On the sea outside the military port, the battleships of the Hua City Squadron were wandering. They had received orders to go to the Hua City to quell the rebellion.
However, before they could move, the rebel army had already attacked their nest. This made them very angry. Don't think that just because we're not strong on land, we can be bullied as we please.
The range of the cannons of the gunboats far exceeded the range of the field artillery. Under the constant bombardment of cannonballs, the new army hid outside the range and could not advance at all.
But soon, a shell exploded on the left front of Sea Cove, and things started to change.
Guan Zhentao, the captain of the Sea Cove, realized that the turret had been occupied by the new army. The shell just now was fired by the 210mm heavy cannon.
Although he didn't know if the other party was really going to attack him or give him a warning, he knew that he couldn't stay here anymore.
It was either luck or something else that the shell did not hit the Sea Boundary, but no one wanted to risk the Sea Boundary.
After all, Hai Qi and Hai Chou were China's last cruisers. They were China's only force after the 1894 - 1895 naval battle!
The 1894 - 1895 naval battle became a great pain in the hearts of the Chinese navy, and it was an unforgettable pain for the Huacheng Squadron! In the past ten years, due to the Qing government's contempt, the Chinese Navy had basically not developed!
The remaining two cruisers were the last hope of the Chinese Navy!
No matter how they fought before, it was a civil war. It was because of different political views. But if the Sea Court was sunk because of this, it would be a loss for China!
Not to mention Guan Zhentao who couldn't bear it, even Li Zhun would feel heartbroken. Therefore, Guan Zhentao didn't hesitate and immediately gave the order to leave the attack range of the heavy artillery.
Don't let these country bumpkins destroy the navy's hope!
This was also a sign that they had given up on the shore troops to support the admiral's manor, although Guan Zhentao knew that this signified the failure of the Hua City Navy!
However, he also knew about the relationship between Li Donghan and Li Zhun. Even if the navy failed, Li Zhun would not be harmed, so he left temporarily.
In fact, there were many people in the fleet who were dissatisfied with the Qing government because their navy had been suppressed all these years.
Sometimes, they couldn't even afford to pay the soldiers, let alone buy warships. They couldn't even afford the coal that burned the cruisers. Even the usual maintenance was a luxury. Weeds grew in the shipyards, and no one cared about them.
It was ironic that China's First Fleet had fallen into such treatment, but it was the truth. The Qing government had never thought of developing the navy.
At least there were two cruisers in Huacheng, and there were only a few gunboats on Beiyang!
For these reasons, many naval generals did not care much about the rebellion of the new army. They even supported it faintly. They hoped that after the independence of East Guangdong, the navy would be able to develop vigorously!
To strengthen the navy and take revenge on Japan was the obsession of every naval officer! Especially those who had experienced the 1894 - 1895 naval battle!
Previously, they had only suppressed the rebellion because of orders. Now, they had a legitimate reason. Moreover, it seemed that the situation in eastern Guangdong could not be reversed!
These people all had a family behind them, and they had to consider the practical aspects of their lives. Therefore, they temporarily maintained a 'neutral' attitude, and it depended on how the big shots of both sides negotiated!
The Huacheng Squadron had retreated because the new army had taken over the fort. The 3rd Battalion had paid a huge price to take down the fort, with dozens of casualties. However, it was all worth it!
Without the support of the naval cannons, the sailors on the shore were naturally no match for the new army. They quickly rushed to the door of the admiral's manor.
At this moment, Li Zhun also felt that the navy's defeat was already destined. There was no point in continuing to resist. It would only increase the casualties.
Li Zhun could not accept the casualties in this kind of civil war. In his opinion, every marine was a precious asset of China and could not be wasted like this.
Therefore, he directly gave the order to surrender. Even if they fell into the hands of the new army, it was nothing. He believed that Li Donghan knew the value of these people and would not do anything to them.
However, this did not mean that he had forgiven Li Donghan. Sitting in the hall, his face was still so serious and expressionless, but it made people feel a heavy pressure.
He was waiting for an explanation from Li Donghan!
Soon, Li Donghan's guards rushed in and directly took the sailors 'weapons and escorted them out. During this process, no one dared to touch Li Zhun, who was sitting in the hall, as if he did not exist.
After confirming that there was no danger, heavy footsteps sounded, and Li Donghan's figure appeared in the hall.
He didn't bring anyone else with him. He was dressed neatly in his military uniform, which accentuated Li Donghan's imposing manner. He had always paid attention to his military appearance. Even in such a dangerous moment of battle, Li Donghan had tidied up his military uniform before entering. This was also a sign of respect for this old man.
Walking up to Li Zhun and looking at the old man who had helped him along the way, Li Donghan felt a sense of guilt in his heart. It was towards Li Zhun. He did not regret anything else!
"I'm sorry, Uncle. Donghan has disappointed you!”Li Donghan stood straight in front of Li Zhun like a soldier!
At this moment, Li Donghan's voice was not as heavy, and his gaze was not as sharp. It was completely the attitude of a junior to an elder!
Li Zhun sat there, staring straight at Li Donghan without saying a word. His old eyes emitted an angry sheen. He had been in the army for decades, and ordinary people could not withstand his murderous aura.
Meanwhile, Li Donghan's expression did not change. He knew that Li Zhun was extremely disappointed in him at this moment and was even more heartbroken, which was why he had such an attitude.
"Tell me, why did you do this!”Li Zhun said in a low voice. His tone was filled with anger as he stared at Li Donghan, as if he was about to explode at any moment.
Li Donghan sighed slightly in his heart. He knew that Lee Zhun had devoted his entire life to the Qing Dynasty and was very loyal. It was very difficult to change his attitude, but Li Donghan still said firmly in a low voice,
"For the rise of China, I must do this!”
(To be continued)
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