Iron Dynasty Chapter 1084

Ctesiphon.

After a tense three-month wait, Kambis finally received word from the Eastern Empire.

Once again, the fleet under Fang Ziheng’s command had reached Abbas.

“Our Emperor has given his assent to Your Majesty the King’s terms. For the next two years, the Empire will assist Persia in establishing production lines for firearms and cannons. We trust Your Majesty the King will honor your initial promise,” Fang Ziheng stated composedly before Kambis.

Tang Wenjie had dispatched him alone this time, aiming to hone his skills and capitalize on his superior knowledge of industrial matters compared to Tang Wenjie himself.

Their return could have occurred a month sooner, but the exploration team from the Ministry of Minerals had joined this voyage to expedite the discovery of oil fields. Drilling equipment was brought along with the exploration team.

Kambis silently offered a prayer for divine favor and declared aloud, “We Persians are honorable people. Shall we formalize the treaty today?”

This was precisely Fang Ziheng’s objective. He produced the pre-prepared treaty, detailing Kambis’s commitments.

With a swift review to confirm everything was in order, Kambis affixed his signature and royal seal to the document.

Through this treaty, Kambis officially leased Abbas to the Chinese Empire. For the next century, Abbas would be considered Chinese Empire territory, granting the Empire full authority over all state powers within its borders.

Furthermore, merchants under the Chinese Empire’s banner were granted unrestricted business rights throughout Persia. Those with a Chinese Empire license were permitted to extract petroleum within Persia, with Persia prohibited from levying any fees.

Fang Ziheng carefully put away the document, his heart brimming with satisfaction. The diplomatic mission had concluded with resounding success. He then addressed Kambis, “Your Majesty the King, our Empire’s exploration team has accompanied us on this voyage. We request permission for them to enter Persia to search for oil fields and request assurances for their safety.”

“That is certainly permissible, though protection will come at a cost,” Kambis responded with a touch of shrewdness.

Fang Ziheng paused, then replied with a wry smile, “I trust Your Majesty the King’s price will be reasonable.”

Kambis was merely jesting with Fang Ziheng. After a hearty laugh, he reassured him, “Do not be concerned. Persia is not a lawless nation. The cost for the guards will be in line with domestic rates.”

A wave of relief washed over Fang Ziheng. He then gestured to Zang Qianjun, the captain of the exploration team, who was fully responsible for the oil extraction operations during this expedition.

Zang Qianjun, a young man with glasses, appeared somewhat unassuming. Before their departure, they had been summoned to the Imperial Study by the Emperor to collaboratively pinpoint the oil field’s location.

Based on the geographical positioning of the port of Abbas on their maps, they held a strong conviction that substantial oil reserves lay within the Abbas region.

Their Emperor had also explicitly informed them that the oil fields in Persia were situated inland from Abbas, which was the strategic reason for leasing the port of Abbas.

Once the oil wells were operational, a continuous flow of petroleum could be directly transported back to the Empire from Abbas.

With these thoughts in mind, Zang Qianjun eagerly entered the city of Abbas, proceeding towards the anticipated location under the escort of Persian guards.

...

Singapore.

Lei Ming stood by the coast, observing a military exercise. Six months had vanished in the blink of an eye, and the planned assault on Calcutta loomed ever closer.

He had dedicated every moment of the past six months to formulating operational plans with the officers of the Southeast Army, translating these strategies into practical drills.

The current exercise represented the finalized operational plan for the attack on Calcutta.

“Commander Lei, all five hundred Imperial Guard artillery pieces have arrived,” the quartermaster reported on the equipment status while Lei Ming was engrossed in observing the soldiers’ maneuvers.

“Have they all undergone inspection?” Lei Ming inquired. During these past six months, he had orchestrated the transfer of a significant quantity of equipment to Singapore.

Concurrently, to ease their burden, the General Staff had allocated two hundred machine guns from other military regions, substantially augmenting their firepower.

The ample supply of ammunition to sustain this firepower also greatly pleased him, fueling his eagerness to put it to the test.

“All have been inspected and are in perfect condition. They are ready for deployment at any moment,” the quartermaster confirmed, acutely aware of the gravity of the situation.

Hearing this, Lei Ming erupted in hearty laughter. He turned to Yue Yun, who was observing nearby, and remarked, “The Southeast Army’s personnel, equipment, and ammunition are all in optimal condition. How fares your navy?”

Yue Yun’s lips curved into a smirk. "Our navy requires no preparations. We command the seas presently, and can set sail the moment we receive the word."

A spark of anticipation ignited in Lei Ming’s eyes. "All that remains is for His Majesty to give the command."

Scarcely had he uttered these words when a contingent of individuals approached. "What are the two generals discussing?"

Yue Yun and Lei Ming swiveled around, recognizing Wang Xuan. Their countenances shifted to an awkward unreadiness.

Wang Xuan's status as a secret guard was common knowledge throughout the Empire. All were cautious of these "eyes" of the Emperor.

Perceiving their reaction, Wang Xuan chuckled. "Why the long faces? I'm here to offer you intelligence support this time. Wouldn't you be interested in learning the current state of Calcutta?"

Lei Ming instantly assumed a dignified mien once more. He declared, "Naturally, we wish to know. We were merely taken aback, that's all."

Wang Xuan did not call them out. He was well aware of his influence within the Empire. "The opportune moment to assault Calcutta has arrived. Our clandestine operatives in Calcutta have transmitted intelligence indicating the allied forces' morale is faltering. Yesterday, British and French soldiers actually engaged in conflict over provisions. They have amassed such a considerable force in Calcutta that their food supplies are depleting at an alarming rate. Now, they are requisitioning food from the Indian native states, stirring discontent among many."

Yue Yun inquired with astonishment, "You have secret guards who are also natives of India?"

Wang Xuan offered a cryptic smile. "We do not have Indian natives. Some time ago, an enigmatic figure began amassing a large following from the remnants of powerful families who opposed the Empire in Calcutta. This drew our attention. We seized the chance to dispatch secret guards to infiltrate their ranks. Any guesses as to the identity of this mysterious individual?"

Both Yue Yun and Lei Ming offered negative shakes of their heads.

"The Cao family father and son!" Wang Xuan revealed with a peculiar grin. "They are orchestrating this. Their objective in gathering these traitors is to sow discord within the Empire. Many of the peculiar occurrences plaguing the Empire are orchestrated by this very group."

"So that’s how it is. Heh heh, this time we shall annihilate them all," Lei Ming exclaimed, rubbing his hands together.

Wang Xuan responded with a smile, "This is precisely why I made my appearance. According to our embedded secret guards, following the dissolution of the Merchant Parliament, they left behind a contingent of individuals to serve as undercover agents. These individuals seemingly pledged allegiance to the Empire, yet harbor sinister motives. Therefore, your mission is to apprehend the Cao family father and son, and secure the roster of these clandestine operatives. The Emperor has exercised immense patience, awaiting this very list."