78: Chapter 78 A Great Victory

The news of the United Fleet's annihilation swept across all of East Asia and even the entire world like a hurricane.

The headline in the British "The Times" read: "Great Far East Naval Battle: The United Fleet annihilated, Admiral Fisher killed in action."

The headline in the Meijian Country "New York Times" read: "Li Ling of Qingxia Kingdom defeats the United Fleet, the landscape of East Asia may be reshaped."

The headline in the German Empire "Berlin Daily" read: "Our ally, Li Ling, has achieved an earth-shattering victory!"

The newspapers of Japan were filled with wailing: "The United Fleet has been annihilated, the imperial navy has suffered a devastating blow!"

Meanwhile, the newspapers of Qingxia Kingdom used the most enthusiastic and exaggerated language to praise this great victory.

The headline in the "Qingxia Daily" read: "Sea God Li Ling, one battle settles the world! The United Fleet reduced to ashes!"

The common people ran to tell each other, setting off firecrackers to celebrate the victory. Those days of being bullied by foreign powers and harassed by the Woying invaders seemed to be gone forever. And the one who brought all this about was that young general—Li Ling.

But Li Ling had no time to celebrate.

After the battle ended, he immediately ordered the fleet to launch a pursuit, giving the enemy no chance to catch their breath.

"Pass the order: all Dreadnoughts, Cruisers, Torpedo boats, and Submarines are to sortie! Search for the remaining enemy; sink what you can sink, capture what you can capture, do not let a single one escape!"

"Yes!"

The fleet scattered, conducting a carpet search across the sea.

A Japan Destroyer attempted to flee to the high seas but was chased down by the dragon might. A single shell struck its engine room, causing it to lose power and forcing it to surrender.

Two Meijian Country Cruisers hid behind reefs, attempting to wait for Li Ling's fleet to leave before fleeing, but they were discovered by a Submarine. A volley of six torpedoes was fired, and both Cruisers were sunk.

A British supply ship disguised itself as a merchant vessel, mixing in with fishing boats in an attempt to slip through, but it was spotted by a reconnaissance plane. A Torpedo boat caught up and boarded it for inspection, discovering a large quantity of ammunition and military supplies; the captain was taken prisoner.

In three days, Li Ling's fleet sank or captured over twenty enemy ships, completely clearing the battlefield.

When the last enemy ship was sunk, Li Ling stood on the bridge of the dragon might, looking down at the battlefield with an expressionless face.

"Host, in this battle, the main force of the United Fleet was completely destroyed. The navies of Japan, Meijian Country, and Britain have all suffered heavy losses and will be unable to commit aggression again in the short term."

"I know," Li Ling nodded, "but it is not enough."

"Does the host mean...?"

"Japan has not yet surrendered," Li Ling said coldly. "Their Army is still on the soil of Qingxia Kingdom, and their Emperor is still dreaming in his palace. As long as they do not surrender, this war is not over."

"What does the host intend to do?"

"Fight," Li Ling said without hesitation. "Fight until they surrender."

He turned and walked back to his cabin, spread out the nautical chart, and began to formulate the next operational plan.

Just then, the adjutant knocked and entered: "Sir, Her Royal Highness the Princess has sent a congratulatory letter to celebrate your victory."

Li Ling took the letter and opened it; the Princess's handwriting was elegant and neat:

"My husband, I congratulate you on your great victory. The United Fleet has been annihilated, and the coastal people are rejoicing, all calling you the 'Sea God'. Although I live in seclusion, I am proud of you. I hope for your early triumphant return, and I shall cook for you myself to celebrate your success. — Your wife, Princess Zaiyi."

After reading the letter, the corners of Li Ling's mouth curled up slightly.

"Her Highness certainly knows how to speak well," he said to the system.

"Host, the Princess's favorability has reached ninety-five."

"So fast?"

"Seeing you achieve such a great victory, she admires and adores you even more."

"That is true," Li Ling said proudly. "It seems I have quite a lot of charm."

"Host, the system reminds you not to get too carried away. Although the United Fleet has been annihilated, Japan, Meijian Country, and Britain will not let it rest. They will certainly attempt a comeback."

"I know," Li Ling said, putting away his smile. "So I must beat Japan down before they can react."

Just then, someone knocked on the door again. This time, it was someone from the intelligence department.

"Sir, the latest intelligence," the intelligence officer handed over a document. "Japan is in chaos. After the news of the United Fleet's annihilation arrived, the cabinet collapsed, the Navy Minister resigned in disgrace, and the Emperor is furious. Anti-war sentiment among the people is high, and some have even taken to the streets to protest, demanding an end to the war."

"Good," Li Ling's eyes lit up. "This is exactly our opportunity."

He pointed to the Japan mainland on the chart: "Pass the order: the First Fleet (six Dreadnoughts, three Pre-dreadnoughts) is to sortie in full force to blockade the coast of Japan. The Second Fleet (Cruisers and Destroyers) is responsible for escort and patrol. Submarines and Torpedo boats are to raid enemy ports and supply lines."

"Sir, are you intending to...?"

"Besiege them," Li Ling said coldly. "I want them to run out of ammunition and food, forcing them to surrender."

"Yes!"

After the order was issued, Li Ling's fleet sailed majestically toward the coast of Japan.

Along the way, they did not encounter any resistance. The United Fleet had been annihilated, and the remnants of the Japan navy were huddled in their ports, not daring to come out. The fleets of Meijian Country and Britain had also withdrawn to their homelands and could not provide support in the short term.

Li Ling's fleet was like a giant pair of iron pincers, tightly gripping the throat of Japan.

In the first month of the blockade, material shortages began to appear within Japan. Food, fuel, ammunition, steel... everything was rising in price, and the lives of the common people were becoming increasingly difficult.

In the second month, famine began to spread. The price of food skyrocketed, and ordinary people could not afford rice, having to eat wild vegetables and tree bark. In some places, there were even tragedies of cannibalism.

In the third month, anti-war sentiment reached its peak. The people took to the streets, shouting slogans like "End the war" and "Down with the government." The military also began to destabilize, with some junior officers even plotting a coup.

The Japan government fell into a desperate situation.

They attempted to negotiate with Li Ling, but Li Ling had only one condition—unconditional surrender.

The Japan government refused to accept it, so Li Ling continued the blockade.

In the fourth month, Japan finally could not hold out any longer. The Emperor was forced to issue an imperial edict of surrender, announcing unconditional surrender.

When the news arrived, Li Ling stood on the bridge of the dragon might and let out a long sigh of relief.

"Won."

"Yes, Host, won."

"System, tell me, was this war worth it?"

"Host, you should ask yourself that question."

Li Ling was silent for a long time, then said: "It was worth it. Because from now on, no one will dare to bully us again."

He turned around and looked at the distant sea. The surface of the sea was sparkling, and seagulls were flying in the sky.

"Pass the order: the fleet is to return."

"Yes!"

The fleet slowly sailed back to the port. The port was crowded with people waiting to welcome them. The common people waved flags, shouting "Long live Young Master Li." Princess Zaiyi, Empress Su Wanqing, and Emily were all waiting on the pier.

Li Ling walked down the gangway, and the three women immediately surrounded him.

"My husband, you are back!" The Princess's eyes were red.

"Brother Ling!" Empress Su Wanqing threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.

"Li Ling, are you okay?" Emily also hugged him.

Li Ling was hugged so tightly by the three women that he couldn't breathe: "It's fine, it's fine, I'm doing just fine."

[Host, are you sure you are doing fine? The system detects that your blood pressure is a bit high.]

"Shut up!" Li Ling scolded in his heart.

That evening, Li Ling held a banquet at his residence to reward the meritorious soldiers. The Princess, Empress Su Wanqing, and Emily all attended.

After three rounds of drinks, Li Ling stood up and raised his glass.

"This battle, our victory, does not rely on me alone," he looked around. "It relies on the soldiers who fought bloody battles, it relies on the support of the common people in the rear, and it relies on the assistance of my wives."

The Princess and the others blushed slightly.

"I, Li Ling, swear here," he raised his glass. "From now on, no one is allowed to bully us! Whoever dares to come, we will fight back!"

"Fight back!" The soldiers shouted in unison.

After the banquet ended, Li Ling returned to his study, sat in a chair, and let out a long sigh.

"System, after this battle, our power has reached its peak."

"Yes, Host. The United Fleet has been annihilated, Japan has surrendered, and the foreign powers are temporarily unable to interfere. The Host can now focus on developing domestic affairs and preparing to unify the country."

"I know," Li Ling nodded, "but there is one more thing to do."

"What thing?"

"The engagement with the German Princess," Li Ling said. "I promised Kaiser Wilhelm II that we would marry next year."

"Host, you already have three confidantes, and adding the German Princess, can you handle it?"

"I can handle it," Li Ling laughed. "As a man, the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility."

"The Host is just making excuses for your own philandering."

"This is called seeking truth from facts," Li Ling said righteously.

"...The system cannot be bothered to roast you."

Li Ling laughed out loud.

Outside the window, the night was deep.

A new day was about to begin.