Iron Dynasty Chapter 269 Artillery enters Chang

A fierce gust of mountain wind howled through, carrying a faint rumbling echo.

Right then, Xiao Ming declared: Everyone, this king has arrived at the Equipment Department today for two reasons—one to address the matter of the artillery, and the other to honor the exceptional craftsmen in your midst. The guiding principle this king has always followed was also vowed to you upon entering the various

workshops of Qingzhou, and today this king shall honor that vow.

No sooner had Xiao Ming finished speaking than numerous craftsmen displayed signs of thrill.

Chen Qi had already documented their accomplishments, and they had long anticipated this very day.

Next, Xiao Ming announced: The individuals whose names I call out now shall shed their slave status, gain Qingzhou household registration, and enjoy all the privileges of Qingzhou citizens henceforth.

Song Changping, Deng Huaiyuan, Yin Xingjian, Chen Wei...

One by one, names rolled from Xiao Ming's lips, and each craftsman called upon quivered with overwhelming joy.

In that instant, Chen Qi gazed at the youthful craftsman positioned at the forefront. This man, barely into his twenties, was already streaming tears by now.

He had once believed his fate doomed him to sire sons as slaves, daughters as courtesans, and a lineage of outcasts akin to mere beasts.

Yet in this pivotal moment, his entire world transformed.

He had even doubted whether King Qi's words were mere empty talk, unlikely to grant them true liberation.

Countless slaves harbored such suspicions, living in constant anxiety, cherishing each day as it came, much like a monk striking the bell for the moment.

What set him apart was heeding his father's counsel: regardless of circumstances, remain upright and diligent in one's duties.

Thus, he toiled relentlessly, and it was this dedication that prompted Chen Qi to transfer him from the equipment department to the military workshop, elevating him to captain.

Rather than growing complacent with his bettered lot, he redoubled his efforts. After three months of dedicated study, he devised a continuous casting technique that boosted artillery production speed.

Chen Qi had lavishly commended him in the workshop and pledged to advocate for his merits—and indeed, he followed through.

Catching Chen Qi's eye, Song Changping's tear-streaked features broke into a radiant grin.

...Ge Ming. Having listed the names of the thirty craftsmen, Xiao Ming continued: From this day forward, these thirty former slave craftsmen are slaves no more. The military workshop will process your household registrations, and for Song Changping's exceptional service, not only will you receive Qingzhou household registration, but so will your entire family. This king shall purchase a property for you in Qingzhou City, allowing your family to reunite at last. Does this satisfy you?

Satisfied! Song Changping bellowed, then gradually knelt with fists clasped, kowtowing repeatedly amid sobs: Thank you, Your Highness, thank you!

Xiao Ming advanced and lifted Song Changping to his feet. Addressing the assembled craftsmen, he proclaimed: This king understands that many of you harbor doubts about me, but now you must trust. In Qingzhou, diligence opens every door. Not only can you attain freedom, but your offspring may attend schools here and even rise to official ranks one day.

Xiao Ming's words boomed with power, resounding like thunder. Numerous craftsmen hung their heads in remorse, weary of betrayals by corrupt nobles and officials, having lost faith in all. Yet now, they realized their error.

Deep regret washed over them as they recalled mocking Song Changping earlier; they yearned to vanish into the earth. While Song Changping now stood free, they remained bound as slaves.

Nevertheless, they resolved in silence to labor fiercely and cast off their chains.

Observing the diverse emotions flickering across the slave craftsmen, Xiao Ming reflected inwardly that his objective was met, fostering an environment where earnest toil led to prosperity.

For the present, slavery persisted, and the fief's inhabitants must strive unyieldingly. Triumph in a battle or two scarcely guaranteed Qingzhou's enduring security.

Proceed with caution, tread as on thin ice—this was the lesson for all to engrave in their hearts.

Following the honors bestowed on the slave craftsmen, Xiao Ming extended rewards to those already holding Qingzhou household registration. These incentives aimed to spur them onward, as silver remained their utmost need.

After deliberating merits and awards in the military workshop, Xiao Ming made his way back to Qingzhou. Riding the wave of the military workshop's fervor, he directed similar reward initiatives across Qingzhou's various workshops.

Concurrently, the newspapers amplified the event through coverage. Amid all this effort, his singular aim was to ignite the craftsmen’s zeal.

After all, the gap between reluctance and eagerness was vast. A craftsman shifting from apathy to passion could multiply output by at least three times.

As the year drew to a close, with Qingzhou's workshops buzzing from the rewards and disciplines, a shipment of one hundred export-model Qingzhou artillery pieces reached Chang'an.

Within the study, Xiao Wenxuan reviewed memorials with focus.

Suddenly, Feng Deshui dashed in breathless, his haste causing him to stumble and collapse at Xiao Wenxuan's feet.

Xiao Wenxuan chuckled: Deshui, with New Year's Eve still distant, why offer such a grand prostration?

Feng Deshui rose, wincing from the ache, yet grinning broadly: Your Majesty, this old servant didn't intend that salute today; he simply hurried too much and tripped. Your Majesty, King Qi's artillery has reached the firearms battalion.

The artillery is here—truly? Xiao Wenxuan leaped to his feet, seizing Feng Deshui and shaking him with fervor, his face alight with eagerness.

Your Majesty, this old slave's frame is nearly shattered. Feng Deshui managed a wry smile. This old servant has never deceived Your Majesty.

It has truly arrived! Xiao Wenxuan burst into laughter upon hearing this. He set aside his brush and strode outward, declaring: Let us go inspect it!

Feng Deshui scrambled after him: Your Majesty, ease your pace, don your mink coat—don't catch a chill.

How could Xiao Wenxuan pause? In that moment, he felt youthful once more, his strides vigorous and swift.

To him, it transcended mere cannons; it marked a pivotal assurance for the throne.

To that end, he instructed Feng Deshui to summon all Chang'an's nobles and officials to the firearms camp, intent on displaying to all that the imperial guards now wielded artillery.

Have certain officials relay the intelligence to their shadowy patrons.

At the firearms battalion, the one hundred Qingzhou artillery pieces stood arrayed in the central camp, shrouded beneath gray canvas.

Beyond the camp's perimeter, guards stood vigilant, and though some informed generals arrived ahead, no orders permitted entry to any outsider.

The firearms battalion soldiers eyed these canvas-draped objects with intense curiosity, puzzled about the form of these devices termed artillery.

Xiao Wenxuan departed the palace straight to Chang'an's south gate, beyond which lay the firearms camp.

Feng Deshui had already alerted key civil and military officials to witness this formidable weapon. This occasion also served Xiao Wenxuan to flaunt his might against the vassal kings of other surnames.