Chapter 946

“Imperial Guard Artillery?”

On the training ground, everyone showed excited expressions.

Niu Ben said with a laugh, “This name is resounding! A Han-style rifle, an Imperial Guard Artillery. From now on, the Great Yu Empire has two more formidable weapons for killing the enemy! Hahaha…”

“Now, although the country has achieved unification, the surrounding petty nations still do not understand the changes in the Great Yu Empire. They still think the Great Yu Empire can be easily bullied. Now, we will use these deadly weapons to tell them what it means: ‘Whoever invades my China, however far they may be, shall be punished!'” Luo Quan’s voice fell, resonating powerfully.

“Well said! ‘Whoever invades my China, however far they may be, shall be punished!’ This is precisely the spirit the Great Yu Empire’s military needs!” Xiao Ming’s gaze instantly sharpened.

Not punishing invaders of the Great Yu Empire was like encountering thieves at home and not prosecuting their crimes. The thieves would not be grateful for this; on the contrary, they would become even more contemptuous and bolder, seeking opportunities to offend again.

Therefore, one must never show mercy to bandits. Only guns and cannons can make them understand the truth!

After a moment of contemplation, he said, “Although Britain and France are distant, this grudge has been formed. I want to see whether they will rule the world, or if I will rule the world.”

Xiao Ming’s words made Niu Ben, Luo Quan, and the others’ blood surge. Previously, their vision was limited to their own small plots of land, but now, the entire world was open to the Great Yu Empire army.

For the revitalization of the nation, for the prosperity of the country, they were willing, with humble bodies, to embark on this great endeavor.

“Your Majesty’s ambition is grand; you will surely achieve your wishes!” Everyone said loudly in unison.

Xiao Ming was exceptionally relaxed today. He chuckled, “I spoke from the heart. Never mind. Words are cheap; actions speak louder. Let’s finalize the matters of the rifle and artillery today. Now that the rifle and artillery are both on track, the series naming for rifles and artillery should be formalized, and at the same time, the calibers of rifles and artillery should be standardized.”

As developers of firearms, what Chen Qi and Song Changping cared about most was naturally the future development of military industry.

Song Changping said, “Your Majesty, the Han-style rifle and Imperial Guard Artillery can no longer follow past classification standards. The current Han-style rifle bullet is 7.92x54mm, and the Imperial Guard field artillery’s caliber is 85mm. Thus, it seems more appropriate to distinguish rifles and artillery by caliber from now on.”

“You are right. This is also my intention. The Great Yu Empire will temporarily standardize the 7.92mm caliber bullet. After all, producing another caliber of bullet would require an entirely new set of equipment, which is unnecessary,” Xiao Ming said.

Then he said to Chen Qi, “Besides the 85mm field artillery, the artillery factory must also develop other calibers of artillery for different uses, especially naval guns. We are currently contending for maritime supremacy with Western powers. Rifled breech-loading cannons are very likely to change the course of a naval battle.”

“Rest assured, Your Majesty. We have now mastered the technology. Producing other types of artillery will be simple,” Chen Qi said confidently.

Nodding slightly, Xiao Ming continued, “Since that’s the case, ‘Imperial Guard’ will serve as the naming basis for this type of artillery. In the future, any modified artillery based on this type can use ‘Imperial Guard’ as a prefix. Your military factory can determine the subsequent models yourselves. Similarly, for rifles, ‘Han-style’ is merely the prefix for this type of rifle.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Song Changping let out a slight breath of relief. The Han-style series of rifles was finally settled.

Looking at the mountain behind the target, Xiao Ming continued, “This metal bullet will not only bring changes to rifles but also to short-barreled firearms. I am looking forward to having a handy weapon.”

Song Changping understood. The research materials he possessed already included such a portable self-defense weapon. He said, “I, your humble servant, will make preparations for this now.”

With the problem of metal bullets overcome, some firearm issues naturally resolved themselves. Xiao Ming had full confidence in Song Changping. After meticulously observing the rifle and artillery production lines with the generals of the Grand Council, he returned to the palace, deeply satisfied.

…

Ryukyu Island.

Yue Yun and a group of generals were eating sugarcane in what was once Michira Castle. This former Dutch redoubt was occupied by Japan seven years ago, and then occupied by them until now.

Now, the name Michira Castle had been erased. Ryukyu was formally named Yizhou. The former Michira Castle had become Yizhou City.

Yue Yun rather approved of the name Yizhou, because in the “Records of the Waters and Lands of Lin’an” from the Three Kingdoms period, this place was referred to as Yizhou, indicating that it had been Great Yu Empire territory since ancient times.

“General Yue, is the sugarcane from Yizhou to your liking?”

Zhang Xian, the Provincial Governor of Yizhou, also ate sugarcane with relish. Seven years ago, he graduated from the School of Government Affairs and was dispatched to Yizhou as a junior official. After seven years of hard work, he achieved his current position.

“When I was in Dengzhou, I often ate white sugar, but this fresh sugarcane is rare. It’s truly sweet!” Yue Yun laughed heartily.

Zeelandia was too small for Yue Yun to stay put, so he came to this Yizhou City, which was across the sea, to rest for a few days and also to resupply some materials.

“General, if you like it, when you leave, I will have someone bring more onto the ship for the soldiers to quench their thirst,” Zhang Xian said courteously. Although she did not know the purpose of the fleet’s large-scale southern expedition, her intuition told her that the Great Yu Empire might soon acquire more territory.

As a Great Yu Empire official, he naturally felt proud.

Of course, he also had a small personal motive. Because once the Great Yu Empire established colonies in Nanyang, Yizhou would inevitably become a transit point for the fleet’s southern advance. If trade opened up, merchant caravans would also follow one after another.

This would make Yizhou bustling, and the hustle and bustle could bring considerable tax revenue to Yizhou, while also attracting Great Yu Empire common people to settle in Yizhou.

After all, no matter what, the current Yizhou was still somewhat desolate. Even after the north-south war, although three hundred thousand people were forcibly migrated to Yizhou, the current population of Yizhou was only just over five hundred thousand.

However, over five hundred thousand people scattered across Yizhou’s land was not a large number. This Yizhou City seemed prosperous, but its population was only about one hundred thousand.

The remaining population was migrated to the north, central, and western regions to build cities, cultivate land, and reproduce.

“Since it’s Governor Zhang’s kind intention, I will not refuse,” Yue Yun said thick-skinned. He met Zhang Xian every time he came to Yizhou; the two were old acquaintances.

“No need for thanks. Anyway, these are supplies.” Zhang Xian dared not use imperial court property for private matters. Eating a little was fine, but a large-scale supply was different.

Yue Yun chuckled. He understood Zhang Xian’s character and did not make things difficult for him.

Recalling something, he said, “Oh, by the way, seeing your worried expression, I’ll give you some good news. Don’t you often say Yizhou is neglected? Now, you’re about to eat your words.”