Chapter 73: A Military Loan of Up to 1.5 Billion Marks!

Afterward, the Chengyun faction officially announced Jiang Bai’s promotion and appointment, a piece of news that quickly sparked widespread attention and discussion within Chengyun City and throughout the entire kingdom.

Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Seventh Reinforced Division in the Chengyun camp, the decree from the Grand Marshal’s residence had immersed the whole division in a jubilant celebration, filling the air with a festive spirit.

Chief of Staff Wang Xiao and Li Jian even bought two wagonloads of firecrackers, burning them throughout the night as if celebrating a grand festival.

As the saying goes, when one person achieves greatness, those around him rise as well.

Jiang Bai had become the high official of Chaha Chengyun’s frontier, and the status of his subordinates soared accordingly.

With Jiang Bai’s promotion and appointment, the atmosphere within the Chengyun faction grew even more positive.

Those officials who previously ignored them now would pause, greeting them with a friendliness that was both surprising and gratifying.

This transformation astonished everyone in the Seventh Reinforced Division, but more than that, it filled them with satisfaction and pride.

Their faces bore smiles they could barely conceal, and as their eyes met, there was mutual recognition and respect—a change that had all stemmed from their commander, Jiang Bai.

Inside the division headquarters, intense military meetings were underway. Jiang Bai stood at the podium, his gaze sweeping over each subordinate, resolute and powerful.

His tone was gentle, carrying a hint of youthful earnestness: “Everyone, the Grand Marshal’s official appointment has been issued.

From this moment, we each bear new responsibilities, stepping into the ranks of senior officials in our respective fields.

But I hope you will continue to forge ahead and not be content with the present!

If anyone grows complacent, I will not hesitate to remove you!

Only by pressing forward can we reach even greater heights!”

With that, Jiang Bai calmly looked over his officers: “Do you all understand my words?”

In that instant, all the military officers stood as one, straight-backed, their voices firm and loud as they pledged,

“Commander, we will never let you down!”

Watching his subordinates, each brimming with energy and determination, Jiang Bai felt deeply satisfied, unable to resist a gentle nod of approval.

After the tasks were assigned, Jiang Bai, accompanied by his Chief of Staff Wang Xiao, promptly made his way to the Embassy of Hanzi, his steps unwavering.

“Commander Jiang—no, now I should address you as Inspector Jiang—your arrival truly brings honor to our halls!” Ambassador Feng En greeted him, his face radiant with joy, as if meeting a long-lost relative.

Feng En’s enthusiasm was not merely for Jiang Bai’s arrival, but also because the successful establishment of the military academy had brought a great number of Hanzi military talents to the city—a source of immense achievement and delight for him.

Many of these young military elites had feared hardship and uncertainty in Chengyun, but what they never anticipated was that these soldiers, previously unnoticed and even ostracized in their homeland, would suddenly become highly sought-after figures here!

Not only did they receive generous monthly salaries in the hundreds of silver dollars, but they were also warmly courted by various factions, becoming truly honored guests.

This change sparked hope among other Hanzi professional soldiers in difficult circumstances, who eagerly sought opportunities to join the military academy.

In just three months, countless military leaders reached out to Feng En by various means, hoping to send their sons and protégés here.

Those who once looked down on him and refused to interact as equals now became amiable, even privately sending gifts.

This brought Feng En both intense excitement and boundless gratitude toward Jiang Bai, his benefactor.

As soon as they met, Jiang Bai got straight to the point: “Ambassador, I hope our cooperation—with Chengyun—can deepen further.”

At these words, Feng En’s spirits lifted, his enthusiasm and anticipation evident. He knew that their prior collaboration had brought him great success and honor; if they succeeded again, his position in the kingdom would be even more secure, perhaps even elevated to greater heights of power.

“I’ll be brief—I urgently need a substantial financial aid to strengthen our military industry or upgrade Chengyun’s military equipment. I hope your country can provide the necessary military loan.”

Feng En understood, asking for the exact amount needed.

Jiang Bai raised one finger, prompting Feng En to venture, “Are you asking for one hundred million Hanzi coins?”

Jiang Bai shook his head with a smile, his tone apologetic: “Regrettably, Ambassador, your vision is still too narrow.

I require a sum as high as one billion five hundred million Hanzi coins.”

Upon hearing this, a complex expression of surprise and unease crossed Feng En’s face. His hand trembled, nearly letting the exquisite porcelain cup slip to the floor.

Feng En steadied himself, masking his anxiety with a strained smile as he replied, “Inspector Jiang, are you fully aware of the sheer scale of your request?

Please consider that just last year, the Hanzi Dynasty’s total annual fiscal revenue was only two billion Hanzi coins. What you ask for would take up half our treasury!”

His voice carried disbelief, his eyes flickering with concern and uncertainty for the future.

“This demand is truly unprecedented—it is shocking, and it raises doubts whether your side has the capacity to repay such a vast sum.”

He paused, staring at Jiang Bai, searching his expression for answers.

“According to what I know, the Chengyun faction’s annual fiscal revenue is only about one hundred and twenty million New Dynasty coins. At the current exchange rate, that’s roughly six hundred million Hanzi coins.”

Jiang Bai’s tone was calm and unwavering, his gaze deep, as if penetrating present hardship to glimpse future hope.

Facing Feng En’s visible hesitation and worry, Jiang Bai continued with a composure capable of persuading anyone: “Ambassador Feng, I understand how momentous and sudden this request must feel to you.

I have considered the magnitude and necessity of this funding. As someone with a military background, I know well how crucial it is, at this juncture, to build a strong industrial and military system. Tensions with our neighbor, the New Dynasty, are escalating daily; we must prepare for any future war.”

He paused, then added, “Though the sum is immense, about eighty percent will be spent purchasing essential industrial products and military equipment from your country. This means the funds will ultimately return to your economy, bringing new vitality.”

Jiang Bai’s words left Feng En’s expression complicated. Deep down, he knew that in the current economic climate, the capitalists of his nation were facing unprecedented hardship, desperately seeking a lifeline. This enormous investment would undoubtedly ignite their keen interest, perhaps even fervor.

After a moment’s reflection, Feng En’s attitude softened slightly. He answered earnestly, “Inspector Jiang, your proposal is indeed attractive, but you know decisions of this scale are not mine alone. I must urgently report this matter and conduct thorough discussions at home before I can offer a final response.”

A faint smile of understanding crossed Jiang Bai’s face as he nodded slowly: “I completely understand, Ambassador Feng. Please communicate with your homeland as soon as possible; we eagerly await a positive reply.”

He then signaled to Chief of Staff Wang Xiao, who stepped forward, opened a heavy case, and placed a stack of gold bars on the table as a gesture of respect and goodwill toward Feng En.

As the case opened, the room was illuminated by the radiance of fifty gold bars.