Empire Conquest
Chapter 189 - 185 Simple Banquet

Chapter 189: Chapter 185 Simple Banquet

December 29th morning, east of Watcher Strait.

When the "Imperial Capital" vessel approached, the ship navigating in front led the salute by raising a multicolored flag from her impressively tall and majestic command bridge.

That was the flagship of the Domestic Fleet, the "Longxing."

Indeed, "Longxing" was paying the highest tribute to the "Imperial Capital," returning in triumph, and all the battleships of the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet!

Outside the command bridge, led by Gui Boyong, over a hundred officers and soldiers from the Domestic Fleet Headquarter lined up neatly.

As the two ships crossed paths, Gui Boyong saluted first.

This tradition was initiated by Chen Bingxun and had continued to this day.

At the fleet’s triumphant return, everyone from the Liangxia Emperor downwards must salute those brave soldiers who defend the Empire on the battlefield.

Aboard the "Imperial Capital," officers and soldiers from the command of the Special Mixed Fleet, led by Bai Zhizhan, also lined up.

After the two fleets crossed each other, the four battleships finally turned under the lead of the "Longxing," catching up with the carrier from the right.

This surprised Bai Zhizhan.

In the Liangxia Empire, the left has always been honored since ancient times.

Saluting is one thing, but after the ceremonial procedure, the fleet flagship must be honored, even though the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet does not belong to the Domestic Fleet.

The fleet was about to enter the Strait; it was impossible to turn again for the sake of ceremony.

The strait was not wide enough to allow several giant ships to maneuver back and forth.

Before dawn, the two "Xu Sea" class ships sent by Gui Boyong had already joined the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet in the West East Ocean.

At that time, Li Jie and Jin Hong sent a message, requesting to meet Bai Zhizhan aboard the "Imperial Capital."

Unfortunately, Li Mingbo was on duty, and Bai Zhizhan had gone to sleep.

Knowing Bai Zhizhan was in a poor mood, and having been in continuous combat for days without proper rest, nearly exhausted, Li Mingbo tactfully denied their request, asking them to lead the way as protocol dictates and not disturb Bai Zhizhan’s peaceful sleep.

Both men understood, especially Li Jie.

After being scolded by Gui Boyong after the battle ended, Li Jie realized they had indeed acted impulsively.

Strategically, Bai Zhizhan aimed to severely cripple the Permanent Fleet, making Takano return to Saiyi with a fleet that had lost its combat effectiveness.

Perhaps guessing that Bai Zhizhan was upset, Li Jie and Jin Hong did not send any more messages, continuing to lead the way at the front.

Only after joining with the Domestic Fleet did the two "Xu Sea" class ships accelerate to the front, heading early to the western side of the strait to wait.

The journey was uneventful.

By noon, the fleet passed through the strait and entered the Xu Sea.

At four in the afternoon, well past the strait, four oil tankers accompanying the Domestic Fleet caught up and began refueling the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet.

Return?

That would take a few more days.

The Navy Headquarter had issued combat orders, the ground forces were to go directly to Nagiu Port, covered by the Domestic Fleet, while the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet was responsible for air defense.

Even if everything went smoothly, the landing operation could not start until tomorrow.

Since Nagiu Port was within the strike range of the Saiyi Navy’s shore-based air force, it was necessary to consider a potential attack, thus refueling before returning was needed.

In fact, the aviation gasoline aboard the two carriers was nearly depleted.

According to the design, the "Imperial Capital" class carried aviation gasoline sufficient for the shipborne air force to operate at maximum intensity, that is, two hundred and twenty sorties per day continuously for five days, after which resupply was imperative. The intensity of operations by the Third Shipborne Air Force Wing during the past few days had exceeded the design limits of the "Imperial Capital" class. Even if there was still some aviation gasoline left, it was insufficient to complete the task of covering the Domestic Fleet and the Landing Forces.

The oil tankers following the Domestic Fleet were regular oilers without the refueling equipment of a fleet oiler, hence a stop was necessary, or rather, dockside refueling.

Taking advantage of this opportunity, Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang went to the "Longxing" battleship.

When the two arrived in the evening, Gui Boyong greeted them on the deck and escorted them to the officers’ mess, which had been prepared.

Although the "Longxing" was built during the last great war, its internal space was far more spacious than later battleships.

The officers’ dining hall alone spans over a hundred square meters, furnished in extravagant luxury, such as furniture all made of sandalwood, crafted by hand.

Before six o’clock, it wasn’t time for dinner yet, but the banquet was already prepared.

Most likely to accommodate Li Yunxiang, a bottle of "Erguotou" liquor was specially prepared.

Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang were the guests of honor, hosted by Gui Boyong, accompanied by four captains and several senior staff members from the Domestic Fleet.

Everyone was an acquaintance, so there was no need for introductions.

"Although it might be too early to celebrate victory now, once we’ve finished the battle and returned, we will definitely set the table again. But here, on behalf of all officers and soldiers of the Domestic Fleet, and everyone at the rear who closely follows the developments of the battle and cares about the soldiers’ wellbeing, including the Commander-in-chief and the Chief of General Staff, I extend the highest respect to General Bai Zhizhan and General Li Yunxiang, to all officers and soldiers of the Third Aviation Mixed Fleet and First Shipborne Air Force Wing, and to all military personnel and civilians participating in the battle or supporting it from the rear," Gui Boyong said.

After finishing, Gui Boyong was the first to raise his glass.

"Thanks to General Gui for the hospitality. Serving the Empire on the battlefield is our duty!" Bai Zhizhan stood up and then also raised his glass.

"Resolutely serving the country and fulfilling duties on the battlefield!" Following that, Li Yunxiang and others also stood up and raised their glasses.

The glasses contained not wine but water.

The Fleet was still in combat mode, and all officers and soldiers, including the commanders, were forbidden to drink alcohol.

Setting up wine bottles was for atmospheric purposes.

Yes, this was the Navy.

Even if they didn’t drink, just for the sake of appearance, they went through with the whole setup.

A waste?

There was no such thing!

What’s this little amount of alcohol to them?

Could it even compare to a 400mm shell?

After Gui Boyong led the toast, officers from the Domestic Fleet successively approached Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang with toasts, but Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang only reciprocated toasts with Gui Boyong.

There was no problem there, as the other officers’ ranks were all lower than those of Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang.

It wasn’t about disrespecting lower ranks; it was the army’s protocol.

In the military, equality was never discussed; what was discussed were ranks, and the military itself was a society judged by rank and position.

In the Navy, the concept of rank was even more pronounced.

It was a tradition and a unique aspect of the Navy.

Before the advent of the radio, aboard battleships far from home, everything was decided by the captain, and order was maintained through a strict hierarchy.

If rules weren’t followed, chaos would undoubtedly ensue.

Moreover, they were drinking water, not wine.

Toasting repeatedly, was that interesting?

After exchanging courtesies, the captain of the "Longxing" called the head chef over to let everyone order their meals.

The food was lavish, including fresh vegetables and fruits, and a roast suckling pig.

Bai Zhizhan wasn’t picky about food, while Li Yunxiang ordered a leg of pork.

As the head chef and his team came to serve the dishes, other accompanying officers gradually excused themselves and left.

On a Navy battleship, especially on a battleship, there was no shortage of various gourmet dishes; few navy officers considered eating a serious affair.

Indeed, these accompanying officers were quite tactful.

Gui Boyong had invited them only to connect with Bai Zhizhan and Li Yunxiang, to consider each other as brothers who had shared life and death on the battlefield.

Eating?

Couldn’t they just eat on their own battleships?

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