Chapter 82: A Meeting Among the High Ranks!

Jiang Bai noticed Ambassador Feng’s reaction; though his face showed no overt emotional fluctuation, a resolute gleam flashed in his eyes.

After several days at sea, Jiang Bai and his companions finally arrived at Weldwire, and under the guidance of the Weldwire ambassador, proceeded to their reserved hotel for rest. The original plan had been to rest well tonight and meet the Weldwire Grand Chancellor the following day.

However, after receiving a phone call, Feng Laon’s expression grew grave as he notified Jiang Bai, “Commander Jiang, I’ve just received word from the Court of Justice—the Fort Chancellor wishes to see you tonight!”

“You have only an hour to prepare!”

Was it time for the meeting? Clearly, the Fort Chancellor’s urgency was palpable.

Without hesitation, Jiang Bai nodded and said, “Since the situation is urgent, let us proceed at once to the Chancellor’s residence.”

Jiang Bai understood that if this meeting went smoothly, immense benefits could be gained from Weldwire.

On November 20th, Jiang Bai and his team boarded a dedicated vehicle, heading directly for the Weldwire Chancellor’s residence.

On the way, they happened upon two major demonstrations by the unemployed. The crowds were so numerous they blocked two whole blocks.

During this time, Weldwire’s military tried to control the situation.

Yet the sight of the troops only inflamed the masses, and a fierce riot erupted.

As Jiang Bai and his party withdrew under military escort, the imperial troops behind them began to open fire on the crowd.

Bang! Bang! Bang! The sounds of gunfire and screams from the masses echoed continuously from behind.

A solemn look crossed Jiang Bai’s eyes.

As he stepped into the office, the midnight chimes seemed to lend solemnity to the meeting.

In the dim golden light, the Fort Chancellor’s figure stood out strikingly. His white hair floated ever so slightly in the air; though his royal face had grown old, it still exuded authority.

As he slowly rose from his chair, despite his age and somewhat corpulent stature, an unspoken aura emanated from him—strong and warm like winter sunlight.

Each step seemed to recount the glory of years past and the weight of accumulated time.

“Let us welcome our young guest from the distant New Dynasty!” The Fort Chancellor’s voice, though hoarse, retained its strength and warmth. When he extended his wrinkled hand, it carried the warmth of one who had weathered countless storms.

Jiang Bai felt no fear; his gaze was steady, and he displayed an extraordinary composure in the face of such a scene.

As Jiang Bai reached out and grasped the Fort Chancellor’s hand firmly, his face betrayed no tension, only calm and confidence.

His voice was resolute and clear, “Greetings, esteemed Chancellor. I look forward to this visit bringing satisfactory results for both sides.” His poise was so remarkable that even the Emperor of Weldwire, quietly observing, could not help but glance at him a few more times, a mixture of appraisal and curiosity flickering across his expression.

The Weldwire Emperor, a figure of historic renown, seemed drawn by Jiang Bai’s aura at that moment. His expression was complex, his gaze probing, as if he were evaluating a potential ally—or rival.

When he first met the Fort Chancellor, his awkward stance was in stark contrast to Jiang Bai’s composure.

This scene not only made the Chancellor look at Jiang Bai with renewed respect, but even those present sensed the subtle shift in atmosphere.

The Weldwire Emperor’s eyes were sharp, seeming to pierce through Jiang Bai’s exterior to his core. His facial muscles tightened, his expression grave, as if weighing the measure of a possible partner or adversary.

“That’s right, this man from the New Dynasty, like me, harbors vast ambitions!” he silently mused, a flicker of recognition and challenge in his eyes, as though issuing an unspoken challenge to Jiang Bai.

The Fort Chancellor, meanwhile, bore the look of a seasoned schemer; his gaze deep, able to discern the hearts of men. Facing Jiang Bai, his brow lifted slightly and he smiled, evidently pleased by Jiang Bai’s answer and demeanor.

“An unexpected delight—to find such a young talent hidden in the distant New Dynasty.” His voice held a trace of approval and anticipation, yet retained the calm authority of a leader.

He then cut to the heart of the matter, presenting the demand for massive investment in the construction of the industrial system in Chengyun Province.

“Mr. Jiang, according to my team’s assessment, to establish a complete industrial system in Chengyun Province—”

“We will need to build a large-scale steel mill, chemical plant, and machinery manufacturing facility, as well as two enormous armament factories.”

“Just these constructions alone will require an investment of at least six to seven hundred million.”

“Though such a sum would be an immense burden on our dynasty’s finances, if our banking group provides the funds, the impact on our treasury would be minimal.”

“At present, my only concern is whether your dynasty possesses the economic capacity to repay this loan of ten billion Weldwire credits in total.”

“We must consider that with interest, the figure will only increase further!”

His expression grew severe, his keen eyes closely observing Jiang Bai’s reaction.

Each time he raised a question, his facial muscles tensed, showing how much he valued the issue and anticipated the answer.

Faced with the Chancellor’s doubts, Jiang Bai remained calm; a confident smile graced his lips, his gaze unwavering.

“Please rest assured, Chancellor, Chengyun Province has absolute repayment capability.”

“Beyond our abundant mineral resources, the profits generated by the completed armament factories alone will be sufficient to cover annual interest payments. More importantly…”

As he spoke, his voice was steady and powerful, every word infused with confidence and persuasiveness. Even when confronted with the severe expressions and tense atmosphere of the high officials, Jiang Bai maintained his composure, a demeanor that won the Chancellor and all present over.

In the ensuing dialogue, Jiang Bai relied on his eloquence to gradually dispel the Chancellor’s doubts.

Ultimately, Jiang Bai even agreed to sign a guarantee: should Chengyun fail to repay the loan, Weldwire would have the right to liquidate Chengyun-controlled mineral assets as collateral.

This thoroughly reassured the Chancellor and his advisors.

In the Chancellor’s view, if Chengyun dared to default, it would justify military intervention.

What they did not realize was that Jiang Bai was, in effect, handing them a blank check.

When the Weldwire Emperor seized power, expanded the military madly, and became the world’s focus,

Jiang Bai would only need to choose sides easily; the agreement signed today—

would instantly be rendered worthless!