Naval Warfare

Six River Mouth.

This was where the many rivers and waterways of Lingzhou converged. Beside it lay a great lake called Hongtao, a hundred li around and of unknown depth. Six River Mouth commanded a strategic position and enjoyed the advantages of its waterways; it had always been a place armies fought to control.

At that moment, two fleets were slowly closing in on Hongtao Lake.

One fleet flew King Ding's banners. Its ships were numerous, their sails like clouds blotting out the sky and sun. They looked somewhat disorganized, though, as if they had only recently been assembled.

The other fleet was smaller, with only ten thousand men, but its morale was high. It flew Ma Meng's banners.

Aboard the flagship at the center, Wu Zhi was also studying the opposing fleet.

"I've heard that Ma Meng's navy is elite. Judging by its commands, even on the water its ranks obey orders to the letter and move as one. It truly is a powerful force!"

After a long while, she sighed softly. "I've heard these sailors were mostly water bandits before. How many talented people there are in this world!"

"Your Majesty!"

The assembled officers below—especially the naval commanders—could hardly keep a straight face when they heard this. They stepped forward and knelt. "We failed before and deserve a thousand deaths. Today, we beg Your Majesty for another chance, so we may atone through meritorious service!"

"Very well!"

Wu Zhi gave a slight nod, then named one man. "Chen Xun! I appoint you the vanguard today. Lead five ironclad ships and fifteen Turtle Ships to engage the enemy!"

"Understood!"

Chen Xun was an aristocrat from Lingzhou. At the order, he immediately left the flagship. Before long, a small squadron broke away from the immense fleet and headed toward the