Chapter 398: Overwhelming victory (1/2)
Chapter 398: Overwhelming victory
The Fishery Island had a long fishing season. Long Feiye’s team was already here rather early in spite of that, but Northern Li’s imperial clan had come as well. The people of Northern Li primarily lived a nomadic lifestyle with their herds, so fish couldn’t even count as a dietary supplement to their meals. What was someone from the imperial clan doing here right after New Year’s?
And which member of royalty could it be?
There was only one viable harbor for the entire Fishery Island located on its western end. It was a very small space, so the battleship that got there first would leave the other helpless beyond floating in place. Long Feiye’s ship was approaching the area from the southwest, while the Northern Li ship was sailing in from the northwest. They were about equal distance away from the docking point, too far away to see each other, but not to fire cannons back and forth.
Since space was limited, anyone who didn’t want their ship to languish in the sea would have to snatch the space for themselves first! Speed would be paramount to winning this race, but there were plenty of variables at sea to interfere with that plan. Long Feiye, Han Yunxi, and General Baili stood at the head of their ship observing the other vessel put up their sails to get more leeway. On the seas, ships depended on both manpower and the winds to travel, and sails were used to harness the strength of the winds. Typically speaking, a ship should withdraw its sails upon approaching the harbor, but this one was doing the opposite. Were they really that afraid of getting there last?
“It looks like they’re determined to compete with us,” Han Yunxi remarked.
“Your Highness, the wind’s picked up. Both it and the waves are in their favor.” General Baili might not have fought any naval battles, but he had plenty of seafaring experience. For the sake of forming Tianning’s navy, he used to have his fleet following long-distance fishing boats and stay at sea for two to three years at a time. It made him quite intimate with the currents and climate of the oceans. Judging from the current situation, Northern Li’s ship had a great advantage.
“Dispatch my orders, full speed ahead!” Long Feiye said coldly. He wasn’t concerned to failing to seize a geographical advantage. Since he was coming to Fishery Island, he was determined to win and had made preparations ahead of time. As soon as General Baili issued his orders, the sailors on both sides of the ship immediately increased their numbers from 20 to 30, adding 50% to their raw strength. Even a landlubber like Han Yunxi felt the increase in speed from their ship.
“General Baili, I never expected you to have so many sailors hidden in reserve,” Han Yunxi said as she peered over the sides and saw row after row of strong-armed men powering their boat.
“Esteemed wangfei, this subject has yet to introduce this ship to you. Her name is Sovereign’s Vessel, the leader of the Baili Naval fleet.”
There was no need to explain anything else beyond the fact that this ship was the leader. That told all. Thrilled, Han Yunxi exclaimed, “What a domineering name! Heheh, now it’s time to see how you do.”
Long Feiye’s ship wasn’t very remarkable until it started speeding up and started outstripping Northern Li’s battleship. The leader of Northern Li’s ship immediately grew restless and walked out of his cabin to peer at his opponent.
“Why did they suddenly speed up?” he asked.
“Master, they’re going against the wind, so they must have added rowers. There’s no other explanation!” the boatman replied in a hurry.
This master was a disdainful man who gave a cold harumph. “Could mere manpower be enough to contend with the Heavens? They’re overestimating themselves! Someone come, put up all the sails for your lord! Full speed ahead!”
The boatman immediately went to work and had all the sails hoisted up. At the same time, the wind grew stronger and blew against the fabric. The master of the ship headed on deck towards the prow of the ship, allowing the whip to whip his hair and robes every which way.
“What a time for the wind to hit! Even the Heavens are blessing us!” he laughed out loud, looking rampant and wild. The sails grew full from the gusts and sent their ship rushing forward as if an invisible hand was pushing them along the water. Like an arrow whizzing through the air, it headed straight for the harbor.
Long Feiye and Han Yunxi stood shoulder-to-shoulder at the head of the ship with hands behind their backs, looking coldly at the battleship as it grew closer and closer.
“Men, add 20 more rowers and increase the speed!” General Baili made a prompt decision. At his words, twenty sailors each joined the rowers on both sides of the ship, making a total of 50 sailors for both sides and 100 sailors total.
Who was it that said manpower couldn’t triumph over the Heavens? The 100 rowers with their 100 oars flashed against the water as they powered the ship forward. The waves they left in their wake made a powerful and impressive effect on morale. Now they had sped up to match Northern Li’s speed again. At the moment, there was no difference between the two of them, so it was hard to see who would make it there first.
“Master, their rowers are extraordinary!” the boatman said in amazement.