Chapter 166 – Impact

The Luminous Vessel stopped near Longhu Gorge, releasing a multitude of bamboo rafts that charged straight towards the minefield, triggering the naval mines. Buckets of tung oil were placed on the rafts, floating on the sea after being blasted by the mines. In an instant, a raging fire engulfed the surface of the sea, igniting every hastily laid naval mine they had set up.

The mines exploded in unison, the sound of blasting mines filling the air, waves roared, thunder boomed across the sky, and tongues of fire danced wildly. Yet despite this, the sea elsewhere remained cold and somber, shrouded in darkness. It was vast, with people and ships akin to mere ants.

Xu Chun observed their opponent’s maneuvers from the lookout tower, noting that their carefully laid minefield had indeed been breached. “He’s quite skilled in naval warfare,” he remarked. He then felt a chill down his spine and turned to look at Xia Chao, who was still clad in his waterproof armor and large cotton coat. “Fortunately, I’d already ordered your submarine to retreat earlier; otherwise, it would have been caught in the crossfire.”

Xia Chao chuckled. “We laid the mines and then made a run for it. Our men are excellent swimmers!”

It was clear that their adversary was no weakling. Xu Chun’s heart sank as Dinghai warned him, “Your Highness! If all three of their ships come at us for a boarding action, we’re in grave danger; we can’t possibly win! They’re currently staying outside our cannon range, forming a triangular formation. They likely intend to charge at us from three directions once the minefield is breached. We might be able to sink one ship, but there’s no guarantee.”

“A single ship carries around two thousand soldiers. Their strategy is to have several escort vessels charge together. Each escort vessel has at least a thousand soldiers. If three ships ram and immobilize our vessel, the rest of the escorts will swarm over, like ants overpowering an elephant. This is their plan to capture our ship first before turning back to deal with General Nong and Lord Sheng.”

Xu Chun furrowed his brows. “We must find a way to split their forces, but the enemy commander is experienced; it won’t be easy to trick him.”

He ordered all their ships to form a triangular battle formation, readying for combat. The masts stood tall like a forest, slowly shifting into position, fully prepared for the impending clash. Sweat trickled down his forehead, his heart pounding like a drum.

Xu Chun couldn’t help but touch the silver flask at his waist. He held the lives of everyone on the fleet in his hands. These people could have retreated safely, but due to his stubborn decision to stay, they now faced danger. However, if he didn’t offer assistance, Nong Sijin and Sheng Changtian’s fleet of two hundred ships and twenty thousand soldiers would be annihilated.

Ever since the expedition began, he had constantly felt the weight of a commander’s responsibility. A single order could lead to the deaths of thousands, whether engaging in battle or retreating. If a commander was weak-willed, they might feel overwhelmed by such a heavy burden.

“A thousand gold pieces are easily obtained, but a capable general is hard to find.” He used to think that this saying referred to the difficulty of cultivating a commander’s talents, martial skills, and courage. Now, he realized that the true essence of a commander lay in their willingness to bear responsibility, to face the consequences of their orders, to calculate the gains and losses of each strategy, to weigh the value of life, and to secure victory.

There was no such thing as an invincible general under heaven. Even benevolent and scholarly generals bore the lives of countless comrades-in-arms on their shoulders. These soldiers completely obeyed military orders, fearlessly charging forward without regard for their own safety. No wonder it was said that even the best military tactics were ill-omened.

But they fought to protect the maritime borders and defend their homeland!

He wasn’t surprised that Dinghai and Pei Dongyan were willing to fight until their blood ran dry and their swords broke. Because at this moment, he shared the same resolve.

They could only win through a surprise move, as their forces were far inferior to the enemy’s. Countless strategies flashed through his mind, but each one would result in casualties. He hesitated, unable to make a decision.

Dinghai suggested, “Your Highness, please transfer to a smaller boat and head to the medical ship. We’ll handle the battle here!” His words were simple, but he tried to persuade him. “As a commander, you shouldn’t engage in reckless acts of bravery.”

Xu Chun replied, “No need for more words. Today, amidst the stormy winds and clouds, we shall serve our country loyally. Death holds no regrets!”

Pei Dongyan, however, was perceptive and asked, “Your Highness, if you have any ideas, why not share them so we can discuss them?”

Xu Chun stared at the burning flames on the sea. “I learned a tactic from Brother Nong. If we have the advantage of wind and water, we can employ a fire attack. Especially since they’ve released so much tung oil themselves. We should select volunteers to pilot ships loaded with explosives and tung oil, and charge at full speed towards the White Frost and Snow Dawn ships. It should have a significant effect.”

“The problem lies in the fact that as they approach, the enemy will undoubtedly bombard those ships, causing severe casualties. Moreover, the outcome may not be as expected. If the accuracy isn’t high enough, we might fail to burn or sink the enemy ships, sacrificing our soldiers’ lives in vain. Additionally, passing through the burning sea could risk igniting our own ships. That’s why I’m hesitant.”

“The alternative is to have other cruisers intercept the other two ships while we capture the commander of the main ship, then deal with the remaining ships. But timing is difficult to control, and our other ships aren’t as sturdy as this one. Our sailors aren’t as fierce either; many will still be sacrificed.”

Xu Chun’s throat was parched, his mouth dry, as he detailed his thoughts.

Xia Chao, however, offered a solution. “Your Highness! We have submarines! The submarines can approach undetected underwater. They won’t be attacked prematurely! Submarine tactics are rarely used nowadays! You spent so much money on them; why not put them to use? Ten thousand taels of silver! Please, Your Highness, issue the order. I’m willing to lead the submarines ahead, approaching underwater, preparing torpedoes, and loading them with tung oil. We’ll ram one of their main ships, reducing their forces!”

Xu Chun’s heart skipped a beat. “No! This is a suicide mission!”

Xia Chao was anxious. “I’ll swim out before the submarine collides; it’s fine! Trust my swimming skills! We’ve all been trained, and we’ve spent years at sea. If we crash into their sealed compartments and explode, we’ll definitely sink them! One life for so many others, it’s worth it!”

Xu Chun looked at Xia Chao’s eager face, his palms sweaty. Dinghai stepped forward. “This plan is viable! Your Highness, you must trust your subordinates! There’s no time for hesitation! It’s better than dying together!”

Xu Chun gazed deeply into Xia Chao’s pitch-black eyes. Xia Chao had been by his side, playful, talkative, lively, and active, yet loyal to the core.

His throat felt constricted, but he managed a smile. “Alright, you must abandon ship in time, don’t be greedy for glory, Xia Chao, follow the order!”

Xia Chao immediately stood straight. “Here!”

Xu Chun said solemnly, “Your target is the White Frost! When white frost meets summer, it melts at the sound of it. When you return victorious, I will certainly commend you and request imperial titles for your parents!”

Xia Chao replied solemnly, “Understood!” Then, he flashed a confident smile. “Watch me!” He raised his thumb, waving it proudly, then turning around and heading below deck, leading a group of equally well-equipped divers.

The fires on the sea gradually dwindled, and the enemy’s three ships, feeling certain of victory, charged at full speed toward them.

Xu Chun issued a series of commands. “Prepare cannons and giant crossbows! Fire as soon as we’re within range!”

“Chengguang and Chengtian, take ten dragon boats and do everything possible to intercept the Snow Dawn!” This batch of ships, led by graduates of the Naval Academy, consisted of ten large vessels, all bearing the “Cheng” character in their names. The commanders and vice-commanders were selected from the most outstanding students of the Naval Command School, and each ship housed two thousand naval soldiers.

Both Chengguang and Chengtian’s commanders were overly cautious and lacked boldness, but their strength lay in their meticulous execution of military orders. They had undergone training for some time and had shed their initial awkwardness, but they still lacked the edge needed to confront the enemy. That’s why they were left behind to serve as escort ships. However, sending them with ten dragon boats to surround a single ship would give them a numerical advantage, ensuring they wouldn’t be sent to certain death.

His heart pounded fiercely, but he maintained a smile. “Let’s see how quickly we can capture their commander and settle things!”

In the blink of an eye, the enemy’s three ships, accompanied by a dense cluster of troop ships, charged within firing range!

Under the guidance of experienced artillery officers, the entire fleet unleashed twenty cannons in unison!

Golden snakes filled the sky, thunderous explosions echoed, and a sea of fire erupted. The rows of enemy troop ships were immediately sunk, crimson blood staining the waters, as ships burned, and countless fallen soldiers and corpses struggled in the waves. However, the three flagship ships remained indestructible, charging ahead at full speed!

Drums sounded in unison, and cries of battle shook the heavens!

Yan Zhongxiuyue stood on the lookout tower, observing through his telescope for a while before saying solemnly, “They wisely chose to surround the Snow Dawn with most of their support ships. If they split their forces to block both ships, both would surely fail. It’s better to focus all efforts on one ship. The Snow Dawn will definitely be unable to execute the ramming and boarding action. It seems the opposing commander is daring and loves taking risks.”

Asano Hiko confidently stated, “Our two ships carry over ten thousand soldiers combined. Even if they manage to intercept one ship, they won’t be able to withstand us!”

Yan Zhongxiuyue felt an inexplicable sense of foreboding, but he focused the telescope on the commander aboard the “Ten Thousand Years” ship. Although the commander might not be there, and might even fear their ramming attack and retreat from the main ship, they had employed this tactic numerous times. He had seen many commanders flee.

However, for some reason, he felt that the commander of the opposite ship wouldn’t escape. After all, if he wanted to leave, he could have retreated earlier, but instead, he had brought his weak supply fleet back to provide reinforcements. This was the so-called “righteousness reaching the heavens.” Perhaps the opposing commander believed that using the minefield would divert some of the commander’s forces, delaying the battle and awaiting rescue.

However, rescue wouldn’t arrive so quickly. The “Ten Thousand Years” was like a moth drawn to the flame, seeking benevolence and finding benevolence. He was determined to fulfill the opposing commander’s wishes.

As the ships drew closer, the opposing fleet didn’t evade or retreat; instead, they adjusted their course, aiming their sturdy prow directly at them. Meanwhile, the relatively weaker broadside of their large ship was exposed to the White Dew, which was also charging at full speed from the flank, seemingly unafraid of a collision.

Yan Zhongxiuyue’s heart raced as the telescope finally captured the opposing commander on the lookout tower. The commander wore a faceguard, his body clad in bright armor, surrounded by towering guards. He leaned against the railing of the lookout tower, staring straight in their direction without flinching. Instead, he raised one hand and made a provocative gesture.

Suddenly, a deafening explosion occurred.

Yan Zhongxiuyue continued to stare intently at the commander, but Asano Hiko exclaimed, “Sir! The White Dew has been blown up!”

Yan Zhongxiuyue abruptly turned to look, seeing that the Snow Dawn, which should have been the first to swiftly charge and collide with the “Ten Thousand Years” on both sides, had been intercepted halfway by two enemy warships and was now engaged in a fierce battle. Meanwhile, the “White Dew” had come to a halt about a li (approximately 500 meters) away from the “Ten Thousand Years,” its hull and sails engulfed in flames! The ship was tilting to one side, slowly sinking!

Yan Zhongxiuyue turned to look at the “Ten Thousand Years.” The ship’s armored prow was studded with numerous sharp spikes, all aimed at their ship. And on those spikes, large explosive packs were tied!

Yan Zhongxiuyue’s pupils rapidly contracted as he roared, “Everyone, get down! Hold on tight!”

To prepare for the collision, they had already taken ample precautions, standing in deep trenches lined with thick cotton padding. However, he never imagined that the opposing side would be so deranged as to attach bombs to their ship’s prow! Didn’t they fear blowing up their own ship first? Or did they intend to engage in a strategy of mutual destruction, exchanging one ship for another?

In the blink of an eye, the two prows collided violently!

Following the terrifying impact, an earth-shattering explosion rang out. Yan Zhongxiuyue’s ears rang, temporarily deafened, and he felt dizzy. In his heart, he was filled with rage: Did the opposing side intend to die alongside them?

As the choking smoke cleared and the violent shaking subsided, Yan Zhongxiuyue, supported by his subordinate, stood up. The opposing lookout tower was already empty, indicating that they had known to take cover in a safe location. Yan Zhongxiuyue surveyed the damage to the prow, feeling a sharp pain in his heart!

Although he had anticipated the sturdiness of the opposing ship, he hadn’t expected them to place bombs so recklessly on their prow. It seemed they were confident that their ship could withstand the explosion!

After such a fearsome collision and explosion, the spikes on the opposing ironclad prow were bent and twisted, and the thick steel hull had been flattened. However, their own “Luminous Vessel” had suffered heavy damage!

The entire prow was unrecognizable, the iron plating deeply dented inward, exposing the teak wood beneath. The ship was tilted, and a breach had been torn in the thin hull, allowing seawater to pour in relentlessly. It was evident that the ship could no longer sail and would soon sink!

On the other hand, the opposing ironclad, although its prow had been blunted, remained stable and upright, clearly still operational—a testament to its quality. No wonder they dared to charge head-on without hesitation!

He would seize their ship, kill the audacious commander, and hang his head high atop the tallest mast!

In Yan Zhongxiuyue’s heart, a mix of ferocity, anger, and greed boiled, his expression distorted. He unsheathed his sword and shouted, “Kill!”

Banners fluttered in the wind, drums thundered like rolling storms, and soldiers from both sides charged at each other like ravenous wolves, brandishing swords and spears. Blades clashed, and the short-range combat began—the boarding action had commenced!