Iron Dynasty Chapter 967

“Boom! Boom! Boom!”

As the ceremonial cannons launched fireworks high into the atmosphere, dazzling bursts of light blossomed against the night sky, clustering together in a magnificent display. This New Year’s Eve was unlike any other; the citizens of Qingzhou City had finished their holiday meals early, streaming out of their homes to congregate along Imperial City Avenue in anticipation of the pyrotechnic show.

“Look! It’s incredible!”

The moment the explosions began, the Imperial City Avenue was bathed in a radiant glow, exposing the massive crowds gathered below. The high-pitched, innocent cheers of children cut through the low hum of the adults' conversations. While the youngsters were captivated by the colorful spectacle, the adults were more interested in the "miracle" the court had promised before the holiday. Rumors circulated that tonight, they would all witness a moment where the impossible became reality.

Inside the palace walls, Xiao Ming stood alongside his concubines and officials, watching the night sky ignite. The cannons responsible for the salute were positioned in the courtyard facing the Zhengda Guangming Hall.

“Father Emperor, what is this mysterious surprise you promised for tonight?”

Xiao Yi’s cheeks were flushed red from the winter chill, despite his heavy cotton coat, but his eyes danced with curiosity. Like most people within the palace, he remained in the dark regarding the secret event scheduled for the evening.

Fei Yuer stood beside Xiao Ming, looking at Xiao Yi with motherly tenderness. Eleven years had passed in the blink of an eye, transforming her from a sixteen-year-old girl into a poised and elegant woman of twenty-six. The youthful innocence of her past had been replaced by a refined charm and a regal aura befitting the mother of the nation.

“If I reveal it now, it won't be a secret anymore, and the surprise would be ruined, wouldn't it?” Xiao Ming said, patting Xiao Yi’s head. He noticed that the boy now reached his waist. At seven years old, Xiao Yi was the age of a modern elementary student. Because of this, Xiao Ming had become more rigorous regarding the boy's education, personally teaching him whenever possible now that he had reached an age of reason. Furthermore, as Xiao Yi matured, the court's calls to appoint a Crown Prince had intensified. Memorials praising the boy’s virtues arrived almost daily, though Xiao Ming knew these were merely attempts by officials to gain favor with Fei Ji.

This political pressure was also fueled by Xiao Yi’s performance in the Qingzhou Middle School year-end examinations, where he had placed third at just seven years old. Following the stabilization of the empire, Xiao Ming had overhauled the educational system to promote widespread literacy. The Great Yu Empire now utilized a four-tier structure: elementary, middle, high school, and university. Over a decade of development at Qingzhou University had produced a wealth of talent, from which Xiao Ming had selected elites to form the Qingzhou Normal University. This institution was designed to train the teachers needed to staff the rest of the empire. Education was no longer restricted to the capital; cities like Jinling, Youzhou, Jinzhou, Songjiang, Suzhou, Lin’an, and Chang’an were now establishing their own industrial, commercial, and educational hubs to cultivate local expertise.

Xiao Yi had taken the middle school exam on a whim during one of Xiao Ming’s inspections, and his third-place finish had shocked everyone. By empire standards, a boy his age should only be in elementary school. The achievement became a sensation; the eldest prince was hailed as a prodigy, and Fei Ji even threw a lavish banquet to brag about his grandson’s intellect. Xiao Ming, however, remained grounded. He believed that with a father like himself, it was only natural for Xiao Yi to be a fast learner, and he didn't think the boy should be judged solely on such metrics.

“I understand, Father Emperor. I will wait,” Xiao Yi replied obediently. His mature demeanor caused Xiao Ming and Fei Yuer to exchange amused glances.

“The eldest prince is so well-behaved, unlike my brat who has asked me the same question a hundred times,” Lu Fei’s booming voice rang out. He was accompanied by a stout boy roughly Xiao Yi’s age. This was his third son, Lu Ping. His eldest, Lu Yun, was already eighteen and training with the Imperial Guard.

Luo Xin also joined them, bringing his eldest son, Luo Xing. This New Year’s Eve carried immense weight; every significant figure in the court had been invited to the palace banquet along with their families. For these high-ranking officials and generals, the fireworks were a secondary concern. The gathering served as a rare opportunity for the empire’s leadership to bond and for their children to network and gain experience. Consequently, the palace was teeming with the families of both civil and military leaders, including Niu Ben and Pang Yukun.

“Your Ping’er is at least talking. My boy is so terrified he hasn't uttered a single word. He’s completely spineless,” Luo Xin grumbled, shooting a glare at his son.

Xiao Ming smiled at the exchange. These men were his most trusted subordinates, veterans who had secured his reign and now held the highest ranks in the military. It was their unwavering loyalty that ensured his command over the army remained absolute.

Xiao Ming remarked, “Ping’er and Xing’er aren't enrolled in the Qingzhou elementary school, are they? After the New Year, they should come to the palace to study alongside Xiao Yi. It would be good for him to have companions his own age.”

Lu Fei and Luo Xin were struck with joy. Lu Fei gave Lu Ping a quick swat on the head, shouting, “Quick, thank the Emperor! It is a great honor to study with the eldest prince.” Luo Xin nudged Luo Xing forward as well, and both boys bowed deeply. “We thank Your Majesty for this incredible kindness.”

“You may rise,” Xiao Ming replied with a grin. This interaction did not go unnoticed by the other officials, many of whom looked on with envy, knowing the bright futures that now awaited Lu Ping and Luo Xing. They understood this was Xiao Ming’s way of tightening his bonds with the Lu and Luo clans. Similarly, the Emperor had already shown great favor to Niu Ben by arranging a high-status marriage for his son, Niu Chong.

While the officials were lost in their thoughts, Su Liangcai arrived, running toward them and gasping for air. Once he reached Xiao Ming, he paused to steady his breathing. “Your Majesty, everything is ready. We can begin.”

Xiao Ming’s eyes flashed with excitement. The "miracle" he had planned was the formal electrification of Qingzhou City. Once the thermal power plant was operational, it had first powered the military’s machinery department before the grid was extended into the city. Xiao Ming had tasked Su Liangcai with the monumental goal of bringing light to the capital on New Year’s Eve. He was, quite frankly, tired of living by candlelight.

“My ministers, I mentioned a gift for you and the citizens tonight. This is the moment.” He gave Su Liangcai a sharp nod.

Su Liangcai bellowed at the top of his lungs, “Signal the three salutes! Begin!”

At his word, three resounding cannon blasts echoed in front of the Zhengda Guangming Hall. Suddenly, the streetlamps lining the Imperial City Avenue and the lamps throughout the palace grounds flickered to life. In an instant, the darkness was banished, and the entirety of Qingzhou City was bathed in brilliant, artificial light.