Fire Ships

The accompanying woodcut illustration depicts a "fire ship" (huochuan), a tactical vessel packed with combustible materials and gunpowder. It is shown engulfed in stylized flames, designed to be steered or set adrift toward an enemy fleet to ignite their wooden hulls.

Eight-Sided Divine Majesty Wind-Fire Cannon original: "Bamian Shenwei Fenghuo Pao." A multi-directional explosive device or specialized cannon designed to scatter fire and shrapnel in all directions, particularly effective for clearing the decks of enemy vessels.

Heaven-Flying Water-Skimming Divine Oil Bomb original: "Feikong Huashui Shenyou Que." The original name literally translates to "Divine Oil Magpie." An advanced incendiary projectile designed to either fly through the air or glide across the surface of the water, likely utilizing a thickened oil-based combustible to maintain its flame.

Thunder of Successful Crossing original: "Jiji Lei." The name "Jiji" (既濟) refers to the 63rd hexagram of the I Ching (Book of Changes), which symbolizes the successful completion of a crossing. This device was likely a naval mine or a timed explosive used to secure waterways during transit.

Water-Crossing Divine Mechanical Cannon original: "Dushui Shenji Pao." A portable or specialized artillery piece used to provide suppressive fire or destroy enemy defenses during amphibious assaults or river crossings.

Swift Divine Fire Dragon Boat for River Assaults original: "Gehe Shenjie Huolong Boat." A fast-moving fire-ship or rocket-assisted vessel intended to strike enemy positions across a river with speed, using shock and fire to break formations.