Iron Dynasty

Chapter 1133

“Tarnishing his own reputation? Perhaps. But no matter the reason, his time as Commander-in-Chief of the Navy has come to an end.”

Staring at the world map, Xiao Ming’s gaze lingered on Britain for a while. “Although this incident has humiliated the Empire, it will also make some people in the Empire abandon their fantasies of peace. The fact is that the Empire and Europe are in a life-and-death struggle. For a thousand years, our respectful treatment has only been met with humiliation from others. I also have a responsibility for this. I overestimated the British’s bottom line.”

“That’s right. It seems that these Europeans are just barbarians in civilized clothing. This incident has truly given the entire Empire a clear understanding of them.” Pang Yukun said.

Turning to face the door, Xiao Ming continued, “After you return, you will have the Cabinet supervise the country’s military industrial production, striving to have the Empire enter the dreadnought era as soon as possible. Also, we will focus on tanks. This time, there will be no more negotiations between the Empire and Europe. We will fight a war to determine the fate of the world and establish a world order led by the Empire.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Pang Yukun did not dare to voice any opposition now, because he knew that the Empire was about to report this matter frantically in the newspapers, and the overwhelming public opinion would surely support him in launching this war against Europe.

And before this, there had already been calls within the Empire to stop the war.

After seeing Pang Yukun off, Xiao Ming made a telephone call to Cui Shang’an. Soon, Cui Shang’an appeared in the Imperial Study.

“Immediately issue the operational plan to seize the British colonial ports to all major fleets. From now on, the Empire and Britain are officially in a state of war.” Xiao Ming said.

Cui Shang’an had already anticipated the arrival of the war. In the Empire’s diplomatic protocol, detaining imperial warships was no different from attacking the Empire’s embassy.

He believed that the British must not have read the Empire’s diplomatic protocol carefully.

“Reporting to Your Majesty, the operational plan is already prepared.” Cui Shang’an said, “Does this order also include the forty-two warships that went to Britain?”

“Of course it does. The humiliation they suffered must be repaid tenfold. Zhang Liang said that the twelve supply ships the Empire is building will be launched next month. Give all these supply ships to them. If the British dare to detain our navy, we will destroy their navy and completely trap them!” Xiao Ming said with hatred.

Cui Shang’an nodded. He said, “Also, with the help of the Empire’s machine guns, Persia successfully thwarted the Ottoman Empire’s invasion. The heavily damaged Ottoman Empire has withdrawn from the Persian Empire. According to the Empire’s request, Persia has demanded the region that connects the two oceans from the Ottoman Empire.”

“Excellent. In that case, the time for the Empire to launch a war is becoming more and more ripe. I will have the Cabinet organize engineers to go there and dig the canal. And you will be responsible for establishing a military base there. We must also ensure the Empire’s military presence there.”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Cui Shang’an said, bowing.

After sending Cui Shang’an off, Xiao Ming sat down. He estimated that Yue Yun would arrive in Qingzhou in a few hours.

Xiao Ming’s feelings for this general, who had followed him from the beginning to establish the imperial navy, were complex.

This was because the imperial navy was almost single-handedly built by Yue Yun. His influence in the navy was too great, even surpassing Niu Ben’s prestige in the army.

For such a naval commander, it was impossible to say that he was not at all worried, as the Empire was now in an era of maritime hegemony.

If something were to go wrong with the navy, it would be even more serious than if something were to go wrong with the army, because it would seriously hinder the Empire’s foreign expansion.

It was precisely with this in mind that he decided to divide the Empire’s fleet into four.

He believed that Yue Yun would not fail to see this act of decentralization of power, which was obvious to anyone with eyes. Perhaps it was precisely for this reason that he played a disgraceful role in this incident.

After waiting for three more hours, the news of Yue Yun being escorted to Qingzhou arrived.

Xiao Ming immediately had Qian Dafu bring Yue Yun to the Imperial Study. A moment later, Yue Yun, in shackles, appeared in the Imperial Study.

“The criminal, Yue Yun, greets Your Majesty.” Facing Xiao Ming, Yue Yun bowed.

Waving his hand to have everyone leave, Xiao Ming was left alone with Yue Yun. He contemplated for a long time. He then asked, “Do you know what you did wrong?”

“Your servant was wrong to underestimate the British’s shamelessness and to have all the warships dock in the port. As for my other decisions, your servant has no regrets.” Yue Yun said.

“No regrets? The Empire has suffered such humiliation in Britain. Do you still have the face to say you have no regrets?” Xiao Ming said calmly.

Yue Yun said, “Your Majesty, others may not understand, but does Your Majesty not understand? The Empire’s equipment is not something the British can just replicate by looking at it. This is decided by the Empire’s industrial strength. As for the decision not to have the soldiers resist, your servant did not want to have the generals and soldiers die in vain in an absolutely disadvantageous situation. At that time, Britain had already gathered a large number of troops in the port, which meant that they were prepared for the worst.”

“Then why did you not retaliate after you left?” Xiao Ming questioned.

“Because during our time in Britain, Hu Chuan told your servant that he had already made some progress. The Scottish parliamentarians who were seeking independence had reached a consensus with him. Your servant also believed that instead of dismembering Britain, your servant could not act recklessly.” Yue Yun said.

“No matter what, as the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy, you have been so humiliated that you cannot continue to serve in the military.” Xiao Ming said with a frown.

Yue Yun’s eyes dimmed a little. He said, “Your servant will let Your Majesty punish me as you see fit.”

After watching Yue Yun for a while, Xiao Ming suddenly asked, “Then I will ask you, did you intentionally make a mistake by using this incident?”

Yue Yun’s body stiffened for a moment. He said, “Your servant did not.”

Xiao Ming already knew the truth in his heart. He said, “The public is furious, and I have no choice but to dismiss you. From now on, you will have to fend for yourself.”

“Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty.” Yue Yun bowed.

Sighing slightly, Xiao Ming had Li San take Yue Yun away. For this incident, the imperial soldiers and warships were unharmed, so he could only charge Yue Yun with the crime of dereliction of duty.

If he were to imprison him, the impact on the navy would be too great.

Watching Yue Yun’s disappearing back, Xiao Ming frowned tightly. At this time, a sense of relief arose in his heart. Perhaps he no longer had to be so wary of the navy now.

From now on, the imperial navy would be his arm, just like the army. But out of personal feelings, he also felt that he was a little heartless. Perhaps this was the solitude of being an emperor.

After Yue Yun’s figure disappeared, Xiao Ming picked up a pen and drew three lines of attack on the map.

The first was the route to attack Britain; the second was the route to attack Tsarist Russia; and the third was Zhu Sansi’s route of southward expansion.

Time was passing by quickly. He was not prepared to leave his goals to his descendants. Even if he were to be branded with the reputation of a warmonger in future generations, he still wanted to leave a glorious history for the Empire.