“Faced with Xu Hai’s pirates, who are about to launch widespread raids, how should Zhejiang respond, in General Yu’s opinion?” Zhu Ping’an asked for advice.
“Based on my understanding of the pirates, they typically operate in small groups, especially during raids. To maximise the scope and gains of their plundering, they often disperse into small units with limited numbers, yet they coordinate with one another. Though they appear scattered, multiple small pirate groups frequently work together to set ambushes or outflank their targets. When our forces engage, they’re often surrounded and defeated. This time, Xu Hai’s pirates will likely do the same, splitting into dozens of groups of varying sizes to plunder,” Yu Dayou explained.
“To be honest, our Zhejiang garrisons are currently unfit for battle. They can only hold their positions defensively. Actively engaging would be tantamount to seeking death.”
“I propose ordering the people in northern Zhejiang’s villages and towns to temporarily relocate to walled cities for refuge, with garrisons assisting in their defence. The pirates raid for wealth; if they find no opportunities, they’ll move elsewhere,” Yu Dayou said pragmatically, suggesting that northern Zhejiang’s residents flee to fortified cities for safety.
“For now, that’s the only option,” Zhu Ping’an nodded, summoning clerks to quickly draft and dispatch orders to northern Zhejiang.
“But this is merely treating the symptoms, not the cause. It will only embolden the pirates. Does General Yu have any strategies to address the root of the problem?” Zhu Ping’an asked again after arranging the northern Zhejiang measures.
“Lord Zhu, in my humble and unrefined opinion, the first step is to train troops. We must purge the garrisons of the old, weak, sick, and disabled, recruit young and able-bodied men to bolster the ranks, and intensify training. Only then will we have a fighting force. Secondly, I believe the key to eradicating the pirates lies at sea, not on land,” Yu Dayou replied.
“Regarding ‘at sea, not on land,’ please elaborate, General Yu,” Zhu Ping’an said, intrigued, urging Yu Dayou to expand on the idea.
Yu Dayou cleared his throat. “First, the pirates come from the sea. If we can intercept them at sea and keep them offshore, there would be no pirate threat on land.”
Zhu Ping’an nodded. Yu Dayou’s point was sound: eliminating the pirates at sea would prevent them from reaching the mainland.
“Second, when pirates raid the interior, their advantage lies in their warships. Besides the vessels anchored at the coast during their assaults, they often keep additional ships at sea for support. This allows them to advance and attack in all directions or retreat into the boundless ocean. Warships are their strength, but also their weakness. If we can destroy their ships, we cut off their escape route. The pirates would be unable to flee by sea. By deploying heavy troops along the coast, we can drive them into the sea, surround them, and annihilate them,” Yu Dayou continued.
Zhu Ping’an nodded repeatedly. Indeed, the pirates’ elusive nature stemmed from their warships, which allowed them to retreat to the sea at any moment. Destroying their ships would trap them, like shutting the door to beat the dog.
“Of course, to keep pirates offshore and destroy their ships, we need a formidable navy. Currently, our navy is too weak. The main naval force in Jiangnan is the Jianghuai Navy under Deputy Commander Marquis Linhuai, but both its ships and soldiers are inferior to the pirates. Moreover, it’s been redeployed by Governor Zhang Jing to defend Yingtian. In Zhejiang, I command the only navy, with just over ten ships of varying sizes, capable of carrying only a thousand men. It’s far weaker than the pirates and can only engage small pirate fleets, avoiding larger ones,” Yu Dayou said, sighing.
To keep pirates offshore, a strong navy was essential, but the Ming Dynasty lacked one. The only notable force, the Jianghuai Navy under Marquis Linhuai, was weaker than the pirates, and Yu Dayou’s own navy was even less capable.
“General Yu, I’ve heard you excel in naval warfare. If given the chance to build and train an elite navy, could you do it?” Zhu Ping’an asked.
“Lord Zhu, a clever cook cannot prepare a meal without ingredients. Currently, we lack ships, men, weapons, and provisions. How can I build a navy?” Yu Dayou spread his hands, looking troubled.
“What if I provide the ingredients? Could you cook a feast?” Zhu Ping’an asked, his gaze piercing.
“Of course I could. If I fail, you may take my head,” Yu Dayou replied resolutely, brimming with confidence.
“Excellent. General Yu, if I task you with building a navy, how many ‘ingredients’ would you need?” Zhu Ping’an pressed.
“My current fleet has only a dozen ships, far from sufficient. To build a navy capable of challenging the pirates at sea, I’d need at least ten large ships and thirty medium and small ones. Additionally, the ships must be equipped with cannons—the more, the better. Naval warfare differs from land battles; the more cannons a ship carries, and the larger their calibre, the greater our advantage.”
“Beyond ships, we’d need to recruit three thousand fishermen as soldiers. The current naval troops, like the garrisons, are unfit for service. Only by recruiting fishermen and retraining them can we build a navy that dares to fight and can win.”
“Maintaining the ships requires funds—at least one hundred taels of silver monthly. The three thousand fishermen would need provisions and pay. At one bushel of grain and silver per man per month, that’s three thousand bushels monthly, or thirty-six thousand bushels annually.”
“As for firearms, ideally a third of the men should be equipped with firelocks. Each ship should have at least two cannons, the more the better,” Yu Dayou listed, before sighing. “But these conditions are nearly impossible to meet. Not to mention the rest, just the provisions—the court hasn’t paid the garrisons in three months. In eastern Zhejiang, one garrison mutinied and defected to Wang Zhi due to unpaid provisions.”
“Provisions won’t be an issue. Within a few days, I’ll ensure the court’s overdue payments to all garrisons are cleared,” Zhu Ping’an said.
To make a horse run, you must feed it. With a major battle looming, the garrisons’ provisions and pay must be fully provided.
When leaving Suzhou, the locals donated fifty thousand taels of silver and fifty thousand bushels of grain. His father-in-law added another hundred thousand bushels. This was enough to cover the garrisons’ payments.
“Lord Zhu, I haven’t heard of the court issuing back pay,” Yu Dayou said, surprised.
“Where the provisions come from isn’t your concern, General Yu. Within three days, I’ll ensure all garrisons are fully paid, based on their actual troop numbers,” Zhu Ping’an said, waving his hand.
“Thank you, Lord Zhu. With provisions secured, morale will surely rise,” Yu Dayou said, delighted.
“Additionally, I’ll provide you with an extra ten thousand bushels of grain and thirty thousand taels of silver. Start recruiting three thousand fishermen immediately. In one month, I’ll deliver twelve large Fuchuan ships and thirty medium and small ones. As of today, I appoint you as the Admiral of the Zhejiang Navy, responsible for building and training it. General Yu, do you dare accept this appointment?” Zhu Ping’an asked, his eyes fixed on Yu Dayou.
“I dare! I, Yu Dayou, will serve you to the death! With your unwavering support, Lord Zhu, I will train an elite navy worthy of Zhejiang’s name. If I fail, I’ll take my own head without you lifting a hand!” Yu Dayou rose from his seat, clasped his fists, bowed firmly, and issued a military pledge.
