Chapter 6, The Legendary Hero

Sun Gang's body trembled. Although he had mentally prepared himself for this moment, he was still overwhelmed with excitement upon seeing the legendary hero. When he saw Deng Shichang approaching him, he instinctively reached out his hand.

The civil unrest in North Korea's Jeolla Province is gradually gaining momentum, and the Japanese are showing signs of restlessness, causing great concern for Ding Junmen. Ma Wenlong said, "Since your esteemed nephew has returned from the East, he must be aware of the situation there." His face seemed to carry a hint of worry, and he brought this up as soon as they met. Sun Gang and Ma Yue exchanged a glance, and she encouragingly nodded slightly.

"Noble nephew, you are truly a remarkable talent, which makes this old man envious. It is lamentable that I have no children in my old age, and that Yue'er has such high standards." Ma Wenlong looked at Ma Yue with affection, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes. He gently patted her hand and said meaningfully, "Yue'er's mother passed away early, and this child can sometimes have a bad temper. Noble nephew, you must be more accommodating towards her."

Deng Shichang was momentarily taken aback, but he extended his hand and firmly shook Sun Gang's hand. Sun Gang felt a sense of confusion in his mind, while a barely perceptible smile appeared on Deng Shichang's face, bringing Sun Gang back to his senses. He released his hand and smiled awkwardly.

The officer was carefully observing Sun Gang, a glimmer of subtle light flashing in his eyes. Ma Wenlong and Ding Ruchang exchanged a few pleasantries and introduced Sun Gang and Ding Ruchang to each other. Sun Gang bowed to Ding Ruchang, who stared at Sun Gang for a while and chuckled, "With Brother Ma here, I am honored to call you my esteemed nephew. I have heard Brother Ma speak highly of you, and seeing you today, it is indeed true." He introduced the officer, saying, "This is my beloved general, the Vice Admiral of the Beiyang Fleet, Captain of the 'Zhiyuan' ship, Deng Shichang. I have heard that my esteemed nephew has discovered the Japanese secret of gunpowder, of which I know little. I have specially invited General Deng to discuss this matter with me. You have all been abroad, so please get to know each other well." He chuckled again, "With Brother Ma here, I am honored to call you my esteemed nephew. I have heard Brother Ma speak highly of you, and seeing you today, it is indeed true." He introduced the officer, saying, "This is my beloved general, the Vice Admiral of the Beiyang Fleet, Captain of the 'Zhiyuan' ship, Deng Shichang. I have heard that my esteemed nephew has discovered the Japanese secret of gunpowder, of which I know little. I have specially invited General Deng to discuss this matter with me. You have all been abroad, so please get to know each other well."

Sun Gang finally regained his composure, feeling both joy and worry in his heart. The bitterness of this situation was indeed not to be underestimated. If he could successfully implement his "blood transfusion" plan for the Beiyang artillery, the chances of victory in the war would undoubtedly increase significantly. However, would the aloof Ding Ruchang believe in him? Moreover, the officers of the Beiyang Fleet who had studied in the West seemed to look down on this naval commander who came from a cavalry division. The exclusivity of the Fujianese within the fleet and the conflicts with foreign officers were quite troubling for him. Li Hongzhang appointed him as the commander of the Beiyang Fleet out of trust for a fellow townsman. Even if he agreed to and supported his own plan, would Li Hongzhang above him and that stubborn, wooden-headed court provide sufficient agreement and support? He could not recall which historical source mentioned that Ding Ruchang had requested funding to replace the main artillery before the war, which ultimately came to nothing. What about the costs of the "blood transfusion"? How much would it be? Would they have to pay for it themselves as two time travelers? Could they even afford it?

"Father, you are back," Ma Yue said, giving Sun Gang a meaningful glance, and introduced the person she referred to as her father, saying: "This is Sun Gang, my classmate from my time in France, who has just returned from Japan"

The younger generation, having not yet completed their studies, hastily returned from the East for this very matter. Sun Gang said with a serious expression: "I personally witnessed in Japan the mobilization of the entire nation, viewing Korea as its exclusive territory and treating our Great Qing as a hypothetical enemy. The speed at which they are expanding their navy subtly suggests a potential superiority over our Great Qing. I have learned that since last year, the Japanese have been replacing the shells of their naval artillery with a new type of gunpowder, which possesses extraordinary power, remaining ignited even underwater, capable of burning steel and melting iron, and its smoke is also toxic. I have uncovered the secrets of this gunpowder, and in order to protect our Great Qing's military and civilians from its harm, I have come here specifically to seek your assistance in introducing me to General Ding, so that I may explain the situation here and its implications, enabling our Beiyang Fleet to prepare in advance."

Indeed, when war breaks out, everything will turn to nothing, how can one not be troubled

"Yue'er, Yue'er, what are you doing?" A clear voice came from outside. As the door opened, a slender and refined middle-aged man walked in. Upon seeing his daughter with a stranger, he couldn't help but be taken aback

Upon thinking of this, Sun Gang immediately felt overwhelmed, and a sense of discomfort began to wash over him. Ma Yue noticed that he was still lost in thought and, in her anxiety, waved her hand vigorously in front of his eyes. He let out a苦笑 and gently grasped her hand.

This substance is called bitter acid, originally a yellow dye, first discovered by the Englishman Wolf. Later, it was found by the Germans that this substance could be detonated using a fuse, and its power far exceeds that of black powder. The French were the first to use it for military purposes, loading it into artillery shells. After being stabilized, it can be used as a high explosive, referred to as yellow powder. The Japanese, after formulating it, named it Yasunose powder, which has been equipped on naval cannons since early last year. This new type of shell has an extremely strong explosive force, capable of producing shrapnel and shockwaves similar to those of black powder shells, accompanied by high-temperature flames. It can ignite steel and is difficult to extinguish once it catches fire. I fear it may pose a threat to our Great Qing military and civilians. I take the liberty to present myself at the military gate, hoping to contribute my modest strength to enhance the military power of our Beiyang Navy and ensure the safety of our Great Qing's territory and its people.

Ding Ruchang received him in a very simple small living room, and surprisingly, there was another tall officer present, with a square and honest face, and a pair of bright, piercing eyes that made Sun Gang feel a sense of familiarity, yet he could not quite place it.

Sun Gang touched the two small bottles left in his pocket, and his hesitant gaze met Ma Yue's concerned look. His heart warmed involuntarily; regardless of success or failure, how could he know without trying

Don't go over there! That smoke is toxic!" Ma Yue looked at him as he wanted to move forward, frowned, and called out to him

The first step to changing history has already been taken by oneself

"Miss, Miss, the master wants you and Mr. Sun to return quickly. The master said he wants to take Mr. Sun to meet General Ding." A servant called out as he ran over from a distance

Marwen Long looked at him in surprise and after a while said, "I did not expect that my esteemed nephew possesses such insight and broad-mindedness, which is truly admirable and commendable"

"Father, why say this?" Ma Yue's face flushed with embarrassment as she shot a fierce glare at Sun Gang, who appeared somewhat pleased with himself.

Ma Yue secretly extended two fingers behind her father, playfully making a V sign of victory, which greatly satisfied Sun Gang's small vanity.

"Dear nephew, there is no need for excessive formalities, please take a seat." Ma Wenlong waved his hand, signaling him to sit down. This person appeared very easygoing, which eased the tension in Sun Gang's heart. Ma Wenlong sat down opposite him, while Ma Yue naturally stood beside her father

Sun Gang endured the awkward feeling and politely bowed to Ma Wenlong, addressing him as "Uncle."

With a loud bang, Sun Gang stood there, holding his ears and swaying unsteadily, his eyes wide open, his mind blank, and his ears ringing as if he had returned to his childhood when he lit firecrackers during the New Year, recalling the moment he held the firecracker in his hand and threw away the incense.

"Uncle, don't worry, hehe," Sun Gang quickly replied

"What is the new type of gunpowder mentioned by my esteemed nephew regarding the Japanese?" Ding Ruchang asked straightforwardly.

Contrary to the expected strict vigilance and overwhelming official authority, the commander of the first navy fleet of the Qing Dynasty was surprisingly a gaunt and somewhat aged soldier, his face lined with wrinkles that spoke of enduring hardships. His gaze was piercing yet tinged with melancholy. Indeed, in such a unique era, this valiant general from the old army faced a fleet whose technological complexity was far beyond his grasp. He had to learn many things from scratch and even endure the disdain of his subordinates and the nonsensical ramblings of certain lunatics in that bird-like court. The thought of his possible future outcomes caused a subtle pain in Sun Gang's heart, diminishing the awe he felt upon meeting senior leaders.

Su Xin and Ma Yue, who were hiding far away, ran over. Ma Yue looked at him nervously, observing his stunned expression, and kept checking if he was injured. Su Xin gazed at a large pit in the distance that was still smoking, stuck out his tongue, and said, "Damn! A small bottle caused this much destruction, isn't that too outrageous?"