Iron Dynasty Chapter 1069

“That is wonderful news. With the availability of petroleum, countless machines powered by internal combustion engines can be set in motion. I also recall Lu Tong mentioning that petroleum yields a substance called asphalt, which can be utilized to construct even smoother roads, is that correct?”

Lin Wentao’s excitement was palpable as he gestured enthusiastically. Petroleum had long represented a significant obstacle for him, but Xiao Ming’s words finally offered a glimmer of hope.

A subtle smile graced Xiao Ming’s lips. Undeniably, the petroleum industry served as a crucial gateway for any nation aspiring to achieve modern industrialization.

Only once the petroleum sector was firmly established could the true potential of the internal combustion engine be unleashed, subsequently propelling industrial development through the adoption of various functional machinery.

“I shall manage the petroleum supply. Your paramount responsibility immediately is to integrate the internal combustion engine into diverse machinery, encompassing engineering equipment, road rollers, cranes, and excavators,” Xiao Ming stated with gravity.

Historically, the steam-powered excavator was indeed an American invention from 1836, yet its operational efficiency was regrettably low.

Consequently, Xiao Ming bypassed the development of steam-powered machinery, opting instead for the direct application of the internal combustion engine to excavators. This approach would allow such excavators to demonstrate their full capabilities in large-scale projects.

After a brief pause, he continued, “In addition to these smaller passenger vehicles, substantial effort must be dedicated to developing large transport vehicles, aiming to elevate the nation’s transportation standards as swiftly as possible.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I shall heed your command,” Lin Wentao responded with a serious demeanor. Despite the successful integration of the internal combustion engine, his duties remained extensive, leaving no room for complacency.

Having detailed the machinery factory’s objectives, Xiao Ming clasped his hands together, a glint in his eye. “Since this automobile operates flawlessly, why should I not have the opportunity to experience it today?”

“Your Majesty, that is entirely permissible. I have operated this vehicle on numerous occasions, and its safety is beyond question,” Lin Wentao assured him, tapping his chest confidently.

Qian Dafu expressed his apprehension upon hearing this. “Your Majesty, perhaps it would be prudent to forgo such a perilous undertaking. A speed of sixty kilometers per hour is not insignificant; losing control could prove disastrous, especially given the current sensitive circumstances…”

Xiao Ming’s gaze sharpened. He understood Qian Dafu’s underlying concern, recalling the incident at the military factory where Xiao Ming had narrowly avoided a mortar shell, terrifying Qian Dafu.

Following that event, Qian Dafu had faced severe reprimands from both the Empress Dowager and the Empress, making him exceedingly cautious now.

This caution stemmed from the understanding that any harm befalling Xiao Ming could potentially trigger the rapid disintegration of the Empire.

Observing the vintage car before him, Xiao Ming let out a soft sigh. “Very well. Let the technical personnel provide a demonstration instead.”

Lin Wentao also regained his composure. Whispers and rumors circulated throughout Qingzhou, and he himself had been privy to some of them.

He summoned a driver, instructing, “Please drive the automobile out and demonstrate its capabilities for His Majesty.”

With a compliant nod, the technician entered the vehicle, turned the key, and initiated the engine. Simultaneously, Lin Wentao explained, “Your Majesty, this automobile employs electric spark ignition. The engine can be started with a simple turn of the key.”

Xiao Ming nodded. The concept of electric spark ignition was not novel in the nineteenth century. Since the widespread adoption of electricity in Qingzhou, various electrical applications had been developed. Currently, Qingzhou’s scientists were merging diverse technologies, such as incorporating wireless communication for the next generation of ironclads.

Once outside, the technician drove the automobile, accelerating along the road adjacent to the machinery factory. In a short span, the car completed a circuit around the facility.

Xiao Ming observed with repeated nods. While sixty kilometers per hour might seem slow by modern standards, within the context of this eighteenth-century empire, it was an astonishing feat.

Should this vintage automobile be introduced to the market officially, the Empire’s transportation methods would undergo a revolutionary transformation.

“Your Majesty, the technical staff at the machinery factory have proposed naming this inaugural automobile ‘Red Hare.’ Do you approve of this designation?”

“Among men, Lü Bu; among horses, Red Hare. The name is most fitting. Let us then adopt ‘Red Hare’ as our marque,” Xiao Ming remarked, a faint smile playing on his lips.

From this moment forward, the Chinese Empire would boast the world’s first automotive brand, a marque destined for global renown.

“Crackle!”

As their conversation concluded, the Red Hare car came to a smooth halt before them, its exceptional performance vividly demonstrated.

“Is Your Majesty pleased?” Lin Wentao inquired, his confidence unwavering.

Xiao Ming gave a slight nod. "I am now officially ordering the machinery factory to begin the production of three hundred Red Hare automobiles," he stated.

Lin Wentao's face lit up with a broad smile. Even though the machinery factory operated under state ownership, the court's directives still necessitated financial compensation.

Consequently, this translated into a substantial order, and the accrued funds would enable them to undertake numerous additional projects.

After inspecting the Empire's inaugural automobile, Xiao Ming and Qian Dafu departed from the machinery factory, escorted by imperial guards. Upon returning to the imperial palace, Xiao Ming promptly placed a telephone call to Cui Shang'an, enjoining him to maintain oversight of the conflict in Southeast Asia.

At present, the quantity of petroleum the Empire had procured was solely sufficient for experimental purposes. His fleet of three hundred automobiles necessitated petroleum sourced from overseas; therefore, establishing secure shipping routes to Persia and the Ottoman Empire had become a matter of utmost urgency. He was disinclined to prolong this particular endeavor...

The city of Bula.

Following a sailing duration of one day and one night, the Qingzhou fleet, conveying the incensed soldiers of the Southeast Army, reached this modest Dutch coastal settlement.

In contrast to the majestic city of Jakarta, the town of Bula appeared quite diminutive. Nevertheless, it served as a critical trading nexus for the spices that the Dutch controlled within Indonesia. Consequently, a considerable number of Dutch merchant vessels frequented its docks. However, the ongoing conflict had diminished its former vibrancy, leaving it with an air of desolation and solitude.

"According to the intelligence furnished by our Chinese compatriots in Southeast Asia, a garrison of three hundred Dutch soldiers is stationed here. Securing this location will present little difficulty," Yue Yun informed Lei Ming.

Lei Ming responded with a nod, "Even if their numbers reached three thousand, I would still capture this place and await the arrival of those scoundrels from Jakarta."

With that declaration, he commanded, "Disembark, and take control of the city of Bula."

As his words concluded, two thousand soldiers embarked onto the troop transports and began their advance towards the shoreline. To preempt any potential threats, machine gunners were positioned at the fore of each transport. Should any enemy presence be detected, the machine guns would unleash their lethal barrage.

Precisely as Yue Yun's intelligence had indicated, upon the imperial soldiers nearing the coast, a few scattered shots were heard. Instantly, the imperial forces retaliated with their machine guns.

Under the relentless onslaught of firepower, the Dutch soldiers who had taken cover behind the barriers on the pier were utterly incapable of mounting a defense. Within a mere half-hour, the Empire had successfully occupied the small city.

"Yue Yun, let us separate our paths here for the time being. Once you have neutralized the enemy warships along the shipping lanes, we shall proceed to Calcutta together," Lei Ming declared. His primary objective had been the capture of Jakarta, thereby disrupting the supply lines of the European allied forces in Asia.

Yue Yun's role was primarily supportive. His true mission entailed severing the maritime transport routes utilized by the European allied forces, effectively isolating them in Calcutta.