Chapter 120: Naval Battle On The 28th Of The Twelfth Month
Lin Qian instructed Stonemason Chu on the improvement directions for the cement mortar, then returned to the dock, just in time to catch the guard who had gone out early to inquire about the merchants’ news reporting back.
“Helmsman, I asked at the dock, there are about ten merchants who regularly come to the island who haven’t come recently.
Some merchants are setting up stalls on shore, and some haven’t been seen, they should be preparing for the New Year at home.”
Lin Qian nodded: “Got it.”
The guard withdrew, and Lin Qian said to Lu Zhou: “Send a sharp one to Shen’ao to ask about Huang Hetai’s rewards for exterminating Li Zhong, and then call Bai Qing to the Captain’s Cabin.”
Lu Zhou: “Yes!”
A quarter of an hour later, there was a knock at the door of the Santa Ana Captain’s Cabin.
“Come in.” Lin Qian stood with his hands behind his back, facing the window as he spoke.
Bai Qing walked in: “Helmsman, you wanted to see me?”
Lin Qian turned to look at her. Since Bai Qing joined under Lin Qian, although she had experienced several dangers, she finally had a foothold on shore, and with sufficient nutrition, her skin had become much fairer, and she now looked somewhat like a woman.
“Sit.” Lin Qian pointed to the oval dining table, “Pour yourself a cup of tea.”
Bai Qing picked up the teapot from the brazier, poured a cup of tea, and the Captain’s Cabin was filled with the fresh fragrance of Longjing Tea. She originally wanted to pour a cup for Lin Qian too, but he refused.
“Are you used to life on the island?” Lin Qian chatted casually.
Bai Qing held her teacup and smiled: “I’m used to it. These days are something I never even dreamed of when I was on the ship before.”
Next, Lin Qian chatted with her a few words about family matters, then suddenly changed the subject and asked: “What are your plans for the future?”
Bai Qing was somewhat puzzled: “Naturally, to continue serving the Helmsman.”
Lin Qian: “With your abilities, isn’t it a waste to just be an ordinary crew member?”
“Helmsman, I…”
Lin Qian raised his hand, interrupting Bai Qing.
“I’ve decided to make you the Ship Master of Sea Wolf One Ship.”
Bai Qing was overjoyed and stood up, cupping her fists: “Thank you, Helmsman!”
Including the batch of Haicang Ships armed with Franchi Cannons on the fifteenth of the tenth lunar month, Lin Qian now had a total of ten Sea Wolf-class Frigates under his command.
None of the ships had confirmed formal Ship Masters; they all only had temporary ones. Bai Qing was the first formally appointed Ship Master, showing the importance placed on her.
Lin Qian: “Once you’re Ship Master, you can’t continue being illiterate. In your free time from now on, go learn to read with the mister on the island, got it?”
“Yes!” Like Bai Langzai, Bai Qing did not resist learning to read and write.
Lin Qian continued: “There’s one matter that requires you to make a trip.”
“Please give your orders, Helmsman.”
“Go back to Huangyan, inquire about news from Lin Mansion, and by the way, visit that mad concubine from Lin Mansion.”
Bai Qing asked: “Do you mean to silence her, Helmsman?”
Lin Qian shook his head: “Just visit. Even if someone has already questioned her, do not touch her. Act discreetly, and don’t let anyone notice.”
“Yes.”
Lin Qian said: “Go on, and bring Third Brother to me.”
Bai Qing acknowledged and went out. After a while, Lei Sanxiang pushed the door open, rubbed his hands, and said: “What does the Helmsman want with me?”
Lin Qian: “I’ve appointed Bai Qing as Ship Master of Sea Wolf One Ship, Sea Wolf Two by Zheng Aqi as Ship Master, Number Three Ship Master Shi Kai, Number Four Ship Master Mu San.”
Except for Bai Qing, the other three had been temporary Ship Masters before and performed excellently during the siege of the Caravel.
Appointing these three as Ship Masters was both a reward and an affirmation of their abilities.
Lei Sanxiang acknowledged and noted it down.
Lin Qian continued to instruct: “There’s one more thing. I’m preparing to expand recruitment of crew members.”
He originally had four hundred crew members under him, and when the four departments were established, he had already recruited an additional hundred people.
Now, with the refit of the ten Sea Wolf-class Frigates completed, these five hundred people were already stretched thin.
Including the gunners and sailors needed for the ten Sea Wolf-class Frigates, this time he needed to recruit another three hundred people, bringing the total crew to eight hundred.
During this period, the fleet went to the outer seas for training every few days. When there weren’t enough personnel, ordinary islanders often filled in, and over time, many good sailors had been trained. Selecting crew members was not an issue.
Lei Sanxiang acknowledged the matter.
Lin Qian said: “Using this recruitment of crew members, also compile a list of crew members, and on the list, note their ages and family situations.”
Lei Sanxiang said awkwardly: “Helmsman, we’re all rough men, why compile a list?”
Lin Qian knocked and said: “Literacy sweeping on the island has been going on for over a month, and you’re still calling yourself a rough man? How many characters does Third Brother know now?”
Lei Sanxiang scratched his head and grinned: “I can write my name.”
Lin Qian sighed: “Third Brother, don’t forget, your position as Department Head of the Military and Guard Department is only temporary. After the New Year exams, if you can’t read, you’ll still be replaced.”
Lei Sanxiang grumbled: “Replace me if you must. I still think firing cannons at sea is more straightforward.”
Lin Qian smiled. Although Lei Sanxiang was unlearned and unskilled, he was straightforward and did not crave power.
Originally, the four departments on the island were only temporary institutions. Having sworn brothers temporarily act as Department Heads was overkill. Since Lei Sanxiang did not like the position, replacing him later would cause less awkwardness, and there was nothing wrong with that.
Lin Qian said: “No matter what, until the Department Head of the Military and Guard Department is replaced, you must do the job well. If there are no literate clerks in the Military and Guard Department, go find some on the island. There will always be a way.”
“Alright.” Lei Sanxiang agreed.
Not long after Lei Sanxiang left the Captain’s Cabin, Lu Zhou knocked and came in.
“Helmsman, the brother who went to Shen’ao is back.”
Lin Qian was reading the latest issue of the Official Gazette and, without lifting his eyes, asked: “The court’s rewards haven’t come down yet, right?”
Lu Zhou was stunned and said: “No.”
“Because of the turmoil in the court?”
Lu Zhou’s eyes widened. He didn’t understand how the Helmsman, who clearly hadn’t gone to Shen’ao Port, seemed to have heard the news firsthand. He sincerely praised: “Helmsman, you predict things like a god. That’s exactly what Garrison Commander Huang said.”
“Got it.” Lin Qian said indifferently.
Lu Zhou exited the Captain’s Cabin with reverence, carefully closing the door.
Lin Qian put down the Official Gazette, turned to face the window, and saw that between the mountains and sea, the sky was dark, leaden clouds hung low, inky waves surged, presenting a scene of impending wind and snow.
The Official Gazette on the table was the edition from the tenth of the first lunar month of Taichang First Year, over half a month ago.
The content of the Official Gazette was extremely bold and direct, with unreserved wording, and one could smell the intrigue in the court from between the lines.
The opening of the Official Gazette was the 《Direct Remonstrance Against the Evil Faction Memorial》 jointly submitted by Zheng Zongzhou, Ma Fenggao, and several other imperial censors, naming and criticizing Li Kezhuo and Cui Wensheng for being quack doctors harming the country, directly pointing out that their backers were several Chu Faction officials, demanding severe punishment, and by the way also attacking Chief Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe.
The memorial’s language was sharp, as if wishing to plainly state that the Chu Faction offered the Red Pill and poisoned the Taichang Emperor.
Next was Yang Lian’s 《Please Investigate the Palace Relocation Case Memorial》, with its spearhead directly aimed at the rear palace eunuch clique, naming and cursing the eunuch Li Jinzhong, Li Xuanshi’s trusted aide, and by the way also harshly cursing Chief Grand Secretary Fang Congzhe for being too incompetent and cowardly.
It greatly meant to take advantage of the topic to suppress the eunuchs and the Zhe Faction.
Zhe Faction leader Fang Congzhe ended up unpopular inside and out, submitting multiple memorials to resign, all not approved.
In the Official Gazette, memorials on the Red Pill Case and Palace Relocation Case were endless, brilliant and varied. In comparison, even the memorial from Liaodong Regional Commander Yuan Yingtai seemed insignificant.
At this time of intense factional strife, the court couldn’t even care about Liaodong. Naturally, the minor achievement of exterminating sea bandit Li Zhong was buried within it, which was reasonable.
Lin Qian’s gaze stared at the northeastern sea surface. Although all that could be seen was inky seawater, he knew that forty li away was Zhelin Bay.
The Nan’ao Vice General’s ships for transporting goods usually docked at Zhelin Bay.
He had already had Bai Langzai watching Zhelin Bay for over half a month. Approaching the New Year, cargo ships in Zhelin Bay rarely departed, and most navy officers were in the barracks not coming out, seemingly preparing to welcome the New Year.
Everything seemed too reasonable.
……
The twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month, night.
Approaching the New Year, Fujian-Guangdong people lit oil lamps and candles, and every household transmitted the sound of pounding rice to make rice cakes.
Even after nightfall, the north wind carried the sweet fragrance of fried jujubes and baked cakes.
At the water village in Zhelin Bay, Nan’ao Vice General Ma Chenglie faced the sea, standing with hands behind his back, brows tightly furrowed.
Ma Chenglie was nearly fifty, often living on shore, well-maintained and looking young, with only some white hair at his temples.
At this time, he wore cotton armor, the polished wrought iron arm guards emitting cold gleams, even his paunchy belly hidden by the majestic armor, looking as valiant as his thirty-year-old self.
In front of Ma Chenglie, three Da Fu Ships were moored in the harbor, one of which was loaded with over ten heavy Franchi Cannons.
Surrounding the Fuchuan Ships, there were two ordinary Fuchuan Ships, over twenty Haicang Ships, and further out over twenty Cangshan Ships, interspersed with dozens of Bird Ships.
On the dock piers, soldiers from each ship were calling roll to board, and some were carrying armaments onto the ships, busy without stop.
This was Ma Chenglie’s entire foundation. Today, he was staking everything to eradicate the sea bandits on Nan’ao Island!
For today’s battle, he had prepared fully for two months.
Two months ago, in his residence in Chaozhou Prefecture City, he was just enjoying his concubine’s jade lips when he suddenly received an official document from the Ministry of War.
Upon opening it, it turned out to be a copy of the Report of Merit from Haimen Guard Commander, and the account of the “plunder of Lin Mansion” was almost identical to the Report of Merit previously written by Huang Hetai.
Ma Chenglie immediately guessed that Huang Hetai was hiding something from him. No longer caring about the dalliance, he hurriedly assembled his men, went to Zhelin Bay, and took small boats to the island.
Halfway through the voyage, seeing the bustling scene of ships coming and going at Houjiang Bay dock, and the Nan’ao City that had risen from flat ground, Ma Chenglie suddenly felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, dizzy, with cold hands and feet.
Combining the two Reports of Merit for killing Li Kuiqi and Li Zhong, Ma Chenglie vaguely guessed what had happened on the island.
Failure to guard the territory—his crime warranted execution!
After a bout of panic and shortness of breath, Ma Chenglie calmed down and carefully analyzed the causes and effects.
Now, the matter of Nan’ao Island being occupied by bandits was still unknown to shore officials, and the court was busy with factional attacks every day, with no time for other matters.
As long as he could quickly retake Nan’ao Island, everything could still be salvaged.
Therefore, Ma Chenglie did not report the matter upward. Upon returning to shore, he recalled the warships from various cargo transport locations and secretly searched among the people for merchants who had been to the island, capturing and torturing them severely.
From the merchants’ mouths, Ma Chenglie learned that the bandits on the island were only a few thousand rabble, with no ships larger than Haicang Ships except for one foreigners’ large ship, and he immediately felt reassured.
Ma Chenglie had eighty household soldiers under him and borrowed troops from an acquainted Fujian-Guangdong garrison Commander, assembling nearly two hundred household soldiers. Just these people were enough to sweep the bandits on Nan’ao Island.
Moreover, he had over a thousand camp soldiers. He hadn’t deducted too harshly from them; following behind the household soldiers to fight a downwind battle posed no problem.
To ensure complete success, Ma Chenglie deliberately chose to act on the twenty-eighth of the twelfth lunar month, to catch the island rabble off guard during the holiday and deliver a killing blow.
At this moment, everything was ready, and after more than two months of anxiety, enduring humiliation and bearing a heavy load, the time for harvest had finally arrived.
“Jia Three Ship, deck personnel all present.”
“Jia One Ship, deck personnel all present.”
“Jia Two Ship, deck personnel all present.”
Each ship loudly called roll, and the command voices echoed continuously in the harbor.
Household soldier Shi Jun trotted over from the harbor, his face armor clinking, saluted with cupped fists nearby: “General, all ships have full personnel, please board.”
“Mm.” Ma Chenglie stepped forward, boarded the stern deck of Number One Jia Da Fu Ship, stood before the five-color flag, took a deep breath: “Set out!”
Behind him, the flag soldier signaled the corresponding flag language.
The fleet formed a long dragon, slowly and steadily exiting the harbor.
After exiting the harbor, Ma Chenglie commanded Number One Jia Fuchuan Ship to sail east, to avoid detection by the bandits on Nan’ao Island.
After sailing east for a short half hour, he ordered the fleet to turn south.
He was precisely imitating the battle method of Qi Jiguang’s attack on Nan’ao Island that year: avoid naval battle, land at Yun’ao area in the south of the island, first seize Guo Lao Mountain, cut off the bandits’ connection with Shen’ao Port, then attack from high ground to destroy the bandits’ city stronghold.
Tonight there was no moon, the sea surface very dim, but under the hazy starlight, the general outline of Nan’ao Island could already be seen.
From afar, the bandits’ city stronghold in the island was brightly lit, seemingly pounding rice to make cakes under lamps.
In the outer bay of the port, only a few faint ship lanterns from sporadic patrols could be seen.
Soldiers never tire of deceit; since ancient times, holidays have been the prime choice for surprise attacks. The island bandits did not tighten patrols, instead showing a relaxed holiday attitude—truly a rabble!
Ma Chenglie felt utter contempt in his heart, even regretting the favors owed for borrowing troops.
After sailing south for another short half hour, the fleet arrived at the east side of Guo Lao Mountain, where Qing’ao Bay could be seen from afar.
Ma Chenglie saw that Qing’ao Bay beach was empty and unguarded, feeling even more disdainful.
Household soldier Shi Jun said: “General, since Qing’ao Bay has no defense, why not land here?”
Ma Chenglie shook his head: “This place has a gentle sandy beach, but the mountain road is steep and hard to climb, not the first choice for landing.”
With Qing’ao Bay so laxly defended, the defenses in the south of the island probably weren’t much stricter, so landing in the south of the island was naturally the most appropriate.
His route was identical to Qi Jiguang’s landing route that year. With Grand Secretary Qi’s precedent, he was ten percent confident of landing smoothly.
“After landing at Yun’ao in a moment, Shi Jun, you take fifty household retainers, plus two hundred camp soldiers, to hold Zhenxiong Pass.” Ma Chenglie had already begun arranging post-landing matters. “Also send thirty household soldiers to Shen’ao Port to capture Huang Hetai for me!”
“Yes!” Shi Jun saluted and accepted the order.
“Boom! Boom! Boom…”
As he spoke, a series of cannon blasts suddenly came from the sea surface.
By the time Ma Chenglie reacted, his ears were filled with the sound of cannonballs splashing into the sea.
One cannonball fell beside Number One Jia Da Fu Ship, the water column it splashed blown by the north wind into cold rain filling the sky, chilling to the bone.
“Front team, enemy contact!” Someone on the ship immediately shouted.
Shi Jun shouted loudly to the mast: “Enemy ship position?”
The lookout was sweating profusely on his forehead, scanning the sea surface back and forth, seeing only pitch blackness all around, with no trace of enemy ships.
Ma Chenglie calmed down: “Enemy ships have not lit ship lanterns. Watch for the flash of cannon muzzles!”
Another series of cannon blasts, with cannonballs continuously splashing into the surrounding seawater.
The stern of the adjacent Number Two Jia Ship was hit, wooden boards splintering and flying, the cannonball piercing through from the bow, the entire ship shot through by a twelve-pound solid iron shot.
Fortunately, Number Two Jia had high freeboard, and the impact point was above the waterline, so no flooding.
After the cannon blast, only the screams of the wounded on Number Two Jia could be heard.
“Enemy ship at the stern side rear, about two or three hundred paces away.” The lookout shouted.
Without the lookouts’ reminders, as soon as the cannons sounded, Ma Chenglie had looked toward the stern, and under the dim starlight, he indeed saw a massive black object floating on the sea, like a deep sea whale.
Soon, red flashes appeared around the black shadow, followed by another series of cannon blasts like rumbling thunder.
On the port rear of Number One Jia Fuchuan Ship, a Bird Ship was hit, its entire crew not even having time to scream before turning into a pile of flying blood and flesh with the splintered wood.
The enemy ship was too far away and positioned behind the fleet, making it difficult for the Da Fu Ships of Jia One, Jia Two, and Jia Three loaded with heavy Franchi Cannons to return fire.
For a moment, the fleet could only passively take hits.
Ma Chenglie’s mood plummeted, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He didn’t understand how the sea bandits’ fleet had suddenly appeared at the stern, as if… as if they were specifically waiting there.
“General, what do we do?” Shi Jun asked.
Ma Chenglie suppressed his unease. Though ambushed now, the enemy numbers were few, only one gunboat, and at several hundred paces, the hit rate was low, not yet a concern.
He pondered briefly and ordered in a deep voice: “Fleet continues forward to open sea, then turn to engage the enemy!”
“Yes!” Shi Jun loudly relayed the order.
Ma Chenglie’s navy had too many large and small ships with varying speeds; collective turning required a large expanse of open water.
Moreover, the distant gunboat was evidently broadside engaging; turning to chase would take time, allowing the navy to turn without cannon interference.
However, things did not go as wished. The rear gunboat kept tightly chasing the navy’s port rear, occasionally turning to bombard with starboard cannons.
Few navy ships were hit, but being chased like this severely damaged morale.
The navy fleet sailed all the way to the southwest of Nan’ao Island. Ma Chenglie saw that not only had the bandit gunboat not been shaken off, but the cannon fire was getting closer.
Ma Chenglie realized the enemy ship’s speed was too fast; his massive fleet could not shake it off no matter what, so he could only grit his teeth and turn.
With one order, Number One Jia Fuchuan Ship tacked in place to turn.
Visibility on the sea was too low; five-color flags were invisible, each ship lit ship lanterns, but amid the numerous lights, pyrotechnic signals were indistinguishable. Cannon blasts, wind and waves, screams were constant in the ears, making even shouted commands difficult.
In an instant, the navy was in chaos.
Two Haicang Ships collided while turning; one had its bow damaged, seawater flooding in, the hull tilting, several soldiers falling into the water and struggling.
The other had a hole in its hull, two cabins flooded, freeboard reduced by a large margin, deck almost level with the sea surface, waves directly surging onto the deck.
While the navy was in disarray, the ten Sea Wolf Ships lit their ship lanterns, set full sails, connected bow to stern in line, sailing in and cutting into the navy fleet within thirty paces.
Suddenly, guns and cannons fired together, sounding like hail hitting the ground, continuous. From afar, the unending side flashes of the ten Sea Wolf Ships were like a giant python writhing on the sea.
The nearby navy ships were in dire straits; decks swept as if by an invisible scythe, soldiers’ blood spraying, everywhere on sea surface, ship’s rails, bulwarks, masts, stern cabins hit, wood chips flying chaotically.
One navy Bird Ship was riddled by Franchi Cannons, seawater flooding into the cabins, half the hull sinking, no living soul left on its deck.
The Sea Wolf Ships’ momentum unabated, sailing from northeast to southwest along the navy fleet’s periphery, maintaining twenty to thirty paces distance, navy officers falling like harvested wheat wherever they went.
At the same time, Santa Ana’s cannons fired continuously. With the navy’s formation scattered over a large sea area, there was no worry of friendly fire.
In an instant, the navy fleet was attacked from front and rear, collapsing before the battle even started.
Bai Qing stood on the stern deck of Sea Wolf One Ship, personally at the helm. The Sea Wolf Ship was like a nimble dolphin in her hands, flexibly avoiding any oncoming navy ships.
At her side, the port gunners were operating the Franchi Cannons to fire.
The gunners worked in groups of five, positioned left and right of the cannon. After one shot, the starboard gunners removed the breech wedge, port gunners used a special iron hook to pull out the chamber and plunge it into a water basin beside, emitting a sizzling sound.
Two other gunners: one cleaned, dried, and refilled the chamber from the water basin; the other installed a new chamber.
The chamber contained nine solid iron balls wrapped in canvas, secured with rope, with a special tin base below. Foreigners called this grapeshot, specialized for close-range deck clearing.
After chamber loading, one starboard gunner reinserted the breech wedge, another adjusted the base wedge to control elevation.
Now the Sea Wolf Ship’s port side was full of enemy ships, no need to adjust azimuth; cannons loaded and fired.
The gunners, after long training, moved fluidly like flowing water, firing the cannons very quickly.
During Franchi Cannon reloading gaps, matchlock gunners also fired nonstop.
Wherever the Sea Wolf Ship went, navy decks were scenes of gore and blood rain, leaving behind shrill screams.
After a short half hour, the Sea Wolf Ship reached the southwest of the navy fleet when one navy Haicang Ship suddenly broke formation and charged fiercely at the Sea Wolf fleet.
Bai Qing immediately turned hard to starboard, avoiding collision while directing the rope men to change sails and telling the gunners: “Aim at the approaching ship and fire!”
“Yes!” The ship’s gun captain loudly relayed.
In moments, that Haicang Ship was enveloped in bullet rain; seven or eight soldiers in fine cotton armor were instantly turned into beehives.
Some hiding behind bulwarks were easily penetrated by grapeshot, the air thick with blood mist as if substantial.
Bai Qing steered Sea Wolf One past the bow of that Haicang Ship; onboard gunners pulled triggers, starting to clear its other side deck.
Sea Wolf Two following behind Bai Qing’s stern then fired on that Haicang Ship, cycling repeatedly.
This Haicang Ship that stuck its neck out endured the ravages of all ten Sea Wolf Ships in turn, its hull riddled, but due to its large size it wouldn’t sink. With no one alive on deck, it drifted southeast with the sea wind, like a riderless warhorse grazing on the battlefield.
Bai Qing turned hard to port, always maintaining twenty to thirty paces firing distance from the navy fleet.
By now, the Sea Wolf Ship had reached the fleet’s southern bias, where three tall navy Da Fu Ship warships could be seen from afar.
In naval combat, number of ships mattered little; tonnage was key—large ships naturally crushed small ones.
Da Fu Ships had high sides; Sea Wolf Ships firing at them had elevation, unable to clear decks like with Haicang Ships.
Moreover, Da Fu Ship bulwarks and decks had thicker timber; musket lead balls and Franchi grapeshot could hardly penetrate, firing at them just wasted gunpowder.
Bai Qing strictly remembered Lin Qian’s tactical positioning for Sea Wolf Ships: upon seeing Da Fu Ships, turn to sail into the outer seas and disengage.
Suddenly, a barrage from the Da Fu Ships; Number One Jia Da Fu Ship’s starboard five heavy Franchi Cannons fired.
Instantly, cannonballs whistled around the Sea Wolf Ship, splashing several water columns, cold rain sprinkling the deck.
Bai Qing turned the helm while loudly saying: “Course due south, change sails!”
Da Fu Ship cannon fire continued; Sea Wolf Ship fled south under fire, water mist along the course. Fortunately, distance was far, no hits, just lots of seawater splashed, somewhat disheveled.
The Sea Wolf Ship battle line sailed south over five hundred paces, then turned due north, avoiding the three Da Fu Ships’ broadsides, continuing to target the navy fleet’s soft targets.
