Chapter 216: Mobilizing the Nation

Military strength.

It is what the Da Xia Dynasty now needs to transform.

Many dynasties in the Eastern Wilderness have already united, seeking to form an alliance, with the immortal sects and Buddhist sects taking part.

Gu Jin Nian does not know what the future Heaven's Mandate struggle will be like.

The only thing he knows clearly is one point.

That is, the Da Xia Dynasty's military capability must change; it cannot rely on the simplest iron cavalry, infantry, archers, and cannons for warfare.

At present, for the Da Xia Dynasty to ride a horse into the royal court would require an enormous expenditure, and achieving a total victory is as hard as scaling the heavens.

After all, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will certainly not stand by, and with the immortal and Buddhist sects involved, riding a horse into the royal court is still a distance away.

Even if two million troops are gathered with sufficient food, it would still take at least several years.

As for a mere Xiongnu state, Gu Jin Nian does not care at all.

What he wants to do is a total war, subduing all the Eastern Wilderness dynasties in one go.

To fully subdue them, a dimensional‑reduction strike is required; otherwise, even a million iron cavalry would be of little use, as basic war methods have little effect.

But now it is different.

Gu Jin Nian conducts a detailed integration of the three major forces—sea, land, and air—leveraging the Ministry of Works and the ancient spirit‑gathering array to forge an invincible army.

Naval warfare involves the Da Xia treasure ship; of course, dreaming of building a battleship is fanciful, but a simple Da Xia warship can be made.

This world has its own advantages; material determines everything. Something like sky‑fallen meteoric gold—how many times stronger than titanium alloy? A warship forged with sky‑fallen meteoric gold combined with other materials can surely ride the winds and waves.

Coupled with the hundred‑gate Da Xia dragon cannon, it could dominate the seas, and the most terrifying part is that during this period Gu Jin Nian has extensively studied immortal sect formations.

The immortal sect possesses many formations that can be applied to naval warfare, such as tracking ability; if a tracking formation is imbued onto the Da Xia dragon cannon, some impossible tasks become achievable.

Precision strikes.

There are also reconnaissance formations and a series of other arrays.

In other words, in this world, a sea‑dominating warship can be created.

Moreover, there are large treasure ships that can be called Da Xia aircraft carriers.

Three things among them are indispensable.

Sky‑fallen meteoric gold, immortal sect formations, and related specialists.

There is a huge pile of sky‑fallen meteoric gold here, truly enough to forge an invincible force.

As for immortal sect formations, that is somewhat difficult; the Eastern Wilderness immortal sect cannot be relied upon. The only ones Gu Jin Nian can depend on are a few of his elder cousins, including the Qinqiu demon tribe and the Linglong celestial palace.

He can only rely on their assistance.

The related specialists must be gradually cultivated.

Manpower, financial resources, and material supplies are all indispensable.

Gu Jin Nian brings over a thick stack of blueprints, showing the Da Xia dragon boat improvement plans and the Da Xia treasure ship improvement plans.

He has already thought out every detail.

Gu Jin Nian is not a military fanatic, but he knows a bit, for after all men inherently revere force; can a sports car or luxury watch compare to the allure of aircraft and cannons? Soaring the heavens, diving into the abyss, dominating the seas—that is true manhood.

Of course, the feasibility of these blueprints must still await Wang Qixin's appraisal; just because he drew them does not mean they can be built.

Militarily, this is the part that will completely overhaul conventional combat.

As for trade, it is merely three regions.

Building bridges, roads, and canals is unquestionable; to become prosperous one must first build roads, an age‑old saying that the older generation never gets wrong.

When roads are smooth, transport of goods flourishes; why is Jiangnan Command so prosperous? Because two rivers accompany it. This is also a point Gu Jin Nian cares about: once the Da Xia Nightless City is fully deployed, not all cargo can use dragon boats; most will still require treasure ships.

These past days Gu Jin Nian has also studied the Da Xia map, roughly planning twenty‑four main routes linking the Da Xia Dynasty to the east, south, west, and north, plus thirty‑six canals to ensure internal and external integration.

He also allocated ample space, eliminating the need to add later branch roads.

However, merely with the twenty‑four main routes, most of the Da Xia Dynasty's problems can be solved; branch roads are just detailed fillings for each prefecture, county, and village.

Infrastructure is always the dynasty's most important thing, but the silver spent on it likely exceeds the total of education and military budgets.

The silver earned by the seventy‑two prefectures and the Da Xia Nightless City cannot bear it; the Nightless City must be opened to all major dynasties, and Da Xia treasure notes must be fully circulated.

Then change gradually; one or two years show little, but after five to ten years, the world will be transformed.

Of course, another possibility is to let strong immortal sect members pioneer the roads.

Using sheer force to blast through mountains and carve paths is also an option, though it suits a somewhat incompetent cultivator.

"Immortal sects are important."

"The Da Xia Dynasty must have its own immortal sect forces."

The more he ponders these issues, the more Gu Jin Nian understands the importance of immortal sects.

Because cultivators in this world are like wall‑hangings, to open mountains and clear land you first need a dragon‑gate cannon to blast the mountain open; after that, you need masses to clear the road, then build bridges and roads.

Relying solely on plain manpower or warriors' strength is actually very difficult.

Unless one is a figure like the Martial Emperor, it simply won't work, and immortal sects have a great advantage here.

They possess magical power and, with formations, can achieve many astonishing feats that warriors cannot.

First, building bridges, roads, and canals.

Second, the Da Xia Money Bank; having the Da Xia Money Bank develops the internal economy, provides loans to the populace, lets people conduct business, and can even offer interest‑free lending.

Those with courage and brains can start businesses, supporting common folk to become entrepreneurs; the Da Xia Dynasty even offers various subsidies—each prefecture, command, and county fully supports any commercial activity.

Thus, commercial transactions can accelerate, and the Da Xia Dynasty has capital to do so, provided the Da Xia Money Bank is successfully established, making everyone recognize Da Xia treasure notes as valuable.

Only then can the Da Xia Dynasty's economy develop rapidly.

Third, attracting investment: encouraging each prefecture and command to bring merchants to invest; any preferential treatment is possible as long as it yields profit, solves labor issues for the people, and provides stable jobs, making everything negotiable.

Just like the Da Xia Nightless City, it can bring huge benefits to the dynasty; any thousand‑acre tract can be approved instantly.

Of course, the Ministry of Revenue must strictly inspect this; if conditions permit, welfare policies can be granted, but reckless actions are prohibited, lest land be taken without any work done.

And all this will also cause a drawback: merchants become increasingly wealthy, and later they will oppress the common people's livelihood.

Gu Jin Nian also made preparations, having the Ministry of Justice draft relevant laws; everything must stay within controllable limits. Since the Da Xia Dynasty provides so much support, it is not solely for economic development.

The main goal is still to solve the common people's livelihood; otherwise, can't the court do business itself? As a transmigrator, Gu Jin Nian deeply understands what the "699 blessing" means—when he lacks ability, he can sigh twice without consequence, but when he has ability, Gu Jin Nian does not want the 699 blessing.

Rest when it's time to rest, work when it's time to work; it's acceptable for merchants to make money within reasonable bounds. If they dare to oppress the people, they'll be punished and go bankrupt.

In short, when the economy and trade are thriving, there's no need to worry about merchants failing to make profit.

Only when the economic environment is poor do some matters get a blind eye; the specifics still depend on the national conditions.

And finally, the Ministry of Works.

It's even simpler: among the six ministries, the Ministry of Works actually has the greatest impact.

Other departments are functional units; the Ministry of Works is the genuine foundation of the state.

Building dragon boats, treasure ships, and cannons—all require the Ministry of Works.

Constructing bridges, roads, and opening waterways also needs the Ministry of Works.

Even farming and planting depend on the Ministry of Works.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian plans to vigorously develop the Ministry of Works over the next five years, providing all resources—whatever amount of silver is needed, give it—so long as they can devise innovations, the Ministry can do whatever it wants.

Moreover, with the existence of the Ancient Spirit‑Collecting Array, if the Ministry of Works is not fully developed, that divine artifact would be wasted.

"Lord Hou."

"Lord Wang has arrived."

At that moment, a voice sounded.

The servant's voice rang out from outside.

Immediately, Gu Jin Nian organized everything and then spoke.

"Please."

Soon, Wang Qixin entered the room.

Half an hour earlier, he had been drinking at Pingjiang Tower; upon learning Gu Jin Nian had an important matter for him, he rushed over at once.

Along the way, Wang Qixin was also very curious about what Gu Jin Nian wanted.

"Lord Wang."

"Sit."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; the two were fairly familiar, so there was little politeness.

"I have met Lord Hou."

Wang Qixin bowed, then sat down, looking at Gu Jin Nian with curiosity; he didn't understand why Gu Jin Nian had summoned him.

"Lord Wang, take a look at these items."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, handing the drawings to Wang Qixin, who took them without comment.

He began to watch quietly.

Time passed bit by bit.

After about an hour.

Wang Qixin stared for a whole hour, feeling a kind of self‑forgetfulness, and his expression remained in shock.

Finally, he finished the last drawing, sitting dumbfounded, staring at Gu Jin Nian.

"Lord Hou."

"This"

Wang Qixin swallowed, as Gu Jin Nian's drawings truly opened his eyes.

He never imagined a dragon boat could be designed like this; it looked stunning.

"Lord Hou, your dragon boat design is reduced by about forty to fifty times, making it lighter, but what is its purpose?"

Although Wang Qixin was shocked by the drawings, he still asked curiously.

Gu Jin Nian's dragon boat is scaled down excessively; the boat serves as a large transport vehicle, and a smaller scale can indeed increase speed, but what is the meaning? He didn't understand.

"What if the dragon boat carries an improved Da Xia Dragon Cannon?"

Gu Jin Nian replied lightly.

One sentence, earth‑shattering, left Wang Qixin stunned.

Mount a Da Xia Dragon Cannon? Wang Qixin had never considered that; he had thought of placing a cannon on a treasure ship, but not this.

If equipped with a Da Xia Dragon Cannon, soaring above the enemy, wouldn't it achieve perfect strikes?

Typical battle plans involve each side sending three to five hundred thousand troops to clash; generally, when the fight reaches a stalemate, even if the whole army collapses, they can sound a retreat signal and return to the city.

Both sides rest for a period.

If the opponent is still willing to fight, they battle.

If the opponent refuses, then a siege must be considered.

However, siege warfare is actually the hardest; regardless of whether you're a Duke of the Nation or a legendary general, there is only one method for siege.

Fill it with lives.

High ladders, catapults, battering rams—using these large siege engines to destroy the city's structure; once a breach is made, troops can infiltrate.

To invade, even if it costs tens of thousands of lives, how easy is defending? From the walls, archers and crossbowmen can shoot down a single arrow and you're done.

If that fails, pour flaming oil to start a fire, or push the ladders down—who knows how many will die—and even more extreme, simply drop stones.

The biggest trouble in siege warfare is morale; if you charge and fail to take the city, all prior morale instantly vanishes.

Now Gu Jin Nian's idea, equipping dragon boats with Da Xia Dragon Cannons, disregards how high or fortified the walls are.

Each cannonball falls; under the fire coverage, infantry only need to clean up the battlefield.

Although Wang Qixin is not the Minister of War, as the Minister of Works he naturally serves military operations and thus has a deep study of warfare.

So when Gu Jin Nian said that, Wang Qixin was completely shaken.

"Can it still work like this?"

Wang Qixin swallowed, then continued leafing through the schematics.

Gu Jin Nian remained silent, waiting another half hour before finally speaking.

"Lord Wang."

"I, the Marquis, have designed seven schematics in total."

"The dragon‑boat upgrades come in three versions, named Sky Dome No. 1, Heavenly Work No. 1, and Heavenly Mountain No. 1."

"Sky Dome No. 1 carries a Da Xia Dragon Cannon, merging the two, then integrates various formations; a single person paired with one Sky Dome No. 1 can raze an enemy city."

"Heavenly Work No. 1 is a large dragon boat, but instead of a Dragon Cannon it carries shells dropped from the sky for high‑altitude strikes, covering all angles."

"Heavenly Mountain No. 1 serves as an aerial transport—an ultra‑large dragon boat that supplies spirit crystals and also commands all dragon boats, combining command and logistics into an airborne base."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, laying the three schematics before Wang Qixin.

Sky Dome, Heavenly Work, Heavenly Mountain.

Gu Jin Nian designed them exactly like a small fighter, a medium bomber, and an airborne carrier.

Sky Dome No. 1 is for pinpoint strikes, effective in warfare but with limited firepower; against large‑scale wars it falls short unless deployed in terrifying numbers.

It's like the Da Xia Dynasty possessing the divine Dragon Cannon, yet still unable to conquer the world—because of quantity issues and the cannon's insufficient area damage.

Sky Dome No. 1's greater role is air superiority; currently few consider this, but with cultivators and warriors coexisting, should a sect strongman intervene, air control becomes crucial.

Heavenly Work No. 1 is a bomber, fire‑suppression with thousands of shells raining down like meteors from the heavens.

Imagine if the Da Xia Dynasty declared war on the Xiongnu Nation: two hundred thousand Da Xia troops line up against five hundred thousand enemy soldiers, morale soaring.

When the war drums sound, terrifying Sky Dome No. 1s appear, delivering pinpoint strikes and blocking enemy advances, then Heavenly Work No. 1s join, unleashing a frenzy of shells as if money were no object.

The battlefield is a wasteland; under indiscriminate bombing, the five hundred thousand army is reduced to at most one‑tenth.

And that one‑tenth is barely alive.

Da Xia soldiers only need to go capture the remaining enemy.

Consider how terrifying this is: Heavenly Mountain is an airborne base hidden tens of thousands of meters up, using Immortal Sect formations to solve oxygen and wind issues, constantly monitoring the Sky Dome Dragon Boat.

Gu Jin Nian and Wang Qixin discuss the function of the Sky Dome Dragon Boat.

Wang Qixin listens, entranced.

His heart is deeply shaken.

"As for the Da Xia Treasure Ships."

"There are three types as well."

"The first is a small Treasure Ship, called Oceanic Far‑Travel No. 1, fast‑sailing, providing all logistics—including repairs—possessing some self‑defense and monitoring capabilities, equipped with twenty Dragon Cannons."

"The second is a medium Treasure Ship, named Deep Sea No. 1, with moderate speed, fitted with a hundred Dragon Cannons, boasting strong offensive power and battlefield locking capability."

"The third is a large Treasure Ship, called Vast Ocean No. 1, slower sailing, but carrying many Sky Dome Dragon Boats ready to deploy, seizing sea control."

"The roles of Oceanic Far‑Travel and Deep Sea are to protect the Vast Ocean Treasure Ship, command maritime dominance, thereby fully controlling the war layout."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, explaining that the Ancient Spirit‑Gathering Array can keep a dragon boat aloft, but a major problem is that for a strong individual, flying from the Da Xia Dynasty to the Great Jin Dynasty takes dozens of hours.

That prolonged period is full of countless variables, yet if one masters sea control, one can perfectly command air superiority.

It expands military strategy across the entire Shen Zhou world.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian produced the schematics for the Da Xia Dragon Cannon.

"And the most crucial element of all is the Dragon Gate Cannon; more precisely, it is gunpowder."

"The Da Xia Dragon Cannon must be reformed to fit on dragon boats and Treasure Ships, and the gunpowder's power must be amplified, manifesting as ammunition activated by Immortal Sect formations as switches, self‑detonating for a set duration upon activation."

"If the gunpowder isn't altered, everything mentioned is empty talk."

"Lord Wang."

"What are your thoughts?"

"The Marquis wishes to hear your opinion."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, looked at Wang Qixin, and asked directly.

Wang Qixin, after all, is the Minister of Works; his ideas may be good but perhaps unfeasible, so he must be consulted.

"Yes, Marquis."

"If it's merely about shaping, the problem is minor."

"But I have examined the dragon‑boat Treasure Ship schematics closely and found many details, with several spots where additions can be made."

"Thus the shape issue is minor; whether it meets the Marquis's requirements still needs testing."

"As for the final gunpowder, it also requires continual testing."

Wang Qixin's answer was very balanced; it wasn't that Gu Jin Nian's design was bad, but rather that it was so good that a definitive endorsement could not be given.

It's clear Gu Jin Nian is very invested in this.

"How long?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Fastest three years, slowest ten years."

Wang Qixin gave a timeframe, then immediately added a sentence.

"Given the current state of the Ministry of Works, it does require that long."

Such a massive project cannot be finished in half a year, especially since the Ministry now mainly melts celestial meteoric gold.

Naturally, there aren't many hands to undertake it.

"Three years is too long."

"One year."

"Within a year, there must be a result."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head; he rejected Wang Qixin's three‑year period because it was too long.

"Lord, one year is really too rushed."

The latter frowned and said.

"What if we tilt all resources toward you?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"May I ask, Lord, what kind of tilt are you proposing?"

Wang Qixin straightened his posture, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and his eyes were full of curiosity, not understanding what Gu Jin Nian meant.

"Gather the nation's strength to develop the Ministry of Works; wherever the Ministry needs people, give people; wherever it needs silver, give silver—ten hundred million taels of silver, a hundred million taels, even a thousand million taels."

"As long as it is within reasonable bounds, for everything the Ministry of Works does, the court will spare no effort to cooperate, the whole nation will give its utmost. Can such a tilt be allowed?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

The development of the Ministry of Works is one of the four major cores; only when the Ministry flourishes can the military achieve great advancement, and not only the military, but also agriculture and people's livelihood can be greatly improved.

It is like a draft ox; if appropriate tools are forged to solve the ox's problem, then clearing land and sowing become much simpler for the people.

The purpose of tools is to reduce labor; later bridge building, road construction, and a series of other tasks become much easier.

Vigorously developing the Ministry of Works is certainly a deed that benefits the present and the ages. When Wang Qixin heard Gu Jin Nian's proposed tilt, he was stunned.

The whole nation's strength bolstering the Ministry of Works? In the past, he wouldn't even dare to imagine it. The Ministry has always been the Da Xia Dynasty's least prioritized department—not that it is ignored, but it is a bottomless pit.

To develop new war machines, one must pour silver into it; merely throwing silver is insufficient, talent must also be cultivated, which requires time and a great amount of money.

Unlike other departments.

Ministry of Justice, if you pour ten million taels of silver into it, the Ministry will send people on assignments, start investigating cases; as long as the silver is in hand, field investigations are no big problem.

Ministry of Rites, isn't it just matters of sacrifices, academies, diplomacy? Once the silver arrives, everything is easy.

Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of War, Ministry of Revenue—those are even easier to handle.

A portion of silver can solve many issues; the Ministry of Works is different. Even if it receives three to five hundred million taels a year, or even ten million taels, it can only push basic projects.

Moreover, most of the silver goes to forge catapults, battle armor, weapons, and the like.

Other things are not possible.

Now that Gu Jin Nian is investing in the Ministry of Works without regard to cost, many matters become much easier.

"Lord."

"If this is truly the case, a result will emerge within a year, and I can assure you here—though I dare not boast outright—that it will succeed. As long as the Lord and the court give full support, there is an eighty‑percent chance of resolving this matter."

Wang Qixin stood up and said so.

"Very well."

"Then, Minister Wang, you may now prepare to expand the Ministry of Works—add tenfold, even a hundredfold the number of craftsmen. Whenever the Ministry needs them, just ask."

"Within a year, give me a reply, that's all."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he does not fear spending silver, only fears that Wang Qixin lacks confidence.

"Lord, please rest assured."

Wang Qixin solemnly nodded.

"Lord, this matter is of utmost urgency; I will now return to draft a regulation and estimate how much silver and manpower are needed."

Wang Qixin replied.

"Very well, I trouble you, Minister."

"It happens that I, the Lord, also need to enter the palace to discuss a few matters with the Emperor."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"No trouble; serving the nation is our duty. The main point is, Lord, how you value the Ministry of Works—my thanks to you, Lord."

Wang Qixin was deeply moved; as the Minister of Works, he naturally knows what the Ministry signifies, and Gu Jin Nian's actions could not leave him unmoved.

At the same time, Wang Qixin also deeply understood that Gu Jin Nian is a person truly for the world's people; he does not waste his energy on court intrigues, but focuses on development, and when these things are developed, they benefit the populace.

However, in terms of fame, it does not compare to other departments, such as the Ministry of Justice, which arrests corrupt officials, beheads them, and wins massive popular support.

The former is straightforward; the latter is hidden yet great.

Thus.

The two left together; Gu Jin Nian headed straight for the palace to talk with his uncle.

Wang Qixin returned to the Ministry of Works to study carefully how to strengthen it.

About half an hour later.

Outside the palace.

Gu Jin Nian sat in the carriage; palace guards, seeing his jade carriage, each shouted "Lord, may you live ten thousand years!"

Gu Jin Nian's current status is evident from this alone.

Other ministers, even with important matters, must wait outside for notice; even if Prince Qin arrives, it is of no use.

And if the Emperor summons, it must pass through many layers of scrutiny.

But Gu Jin Nian needs no such process; he strides in flamboyantly, still seated on the jade carriage—this display alone surpasses countless others.

He proceeded all the way to the outside of Yang Xin Hall.

Gu Jin Nian stepped down from the jade carriage and rushed into Yang Xin Hall.

At this moment, Yang Xin Hall was brightly lit; Emperor Yong Sheng spent twelve hours each day, nearly eight of them, in Yang Xin Hall.

There are two main reasons: first, Yang Xin Hall serves as an office; with so many affairs across the realm, a long stay is natural. Second, it shows others one's diligence; otherwise how can one appear industrious? "Lord has arrived."

"Servant has seen you, Lord."

Wei Xian and Liu Yan, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, immediately approached respectfully and shouted a single "Lord!"

With a gentle expression, he smiled at the two, and Gu Jin Nian rushed straight into the hall.

When he arrived in the main hall.

He saw Emperor Yongsheng sitting quietly in front of the jade desk, deep in thought.

"Uncle."

Gu Jin Nian called out, and Emperor Yongsheng, seated before the jade desk, slowly lifted his head.

"Jin Nian."

"You finally came. If you hadn't, I would have already sent someone to fetch you."

"Hurry, the ancestral worship is in a few days; write a memorial for me quickly."

"This matter gives me a terrible headache."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; his biggest worry these past days was that he couldn't write the ancestral worship text, and at first he considered having Gu Jin Nian write it.

But later he thought he couldn't rely on Gu Jin Nian for everything, so he took the task upon himself.

Normally the Minister of Rites Yang Kai would write it, but due to certain matters, Emperor Yongsheng blocked it, and the job fell to him.

However, with his limited knowledge, Emperor Yongsheng simply couldn't write it at all.

Now that Gu Jin Nian appears, he is naturally in a great hurry.

"Uncle."

"Take this matter slowly."

"I have something serious to discuss with you."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, holding a thick stack of blueprints and plans, and said.

"Isn't the ancestral worship matter urgent?"

"It's only these two days; stop nagging."

Emperor Yongsheng said that, but he still stood up and took the items from Gu Jin Nian's hand.

"You write it, I'll review it, and it won't delay anything."

Emperor Yongsheng urged.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian felt a bit depressed, but ancestral worship was extremely important in ancient times, especially for the imperial family, so he didn't nag and, after a moment's thought, immediately began to write.

About an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian finally finished the ancestral worship text.

After finishing, he set down his brush and looked at Emperor Yongsheng's expression.

At that moment, Emperor Yongsheng stood still, not moving a muscle, his eyes fixed on the blueprints in his hand.

"Uncle, have you finished reading?"

Gu Jin Nian said casually.

Regarding Wang Qixin, he needed to explain in detail because Wang Qixin was the one handling the matter, whereas for his own uncle, he only needed to clarify the logic, since his uncle was the one giving orders.

"Sss."

"Jin Nian, can this thing be made?"

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, Emperor Yongsheng snapped out of his shock, pointed at the blueprint, and looked at Gu Jin Nian with a stunned expression.

"It depends on whether the Ministry of Works can produce it; if they can, there won't be a major problem."

"Of course, the biggest core is the gunpowder issue. With today's gunpowder the effect is limited; I've improved some of it, increasing its power and damage, which will be quite effective for ordinary soldiers."

"But for some martial artists or cultivators, the significance may not be great."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Regarding gunpowder, Gu Jin Nian also knew a thing or two; he refined the existing formula and opened a new approach, leaving these matters to the Ministry of Works to resolve.

"Each generation handles its own affairs."

"Professional matters should be left to professionals."

"It's an unchanging principle: if one tries to do everything personally, Gu Jin Nian would accomplish nothing; even the gunpowder research alone would take a hundred years for him to complete."

"He doesn't expect the Ministry of Works to develop gunpowder to missile level; as long as the power is sufficient, that's enough, and the rest will accumulate over time."

Listening to Gu Jin Nian speak, Emperor Yongsheng couldn't help but take a deep breath.

Then he turned to Gu Jin Nian and continued to ask.

"Jin Nian."

"How long would it take to forge an army like this?"

It was clear that Emperor Yongsheng had given this serious thought.

"Indeed, Emperor Yongsheng is the archetype of conventional warfare, having fought countless battles since youth—siege battles, breakthrough engagements, or duels alike."

"But when Gu Jin Nian presents such advanced tactics, how could Emperor Yongsheng resist daydreaming?"

"Dragon boats dominate the skies, rendering the enemy's city defenses meaningless."

"Treasure ships control the seas, enabling ultra‑long‑range strategic deployment."

"Emperor Yongsheng imagined dragon boats piercing the heavens, each equipped with Longmen cannons for precise strikes."

"Adding medium‑size dragon boats for indiscriminate bombing, a blanket deluge of gunpowder."

"Whether to defend or not becomes meaningless."

"In such a scenario, war would become exceedingly simple."

"Thus Emperor Yongsheng appeared so urgent."

"It depends on when the Ministry of Works can produce the corresponding dragon boats and treasure ships."

"I've already negotiated with the Minister of Works; the Da Xia Dynasty will now spare no effort or cost to support the Ministry, regardless of how much silver or how many people are needed. With such backing, an answer will be given within a year."

"At the same time, my nephew's visit this time is also to discuss this matter."

Da Xia needs to recruit soldiers.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

The dragon boat and treasure ship matters can be handled by the Ministry of Works, but cultivating the related talent must be done now.

Whether the Ministry of Works can finish it within a year, or whether the result after a year is failure,

must not affect the point of training talent.

When the dragon boat and treasure ship are ready, lacking talent would be the biggest joke.

"How many do you plan to recruit?"

Emperor Yong Sheng asked.

"Two million."

"One million of them are the main force; three hundred thousand are responsible for operating the dragon boat, and seven hundred thousand for operating the treasure ship."

"The remaining one million are for logistics and technical maintenance."

Gu Jin Nian directly said, recruiting two million.

The figure is somewhat exaggerated, but it is also the number Gu Jin Nian has calmly calculated.

"Approved."

Emperor Yong Sheng didn't even think, and agreed outright.

"If we follow this meaning, should the war against the Xiongnu be delayed?"

Emperor Yong Sheng asked curiously.

He directly agreed to Gu Jin Nian's recruitment, but likewise he does not want to let the war against the Xiongnu slip.

"No."

"The Xiongnu must be fought."

"And it is one of the most important matters right now."

What Emperor Yong Sheng did not expect was that Gu Jin Nian agreed to the Xiongnu war and regarded it as the most important matter.

"That is rather strange."

"Jin Nian, if the Ministry of Works can forge war dragon boats and treasure ships, the campaign against the Xiongnu can be postponed for two or three years; it would be effortless to then horse‑tread the royal court."

"If we fight now, although we have river‑dragon rice and the treasury is full, the financial and manpower costs would surely be considerable."

"Moreover, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty would surely not stand by idly, right?"

Emperor Yong Sheng frowned; the military reforms can be completed now, so indeed we can wait two or three years.

If Gu Jin Nian's earlier answer was to delay a few years, Emperor Yong Sheng would not say anything; everything should aim for the greatest benefit at the smallest cost.

"Uncle."

"The war with the Xiongnu does not necessarily have to horse‑tread the royal court."

"The key point lies in deterring the nations of the Eastern Wilderness; the Alliance matter is an undeniable challenge to our Da Xia Dynasty. If Da Xia Dynasty does not act, it becomes a joke to the world."

"Therefore we must fight, and fight fiercely; the more ferocious, the better."

"Of course, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty will certainly not stand idle, so Da Xia Dynasty must, regardless of cost, spare no expense, strike the Xiongnu hard, and pursue them until the Xiongnu admit defeat."

"Crush the Alliance's momentum."

Gu Jin Nian voiced his thoughts.

"Deliver a single punch so that a hundred punches don't follow."

"The Alliance issue now is a provocation against Da Xia Dynasty; although they don't state directly that they target Da Xia, isn't their meaning to provoke Da Xia?"

"If Da Xia Dynasty says nothing, morale will plummet, and it will not be a good thing in the hearts of the people."

"Thus we must fight."

"And we must seize the Xiongnu, subdue them, make them fear, so that we can demonstrate national strength."

"Promote national prestige."

"Good!"

Emperor Yong Sheng took a deep breath; Gu Jin Nian's words matched his wishes perfectly.

"Jin Nian, with your words, I am completely satisfied."

"Based on what you say, for this offensive against the Xiongnu, I will lead the campaign personally."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, appearing especially agitated, and announced his intention to lead the campaign personally.

"Lead the campaign personally?"

"Uncle, that's still unnecessary."

Upon hearing "lead the campaign personally," Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak: it's unnecessary; with Da Xia Dynasty's current strength, fighting a small Xiongnu state doesn't require me to lead personally. "No, if it weren't for your words today, I wouldn't consider leading personally; your words compel me to do so."

Emperor Yong Sheng declared solemnly.

"Uncle."

"Whether or not we lead personally, there is another matter that must be dealt with; if that matter cannot be resolved, we cannot fight."

Gu Jin Nian no longer cared about the personal campaign; after all, he wouldn't go, leaving it to his uncle.

"What matter?"

Emperor Yong Sheng became somewhat curious.

"Heavenly Falling Gold."

"We must accelerate, smelting ten thousand pieces of heavy war armor."

Gu Jin Nian said, this matter is important.

"Fighting the Xiongnu is not only to promote national prestige; the main purpose is to let the world know the power of the Heavenly Falling Gold."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't help but frown.

"Up to now the Engineering Department has only refined a dozen‑plus pieces; if we want to refine ten thousand, even two or three years would be hard."

"Is this very important?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, a little puzzled.

"Very important."

"One could even say, extremely important."

Gu Jin Nian could not explain to his old uncle the profound concept of 'principal gold'.

He could only say that it is very important.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian so earnest.

Emperor Yongsheng fell silent for a moment.

Then, after a deep breath, he said,

"If we forge ten thousand sets of battle armor, can we go straight into battle?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Then fine."

"I understand."

"Leave this matter to me."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded, as if he had some hidden method.

"Old uncle, can you refine Heavenly Meteoric Gold?"

Gu Jin Nian instantly understood something and couldn't help but ask.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian's face full of curiosity.

Emperor Yongsheng fell silent briefly.

After a while, he spoke, then walked out of the great hall.

"Come with me."

"I'll show you a treasure."

(End of chapter)