Iron Dynasty Chapter 1016

The thunderous hum of electric machines echoed across the factory floor.

Through the research department's glass window, Xiao Ming observed the bustling workshops where machines of all kinds were being assembled with great vigor. Once Lin Wentao had finished his words, Xiao Ming declared, “With the internal combustion engine now fully mastered, hand this over to the rest of the research team to advance. Your next mission holds even greater importance.”

“Your Majesty, I’m listening.” Lin Wentao sensed what might be coming.

“Steam turbine!” Xiao Ming announced gravely. Electricity’s arrival marked a monumental leap forward, yet the steam engine persisted into modern eras, evolving with ever-greater sophistication. Enter the steam turbine—the heart of thermal power stations and the dreadnought age.

This device transformed steam’s force into rotational mechanical power. Crucially, it powered generators as the primary engine and propelled naval vessels directly. Compared to the triple-expansion steam engine in today’s ironclads, it was like pitting an infant against a giant.

For dreadnoughts to emerge, this invention proved essential, as the triple-expansion steam engine could no longer satisfy ironclads’ growing power demands.

Lin Wentao nodded firmly. With his expanding expertise, he had outgrown basic innovations; reflecting on past work now felt like mere childish games.

Thus, he replied, “No issue at all. I’ve anticipated this for quite some time.”

Satisfied, Xiao Ming nodded and delved into technical challenges with the group briefly. Then, alongside Qian Dafu, he inspected the machinery factory’s depths.

Unknown to them, electricity’s integration had revolutionized Qingzhou’s industrial sites. The electric lathes here stood as vivid evidence.

Though the lathe’s purpose stayed the same, the electric motor’s reliability greatly boosted the machine’s steadiness overall.

Gazing at these powerful, whirring devices, Xiao Ming displayed a pleased look. Indeed, the factory’s full electrical upgrade came entirely from Lin Wentao’s research team. He had merely checked in sporadically. Over a decade of schooling had amassed plenty of skilled individuals in Qingzhou.

Often, a single directive from him sufficed for these experts to bring visions to life.

He could concentrate on frontier technologies while entrusting finer points to fresh graduates.

Exiting the machinery factory, Xiao Ming and Qian Dafu strolled back via the industrial zone’s concrete path. At the city gate, heavy traffic jammed the entryway.

His brow furrowed as he remarked, “Once a shield for the city, this wall now hinders trade flow. Dafu, head to the cabinet soon and instruct Pang Yukun to raze the redundant walls per the blueprint.”

“Your Majesty, must we truly dismantle them?” Qian Dafu queried with unease. “What of the barbarians…”

“The barbarians will fade into the past shortly.” Xiao Ming’s gaze held steady resolve. As the Australian campaign raged on, grassland conflicts continued unabated. Reports indicated Qi Guangyi had pressed toward the Golden Tent after sweeping nearby tribes.

…

Across the endless plains, Qi Guangyi’s rifle cavalry clustered near a campfire, grilling beef and mutton seized from conquered tribes.

A month prior, following the General Staff’s command, they ventured onto the steppe. In clashes with the three chief tribes, they had decimated the barbarians’ core horsemen. The Golden Tent Khanate now resembled a fading elder.

As anticipated, the barbarian clans had forfeited most of their mounted warriors. Their advance faced scant opposition, with tribes opting to yield at first sight.

“Commander, General Niu’s genius shines through. That Raozhou purge last time paid off handsomely. Barbarian groups now flee us like hares from predators,” boomed Feng Dongjin, Northwest Military Region’s top aide.

Qi Guangyi savored a mutton shank heartily. “Having battled barbarians for years, General Niu grasps their essence. For such savages, harsher tactics are required; else, they mistake mercy for frailty.”

“The Commander speaks wisely. Diplomacy or culture means nothing to them. Only the blade commands respect,” another division head agreed.

As laughter rang out amid the chatter, a scout rider appeared from the distance and neared Qi Guangyi. Leaping down, the scout reported, “Commander, our patrol spotted barbarian horsemen. Their leader seeks an audience with you.”

“Is that so?” Qi Guangyi’s eyes sharpened. “Where do they wait?”

“Right over that hill,” the scout gestured toward the lush green rise ahead, the barbarians’ holy site known as Tian Shan.

Qi Guangyi rose then. “If their intent is genuine, invite them to parley. Otherwise, send them away.”

With power now tilted decisively, Qi Guangyi’s stance had toughened accordingly.

The scout saluted and raced toward Tian Shan.

Feng Dongjin eyed the hill and wondered, “What trickery do these barbarians plot now?”

“Against overwhelming might, plots crumble like thin parchment. Since they’ve come, hearing them out costs nothing,” Qi Guangyi responded evenly.

The group concurred with nods. Soon, the scout escorted twenty barbarian riders to the rifle cavalry’s camp.

After thorough searches stripped them of arms, Qi Guangyi received the delegation.

“Honored General Qi, I am Gubat, and meeting you is a privilege.” Gubat inclined his head respectfully, humility etched on his features.

“Gubat? The name rings a bell. Are you the same Gubat who spearheaded the assault on Yakutsk?” Qi Guangyi’s face hardened instantly.

Gubat shifted uncomfortably. “Yes, but blame those deeds on the vile Dolgor. He compelled my actions.”

Qi Guangyi’s brow creased. “So, what do you seek from this covert encounter?”

Gubat inwardly sighed. “I know the Golden Tent’s path west, and I can serve as your insider. In return, once accomplished, let my people dwell on these plains as Great Yu Empire subjects.”

“I lack authority for that. It requires His Majesty’s approval.” Qi Guangyi stated. Having crushed tribes east of Tian Shan, he hunted the Golden Tent’s position, but its nomadic flight evaded pinpointing.

Gubat’s arrival offered a chance to crush the Golden Tent at last.

“Then, General Qi, relay my plea to His Majesty. Act before Dolgor nears Saint Petersburg.”