Iron Dynasty Chapter 1061

“Your Royal Highness is spot on. That's precisely what I meant to express. As a colossal empire bridging Asia and Europe, we need to improve ties with the Ottoman Empire to block the Chinese Empire’s westward push.”

Murphy directed an admiring glance toward Victoria. Though this queen remained young, she displayed a remarkable political insight.

Victoria nodded her head. She had pondered deeply on countering the Chinese Empire's emergence, now possessing several refined strategies.

“The path from Asia to Europe stretches far. We labored a century to erect coastal supply harbors. Until they seize these harbors, their navy will find it immensely tough to clash with us in Europe. Should defeat strike us in India, we must next ensure the Chinese Empire inherits nothing of value.” Victoria spoke in an icy tone.

Murphy, well-acquainted with Victoria's mind, remarked, “Do you propose we destroy those ports?”

“Precisely. Every port beyond our grasp must yield no benefits to the Chinese Empire. Time is essential for us to study and arm ourselves with their level of gear. This approach will undoubtedly force the Chinese Empire to pour ten, perhaps scores of years, into reconstructing those coastal harbors.”

Murphy recorded Victoria’s resolve. He added, “Beyond these matters looms Europe's alliance as paramount. Prussia’s overly tight bonds with the Chinese Empire sow unrest across the continent.”

Victoria’s gaze shimmered. She comprehended Murphy’s intent fully. Indeed, the Chinese Empire’s assaults on Britain’s global holdings had plunged the British aristocracy into alarm. To thwart the Chinese Empire's ascent, they’d spare no expense.

This encompassed her own marriage. From the present outlook, a Prussian spouse awaited her down the line.

“I stand ready to accept this now, though it alone won’t sever Prussia from the Chinese Empire. We should compel the remaining German states to join Prussia. Granting Prussia its desire will bind them to our side. Ultimately, they’ll opt for the smoother path over warring to unify the German Confederation and risking conflict with us.” Victoria declared.

Murphy’s expression brightened with delight. In his view, Victoria increasingly resembled a seasoned stateswoman. “I’ll see to the preparations. United, Europe’s powers can surely curb the Chinese Empire, bound by shared colonial stakes.”

With a subtle nod, Victoria pressed on, “Furthermore, starting immediately, we must lure talents from the Chinese Empire by any means. Relay to Cao Kun to act daringly without hesitation. Regardless of triumph or defeat, we pledge that even failures escaping to Britain will savor aristocratic rank and lavish existence.”

“Let’s hope Cao Kun doesn’t fail us,” Murphy breathed a sigh.

Since the allied fleet’s debacle, Britain had pivoted from aggression to defense. Their aim now: delay the Chinese Empire, granting Britain precious time to advance its technology.

This surge stemmed from the recent influx of foundational tech insights, propelling Britain’s innovations forward leaps and bounds.

The periodic table’s uproar prompted swift validations by British chemists, catapulting the nation’s chemical prowess.

Steelmaking benefited too from an almost flawless technique. Adopting it, they scrapped outdated, wasteful methods, surging Britain’s steel standards ahead.

Physics yields proved equally heartening. Whatever the Great Yu Empire wielded presently, Britain chased with vigor.

Yet frustration mounted: the duo of scientists poached from the Chinese Empire offered scant depth. Core secrets of key inventions eluded their grasp.

This forced endless sidetracks in tech validations. Exactly why they lagged behind the Chinese Empire’s pace.

In just two years, the Chinese Empire unleashed a torrent of advancements at breakneck speed, deepening Britain’s sense of futility.

Thus, parliament vowed to snag the Chinese Empire’s vital tech experts, cost be damned. But the Chinese Empire appeared forewarned, shielding core figures under ironclad security that thwarted Cao Kun’s operatives.

…

Calcutta.

Cao Kun stared at the trenches extending dozens of li and weaving like a spider’s web, immersed in deep contemplation. The fearsome armaments of the Chinese Empire were common knowledge by now. The linear formations of Europe had been utterly dismantled by these devastating weapons.

Having endured repeated losses and massive losses in lives, the generals of Europe started devising methods to resist such weaponry.

That’s when these interlocking trenches, complete with deep dugouts, emerged on the scene.

“Why do these trenches have so many tunnels?” Cao Kun inquired, confusion evident on his face.

“They’re for avoiding bombardment. Rumors say the Chinese Empire’s ironclads pack a huge punch, and we can’t afford to get shredded apart,” Butler explained, his expression clouded with concern. Dire reports kept arriving nonstop.

Word of the ironclad fleet had reached Calcutta straight from the Netherlands. To avoid the fate of Manila under shelling, he ordered his troops to excavate tunnels within the deep trenches as shelters from the barrage.

“I see. Mr. Butler truly is a brilliant young commander of Britain,” Cao Kun commended.

Six months prior, he had departed from Britain. Traveling along trade routes, he made his way to India and assembled a vast group harboring deep resentment toward the Empire.

A good portion of them were exiles from the Empire who escaped abroad following Xiao Ming’s purge of the elite clans. He had united them all through their mutual grudge.

In pursuit of his ambitions, he assured them British citizenship down the line. After all, life abroad had been harsh for these fallen heirs of noble houses, who yearned for wealth and stability.

His words deeply stirred their hearts.

A sly grin crept across Butler’s mouth. Deep down, he despised this traitor to his homeland, yet Britain desperately required his services. At minimum, these folks could leverage their appearance to sneak into the Chinese Empire and plunder advantages for Britain.

“I’m slowly coming to terms with a reality. In Britain’s current state, one top scientist outweighs ten top generals. Thus, you hold greater value to Britain than I do. I sincerely wish Mr. Cao Kun swift success in his endeavors.”

Butler’s smooth compliments delighted Cao Kun. “All is proceeding as planned,” he declared.