Synthesizing the suggestions from all sides, Su Ran quickly formulated a plan to break the deadlock. He decided to strike on three fronts simultaneously—military, diplomatic, and economic—with iron resolve and wisdom to counter the schemes of the foreign powers. On the military front, Su Ran adopted the proposals of his generals to vigorously strengthen coastal defense.
The once-obsolete coastal batteries were renovated and upgraded; new, more powerful artillery pieces now stood tall like majestic guardians. Workers toiled day and night to install these cannons with precision. When their power was tested, the deafening roar seemed to declare the Great Qing's unwavering determination to defend itself to any potential enemy.
At the same time, the expansion of the Great Qing Navy was accelerated. The shipyards were scenes of intense activity; beyond speeding up the construction of existing new-model warships, where workers sweated profusely in a race against time, the silhouettes of new vessels gradually took shape within the massive dry docks. Su Ran also ordered researchers to improve the technology of existing warships, leading them to work tirelessly in laboratories, testing new technical solutions to maximize performance.
Chapter 20