Iron Dynasty Chapter 1022

“Is that him, Dolgor?”

Under the dim glow of early morning, Gubat gestured helplessly toward the lifeless body of Dolgor.

Following an intense night of combat, they had seized full command of the tribal encampment. The majority of the Golden Tent horsemen lay slain on the battlefield, and the survivors opted to yield. Even the nomads set to depart alongside the Golden Tent submitted without resistance.

Tales of the three great tribes wiped out for their defiance had swept across the vast steppes. In the eyes of these people, the Great Yu Empire was no longer a feeble prey to toy with, but a ferocious predator eager for blood.

Certain nomads invoked Niu Ben’s name to hush unruly youngsters. Driven by this terror, the barbarians yielded peacefully. After all, servitude beat certain death.

“It’s definitely him; I’d know him even reduced to ashes,” Gubat affirmed confidently. Once the clash concluded, they scoured for Dolgor. Their efforts located his fallen form along the western barricade.

“To perish so simply feels almost wasteful,” Qi Guangyi remarked with a touch of sorrow. He had intended to parade Dolgor for accolades, given the monumental success this represented.

Nevertheless, with Dolgor gone, the century-old menace plaguing the Empire’s northern frontiers was utterly eradicated.

Gazing upon Dolgor’s remains, Gubat felt overwhelming helplessness. He was profoundly relieved now for choosing allegiance to the Great Yu Empire. A single misstep, and he might join the ranks of the fallen beside Dolgor.

His people and he could now envision an altered destiny.

Amid these uneasy reflections, Qi Guangyi issued a command abruptly, “Gubat, we’ve got too many prisoners. Get your troops to help us round them up and march them to Raozhou. Guandong desperately requires hands for building railways and telegraph lines, plus staffing thermal power stations. We can’t squander this workforce.”

Gubat offered a wary grin. Defiance was out of the question, as his very survival hinged on this man.

“Understood, General Qi Guangyi. We’ll handle it.” He then directed his warriors to push the prisoners eastward.

Meanwhile, Feng Dongjin paced restlessly, awaiting updates from Qi Guangyi. Though the assault was a bold ambush, the sheer volume of barbarians posed serious dangers.

His concerns faded by midday. Through his field glasses, he observed a vast procession of prisoners trailing the green-clad cavalry, signaling a bountiful triumph.

Upon Qi Guangyi’s arrival back at base, Feng Dongjin approached promptly and noted, “Commander, it looks like you’ve reaped a fine bounty this round.”

His eyes flicked toward the throng of detainees.

Qi Guangyi grinned. “At last, they’ve proven worthwhile. Nearly all the Golden Tent barbarians have capitulated. Over 600,000 souls should ease Guandong’s labor shortages.”

Feng Dongjin chuckled, “My fretting was pointless then. These barbarians have at last grasped the meaning of fear.”

Qi Guangyi joined in the laughter. That fear was precisely their aim, for how else to cow the timid foes?

After a short exchange, Feng Dongjin recalled a detail. “I’ve set up a banquet. With this splendid win, shall we share some wine?”

“Excellent! Just what I needed.” Dolgor eliminated, the barbarian peril vanquished entirely—now relaxation was in order.

Dismounting, Qi Guangyi headed for the fire pit. Noticing Gubat’s awkward demeanor, he added, “Banner Head Gubat, join us for a toast. Your role in this epic clash merits praise. Back in Raozhou, I’ll be sure to inform His Majesty of your vital aid.”

“General Qi—no, Commander Qi—my gratitude!” Gubat replied, clasping his hands tightly, his spirit surging with elation. This was the opportunity he’d craved.

Emboldened by Qi Guangyi’s summons, Gubat approached the flames alongside them. The troops dispersed to their fires for meals.

After clinking cups and sipping, Gubat declared, “I’m grateful for your faith in me. As you two head back in glory, might you present this pledge of submission to His Majesty?”

Qi Guangyi accepted the document. Evidently, Gubat had long plotted this bid for imperial favor. “No issue at all. This victory seals the northern landscape. Provided Banner Head Gubat loyally tends herds for the Empire, His Majesty will welcome you warmly.”

“Of course. Whatever His Majesty demands, Gubat stands ready. We excel at grazing, and we’ll supply ample cattle and sheep to the throne,” Gubat vowed.

Feng Dongjin and Qi Guangyi shared a glance, smirks playing on their lips. Though they harbored disdain for the barbarian Gubat, he remained one the Emperor had spared personally.

The cordial talk with Gubat revealed the Emperor’s deeper scheme. Slaying him might sate vengeance, but what gain for the realm’s prosperity?

Better to harness him, much like the Cossacks bolstered Tsarist Russia—breeding stock for the Empire, furnishing riders for its armies.

Thus, at minimal expense, the Empire could dominate the endless plains, free from threats of rival wanderers.

As they drank and conversed, after several rounds, the trio parted. Exhausted from the night’s strife, both Qi Guangyi and Gubat sought slumber.

Feng Dongjin, however, faced mounting duties. Overseeing such masses of prisoners proved no simple task.

After a day’s repose, Feng Dongjin and Qi Guangyi rose at dawn the following day, rallied their forces, and set off for Raozhou, prisoners in tow.

With the Golden Tent crushed, lingering on the steppes served no purpose. Each additional day strained supplies. Hence, they hastened homeward, dispatching the glad tidings to Qingzhou en route.

…

Qingzhou.

Half a month’s vigil ended as a dispatch from the plains set Qingzhou City ablaze with fervor.

For ages, the barbarians haunted the nation’s collective dread, yet after over a decade of strife, the Empire had subjugated them at last. Henceforth, no soul need dread the thunder of hooves shattering their rest.

“This clash saw the Northwest Army crush the Cossack riders and seize vast spoils. Tallying the taken horsemen, we’ve netted 640,000 captives overall. Factoring in assorted clans subdued lately, the total nears a million barbarians. Quite the haul,” Pang Yukun observed, joy tempered by concern.

Xiao Ming grasped Pang Yukun’s unease: the fear that these hordes might multiply into another formidable force.

“Chief Grand Secretary Pang, such fears are groundless. Their count is hefty, yet dispersal will erase them. Given this influx, we’ll ship 300,000 to Siberia and 300,000 to Australia. Crucially, no captive women may wed their kin; they must pair with Empire men only. Captive men are barred from Empire brides.”

Fei Ji eyed Xiao Ming upon hearing this. One had to admit, the scheme was ruthlessly effective—a blueprint for erasure.