Chapter Fifty-One Despair

  Just then, a loud explosion was heard as several shells hit the ship. Shen Shouchang and Fang Baqian were both knocked to the deck, about 10 meters apart. Fang Baqian, due to his serious leg injury, fell directly onto the deck, while Shen Shouchang was thrown off the ship after being knocked down, but managed to grab hold of the railing with his uninjured arm and hung on the outside of the ship. Fang Baqian, along with a sailor who had run out of the cabin, pulled Shen Shouchang back up. Before they could even catch their breath from narrowly escaping disaster, the Zhiyuan was hit again. This time, however, they managed to roll into the same cabin that the sailor had come from earlier.

  As Deng Baoshan and Shen Shouchang were about to return to the command center with the help of that sailor, they found out that the place hit earlier was actually the command center. The entire command center had been hit by a 150mm shell, turning it into a pile of scrap metal, and also causing a fire.

  Seeing the command platform turn into a pile of rubble, Fang Boqian and Shen Shouchang broke out in cold sweats. The two of them were actually able to leave the command platform one after another and escape this great disaster, it's as if they had picked up a free life! Poor Commander-in-Chief He Guangcheng and German Captain Hartmann are still inside, I'm afraid there won't even be any bodies left!

  Before the two of them could even sigh, a loud explosion was heard. However, this was not an explosion on the Jiyuan ship, but rather an explosion on their "neighbor" Japanese warship, the Shikishima. The Shikishima had been hit by a second torpedo and exploded simultaneously, triggering a massive blast! It wasn't until later that Fang Boqiao learned that the first torpedo had actually hit the bow of the Shikishima, but had barely missed exploding. However, he didn't know why it hadn't detonated. The second torpedo, however, because the Jiyuan was still in the process of turning right, struck the Shikishima directly amidships, instantly ripping open a hole one meter in diameter below the waterline and hitting one of the ship's ammunition magazines, thoroughly sending the Shikishima on its way to hell via "express train"!

  Although the big explosion on Chiyoda brought a cheer from the sailors on Zhiyuan, it was short-lived - Chiyoda's fate only stimulated the Japanese, and all of Yoshino's guns that could bear on Zhiyuan opened fire without regard for expense. Even Bijou, which was slightly astern of Yoshino, used her old 152mm gun to fire at Zhiyuan. For a time, the sea around Zhiyuan was covered with splashes from shellfire, and Zhiyuan herself was hit six times in less than a minute - the range was just too close!

  Fang Baqian went to the driving cabin with the support of the water soldiers, while Shen Shouchang went to the first line of counterattack against Yoshino - the 150mm rear main gun tower at the stern. The general manager of the Ji yuan ship, Liang Zuquan, was personally driving the Ji yuan in the driving cabin. At this time, the Japanese ship's cannon fire had already made all the original plans fall through. To the northeast, Liang Zuquan did not dare to go, and now the only way was to rely on the still unsunk Yan Island ship to block Yoshino's line of fire. As both sides approached each other, the distance between the Chinese and Japanese warships would be opened up, and when Yoshino and Bi Rui turned around, Ji yuan could take advantage of the situation to speed up its escape.

  Fang Boqian arrived at the driving cabin, and at this time, Jiyuan successfully approached Yan Island, temporarily gaining safety with its hull. However, the Japanese still fired at Jiyuan despite the risk of adding insult to injury, but their accuracy was much worse, and the splashing water couldn't even reach Jiyuan. At this time, the sailors on Jiyuan could still hear the intermittent explosion sounds from Yan Island, but the continuous explosion sounds were more spectacular than before, with thunderous roars and black smoke and flames blocking out the surrounding sea area. Fang Boqian looked back and felt that this was an opportunity, immediately ordering Liang Zuguang to sail northeast at full speed, as the black smoke from Yan Island would make it even harder for Kiyoshimo's cannons to hit their mark.

  When Shen Shouchang arrived at the aft main turret, the sailors were firing at Yoshino. It seemed that the divine luck of the fore main turret had not descended upon the aft main turret, and the shells that were finally fired did not hit Yoshino. Moreover, there were only five or six rounds of ammunition on the aft main turret. At this time, the black smoke from Chihaya also affected the accuracy of Jiyuan. Therefore, Thomas, the British gunner of the aft main turret, took advantage of the opportunity to continue attacking Chihaya with old-style shells - at such a close distance, the accuracy of the shells was extremely high, and almost every shot hit its mark.

  Shen Shouchang also deeply agreed with Thomas's decision. Since they had fought to this point, although the island of Ishima had suffered heavy damage, if the Japanese were lucky and managed to keep it afloat, wouldn't all their previous battles have been in vain? "Sink Ishima, use integrated shells, try to give it a final blow before we leave!" Shen Shouchang gave the order with a vicious tone!

  As Shenzu Chang's order was issued, the Matsushima, one of the three most treasured warships in the Japanese Navy, sealed its ultimate fate. Within five minutes, Jingyuan poured three 150mm shells into the already heavily damaged central part of the Matsushima. Due to its proximity and the intentional aim of Jingyuan's gunners, one shell even penetrated the same position as the previous hit - this was the third shell to hit the same spot. The first two 210mm shells had completely paralyzed the Matsushima's propulsion system, but this 150mm shell easily pierced the Matsushima's hull and delivered a fatal blow - the boiler room exploded, and the torpedo hit the ammunition depot, causing a massive explosion that created a huge hole. The Matsushima sank at a visible speed.

  When the seawater overflowed the deck of Jianyuan Island, Shen Shouchang excitedly took out his pocket watch - 3:15 pm! These two hours were like a dream, and the Jiyuan ship was hit by the enemy's 150mm shells at least six or seven times. The eight gunners on the front main turret were all killed, and there was also the hit command tower... This time, the Jiyuan suffered unprecedented damage, and the commanding personnel almost lost their lives. However, despite such intense shelling, the armor of the Jiyuan was not penetrated, and the boiler was still running very smoothly. In the past, the imperial court and the Beiyang Navy had been controversial about the Jiyuan ship, but after this cruel battle, the Jiyuan actually sank the Jianyuan Island with one against three, which was worth it!

  Shen Shouchang looked through the monocular telescope and saw that Yoshino and Biyeli were turning, during which he could still see the continuous smoke of gunfire from the two warships, but the accuracy was even worse than before, and the shells didn't know where they flew to. Especially Biyeli's old-fashioned cannons, the range of fire couldn't reach Jiyuan, but they were still firing wildly, which made Shen Shouchang feel a bad premonition, and he immediately ran towards the driving cabin.

  "Yì Táng, accelerate to full speed! The Japanese must be crazy, they're still firing at us while turning. They won't stop until we sink! We have to go all out, or else we're done for!" Shen Shouchang shouted loudly before even entering the driver's cabin.

  At this time, Shen Shouchang saw a sailor helping Fang Boqian, who was sitting in a chair, re-bandaging the wound on his leg. Fang Boqian's face was exhausted, and the pain from the wound had distorted his features. Large beads of sweat kept rolling down his face onto the cabin floor. After hearing Shen Shouchang's warning, his voice cracked with tears, and two streams of tears mixed with sweat flowed down: "Damn it! We've been fighting against Japan's three ships for so long, why can't we see our own ship?! Do I have to give up my life here before it's over?!"

  The chief engineer, Liang Zuquan, bitterly smiled and said: "When we first built the Jiyuan, it was only 15 knots. The Yoshino is now at 23 knots. What's more, the Jiyuan has been used for so many years, its top speed is just over 11 or 12 knots. If the Japanese want to take our lives in this situation, then we really have no way out!"

  Shen Shouchang saw Fang Baqian's hysterical appearance and estimated that the courage he had faced the Japanese fleet a few hours ago had been completely exhausted. However, even if someone else was in this situation, constantly living on the edge of death, no one's psychology could withstand it. Now, the morale of Jiyuan is entirely supported by the sinking of Sei Island earlier, and if Yoshino comes after them recklessly, I estimate that Jiyuan will soon collapse!

  At this time, Fang Boqian was no longer suitable for command. Shen Shouchang sent sailors to escort Fang Boqian into the cabin of the ship. This driving cabin was not a good place either. If it encountered a main cannon shell, the thin armor would be absolutely fatal. Fang Boqian had done his best and was seriously injured in the cabin. No one could say anything. Moreover, even if he stayed here, it would not help the overall situation. It was better to enter the cabin. As long as the ship did not sink, they could survive.

  "Li Guangzhong, now turn the ship's head northwest and go, can't go on like this! Going west may still be able to meet the naval ships, as long as we can meet, or wait until nightfall, we will be saved. Now there are still... two and a half hours before nightfall!" Shen Shouchang's voice had a somewhat tragic tone, even he himself was not sure if Jiyuan could survive under the furious gunfire of Yoshino for nearly three hours - they miraculously sank an enemy ship that was twice as big and several times more powerful than themselves, but there was no way to return alive, this heaven was really too unfair!

  Liang Zuquan nodded heavily and said: "Jiyuan's boiler is fine, we will definitely make it back alive!"

  "Attention! Clear the forward gun turret, load the shells and prepare to fire at any time! Inflate the two torpedoes in the forward torpedo room with compressed air! Comrades, unity is strength, we will definitely return!" Shen Shouchang shouted loudly.

  All officers and men in the driving cabin shouted in unison: "Yes!"

  "Brother Liang, I'm leaving it to you here. I'll head back to the rear main gun now. The command tower is no longer usable. Depending on the situation, I'll send a messenger with a letter for you! If I fall in battle, please take command of the Jingyuan. Thank you!" Shen Shouchang stopped suddenly as he walked out of the control room and shouted over his shoulder, then turned around and strode towards the rear main gun without looking back.

  When Shen Shouchang arrived at the rear main gun, he saw through binoculars that Yoshino had already turned around. However, he heard from the gunner Wang Guocheng that five rounds were fired during Yoshino's turn, hitting Yoshino's left front side with one round, but unfortunately, there was no reaction. Perhaps the Japanese were enraged by Jiyuan's opportunistic behavior, and after Yoshino finished turning, it quickly chased Jiyuan while continuously firing its twin 150mm main gun at Jiyuan, but none of them hit Jiyuan. However, the huge splashes soaked the gunners of the rear main gun.

  The Japanese ship was older than the Chiyoda, and its initial speed was also slower. Now it's even slower, so Shen Shouchang saw through the telescope that the Japanese ship did not participate in this pursuit, but only moved forward a little and put down the small boat. It seemed to be rescuing the crew of the sunken Yan Island ship. After thinking for a while, he asked: "How many unified shells are left now?"

  "Adults, they've all been used up!" Wang Guocheng's reply left Shen Shouchang somewhat disappointed.

  Just as the words of Wang Guoshu were finished, a loud explosion came, and Fang Boqian turned his head to see that a shell from the main gun of Yoshino had hit the right rear half of Jiyuan, but it was still some distance away from the rear main turret and did not cause any damage. However, with the arrival of this shell, several shells exploded in the waters around Jiyuan in an instant.

  "Mount Yoshino's rapid fire is too much, tell Lieutenant Ryō that he should turn left thirty degrees, every two minutes turn left thirty degrees once, until the bow heads due west to speed up navigation!" Shen Shouchang turned back and shouted at a wet messenger.

  At this time, the main gun was loaded, Shen Shouchang pulled back Wang Guocheng who was about to pull the lanyard and said: "Slow down! Our firing speed is slow, we must aim carefully before shooting. Raise the muzzle a bit higher and aim at the front left side of Yoshino, where we hit it before. The thickness of Yoshino's side armor is thin!"

  Wang Guocheng felt reasonable after listening, and suppressed the idea of counterattacking. He slowly turned the handwheel to raise the muzzle, estimating in his mind the distance between Jiyuan and Yoshino as well as their respective speeds to make fine adjustments.

  Shen Shouchang lowered his voice and said slowly: "The armor of the Yoshino is very thick, our shells are useless when hitting its front, try to fall behind its main gun and use shrapnel to kill the gunners! ... Prepare... Fire!"

  After receiving the order, Wang Guocheng pulled down the lanyard without hesitation. The 150mm main gun roared and a half-meter-long fireball spewed out from the muzzle. Shen Shouchang immediately put his binoculars to his eyes to observe the effect of the cannon shot, while Wang Guocheng and other gunners quickly opened the breech, rushed to clean the barrel, and reloaded the shell. Even British gunner Thomas helped with the effort, working together in unison to load the shell into the breech as quickly as possible, closing the breech and rapidly turning the handwheel to adjust the aim, making preparations for the second shot at top speed.

  Shen Shouchang held up his binoculars to observe Yoshino, and found that the previous shell had been fired a bit too high. The shell flew directly over Yoshino's main gun turret and command tower, piercing the first smokestack before exploding between the two smokestacks. Although it did not hit the rear of the forward main gun as expected, Shen Shouchang clearly saw through his binoculars that when the shell exploded, some iron pieces from Yoshino were thrown into the sea amidst the flames.

  The intense gunfire from Chiyoda brought even more intense retaliatory fire, several shells landed around Jingyuan, and two even flew directly over the rear main gun, hitting the mast and blowing it off, another shell hit the original command platform, causing a large fire.

  Shen Shouchang ordered sailors to put out the fire on the bridge as gunners prepared for a second shot, lest it spread to the boiler or ammunition rooms and they all perish. Before Jingyuan was ready to fire again, Yoshino's main guns had already fired four salvoes at Jingyuan, not to mention countless 120mm shells from secondary guns, of which three hit Jingyuan alone, and some shell splashes even injured a sailor running along the deck, cutting off his leg directly!

  Ji Yuan and Yoshino chased each other, fighting for half an hour. Every few minutes, Shen Shouchang anxiously took out his pocket watch to check the time. He had never been so eager for nightfall in his life. From time to time, he used binoculars to look west - he was expecting a thick black smoke to rise from the sea surface, hoping that Ji Yuan would coincidentally encounter the reinforcement fleet... Unfortunately, none of what he expected happened. The sun clearly fell to the west, but it stubbornly refused to fall below the horizon. As for the reinforcement fleet, after looking twice or thrice, he stopped looking west... Looking at Yoshino getting closer and closer, and being hit by Yoshino more and more fiercely and accurately...

  Shen Shouchang's heart sank slowly, and finally he simply threw the telescope aside and joined the ranks of the sailors moving ammunition - in the less than ten minutes that had just passed, the rear main gun had withstood several rounds of shelling, several sailors were killed by flying shrapnel, and although he himself did not die from it, his legs and arms were hit by small shrapnel five or six times, and his white naval uniform turned crimson.

  When Kishino approached to within a thousand yards, British gunner Thomas suddenly burst into tears and crouched down on one side, wailing loudly. Shen Shouchang and Wang Guocheng and several other gunners were all wounded, and there were several unrecognizable arms and legs around the main gun, with bright red blood staining the rear of the main gun.