Iron Dynasty Chapter 1081

“This is truly astonishing. I’ve never witnessed a vessel of such magnificence. Imagine the sheer number of swords and spears that could be forged from the iron comprising this ship!”

Bohemi ran his hand over the cannon affixed to the ironclad warship, his gaze alight with palpable avarice. His insatiable desire for wealth compelled Bohemi to embrace the inherent risks and board the formidable ironclad.

Tang Wenjie and his companions offered knowing smiles, remaining silent. Had this been merely a decade prior, they too would have exhibited similar astonishment. In those times, steel was a resource of extreme rarity, and no emperor would have squandered such quantities of it to construct a steel warship clad in iron plating.

However, the Empire's current era of unprecedented industrial might had rendered steel, once a luxury, remarkably inexpensive. Now, every citizen of the Empire could readily acquire abundant ironware.

“Our delegation to your esteemed nation comprises a total of six warships. In the Southeast Asian region alone, our fleet numbers several times that amount,” Tang Wenjie elucidated.

Bohemi inwardly gasped at this revelation. In his estimation, even if Persia were to exhaust its entire national supply of steel, it would still fall short of constructing these six warships. The notion that the Eastern Empire possessed many more such vessels was almost incomprehensible.

Suppressing the covetousness in his eyes, Bohemi gently stroked the cannon on the warship, its surface gleaming with a metallic luster. “The design of this ordnance appears markedly distinct from our own. I am curious as to its specific capabilities?”

His inquiry stemmed from genuine curiosity, yet it also served as a subtle probe, aiming to ascertain the true power of these six formidable warships.

Tang Wenjie, anticipating this very question, responded with a confident smile. “Should you possess the inclination, we would be pleased to conduct a demonstration. However, without a suitable target, I fear we cannot fully showcase its prowess.”

A peculiar smile graced the corners of Fang Ziheng’s lips. They had long perceived Bohemi’s ulterior motives. Nevertheless, until he possessed a clearer understanding of their overwhelming strength, Bohemi would not dare to overstep.

“That shall be easily arranged!” Bohemi, as the provincial governor of Abbas, wielded significant military and political authority. With a few brief instructions, a soldier descended from the ship and proceeded towards the pier. Moments later, a large merchant vessel, currently docked in the harbor, began to navigate its way out.

“Will this target suffice?” Bohemi inquired, a touch of arrogance in his tone, as if asserting his dominance.

“It shall be more than sufficient!” Tang Wenjie declared, visibly pleased. Concurrently, he issued instructions to the captain of the Zhenwei-Class vessel to commence preparations.

Once the sizable Persian merchant ship had reached its designated position, Tang Wenjie escorted Bohemi and his retinue to the central area of the deck.

At a given signal, a tremendous roar erupted from the cannons. In an instant, the Persian warship, positioned five hundred meters distant, was enveloped in flames and utterly annihilated by the salvo, its very structure blown to smithereens.

Bohemi’s horror was so profound that his knees buckled, nearly causing him to collapse. His gaze, at that moment, had undergone a radical transformation.

It became starkly evident that the cannons aboard these warships possessed immense destructive power and, unlike the projectiles fired by Persian cannons, these shells possessed an explosive payload.

Tang Wenjie observed the devastating impact of the bombardment with evident satisfaction. Before Bohemi could fully regain his composure, he patiently elaborated on the advanced nature of the cannons and their ammunition.

“Envoys of the glorious Eastern Empire, your arrival is most heartily welcomed. I shall endeavor to facilitate this meeting with utmost expediency.”

Bohemi, now thoroughly humbled, abandoned all unrealistic aspirations. In his considered opinion, these mere six warships were more than capable of neutralizing Persia’s entire naval fleet.

Furthermore, the soldiers on board were equipped with firearms that exuded an aura of formidable power. Should an assault be launched against Abbas, he gravely doubted his ability to mount any meaningful defense.

“In that case, I extend my sincere gratitude, Provincial Governor Bohemi,” Tang Wenjie replied, a subtle, shrewd smile playing on his lips. He then gestured towards Fang Ziheng.

Understanding the unspoken command, Fang Ziheng approached, bearing a decorative plate.

Upon this plate were displayed an assortment of exquisite items: glass beads, pocket watches, soap, and perfumes – roughly a dozen sophisticated industrial products. Should an amicable relationship be forged with Persia, the Empire might stand to gain a significant new market.

Bohemi’s eyes widened with delight. Each item presented appeared both enigmatic and of noble quality. Compared to the gifts previously bestowed upon Pamir, these offerings were substantially more generous.

This abundance filled him with immense joy. Consequently, Tang Wenjie’s standing in his estimation rose considerably.

“You are, without question, the most magnanimous friends I have ever encountered. If it would not be an imposition, you are most welcome to visit Abbas. Rest assured, however, that I personally guarantee your absolute safety.” Bohemi had entirely capitulated, completely won over by Tang Wenjie and his delegation. After all, who could possibly harbor animosity towards such a generously endowed visitor?

Tang Wenjie’s primary objective had been comprehensively achieved. He had no doubt regarding the sincerity of Bohemi’s invitation. “We have been at sea for six arduous months and are indeed quite fatigued. Nevertheless, we adhere to stringent military discipline. Our soldiers will proceed to Abbas and rest in staggered groups. All provisions and expenses incurred will be borne by us.”

His actions stemmed from a desire to preserve Bohemi's reputation and, concurrently, to safeguard his own well-being. The prospect of all of them being apprehended at Abbas simultaneously was a fate too dire to contemplate.

"That is absolutely no issue," Bohemi happily agreed. Following a brief exchange of courtesies, he turned back to the shore accompanied by the Persian soldiers.

Addressing Pamir with a stern tone, he commanded, "Dispatch the swiftest steed to Ctesiphon. Relay the entirety of these events to the King with absolute truthfulness. This Eastern Empire holds immense significance for Persia."

Pamir acknowledged the order with a nod. After bowing respectfully to Bohemi, he hurried off towards the stables, his resolve bolstered by the generous jewels bestowed upon him by the Eastern Empire.

As Pamir departed, Bohemi's own mind began to churn with possibilities. For him, the appearance of the Eastern Empire presented a golden opportunity, not just for himself but for his entire family.

Merely from the gifts they had already presented, he could foresee a future brimming with unimaginable riches. This time, he was determined to forge a lasting alliance.