Chapter 995

Light blue smoke wafted in the small meeting room.

Yang Chengye, while smoking, took out a set of regulations. These regulations were also sent by Qian Dafu and contained very detailed divisions and specific operations of the military industrial system. He had many copies made, and now everyone had one.

Taking a deep puff of the newly appeared cigarette on the market, Yang Chengye exhaled a smoke ring with enjoyment. He then said, “I have already informed the machinery factory to prioritize the production of machinery and lathes needed by the military factory in the coming year. The thermal power plant will also guarantee your electricity supply, and the funds prepared for you are also ample. Within a year, the firearms factory must have independent production lines for all types of firearms, capable of producing firearms for self-sufficiency as well as for export. Most importantly, regarding the development of various types of weapons, equip one, research one, design one. This time, His Majesty has specially listed a plan for you, just follow it.”

Yang Chengye did not understand firearms manufacturing, but he could understand the plan attached to the regulations. After the appearance of metal bullets, the military industry was going to be truly reborn.

Song Changping was stunned when he received the regulations, especially regarding the production plan for the firearms factory. The emperor had already formulated the firearms he needed to research and produce.

In fact, although it was called research, Song Changping was very clear that it was just imitation, because almost every type of firearm was manufactured based on the drawings provided by the emperor.

This time was no exception. The plan listed specific firearm blueprints, including pistols, heavy machine guns, sniper rifles, and modified Han-style rifles, among others.

Everyone present today, apart from having the same regulations, actually had different plans. He had his own, Chen Qi also had his own, and the word “top secret” was written on the plans.

However, judging from the expressions on everyone’s faces, these would be astonishing weapon designs.

At this moment, Song Changping could not help but once again prostrate himself before Xiao Ming. This omnipotent emperor was the ultimate weapon of the Chinese Empire.

While Yang Chengye was busy, the order for military reform was officially issued.

As the order was transmitted to the military, the generals returned to Qingzhou one after another, awaiting the formal appointment from the court.

Lu’s Mansion.

Lu Fei, dusty from his journey, had just returned from Jinling. The generals who had received the news beforehand were already waiting for him at the gate.

Seeing this scene, Lu Fei first frowned, then smiled and exchanged greetings with the visiting generals.

When he received the news of the military reform, Lu Fei’s first reaction was, “The Emperor sure likes to stir things up. Military reforms every other day.”

However, upon closer thought, he felt relieved, because for the Empire, military development was the fastest, and without reform, it would be impossible to adapt to increasingly advanced weapons and tactics.

As for his appointment as the commander of the Central Military Region, he was not happy, because the life he truly wanted was on the battlefield, not to be confined in Qingzhou like a caged bird.

But even with his slow mind, he could sense the underlying meaning. For him to be the commander of the Central Military Region, the Emperor trusted him. Conversely, the Emperor did not trust everyone.

So he returned to Qingzhou contentedly, and these visiting generals undoubtedly wanted to join the Central Army or stay in it.

He was unhappy because he generally disliked these social niceties, and he forced a smile because he knew it was not the time to offend these people yet.

After all, some of these people were imperial relatives. It would not be too late to deal with them after he had settled into his position as the commander of the Central Army.

Upon returning to his residence, Lu Fei briefly exchanged pleasantries with everyone and then excused himself to rest, citing his long journey.

Just as he was about to rest, a commotion suddenly came from outside the door. He saw Luo Xin, Qi Guangyi, Ye Qingyun, Lei Ming, Zhu Sansi, and others filing in, and he immediately went out to greet them.

“Hahaha, it’s rare to see the commanders of the six military regions gathered together today. If a reporter found out, I’m sure it would be the headline of tomorrow’s newspaper.”

Qi Guangyi laughed heartily.

Ye Qingyun said, “A clear conscience fears no slander, no matter what the newspaper says. After this military reform meeting, we don’t know when we’ll be able to meet again.”

Luo Xin teased, “I’m afraid you’re enjoying yourself so much you don’t want to come back. In colonies like Goryeo and Japan, you guys are much happier than at home. Why don’t you tell us what Goryeo women and Japanese women are like today?”

“Go, go, go. If you’re envious, give me a thousand gold dragons, and it won’t be a problem for me to find dozens for you in Goryeo and Japan.” Ye Qingyun felt a little guilty, and sweat appeared on his forehead.

Lei Ming said with a bitter face, “You guys are all at ease, while I’m going directly from Youzhou to the Southeast. I guess His Majesty is unhappy with me.”

Luo Xin chuckled twice when he heard this. He said, “Of course. Now, the favored person in front of His Majesty is Zhu Sansi. You, Lei Ming, are a forgotten dish.”

Lu Fei’s expression changed slightly. Luo Xin’s words sounded like a joke, but he was closest to Luo Xin and could easily hear the difference. Luo Xin was clearly ridiculing Zhu Sansi.

When he received the appointment list, he was also surprised, but he was crude on the outside and shrewd on the inside, so he understood after some thought.

Sure enough, Zhu Sansi showed an unnatural smile. After receiving the order, he had been uneasy. The sudden imperial favor caught him somewhat off guard.

But with the imperial decree issued, how could he refuse? In his dilemma, he came to Lu’s Mansion, wanting to hear Lu Fei’s advice. After all, he was originally under Lu Fei’s command. He never expected to meet Luo Xin and others on the way, so he had to bite the bullet and come along.

“Commander Luo is joking. How can Zhu Sansi be called a favored person? Perhaps it’s just a joke from His Majesty,” Zhu Sansi said loudly.

Qi Guangyi’s eyes darted around. He interrupted, “Today, we’re here at Lu’s Mansion to eat Lu Fei out of house and home. This commander of the Central Military Region is much more glorious than us. Commander Lu, why don’t you quickly bring out the wine and dishes?”

Lu Fei laughed heartily, taking the opportunity to have the servants in the mansion prepare a feast.

Luo’s Mansion.

A drunken Luo Hong was being scolded by Luo Quan. News of the military reform had arrived, and the war in Raozhou was paused, while they waited for the equipment for the rifle cavalry to arrive.

So he and Niu Ben returned to Qingzhou for the last military reform meeting.

He never expected that as soon as he got home, he would see a drunken Luo Hong. He was instantly furious. “You scoundrel, you can’t even understand this simple logic. You’ve been a corps commander for nothing all these years. There are six military regions in total. If the Luo family occupies two, will the ministers agree? At that time, countless memorials about the Luo family threatening the throne will reach His Majesty, and then the Luo family will truly be in danger. This decision of His Majesty is suppressing our Luo family, and isn’t it also protecting the Luo family?”

Luo Hong said drunkenly, “Then why did he choose Luo Xin and not me? I am the eldest son of the Luo family. Is it just because I am an old minister of the late emperor? In the end, His Majesty still looks down on us old ministers. Elder Fei’s position is extremely venerable, but now he has been replaced by Pang Yukun as the Chief Grand Secretary of the cabinet. Reconciliation?”