Munitions Empire

Chapter 2019 - 1882: I Don’t Feel Any Regrets

Preparing for the coronation ceremony of the Master of the World, even though there is no precedent to follow, there are some customary rules that must be observed.

First, the coronation ceremony itself must be grand and solemn, with every detail meticulously scrutinized to strive for perfection. This is not only a mark of respect for the new Empire but also a record for history.

To make this moment eternal, precious visual records are indispensable, capturing this glorious moment for future generations to admire.

The newborn Empire needs a voice, one that can lead the people toward the future. Therefore, Tang Mo needs to deliver a speech, announcing the birth of the Great Tang Empire to the world, stating his position and determination.

Every word of this speech must be carefully considered, showcasing his extraordinary talents while also expressing his care for the people. Besides the solemn ceremony, nationwide celebration is also an indispensable part.

The subjects need an outlet to express their joy and loyalty, and they will celebrate this great moment in various ways, singing and dancing to express their support for the new Emperor.

These celebrations not only enhance national cohesion but also showcase the prosperity of the Great Tang Empire to the world.

The framework of the entire ceremony has been tentatively set, but the specific details need further refinement. Historical coronation ceremonies can offer some inspiration but must be chosen cautiously to avoid copying the outdated practices of empires that have already fallen. For a brand-new Empire, directly using the rules of those long-gone states seems rather inauspicious.

After all, the Great Tang Empire is an unprecedented world empire, and its coronation ceremony must be unique and full of symbolic meaning. The establishment of the Great Tang Empire did not come through inheritance but was built from scratch by Tang Mo’s efforts and the support of the people, ultimately defeating all opponents. Its legitimacy comes from the people’s support and its unmatched strength, leaving no room for claims of "unjust acquisition."

At this moment, the Great Tang Empire has reached its pinnacle state, with no force able to halt its progress.

As long as Tang Mo stands there and raises his fist to his subjects, the entire Empire will erupt with fervor.

At this moment, the flag of the Great Tang Empire has been planted across the world, symbolizing that Tang Mo’s authority covers every corner of this planet. On the Eastern Continent, Marshal Tager is busy with a vast project—restructuring the surrendered military forces of various countries.

This is an extremely complex and tedious task that requires a significant amount of time and effort. Millions of outdated soldiers, like scattered sand, fight independently and lack unified command and training. They need to be reshaped and instilled with the military philosophy of the Great Tang Empire, cultivating their loyalty to the Empire.

Only after completing these reforms can they undertake new tasks, including being equipped with new weaponry and upgrading to become the more powerful Great Tang Regular Army, earning societal recognition and the love of the people as soldiers of the Great Tang Empire.

The implementation of new training programs, new command systems, and new weaponry must be carried out gradually. This is not merely about changing equipment and commanders but transforming these former enemies into an indestructible wall defending the Empire.

Marshal Tager understands the immense responsibility on his shoulders; he must forge these military forces into a formidable army, capable of defending the Empire’s glory. This will take time—perhaps two, three, or even five years, or longer.

Tang Mo understands the arduous nature of this task, so after the coronation ceremony, he plans to personally visit the Eastern Continent to provide Tager with maximum support. Meanwhile, he will send Chief of Staff Luff and Vice Premier Nangong Hong to go along and assist Tager in handling various matters.

More officials will be appointed, more laws will be enacted, and there is much to be done in the Eastern Continent, whether it be investment or construction. This requires capable individuals to execute. With Chu Muzhou as Vice Imperial Chancellor, his health and vigor are clearly no longer suitable for the work needed on the Eastern Continent, thus Nangong Hong has happily prepared to embark on his grand ambitions as the Empire’s second Vice Premier.

The operation of the Empire demands an efficient mechanism, and Tang Mo envisions having the two Prime Ministers each responsible for the administration work on one continent, and the two Marshals each responsible for the military work on one continent, ensuring that imperial decrees are executed in synchrony across both continents and operate efficiently.

In the south of the Eastern Continent, in the Dorne Region, the bartender is leading an anti-drug operation. The remnants of Sofia’s influence once openly trafficked Black Crow here, a terrifying drug that has deeply poisoned the people of this land.

Eradicating the remnants of Black Crow is a protracted battle, requiring years of relentless effort. Tang Mo has an exceptionally firm stance on this; his heart burns with intense anger, knowing the immense harm caused by Black Crow. He absolutely will not allow this tumor to continue harming his people.

No matter the cost, no matter how much manpower or resources it requires, he is determined to eradicate Black Crow from this world, returning a healthy and peaceful life to the people.

All prohibitions against Black Crow are personally inscribed into the Empire’s laws by Tang Mo, and no one is allowed to amend them—not even future Emperors have the power to contravene them. This is Tang Mo’s policy, one of the few uncompromising requirements that must ensure such laws remain unchanged for eternity.

Recently, Tang Mo’s workload has more than doubled. As the communication network between the two continents has completed, a flood of various reports reaches his desk like snowflakes, leaving him overwhelmed. Previously, he had some time to delve into his beloved technology, but now he works almost nonstop, spending nearly all his time on administrative duties.

Today, he finally finished handling a report on the hurricane disaster in Osa Port. Rubbing his sore eyes, Tang Mo stretched out, walked to the window.

The sound of his neck twisting was particularly clear in the quiet room, accompanied by slight joint friction, as Tang Mo tried to alleviate the stiffness from prolonged desk work.

Despite having the world’s most professional private medical team and the best massage therapists relieving his fatigue daily, he still felt that his bones had become much stiffer compared to before.

Outside the window, the rain was falling gently, the gloomy sky resembling a massive gray curtain, oppressively stifling.

"Sigh..." Tang Mo gently sighed, gazing at the rain curtain outside the window, a hint of annoyance welling up in his heart.

The Great Tang Empire was vast, with various emergencies happening every day, hardly a day of peace. Earthquakes, droughts, floods, hurricanes, tsunamis... all sorts of natural disasters occurred in an endless stream, leaving him at his wit’s end.

"A sudden snowstorm in Frost Winter County in the north has frozen countless cattle and sheep to death...," "Continuous high temperatures in Flame Sun Province in the south have resulted in hundreds of deaths from heatstroke...," "The arid desert regions of the West Territory are experiencing a severe drought, urgently needing food and water...," "The eastern coastal areas have suffered from hurricane attacks, with Osa Port severely affected...".

Reports of disasters rushed in like a tide, leaving Tang Mo almost gasping for breath. Every day, he was signing various disaster relief appropriation orders, like a machine that never stopped.

Aside from natural disasters, there were countless livelihood issues needing his attention.

"The banks of Fengjiang need to be dredged and rectified to prevent flood disasters...," "The past fortress constructions need to be dismantled, which is also an appropriation...".

"The western part of the Empire urgently needs a new railway to stimulate economic development...," "The rapid development of the steel industry has led to increasing environmental pollution issues...".

"Some remote areas lack an industrial foundation, resulting in sluggish economic development...".

Tang Mo felt the burden on his shoulders growing heavier, as if a great mountain pressed down on him, leaving him breathless. The scope was too vast, the issues were numerous and complex, making him feel helpless.

At that moment, a familiar voice broke the silence of the room: "Your Majesty, is this really worth it?"

Tang Mo didn’t have to look back to know the speaker was his most trusted subordinate—Wes.

Wes stood in the corner of the room, watching Tang Mo’s weary figure with eyes full of concern. He was Tang Mo’s trusted confidant and had been with him the longest. He had witnessed Tang Mo’s transformation from a blacksmith shop owner, who worked five or six hours a day, to an emperor who now worked over fourteen hours a day. He deeply understood how arduous the work named ’Emperor’ was, and also understood the responsibility and pressure behind power.

"Your Majesty, you didn’t used to work at such high intensity." Wes continued, "Now like this, your body won’t be able to take it."

Tang Mo turned around, looking at Wes, a bitter smile appearing on his face.

"Who knows?" he said softly, "I might sound a bit pretentious saying this, but being an emperor isn’t so easy; sometimes power also means more responsibility. Some things can’t be stopped, and there’s no going back. I don’t regret it, and that’s enough, isn’t it?"

His gaze turned to the rain curtain outside the window again: "You know, in the beginning, I only wanted to buy some weapons to save the blacksmith shop my father left."

Wes also had a slight bitter smile on his lips, recalling the scene when he first saw the revolver.

"Back then I even said I saw the most powerful weapon in the world." Wes said with a smile: "Thinking about it now, it’s quite interesting. Who would’ve thought we now even have missiles that span the entire Endless Sea."

"Exactly." Tang Mo also smiled, remembering the scene at that time: "Back then we built the best muskets in the world, yet were still under Shireck’s pressure, fighting just to survive."

He withdrew his gaze, looking at Wes, his eyes full of emotion: "Thinking back on these things now, it feels like just yesterday."

At that time, Wes was just a Ranger, and their friendship had started from that thrilling battle at Northern Ridge.

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Here, at the reader’s request, let me talk about future plans:

1. This book is near its conclusion, as during this year, I’ve been sick, family members have been sick, and with various hospital visits, updates have been interrupted several times, naturally resulting in poor performance, so I’m planning to wrap it up soon.

2. For the next book, Dragon Spirit plans to write a novel about the "Fourth Calamity" and is preparing for it. A new novel brings new atmosphere, and updates will be maintained as consistently as possible... because as I age, with more family matters, I can only say I’ll do my best to keep updates stable.

3. After finishing this book, Dragon Spirit hopes to take a break, walk with family to adjust health properly, and also stockpile some drafts to ensure the next book’s updates won’t easily face issues. Last time Dragon Spirit had some drafts on hand, it was already two years ago... shamefully.