Chapter 74: The Dazzling Light of Fifty Goldfish!

Under the dazzling brilliance of fifty goldfish ornaments, Feng En’s gaze seemed irresistibly drawn, his eyes wide with astonishment as a wave of unprecedented awe surged within him.

His voice trembled with surprise, “Inspector Jiang… Jiang, what… what are these things?”

“As an official, how could I possibly accept such expensive gifts!” he continued, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes. “If this were exposed, I might face imprisonment!”

Though his words were of refusal, Feng En’s eyes remained fixed on the goldfish, as if he wished to absorb their beauty with every sense, determined to etch them more deeply into memory.

Seeing this, Jiang Bai couldn’t help but offer a knowing smile, explaining lightly, “How could this be considered bribery? It’s merely a small token of our friendship.”

“Your Excellency, rest assured—the funds are untraceable,” he continued, his tone relaxed. “If you prefer to keep things discreet, I can convert it into Dao Le; although, that might require some waiting.”

Feng En felt much relieved upon hearing this, quickly cradling the small box in his arms, a genuine smile blooming on his face. “No need, this is already very convenient!”

After carefully placing the box by his feet, Feng En even took the initiative to ask Jiang Bai, “Inspector Jiang, aside from the loan, are there any other needs I can assist with?”

This scene was observed by Chief of Staff Wang Xiao, who could not help but sigh inwardly.

The power of money is indeed limitless; even Feng En, initially anxious and hesitant, became proactive upon encountering the goldfish, considering how best to aid his superior, Jiang Bai.

Wang Xiao pondered silently, deeply moved by how wealth can erode one’s resolve.

Jiang Bai’s voice was firm and resolute as he stated his wish for, in addition to the fifteen-billion loan, the latest military technology and equipment, his gaze shining with unwavering determination.

He immediately emphasized the need for technical experts and engineers to help assemble and trial the equipment, all to swiftly establish an efficient military production line.

His expression revealed a steadfast belief in the future: “With this, we’ll have the capability to protect our Dynasty Gate when conflict erupts.”

When he mentioned offering vast quantities of rare mineral resources to the Welding Dynasty in exchange, his voice carried sincere generosity: “No matter how much you need, we can supply it.”

This generous promise seemed to make the very air grow still.

When Feng En heard this, his expression grew complex, a trace of wavering evident in his eyes.

He was well aware of his dynasty’s scarcity of resources, which made Jiang Bai’s proposal all the more tempting, and he admitted it was an irresistible boon for the resource-starved Welding Dynasty.

His reply carried cautious optimism: “I will report this proposal to the homeland,” his voice tinged with uncertainty but filled with hope. “I estimate the probability of approval by the institution is over seventy percent.”

A complicated emotion played across Feng En’s face as he spoke of the geographic distance between the Welding Dynasty and the New Dynasty, and the difficulties posed by land and sea routes. His expression grew increasingly contemplative.

He realized that relying solely on arms delivery would not suffice. His gaze revealed deep deliberation about the future, as if he was already planning what actions the Welding Dynasty’s leadership should take.

As he considered the possibility of dispatching professionals and technical support from the Welding Dynasty to undertake military industrial construction in the Chengyun Province, a glimmer of resolve flashed in his eyes.

He knew this would not only provide sustained military support for the New Dynasty, but also secure the interests of the capitalists within Welding’s borders—a strategy promising mutual benefit.

His voice grew steady, as if he could already see the future shaped by this approach.

Feng En’s forthrightness deeply moved Jiang Bai, prompting him to express his needs even more openly:

“If possible, I’d like to procure another batch of heavy fortress artillery to protect our long coastline,” he continued, his expression filled with contemplation of the future.

His gaze grew even more fervent. “Moreover, if your dynasty could help us establish a major shipyard to produce small destroyers capable of basic coastal defense tasks, that would be ideal.” Jiang Bai’s words carried both aspirations for the dynasty’s maritime future and resignation toward the current situation.

The enemy dynasty’s navy had become the leader throughout the distant Chengyun region.

Even the Royal Dynasty’s fleet stationed in Black Elephant New Dynasty could hardly contend with it.

For a dynasty with a long coastline, the loss of naval strength was a profound disgrace.

Despite the current situation making army development far more crucial than naval expansion,

to truly defeat the enemy dynasty, it was imperative to immediately begin building a powerful navy.

In the future, they could rely on the fleet to land on enemy shores, launching a strategic counteroffensive.

Thus, though direct confrontation with the enemy navy was not possible in the short term,

Jiang Bai could draw on Welding’s experience,

using submarines or fast destroyers for asymmetric warfare, dealing significant blows to the enemy at minimal cost.

Feng En listened intently, a look of seriousness and contemplation in his eyes.

He realized Jiang Bai’s requests were not mere expansion of military might, but strategic choices made by a dynasty for survival and dignity. A deep respect mingled with worry showed on Feng En’s face—this was a momentous decision, one that would directly impact the future relations between the two dynasties.

“I understand, Inspector Jiang. I will relay your requests to our homeland without reservation,” Feng En finally replied, his tone revealing both satisfaction with the meeting’s outcome and anticipation for future cooperation.

After the meeting ended, Feng En acted swiftly, each keystroke of his report infused with urgency.

He drafted a detailed report nearing twenty thousand words, describing not only Jiang Bai’s military needs but also outlining the myriad potential benefits of alliance. When the report reached the homeland, it immediately attracted the attention of the leadership, prompting a high-level meeting on the issue.

In this process, Feng En became not merely a diplomat, but an indispensable bridge between the two parties.