CHAPTER 248: CHAPTER 237: 3 "BLADES

"Hurry up and finish building the suspension bridges during the dry season. We need to build at least five suspension bridges on this section of the river to ensure smooth transportation."

"A single iron bridge connects the north and south banks, and the army can continuously enter the south directly from the bridge. Fortunately, East Africa primarily uses light infantry, so the requirements for bridges aren’t high."

"Transportation is nothing more than connecting two places. These suspension bridges will also serve as the most important hubs in this area for some time to come."

The two engineers stood on the north bank of the Zambezi River chatting, as the overall framework of a bridge had already appeared before them. All that was left was to lay the wooden planks on the suspension cables.

The Zambezi River, originally the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is the fourth largest river in Africa, spanning 2,660 kilometers with a basin area of 1.35 million square kilometers. In Africa, its water volume is second only to the Congo River and the Niger River.

The most notable characteristic of the Zambia River is its treacherous terrain, abundant with gorges, rapids, and dangerous shoals, while in the lower reaches within Mozambique, it is prone to flooding.

Therefore, to cross this natural barrier, bridges must be built. However, the Zambezi River is far too distant from the economically developed areas of East Africa. Within the Kingdom of East Africa, apart from the eastern territories where a rudimentary road system had been established after years of renovation, other areas could be described as a blank slate.

Hence, the idea of transporting construction materials from the rear is unrealistic, so using suspension bridges is more time-saving and labor-efficient.

"When the bridges on this river are completed, it will likely coincide with the complete stabilization of several southwestern provinces."

The saying "an army marches on its stomach" holds true, as East Africa is currently planning to build roads within Zambia.

As the saying goes, there was originally no road in the world; as more people travel, a road naturally forms.

Indigenous Africans actually have their own paths, albeit carved out by bare feet. East Africa merely expanded upon these existing roads.

Unlike the Tanganyika region in East Africa, the southwestern regions at least have some indigenous kingdoms, so transportation isn’t entirely absent. Especially in the north, the former Kazemb Kingdom had the best transport conditions within its territory.

People often misconstrue the speed at which East Africa builds roads as extraordinary, but it’s really unnecessary. The construction of roads in East Africa is not the same concept as building highways in later times.

Apart from the eastern Central Province and cities in the east, where paved roads have been constructed, other regions still use dirt roads. How to describe these muddy roads? Some sections haven’t even been touched, simply used as is.

It’s just that East Africa strengthens drainage measures when constructing roads, which actually consumes the most engineering effort.

While planning road construction, the East African government also plans to build a telegraph line from Mbeya in the South Salzburg Province directly to Lusaka, the capital of the Southern Border Province, allowing direct communication with the southwestern region.

East Africa hasn’t fully assimilated Zambia yet, but it is already eager to enter Zimbabwe and other territories.

This is why there is a rush to build bridges over the Zambezi River; at the same time, East Africa is actively expanding its military, intending to increase the army to around two hundred thousand troops.

Currently, the role of the military is very important. The territory of East Africa is vast, requiring more troops to secure it. At the same time, East Africa intends to develop a slave economy, which also requires troops to suppress slaves.

The River and Lake Team will be a key focus for strengthening, as the intertwined water systems in the Zambia River Basin are an ideal place for them to exert their strength.

...

Italy, Rome.

In a secluded courtyard, more than a hundred people appeared this day.

"Priest, where did you find this courtyard? Although it can accommodate quite a few people, the conditions are too rudimentary!"

"Well, having a place to stay is already good, and don’t forget why we’re here. Of course, being gathered like this makes it easier to act. Otherwise, if anything changes, it would be a problem to give commands. Plus, it’s just far enough in the suburbs that the Italians won’t notice us."

"Sigh, to be honest, going abroad itself wasn’t what surprised me. It’s going abroad empty-handed that’s most challenging. Without guns, how can soldiers still be soldiers?"

"Mr. Blaise, stop complaining. As the empire’s elite, you should maintain your military spirit. Being dispatched to Italy shows the importance of this mission. If we succeed, we’ll be heroes of the empire when we return," the priest instructed.

As devoted believers from the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they naturally needed a real priest to accompany them to avoid being exposed. If these Austrian Army-improvised believers were left to act alone, it would surely be a disaster.

"Knock knock knock..."

There was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" The priest opened the door to check.

"Sir, would you like an Italian pizza?"

"What flavor?"

"Pineapple flavor."

"Very delicious, but I prefer tomato sauce pasta."

The password matched.

"Major General Karl is the leader of this operation. He should have now passed Ostia and is heading to Rome. In two days, representatives from each region need to gather at this address for a meeting at three in the afternoon," the messenger said, handing the priest a note. The priest looked at the location and said, "I understand, but are we really going into this operation empty-handed?"

"No need to worry about weapons; the empire will take care of that. Just be ready, and you’ll receive them when the time comes."

This place is one of the military personnel strongholds that the Austro-Hungarian Empire has inserted into the Pope Country. This time, the Austro-Hungarian Empire has dispatched over 4,700 soldiers, most from elite imperial units, including two Imperial Guards under the royal family.

In addition, Franz also took Ernst’s suggestion and sent a diplomatic team to Rome. However, the diplomatic team had somewhat exceeded their numbers, as many entered the Pope Country under the guise of diplomats.

Meanwhile, the Austro-Hungarian Empire is also mobilizing troops within its borders. To avoid drawing too much attention to this military operation, they claim it’s for rotation.

However, for those paying attention, it’s evident that the equipment of the troops on the Italian front has noticeably upgraded.

...

In June, the Spanish cabinet decided to search for a suitable successor to the Spanish throne.

Prince Leopold of the Hohenzollern family, who had distant kinship with William I of Prussia, seemed hopeful of becoming a candidate for the Spanish royal seat. Unfortunately, the news leaked in late June 1870.

Duke of Gramont, the French Foreign Minister, immediately pressured Prussia to renounce its support for Leopold and demanded that Prussia ensures it will never lay claim to the Spanish throne. William I discreetly refused.

Now, East Africa is sharpening its knives in Zambia, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire is secretly gathering forces on the southern line. Prussia, on the other hand, has been plotting to change the continental situation for over a decade now.

The strength of the Prussian army has been continuously rising, and the conflicts between France and Prussia have started to surface. Everyone is waiting for the right moment or Prussia’s next move. Prussia will become the protagonist of the event. If war breaks out between France and Prussia, East Africa and the Austro-Hungarian Empire will also seize their respective targets.