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In the fourth year of the Tiangong era, the autumn sky was clear and cloudless.

In the eastern suburbs of Yingtian Prefecture, a brand-new and magnificent "Yingtian Station" has risen from the ground.

The station's architecture blends the grandeur of traditional Chinese palaces with a pragmatic style. Under the towering dome, a long, dark, gleaming steel dragon lies quietly on the parallel tracks—the legendary "diesel locomotive train."

The front of the train is square and imposing, painted in a majestic black, with golden dragon patterns embroidered on it, and connected to a dozen or so equally brand-new carriages.

Today, banners flutter and ceremonial guards stand solemnly here.

Emperor Su Ning, dressed in a dragon robe, personally led the cabinet ministers, the six ministries and nine ministers, the nobles of the five military governorates, and almost all the prominent civil and military officials in the capital to gather here to participate in the opening ceremony of the Yingtian-Songjiang Railway.

The platform was crowded with people, but the atmosphere was strangely quiet.

Many officials, even those who held the highest positions of power such as Grand Secretaries and Ministers, were seeing this "iron dragon" up close for the first time.

The cold, steely texture, the massive size, and the faint smell of engine oil in the air all gave them a strange sense of oppression.

Minister of Works Zheng Yi and Director of the Imperial Workshop Wu Zheng, as the project's leaders, beamed with excitement as they introduced the train to the Emperor and his officials: "Your Majesty, Your Excellencies, this is the 'Great Ming' train. The locomotive is equipped with an improved 'Tiangong Type III' diesel engine, with 50% more horsepower than the experimental model! The entire train can carry 500 passengers or 100,000 jin of cargo! From Yingtian to Songjiang Prefecture, stopping at Zhenjiang, Changzhou, and Suzhou along the way, the entire journey will only take six hours!"

"Six hours?" A collective gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.

The journey from Nanjing to Shanghai, nearly 600 li (approximately 300 kilometers), used to take two or three days by boat even with favorable winds, and five or six days by land.

Six hours is like shrinking the distance to an inch!

Some seasoned and prudent officials, or those with reservations, such as several senior scholars from the Hanlin Academy, stroked their beards and whispered among themselves: "This thing is indeed strange, but... can it really run as fast as it is said? It is so heavy, how can it be a child's play?"

"Yes! What if we go wrong halfway... wouldn't that be beneath the dignity of Heaven?"

Su Ning took in everyone's reactions without saying a word, only a mysterious smile playing on his lips.

The auspicious hour has arrived, and the cannons have been fired.

After a simple ribbon-cutting ceremony, Su Ning announced in a loud voice: "My lords, seeing is believing. Today, come with me to board this 'Iron Dragon' and experience its speed, and take in the magnificent scenery of Jiangnan in my Great Ming Dynasty!"

Having said that, he took the lead and, under the protection of his guards, boarded the specially made luxury carriage located in the middle of the train.

Cabinet ministers and representatives of nobles followed closely behind, while the remaining officials boarded the front and rear carriages in order of rank.

Inside the carriage, the decor was elegant and comfortable, with soft seats and bright windows, all of which were novel to these officials who were used to riding in sedan chairs and on horseback.

After everyone was seated with a mix of trepidation, curiosity, and even a hint of fear, the command flag was waved on the platform.

"Ugh——!"

A high-pitched, powerful whistle, like the roar of a prehistoric beast, suddenly pierced the sky, startling many officials and turning their faces pale.

Immediately afterwards, accompanied by a dull, powerful clang and the roar of machinery, everyone felt the vehicle shake slightly.

"It moved! It moved!" a young official couldn't help but exclaim in a low voice.

Through the clear train windows, the platform began to move slowly backward, gradually increasing in speed.

Trees, farmhouses, and distant hills began to fly backward at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The wind rushed in through the slightly open vent, creating a whistling sound.

"This...this speed!" An elderly minister with white hair and beard gripped the armrest of his chair tightly, staring at the scenery rushing past the window, his face filled with astonishment. "Faster than a galloping horse! And...it's so stable!"

The bumpy ride he had imagined did not occur; there was only the rhythmic "crunching" sound of the iron wheels rolling over the rails, so smooth that tea could be placed on the small table without spilling.

The train continued to accelerate, eventually maintaining a speed that would have astonished even the ancients.

Fields, rivers, bridges, and towns unfolded outside the window like a scroll painting, then sped past.

Some officials who had initially harbored doubts were now dumbfounded, peering greedily through the car windows at this unprecedented experience.

Grand Secretary Fang Xiaoru, usually calm and composed, was also moved at this moment. He whispered to Tie Xuan beside him, "This thing... truly possesses the power to rival the creation of heaven and earth! If used for troop transport, it can cover thousands of miles in an instant; if used for grain transport, the wealth of the southeast can arrive in a day... His Majesty's foresight is beyond our reach!"

Tie Xuan nodded heavily. As the Minister of War, he saw its unparalleled military value and looked at the front of the car with awe.

Suning sat in the main seat, leisurely sipping tea, occasionally glancing at the scenery outside the car window.

He didn't offer much explanation, nor did he need to.

The speed, the smooth journey, the steely power emanating from beneath your feet—these are the most powerful language, the strongest deterrent.

He wants to use this reality forged by iron and fire to crush all outdated ideas and defeat all the arrogance and doubt hidden in one's heart.

He wanted these elites of the Ming Dynasty to see with their own eyes what a magnificent and unimaginable path the Ming Dynasty was taking under his leadership.

The train roared on, carrying the emperor's will and the changes of the times, rushing towards the eastern estuary.

Inside the carriage, after the initial shock, excited discussions gradually arose among the officials. Everyone understood that a brand new era had arrived irresistibly with the rolling of these iron wheels.

And they are the witnesses to this history, and will also be a part of this torrent.

……

The successful opening of the Yingtian-Songjiang Railway was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, and the ripples it caused quickly swept through the entire Ming Dynasty court.

After the civil and military officials personally experienced the lightning speed and the smooth journey, all doubts and criticisms vanished instantly.

Instead, there was a mixture of shock, excitement, and heartfelt admiration for the emperor's foresight.

The atmosphere at the morning court session in Qianqing Palace was completely different from usual.

In the past, whenever the emperor proposed a project that would cost a huge sum of money, there would always be censors or officials from the Ministry of Revenue who would step forward to advise against it on the grounds that it was "a waste of resources and manpower" and "in violation of ancestral rules".

But today, as Su Ning sat on the dragon throne and his gaze swept over the assembled officials before His Majesty, he felt only awe and anticipation.

"My lords," Su Ning began slowly, his voice steady and powerful, "you have all experienced firsthand the convenience of the Yingsong Railway. Transportation is to a nation what blood is to a person. When blood flows smoothly, the body is strong; when transportation is convenient, government orders are effectively implemented, commerce flourishes, and the military can reach anywhere!"

He paused, looked at the officials below who were holding their breath, and made his first major decision: "However, railway construction is a massive project with complex technology. If the Ministry of Works continues to manage it, it may be unable to handle the task effectively and the efficiency will be low. In order to focus on this task and accelerate the construction of the railway network of our Great Ming Dynasty, I have decided to split up the Ministry of Works, effective immediately!"

This statement caused a slight commotion below, but no one voiced their opposition; everyone waited quietly for what would follow.

"The original Ministry of Works will retain its traditional functions of overseeing the construction of cities, civil engineering, water conservancy, and machinery manufacturing. A new 'Ministry of Railways' will be established!" Su Ning's voice was resolute. "It will be responsible for all matters related to the planning, surveying, construction, operation, and maintenance of railways nationwide! The first Minister of Railways will be Wu Zheng, the former head of the Imperial Works Institute, who made significant contributions to the construction of the Ying-Song Railway!"

"No! How can an eunuch hold an important position in the outer court?"

"The most capable person should take the position! Who do you all think is qualified for this role?"

“This…” “This matter is decided here.”

Wu Zheng trembled with excitement, immediately stepped forward, knelt down and kowtowed: "Your subject Wu Zheng receives the imperial decree and thanks you! I will do my utmost to pave the way for Your Majesty and the Great Ming Dynasty with a vast steel network!"

“Very good.” Su Ning nodded, then put forward an even more exciting plan: “The primary task of the newly established Ministry of Railways is to immediately plan and launch the railway trunk line from Yingtianfu to Beipingfu! This line runs through the north and south, connecting the two capitals, and its strategic significance far exceeds that of the Yingsong Railway! I want you to come up with a plan, recruit craftsmen, and start construction as quickly as possible!”

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Wu Zheng's voice was loud and clear, filled with a sense of mission to create history.

A vital steel artery connecting the political and economic centers, and which will extend to a major military stronghold in the north, is about to become a reality in his hands.

Immediately afterwards, Su Ning turned his gaze to Zheng Yi, the Minister of Works who had remained in office: "Minister Zheng, although the Ministry of Works has been relieved of its responsibilities over the railways, its burden has not been lightened."

He then introduced a new concept: "From this day forward, using new steel bars and concrete, we will plan and construct standardized, wide, and flat 'official roads' throughout the country, which I will call 'highways'! These highways must be able to accommodate heavy vehicles, be unimpeded by rain or snow, and be accessible in all directions, connecting all provinces, prefectures, counties, and even important towns! This is the core task of the Ministry of Works in the future!"

Zheng Yi immediately stepped forward and solemnly accepted the order: "Your subject understands! The Ministry of Works will certainly plan carefully, starting with the main lines and then the branch lines, gradually building a highway network covering the whole country to ensure the smooth flow of goods and the convenience of people's travel!"

Then Su Ning turned to look at the new dean of the Tiangong Academy: "Pang Bowen."

“Your Majesty, I am here!” A relatively young official stepped forward and knelt on the ground. He was a technocrat promoted by Wu Zheng.

"Railways connect major cities, and highways reach prefectures and counties. However, convenient transportation for the 'last mile' and even within urban and rural areas is also indispensable," Su Ning instructed. "Your Tiangong Institute must continue to devote all its efforts to the research and improvement of internal combustion engine technology, with the goal of miniaturizing and making it practical, to manufacture 'cars' that can run on the road! Whether it is a passenger car or a cargo truck, its development must be accelerated! I want to see vehicles that do not rely on oxen and horses, and are self-propelled, running on the roads of my Great Ming!"

"Your Majesty, I obey! The Imperial Crafts Institute will do its utmost to bring the 'automobile' to fruition as soon as possible!"

This series of deployments, linked together, has constructed a grand, three-dimensional transportation blueprint, from national trunk lines to provincial main roads, and then to future urban and rural transportation.

The courtiers were deeply moved, as if they could already see an unprecedentedly powerful empire, woven from steel and concrete, emerging.

In the past, some might have worried that such a massive project would exhaust the nation's resources, but after experiencing the awe-inspiring lessons of the railway and witnessing firsthand the astonishing wealth brought by the Royal Trading Company and maritime trade, such concerns have been greatly alleviated.

They began to truly believe that the blueprint drawn up by the emperor was not a castle in the air, but a future that could be realized step by step.

After the court session ended, the officials chatted in small groups, their voices filled with excitement and anticipation.

"The Ministry of Railways... the highway network... automobiles... His Majesty is about to reshape the world!"

"Once the north-south railway is completed, the world order will be greatly changed!"

"If that car could really travel hundreds of miles a day, it would be much more convenient for me to return to my hometown after I retire!"

Standing atop the high steps of the imperial court, Su Ning watched his ministers depart, knowing that through these tangible results and grand plans, he had completely grasped the direction of the court.

The most stable form of rule is to use unprecedented engineering and technological power to bind the future of the entire bureaucracy and vested interests, and to make them move along the path they set for themselves.

……

During the following four to six years of the Tiangong era, the Ming Empire, like a dormant dragon, did not wage large-scale wars abroad, but instead devoted almost all its energy to internal recuperation and strength accumulation.

The extension of railways, the planning of highways, the roar of workshops, the sound of students reading aloud in schools...

Everything suggests that a power far stronger than any previous dynasty is brewing.

In the West Warm Pavilion of the Qianqing Palace, a top-level meeting on foreign strategy is underway.

The only attendees were Emperor Su Ning, Grand Secretary Fang Xiaoru, Minister of War Tie Xuan, and the newly appointed Admiral Ma He.

Minister of War Tie Xuan spoke first, his tone carrying the unique boldness of a soldier mixed with a hint of urgency: "Your Majesty, our Great Ming Dynasty now boasts a well-trained army and ample provisions, and our firearms are unparalleled in the world. The remnants of the Northern Yuan are barely clinging to life, and the Jurchens of Liaodong and the chieftains of the southwest are no threat. As for small countries like Korea, Annam, and Siam, they are nothing but chickens and dogs before the mighty army of our Great Ming! Why not seize this opportunity to sweep them away, pacify the four directions in one fell swoop, and establish an everlasting imperial dynasty?"

Upon hearing this, Grand Secretary Fang Xiaoru shook his head slightly. He preferred the traditional policy of appeasement: "What Minister Tie said has its merits, but weapons are instruments of misfortune, and even sages use them only as a last resort. Now, the new policies are just beginning in the country, and all industries are waiting to be developed. If we rashly start a war, we will waste countless resources and may shake the foundation of the nation. The best policy is to win over the surrounding vassal states with virtue, demonstrate the majesty of the Celestial Empire, and make them fear our power and respect our virtue, so that they will come to pay tribute every year."

These two viewpoints represent two mainstream voices in China and North Korea.

All eyes were on Su Ning, who was quietly sipping tea on the throne.

Su Ning put down his teacup, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone before finally settling on the huge global nautical chart hanging in the sky.

"I am well aware of Minister Tie's sharpness and Minister Fang's composure." He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a sense of calm and control over the overall situation. "However, governing a country is like playing chess; one must plan carefully before acting, and one must have a long-term vision. The remnants of the Northern Yuan are like a minor ailment; the surrounding small countries are like weeds on a wall. With the current strength of our Great Ming, destroying them would indeed be as easy as turning one's hand."

He then changed the subject: "But what happens after a country is destroyed? Simply wasting money and resources stationing troops and governing foreign peoples might actually become a burden. What I want is not temporary territorial expansion, but a long-term, stable strategic advantage, the 'momentum' to control this grand game!"

His finger suddenly pointed to a key location on the nautical chart, a narrow waterway shaped like a throat.

"This is the very lifeline that our Great Ming Dynasty needs to control right now—the Strait of Malacca!"

Ma He's gaze followed the emperor's finger, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. Having sailed for many years, he knew all too well the importance of this place.

Su Ning continued, “Nowadays, the maritime trade of our Great Ming is flourishing. The fleets of the Royal Ocean Company carry silk, porcelain, and tea to the countries of the Western Ocean (Indian Ocean) to exchange for spices, gems, and rare treasures. This sea route is the golden waterway of our Great Ming, the lifeline of wealth! And the Strait of Malacca is the throat of this lifeline!”

His tone turned serious: "If this place is in the hands of friendly forces, it is still acceptable; but if it is occupied by those with ulterior motives, or if pirates occupy it, then our Ming Dynasty ships will be like turtles in a jar, and our safety will be in grave danger! The plundering of wealth is a minor matter; the damage to the prestige of the Celestial Empire and the severing of sea routes are the real disasters that shake the foundation of the nation!"

Upon hearing this, Tie Xuan and Fang Xiaoru both became serious.

They had previously focused more on land threats, but after the emperor's explanation, they suddenly realized that the strategic significance of this sea route was no less than that of the formidable passes and strategic strongholds on land.

“Your Majesty is wise! This is indeed the key to the maritime borders of our Great Ming!” Ma He bowed and said, fully understanding the emperor’s intentions.

“Therefore,” Su Ning looked at Zheng He and gave a clear order, “Ma He, I order you to immediately prepare to lead the navy on a voyage to the Western Ocean! This is not a so-called display of power or reward. I grant you two new-style gunboats for escort, along with 20,000 elite marines! Your mission is to select the most strategic and defensible location along the Strait of Malacca to establish a permanent military base, port, and warehouse for our Great Ming! Garrison troops, build forts, and establish government offices! We must firmly grasp this maritime choke point in the hands of our Great Ming!”

His gaze was sharp as a knife: "If the local chieftain submits, he can be generously rewarded and allowed to govern himself, but military and customs powers must be controlled by our Great Ming! If he resists... we will strike him with thunderous force and install a king who is pro-Ming! In short, this place must belong to 'Ming'!"

"Your subject, Ma He, obeys the decree!" Ma He knelt on one knee, his voice firm and powerful, "I will surely, for Your Majesty and for the Ming Dynasty, seize this vital maritime passage and ensure the peace of our sea routes for a hundred years!"

Fang Xiaoru and Tie Xuan exchanged a glance and had no further objections.

The emperor's move was not a blind expansion of territory, but rather a strategy to seize the most crucial strategic foothold at the lowest cost, which was far more shrewd than blindly destroying a country.

This was not only a military operation, but also an effort to protect the maritime trade business, which was already deeply intertwined with the interests of the imperial court and powerful figures.

Months later, Quanzhou Port was bustling with activity once again.

Ma He led his massive, reinforced fleet and set sail, heading straight for Malacca, thousands of miles away.

This time, they brought not only the rewards and edicts of the Celestial Empire, but also powerful ships and cannons and the determination to occupy the territory.

The Ming Dynasty, this land dragon, is firmly pressing its powerful claws onto one of the world's most important ocean passages.

Suning's business has expanded from land to the vast blue ocean.

...(End of chapter)