Iron Dynasty Chapter 960

Xiao Ming sat in the red-lacquered wooden chair of the official residence, his gaze locked directly onto Dick’s.

“You possess a certain intelligence, but it is limited. I am not so reckless as to dispatch my forces to the European mainland at this moment. Your error lies in the foolish assumption that the Great Yu Empire is a mere native tribe that can be easily crushed,” Xiao Ming stated firmly.

Dick remained silent. He was forced to concede that this disaster was born from the arrogance cultivated through centuries of overseas expansion. Had they not been so conceited, this campaign would never have been launched.

The reality was now undeniable: he was locked in a struggle against an industrial titan in Asia.

“Your Majesty, you are truly the most perceptive sovereign I have encountered in the East. I believe both Britain and France will be compelled to re-evaluate their stance toward the Great Yu Empire. Your nation has earned its place among the circle of civilized powers,” Dick offered, resorting to flattery.

Throughout two centuries of colonial history, Europe had essentially utilized two distinct foreign policies.

The indigenous populations of Africa and South America were categorized as primitive savages who had not yet reached civilization. This classification was based on their lack of complex social hierarchies and their reliance on hunting; some were even known to practice cannibalism on their foes.

Europeans completely excluded such groups from the definition of civilization. The standard procedure for colonizing these people was ruthless extermination.

Because the Europeans coveted the land and its resources, and these tribes lacked any perceived value or the ability to integrate into modern structures, they were viewed as obstacles. Many lacked written languages and were deemed too dangerous and barbaric to offer any profitable trade.

However, after the colonization of India, a new tier was established: the semi-civilized society, which sat slightly above the primitive tribes.

For nations that possessed organized social structures, written records, and tradable goods—yet lacked scientific advancement—Europe adopted a policy of colonial trade.

Since the populations of such regions had the means to purchase goods, they served as viable markets for European products.

Furthermore, because these nations were capable of mounting a defense, they had to be approached with a degree of caution.

Previously, the Great Yu Empire had been relegated to this second category, viewed similarly to India. Their ambition had been to transform the Great Yu Empire into a second Indian colony.

Now, however, it was glaringly obvious that the Great Yu Empire deserved to be ranked as an equal among the civilized nations of the world.

Reflecting on this, Dick elaborated on these points to Xiao Ming, hoping to win the Emperor's favor by suggesting that Europe finally respected his civilization—a gesture he considered a great honor.

When Dick finished his explanation, laughter erupted from Xiao Ming, Qian Dafu, Xie Yuan, Ding Chang, and the rest of the group.

Even the translator’s expression held a trace of contempt.

“Councilor Dick, it seems you are under a delusion. In our eyes, it is you Europeans who are the second-class nations! As for the Great Yu Empire, we are THIS!” Xie Yuan declared, gesturing with a confident thumbs-up.

Xiao Ming shook his head, feeling a sense of helplessness. He understood Dick’s perspective; much like in the modern era, Western nations found it nearly impossible to discard long-held prejudices overnight.

Even in the 21st century, the West often viewed his homeland through a distorted lens, using propaganda to portray it as a backward nation frozen in the era of World War II.

Dick was no different. Even with his life on the line, his subconscious biases had slipped out.

“Arrogant British! The day will come when you cower in the shadow cast by the Great Yu Empire!” Xiao Ming’s eyes grew cold. “Now, give me a full confession!”

Dick’s frame shuddered. He realized his psychological ploys had failed and that the Great Yu Empire no longer feared Western power.

With a heavy sigh, he began to provide a detailed account of Britain’s current state.

As Xiao Ming listened, he had the translator transcribe every word, securing vital firsthand intelligence.

An hour passed before Dick had exhausted his knowledge. Xiao Ming then ordered Xie Yuan to return Dick and Wilson to their cells.

“Your Majesty, maintaining over three thousand prisoners of war who do nothing but consume our resources is a drain on the treasury. I suggest we send them to the mines for hard labor,” Xie Yuan proposed, casting a predatory look at Wilson.

Though they had emerged victorious, the navy had sustained its heaviest casualties since its inception, and Xie Yuan harbored a deep resentment.

“Handle them as you see fit. However, ensure these two remain alive. I am expecting a substantial ransom for their return,” Xiao Ming instructed confidently.

He knew from the Dutch that Europe practiced the custom of ransoming captured officers. Given the high status of Wilson and Dick, they likely hailed from influential families and would command a high price.

He intended to demand an exorbitant sum when the time came.

Gratified by the order, Xie Yuan had the guards drag the two away, whispering instructions to "care for them" properly.

Once alone, Xiao Ming reviewed the translator’s notes, his brow furrowed. Dick had been quite thorough in describing Britain’s industrial progress.

Steam engine technology was advancing at a rapid pace in Britain. Motivated perhaps by the Great Yu Empire’s rise, Queen Victoria had funneled massive funds into steam power research.

The concentration of resources had reportedly birthed a more efficient second generation of steam engines. Under these new policies, the aristocracy and capitalists were rapidly constructing steam-powered factories.

Beyond their own borders, Britain was exporting these engines to mainland Europe to fund further domestic innovation, sparking a steam engine revolution across the continent.

France was keeping pace, vying for control of the European engine market, acting as both a partner and a rival to the British.

“Your Majesty, Europe remains a significant threat. This sudden surge in their steam technology is troubling,” Qian Dafu remarked with a sigh. “Those two traitors have accelerated Europe’s understanding of basic science. Combined with their existing educational standards, they could become formidable competitors.”

Xiao Ming nodded in agreement, acknowledging the concerns shared by his court.

However, he remained privately confident. No matter how much Europe accumulated, they could not hope to match the knowledge stored within his technology crystal.

At best, Britain’s current scientific level was comparable to high school knowledge, which might eventually lead them to the industrial capacity of the World War I era.

In Xiao Ming’s view, that specific knowledge wasn't the biggest threat; Europe would have naturally discovered those principles within thirty years anyway.

The real issue was the shift caused by the Great Yu Empire’s own existence. The empire’s progress provided a tangible roadmap for others to follow.

Take electricity, for instance. While Britain hadn't stolen the specific technology yet, they now had a clear objective to pursue. Scientists would no longer waste time debating the possibility of such things; they would simply work toward the proven goal.

Historically, scientific progress was slowed by skepticism and wrong turns. Now, the Great Yu Empire served as a guiding light.

Without intending to, the empire had become the beacon leading the rest of the world’s technological evolution.