As the thunder of Jingzhe rolled across the East China Sea, Shen Xitang stood on the deck of the reconstructed Xuanji, the needle of the brass compass in her hand trembling violently.
She gazed at the surging waves of the Ryukyu Strait and suddenly cast an improved sounding lead into the sea. A sulfur canister at the base of the lead exploded in indigo flames, illuminating the winding cast-iron tracks on the seabed.
"Shift the rudder and hold position!" She signaled with a command flag. "There are Ministry of Works submerged crossbow platforms beneath the water!"
Chapter 17