Iron Dynasty Chapter 985
Previously on Iron Dynasty...
The night hung in silence, broken only by the dancing flames of the fire.
With concern etched on his face, Pang Duo gazed up at the starry expanse over the vast grassland. Turning to the pair, he remarked, “Just see this stunning starry sky above our grasslands. How tragic it would be if we let it slip away from us?”
Bahe, leader of the Tumu tribe's banner, and Wotai, head of the Tiemu tribe's banner, both turned their eyes in the same direction as Pang Duo. Exchanging glances filled with resolve, Bahe declared, “That's exactly why we can't afford to lose these lands. We'll guard what's ours to the bitter end, fighting until the last warrior stands.”
“Indeed. The Great Yu Empire seized our Guandong already, and now they're eyeing our grazing fields. There's nowhere left for us to fall back. This conflict marks a desperate struggle for survival between the Golden Tent Khanate and the Great Yu Empire. All grassland warriors must shield it with their very lives.”
Pang Duo nodded approvingly. Lifting his cup of wine, he stated, “War looms on the horizon. I just wish for the two of you to unite your efforts. Once the Great Khan's forces reach us, we'll combine strengths to crush the Great Yu Empire's troops.”
“Agreed. Banner head Pang Duo, you've always been sharp and clever. We'll follow your lead this time,” Bahe and Wotai replied together.
…
Qingzhou.
On the training grounds of the military factory, Xiao Ming inspected the latest weapon crafted by Song Changping.
Following the formal declaration of the “Chinese Empire,” Song Changping approached him, announcing it as a tribute to the new realm.“Drawing from the designs Your Majesty supplied, and following numerous trials, I assure you this machine gun is ready for deployment,” Song Changping explained, gesturing toward the weapon before them.
Differing from standard rifles, the device Song Changping described featured an unusual design. In essence, it rested on a wheeled mount like an artillery piece, with its barrel encased in iron plating that gave it a robust, bulky appearance.
“So, what's the firing rate in bullets per minute? And what's the bore size?” Xiao Ming asked, his eyes gleaming with interest. He'd been fretting over the upcoming northern campaign lately, never anticipating such a welcome surprise from Song Changping.
Once metal cartridges entered full production, he'd tasked Song Changping with creating a machine gun—the ultimate counter to mounted charges. The blueprints he shared were inspired by the Maxim machine gun.
This choice stemmed from the fact that the heavy machine gun, developed in 1883, could now be fabricated using Qingzhou's existing industrial setup. Having overcome the challenge of metal ammunition, supplies posed no hurdle. Meanwhile, years of warfare across north and south had advanced Qingzhou's metallurgy. The barrel's chromium alloy had been developed, guided by the precise formula he offered. Though not matching contemporary standards, it sufficed for the nineteenth-century Maxim.
“Your Majesty, this machine gun achieves roughly six hundred rounds per minute. Its caliber matches our current rifle ammunition at 7.92mm. I chose this to skip setting up a separate production for bullets,” Song Changping reported.
Xiao Ming gave a nod of approval. The classic Maxim used 11.43mm, but machine guns weren't bound to one size. By adapting to 7.92mm, Song Changping had shifted it from heavy to versatile machine gun territory, fitting a medium caliber.
Xiao Ming appreciated Song Changping's decision, as it revealed independent insight rather than mere adherence to the plans.
“Excellent work. Now it can operate with standard rifle rounds in battle,” Xiao Ming commented, grinning.
Stepping closer to the machine gun, he scrutinized its details.
Echoing the Maxim from his recollections, Song Changping's version employed water cooling for the barrel. Thus, a jacket-like covering encased the tube, filled with water inside.
The key hurdle Song Changping had overcome was the gun's self-loading mechanism, harnessing propellant gases to unlock, extract spent casings, load fresh rounds, and relock automatically.
“Your Majesty, compared to the Han-style rifle, this machine gun's internals are far more intricate. Its mount functions like a compact engine, incorporating elements like cranks, rollers, and speed cams. The concept resembles a steam engine, yet instead of steam, it draws power from the gases produced by firing bullets.”
As he explained, Song Changping indicated the switch near the breech and added, “Your Majesty, simply hold down this switch to free the trigger, and the hammer strikes the pin, detonating the primer to launch the round. As the projectile exits, the breech unlocks. Propelled by powder gases, the bolt retreats, recocking the hammer. Meanwhile, the feed mechanism turns, grabbing a new cartridge while ejecting the empty case. Once the bolt finishes its rear travel, the recoil spring drives it forward, chambering the fresh round and locking up. Releasing the switch now keeps the trigger from firing. But holding it steady disengages the trigger post-lock, allowing the hammer to drop again and cycle repeatedly. That's the full cycle of the machine gun.”
Xiao Ming nodded, pleased at the explanation. It showed Song Changping's deep grasp of the Maxim's workings.
Still, while built on the Maxim model, this version included modifications. Addressing Song Changping, he said, “Clearly, you've mastered firearm mechanics. As recognition, we'll call this the Changping-style machine gun.”
Song Changping paused in surprise, then flushed with joy. For someone devoted to weapon innovation, such an honor topped all rewards.
“Your Majesty, really? I don't deserve a machine gun bearing my name,” Song Changping replied, his voice thick with gratitude.
“Since it emerged from your ingenuity, naming it for you is fitting. Besides, this invention marks a huge leap in arms for our Chinese people. I look forward to more creations from you ahead.” Xiao Ming replied, smiling.
“Chinese family?” Song Changping echoed, caught off guard once more.
A subtle smile played on Xiao Ming's lips. He clarified, “Nation and kin—without a nation, no kin; without kin, no nation. The Chinese Empire, the Chinese family; they're one and the same.”
Song Changping grinned in understanding. Bowing deeply, he affirmed, “Your Majesty speaks truth. You lead this family now, and we all belong within it.”
After some light banter, Xiao Ming steered back to the Changping-style machine gun. “Incidentally, I haven't witnessed its firepower yet.”
Song Changping snapped to attention. Summoning two factory hands at once, he instructed, “Demonstrate it for His Majesty right away.”
No sooner had he spoken than two burly workers hurried to the weapon. One gripped the bolt firmly with both hands, while the other loaded the fabric-belted rounds into the feed.