Iron Dynasty Chapter 1042

“Now, let’s test the power of this mortar.”

Having confirmed the mortar shells worked perfectly, Xiao Ming’s excitement surged immediately. As the Empire’s industrialization advanced rapidly, the armaments from military factories drew nearer to World War I standards. Naturally, these weapons grew ever more intricate technologically.

Besides, the strategy he presented to the Cabinet previously covered not just industrial and commercial growth, but also weapon innovation in military factories.

This mortar emerged as a key outcome of that strategy. Furthermore, following the triumph of the Changping machine gun, factory experts shifted their efforts toward automatic firearms.

The Changping machine gun had revolutionized battlefield dynamics, after all. Equipping troops with more automatic weapons would render soldiers utterly invincible in fights.

Meanwhile, magazine development for firearms entered the agenda too. Xiao Ming anticipated that upcoming Han-style rifle variants would soon feature magazines.

The artillery division outlined its roadmap as well. Post-mortar success, Chen Qi geared up for fresh initiatives. Howitzers topped his list next, given the likelihood of frequent trench warfare ahead.

Though versatile and potent, howitzers outshone mortars, which carried certain constraints.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Responding to Xiao Ming’s command, Chen Qi summoned the technicians right away for a live firing demonstration.

Two youthful technicians approached the mortar then. One fine-tuned its elevation, while the other gripped a shell ready.

Once the angle-setter signaled approval with a thumbs-up, his partner loaded the shell into place.

“Bang…”

A muffled boom echoed as the mortar barrel recoiled, kicking up dust from the baseplate all around.

Right then, Xiao Ming caught the shell’s whistling flight through the sky. Moments later, a fiery blast rocked the white-circled target zone beyond the training field, sending debris skyward.

Through binoculars, Xiao Ming watched it all unfold. These new shells boasted far greater explosive force and lethal range than their predecessors.

“A mighty weapon of the state!” Joy lit Xiao Ming’s features. Such mortars would bolster the Empire’s campaigns in Southeast Asia immensely.

Next, he inquired, “In three months, how many mortars can the factory supply?”

“Your Majesty, this mortar’s design is straightforward and production-friendly. We can deliver six hundred units within three months. Beyond that, it’d be overkill,” Chen Qi replied.

Xiao Ming nodded, grasping Chen Qi’s point. The factory could churn out more mortars easily, yet shells posed the real bottleneck.

Arming every trooper with a mortar meant nothing without sufficient ammunition stockpiles.

Thus, armies set strict quotas for machine guns, cannons, and mortars alike. For the imperial forces, Xiao Ming mandated seventy-two mortars per regiment—a figure ample for firepower dominance, with excess proving wasteful.

“Perfect. Allocate them all to the Southeast Military Region. I’ll order the General Staff to send troops for training under your technicians.” Xiao Ming appeared at ease. No heavy artillery, yet this mortar revolutionized regimental and company-level firepower.

Pleased with the mortar’s display, Xiao Ming declared, “Same rewards as always. All involved in its development earn merit points. I’ll instruct the Cabinet to log them upon my return.”

Merit points no longer fazed Chen Qi; years of accolades had enriched him handsomely, complete with multiple estates.

After pausing thoughtfully, he suggested, “Your Majesty, skip my share this round. Award them to the young technicians instead. Truth be told, I contributed little to this mortar’s creation—it was their relentless academy-fresh efforts. They represent the Empire’s bright future. Us veterans shouldn’t hog the glory; let them shine.”

Xiao Ming resonated deeply with Chen Qi’s stance. Back in his time, glory-hogging leaders blamed underlings for failures while claiming successes, sidelining true talent lacking flattery skills and squandering generations of promise.

Clapping Chen Qi’s shoulder, Xiao Ming affirmed, “Such wisdom is rare indeed. It eases my heart greatly.”

“Hehe.” Chen Qi chuckled. “Hoarding credit leaves just one Chen Qi at the factory. Nurturing successors creates legions of them. The math checks out perfectly.”

Xiao Ming inclined his head. “As the proverb says, ‘disciples fill the land’—a true legacy. If all shared your view, imagine the progress. Still, my justice in rewards and penalties holds firm. You’ll receive your due, and the young contributors won’t be shortchanged.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Chen Qi bowed low.

Gazing at the factory’s thunderous machinery, Xiao Ming brimmed with approval at its momentum. “Push the mortar production without delay—frontline troops await. Accelerate other artillery projects too.”

Thumping his chest, Chen Qi vowed, “Fear not, Your Majesty. Mission accomplished, guaranteed.”

With an admiring glance, Xiao Ming departed the military factory.

Back at the palace, Xiao Ming aimed to unwind when Qian Dafu popped from hiding, Wang Xuan in tow.

Xiao Ming’s brow furrowed faintly. Trouble brewed, no doubt.

Inside the Imperial Study, Wang Xuan reported bluntly, “Your Majesty, my probe reveals Japan’s recent uprising as a self-orchestrated ‘bitter meat’ scheme by Yamada Nobunaga and his inner circle.”

“Just as I suspected!”

Rage boiled in Xiao Ming. Losers never yield gracefully. Yamada Nobunaga’s feigned loyalty masked a predator biding time for slackened reins to strike back.

Wang Xuan’s face darkened as he continued, “Shockingly, their staged ‘bitter meat’ drama fooled the Japanese masses completely. Reform cries echo loudly now, urging Yamada Nobunaga to scrap curbs on private enterprise and mirror our industrial-commercial path fully.”

Xiao Ming’s scowl intensified. Yamada Nobunaga’s scheme crystallized: this grand revolt served as leverage to rally the populace for Japan’s industrial overhaul.