41: Chapter 41 The First Major Naval Battle (Prelude)

## I. The Calm Before the Storm

In the late autumn of 1899, the sea breeze, carrying a salty and fishy scent, swept across every inch of the southeast coast of Qingxia Kingdom.

Li Ling stood on the observation tower of the naval port. Through his binoculars, three Pre-dreadnoughts lay quietly at anchor, like three sleeping behemoths. Around the port, on the newly constructed fortifications, soldiers were busily moving ammunition crates; the atmosphere was suffocatingly tense.

"System, do you think Japan is serious this time?"

[System prompt: According to intelligence analysis, the main force of the Japan United Fleet has finished assembling, including a mixed fleet commanded by the military advisory group of the great powers, with a total of about 30 vessels, including 8 capital ships. They are expected to arrive in our waters within 48 hours.]

Li Ling lowered his binoculars and rubbed his temples.

Three days ago, intelligence personnel lurking in Japan sent back urgent news—Japan had united with other great powers to form a massive fleet, targeting his naval base. This fleet not only had Japan's own capital ships but also old-fashioned Cruisers provided by Meijian Country, military advisors sent by the British, and even several supply ships flying the flags of "neutral countries".

"Good grief, they're trying to gang up on me." A cold sneer tugged at the corners of Li Ling's mouth.

[System prompt: Host, the enemy's strength this time far exceeds the past. It is recommended to make full preparations.]

"I know." Li Ling turned and walked down the observation tower. "However, I am no longer the Li Ling who only had three small, broken ships."

## II. Pre-battle Meeting

The naval port command post was thick with smoke.

Li Ling summoned all the naval generals, including young officers trained in the system's training camp. A huge sea chart hung on the wall, marked with dense shipping lanes.

"Everyone," Li Ling pointed to the sea chart, "the Japan United Fleet will attack from the southeast. Their goal is our naval port and shipbuilding base. Once they succeed, all our hard work over the past few years will be for nothing."

A middle-aged general with a short beard stood up: "Commander, our army currently has three Pre-dreadnoughts, twelve Torpedo boats, plus coastal defense batteries; we may not be without the strength to fight."

Li Ling nodded, then shook his head: "In terms of force comparison, we are indeed not at a major disadvantage. But the problem is that there are military advisors from the great powers in the enemy fleet, and they have some understanding of our tactics. Moreover..." He paused, "Most of our officers and soldiers have never experienced a real large-scale naval battle."

The command post fell silent.

Everyone knew that although they had won the previous naval battles, those were small-scale engagements, at most duels between a dozen ships. But this time, the enemy was almost throwing everything they had at them.

"So," Li Ling's voice suddenly became relaxed, "I have decided not to go head-to-head with them."

The generals looked at each other.

Li Ling pointed to a location on the sea chart: "Here, in the sea area eighty nautical miles from our port, there is a cluster of reefs. We can use the terrain to lure the enemy in, and then..."

He made a closing gesture.

"Catching a turtle in a jar!"

## III. Late Night Conspiracy

After the meeting ended, Li Ling remained in the command post alone.

[System prompt: Host, your plan has some feasibility, but the risk is also very high. Although the enemy's Radar detection capability is backward, the great power advisors might see through your lure tactics.]

"That's why I need your help." Li Ling leaned back in his chair, looking at the ceiling, "System, give me a suggestion."

[System prompt: It is recommended to use the maneuverability advantage of our fleet to first take out the enemy's reconnaissance ships, making them lose their source of intelligence. Then send out Torpedo boats to conduct night harassment, consuming the enemy's energy and ammunition. Finally, use the main fleet for a decisive battle.]

"Good idea." Li Ling sat up straight, "However, I need more detailed intelligence. Where is the enemy fleet now?"

[System prompt: Accessing Radar System data... Enemy fleet location locked. About 120 nautical miles from our port, speed 12 knots, expected to reach the outer warning line tomorrow evening.]

Li Ling stood up, walked to the sea chart, and drew a circle on it with a pencil.

"Tomorrow evening..." he muttered to himself, "The timing is just right."

He picked up the phone on the table and dialed the channel for the Special Forces: "It's me. I have a mission for you. Depart early tomorrow morning, targeting the enemy fleet's supply convoy. Remember, don't get bogged down in fighting; destroy the supplies and withdraw."

A low voice came from the other end of the phone: "Understood."

After hanging up, Li Ling dialed another number: "Empress Su Wanqing, are you still at the port?"

"I am. What's the matter?" Empress Su Wanqing's gentle voice came over the phone.

"Nothing much, just wanted to hear your voice." Li Ling smiled, "There might be a tough battle tomorrow, I wanted to..."

"Don't say it." Empress Su Wanqing interrupted him, "I know what you want to say. But Li Ling, I'm not afraid. From the day I decided to follow you, I have been prepared for everything."

"You..." Li Ling's voice choked up.

"You must come back alive." Empress Su Wanqing said, "I'll be waiting for you."

After hanging up the phone, Li Ling took a deep breath.

[System prompt: Host, you seem very nervous.]

"Nonsense, this is a battle that concerns our survival." Li Ling smiled bitterly, "System, do you think I can win?"

[System prompt: According to data analysis, the probability of the host winning is 68.7%.]

"Less than 70 percent?" Li Ling frowned.

[System prompt: If the host can fully utilize tactical advantages, the probability of winning can be increased to 78.2%. In addition, the system will provide necessary support at critical moments.]

"That's more like it." Li Ling stood up, "Let's go check on the fleet."

## IV. Fleet Departs

At four in the morning, the sky was not yet bright.

The naval port was brightly lit; thick black smoke was already billowing from the funnels of the three Pre-dreadnoughts. Sailors were running around busily, moving ammunition, checking equipment, and everyone's face carried a mixture of tension and excitement.

Li Ling stood on the bridge of the flagship "warship" and watched the busy port.

"Report, Commander, all ships are ready and can leave the port at any time." The adjutant ran over and saluted.

"Depart." Li Ling commanded briefly.

The ship's whistle blew long and loud, and the three Pre-dreadnoughts slowly left the dock, followed closely by the twelve Torpedo boats. The fleet formed a battle formation and sailed towards the southeast.

On the sea, mist filled the air, and visibility was less than five hundred meters.

"Such weather is favorable to us." Li Ling said to the Chief of Staff beside him, "The enemy's line of sight is limited, and our Radar can come into play."

The Chief of Staff nodded: "Commander, the Radar station has been turned on and is monitoring the enemy's movements at all times."

Just at this moment, the Radar operator suddenly reported: "Target detected! Southeast direction, distance eighty nautical miles, multiple targets, fast speed, should be enemy reconnaissance ships!"

Li Ling's eyes lit up: "Just in time!"

He walked quickly to the sea chart and calculated rapidly: "Order the second and third Torpedo boat squadrons to outflank from the left and right wings and take out the enemy's reconnaissance ships. The main fleet will continue to advance."

"Yes!"

The Torpedo boats, like cheetahs on the sea, quickly broke away from the formation and disappeared into the mist.

Fifteen minutes later, a dull explosion came from the distance.

"Report! The second squadron sank one enemy reconnaissance ship! The third squadron is pursuing another!"

"Good!" Li Ling clenched his fists, "Maintain vigilance, main fleet accelerate!"

[System prompt: The enemy's main fleet has sensed our actions and is adjusting its formation. It is expected to make contact with us in two hours.]

"Two hours..." Li Ling took a deep breath, "That's enough."

## V. First Engagement

At eight in the morning, the mist gradually dissipated.

On the sea level, dense ship shadows appeared.

Li Ling raised his binoculars, and the enemy fleet's lineup came into view. Eight capital ships were arranged in two columns, surrounded by more than a dozen Cruisers and Destroyers, rushing over aggressively.

"Truly a big move." Li Ling sneered, "However, want to rely on numbers to bully the few? Dream on!"

He lowered his binoculars and ordered: "Pass the order, all ships enter combat positions. Main guns aim at the enemy flagship, wait for my command."

"Yes!"

The three twin-mounted main guns of the "warship" slowly turned, their huge barrels pointing into the distance. The other two Pre-dreadnoughts also prepared for battle.

The enemy was getting closer and closer.

Ten nautical miles, eight nautical miles, five nautical miles...

"Fire!"

At Li Ling's command, the main guns of the "warship" fired first, the huge roar deafening. The shells tore through the sky and landed near the enemy fleet, kicking up huge water columns.

Immediately after, the other two Pre-dreadnoughts also fired.

The enemy fleet began to counterattack, shells falling like raindrops around our fleet.

"Full rudder to the left!" Li Ling commanded calmly, "Keep your distance, don't let them get close!"

"warship" turned flexibly, avoiding a salvo. At the same time, the Torpedo boats launched attacks from the flanks, firing rows of torpedoes.

The enemy's Cruisers had to turn to avoid them, and their formation began to become chaotic.

"Good opportunity!" Li Ling's eyes lit up, "Concentrate fire, take out their flagship!"

The main guns of the three Pre-dreadnoughts aimed at the enemy flagship simultaneously. After a salvo, the enemy flagship was hit, and smoke rose from the bridge.

"Hit!"

The sailors cheered.

But Li Ling's expression remained solemn. Although the enemy fleet had lost its flagship, its combat power was still strong. Their Cruisers began to accelerate, attempting to close in on our fleet for torpedo attacks.

"Torpedo boats, stop them!" Li Ling ordered.

The Torpedo boat swarm rushed toward the enemy's Cruisers like a pack of wolves, and the two sides engaged in fierce fighting on the sea. Explosions occurred one after another, and the sea was full of fire and smoke.

The battle lasted for half an hour, and both sides suffered losses. We lost two Torpedo boats, and the enemy lost one Cruiser and three Destroyers.

"Commander, ammunition consumption is too high, should we retreat?" the Chief of Staff reminded.

Li Ling looked at the sea chart: "Hold on a little longer, our lure plan has not yet been completed."

He picked up the binoculars and observed the enemy fleet's movements. Although the enemy's main force was somewhat chaotic, it still maintained its combat capability.

Just at this moment, the Radar operator suddenly reported: "New target detected! Behind, distance thirty nautical miles, multiple large vessels, should be the enemy's reinforcement fleet!"

Li Ling was shocked, but his face remained calm: "So they really had a backup. Pass the order, all retreat, act according to plan."

"Yes!"

Our fleet began to turn and retreat toward the predetermined sea area. Seeing this, the enemy thought we were no match and immediately pursued at full speed.

"Chase, chase..." Li Ling watched the pursuers behind him, a cold sneer at the corner of his mouth, "Once you reach the reef cluster, you'll see what's coming to you."

## VI. The Storm Comes

At three in the afternoon, our fleet arrived at the reef sea area.

The seabed terrain here was complex, with dense reefs, and only local fishermen knew the safe shipping lanes. Li Ling had long since had people survey a detailed sea chart and mark the locations of all the reefs.

"Attention all ships, sail according to the predetermined route, do not deviate." Li Ling ordered.

The fleet slowly sailed into the reef area, weaving between the rocks.

Fifteen minutes later, the enemy fleet also chased to the edge of the reef area.

"They have stopped." The Chief of Staff reported.

Li Ling picked up the binoculars. Sure enough, the enemy fleet stopped outside the reef area, seemingly hesitating whether to chase in.

"Want to run?" Li Ling sneered, "Too late!"

He ordered: "Pass the order, Torpedo boats attack from both sides of the reef area, cut off their retreat. Main fleet turn around, prepare to counterattack!"

"Yes!"

Just at this moment, the enemy fleet suddenly began to turn, seemingly sensing danger.

"Want to run? It's too late!" Li Ling waved his hand, "All forces attack!"

The three Pre-dreadnoughts killed their way out of the reef area, main guns firing in unison, shells landing in the enemy fleet. Torpedo boats outflanked from both sides, launching dense torpedoes.

The enemy fleet fell into chaos, some ships tried to turn and escape but hit reefs; some were hit by torpedoes and caught fire; others were hit by our main guns, their hulls cracked, and they slowly sank.

"Well fought!" Li Ling patted the railing excitedly.

Just at this moment, a shell landed near the "warship", the huge shockwave almost making Li Ling fall.

"Report, hit on the port side! Armor damaged, but no major issues!"

"Continue attacking!" Li Ling steadied himself, "Don't give them a chance to catch their breath!"

The battle lasted for an hour, and the enemy fleet suffered heavy losses. Three of the eight capital ships were sunk, two were seriously damaged, and most of the other ships were also damaged. More than half of the Cruisers and Destroyers were lost.

In the end, the enemy commander ordered a retreat. The remaining ships fled the battlefield in a panic.

"Pursue or not?" the Chief of Staff asked.

Li Ling shook his head: "Forget it, don't pursue a desperate enemy. Our ammunition is not much left either, let's go back and rest first."

He stood on the bridge, looking at the smoky sea, and let out a long breath.

"This battle, we won."

[System prompt: First Large-Scale Naval Battle (Prelude) victory. Host receives one lucky draw opportunity. Enemy losses: 3 capital ships sunk, 2 seriously damaged, 11 Cruisers and Destroyers lost. Our losses: 3 Torpedo boats sunk, 1 Pre-dreadnought lightly damaged.]

"How are the casualties?" Li Ling asked.

"87 officers and soldiers died, 156 injured." The adjutant reported in a low voice.

Li Ling was silent for a while, then said: "After going back, bury the fallen brothers properly, and double the pension."

"Yes!"

[System prompt: Host, you performed very well.]

"Not enough yet." Li Ling shook his head, "This is just the prelude, the real decisive battle is still to come."

He looked into the distance, where the main force of the Japan United Fleet was still watching covetously.

"Next time, I will make sure they never return."