Iron Dynasty Chapter 993
Previously on Iron Dynasty...
Within the Imperial Study, Xiao Ming examined the latest battle report originating from the vast grasslands.
Standing before him, Pang Yukun and Fei Ji radiated delight. To them, this triumph felt even more profound than the total destruction of the enemy fleet during the Dengzhou clash, considering they had endured the frightening times of barbarian invasions and harbored a deep-seated animosity toward those foes.
“We’ve slain 140,000 of the barbarian horsemen, with another 20,000 laying down their arms. This clash has shattered the core strength of their cavalry forces. The leftover barbarian groups pose no real danger anymore!” Pang Yukun exclaimed in sheer excitement.
Fei Ji nodded in support, “Niu Ben suggests expanding the rifle-mounted cavalry units to 30,000 strong to fully dominate the grasslands. I see this strategy as practical, and for cost efficiency, solely relying on mounted troops will suffice to eradicate the surviving barbarian clans.”
Xiao Ming gave a nod of approval. The assignments for Niu Ben and Luo Quan had reached their conclusion. It wouldn’t be prudent to deploy foot soldiers across the open plains to surround and eliminate the scattered barbarian bands. Echoing Qi Guangyi’s advice, the most economical way to secure the grasslands involved strengthening the rifle cavalry.
He declared, “Then, we’ll halt the manufacturing of Han-pattern rifles for now and focus on supplying Qi Guangyi’s forces with carbines first. The barbarians aren’t entirely vanquished yet and will undoubtedly strike back, so this opportunity demands we crush them once and for all.”
After a brief hesitation, his gaze sharpened as a critical detail from the report came to mind. He then inquired, “Both Niu Ben and Luo Quan have requested to step away from military service. What do you two think about this?”
Pang Yukun, having reviewed the report earlier, let out a heavy sigh. “Niu Ben and Luo Quan have reached an advanced age. If they no longer wish to remain in imperial service, it’s best to honor their desires.”
“Your Majesty, Niu Ben took it upon himself to order the slaughter of hundreds of thousands of barbarians in this campaign, robbing us of valuable laborers! Imagine how useful those slaves could have been for constructing railways. Even without retirement, Niu Ben deserves removal from duty,” Fei Ji expressed with profound disappointment.
After a pause, he added, “Regarding Luo Quan, however, I feel we shouldn’t permit his voluntary withdrawal. If the Grand Council suddenly loses two key generals, who would take the helm?”Pang Yukun shot a look at Fei Ji upon hearing those words. Frowning, he replied, “Elder Fei’s perspective seems somewhat prejudiced. The report explicitly notes that Niu Ben and Luo Quan deliberated together before deciding on this. How has it turned into solely Niu Ben’s error in your view? Besides, from where I stand, Niu Ben’s actions this time carry no blame—quite the opposite, they merit praise. Tell me, how did the barbarians overrun the Great Yu Empire a decade back? They’d start by massacring an entire city to break the spirit of others. Niu Ben is simply repaying them in kind.”
“Is Chief Grand Secretary Pang so eager to defend Niu Ben? Which is wiser: harnessing those hundreds of thousands of barbarians for railway projects, or executing them outright? Surely the shrewd Chief Grand Secretary Pang can grasp that distinction?” Fei Ji pressed on, fixating on the squandered human resources from Niu Ben’s choice.
As the duo clashed in debate, Xiao Ming’s gaze shifted between them. Finally, he interjected, “Enough quarreling, both of you. General Niu Ben and General Luo Quan had voiced their retirement plans even before departing for the grasslands, and I had already consented. Furthermore, their experiences from past conflicts can’t match the swift pace of our current military transformations. Passing the torch to capable successors aligns with their wishes. On the captive executions, Niu Ben’s achievements offset any faults, and had the report reached me directly, I would have endorsed it myself.”
Fei Ji responded with astonishment, “Your Majesty, why do you say that?”
“To shatter the barbarians’ fighting spirit. Should they persist in defiance, our troops would suffer greater losses. Thus, if executing the captives strips away their resolve to battle, we can conquer them without further bloodshed,” Xiao Ming explained with gravity.
Fei Ji grew quiet. He had aimed to shield Luo Quan, given their strong bond, but that now appeared unfeasible. With a sigh, he admitted, “I was the one lacking foresight.”
Pang Yukun, meanwhile, exhaled in relief. From Fei Ji’s earlier remarks, he had anticipated the man’s intentions. Yet Fei Ji had a valid point: the Grand Council’s leadership would falter if Niu Ben and Luo Quan departed simultaneously.
He ventured, “Your Majesty, with Niu Ben and Luo Quan set on retiring, what becomes of the Grand Council?”
“Dissolve it!” Xiao Ming proclaimed firmly. “The Grand Council served as a provisional body prior to the North-South War. With the realms now united and the northern grasslands on the verge of reclamation, the ‘Chinese Empire’ title will truly fit. To maximize the army’s effectiveness, I plan to reorganize the imperial forces into six distinct military regions. First, the Siberia Military Region, led by Ye Qingyun as commander. It will oversee Japan, Goryeo, Siberia, and conflicts with Tsarist Russia.”
After a moment, he went on, “Next, the Northwest Military Region, under Qi Guangyi’s command. This area will handle clashes with the Golden Tent Khanate across the northwestern plains, while also guarding against Western Regions states, particularly filling the void after the Khanate’s fall. I won’t allow the Ottoman Empire to exploit it.
“The third is the Southwest Military Region, commanded by Luo Xin. It will ensure stability in the Great Yu Empire’s southwestern territories and aid in managing Tibet, Southeast Asia, and adjacent South Asian nations.
“Fourth comes the Southeast Military Region, headed by Lei Ming. This zone will protect the southeastern seaboard below the Yangtze and engage in campaigns against Australia, the Philippines, and other Southeast Asian islands.
“The fifth is the Central Military Region, with Lu Fei at its helm. It will safeguard the capital and the heartlands of the Central Plains.
“Finally, the sixth: the Eastern Military Region, led by Zhu Sansi. This will defend the coastlines from the Yangtze northward to the Yellow River, plus operations targeting the American continent.”
With these words, Xiao Ming sketched out the jurisdictions for each grand military region on the map using a brush. In his view, this overhaul marked the pinnacle of military restructuring, as these six regions would dedicate themselves to their duties far into the future.
Pang Yukun and Fei Ji stood stunned. Never in historical records had they witnessed such a sweeping military reorganization, yet with inventions like machine guns already in play, what limits remained?
From this division of regions, they discerned the emperor’s bold vision. Xiao Ming aimed to vie with Western powers for worldwide colonial dominance.
Even more intriguing to the pair was Xiao Ming’s selection of the six commanders: Lu Fei, Ye Qingyun, Luo Xin, Zhu Sansi, Qi Guangyi, and Lei Ming.
Pang Yukun found no shock in five of those choices, given their roles in the decade’s key victories. Still, he viewed Zhu Sansi’s experience as rather limited.
Fei Ji shared the confusion. Zhu Sansi held only a division command presently, lacking any notable lineage. How could he lead the Eastern Military Region?
“Your Majesty, Elevating Zhu Sansi to command the Eastern Military Region may fail to sway opinions,” Fei Ji voiced first.
“Elder Fei, whom do you deem more fitting?”
Fei Ji considered briefly. “By seniority, Luo Hong stands out as ideal, and that’s the general expectation.”
Pang Yukun’s face darkened instantly. Should Luo Hong assume Eastern Military Region command, the Luo clan would control two of the six vital areas. He countered, “Your Majesty, Zhu Sansi is youthful and full of potential, deserving of our investment.”