Black Corporation: Joseon [EN]: Chapter 709

709. The Second Battle of the Yellow Sea (7)

The next day, as dawn broke, ships from all the Inner Sea Fleet’s naval ports set sail.

Cho Jin-woong, aboard the Challenger-class flagship, *Ganggyeok Ho* (Strong Strike), confirmed the situation.

“What about the scout ships and communication lines?”

“They set sail last night, so they should already be in position.”

“And the *Bigu* [kite-like surveillance devices]?”

“We launched them one *sh辰* [a traditional Chinese unit of time, approximately 2 hours] before the fleet’s departure.”

“I see…”

Nodding lightly, Cho Jin-woong studied the nautical chart, organizing his thoughts.

-A battle involving a total of 140 ships from both sides. Ultimately, the space where the battle can occur is limited.

-The scale of the Ming fleet dispatched this time is very small compared to the last war. This is partly because most are large battleships, but it’s mainly due to their belief in the super-giant battleships called ‘Twin-Headed Flame Dragons.’

-Because of their faith in those giant battleships, they will insist on a frontal confrontation.

-Furthermore, after annihilating our fleet, they will immediately sail up the Han River to stage a military demonstration in Seoul.

“Considering all this…”

Cho Jin-woong pointed to a small archipelago on the chart with his baton.

“This place, the vicinity of Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Island, is the most likely.”

During the last meeting, when Cho Jin-woong pointed out the area near Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Island as the likely battlefield, all the Inner Sea Fleet commanders agreed.

Therefore, the plan was for the battleships departing from the Inner Sea Fleet’s major naval ports—Seosan, Boryeong, Seocheon, and Gunsan—to converge near Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Island.

However, variables always exist, so Cho Jin-woong had dispatched scout ships at night and launched all communication lines and *Bigu*—both self-propelled flying *Bigu* and the existing *Bigu* tethered by ropes.

While the scout ships and self-propelled flying *Bigu* patrolled and scouted the area, the communication lines and older *Bigu* served as relays, sending the information they gathered back to him.

* * *

The Imperial Inner Sea Fleet’s concentration near Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Island occurred around the transition from *Sa Si* [9 AM to 11 AM] to *O Si* [11 AM to 1 PM].

At the head of the fleet were two Assault Turtle Ships, one in front and one behind, with Challenger-class battleships arrayed in a long line on either side.

And the fastest Haeung-class battleships formed a line at the rear of the fleet.

“Every time I see it, I can’t help but feel it’s a truly powerful fleet, especially those Assault Turtle Ships.”

The captain of the *Ganggyeok Ho* nodded at Cho Jin-woong’s words.

“Indeed.”

“I’d like to call them invincible, but it’s forbidden by imperial decree…”

Cho Jin-woong trailed off, unable to hide his disappointment, and the captain next to him nodded with a similar expression.

* * *

The Imperial Navy had absolute faith in their fleet.

-The Imperial Fleet is invincible! An invincible fleet!

However, upon hearing these words, Hyang became greatly angered and issued an order.

“The first thing soldiers responsible for the safety of the nation must guard against is arrogance! Never mention the ‘Invincible Fleet’ again!”

Due to Hyang’s firm command, the term ‘Invincible Fleet’ officially disappeared from the Imperial Navy.

Some expressed dissatisfaction with Hyang’s actions, while others defended him.

“No, what’s wrong with calling an invincible fleet invincible?”

“Think of it as him cherishing it all the more. Why do people give their precious children rough names? It’s to ward off misfortune. Think of it that way.”

“Still…”

“Isn’t it better to let it go? And it’s an imperial order, so we have to obey.”

Even though the navy’s officers and soldiers grumbled, Hyang firmly pushed forward.

“None of those who boasted about an ‘Invincible Fleet’ had a good ending! From the Spanish Armada to the Japanese Navy’s First Air Fleet!”

* * *

After briefly expressing his regret, Cho Jin-woong quickly regained his composure and looked at the nautical chart.

“But His Majesty’s words are also correct. Arrogance is forbidden. Yes, indeed.”

As Cho Jin-woong was controlling himself, an officer outside rushed in to report.

“Communication received! ‘Enemy fleet detected! Location at Gap (甲), 150 *li* [approximately 60km] west-northwest! Size approximately 70! Three Twin-Headed ships at the front! Eorin formation!’ That is all!”

Upon hearing the officer’s report, Cho Jin-woong clenched his fist as he examined the nautical chart.

“As expected! Those guys have chosen a frontal confrontation! Then we must accept it! Raise the command flags! Deploy in a single line formation!”

“Yes, sir!”

The officer, responding loudly to Cho Jin-woong’s command, saluted and immediately left.

Soon after, signal flags were raised on the flagship’s mast, and signal lights flashed.

Shortly thereafter, signal flags flashed from other battleships, and the fleet’s formation began to change.

The Challenger-class battleships, which had been arrayed in a long line on either side of the Assault Turtle Ships, began to create two single line formations, increasing the distance from the Assault Turtle Ships. The Haeung-class battleships at the rear also dismantled their line formation and began to form two single line formations.

By forming this formation, the Assault Turtle Ships secured more space to maneuver freely.

The battleships forming the single line formation would move along the flanks of the Ming fleet, using their broadside cannons to attack the enemy.

This was a tactic honed while dealing with pirates from not only the *Wokou* [Japanese pirates], but also Ming, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, and it was being deployed once again.

-Without engaging in chaotic battles, maximize mobility and firepower to systematically destroy the enemy.

This was the Imperial Navy’s basic tactic.

Having reorganized their formation, the Imperial Navy passed Gyeokryeolbiyeoldo Island, designated as point Gap (甲), and sailed westward. Even as they sailed, the Ming fleet’s location was continuously relayed through the *Bigu*, and the Inner Sea Fleet adjusted its course appropriately, heading directly towards the Ming fleet.

* * *

About one and a half *sh辰* [approximately 3 hours] later, the signal lights on the Assault Turtle Ships and Challenger-class battleships at the front flashed wildly.

“Enemy fleet sighted! Directly ahead!”

At the officer’s shout confirming the signal, Cho Jin-woong immediately issued an order.

“Order the Assault Turtle Ships to charge! Tell them to start the snake hunt!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Order to the fleet! It’s as planned! Calmly annihilate the enemy according to the operation!”

“Yes, sir!”

The signalman, having received the orders, moved the signal lights so fast that his wrist was about to break. Soon, signal lights flashed from all directions, the Assault Turtle Ships began to pick up speed, and a sense of murderous intent filled the entire fleet.

“Hoo…”

Taking a small deep breath, Cho Jin-woong turned to the captain standing next to him.

“From now on, it’s your responsibility. I’m counting on you.”

“Leave it to me!”

The captain, answering confidently, grabbed the speaking tube and shouted.

“All hands, battle stations!”

* * *

At the same time, the Ming fleet also discovered the Imperial fleet.

“They were already waiting for us.”

Chin Wei muttered with a bitter smile as he listened to the report on the *Daefuk* ship’s bridge. The captain standing next to him echoed his words with a similar expression.

“With so many *Bigu* in the sky since morning, it would be strange if they didn’t know.”

“That’s true. By the way…”

While nodding at the captain’s words, Chin Wei looked enviously at the self-propelled flying *Bigu* moving high in the sky.

“I truly envy the Empire’s craftsmanship. We’re still making do with *Bigu* fixed with ropes…”

The *Bigu* were already well-known entities. Therefore, Ming also made efforts to produce them and began deploying them some time ago.

However, the *Bigu* deployed by Ming were still operated using ropes for fixation. The self-propelled flying *Bigu* used by the Imperial Army were still under continuous research, but due to the lower level of technology compared to the Empire, there was still a long way to go.

“By the way, are you alright, General?”

“What do you mean?”

“The commander and the others are all on the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon, but you’re here alone…”

The captain trailed off, but Chin Wei understood immediately. Chin Wei shrugged with a bitter smile.

“What can I do? Someone has to command from the outside.”

* * *

After the private meeting with Emperor Kyungtae, Chin Wei had become an outcast.

This was because it had become known that he was left alone not to be reprimanded, but to offer advice.

Whether good or bad, receiving the emperor’s attention had an impact on one’s career. Thanks to this, Chin Wei had no choice but to be assigned to command one of the sub-fleets within the fleet.

Conversely, the key figures of the fleet’s command, including the commander, were all stationed on the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon.

The reason why Chin Wei was placed on the *Daefuk* ship instead of the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon, which was considered the largest and safest of the Ming battleships, was simple.

-Fight hard and die!

* * *

“Since the battle has already begun, I have no choice but to do my best to survive…”

Muttering self-deprecating words, Chin Wei raised his telescope, then chuckled as he looked at the telescope in his hand.

“Damn it… this was also made in the Empire. Most of the useful things are still made in the Empire…”

Hiding his complicated feelings, Chin Wei put the telescope to his eye and examined the approaching Imperial fleet in the distance.

“As expected, both of them are here.”

Muttering in a bitter voice as he watched the two Assault Turtle Ships slowly pick up speed, Chin Wei suddenly gritted his teeth.

“Damn it! This is the worst!”

The Assault Turtle Ships approaching from afar had changed direction. What this meant was clear.

-The Empire’s Assault Turtle Ships are not planning a frontal confrontation, but rather to bite at our flanks!

However, what made Chin Wei judge this as the worst situation was the attitude taken by his own Twin-Headed Flame Dragon.

Instead of turning its head towards the Assault Turtle Ship approaching its flank, it had instead increased its forward speed.

Seeing the decision of the upper echelons with his own eyes, Chin Wei slammed his fist on the railing and burst into frustration.

“They don’t even know how much firepower the Assault Turtle Ships have, and they’re making the mistake of trusting only in the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon’s armor! Captain!”

“Yes!”

“Can you increase the speed any further!”

At Chin Wei’s question, the captain replied with a slightly troubled face.

“It’s possible if we push the rowers, but it won’t last long!”

“That’s fine! Just buy enough time to block those Assault Turtle Ships!”

“You mean…”

“If the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon is annihilated, we’re finished!”

At Chin Wei’s shout, the captain hesitated for a moment, then immediately nodded and called for an officer.

“Tell the rowers to row as fast as possible!”

“Yes!”

Meanwhile, Chin Wei diligently issued orders.

“Relay to the other ships! Block the Assault Turtle Ships with all your might!”

“Yes!”

Signal flags containing Chin Wei’s orders were hung on the mast, and the *Daefuk* ships under Chin Wei’s command began to slowly increase their speed.

Despair filled Chin Wei’s eyes as he watched the fleet under his command move, increasing its speed.

“Too slow…”

Compared to the battleships equipped with steam engines, the ship he was on and the other battleships were too slow.

“Is it already too late…?”

* * *

At the same time, on the bridge of the Twin-Headed Flame Dragon No. 1, ‘Conquer Joseon’.

“There were indeed two Assault Turtle Ships.”

At the adjutant’s report, Hwanghae Fleet Commander Admiral Deng Surin replied with an arrogant expression.

“As expected, those Joseon bastards only know how to use tricks. It doesn’t matter, as I expected it.”

“Shall we turn the bow?”

“No, increase speed and charge.”

“Yes?”

“We will charge straight ahead and annihilate the Joseon bastards’ Inner Sea Fleet. We will repay them for what they did to us in the last war!”

“But our flanks will be exposed!”

“The Twin-Headed Flame Dragon’s side armor is 2 *chi* [approximately 6cm] thick! And the wooden planks behind it are twice as thick! There’s nothing to worry about! Rather, the *Daefuk* ships are the problem! We must eliminate as many Challenger-class ships as possible to ensure the safety of the *Daefuk* ships!”

According to Deng Surin’s decision, the three Twin-Headed Flame Dragons began to increase their speed and charge.