Iron Dynasty Chapter 1064

“Then how does Your Majesty plan to divide India?” Zhan Xingchang inquired with clear interest.

“It is far too premature to divide it now. What the Empire requires at this moment is to establish and maintain long-term dominion over India,” Xiao Ming stated.

In more recent history, India's path to independence was a dramatic spectacle. Unlike the common methods of expelling occupiers through warfare, India's freedom was largely attained through negotiation, epitomized by Gandhi’s campaign of nonviolent resistance. Post-independence, India continued to hold the former ruling nation, Britain, in high regard, even remaining a member of the Commonwealth of Nations and taking pride in this association.

Therefore, in Xiao Ming’s estimation, supplanting the British control over India would not present insurmountable challenges. Once complete authority was secured, he intended to gradually implement divisions based on culture, language, and religion. Should the Empire ever face the necessity of withdrawing, the aim would be to leave behind a fractured and chaotic India.

With these thoughts solidifying, he proceeded to elaborate on his strategy to his assembled officials.

“If that is the plan, then we still have a considerable workload ahead of us once we have secured control of India,” Pang Yukun remarked.

Xiao Ming nodded in agreement. “Indeed, but prior to that, the immediate conflict must be won. As for the administration of other colonies, Zhan Xingchang’s concept is sound. For territories inhabited by a sparse native population, we will facilitate complete occupation through extensive immigration. Conversely, in regions boasting a substantial indigenous populace, such as Indonesia and the Philippines, a stringent policy of high-pressure dominance will be enforced. This involves compelling local leaders to formally recognize the Empire’s sovereignty through military might and obliging them to contribute to the Empire’s colonial economic objectives, thereby maximizing our gains while minimizing expenditure.”

A chorus of nods echoed through the room as the officials absorbed his strategic outline. With this discussion concluded, the foundational pillars of the Empire’s foreign colonial policy were effectively established.

Following the resolution of this significant matter, Xiao Ming instructed the cabinet ministers to retreat and deliberate further on the intricate details of their colonial policy. It was becoming increasingly imperative to establish standardized procedures as the Empire’s territorial expanse continued to grow.

Concurrently, he dispatched a separate operational directive through Qian Dafu to the Southeast Military Region, emphasizing the urgency of initiating offensive maneuvers in Southeast Asia.

…

December 20th.

After a protracted wait spanning half a month, Lei Ming successfully took receipt of the initial consignment of three hundred mortars and twenty thousand mortar rounds in Singapore.

While the quantity of ammunition was not entirely to his satisfaction, the quartermaster offered a firm assurance that subsequent deliveries would arrive punctually, providing him with a measure of reassurance.

“It must be quite snowy back in Qingzhou right about now, wouldn’t you agree?” Lei Ming quipped with a lighthearted chuckle to Yue Yun aboard the King-Class ironclad warship. “I can only imagine Lu’s expression if he knew we were still clad in such light attire.”

Yue Yun responded with a smile of his own. Prior to the Empire’s advancements in scientific education, he had been akin to a frog in a well, his perception of the world confined strictly to Dengzhou. However, his horizons had dramatically expanded. Navigating the vast expanses of the northern and southern oceans had truly opened his eyes to the world’s marvels. Nevertheless, his voyages had hitherto been limited to the continent of Asia. He harbored a deep-seated aspiration for the warships under his command to traverse the world’s oceans.

“Snowfall is highly probable. My sincere hope is that we can celebrate the New Year at home following this crucial engagement,” Yue Yun expressed.

The mention of the upcoming holiday prompted a sigh from Lei Ming. “You might, but I fear our situation in the army will be considerably more challenging. Recent intelligence indicates that the formidable defenses erected by the five-nation allied forces—comprising Britain, France, Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands—in Calcutta are exceptionally robust. Even with the advantage of mortars, it is likely that achieving victory will come at a significant cost.”

Yue Yun, possessing a keen understanding of contemporary warfare, articulated his perspective: “The conflicts of today can no longer be won solely through the physical prowess of soldiers. The decisive factor now lies in sustained artillery bombardments to decimate enemy strength and shatter their morale.”

Lei Ming concurred emphatically. “That is precisely my thinking. The very nature of warfare has transformed. When superior firepower is at our disposal, there is no justification for our soldiers to perish needlessly. Naturally, this is not to say our troops are unwilling to face peril.”

Yue Yun found himself in complete agreement with Lei Ming’s assessment. The fighting spirit among the imperial soldiers remained exceptionally high. Following a brief respite, they had seamlessly transitioned back into a state of active combat readiness.

Gazing out at the seemingly endless expanse of the ocean, he remarked, “Time is of the essence. We must deliver a significant victory to the Emperor before the year concludes. Even if the complete conquest of Calcutta proves elusive, securing Jakarta is an absolute necessity.”

“Our preparations are complete, and we stand ready to embark at a moment’s notice,” Lei Ming confirmed. As per the directives issued by the General Staff, the Southeast Army and the naval forces were slated to execute coordinated operations on this occasion.

Yue Yun’s designated responsibility was to eradicate the enemy’s naval presence in Jakarta, while Lei Ming’s objective was to secure the city’s occupation with the marine contingent.

“In that case, our departure will commence early tomorrow morning,” Yue Yun declared, his gaze fixed and determined.

The following day, heralded by the resonant blasts of steam whistles aboard the warships, the formidable ironclad fleet gradually sailed forth from Singapore, charting a course directly for Jakarta.

A full day later, the imposing fleet materialized at their strategic destination.

Gazing toward the coast, Averall, Simon, Eric, and Stephen felt a heavy dread as they observed the steel warships anchored off Jakarta. "Are those the Chinese Empire's ironclads?" they wondered.

Distinct from the sailing vessels of old, these immense steel behemoths bore no sails. Instead, towering chimneys belched plumes of dark smoke into the sky.

Adorned in silver, these warships cut a terrifying silhouette against the vast blue expanse of the ocean.

Upon closer inspection with binoculars, the shock amplified. The decks of these ironclads bristled with turrets, a stark contrast to the traditional warships where cannons lined the sides. The number of cannons mounted on these vessels was significantly higher.

Eric let out a sigh, the realization dawning on him. "Now you comprehend the terrifying industrial might of the Chinese Empire. Merely a year ago, they possessed but a single ironclad." He added, "Waging war against such an empire is akin to facing a waking nightmare."

Stephen's complexion grew pale, his prior staunch demeanor faltering. "Do you truly believe we desire to be entangled in conflict?" he questioned, his voice tinged with apprehension. "In a war against the Chinese Empire, our losses would be confined to our Asian interests. However, should we continue our alliance with them, the Netherlands itself risks utter annihilation. We are a nation of modest size and population. Even France, with their ostensibly outdated weaponry, possesses the strength to overwhelm us."

Averall and Simon remained silent, the grim reality of their small nation's predicament settling upon them. They understood keenly the tragedy of smaller states, often the first to be crushed in the relentless games played by the great powers.

"It is far too late for regret or recrimination," Averall stated, his gaze fixed on the sea. "The enemy is upon us. What course of action do we pursue now? I, for one, refuse to relinquish Jakarta."

Stephen, holding the highest command, declared with resolve, "Regardless of the enemy fleet's power, we must commit every ounce of our strength. Having committed to stand with the European powers, we cannot afford to be indecisive or half-hearted."

He then turned his gaze toward Eric, continuing, "Once half of the enemy's forces have disembarked, Eric shall lead our fleet in a decisive attack. Averall and Simon, your responsibility will be the frontal assault on the battlefield. You will command the twenty thousand soldiers under my authority."

Eric offered a wry smile, but ultimately, he nodded. Though he harbored envy for the technological prowess displayed by the Chinese Empire, his Dutch blood ran true. For the sake of the Netherlands' survival and prosperity, the Chinese Empire stood as their sworn adversary.