Iron Dynasty Chapter 972

Upon departing from Qingzhou University, Xiao Ming together with Niu Ben and Luo Quan headed back to the palace.

Within the Imperial Study, Xiao Ming examined the map of Siberia and addressed the pair, “I’ve long nurtured this concept. Siberia spans so widely and sits so far off that ruling it after seizure would prove challenging, while also binding much of the Great Yu Empire’s armed forces. Thus, I intend to establish a foreign legion, formed from Goryeo and Japanese individuals, to clash with Tsarist Russian troops across Siberia.”

“A foreign legion? It resembles mercenaries somewhat,” Luo Quan remarked.

“Near enough, yet the distinction lies in our training and arming of this foreign legion, rendering their fighting prowess far beyond what mercenaries could match. Above all, the foreign legion will prove far more compliant,” Xiao Ming replied, grinning.

Indeed, this notion had sparked in his mind right after seizing Goryeo and Japan. Back in the colonial conflicts of the Age of Discovery, it stood as standard practice to mold portions of local forces into tools for dominating native lands. Without that, a nation’s own resources would buckle under the strain of upholding vast territories.

In the midst of battling Goryeo, Ye Qingyun had in truth already forged a foreign legion. This consisted of the Goryeo troops once commanded by Li Cheng-jae. While storming southern strongholds, though this force lacked the keen edge of the Great Yu Empire’s soldiers, it managed to fulfill the bulk of assignments.

The sole drawback remained that Li Cheng-jae, driven by his overreaching desires, had at last attempted mutiny, only to fall into the hands of his own officers.

“Your Majesty, doesn’t this echo the Goryeo force under Li Cheng-jae’s former command? My concern is that these troops lack true devotion to the Great Yu Empire and might instead turn against us,” Niu Ben voiced, showing mild unease.

Xiao Ming chuckled upon hearing this. He told them both, “Such fears are unfounded. For one, the foreign troops won’t receive our top-tier firearms, and for another, victory in war hinges on a nation’s overall might. With our robust industrial foundation, we can supply endless provisions for conflict whenever needed. What power does the foreign legion hold? Should their munitions dwindle, they become mere sheep for the slaughter. Employing them spares our main forces from heavier losses.”

Luo Quan and Niu Ben exchanged glances before nodding gradually. Given firearms’ nature, assembling a force now demanded just three months of preparation, applying equally to the foreign contingent.

“Then we’ll return and organize the foreign army, aiming to dispatch them to Siberia without delay.”

“Yes, start by enlisting 20,000 troops for the moment—10,000 from Goryeo and 10,000 from Japan. Since Goryeo and Japanese folk have long clashed, blending them should simplify oversight if things spiral,” Xiao Ming mused.

The phrase foreign army carried a milder ring, though in essence it marked a puppet force, mere followers. He fully grasped the pitfalls of such units, like the risk of arming foes, yet he wouldn’t recoil from the strategy. In the end, these troops still packed decent punch, sufficient to plague Tsarist Russia.

Besides, modern annals showed Goryeo’s knack for loyal service. Under Japanese rule, they battled alongside invaders against China, and beneath American sway, they aided their overlords, even joining the Vietnam fray with deeds harsher than those of U.S. forces.

He naturally sought to exploit a nation boasting such traits.

As for Japan, he distrusted their outward submission. Goryeo, being a minor realm, recognized its limits against a superpower and thus embraced the role of faithful hound.

Japan, however, feigned loyalty while nursing dark schemes, destined to betray its handler in time.

Lately, he had pondered deeply on this. In eras when Central Plains dynasties thrived, Japan bowed readily. But as those realms waned, Japan struck viciously, striving to shatter the heartland power. This pattern revealed Japan’s enduring hunger to claim the Central Plains.

Moreover, Japan’s cramped terrain, plagued by endless calamities, instilled in its people a deep-rooted anxiety. That primal dread of extinction fueled Japan’s wild craving for the expansive domains of the Central Plains dynasties.

Hence, in subduing Japan, Xiao Ming stayed ever watchful, denying them paths to resurgence. Failing that, Japan might rise anew as a dire foe to the Great Yu Empire.

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Niu Ben and Luo Quan responded.

After a brief silence, Xiao Ming pressed on, “Furthermore, we ought to tackle the Golden Tent Khanate as well. This presents a prime chance to gauge the Han-style rifle and Imperial Guard artillery’s might. Come spring, have Lei Ming from Youzhou push toward Raozhou. On this campaign, we’ll deliver a stern rebuke, making clear that allying with Tsarist Russia spells their doom!”

Niu Ben smirked at the words, his tone laced with eagerness as he said, “Your Majesty, grant me the honor of heading this assault on the Golden Tent Khanate. I’m keen to witness the Han-style rifle and Imperial Guard artillery unleash havoc on the steppes.”

Luo Quan chimed in competitively, “Better to hand this chance to rising stars like Lu Fei and Lu Quan. We veterans stick to scheming in the Grand Council these days. Our frames can’t take the rigors anymore.”

A shadow crossed Niu Ben’s features at that. In a flash, eleven years had slipped by; he’d surpassed sixty, and Luo Quan matched him in years.

Just days prior, they’d discussed stepping down from service.

After some reflection, Niu Ben conceded, “True, the era belongs to the youth now. Still, toppling the Golden Tent Khanate ranks as my deepest aspiration. Your Majesty, permit me this final venture onto the field.”

“Your Majesty, I’ll join him. Opportunities like these won’t come my way again soon,” Luo Quan added, his voice tinged with sentiment.

Xiao Ming’s eyes rested on the pair of seasoned commanders. Over their lifetimes, they’d poured everything into the Great Yu Empire, earning a well-deserved ease in twilight years.

He grasped their sentiments and chose not to press. Though tales like ‘Can aged Lian Po still feast?’ symbolized enduring vigor, the march of time spared no one.

“I grasp what drives you two generals. The Golden Tent Khanate has loomed as your vowed foe forever. Truly, it harbors vast blood debts against our Great Yu Empire and has haunted your careers. With that in mind, I approve your command of the northern thrust to eradicate this peril,” Xiao Ming stated softly. Niu Ben and Luo Quan hailed from Xiao Wenxuan’s time, their eternal adversaries the nomads, whereas today’s up-and-coming officers aimed to rival Europe’s might.

“We thank Your Majesty’s grace. Once this clash ends, our purpose achieved, we’ll yield our roles to the next wave. Lu Fei, Luo Xin, Lei Ming, Ye Qingyun, and their ilk stand as vigorous talents ready to succeed us,” Niu Ben declared measuredly.

Xiao Ming inclined his head. Their resolve rang genuine, so he replied, “With the generals’ decision firm, I won’t hold you back. I merely ask that you mentor these juniors further. Spots await you both at the military academy.”