HCB Chapter 477 Military Parade
Chapter 477 Military Parade
Meanwhile, other states also heard the news of Qin's upcoming military parade. In the Chu court, the ruler and his ministers wore solemn expressions. Xiang Yan frowned deeply, knowing that Qin's military parade was definitely not a friendly affair, and Chu had to prepare accordingly. The states of Wei and Qi were equally anxious, strengthening their border defenses and closely monitoring Qin's every move.
Time slipped away quietly amidst the busyness and tension, and finally, the day of the military parade arrived.
On the day of the military parade, the city of Xianyang was deserted as people flocked to the streets, eager to witness the mighty Qin army. Envoys from various countries also arrived at the viewing platform early, appearing calm on the surface but filled with curiosity and unease in their hearts.
Outside Xianyang, on the vast parade ground, banners fluttered and drums thundered. The elite Qin army stood in perfect formation, swords and spears gleaming, armor gleaming. The soldiers stood tall and straight, their eyes resolute, exuding an aura of unwavering confidence.
Accompanied by Ying Wuyou and others, Ying Zheng ascended the reviewing stand. When Ying Zheng appeared on the stand, the entire audience erupted in a deafening roar of "Long live the Emperor!" The sound waves soared into the sky.
As a burst of rousing drumbeats sounded, the military parade officially began.
The cavalry formation led the way, their horses neighing and hooves thundering. Armed with lances and clad in heavy armor, the cavalrymen surged across the parade ground like a black torrent of steel. Next, the infantry formation marched in with perfectly synchronized steps, their shouts ringing out clearly and their strides firm and powerful, showcasing the exceptional military discipline of the Qin soldiers.
The weapons and equipment display was even more breathtaking. Various advanced crossbows and war chariots were on display, their ingenious design and powerful capabilities leaving everyone present in awe. In particular, the repeating crossbow, improved by Ying Wuyou based on knowledge from later generations, could fire multiple arrows at once, with a longer range and greater destructive power, secretly alarming envoys and spies from various countries.
On the square in front of Xianyang Palace, the elegant music played by the bronze chimes suddenly became chaotic. The envoys from various countries looked at the cold metallic glint on the distant horizon, as if they saw some kind of colossal beast, not of this world, shattering the morning mist as it approached.
Meng Tian's black cloak fluttered in the wind as his gaze swept over the ranks of heavily armored Tiger Warriors behind him. The scene of his audience with the King of Qin three days prior was still vivid in his mind—Princess Jiayang knelt before the King's desk, holding several sheets of paper; the intricate curves and strange symbols on the diagrams sent a chill down even through this seasoned warrior. "This is the culmination of the Mohist mechanical arts and the iron-smelting techniques of Ba and Shu," the princess's voice was clear and melodious, like the striking of a chime. "Your Excellency, the Right Chancellor, need only proceed according to plan during the military review."
At this moment, the ten "Heaven-Shaking Thunders" had fully revealed their true forms. They were each two zhang tall, their rounded cannon barrels resembling the fangs of an ancient Yinglong dragon, and the cast-iron axles at their bases had left deep grooves in the bluestone paving stones. Suddenly, someone in the crowd screamed, "Those are Chi You's chariots!" The crowd instantly erupted into a boiling commotion, with children's cries mingling with elders' prayers.
Meng Tian took a deep breath and stepped forward. His palms, beneath his black armor, were slightly sweaty; this was the first time he had seen the true form of such a colossal machine. "Gentlemen, please look!" His voice carried the majesty of years of conquest. "In the past, Yu the Great cast the Nine Tripods to pacify the nine provinces; today, my king, inspired by Heaven, has created these ten thunderbolts!" Before his words had even finished, the craftsmen had already pushed the ceremonial bullets wrapped in red silk into the cannon barrels, the bronze firing pins reflecting a deep blue light in the sunlight.
The Chu envoy suddenly sneered, "Just a bluffing lump of iron!" Before he finished speaking, the thunderbolt at the forefront suddenly roared deafeningly. Flames shot into the sky, and debris, accompanied by shockwaves, swept over everyone's heads. The rammed earth wall three hundred paces away collapsed with a deafening crash. The envoys from various countries staggered backward, and some of them dropped their jade cups, shattering them to pieces.
Meng Tian stared at the billowing smoke, his ears ringing. He recalled the image of Princess Jiayang personally adjusting the fuse in the armory the previous night. The young woman held a bronze wrench in her delicate hand, her eyes gleaming with the same light as the King of Qin: "General Meng, do you know that if this thunderbolt were loaded with solid shot, it could blast the Xiongnu's yurts to dust?"
"This is a divine weapon bestowed by heaven!" Meng Tian seized the opportunity to raise his arms and shout, "With this weapon, the iron cavalry of my Great Qin will surely be able to conquer the eight wastelands!" He glanced at the Chu envoy, whose face was ashen. On the high platform, the Qin King's figure was tall and mighty, while Princess Jiayang beside him looked quite petite, yet Meng Tian felt fear towards Princess Jiayang for the first time.
As the smoke and dust settled, ten thunderbolts stood majestically in the rising sun, wisps of smoke rising from their muzzles towards the sky, as if to send the might of the Qin Dynasty soaring to the heavens. Meng Tian suddenly realized that this was not just a military parade, but the beginning of a new era—when cold weapons met these steel behemoths, the world's格局 (geju, a term referring to the overall situation or landscape) would be completely rewritten amidst this deafening roar.
Ying Zheng stood up and burst into laughter, his voice echoing throughout the parade ground. "Heaven bless Great Qin! With this divine weapon, what are the six states worth mentioning!" His words were full of pride and domineering spirit, making everyone present feel the power and invincibility of Great Qin.
After the military parade, the Xianyang Palace was brightly lit and decorated, a scene of great celebration. Ying Zheng, dressed in a black robe, sat upright in the main hall, receiving the homage of envoys from various countries.
In the center of the main hall, a huge banquet was laid out, the table laden with all kinds of delicacies, and the aroma of wine filled the air. Ying Zheng smiled and chatted amiably with the envoys from various countries. His words revealed the majesty and confidence of the Qin Dynasty, which captivated everyone present.
However, for the six states, Qin's military parade was like a nightmare, deeply etched in their minds. The perfectly aligned military formations, the imposing and powerful soldiers, and the sophisticated weaponry all filled them with shock and fear.
The envoys from various countries wore solemn expressions, secretly pondering how to deal with Qin's increasingly powerful military strength. Qin's current strength far exceeded their expectations.
Under these circumstances, the envoys from various countries were naturally unwilling to stay in Xianyang any longer, fearing that they would be detained by Qin or meet with misfortune. So, on the morning of the day after the military parade, the envoys hurriedly packed their bags and fled Xianyang like frightened birds.
Meanwhile, Ying Zheng and Ying Wuyou were sitting leisurely in Xianyang Palace, facing each other, sipping tea and discussing yesterday's grand military parade.
"This 'Heaven-Shaking Thunder' truly awes the four directions!" Ying Zheng said with admiration, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Ying Wuyou smiled slightly and replied, "Father is wise. This military parade not only demonstrated the military might of our Great Qin, but also allowed the envoys from the six states to witness your great talent and strategy. I believe that after they return, they will have even greater respect for our Great Qin."
Ying Zheng laughed heartily, his laughter echoing throughout the palace, as if the whole world could hear his joy. He deeply agreed with Ying Wuyou's words, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Ying Zheng picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and savored the delicate aroma of the tea. He set down the cup and said slowly, "However, this is only the beginning. I will let the iron cavalry of Qin sweep across the land, and let everyone know that Qin is the true master of this land!"
His voice was filled with domineering power and determination, as if the entire world was already under his control. Ying Wuyou smiled and nodded, her gaze meeting Ying Zheng's, revealing her respect and support for her father.
“Father, this day will come.” Ying Wuyou’s voice was firm and confident.