Iron Dynasty Chapter 958

Xie Yuan stood at the head of a group of generals, leading them in a formal military salute as Xiao Ming arrived.

The news regarding the recent naval engagement had been dispatched to Qingzhou Province just yesterday. By the following day, the Emperor had already reached Dengzhou, traveling via the earliest steam locomotive.

Xiao Ming returned the salute and began walking toward the pier, signaling for Xie Yuan to commence his report.

“Your Majesty, the hostile force that struck the Great Yu Empire was a coalition fleet formed by Britain, France, and Spain. They commanded a total of seventy-six warships, all of which were third-rate sailing capital ships. During yesterday’s intense conflict, we successfully sank seventy-four of their vessels. Our own losses included seven hybrid-powered warships and four third-rate sailing ships. We neutralized eight thousand enemy troops and took three thousand prisoners. Two enemy ships were permitted to withdraw intentionally,” Xie Yuan reported with a cautious tone.

Xiao Ming paused in his tracks. He turned to Xie Yuan with a look of curiosity and questioned, “What was your reasoning for allowing those two warships to escape?”

Xie Yuan flinched slightly, a thin layer of sweat forming on his brow. He feared the Emperor’s displeasure, yet he took a steadying breath and decided to be transparent: “This coordinated ambush on the Dengzhou military port by Britain, France, and Spain was born of their arrogance. They believe they hold absolute dominion over the seas and harbor contempt for the Great Yu Empire’s navy. I, your humble servant, let two ships go on purpose. I intend for the survivors to carry the tale of this slaughter back to Britain and France. By instilling terror in their hearts, the Great Yu Empire’s navy will find much smoother passage in the Nanyang waters. If they are afraid, they will hesitate to start a war, ensuring the safety of our merchant vessels.”

Xiao Ming gave a slight nod. While destroying the final two ships would have been effortless, he recognized that the strategic value of those ships returning to Europe far outweighed the benefit of sinking them.

First, it was essential for European nations to gain a realistic understanding of the Great Yu Empire’s current strength to discourage them from interfering with his plans.

Secondly, the territory under his command had expanded rapidly since the unification of the Great Yu Empire. With Goryeo, Japan, Albazin, and the Philippines already secured, more Nanyang colonies were likely to follow.

These newly seized territories required time for the Great Yu Empire to assimilate them properly. Therefore, after the capture of Malacca, the Great Yu Empire would establish its sphere of influence using Malacca as a boundary, slowly solidifying its grip on the region. The goal was to plant enough fear in the enemy to prevent any reckless provocations.

Ultimately, simply holding a colony was useless if it wasn't profitable. He required these regions to supply the Great Yu Empire with labor, grain, and ore to ensure economic growth.

A colony that resulted in a net loss held no value to him.

“You have performed well. It is necessary at this time to awe these maritime powers, using war to end war and projecting the prestige of the Great Yu Empire. Simultaneously, we must utilize this time to stabilize the regions currently under our jurisdiction.”

Xiao Ming offered his approval.

While the European powers possessed global colonies, those territories were divided among various nations. In contrast, the Great Yu Empire relied solely on its own internal strength to control Asia, a far more demanding endeavor.

“I am grateful for Your Majesty’s praise. However, the primary credit for the destruction of the combined fleet belongs to him,” Xie Yuan remarked, presenting Li Wei to the Emperor.

Xiao Ming observed the naval general, who appeared somewhat lean but possessed eyes of exceptional sharpness. He said, “You have done excellently. To lead only twelve warships and nearly annihilate the entire enemy fleet—I shall see that you are rewarded handsomely for this feat.”

Li Wei’s expression turned to one of pure excitement. He snapped into a rigid military salute and shouted, “I thank Your Majesty for your immense grace!”

Xiao Ming nodded, feeling a sense of satisfaction. Although the army was vital, the navy’s role was paramount in this Age of Discovery. He needed a powerful navy to claim maritime hegemony, protect the trade routes of the Great Yu Empire’s merchants, and transport troops to distant colonial outposts.

Addressing the gathered naval officers, he announced, “In this battle, you have crushed the enemy and demonstrated our power across the seas. The Grand Secretariat will be instructed to prepare a list of commendations, and every one of you will receive a generous reward.”

The officers were filled with joy, their cheers echoing: “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”

Watching the fervor of his soldiers, Xiao Ming felt reassured. The Great Yu Empire functioned under an imperial system, making the absolute loyalty of the military to the throne a matter of critical importance.

After offering words of encouragement to the sailors who fought in the battle, Xiao Ming accompanied Xie Yuan and the other high-ranking officers to the naval headquarters.

Once there, Xie Yuan spoke up, “Your Majesty, we have two high-value prisoners in our custody. One is Wilson, the admiral of the coalition fleet, and the other is a British councilor named Dick. This Dick, in particular, has made some claims that I believe Your Majesty will find quite intriguing.”

Interrogating the captives was a primary reason for Xiao Ming’s visit. He was desperate for intelligence regarding the internal affairs of Britain and France. Because of the distinct physical differences, his secret guards were unable to infiltrate European society, leaving him largely blind to the developments in the West.

These prisoners changed everything. He was certain he could make them talk.

“Bring them in.” Xiao Ming’s eyes narrowed. These two were significant assets—one a high-ranking naval officer and the other a politician. They would either provide vital secrets or fetch a massive ransom.

Following the order, Xie Yuan signaled the guards. Before long, the disheveled figures of Dick and Wilson were marched into the room.

“This is His Majesty, the Emperor of the Great Yu Empire. Weren’t you both screaming to see him? Now that you are here, speak up quickly, and if you have wind, let it out fast,” Xie Yuan growled roughly.

Dick and Wilson stared at the young man seated at the center of the office. Both were taken aback; much like their own Queen, the Emperor of the Great Yu Empire was remarkably young.

However, while their Queen’s authority rested on the established power of Britain, this young monarch had personally transformed the Great Yu Empire from a state of poverty into its current era of dominance.

“Great Emperor, I am Dick, a member of the British council, and this is Wilson. As a member of the nobility, I must protest the undignified treatment we have received from the Great Yu Empire. In Europe, captured nobles are treated with the utmost courtesy.” Dick spoke while struggling to hide his trembling.

Wilson remained silent, merely staring at Xiao Ming, but the defiance in his eyes suggested he still possessed a measure of resolve.

“Your noble etiquette seems to apply only to fellow Europeans. You certainly didn't speak of etiquette when you were slaughtering the natives of other lands.” Xiao Ming replied with a cold edge to his voice, “I have little time to waste. I will be blunt: if you provide information of value, I may allow you to live. If you do not, you will be cast into the ocean to feed the sharks.”

Dick’s posture collapsed instantly. Having lived a life of luxury in Britain, he had never encountered a ruler so blunt and formidable.