Translator: ryangohsff Editor: Nora
Chapter 885 – Land Sea Air Army Formation
Ouyang Shuo’s choice to open up the Cape of Good Hope trading route now also had strength and interest considerations.
First, the seafaring specialty given by Mazu meant that the effect of the storms there would be really weak on the Great Xia Merchant ships. Moreover, it was summer now, so the ocean waves were much weaker.
Secondly, Ouyang Shuo wanted to use the Atlantic Squadron to open up a new trade route for the dynasty; this would ensure that if the Mediterranean messed up, they would have other choices.
Thirdly, Africa was hiding numerous riches, so it was worth taking the risk.
In history, from 1415, the Spanish had occupied Ceuta, and the European countries started their strong colonization of the African counties. It reached its peak in the 19th to 20th century with over 95% of Africa being split up while their resources were pillaged.
Colonizing Africa was not done for fun. Naturally, there were interest matters existing.
First, the vast African Continent could provide many agricultural zones and was the best spot for raw materials. Secondly, Africa had huge amounts of ores and was like an invisible storage.
South Africa, Zimbabwe, and other countries had many gold mines, Congo had diamonds, the magical Maldives, and the like were all worth exploring.
Of course, Ouyang Shuo did not support the way the Europeans colonized Africa. He wanted to use a more friendly method to work with them to achieve a win-win situation.
It was mentioned that the history between Egypt and some of the Mediterranean nations was not that deep, and they did not have the advanced western technology tree. However, they had a large population, so it was hard for them to advance in the game.
Their only joy was to fight between countries and races.
As such, the Great Xia Dynasty could lend them advanced agriculture technologies to borrow their labor and natural resources, creating a win-win situation.
If that really happened, it would become a huge project and could not be completed in a short while. During that time, he would probably have to compete with the European and American Lords.
The European and American Lord’s in the game would definitely not let go of Africa.
If Somalia’s Friendship City was the dynasty’s first step to entering the African continent, Morocco was an important step to influencing it. How to expand the Cape of Good Hope trade route was the key step to working with Africa.
Thinking about that, Ouyang Shuo immediately ordered Fleet Admiral Alvaro to personally lead the 4th and 5th division to go toward the Cape of Good Hope.
This trip was dangerous, so Ouyang Shuo could only be at ease with an experience navy general like Alvaro at the lead.
Ouyang Shuo really wanted to know how the Mediterranean Lords would feel after they learned that the Great Xia Dynasty had opened up a new trade route.
At that time, the only chip in their hands would cease to exist.
…
6th month, 5th day, Friendship City.
On this day, Military Affairs Minister and Grand Council Member Du Ruhui rushed over to Friendship City to report his intentions about the 290 thousand surrendered soldiers in Morocco.
The surrendered troops included 120 thousand surrendered soldiers and 170 thousand surrendered Guards Soldiers.
The Privy Court said that 10 thousand were not suitable to serve. As such, 280 thousand of them could be organized, which was enough for a full four legions.
They would first create the four Morocco Province Garrison Divisions, using up 54 thousand troops. For this, they mainly used the top troops from the territories.
Next would be the war fighting army housed in the province.
The reorganization plan given by the Privy Court lit up Ouyang Shuo’s eyes.
In the Lord’s Manor reading room, Du Ruhui reported, “The Privy Court suggests we create an independent Moroccan Legion to be in charge of defensive duties.”
The dynasty legion corps titles were set and Ouyang Shuo had done the planning before.
Apart from the current ones, there would be the Bear Legion Corps, Eagle Legion Corps and Palace Guards Legion Corps in the future.
Based on the standards that Ouyang Shuo set, without a new God General, these three new legion corps titles would not be used. Hence, the Privy Court was thinking of building independent legions outside of the legion corps system.
Du Ruhui continued, “The Moroccan legion will have four Infantry Divisions, one Cavalry Division, one subordinate regiment, one subordinate firearm squadron, one Flying Squad, one marine force, and one navy division; land, sea, and air altogether, a total of 100 thousand troops.”
Di Ruhui had spent much effort on such an organization.
If Morocco Province followed the other provinces and housed a legion corps, the army would be too huge and would drag the province down. However, if they only housed a normal War Fighting Legion, they would lack combat strength.
Equipping a firearm squadron was to go up against the western musketeers. Secondly, it was also because the dynasty industrialization had progressed, and they had the ability to produce enough handguns.
As for the Flying Squad, it had benefited from the territory industrialization.
Since he obtained the Mimicry Flying Device Crafting Technology from Atlantis, it had been researched by the No.7 Research Institute. The building base for the devices had already been planned for Steel City.
Wth such a land, sea, and air legion taking charge, Morocco would be totally safe.
Ouyang Shuo nodded his head with glee and said, “I largely agree with the Privy Court’s suggestion. There is only one point. As the organization is different, we can call it the Morocco Formation. In the military system, it will be between legion and a legion corps and will mainly be used for overseas forces.”
“The king is wise.” Du Ruhui was impressed.
“Toward the organization of the Morocco Formation, we do not need to rush it. With the Atlantic Squadron taking charge of the surrounding region, we can give the Morocco Formation navy division the Z1 Type Warships to prevent wastage of resources. The Privy Court and Navy Headquarters must discuss this matter well.”
“Do not worry my king!”
Du Ruhui being appointed in both the Privy Court and the Grand Council was like building a bridge, helping the coordination of various military organizations.
After handling the matter, Ouyang Shuo asked, “Do you have someone to recommend for the Lieutenant General?”
Du Ruhui bowed, “I think the king should make this decision.”
Ouyang Shuo thought about it, “Then let’s give the position to Shi Dakai!”
As the top general of the Taiping Army, Shi Dakai was familiar with firearms. Moreover, he had experience in both army and navy warfare.
To arrange such a person to take charge of the Morocco Formation was really suitable.
The formation position was higher than that of a legion. Shi Dakai being promoted not long after becoming a Legion General showed how much Ouyang Shuo liked him. Along with the uniqueness of an overseas formation, one would not be appointed unless Ouyang Shuo really trusted the person.
“The empty spot for 5th legion Legion General of the Tiger Legion will go to Xiao Chaogui. Announce Ma Yuan to be a Major General of the Morocco Formation.”
“Yes my king!”
Du Ruhui nodded solemnly; he was impressed and awed by the way the king used people.
Apart from the four Garrison Divisions and the Morocco Formation, there were still 126 thousand soldiers that needed to be organized. Based on the plan from the Privy Court, they would form a Guards Legion.
Of the three Guards Legions in the current Guards Legion Corps, the 1st legion sat in the Capital City, while the 2nd and 3rd legions were cavalry. They lacked an infantry legion to swap and take turns with the 1st legion.
The events of Friendship City made Ouyang Shuo change his mind.
Ouyang Shuo looked at Du Ruhui, “Follow the Morocco Formation standards to build the Somalia Formation to house in Friendship City.”
When Du Ruhui heard that, his heart shook. He felt that the king was building this formation not to defend the city but instead to teach a lesson to the crafty Somalia King.
As this was just a guess, he could not say it out loud.
Ouyang Shuo continued, “Move Di Qing from the Tiger Legion 2nd legion over to be the Lieutenant General. Fan Lihua from the 3rd legion will replace him. Hong Ying, who was the 3rd legion 3rd division Major General, will follow Fan Lihua over and become the Major General of the 1st division of the 2nd legion.”
Only Shi Wanshui, Di Qing, and Zhang Han, these three Emperor Rank generals, could become Lieutenant Generals. For the king to choose Di Qing and not Shi Wanshui, who he trusted the most, shocked Du Ruhui.
How would he know that Ouyang Shuo had other plans for this loyal general?
After Di Qing left, Fan Lihua would be the strongest general under Sun Bin.
Ouyang Shuo also used the chance to promote Hong Ying by half a rank.
Ouyang Shuo continued to reorganize, “Zhao She, who was the Major General of the 2nd legion 1st division, will be promoted to 3rd legion Legion General.”
Speaking of which, it was time for Zhao She to show his skills.
Du Ruhui nodded, recording down everything one by one.
The new round of military organization caused by the Battle of Morocco, although it did not affect the three legion corps, it affected the gates and appointments of the generals within.
