Iron Dynasty Chapter 984

As twilight gradually descended beyond the window, the palace streetlights flickered to life one by one.

Gazing upon the soft amber glow from those lamps, Xiao Ming declared, “Chief Grand Secretary Pang has voiced exactly what I think. Renaming the Great Yu Empire as the Chinese Empire is meant to unite China's power against the Western forces. Keep in mind that these Europeans act like ravenous wolves and thieves. They rose through looting, and their thieving nature runs deep and unchangeable. The moment they spot a chance, they'll rush in to tear a chunk from us. That's why we require not a frail dynasty, but a mighty emperor to stand against them.”

At once, Pang Yukun and Fei Ji inclined their heads in agreement. Without this ruler before them, who had ignited the revival effort a decade earlier, the Great Yu Empire might now suffer beneath the barbarians' crushing boots or fall under Western colonial domination.

From the depths of their hearts, they truly admired all that Xiao Ming had accomplished on this front.

“We shall keep Your Majesty’s words firmly in our thoughts,” the pair replied.

“Good. Then, tomorrow's morning court will address the issue of altering the nation's name. Once approved, newspapers will proclaim the Great Yu Empire's official transformation into the Chinese Empire, with me as its inaugural emperor.” With a sweep of his robe, Xiao Ming's face showed unyielding resolve.

Concerns over the nation's new title didn't trouble him in the least, for he now wielded the full imperial authority—or put simply, he ruled as an absolute monarch.

His officials would rarely oppose the initiatives he proposed, except if they genuinely damaged the Great Yu Empire.

Yet, he saw no flaw in this absolute rule. Amid such tangled circumstances, the Great Yu Empire demanded a powerfully unified emperor to guide its people in forging the nation.

Should it mimic the modern West, debating for three years just to construct a single road, how could progress ever occur?

Besides, he firmly believed the direction he steered the Great Yu Empire toward held no error, and true strength could emerge only by adhering to the blueprint he had crafted.

“Understood, Your Majesty,” Pang Yukun and Fei Ji responded with bows.

The following morning, court convened on schedule. As arranged, both Pang Yukun and Fei Ji presented their memorials simultaneously. Following their extended addresses, the duo conveyed the identical intent: to rename the country.

Xiao Ming then endorsed their suggestion, proposing “Chinese Empire” as the new designation.

The rest of the ministers, fully cognizant of this orchestrated exchange between the pair, joined in shouts of “Long live” afterward, sealing the adoption of “Chinese Empire.”

Qingzhou's newspapers soon broadcast the “Chinese Empire” title far and wide. Overnight, it became a fresh buzz in the city, following the twin headlines of fur trade and the northern campaign.

This announcement also sped to Raozhou amid the thunderous rush of steam locomotives.

“Chinese Empire—what a bold and commanding name. Just from it, His Majesty’s vast aspirations shine through.”

Excitement surged in Qi Guangyi’s chest. The title evoked the nation's thriving future, and he embraced it wholeheartedly.

Grinning, Niu Ben added, “For the Chinese Empire, we’ll deliver a stunning victory this round and resolve the northern frontier woes of the Great Yu Empire—no, the Chinese Empire once and for all!”

“Naturally. Our rifle cavalry will spearhead the opening clash.” Confidence brimmed in Qi Guangyi. The recent drills had pushed the troops to exhaustion, yet that rigorous regimen swiftly honed their battle techniques.

Pointing to a spot on the map, Luo Quan noted, “Hunter cavalry reports indicate the barbarians have caught wind of Raozhou's stirrings. Currently, the three eastern grassland tribes are mustering their warriors. They're converging at the Dzungar tribal grazing lands, where roughly 60,000 horsemen await to clash with us.”

Qi Guangyi gave a nod. Situated some three hundred miles from Raozhou city, the Dzungar tribe stood as the barbarian group nearest to the settlement.

Dolgor had stationed them there for surveillance.

Since expelling the barbarians from Guandong, conflicts with these three tribes had seesawed, with victories traded back and forth.

But now, bolstered by the rifle cavalry, Qi Guangyi's assurance soared. He stated, “Generals, the rifle cavalry serves as an elite unit. Employing it, I can sow chaos in the barbarians' flanks. For this assault, let the two of you handle the main advance, while I take charge of raiding their camps.”

“A corps commander like you can't lead such a raid. Should harm befall you, His Majesty would hold me accountable.” Niu Ben refused with a shake of his head.

“General, grand maneuvers with mixed forces aren't my strength like yours. I'd contribute little in the primary force. Instead, I've studied grassland ambushes extensively these years. With the rifle cavalry now, risks are minimal. Furthermore, to wipe out the barbarians this go, we need to lure them into battle; otherwise, they might flee westward, complicating matters.”

“Well…” Luo Quan glanced toward Niu Ben. “Qi Guangyi’s points ring true. This northern push aims to eradicate the barbarians entirely. Consider Zhu Sansi in Yakutsk—if the barbarians keep allying with Tsarist Russia, our Siberian plans will grow far more precarious.”

After pondering, Niu Ben agreed with a nod. Turning to Qi Guangyi, he instructed, “Avoid prolonged fights. Return in one piece.”

“Yes, General.” Joy lit Qi Guangyi’s features.

With the barbarian strike strategy set, Qi Guangyi exited the tent, rallied the rifle cavalry, stocked ample canned provisions, and under night's shroud, the eight thousand riders ventured into the grasslands.

…

Dzungar tribe.

Sixty thousand cavalry from the three chief tribes assembled here. Once their scouts detected Raozhou city's shifts, the alert raced back promptly.

They dispatched riders too, carrying word to the Golden Tent. Dolgor's directive urged them to engage the Great Yu Empire's forces, promising 100,000 reinforcements from the Golden Tent to crush the enemy's troops across the plains.

“Clashing with the Great Yu Empire's army proves such a hassle. They haven't advanced yet—who knows their schemes!”

Within the tent, the banner heads of the three tribes gathered, quaffing wine together.

“What do their thoughts matter? If they dare tread the grasslands, our horsemen will ensure they don't retreat. Hmph, these open flats favor our cavalry perfectly.” One banner head snatched a hunk of lamb and devoured it voraciously.

The central figure, a middle-aged man and head of the Dzungar tribe named Panduo, scowled unlike the cheerful pair beside him.

“This time, the Great Yu Empire arrives thoroughly equipped. Scout intelligence reveals they've drilled infantry-cavalry teamwork for the last month, signaling their full commitment.”

“And? Haven't we raided their borders each winter without fail? Their riders never pinned us down, proving the Great Yu folk excel only at defending walls. Out here on the steppe, they're powerless, hahaha…”