Chapter 1118

“Really!”

Butler’s body stiffened. His lips trembled with excitement.

“You didn’t hear wrong, but it’s a shame that this breech-loading gun is similar to the Empire’s Falcon-style rifle. It is still a bit behind their Han-style rifle, and the bullets are still paper cartridges.” Murphy said.

After the Battle of India, the Empire’s weapons were no longer a secret. But even so, they were unable to replicate the weapons from the war in India and could only imitate the Falcon-style rifle from a long time ago.

This was because after trying, they found that they could not manufacture a qualified firing pin at all. It was even more difficult to manufacture metal casings and machine guns. The precise parts and steel needed for these two types of firearms were a great challenge for them.

It was precisely because they recognized this gap that they now dared not offend the Empire so easily, hoping to improve Britain’s industrial strength through trade.

“This is great. Even without metal bullets, it doesn’t matter. As long as we have breech-loading guns, we can inflict more casualties on the Empire. In this way, they will also seriously reconsider the option of war.” Butler said.

The humiliating memory of the Battle of India had not left him for a moment, so what he cared about most now was Britain’s weapon development. He was waiting for revenge.

While the two were talking, Brooke walked over. He said, “It seems I have to go to the Eastern Empire again.”

As he spoke, he took out today’s The Times, which recorded the news of the Ottoman Empire defeating Persia.

Seeing this news, Murphy showed a confident smile. He said, “I think the Emperor of the Eastern Empire must be worrying so much that he can’t sleep at night. He definitely didn’t expect that we would ruin their strategy in Central Asia.”

“Suleiman is an ambitious man, but I have to say that he did a very good job with this.” Butler said with a laugh.

“I hope that this time when I go to the Empire, I will be in the position of a victor.” Brooke said.

“That’s a given!” A voice rang out behind him.

He turned around and saw Victoria and her husband, the Prince of Prussia, standing hand in hand behind him, holding wine glasses.

He and Murphy immediately saluted Victoria. “Your Majesty the Queen.”

No joy or sorrow could be seen in Victoria’s eyes. It seemed that this marriage was just a formality. After the three of them had saluted, she said, “Brooke, the time has come. Tsarist Russia’s Cossack cavalry have already gone east. By the time you arrive at the Empire, a war has probably already broken out between them. And the Ottoman Empire is also our bargaining chip. I hope that with these conditions, you can bring back some valuable technology.”

Brooke suddenly felt some sympathy for Victoria. For the sake of the Empire, she could marry a person she did not love at all. What did he have to complain about?

“Yes, Your Majesty the Queen, I will do my best.” Brooke said firmly.

Murphy and Butler also felt a sense of emotion in their hearts. The Queen’s wedding was widely publicized in the newspapers this time to stir up the fighting spirit of the British people and get them out of the dejected atmosphere of defeat.

It was clear that this method had made many people regain their confidence.

Nodding lightly, Victoria walked towards the other nobles. To her, her marriage was destined to be a political transaction.

She only hoped that this transaction would be worth it. As long as it could curb the rise of the Eastern Empire, everything she did would be worth it.

Paris.

Henry looked around and, finding that no one was following him, he entered a residential building.

Inside the residential building, more than thirty young officers had gathered. These officers came from different armies of France.

They all had one thing in common: they were all frustrated in their careers in the army and were very dissatisfied with André’s policies.

To them, it was André’s weakness that was making France decline day by day and lose its former glory.

“Henry, what is it? It’s very dangerous for so many of us to be gathered here. If we are discovered, André will surely not let us go.”

An officer said.

“That idiot will surely come after you sooner or later. And the purpose of me calling you all together is to prevent this idiot from leading us into hell.” Henry said.

Now, the conflict between André and the young reformist officers in the army was constantly escalating. He was also one of them, but he did not openly show his stance like the other officers. Instead, he was hiding around André.

“So you have the support of that Eastern Empire?” someone asked.

“Yes, but not completely. The Emperor of the Eastern Empire does not fully trust us yet. We need to win their trust.” Henry said, “You all know that the Eastern Empire has established an embassy in Paris. They are the ones who are observing us.”

“Then what should we do to make them believe in our will?” one person asked.

“I have already thought of a way. That is why I called you all here. The best way to prove our will is to assassinate Cooper. He is André’s most trusted assistant.”

Someone said with concern, “Henry, this is not a joke. If Cooper dies, André will surely investigate. He will not let the murderers get away.”

“With great risk comes great reward.” A dangerous light flashed in Henry’s eyes. “As long as the Eastern Empire trusts us, we will get a large number of advanced firearms, cannons, and ammunition. After we overthrow that fool, André, unifying the European continent will no longer be a dream.”

The other officers fell silent. They had all come together for this same ideal.

“Henry, I hope you are not lying to us.” an officer said. “This is a do-or-die situation. If we fail, we will all be hanged.”

Henry’s eyes were firm. “Trust me. This is our only chance. The Emperor of the Eastern Empire is a man of his word.”

The officers all nodded. In fact, they were also at their wits’ end. André was already targeting them, and their situation was very desperate.

After settling the matter, Henry cautiously left the residential building and went directly to the embassy.

The ambassador in charge of French foreign affairs was Mi Zhu. He and Fang Ziheng were classmates and also graduated from Qingzhou University.

In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he was not as good as Fang Ziheng, but he was still a very talented person, which was why he was qualified to be sent to France.

Seeing Henry arrive, Mi Zhu smiled. He said, “Do you have any news now?”

“Of course. Soon, André’s dog, Cooper, will be shot. This is our will. After we do this, we will have no way out.” Henry said.

Mi Zhu nodded slightly. His mission was similar to Hu Chuan’s: to cause chaos in Europe. He said, “The weapons and ammunition you need are already prepared. As long as you pass the test, this batch of weapons and ammunition will be shipped to Europe.”

Henry was relieved. For the dream of becoming the Emperor of France, he was willing to risk everything.

(End of chapter)