Iron Dynasty Chapter 1032
Previously on Iron Dynasty...
Liu Xinhong cast a seemingly casual look toward the window of the Governor’s Office, spotting Eric gazing back at him in that instant.
A shadowy figure lingered in his chamber, undoubtedly Stephen, the recent arrival.
After waving a greeting, Liu Xinhong finished his routine inspection as always and stepped into Zeelandia’s command center.
“Lao Fang, this whole mess feels so stifling. We should just charge in and crush them all. Sigh, I’ve always warned that these Westerners can’t be trusted. See? It’s all coming true now,” Liu Xinhong remarked offhandedly while settling into the seat across from Fang Hongming.
With Ryukyu’s growth secured, the Empire had officially stationed forces there, encompassing Zeelandia. Following the army overhaul, a unit from the Southeast Military Region took over the fortifications.
Yet Zeelandia remained quite compact. The bulk of the division’s personnel were based on Ryukyu Island, leaving just two regiments in Zeelandia itself.
Liu Xinhong led one regiment, while Fang Hongming commanded the remaining one.
“I’d love to, but without orders from above, who’d risk moving first? If they pin a crime on us, we’re done for. Remember, trade between the Empire and the Dutch is booming these days,” Fang Hongming replied steadily.
Liu Xinhong snapped in frustration, “That only boils my blood more. These Dutch are total spineless fools—profiting off us while plotting against us.”
Just as his words hung in the air, a trooper entered, snapped a salute to them both, and reported, “Sir, Regimental Commander, Governor Eric has dispatched a messenger inviting you and Regimental Commander Fang to dine at the Governor’s Office.”“Dinner?” Liu Xinhong and Fang Hongming exchanged glances. Liu Xinhong added, “Lao Fang, got the guts to head over? Sounds like a trap straight out of Hongmen.”
Fang Hongming gave a subtle nod. In the past, they’d have gone without a second thought—island life got dull, and a few drinks were harmless fun.
Now, armed with the letter’s details, suspicion clouded their minds.
“Refusing, though, will confirm to Eric that we know about their regime shift,” Fang Hongming noted. “That could force both sides into open conflict.”
Liu Xinhong shivered and burst out, “Lao Fang, you still plan to go? If they nab us both, the troops will fall apart.”
“Ridiculous! I’m staying put. Let him suspect what he wants—we’ll ready ourselves for any twist,” Fang Hongming declared.
Liu Xinhong chuckled. “I’ll alert the men to stay on full alert. Haven’t we watched these Dutch closely all these years on the island?”
Then he exited the command center.
The word of Liu Xinhong and Fang Hongming’s courteous decline quickly made its way to Eric and Stephen. In that moment, Stephen observed, “Told you—they’re already wary of us. That letter’s info checks out.”
Eric’s reluctance stemmed from a faint hope he clung to, but now it lay in ruins. “Looks like we move at nightfall. Given the Chinese Empire’s telegraph speed, they’ll get official commands by morning. We’d be on the back foot then.”
With that in mind, he went on, “Prior to striking, we board the vessels for a getaway. Our forces can’t possibly stand against theirs.”
Stephen prioritized his survival above all. “At dusk, we slip onto the warships via rowboats. Eric, glory lies ahead for you.”
Eric managed a bitter grin. What options remained to him?
The fading sunset’s glow slowly ebbed away, enveloping Zeelandia in night’s embrace. Scattered window lights alone hinted at human presence on this tiny isle.
As midnight struck, silence reigned. Suddenly, a thunderous “boom” from cannon fire shattered the quiet across Zeelandia.
“Blast them without mercy!”
Liu Xinhong brushed dirt from his clothes. Those cursed Dutch had fired an explosive round to start—Empire-sold ammo that fueled his rage.
Fang Hongming arrived shortly, swiftly rallying the gunners for retaliation. Their prior preparations proved a boon this time.
The instant the Dutch unleashed their barrage, counterfire roared back. Shots screamed toward the enemy lines.
Amid the blackness, fighters from each side spotted only muzzle flashes from rifles and artillery, trading volleys blindly.
“Launch flares!”
In the heat of the clash, Fang Hongming barked the command.
A soldier obeyed, pulling out a firework-like device—fresh gear from the arms works for the troops.
It worked much like civilian fireworks, but the factory swapped bursts for a glow mechanism.
This setup packed magnesium and aluminum powders, mixed with rosin and oil to slow the burn. Fired skyward, it blazed like a mini sun, brightening wide swaths for roughly twenty seconds.
Darkness hampered visibility, so Fang Hongming needed a view of foe positions. He yelled, “Ignite it!”
Soldiers sparked the stubby flare in their grasp. With a “whoosh,” pale brilliance soared aloft. As it descended, daylight-like radiance bathed the Dutch positions.
Only then did Fang Hongming and Liu Xinhong see that few Dutch truly engaged them. Several squads had crept forward with rifles bayoneted.
The sight jolted Liu Xinhong; the Dutch aimed straight for the machine gun nests. Their scheme clicked instantly.
“Take them down, every last one,” Liu Xinhong ordered, gesturing at the advancing Dutch.
Under the flare’s glow, Empire machine gunners zeroed in on the shifting enemy ranks.
“Rat-tat-tat…”
Six guns erupted in savage bursts. Exposed Dutch troops toppled in heaps. As the initial flare dimmed, Fang Hongming called for another.
Aided by the illumination, the Dutch raid crumbled. Imperial forces seized control via overwhelming gunpower—the Dutch still wielded outdated Conqueror rifles.
Aboard the island’s vessels, Eric squeezed his eyes shut in agony. Skyward bursts marked his downfall. Under such revealing glare, his men couldn’t near the gunners.
“Hoist anchor, Eric. Victory’s not lost. We’ve glimpsed the Han rifle and machine gun—at least our European ingenuity will copy them,” Stephen urged.
Eric agreed with a nod. Empire ships in the harbor might pursue; their anchoring spot lay just ten li distant.