Iron Dynasty Chapter 1006

Princess’s Mansion.

A deep sigh escaped her lips as she learned of Xiao Yi’s rise to the Eastern Palace. The Xiao imperial clan, including her, collectively exhaled in relief.

"Over these years, His Majesty avoided naming a Crown Prince. I constantly feared he might adopt the Western nations' methods. With Yi’er now in the Eastern Palace, it brings true comfort at last."

Princess Pingyang softly blew across her teacup and displayed a gentle smile.

Across from Princess Pingyang sat Prince Yong, the Duke of Song, the Duke of Tang, and various other imperial kin and nobles.

At these words, Prince Yong remarked, "Pingyang frets excessively. Regardless of His Majesty’s folly, he wouldn’t surrender his realm to outsiders. Lately, through trade dealings, I’ve interacted much with Westerners, and their schemes prove quite rudimentary. Ultimately, it boils down to nobles chafing under the emperor’s rule, mustering forces to revolt and curb his authority, allowing them to dictate state affairs. As for that popular election notion, with enough coin, votes flow endlessly."

His words prompted laughter from the entire group.

The Duke of Tang added, "Precisely so. In such a system, wealthy traders could leap from lowly fowl to majestic birds. With their vast fortunes, they’d merely toss some funds into villages to claim village head positions, invest more to seize county magistrate roles. Surely, the richer ones would ascend to govern provinces?"

"Indeed, it’s utter nonsense. We must prevent His Majesty from committing this error," the Duke of Tang declared. "This realm is the Xiao family’s domain. If interlopers seek to interfere, we’ll stand firmly against it."

Princess Pingyang’s eyes wandered thoughtfully. Presently, the court simmered with the rivalry between Pang Yukun and Fei Ji, while private capital’s influence swelled relentlessly. Yet, all appeared to ignore the Xiao imperial clan, that unyielding bastion of royal loyalty.

For them, safeguarding the Xiao dynasty’s rule overshadowed all else.

Sipping her tea, Princess Pingyang continued, "Whatever path His Majesty chooses, we shall back it fully. We’re all kin, after all, and he has favored us generously. Though monthly stipends for the imperial house have ceased, the perks from His Majesty have enriched us beyond measure. Moreover, certain family members shine in the military ranks, bestowing pride upon our lineage."

The Duke of Song nodded involuntarily. Back when the imperial family lost their allowances and got dispatched to factory labor, he harbored numerous grievances, yet now, profiting from commerce, his existence surpassed its prior ease, erasing any resentment toward Xiao Ming.

With a touch of feeling, the Duke of Tang said, "Beyond that, His Majesty appears to value our imperial house more these days. Yesterday, the Cabinet moved my son, Xiao Yue, to the Ministry of Electricity; soon, he heads to Jinling to oversee a thermal power plant’s building, hehehe…"

A trace of jealousy flickered among the others. Anyone with sense could spot the bright prospects of the Ministry of Electricity. If the Ministry of Railways yielded such gains, consider the electricity every home across the nation would demand ahead.

"My boy holds a regimental command in the forces."

"That’s nothing special; mine’s in the Chamber of Commerce, raking in fortunes."

"…"

The Duke of Tang’s comment sparked lively chatter, as each began proudly touting their offspring’s achievements.

Princess Pingyang’s grin broadened. The Crown Prince matter had drawn them all together today, underscoring the imperial family’s solid allegiance to the throne.

Without doubt, recognizing this loyalty prompted Xiao Ming to boost the family’s sway judiciously.

As the imperial kin rejoiced, the Crown Prince announcement spread worldwide via newspapers. Suddenly, post-meal talks in every street and lane revolved around the Eastern Palace’s heir.

Yet, the Crown Prince fervor endured just three days, supplanted by graver tidings: Lei Ming, Southeast Military Region commander, received orders to strike the British forces in Southeast Asia. The campaign’s initial phase targeted Australia’s seizure.

Beneath this report lay a concise overview of Australia, highlighting its mineral wealth and geographic perks.

Instantly, the populace’s focus locked onto this land dubbed a continent brimming with mines.

Qian’s Mining stood in Qingzhou’s bustling trade hub. Following the paper’s Australia reveal, the firm buzzed with activity.

Miners of all scales, bearing notable fame in Qingzhou, surged toward the enterprise.

"Boss Qian, what precisely are the anthracite and bauxite the newspaper mentions?"

Within Qian’s Mining’s deepest chamber, traders inquired with flattering grins. This private venture had launched merely five years prior.

Yet in that span, Qian’s Mining climbed to Qingzhou’s top five mining outfits, the leading four boasting imperial ties.

Exactly this fueled the other traders’ scrutiny of Qian’s Mining’s rise. Probes uncovered its proprietor as a far kin of Qian Dafu.

And Qian Dafu? The Emperor’s close confidant. Overnight, Qian’s Mining’s fame blazed, and soon evidence confirmed its sharp insights.

Qian’s Mining invariably gleaned prime details on mineral sites and their purity.

Thus, big announcements always lured crowds to probe possibilities.

"Anthracite ranks as a tough, compact coal variety with brilliant sheen. Of all coals, it offers the lowest heat output but tops carbon levels and minimizes impurities. It serves chiefly in nitrogen fertilizer making and metal forging. Ground anthracite coal aids metallurgy for smelting, enhancing steel quality. Plus, it treats drinking water too."

Qian Liang freely shared with the inquiring merchants. As suspected, Qian’s Mining linked to Qian Dafu, but with imperial sanction—a modest perk for Qian Dafu’s service.

Still, though not government-operated, at Qian Dafu’s behest, Qian’s Mining met official duties akin to state firms, spurring its swift expansion.

"Such diverse applications suggest great worth," one trader exclaimed in astonishment.

Another queried, "And bauxite?"

Qian Liang responded, "This one’s remarkable. Word is, the Academy of Chemistry perfects aluminum electrolysis tech, using this to extract aluminum. They say aluminum proves vital for industry, even substituting copper in wiring to slash installation expenses. Ship back those bauxite deposits, and sales worries vanish."

The traders’ gazes widened in awe. Hampered by transport limits and extraction rates, imperial mines fell short of the Empire’s ore needs. Hence, private operations arose, offsetting tech gaps via labor.

Should the Southeast Military Region claim Australia victoriously, exploiting its riches became certain—and that ignited the merchants’ zeal.