Chapter 165 – Phosphorescence

Yan Zhongxiuyue, clad in heavy armor, walked to the bow of the ship, gazing at the raging flames on the battlefield. The wing-like horns on his armor soared upward, resembling the wings of a bird. Narrowing his eyes, he looked at the golden-painted characters “Qianniu” on the distant black ship. His expression was inscrutable, and his adjutant, Asano Hiko, who stood beside him, said, “Sir, the enemy’s artillery is formidable. You should seek shelter.”

Yan Zhongxiuyue asked, “I heard there are reinforcements?”

Asano Hiko replied, “Yes, a large ship with the same design as this ‘Qianniu,’ painted with ‘Wansui.'”

Yan Zhongxiuyue murmured the words, repeating them under his breath, “Qianniu Wansui… These are ships to celebrate the emperor’s birthday. If we can recapture them and present them to the emperor, it would surely be an auspicious omen.”

Asano Hiko smiled and said, “We have the upper hand. The reinforcements number less than a hundred ships, and according to our reconnaissance reports, they should be the logistics fleet that followed this fleet. We can see that there are many grain ships, water ships, and medical ships among them. Their forces are average, which is why they only dare to attack from afar, never approaching. They must fear our military might.”

“If we win this battle, the emperor will surely place even greater trust in the general! That Kondo Yū could no longer scheme against you!”

Yan Zhongxiuyue said, “Don’t underestimate the enemy. Fang Zijing is a calm butcher, the black fox of the Far East. He’s cunning and ruthless, knowing how to cut off our supplies and harass our grain ships. This is a highly sophisticated tactic. Now that we can’t connect our front and rear, our vanguard troops may suffer a crushing defeat.”

Asano Hiko said, “This fleet has seized many of our grain ships these days. It’s a relief to finally have the chance to retrieve their flagship. If it weren’t for our fear of damaging the ship, we would have won long ago.”

Yan Zhongxiuyue frowned tightly. “Haven’t you noticed? They should have left together, but the vanguard fleet stayed behind to cover the retreat of the Wansui. However, the Wansui refused to leave and returned. The struggle of a cornered beast shouldn’t be underestimated. Send a hundred ships from the left wing to surround that Wansui.”

Asano Hiko said, “That would take more time, General! We should quickly settle things here and then chase after the Wansui!”

Yan Zhongxiuyue said, “No, allowing them to harass us from afar in a war of attrition gives them time to set up, making the situation unpredictable. Remember, the firepower of these two ships is clearly very advanced. They might be laying mines. We should encircle them sooner to sap their morale.”

Asano Hiko could only comply. “Yes!”

==

On board the Wansui, Pei Dongyan had meticulously organized the Fengxiang Guards into groups, deploying them throughout the ship. Pei Dongyan had never felt so exhilarated. The main hall, flower hall, cabins, gun decks, and steering cabin were all heavily guarded. All the Fengxiang Guards had donned heavy armor, lowered their faceplates, and held long swords and round shields in their hands, standing three to a group at key locations.

On the higher decks, archers and musketeers were stationed.

Food, water, pain-relieving and blood-stopping medicine, bandages, and strong alcohol for disinfecting wounds were swiftly distributed. Everyone moved about in a tense yet orderly manner. In such an atmosphere, their blood boiled within their veins, and everyone seemed to yearn for victory, eager for battle. Their long swords thirsted for the blood of the enemy.

Xu Chun still stood at the bow, holding a telescope and staring into the distance. He muttered, “Jingchan? What an ominous name. Looks like they’re destined to lose. A cicada’s life is brief, lasting only a summer, and it’s certainly no match for my Wansui Qianniu.”

Qi Hu said, “His Highness is right!”

Xu Chun laughed. “They’ve sent their ships. We need to lure them toward the Longhu Gorge. How can we make their flagship come looking for me?”

A guard approached to report, “Lord Dinghai and Lord Qilan have returned! They are boarding the ship now! Because their clothes are wet, Doctor Donghai is treating them and helping them change.”

Xu Chun perked up. “Are they injured? If so, tend to their wounds first.”

The guard said, “They don’t seem to be injured. Although they’re soaked and covered in blood, they move agilely, suggesting it’s the enemy’s blood.”

Xu Chun rejoiced. “Good. Tell them not to rush. Have some ginger soup and something to eat to warm themselves up.”

As he spoke, he asked the scout, “How are our mines placed?”

The scout reported, “Lord Xia sent word. Three anchor cables with mines have been sunk into the sea, and two hundred floating wooden mines have been placed below. They are linked to the chains. The submarine has submerged, and it will be easy to launch a torpedo to trigger the explosion when the time comes.”

Xu Chun exclaimed happily, “Great!”

He watched as the fleet approached and chuckled. “Such a fleet is no match for us.”

As he gave the order, “Head for the Longhu Gorge!”

The fleet sailed forward while Dinghai and Qilan, having changed into dry cotton armor, came forward to pay their respects.

Seeing that they were indeed unharmed despite their frostbitten faces, Xu Chun was delighted. “Get up, what’s the hurry? Eat something first.” He repeatedly ordered someone to bring ginger slices, peppered chicken soup.

Dinghai was somewhat touched but still spoke solemnly. “My lord, we met General Nong. General Nong said that the Japanese knew we were cutting off their supplies, so they dispatched a large army to aid them. These ships aren’t just escorting provisions; they are also supporting the main force in Silla. So, he urged you to withdraw immediately!”

Xu Chun said, “I figured as much, but if we withdraw, they’ll be trapped here. We can’t afford to retreat.”

Dinghai frowned slightly. “But General Nong said this is a major Japanese force, numbering around seven to eight hundred ships. We have no chance of victory.” Seeing the Fengxiang Guards in their sharp armor, he felt a faint sense of foreboding. “Does His Highness intend to engage in a boarding melee?”

Xu Chun smiled at him. “With Dinghai here, I’m even more reassured. You and Chunxi are one against ten, leaving the enemy with no chance of winning!”

Dinghai: “…”

He wanted to persuade Xu Chun further, but being usually tongue-tied, he could only manage to say, “My lord, the Emperor is waiting for you to return.”

Xu Chun said, “I will return, and I’ll bring Brother Nong and Brother Changtian back with me.”

Confidently, he saw someone bringing peppered chicken soup and hurriedly ordered Dinghai to drink it. “Eat something. There will be a tough fight later. You and Lord Pei should discuss how to wage this battle. You two are more authoritative in this area.”

Dinghai drank the peppered chicken soup in one gulp. The warm broth, floating with golden fat, slid down into his stomach. The unique fragrance of pepper lingered in his mouth, warming his body. Suddenly, he felt a surge of strength. He had killed many enemies who tried to grab onto their ship with grappling hooks, and he was in a slightly frenzied state. Seeing Xu Chun’s relaxed and confident face, he became filled with valor. “Then we’ll earn quite a few heads as military merit.”

Xu Chun laughed heartily. “Right, everyone following me. Didn’t you say the other day that you didn’t kill enough enemies, falling behind Huo Shiduo? Now is a great opportunity!”

Everyone in the meeting hall burst out laughing. The joyful, confident, and heroic atmosphere seemed contagious, lifting the spirits of all the soldiers on the ship.

In this atmosphere, “Prepare! Fire!”

The Japanese ship chasing the Wansui, the Jingchan, was soon hit by the first cannonball and trembled in the waves, firing a shot in response.

However, the Wansui was equipped with the most advanced steam power. In the instant it fired, it had already sailed several miles forward. That cannonball landed tremblingly behind the Wansui, causing a splash.

In the dark night, the Jingchan was hit by another cannonball. Its mast was struck and fell, like its name suggested, a cicada with broken wings, ending its brief mission.

“The Jingchan’s mast was hit and can no longer pursue! The remaining support ships entered the strait and triggered underwater mines, suffering heavy losses!”

Asano Hiko stepped forward to report to Yan Zhongxiuyue, his face full of confusion and anger. “The Jingchan requested assistance. Should we send the Xuezhao to help?”

Yan Zhongxiuyue, holding a telescope, saw the fiery red sky in the distance, resembling a bloody sun. Holding back his anger, he asked, “Knowing how well-equipped their ship is, why were they so careless and rushed headlong into battle? How did they enter the strait? That’s where mines are easily laid!”

Asano Hiko also felt regretful. “During the pursuit, they attacked the Jingchan. The other ships lost command and could only continue pursuing according to the predetermined plan, entering the strait…”

Yan Zhongxiuyue said, “The enemy now holds the upper hand and the upstream position! Foolish! They were supposed to surround the ship and cut off supplies. How did they enter the range of our cannons? Haven’t they realized that the range of the guns on these two ships is farther than ours?”

Asano Hiko asked, “Should we order the Baishuang to continue the pursuit?”

Yan Zhongxiuyue said, “No need. I’ll lead the ships myself. First, I’ll take care of this fleet of a hundred ships. I want to see if their logistics ships dare to challenge us without retreating! Since they’re so loyal, we might as well give them a hand and seize their flagship!”

Asano Hiko looked worriedly at the “Chengfeng” and “Qianniu,” still in the encirclement and supporting each other. He whispered, “General, if you go over there, the forces surrounding here won’t be enough, and it will take even longer.”

Yan Zhongxiuyue said, “A fleet of a hundred logistics ships, how long can it take? Now that they can’t connect their front and rear, seizing their logistical supply ships will surely cause chaos in their ranks. Without food, cannonballs, and ammunition, they won’t be able to sustain a war of attrition. Then, we’ll capture the commander on this Wansui, hang him on the mast, and try to persuade the others to surrender. Such a chivalrous commander might encourage the enemy to lower their masts and raise their hands in surrender, making things even better.”

Feeling pleased with his plan, he ordered the two escort ships under his command to lead two hundred ships forward at full speed to capture the “Wansui.”

On the Wansui, the soldiers cheered. At least twenty to thirty fast Japanese ships had mistakenly entered the minefield, exploding continuously amidst the roaring waves.

Xu Chun, however, received news that the Japanese admiral’s flagship was personally leading a fleet in pursuit of them.

Xu Chun took the telescope and smiled. “Baishuang and Xuezhao, why do they have such inauspicious names again? Frost and snow melt upon seeing sunlight, fleeting things. Let me see what the name of the admiral’s ship is—Phosphorescence?”

He suddenly laughed. “The light of fireflies fades at dawn. How can it compete with the sun? It seems this Japanese general is a poet, but the names of these ships are all ill-omened.”

“I should teach them how to name things. Peace prevails in the nine provinces and four seas, and joy lasts forever in Wansui Qianniu. How auspicious!”

“I predict their certain defeat!”