Iron Dynasty Chapter 1016

The thunderous clamor of electrical equipment echoed across the machinery plant.

From the research department's glass window, Xiao Ming observed the bustling workshops where teams assembled diverse machines energetically. Once Lin Wentao concluded his remarks, Xiao Ming stated, “With the internal combustion engine technology now fully mastered, you can hand this over to the research department's other members for further development. Your next assignment holds even greater importance.”

“Your Majesty, I'm listening.” Lin Wentao had a faint inkling of what was coming.

“Steam turbine!” Xiao Ming declared gravely. Electricity's arrival marked a monumental leap in technology, yet the steam engine persisted in modern eras without obsolescence, its designs growing ever more sophisticated. This referred to the steam turbine, the vital force behind thermal power stations and the dreadnought age.

It functioned as a rotating power device that transformed steam's energy into mechanical output. Crucially, it acted as the primary driver for electricity generation and could propel ship screws directly. Compared to the triple-expansion steam engine in current ironclads, it was like an adult towering over a child.

For the dreadnought era to emerge, this invention proved essential, as the triple-expansion steam engine increasingly failed to satisfy ironclads' power demands.

Lin Wentao nodded vigorously. With his expanding expertise, he had lost interest in basic innovations, realizing that earlier ones resembled mere childish games in retrospect.

Thus, he replied, “No issue at all. I've anticipated this for quite some time.”

Satisfied, Xiao Ming nodded and then conferred with the group on several technical hurdles briefly. Following that, he and Qian Dafu inspected the machinery factory's insides.

Unbeknownst to them, electricity's introduction had already revolutionized Qingzhou’s manufacturing facilities. The electric lathes within the machinery plant exemplified this transformation.

Though the lathe's purpose stayed the same, the electric motor's reliability greatly boosted the machine's total steadiness.

Gazing at these thundering apparatuses, Xiao Ming displayed a pleased look. Actually, the complete electrical upgrade of the machinery factory had been handled solely by Lin Wentao’s research team. He merely checked in sporadically. Over a decade of schooling had amassed numerous skilled individuals in Qingzhou.

Often, he just issued a directive, and these experts turned it into fact.

He could concentrate on pioneering advancements, delegating the finer points to recent graduates.

Exiting the machinery factory, Xiao Ming and Qian Dafu strolled back via the concrete path in the industrial area. Upon arriving at the city entrance, heavy traffic jammed the route leading inside.

He furrowed his brow and remarked, “Once a defensive shield for the city, this wall now hinders the movement of merchandise. Dafu, head to the cabinet afterward and instruct Pang Yukun to remove the redundant sections as per the strategy.”

“Your Majesty, must we truly dismantle them?” Qian Dafu inquired, a trace of worry in his voice. “What about the barbarians…”

“The barbarians are on the verge of fading into oblivion.” Xiao Ming's gaze remained resolute. As the Australian conflict raged, grassland hostilities continued unabated. Battle updates indicated Qi Guangyi had pressed toward the Golden Tent following the purge of nearby barbarian groups.

…

Across the expansive plains, Qi Guangyi's rifle-mounted horsemen clustered near a campfire, grilling oxen and sheep. These animals represented their victories from wiping out the clans.

A month prior, upon getting the General Staff's command, they ventured onto the steppe. In clashes with the three key tribes, they virtually eradicated the barbarians' core mounted forces. At present, the Golden Tent Khanate resembled a fading elder.

As anticipated, the barbarian clans had largely forfeited their mounted warriors. They faced scant opposition during marches, with tribes opting to yield at their sight.

“Commander, General Niu is indeed a genius. That slaughter in Raozhou proved highly effective. These days, barbarian groups flee from us like hares from predators,” Feng Dongjin, Northwest Military Region's top aide, proclaimed energetically.

Qi Guangyi savored a lamb shank heartily. He commented, “Having battled barbarians for years, General Niu grasps their essence well. Dealing with such savage folk demands harsher tactics; else, they mistake mercy for frailty.”

“The Commander's insight rings true. Discussing manners or culture with them is futile. They respect only the blade of execution,” another division leader agreed heartily.

As the group bantered and chuckled, a scout rider abruptly appeared from the distance and neared Qi Guangyi. Sliding off his mount, the scout reported, “Commander, our patrol ran into a band of barbarian riders. Their front officer seeks an audience with you.”

“Oh?” Qi Guangyi's eyes sharpened. He asked, “Where might they be?”

“Right over that hill yonder,” the scout indicated the lush green rise ahead, revered by barbarians as Tian Shan, their holy ground.

Qi Guangyi rose then. He instructed, “If their intent is genuine, invite them for discussion. Otherwise, send them away.”

With power dynamics flipped, Qi Guangyi's demeanor had toughened accordingly.

The scout saluted and raced off toward Tian Shan.

Feng Dongjin eyed Tian Shan's direction and wondered, “What ploy are these barbarians plotting now?”

“Against overwhelming might, every plot crumbles like thin parchment. Since they've arrived, hearing them out costs nothing,” Qi Guangyi responded steadily.

The others concurred with nods. Soon after, the scout escorted a squad of twenty barbarian riders to the rifle cavalry's makeshift camp.

Once thoroughly patted down and stripped of arms, Qi Guangyi confronted the arrivals.

“Honored General Qi, I am Gubat, and meeting you is a privilege.” Gubat inclined his head toward Qi Guangyi, his face bearing a subservient air.

“Gubat? The name rings a bell. Could you be the same Gubat who commanded the assault on Yakutsk?” Qi Guangyi's face hardened instantly.

Gubat shifted uncomfortably. He explained, “Yes, that's me, but blame those deeds on the vile Dolgor. He compelled me into them.”

Qi Guangyi scowled. “So, what do you seek from this covert encounter?”

Gubat inwardly exhaled. He offered, “I possess knowledge of the Golden Tent’s path westward, and I can serve as your internal ally. In return, once accomplished, allow my people to dwell on this steppe as subjects of the Great Yu Empire.”

“I lack authority to approve that. It requires His Majesty's decision.” Qi Guangyi replied. Having crushed clans east of Tian Shan, he had hunted the Golden Tent's position, yet the nomadic barbarians evaded fixed spots.

Gubat's unexpected appearance now offered a shot at destroying the Golden Tent.

“Then, kindly relay my plea to His Majesty, General Qi. Time remains before Dolgor arrives at Saint Petersburg.”