Chapter 3: The Rise of the Japanese Navy

  "Did you know? The new sea defense ship built by White Labour for the Japanese has been launched." said Rio, cutting his steak.

  "Hmm. Is that the 4,000-ton class coastal defense ship? I think it's called Yan Dao." Xu Jie replied calmly.

  "That's the ship. I've heard it has some problems. The cannons wear out too quickly, and you might need to replace the barrel after less than 150 shots. The power system of the ship is also problematic. Who would have thought that the great engineer Whiteley would make such a mistake."

  "It's not Bailuoyi's fault, it can only be said that the Japanese are too demanding. Being able to make a warship like this is already proof of his level." Xu Jie smiled slightly and shook his head.

  "It's also true that a 4,000-ton ship would have to mount a 320mm gun. The stability of the ship will definitely be affected. Whiteley may have to spend more than half his time considering how to design a relatively stable firing platform for this big gun." Delegated Rio suddenly became interested.

  "But this battleship isn't completely useless either. At least it has a somewhat decent speed, and the Armstrong 4.7-inch guns on its sides also pose some threat." Xujie said with a smile.

  "That neighbor of your hometown is quite restless." Rio said with a hint of profundity.

  "It's not just being restless, it's extremely restless." Xujie sighed bitterly in his heart. Not too long after. 6 years later. This restless neighbor will meet the Qing Empire with swords drawn on the Yellow Sea.

  "If a battle were to take place in the future, who do you think would win?" Rio asked, putting down his knife and fork.

  "Following this trend, Japan will win." As soon as he said that, Xu Jie's heart tightened. The Battle of the Yellow Sea, the annihilation of the Beiyang Fleet, one by one, familiar figures suddenly jumped into Xu Jie's mind. Xu Jie couldn't help but feel a chill run down his spine, and the utensils in his hand fell onto the table.

  "Xu, what's wrong with you? Sorry, I shouldn't have asked that question." Rio exclaimed in surprise and concern, standing up to ask.

  "It's nothing. Just a bit uncomfortable. Never mind, let's continue." Xu Jie said with a somewhat pale face.

  "What's going on?" Rio asked with some surprise.

  "Continue analyzing the Japanese Navy and the Beiyang Fleet of the Qing Dynasty." Xu Jie said calmly.

  "Let's change the subject, shall we? This topic is too heavy." Delegato Rio's expression changed slightly.

  "There's nothing heavy or not heavy. Admitting that one is inferior to others is nothing shameful, the key is to recognize the enemy and then chase after them, in other words, it's called knowing shame and then being brave." Xu Jie said with a somewhat iron-colored face. He thought back to some arguments from his time and space, saying things like if the Beiyang Fleet had enough explosive shells they could win, or if the Beiyang Fleet successfully changed formation they could win. A group of people were immersed in a kind of empty and unrealistic fantasy. Unbeknownst to them, how could a Qing dynasty that was merely decorating its rotten and decadent exterior possibly resist a Japan that had undergone a complete transformation from top to bottom? How could the Beiyang Fleet, which only occupied one corner of the country, possibly withstand Japan's national blow? Was it really so difficult to admit that they were inferior? He still remembered a sentence that a netizen had once said: The goddess of victory favors navies with many cannons and fast ships, she absolutely will not look favorably upon fleets that are still using black powder.

  "With all due respect, your country's fleet has some issues. The Beiyang Fleet's warships are almost all designed to fight with the bow facing the enemy, breaking through the enemy's formation and then engaging in a melee to win. Unfortunately, the new generation of warships equipped with rapid-fire guns to strengthen their broadside firepower, using line-ahead formations as their combat method, have begun to enter service in large numbers. Moreover, the Beiyang Fleet's ships are rather slow. Once battle begins, the outlook is not good."

  "That's right. Judging from the Akizuki and Natori that Japan has purchased so far, the high-speed cruiser with outstanding firepower will become the main force of the Japanese Navy, plus the three coastal defense ships that have already started construction, given time, the Japanese Navy will surely become a powerful enemy of the Beiyang Fleet." Xu Jie nodded.

  "Xu, you are an outstanding warship designer. If possible, I hope that the new protected cruiser designed by you and built by Ansaldo Shipyard can join the Beiyang Fleet." A hint of frenzy appeared in De Rios' eyes.

  "Buy a new protected cruiser? What a joke. That rotten Qing dynasty would rather build the Yiheyuan, and spend 2.4 million taels of silver to decorate Beijing for that damned old Buddha, than add a new ship to the Beiyang Fleet after 1890! And you know what? A Katori-class cruiser only costs 1.8 million taels of silver!!" Xu Jie said with resentment in his heart.

  "Respected Mr. Deuntor Bertie, thank you for saving my life. Consider this ship as a token of gratitude for your lifesaving kindness. If you like it, just take it directly." Xu Jie said with a sincere expression. The earnestness and sincerity in his eyes made Deuntor's face turn red.

  "No, no, no, Mr. Xu, it's my honor to know you. If possible, after deducting all expenses, we'll split the profit equally? If you're willing, I can also arrange an Italian nationality for you. At the same time, you can work at the Ansaldo shipyard. What do you say?" Delegate Riol exclaimed excitedly.

  "Working for Andosol? Why not set up an independent company?" Xu Jie said with feigned surprise. "My ideal is not just to design a 4,000-ton cruiser." After finishing speaking, Xu Jie smiled and took a sip of wine.