Iron Dynasty Chapter 995

A faint blue haze drifted through the compact conference chamber.

As he puffed on his cigarette, Yang Chengye pulled out a collection of guidelines. Qian Dafu had forwarded these guidelines too, outlining the military industrial setup with precise breakdowns and operational details. He'd duplicated plenty of them, ensuring each person held a copy now.

Inhaling deeply from the fresh market cigarette, Yang Chengye blew out a satisfying smoke circle. Afterward, he declared, “I've already directed the machinery plant to focus on crafting the equipment and lathes essential for the military factory over the next year. The thermal power station will secure your power needs as well, and the allocated budget for you remains generous. In just one year, the firearms facility needs to establish self-reliant assembly lines for every kind of gun, enabling production for domestic use and international sales alike. Above all, for advancing different weapon types, arm with one, study one, innovate one. On this occasion, His Majesty has crafted a dedicated blueprint for you—simply adhere to it.”

Though Yang Chengye lacked knowledge in gun-making, the blueprint linked to the guidelines made sense to him. With metal cartridges now in play, the arms sector stood on the brink of a genuine revival.

Song Changping froze upon getting the guidelines, particularly the firearms factory's output strategy. The sovereign had predefined the guns he was tasked to investigate and fabricate.

Truth be told, despite the label of research, Song Changping knew full well it amounted to replication, since nearly all gun varieties derived from sketches supplied by the emperor.

The current setup followed suit. The blueprint specified exact gun schematics, encompassing handguns, robust machine guns, precision rifles, and adapted Han-pattern rifles, to name a few.

All attendees that day shared the identical guidelines, yet each possessed unique blueprints. His was distinct, Chen Qi's differed too, and “top secret” marked each blueprint.

Still, from the looks on their faces, these promised to be groundbreaking armament concepts.

Meanwhile, as Yang Chengye handled his duties, the military overhaul decree went out officially.

Once the decree reached the forces, commanders streamed back to Qingzhou, ready for the court's official postings.

Lu’s Residence.

Covered in travel dust, Lu Fei had freshly arrived from Jinling. The officers alerted in advance lingered at the entrance, awaiting him.

At the sight, Lu Fei knitted his brows briefly before grinning and offering welcomes to the assembled officers.

Learning of the military changes, Lu Fei's initial response rang out as, “The Emperor really enjoys shaking things up. Overhauls in the army pop up constantly.”

Yet, on further reflection, ease washed over him, for the realm's armed forces advanced swiftly, and stagnation would hinder matching evolving arms and strategies.

Concerning his role as head of the Central Military District, joy evaded him, since his heart yearned for frontline clashes, not entrapment in Qingzhou like some trapped fowl.

Even with his deliberate thinking, he picked up the subtle intent. Placing him at the Central Military District's helm showed the Emperor's faith in him. On the flip side, such trust didn't extend to all.

Thus, he made his way back to Qingzhou satisfied, while these calling officers clearly aimed to enlist in or remain with the Central Forces.

Displeasure gnawed at him, as he loathed these formalities in general, yet he plastered on a grin knowing the moment to alienate them hadn't arrived.

After all, certain visitors tied to the imperial bloodline. He could address them later, once he'd solidified his grip as Central Army leader.

Back in his quarters, Lu Fei traded brief courtesies with the group before claiming fatigue from the trip to slip away for repose.

Just as rest beckoned, uproar erupted beyond the entrance. Spotting Luo Xin, Qi Guangyi, Ye Qingyun, Lei Ming, Zhu Sansi, and more entering, he hurried forward to receive them.

“Hahaha, it's unusual for the leaders of the six army districts to assemble like this. Should a journalist catch wind, it'd dominate tomorrow's front page for sure.”

Qi Guangyi bellowed with laughter.

Ye Qingyun replied, “An innocent heart dreads no gossip, regardless of the press's spin. Post this overhaul assembly, who knows when our paths will cross again.”

Luo Xin jabbed, “Probably you're relishing it too much to return. In outposts like Goryeo and Japan, your lives outshine ours back home. Care to spill today on the charms of Goryeo ladies and Japanese ones?”

“Shoo, shoo, shoo. Jealous? Hand over a thousand gold dragons, and sourcing dozens from Goryeo or Japan for you poses no challenge.” Ye Qingyun shifted uncomfortably, beads of sweat forming on his brow.

Lei Ming grumbled with a sour expression, “While you lot lounge carefree, I'm shuttling straight from Youzhou to the Southeast. Clearly, His Majesty holds a grudge against me.”

Luo Xin snickered upon hearing that. He remarked, “Naturally. These days, Zhu Sansi basks in His Majesty's grace. You, Lei Ming, have turned into yesterday's leftovers.”

A flicker crossed Lu Fei's face. Luo Xin's quip seemed playful, but being nearest, Lu Fei caught the edge. Luo Xin plainly mocked Zhu Sansi.

When the posting roster arrived, surprise hit him too, yet his rough exterior hid sharp insight, so clarity dawned after pondering.

Indeed, Zhu Sansi mustered a forced grin. Since the decree, unease plagued him. The abrupt royal nod left him reeling.

But with the edict proclaimed, refusal was impossible. Caught in turmoil, he headed to Lu’s Residence seeking Lu Fei's counsel. Once under Lu Fei's wing, he hadn't anticipated crossing paths with Luo Xin and the rest en route, forcing him to steel himself and tag along.

“Commander Luo jests. How could Zhu Sansi claim favoritism? Likely just His Majesty's lighthearted whim,” Zhu Sansi proclaimed boldly.

Qi Guangyi's gaze flitted slyly. He cut in, “We're at Lu’s place today to drain his larders dry. Leading the Central Military District outshines our roles. Commander Lu, hurry and summon the wine and banquet?”

Lu Fei chuckled loudly, seizing the chance to instruct the household staff to ready a lavish spread.

Luo’s Residence.

Luo Quan berated a tipsy Luo Hong. The overhaul tidings had come, halting Raozhou's conflict until rifle-mounted cavalry gear arrived.

Thus, he and Niu Ben headed back to Qingzhou for the final reform gathering.

He hadn't foreseen stumbling upon an inebriated Luo Hong right at home. Rage flared instantly. “You fool, can't you grasp this basic reasoning? Wasted years as corps head for naught. Six districts total—if the Luo clan seizes two, would the officials consent? Then floods of petitions decrying the Luo threat to the crown would deluge His Majesty, dooming the family truly. His Majesty's choice curbs our house, yet safeguards it too, doesn't it?”

Luo Hong slurred in his stupor, “Then why pick Luo Xin over me? I'm the Luo firstborn. Merely because I'm a holdover from the prior reign? Ultimately, His Majesty scorns us veterans. Elder Fei's status was lofty, yet Pang Yukun now claims the cabinet's top seat as Chief Grand Secretary. Harmony?”