In the Mengyuan Dynasty, the normalization of the shipping of grain was realized, and it never stopped in the end of the Yuan Dynasty. The scale of its seaborne grain can reach 3.6 million stone a year, and even completely replace the water transport. Eloquently proves the viability of sea freight.

Moreover, Meng Yuan 'gave 4,000 stone to the official and civilian ships for every 10,000 stone of rice, and allowed to carry private goods back to salt in return for their work', which means that the imperial court only needs to spend 40% of the cost of transporting one stone of rice. The cost of transportation in Daming is as high as 200% to 300%, and it is clear which is better or worse between shipping and transportation.

According to Zheng Ruozeng's research, there are three routes for Mengyuan Cao's grain shipping.

"The first one was the earliest, from Taicang Liujiagang into the sea, basically along the coast. The advantage of this route is that it is close to the land when sailing, it is convenient to replenish, and in case of bad weather or sea raids, you can enter the port in time to take shelter. Elder Niu said in a deep voice:

"But the disadvantages are also obvious, one is that the coast is driving and the voyage is tortuous and long. Second, there are many islands along the coast and reefs are dense, so navigation must be very careful. In addition, the offshore water flows southward all year round, so the speed is the slowest of the three routes - the whole journey takes more than a month. ”

Zhao Hao nodded, the coast of East China and North China is affected by the southward cold current all year round, so the ocean current has always been southward, and the northward natural countercurrent.

"The second route was opened later. It also opens the ocean from Liujiagang, and enters the ocean of Laizhou from Chengshantou to Tanggu. The difference is that this route is not docked, because the channel is relatively straight, so the voyage is shortened, avoiding the shallows offshore, and you can also get the help of wind and tide during the voyage, and you can reach it in half a month. ”

"The third and last one to open up is similar to the second, but the route is more oceanic, so that more wind and tide can be used to help the north. Although the flight is a little longer, it can save a lot of time. As long as the weather is suitable, generally in about ten days, you can reach Tianjin Wei from Taicang. Elder Niu said in a deep voice: "In the later period of the Mengyuan Dynasty, it was mainly transported by this route."

Zhao Hao nodded, although the ancients didn't know what the Black Tide was and what the trade wind was, but the eternal tide and wind were there, and it was natural to master its laws and use them to sail.

"We've already run all three routes." Elder Niu continued: "Judging from the navigation alone, it is naturally the third one that is the most labor-saving and fast, but it is ......."

"Just what?" Zhao Gongzi asked.

"It's just that this route is far away from the mainland, and the farthest part is more than 700 miles away from the mainland, so it's not very safe." Elder Niu said softly, "First, in case of a storm, there is nowhere to hide, and second, such a far place is easy to attract the covetousness of sea bandits. ”

"Hmm." Zhao Hao nodded and asked rhetorically, "Then the first one is safer?" ”

"It's not safe either." Elder Niu smiled bitterly: "In addition to the ones that I just reported to my son, there is also a big trouble with the coastal guards. ”

The Ming Dynasty did not have a special sailor, but the coastal guards were responsible for coastal defense tasks. From Shanghai to Tianjin, you have to pass through more than a dozen coastal guard posts, all of which have large and small ships. All day long, they intercepted civilian ships in the coastal waters, coerced and blackmailed, and flaunted their might, and if they really let them go to the open sea to fight pirates, they were all dumbfounded.

"Those guards are worse than pirates." Elder Ma said indignantly, "We, the Sand Boat Gang, would rather deal with pirates than run into official ships. ”

Zhao Hao couldn't help but laugh dumbly. He knew that this was because the Sand Boat Gang was numerous and strong. Small bands of pirates did not dare to provoke them, and large bands of pirates did not want to make enemies against them. But the officers and soldiers don't care how many sailors you have, how many ships you have, as long as you are a good citizen, they dare to knock on your bamboo pole. That's why Elder Ma has this remark.

"What about the second route?" Zhao Gongzi asked noncommittally.

"The second route is actually similar to the third, and it also needs to be escorted, but when you encounter a pirate, you can get out of danger faster." Elder Niu replied.

"Hmm." Zhao Hao crossed his arms and pondered.

The pins and needles in the conference room could be heard, and everyone was waiting for his decision.

It didn't take long for Zhao Hao to make up his mind. His eager gaze swept over everyone, and he said categorically: "This voyage is to take the lead." It is necessary to complete this voyage in the shortest possible time and launch the first shot of our Jiangnan Group going to sea! ”

"Yes!" The crowd responded with a bang and said no more.

"Of course, the bolder the action, the more careful the planning." Zhao Hao's eyes moved to Jinke and said, "Your security company, have you done a good job of assessment and planning?" ”

"Hui Gongzi, it's done." Jin Ke hurriedly straightened up and replied simply: "After preliminary intelligence collection and analysis, the security company has made a basic assessment of this voyage. If you choose the third route, the risk may be 'medium'. ”

"Medium risk?" Zhao Hao's brows stretched, quite happy.

In his rules for the security group, 'medium risk' means 'risky, but overcome, with caution.' There are also 'high risks' that are very risky, and 'very dangerous' that cannot be attempted.

Therefore, to be able to get an assessment second only to 'low risk', Zhao Gongzi is already very satisfied.

I listened to Jinke's specific explanation: "The reason for this assessment. It's because there are no pirates in this area. Bands such as Zeng Yiyi, the Lin brothers and Zhu Liangbao were all active in the Fujian and Guangdong areas and never went north. So on the first few voyages, the chances of running into a group of pirates that we couldn't deal with were low. ”

Guangdong has a city and Macao, and Fujian has also opened up the sea, and the sea is full of merchant ships, which is very lively. The north is still forbidden by the sea, although there are small boats to and from the coast, but they cannot sail far, there is no oil and water, and the sea is not disdainful at all.

In addition, the current Dahai Kou are all people from the Chaozhang area, who are accustomed to activities in the waters of Fujian and Guangdong, and rarely set foot in the north.

Of course, there are still a lot of pirates in small groups in the north. Especially those maritime merchants who were originally attached to the Nine Families, but now they are forced to make a living, or they have gone south to join Zeng Yiyi, Lin Daoqian and other gangs. Or become a pirate and go around robbing and living like that.

But the flag of the Sand Boat Gang and the large fleet of fifty 400 sand patrol boats are enough to deter these little shrimps.

~~

"However, with the number of voyages, the level of danger will increase significantly, and we will adjust the risk to 'high' from the third voyage onwards." Jin Ke cautiously added.

"It's nature." Zhao Hao nodded, those big pirates are the most well-informed, and the company's fleet will be targeted by them if it can't run a few times.

"It seems that there must still be a strong military escort." Zhao Gongzi sighed fakely, and asked Wang Rulong: "Brother Wang, how is the training of the Coast Guard?" Is all the equipment in place? ”

ps. The first update of the three consecutive changes, ask for a monthly pass!