea.

But the fully armed federal provincials around the berth dispelled the idea of ​​the Palatians to get closer to take a look.

The federal provincial soldiers guarded the warship vigilantly, not allowing any Palatians to approach, and even did not use Palatians' dock workers to unload the ship, but personally operated the crane.

Not only the berth where the warship was docked, in fact, the entire port was blocked by the federal soldiers who came ashore with the ship, and no outsiders were allowed to enter or leave.

"Lift! Lift! Turn around! Good! Turn to me! Stop! Stop! Put it down! Put it down!"

A middle-aged officer in an artillery uniform rolled up his sleeves and stood next to the crane, waving his cap up and down, shouting at the top of his lungs, directing the crane to lift a full pallet of small wooden barrels from the cargo hold of the warship.

"Put it down! Keep putting it down! Put it down! Good! It's done! Slow down! Stop! Stop! Stop quickly——"

It may be because the crane at the Zhuwangbao dock has been idle for too long and lacks maintenance and lubrication; it may also be because the operator has just arrived and is not familiar with the temperament of this crane.

In short, the pallet full of small wooden barrels failed to land smoothly, but hit the ground heavily, shaking up a circle of dust.

The small wooden barrels on the pallet also jumped up, and if there was no rope net covering it, it would definitely take off.

The middle-aged artillery officer didn't even bother to swear. He rushed to the pallet and made sure that the small wooden barrels were not damaged and the contents were not leaked. Then he yelled at the crane:

"Asshole! You want to die! This is gunpowder! Not your ashes! Do you want us to be buried with your stupidity? How could I teach you such a bunch of idiots..."

Next to the winch of the crane, the three artillery lieutenants who were scolded were depressed. They were also forced to do it. It was not easy to use this bulky big guy in a hurry.

But the artillery officer would not sympathize with them - when your superior is not only your superior, but also your teacher, and his temper is not very good, it is simply a nightmare.

"Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli."

A polite greeting interrupted the lieutenant colonel's endless scolding.

The middle-aged officer turned around and saw a young man in the same officer uniform raising his hand to salute him.

Montecuccoli returned the greeting perfunctorily and asked coldly, "What's up, Major Fritz?"

Fritz had long been accustomed to his colleagues' indifferent attitude towards him.

As the biggest concern of the Federal Army, although the old Federal Civilian Government could never get its hands on the Army General Staff, they had a considerable influence on the Army Ministry from the beginning.

And the Federal Army Ministry is almost equivalent to the Union Army Committee.

And the Union Army Committee is responsible for stamping the promotion lists submitted by the Republics...

Through this relationship, the old Federal Civilian Government has been deliberately suppressing the promotion of Federal officers, and regarded it as a weapon to strike the military, a condition to win over officers, and a bargaining chip for negotiations with the military.

So the most lacking thing in the Federal Army is the officers who have wasted many years on the first step. Therefore, there are also many people who are discouraged and retire sadly.

The senior officers certainly would not have a good look on Fritz of Nice, the "lucky" kid - even if he fired the first shot at the enemy, even if everyone was now in a trench.

Fritz looked humble, but his tone was firm and powerful.

He delivered the order verbatim: "Lieutenant Colonel, the commander hopes you can 'prepare the cannons first'."

"Hasn't the cannon been unloaded?" Montecuccoli folded his arms and pointed with his chin at the dozens of thick and thin "tubes" neatly placed not far away.

Under the shining sun, the bronze "tubes" showed a luster similar to gold.

Fritz explained calmly, "The commander wants you to restore the cannons to a state where they can be marched as soon as possible."

"The gun carriages are all pressed into the cabin. How can we get them out without moving other things first? Besides, what's the point of just installing the cannons? The draft horses are still on the ship! Without horses, will you pull the cannons, or will I?"

Montecuccoli frowned and impatiently dismissed the major, "Wait a moment, let me unload the ammunition first, and then I'll 'prepare the cannons' for you."

"I'll coordinate the draft horses. You don't need to restore all the cannons to their original state. Just prepare a few."

Frittz remained calm and polite. But obviously, his determination had not wavered at all.

Major Fritz further explained Cornelius's instructions, "I guess the commander thinks we may need them soon."

"Right away?" Montecuccoli asked suspiciously, but he soon figured out where they were to be used. The lieutenant colonel seemed to have realized something and unconsciously said "Oh". Then he looked at Fritz and laughed dryly a few more times.

Montecuccoli was sure that the instructions of the chief were still a long way from life and death, and it didn't matter whether the cannon was ready or not.

However, he looked the major up and down and realized that this little guy would not give up until he achieved his goal.

"Okay," Montecuccoli replied lightly, "I'll try my best."

Fritz knew that this was enough.

Because when others say "I'll try my best", it may just be an excuse.

But when the former director of the artillery department of the Army Officer Academy [Raymond Montecuccoli] said "I'll try his best", it meant that the task entrusted to him could be regarded as completed.

Fritz raised his hand to salute seriously and left without any hesitation.

Behind him came the vigorous voice of the former director of the artillery department, who was teaching his students: "Why are you standing there like an idiot? Get moving! Forget about the shells, find the gun carriage first! Which one? Do you need to ask? Find the big one!"

After persuading Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli, Fritz immediately went to the fleet leader to arrange for the barge transporting the draft horses to dock first.

Then he went to the port manager to coordinate the berth and the pilot boat.

Finally, he borrowed a lieutenant from Lieutenant Colonel Montecuccoli and arranged for the latter to connect with the port manager to ensure that the artillery could immediately take the draft horses away when the barge transporting the draft horses docked.

After doing all this, Fritz returned to the second-floor building of the Port Tax Bureau. He strode to the roof of the building, where the former director of the Army Academy was waiting for him.

"Done?" Cornelius asked without looking back, standing by the wall on the roof.

Fritz walked up to the head of the department and answered cautiously, "Montecuccoli promised to prepare four to six heavy guns."

"That's enough," Cornelius raised his hand to call the students, "Come and see."

Frittz stood next to the head of the department. Looking down from the roof of the tax bureau, the port area of ​​the Castle of the Kings is in full view.

Unlike the seaports that Fritz was used to seeing in the front of the mountain, as an inland wharf, the port of Zhuwangbao has no breakwaters or natural capes. It is just a few piers extending from the flat river bank to the water. A lighthouse stands at the entrance of the port area, like a lonely shepherd guarding a sheepfold.

However, because of this, Zhuwangbao Wharf is much wider than the ports along the inland sea. There is almost no obvious terrain restriction as far as the field of vision can reach. As long as it is needed, it can be extended to both sides indefinitely.

And in terms of bustle, Zhuwangbao Wharf is no worse than the port of Guitu City at this moment.

The whole port area is now busy with people coming and going. As soon as a ship is unloaded, another ship immediately comes up.

Sacks and barrels with the logo of the Federal Army are carried by hand and shoulder, moved off the pier, and then immediately loaded onto trucks and sent to warehouses.

Wooden boxes containing military weapons are temporarily piled on the dock, waiting to be escorted together.

In the open space in front of the tax bureau building, there was a battalion of federal infantrymen, gathering under the military flag and listening to slogans.

Because they had just disembarked, many soldiers were not used to it, their steps were a little weak, and their faces were a little pale.

But at a glance, you could tell that these soldiers carrying armor, weapons and bags were all good guys, and they would be full of energy again after a short rest.

"Are you disappointed that you can't lead the troops on the front line?" Cornelius patted the wall and suddenly asked, "I recruited you personally, but I only gave you the position of quartermaster general. You thought you finally had the opportunity to prove yourself on the battlefield, right?"

"The quartermaster general has a heavy responsibility," Fritz did not answer directly, "Besides, I am a soldier, and it is my duty to obey orders. I will go to whatever position you assign me to."

Cornelis smiled, "I'm still a little unhappy."

Frittz stopped talking.

Cornelius looked at the messy dock of the Fortress of the Kings, took a deep breath, and said half sighing and half teaching, "For any army, logistics is the top priority, not to mention a detachment like us that is isolated in enemy territory. Therefore, the position of the Quartermaster General must be handed over to a reliable and capable person, do you understand?"

Fritz bowed slightly, "Students are taught."

Cornelius glanced at Fritz's expression, smiled and shook his head, "I have seen your expression too many times when I was in the Land Academy... I listened but didn't listen, I said it but I didn't accept it. But it doesn't matter, I was the same when I was young."

Frittz was silent for a moment, "There are many seniors who are more capable than me."

"My choice of you means that I think you are more suitable for this position than others." Cornelius waved his hand without question, "Let me tell you one more thing. In addition to managing weapons and ammunition, food and clothes, the Quartermaster General has another important responsibility. Do you know what it is?"

"Please specify."

Cornelius's eyes gradually became sharp, "Manage money!" He said heavily.

Fritz didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Don't laugh so quickly," Cornelius's expression became serious. He took out a gold coin, spread it in his palm, held it in front of the student, and asked, "Major, what do you see?"

"A federal gold coin." Fritz answered truthfully.

"Yes, but not only that." Cornelius picked up the gold coin and held it in the sun, "Do you know? Such a gold coin can buy flour in the market of the Kings Castle today, which is almost twice the amount it could buy three years ago."

Frittz was surprised.

Cornelius glanced at the student, "I still didn't read the information I gave you carefully."

Frittz had nothing to say, so he had to bow his head and admit his mistake.

But Cornelius was not here to check homework today. He continued to ask, "Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?"

"I thought that since the war in Palatus, the price of grain should have been rising." Fritz was very confused. He answered tentatively, "But according to you, one gold coin can buy more flour? That... should be a good thing?"

"You are right. The price of grain in the Castle of the Kings is indeed rising. But at the same time, gold can buy more things. Guess why?"

Fritz couldn't answer.

Cornelius took the gold coin back into his palm, with a little cruel expression, "Because Palatus today is in the most severe shortage of gold and silver since the establishment of the alliance. That's why there is a strange phenomenon that prices are rising and gold can buy more things. Looking back at history, I am afraid that only the imperial era, which was withdrawn 250,000 ducats every year, can be compared with today."

Fritz was a little difficult to digest for a while, but when Cornelius lectured, he never cared whether the students could understand.

"Any gold coin is more valuable in Plato than in the Federation." Cornelius said word by word, "So, gold will be our most effective weapon in Plato, even more powerful than swords and guns."

Cornelius patted the student on the shoulder, "So, here, the weapons managed by the Quartermaster General are more powerful than those managed by the Artillery Director - this is why I appointed you as the Quartermaster General."

"I..." Fritz didn't know what to say.

A messenger ran up to the roof and handed Cornelius a letter.

Cornelius opened the letter, read it quickly, and sneered: "Grov Magnus is here, and he also brought the 'respectable gentlemen' of the Kings' Castle to welcome us."

"Do you want me to reject him?" Fritz asked with a frown.

"No!" Cornelius laughed and shook his head, "Of course not!"

Facing the rising sun, Cornelius's order was like thunder, resounding through the docks of the Castle of the Kings:

"Polish your armor! Fire the cannons! Let everyone know that the Alliance Army is back!"

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