Iron Dynasty Chapter 973

A subtle aroma of sandalwood permeated the Imperial Study, soothing the spirit.

Following an extended discussion between the emperor and his advisors, Niu Ben and Luo Quan felt no lingering doubts. They appreciated the spots Xiao Ming had reserved for them at the military academy.

As the proverb states, a fresh ruler ushers in fresh aides, and as past servants of Xiao Wenxuan, they now felt privileged by this favor from the new sovereign, erasing any sense of loss.

“We thank you for your grace, Your Majesty. Once this conflict ends, we pledge to deliver a tranquil steppe to Your Majesty,” Niu Ben declared firmly.

Xiao Ming gave a small nod. The Great Yu Empire could no longer be pushed around by the Golden Tent Khanate; instead, it possessed the strength to push this wandering horde beyond the borders of the Great Yu Empire's reach. With the Golden Tent Khanate showing such foolishness, he had no choice but to let firearms and cannons teach them reality.

Once they settled the strategy for Niu Ben and Luo Quan to strike the Golden Tent Khanate, the trio covered a few key particulars before wrapping up their talk.

To Xiao Ming, supplying the broad tactical guidance sufficed, leaving the hands-on fighting to Niu Ben and Luo Quan.

Naturally, he handled the guns and ammo too, since the assault on the Golden Tent Khanate would lean heavily on Han-style rifles and Imperial Guard artillery.

Among the provisions he readied for Zhu Sansi on this occasion, he packed in 6,000 Han-style rifles and 16 Imperial Guard artillery pieces. Sticking just to rations alone wouldn't help Zhu Sansi shatter the impasse.

After all, the blockade around Yakutsk stemmed from teamwork between Tsarist Russia and the Golden Tent Khanate. Prior to Niu Ben and Luo Quan starting their offensive, Xiao Ming needed to tackle this challenging issue upfront.

February 16th.

With a full month of readying behind them, a steam engine hauling 1,000 sleds, 6,000 Han-style rifles, 16 Imperial Guard artillery pieces, 300,000 metal bullets, and 1,000 cannon shells left Qingzhou bound for Jianzhou. After traveling a full day and night, the cargo reached Jianzhou without incident.

“Wow, these sleds are impressive,” Zhang Qinian remarked, eyeing the sleds inside the rail car. Their frames consisted of steel, while sturdy wooden planks sheathed the bulk, appearing quite robust.

“Commander, what are these sleds? These things are top-notch,” one of Zhang Qinian's troops burst out as he gazed at the sleds in admiration.

Shaking off his reverie, Zhang Qinian noticed his men shifting the sleds had gathered at the rail car's edge, fiddling with the Han-style rifles. He barked in fury, “You fools, do you want a military tribunal? Clear out of there right now!”

As the leader of the First Division in Qi Guangyi’s cavalry force, his unit bore the duty of aiding Zhu Sansi, pinned down in Yakutsk.

They had lingered there for three days prior to the train's arrival, and the shipment showed up at last today.

Reprimanded by Zhang Qinian, the troops hurriedly pulled the sleds from the car. He then headed directly to that edge himself.

Truth be told, the men's curiosity wasn't unique; even he, the division head, itched to inspect Zhu Sansi's reinforcements. After all, few forces wielded Han-style rifles, and cavalry like theirs had even slimmer chances.

“So many!”

Zhang Qinian gaped at the stack of Han-style rifles tucked away. Hundreds of crates brimmed with them, though that wasn't the sole cause of his astonishment.

Beyond the Han-style rifles lay crates of metal bullets and cannon shells, with the sheer volume of metal bullets leaving him stunned.

“Shooting these rounds feels like tossing away silver,” the officers beside Zhang Qinian commented, blending jealousy with regret. Unlike paper cartridges, a glance revealed the expense of these projectiles.

Yet, on balance, such bullets fixed the gas escape issue in breech-loaders, letting the Han-style rifle deliver greater might.

Versus the Falcon rifle, the Han-style rifle paired with metal bullets suited winter conditions better.

“When will our cavalry get Han-style rifles too? Imagining charging barbarians on horseback with them gets the blood pumping,” one officer voiced with longing.

“Exactly, Division Commander. On our return, we should urge Army Commander Qi to petition the Grand Council. The Great Yu Empire's infantry now boasts fresh gear, but our cavalry hears nothing,” another officer added.

Zhang Qinian ran his tongue over his lips. These arms stirred his desire indeed. He replied, “Remember Army Commander's words on departure. Demanding gear before victory isn't our corps' way. To earn Han-style rifles and build rifle cavalry, we must excel in this relief effort. Else, how could Army Commander face the Grand Council seeking weapons?”

The officers' expressions turned grave at once. They chorused, “Rest easy, Division Commander. We won't shame the corps.”

Zhang Qinian inclined his head. “Order the men to unload fast. We depart tomorrow.”

After a day's setup, the following morning saw Zhang Qinian guiding the cavalry toward Yakutsk. For this load, they had added spare mounts.

These horses pulled sleds brimming with goods over the snow. Unlike earlier struggles with deep snow, the sleds glided swiftly now, easing the haul.

…

Yakutsk.

Having barely fended off yet another assault from the Golden Tent Khanate’s slave troops, Zhu Sansi perched atop the wall, scanning the foes' positions.

Nearly three months had passed since they dispatched word of their supply lines severed by the Golden Tent Khanate. Against barrages from the Golden Tent Khanate and Tsarist Russian forces, they'd burned through nearly all spare ammo a month back.

Over the last month, they'd reverted fully to melee weapons, relying on bayonets to thrust back enemy charges time and again.

But this stalemate shattered when Tsarist Russian aid from Kunesk showed up. Once Yakutsk fell under siege, the Tsarist Russians at Kunesk caught on and teamed up with the Golden Tent Khanate, dispatching a thousand-strong force to Yakutsk.

This reinforcement hauled flintlock guns and cannons. Ammo-less, they suffered under the Tsarist Russian firepower.

“Division Commander, without fresh ammo soon, we can't hold out. No meds for the injured, and the chill here turns minor cuts deadly,” Gao Yingfeng warned, his face streaked with pale and dark patches.

In combat, the Tsarist Russians had lobbed lime bombs. Thanks to prior drills on such tactics, they dodged the worst, though some troops still lost vision.

Zhu Sansi kept a stoic visage. He stated, “Before setting out, we both foresaw the direst outcomes. This marks our toughest stretch. The Tsarist Russians fight to the death for stolen lands. How can we, guardians of Great Yu Empire soil, whine? Even bare-handed, we'll display our realm's might to all!”

Gao Yingfeng clawed at his scalp in worry. He urged, “If death comes, let it take me here, Division Commander. You must leave. I've hoarded the last ammo for your escape. No more delays!”