When the Qing Dynasty's fleet set sail from Tianjin Port, the southeast monsoon was just beginning, and the sea and sky were a magnificent sight.
Fifty escort ships, arranged in a goose-shaped formation, escorted more than four hundred merchant ships as they sailed south in a grand procession.
Yun Si stood on the deck of the flagship "Weihai", the sea breeze blowing and fluttering his robes.
He held a telescope, gazing at the horizon with a solemn expression.
Lan Dingyuan stood beside him and whispered, "Eighth Master, we have reached the Ryukyu Islands ahead. Further south lies the sphere of influence of the Southeast Asian countries. We must be extra careful."
Yun Si nodded slightly: "Order all ships to strengthen their vigilance, and ensure that lookouts are on duty without interruption."
Yuntang, standing to the side, seemed unconvinced and laughed, "Why is Eighth Brother so nervous? Didn't we rout those barbarian ships last time?"
Lan Dingyuan solemnly said, "Ninth Master, the sea is ever-changing, and we must not underestimate our enemies. Although the ships of England, France and other countries may not be technologically advanced, they have rich experience in naval warfare, and the waters of the South China Sea are complex, with reefs and pirates being potential threats."
Yinzhi glanced at Yintang and said calmly, "Ninth Brother, pride comes before a fall."
Yuntang pursed his lips and said no more.
---
Three days later, the fleet sailed into the waters near Luzon.
At dusk, the lookout suddenly shouted: "Fleet spotted to the southwest! Number unknown, suspected to be battleships!"
Yun Si's heart tightened, and he immediately raised his binoculars.
On the distant sea, more than a dozen tall warships were cutting through the waves, and the flags flying on their masts were none other than the Union Jack of the British Royal Navy!
“They’re English!” Yun Si said in a deep voice. “Judging from their formation, they’re coming for us.”
Lan Dingyuan's eyes turned cold, and he immediately ordered: "All troops prepare for battle! Merchant ships retreat, escort ships form a battle line to meet the enemy!"
In an instant, the bugle sounded, and the Qing Dynasty's naval officers and soldiers quickly took their positions.
The gunners removed their gun covers and loaded ammunition, while the musketeers lay prone on the ship's side, ready for action.
The British fleet quickly approached, led by the flagship HMS Victory, a three-deck battleship with its broadsides densely packed with gun barrels that gleamed coldly in the setting sun.
A British officer stood at the bow of the ship, holding a megaphone and shouting: "Qing fleet, stop immediately for inspection! Otherwise we will open fire!"
Yuntang was furious upon hearing this: "Arrogant! How dare these mere barbarians block the fleet of my Celestial Empire?"
Yun Si pressed down on his shoulder and said coldly, "Ignore him. Order all ships to aim their cannons at the enemy ships. Once they enter firing range, open fire immediately!"
---
Battle is imminent.
Commander Colonel James smiled contemptuously: "The Qing people actually dare to venture deep into Southeast Asia? Let them experience the firepower of the British Empire!"
He waved his hand and ordered, "Full speed ahead! Open fire immediately once you're within range!"
As the two fleets drew closer, the atmosphere on the sea suddenly became tense.
Yuntang clenched his fist and whispered, "Their ships are faster than ours!"
Lan Dingyuan remained calm and composed: "It's alright, our artillery has a longer range."
Sure enough, when the British fleet entered the Qing army's firing range, Lan Dingyuan decisively ordered: "Fire!"
In an instant, the muzzles of the Qing warships spewed out dazzling flames, and the improved shells pierced the sky, crashing into the enemy ships with a sharp whistling sound.
The shells landed with pinpoint accuracy, hitting the deck of a British frigate directly, sending flames soaring into the sky.
Colonel James was shocked: "How is this possible? Their range is farther than ours!" He hurriedly ordered a return fire, but the British shells fell into the sea when they were still a hundred feet away from the Qing ships, kicking up columns of water.
"Keep firing!" Lan Dingyuan pressed his advantage.
The Qing army's cannonballs rained down like raindrops, throwing the British fleet into chaos. The mainmast of one battleship was blown off, and a huge gash was torn open on the side of another, allowing seawater to rush in.
The Qing army's cannonballs not only had a long range but also a stable trajectory, making each salvo a struggle for the British ships.
British ships attempted to close the range gap, but the Qing fleet maintained its distance and suppressed the enemy with firepower.
Seeing this, Yuntang laughed heartily: "Great! Aim at that flagship! Sink it!"
However, the British fleet did not collapse.
Colonel James gritted his teeth and ordered, "Concentrate firepower and attack the Qing ship on the left!"
Although the British artillery had insufficient range, it was extremely accurate, and several shells were fired straight at the Qing army's "Jinghai".
With a loud bang, the Jinghai was hit on the side, the ship rocked violently, and sailors on the deck fell to the ground.
Lan Dingyuan's face darkened: "Order the 'Jinghai' to withdraw from the battle, and the rest of the ships to provide cover!"
Yun Si quickly commanded nearby warships to form a barrier, and the interwoven cannon fire forced the British fleet to retreat.
Meanwhile, the sailors of the "Jinghai" fought hard to extinguish the fire and temporarily sealed the breach with wooden planks, barely managing to stabilize the ship.
The battle lasted for two full hours, and the British fleet ultimately retreated in disarray due to heavy losses.
Debris and thick smoke floated on the sea, and the Qing sailors erupted in deafening cheers.
Although the Qing army won, the "Jinghai" frigate was hit on the side by a chain shot during the melee, causing the ship to list and seawater to flood into the lower deck.
Lan Dingyuan immediately ordered: "Damage control team, do everything you can to repair the damage! Transfer the wounded to the neighboring ship!"
Sailors braved thick smoke and flames to urgently plug the leak with wooden wedges and canvas.
Yinzhi personally supervised the battle aboard the "Jinghai" ship. Seeing the damage control team leader, soaked to the bone yet still insisting on giving orders, he nodded approvingly: "A true hero! I will certainly recommend you for merit when we return to the capital!"
Ultimately, the "Jinghai" was barely saved with the help of a friendly ship, but it needed to return to port for major repairs.
Yinzhi ordered the fleet to anchor in Luzon for rest and recuperation, and at the same time sent fast ships to report the victory to the capital.
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