Iron Dynasty Chapter 959

The depths of winter had arrived, bringing a sea breeze that chilled one to the very marrow.

However, in Dick’s estimation, this natural frost was nothing compared to the frigid glare of the Emperor standing before him.

In the past, the Great Yu Empire had been little more than an obscure name to him. Like his views on all lands beyond Europe, he had assumed only primitive natives inhabited the region—until Britain suffered a crushing, unprecedented defeat in Asia. Only then did the nation's name begin to echo through the halls of Parliament.

The arrival of two scholars from the Great Yu Empire in Britain further shattered their preconceptions. It became undeniable that this empire was far removed from the barbaric civilizations they had previously subjugated.

Consequently, the British Parliament was now divided. A faction of councilors pushed for formal diplomacy with the Great Yu Empire, seeking to foster trade and trade scientific insights. Conversely, the majority remained paralyzed by the fear of the Great Yu Empire’s impending dominance.

He was well aware that the Great Yu Empire’s ascent would inevitably jeopardize the interests of influential dynasties. After all, there were massive stakes in British India and Australia. Those who profited from these regions would never stand by while the Great Yu Empire seized their fortunes.

This coalition had been orchestrated by those very interests. Despite representing three different nations, their objective was singular: to cripple the naval might of the Great Yu Empire.

But now, he had ruined everything. In this high-stakes gamble, they had forfeited their entire naval presence in Asian waters.

“Your Esteemed Majesty, I shall be completely honest regarding whatever you wish to know. My only plea is that you spare my life,” Dick begged. He enjoyed a life of luxury in Britain, complete with a beautiful wife and darling children. The thought of losing it all made him desperate to avoid death.

Wilson's expression twisted with contempt as he barked, “You politicians are nothing but spineless, repulsive creatures.”

“Oh, shut up! It was the sheer stupidity of hardliners like you that caused this war. The responsibility for this failure lies solely on your shoulders!” Dick snapped back, his own temper flaring.

Xiao Ming’s eyes flickered between Wilson and Dick. He found politicians far more useful than military officers. Though politicians were devious, they possessed a better grasp of compromise than soldiers—at least when dealing with an enemy.

“You may resume your bickering once you are back in your cell. For now, let us discuss your nation. What did those two traitors from the Great Yu Empire deliver to you?” Xiao Ming asked, his voice tight with suppressed rage. He had ordered the secret guards to assassinate those turncoats, but their distinct appearances made it impossible for his agents to infiltrate their circles.

Furthermore, the overseas Chinese in Britain during this era held a status no better than slaves, living under constant, oppressive surveillance.

“Is Your Majesty referring to Fei Anyi and Fan Hongcai?”

“The very same.” Xiao Ming’s eyes narrowed. He was determined to extract the latest intelligence on Britain's progress.

Dick paused to collect his thoughts before speaking with forced respect. “I must admit, those two possess remarkable brilliance. They have supplied Britain with a vast array of proven scientific and technological breakthroughs in both physics and chemistry. These concepts have already been validated. Because of their input, Britain is currently in the throes of a radical scientific revolution. London has become a magnet for the nation's brightest minds, and many are convinced that Britain will soon undergo a massive technological leap.”

Dick kept a sharp eye on Xiao Ming’s face as he spoke. To his dismay, the Emperor remained entirely unruffled, his composure as steady as a mountain.

His intent had been to cow the Emperor. All of Britain believed these two were the finest minds the Great Yu Empire had to offer. The knowledge they shared was supposed to allow Britain to rapidly close the technological gap, a prospect that should have unsettled the Great Yu Empire.

Seeing Xiao Ming’s indifference, Dick decided to push further. Using his practiced political charm, he emphasized, “The theories and inventions the Great Yu Empire currently holds are now in Britain’s possession as well. While our scientists must still bring them to fruition, it is merely a matter of time. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider your stance toward Britain. I am prepared to serve as a diplomatic bridge between our two nations.”

Xiao Ming listened in silence before a derisive smirk touched his lips. “Is that a threat?”

Dick reacted with feigned shock. “Your Esteemed Majesty, I am but your captive. How could I dare? I am simply presenting the reality of the situation. There is a detail Your Majesty might overlook: for centuries, the royal houses of Europe have been bound by marriage. Whether it be Britain, France, or Tsarist Russia, the rulers share common blood. If confronted by a formidable foe, the nations of Europe will unite once more, just as they did twice before to repel the nomadic tribes of the East.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Ming laughed out loud. Dick was clearly terrified for his life, yet he was undeniably sharp; his assessment was largely accurate. The European obsession with noble lineages was powerful. Even in the history of World War I, it was essentially a conflict between relatives—not unlike the intermarried royalty of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods who fought even as they wed.

Dick was clearly attempting to plant a seed of doubt in Xiao Ming's mind, hoping the Emperor would handle him with greater care.

However, such tactics were lost on Xiao Ming. While Dick’s warnings of a united Europe might come true, that would only happen if Xiao Ming launched a full-scale invasion of their continent.

Attacking the European mainland was not currently on his agenda. The distance was simply too great, and the Suez Canal did not yet exist. To reach Europe from the Great Yu Empire, a fleet had to pass through Malacca, round the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, and then sail north along the coast.

Such a journey spanned over thirty thousand kilometers—nearly a full circumnavigation of the globe—since ships had to hug the coastlines for essential supplies.

A single voyage to Europe took six months, meaning a round trip required a full year.

Furthermore, conquering Europe wasn't a task for a few thousand men. Deploying a massive army at such a distance would be a catastrophic drain on the empire's resources.

In the history Xiao Ming knew, nations that attempted such feats often met with disaster. During the Russo-Japanese War, the Baltic Fleet of Tsarist Russia traveled thousands of miles to the Far East, only to be decimated at the Battle of Tsushima by a fresh Japanese fleet after two hundred days at sea.

Even the United States in the modern era could only sustain Asian wars by using a defeated Japan as a supply hub, and even then, they often faced failure.

After considering these factors, Xiao Ming decided on a strategy of gradual colonial expansion, much like the Europeans had done, building influence through a network of outposts.

Only when his navy could resupply at intervals along the route would it be feasible to wage war on European soil.

For now, the conflict would be over colonial territories. Following this naval engagement, the European powers would likely realize the truth: they lacked the strength to strike the Great Yu Empire, and the Great Yu Empire was not yet ready to strike them at home.

The future would be a fierce struggle for dominance over the world's colonies.