C23 Only by Fighting

It's hardly surprising that the envoys from various empires resorted to using force to quell resistance. This was largely due to the Qian Empire's track record of never securing a victory in their external conflicts. Each outbreak of war was seen as a prime opportunity to make a profit.

They seemed to have cracked the code: show a bit of backbone, and the Qian Empire's officials would fold almost instantly.

Despite Gao Shaoyi's recent display of defiance, they weren't concerned. They figured he had yet to learn his lesson—the way a naive calf doesn't fear a tiger. They were ready to give him a harsh reality check.

And once Gao Shaoyi was defeated, they'd demand reparations from the Qian Imperial Court. The thought of more money lining their pockets brought a gleeful smile to the envoys' faces.

"We cannot comply with your demands. Our six Lord Ministers have reached a decision. You must withdraw immediately," Shabarov stated, taking a deep breath and striving for a tone of measured calm.

The other Lord Ministers were visibly annoyed. When had they ever needed to address Qian Empire officials with such civility? A simple dismissal should have sufficed.

"Ready your bayonets, everyone."

Without uttering another word, Gao Shaoyi began his retreat on horseback, while commands echoed through the ranks of the King Protector Army.

Had the Qian Empire's military always been this resolute?

Shabarov's disbelief was palpable. This aggressive posturing was their modus operandi—resorting to threats of violence at the slightest disagreement. How had the Qian Empire adopted their tactics?

The King Protector Army, several thousand strong, swiftly took up battle positions. Shabarov squinted at the sight of such a formidable force.

Gao Shaoyi.

His father.

The King Protector Army.

The same army that had vanquished the forces of the Galru Empire.

The pieces fell into place for Shabarov.

"Prepare for battle," he uttered in a mix of alarm and command, but the troops around him remained still.

To them, the enemy's formation was not an immediate call to arms but merely a deadlock.

Bang!

"Prepare for battle immediately!"

Shabarov, seeing that no one heeded his call, drew his pistol and fired into the air. His troops finally sprang into action, though confusion was still etched on most of their faces. Was it truly necessary to mobilize so aggressively against a mere detachment of the Qian Empire's forces, oddly dressed as they may be?

Among the envoys from the six nations, only the Rakshasa Empire's representative took cover.

Having known Shabarov for over a decade, he was well aware that Shabarov was no alarmist. If Shabarov believed it was time to prepare for battle, then it was prudent to seek shelter without delay.

The other envoys were eager to inquire about the situation with Shabarov, but found themselves encircled by guards.

Skepticism was written all over their faces; they couldn't fathom the Qian Empire taking the initiative to fire upon them.

"By the Emperor's command, we are to take control of the Embassy Area before the sun sets. For the soldiers of the King Protector Army, advance means life, retreat means death."

Gao Shaoyi's voice resonated with the King Protector Army soldiers.

It had been years since anyone from the Qian Empire had dared to issue such a defiant challenge.

To the world's great powers, our empire's edicts had been as worthless as scraps of paper.

"You have five minutes to comply, or we will consider it an act of war."

Following Gao Shaoyi's directive, First Wang bellowed the ultimatum.

What did this mean?

Were they declaring war on us?

The major powers were stunned, scarcely believing their ears. It had always been them imposing their will on the Qian Empire, coercing them into submission. But now, the tables had turned, and the threat of war loomed from the Qian Empire.

"Shabarov, show them our strength. Remind them who truly rules this land."

"Exactly. After years of peace, they've forgotten our reach. We cannot allow them to leave here alive."

The envoys from the various countries were in an uproar. In their view, the Qian Empire must not be allowed even the slightest opportunity to gain an upper hand.

Each nation had its own agencies that had thoroughly assessed the Qian Empire.

Despite its current state of apparent weakness and impotence, the empire's underlying strength remained intact. With abundant resources, a vast population, and extensive territory, it possessed immense latent potential for warfare. Should a formidable leader emerge, a vast empire could rise, one that might even dominate their own.

Every year, the major powers pillaged vast amounts of wealth from the Qian Empire, and they certainly didn't want to see the empire rise to power. They much preferred it to remain in a state of perpetual decline.

Thus, whenever a strong leader emerged, they were determined to nip that threat in the bud.

Shabarov was acutely aware of this, and it weighed heavily on him. Had it been any other soldiers from the Qian Empire, he would've dealt with them swiftly. But the troops before him, in both formation and armament, far outclassed the Embassy Guard.

"Flank and secure the high ground from both sides."

Shabarov knew the lay of the land around the Embassy Area like the back of his hand. They should have seized the high ground long ago, but their arrogance had led them to underestimate the Qian Empire's military, rendering the move unnecessary.

Gao Shaoyi observed the great powers' troops dispersing in every direction, yet he held back his own forces.

He was familiar with the great powers' method of attack, the old volley-fire strategy.

This was the traditional line battle tactic.

The armies would form rows and advance in step to the beat of drums. Upon reaching firing range, they would engage the enemy. Neither side would seek cover, resulting in a deadly exchange of fire to see who could outlast the other.

Gao Shaoyi had no intention of altering this approach, not when they held an ace up their sleeve.

Their guns had a range two hundred meters greater than the enemy's.

Any premature changes might prompt the enemy to adjust their tactics, and that could cost them the advantage of the first strike.

"Advance."

Third Wang issued the combat orders, his troops positioned on the front line.

Commanding an entire army equipped with firearms was exceedingly rare in the Qian Empire. Now, facing the great powers, Third Wang felt as if his ancestors were smiling down on him. He'd have stories to boast about for years to come.

The young master had been clear: advance only a hundred meters. At that point, they could open fire.

Third Wang quietly recited Gao Shaoyi's directives, his gaze fixed on the thousands advancing slowly towards him from across the way.

The Qian Empire's cavalry and infantry had suffered greatly under these novel tactics, losing more brothers than could be counted. Now, it was time for retribution.