Chapter 18 On Merits and Rewards

On the evening of November 1st, in the waters of the Qianyu Islands in the western Xu Sea.

The archipelago, located east of the Empire's mainland and outside the mouth of the Nanjiang Port, is composed of hundreds of islands and reefs of various sizes, which for thousands of years had always been the Empire's barrier against enemy invasions.

More than two years prior, following the fall of the North and South Sado Islands, the Imperial Navy, for the sake of security, transferred the Domestic Fleet to the area, designating Mast Harbor on Net Island as the home port and setting up three lines of defense surrounding the island, with tens of thousands of naval mine

Under the protection of the minefields, enemy submarines were unable to enter, making the inner water areas of the islands relatively safe.

However, these defense lines also transformed the Qianyu Islands into a prison for the Domestic Fleet, making it more dependent on the protection provided by naval mines and shore artillery.

For the Empire's Navy, which adhered to the doctrine of offense, hiding out in ports was an intolerable disgrace.

After enduring more than two years of censure and humiliation, yesterday the Domestic Fleet finally proved through action that the Empire's Navy was not a bunch of cowards.

Starting from the encounter of the 21st Sub-fleet and the First Battle Patrol Squad at 9:55 in the morning, until the 11th Sub-fleet's six Battleship

Including the 13th Sub-fleet, which did not participate in the combat, the Imperial Navy deployed eighteen Battleship

On the side of the Joint Fleet,

Including the Fourth and Fifth Main Force Squad

In the end, the Imperial Navy lost two battlecruiser

The Joint Fleet suffered the sinking of three battlecruiser

From the tactical standpoint, meaning examining losses and casualties, the Imperial Navy had undoubtedly achieved victory.

Don't forget, the other three battlecruiser

The "North River" and "Nanjiang" also spent several years in drydock, but the "Lu River" and "Yuejiang" were completely repaired within a few months and returned to the Domestic Fleet's battle order. These four warships later underwent comprehensive renovations and were upgraded to Fast Battleship

As for the strategic outcomes, opinions varied.

In fact, right after the battle ended, the officers and soldiers of the 21st Sub-fleet didn't consider such long-term implications, and even the staff members of the headquarter were no exception.

After the shift change at dawn, Bai Zhizhan headed back to his quarters and fell asleep immediately.

By the time he woke up, it was already afternoon.

When going to the officers' mess for a meal, Bai Zhizhan ran into Gui Boyong, who told him to find He Yongxing after eating.

Though puzzled, Bai Zhizhan didn't dare delay.

Before the changing of the guard in the early morning, Bai Zhizhan heard from the Communication Advisor that the Navy headquarters had issued an order, appointing He Yongxing as the Acting Commander of the Domestic Fleet.

Because the matter was too sensitive, the Communication Advisor spoke in a very low voice when discussing it.

Indeed, this personnel change was highly unusual.

One must not forget, the 21st Sub-fleet had not yet returned to its home port. Even if He Yongxing's command was successful and the Commander of the Domestic Fleet had to take responsibility for mistakes, there was no reason to make personnel adjustments before the 21st Sub-fleet returned to the home port, let alone the fact that He Yongxing might not necessarily convince the commanders of other sub-fleets.

In terms of seniority, He Yongxing was the greenest among the commanders of several main force sub-fleets.

Just over two years ago, when he was appointed as the Commander of the 21st Sub-fleet of the Domestic Fleet, he was only 39 years old.

As a result, He Yongxing became the first Major General in the Imperial Navy under 40 in thirty years.

Although he hailed from one of the two great naval families of the Empire, the He Family, for the 41-year-old He Yongxing, family prestige could not replace personal ability. With his current achievements, to ascend to the throne of the Domestic Fleet Commander, equivalent to half a Navy Commander, was clearly lacking.

If seniority were to be considered, the commanders of all three main force sub-fleets ranked ahead of He Yongxing.

However, after this battle, perhaps no one would dare to doubt He Yongxing's abilities any longer.

After waking up and taking the time to think calmly, Bai Zhizhan also secretly rejoiced, because he had followed the right person, and more so because he had earned He Yongxing's esteem and appreciation.

The 21st Sub-fleet's escape, even if Bai Zhizhan couldn't be considered as having outstanding merit, was still indispensable.

When making the breakout through the Maze Channel, almost all the staff, including Gui Boyong, suggested charging straight through it, relying on speed to break through the enemy's blockade and interception. Only Bai Zhizhan proposed contacting the main force sub-fleet and, using this opportunity, to have a decisive battle with the Joint Fleet just outside the channel exit.

It was this that led to yesterday's fleet decisive battle.

From the course of the battle, if He Yongxing had adopted the suggestions of other staff, the 21st Sub-fleet would have most certainly been intercepted outside the Maze Channel and might have even been caught in a pincer attack. Since the main force sub-fleet did not come out to meet them, the 21st Sub-fleet could not have broken out of the encirclement no matter what.

In fact, Bai Zhizhan was very self-aware.

He Yongxing had made the decision early on; Bai Zhizhan simply had, at the right time and in the right manner, voiced He Yongxing's decision.

Even if Bai Zhizhan had not made the suggestion, He Yongxing would not have adopted the methods proposed by the other staff.

By Bai Zhizhan speaking out, it was also a hint to the other staff, thus saving a lot of unnecessary trouble and preventing potential issues before the major battle.

Of course, that did not prevent Bai Zhizhan from becoming a highly favored person in front of He Yongxing, nor did it hinder He Yongxing from continuing to write his already over two-year-long unbeaten legend.

After having his fill, Bai Zhizhan first went to the Command Bridge, and upon finding that He Yongxing was not there, he then went to the Commander's quarters.

The battle had already ended, rewards for merit were certain to be discussed, and there was no need to wait until their return to the home port to do so.