Iron Dynasty Chapter 1070

December 24th.

Having completely taken the city of Bula, Lei Ming gave the order for their forces to push towards Calcutta.

Two days later, their imposing fleet appeared in the waters near Calcutta. This news was swiftly relayed to the Governor’s Office within the city.

“The Chinese Empire’s navy didn’t detour through Malacca but instead bypassed the southern route around Malaysia. This can only mean one thing: Jakarta has likely fallen.”

Within the Governor’s Office, Butler explained this grim assessment with a tone of despair to the military commanders representing the other four nations.

“Bang!”

As Butler concluded his statement, a young man with golden hair slammed his fist onto the table.

“The Chinese Empire has grown far too audacious. We have managed these colonies for a century, and now they are chipping away at them piece by piece. If we do not put a stop to their ambition, I fear all our global colonies will soon fall under their dominion,” the young man declared with fervor.

“Klaus is absolutely correct. Isn’t that precisely why we’ve convened here? I genuinely wish for this accursed war to conclude swiftly,” Nicholas stated in a gruff voice, puffing on his pipe.

With the allied forces of five nations assembled, Nicholas, as the Governor of Calcutta, faced an overwhelming task. The coordination required for mere logistical matters alone presented a significant headache.

Most crucially, with the Netherlands’ entire colonial network now lost, the responsibility for food provisions had landed squarely on Britain’s shoulders, a fact that clearly agitated him.

Butler offered a wry chuckle. “The only way this conflict ends is if we decisively crush the Chinese Empire and force them to retreat, or if they overwhelm us to such an extent that we are compelled to flee.”

His gaze then settled on the young man, identified as Philine. This junior officer hailed from the Netherlands, his father being Averall, the Governor of Jakarta. This personal connection undoubtedly fueled Philine’s intense anger upon hearing Butler’s analysis.

“We shall certainly make them flee,” Philine declared, his impatience palpable. “The Chinese Empire’s fleet is currently positioned at the mouth of the Ganges River. Grant me command of the fleet, and I will ensure every single one of their vessels is sunk.”

“Hahahaha… Do today’s youths only know how to boast? A distinguished naval commander like Wilson suffered defeat against the Chinese Empire. Do you, you mere snot-nosed brat, truly believe you can command this fleet?” an officer with a sizable beard quipped mockingly from across the circular table.

Philine’s face flushed crimson with indignation. This bearded man was none other than the Spanish naval admiral, Corbán, a figure renowned throughout Europe.

The Portuguese and French generals exchanged suppressed chuckles at this juncture, all finding amusement in Philine’s overt self-assurance.

Butler’s brow furrowed. This ostensibly formidable five-nation alliance was riddled with internal discord, a fact evident to even the most oblivious observer.

At present, no nation was willing to relinquish its authority to engage the Empire. For this very reason, no one was prepared to cede command of their naval forces to Philine.

With a soft sigh, he implored, “Esteemed colleagues, this is hardly the moment for internal squabbles. The Empire has now secured Jakarta, and there is little doubt that India will be their subsequent objective. Should we fail to unite and blunt the momentum of the Chinese Empire, we face the potential loss of all our Asian interests.”

“If that is the case, why don’t the British and French fleets serve as the vanguard? Currently, only you possess significant interests in Asia, unlike the rest of us,”

Corbán interjected again, his tone impolite. These words resonated with both Philine and the Portuguese officer, who subtly nodded in agreement. Neither wished to be utilized as a mere pawn by Britain and France.

Nicholas’s expression turned displeased. “If such insincerity persists, our cooperation will cease. Once they have subjugated India, the Chinese Empire’s gaze will undoubtedly turn towards Africa. If my assessment is correct, you too possess numerous colonies in Africa, and the lucrative trade in black slaves has generated considerable wealth for you. And then there are the Americas, both North and South. The boundless avarice of the Chinese Empire knows no limits. Are you truly prepared to passively surrender the vast interests we have painstakingly cultivated over centuries?”

The military officers representing the other four nations fell into a profound silence.

Nicholas continued his persuasive argument, “The Chinese Empire represents a common threat to all of Europe. Presently, Tsarist Russia has also aligned itself with our cause. To effectively counter the rising power of the Chinese Empire, a unified European alliance is becoming an inevitable necessity.”

“In that event, let us proceed to select a leader for the fleet,” Corbán proposed. “I nominate myself. I am the sole individual present with experience in commanding large-scale naval engagements.”

As Corbán concluded his statement, the other three delegates promptly raised their hands. Philine, after a brief hesitation, also joined them, raising his hand. He recognized that, ultimately, his own qualifications did not match those of Corbán.

“Excellent. Admiral Corbán will therefore assume command of the combined fleet. Now, what is your strategic proposal?” Butler inquired, a hint of eagerness in his tone.

Corbán considered the matter for a moment before speaking. “Based on our intelligence, all of the Chinese Empire’s naval vessels are ironclads. The primary reason for the complete annihilation of our previous combined fleet was their unstoppable advance. Our cannonballs were simply incapable of penetrating the enemy’s formidable armor.”

“Indeed. The escaping sailors echoed the same account,” Nicholas stated.

A grim smile touched Corbán’s lips. “It is undeniable that facing this fleet directly is suicidal. If Jakarta has already fallen, it implies their fifty warships have met their end. Therefore, with the reinforcements, our fleet remains at one hundred and fifty vessels, granting us a numerical superiority. Consequently, tonight, our strategy must be a surprise assault under the cloak of darkness. If we can transform this naval engagement into a boarding battle, victory will still be within our grasp.”

“That is an excellent strategy.” Butler regarded Corbán with evident approval. “Should we achieve success with this approach, we might even seize all their ironclads.”

The others, their faces reflecting similar admiration, voiced their agreement with nods.

Following the decision to attack the Empire’s warships, Butler promptly declared the meeting adjourned, tasking Corbán with preparations for a clandestine assault that very night.

As per their meticulously laid plan, Corbán would pilot the fleet down the Ganges River once night descended. Their observation posts had diligently surveyed the enemy fleet’s position and distance throughout the day, ensuring they could pinpoint their exact location even in the darkness.

“Ensure the grappling hooks are readily accessible. The moment we establish contact, immediately deploy them onto the Empire’s warships,” Corbán meticulously instructed.

In the enveloping darkness, every crew member offered silent, affirmative nods. Though unable to see one another, a palpable sense of excitement coursed through them; the prospect of capturing the formidable ironclads promised immense riches.

However, their hopeful daydreams were abruptly extinguished by a barrage of brilliant lights. Just as their ships neared the ironclads, an intensely dazzling beam erupted from the enemy vessels, bathing the area in light as if it were the height of day, exposing them completely.

Corbán strained his eyes against the glare. The light cast by the ironclads was so powerful it felt like daylight, sending an icy chill down his spine and raising the hair on his arms.

“Boom! Boom! Boom…”

Before he could even process the situation, the darkness ignited with countless fiery explosions. He then witnessed the very warships he commanded transform into blazing infernos, one after another, consumed by the devastating blasts.