I don’t think the existing Chinese regular units are well suited for major adjustments, so I discourage replacements, especially for such a drastic change from cavalry to infantry. But I have been encouraging to have Chinese Isolation replace the German ally at Consulate. Firstly, this reflects the long-term closed-mindedness and complacency of the Qing Dynasty and the fact that the Germans did not have such a significant influence on the Qing Dynasty, and secondly, this can be an appropriate opportunity to introduce new Chinese units.
In my previous thread, I have suggested Three-Eyed Gunner as a Consulate unit for Chinese Isolation. As a musketeer-type unit, it features a shorter range, but has other advantages, such as higher HP or melee damage.
As I said, this is too drastic a change. Especially the trainable new cannon units will drastically change the game for this civ.
I think the most decent and simple way is to refer to the “2 Mysorean Rockets” card and add some Age IV cards for Chinese.
- Red Coat Cannons: [Infinite] Ships 2 Falconets or Culverins which are renamed to “Red Coat Cannon”; costs 400 export.
- Weiyuan General Cannons: Ships 4 Hand Mortars; improves Hand Mortars much better, but also makes them start to use 2 population.
- Great General Cannons: [Twice] Ships 1 Heavy Cannon; renames Heavy Cannon to “Great General Cannon”; costs 500 food.
The operators of these renamed cannon units will have the appearance of Qing soldiers, just like the operators of Mysorean Rockets have the appearance of Indians.