Chapter 84: The Plan to Establish a Navy!

His voice was resolute, declaring the long-term ambitions of a dynasty and reflecting the profound impact Jiang Bai’s words had on their decision-making. After a moment of contemplation, Xingbao’s expression grew complex; he nodded slightly and spoke in a tone both heavy and relieved, “In that case, let us temporarily set aside the discussion about the alliance.”

As his words settled, the atmosphere in the discussion chamber seemed to solidify, with each person displaying a range of complicated emotions, yet also a sense of relief easing the tension.

At the evening banquet, the conversation between Jiang Bai and Shiman, head of the diplomatic institution, was marked by courtesy and mutual respect. The luxurious surroundings were warm, and the meal concluded in an atmosphere of light-hearted pleasure.

The next morning, sunlight spilled through the window onto Jiang Bai’s face. He set out with resolute purpose to meet Wang Chuan, ambassador of the Hanseatic Dynasty.

“Commander Jiang, visiting so early, is there something you need me to do?” Wang Chuan asked, his gaze inquisitive.

Jiang Bai’s eyes revealed deep thought; he opened his mouth slowly, every word weighted and deliberate: “I hope you can help me prepare a gift. Tonight, I intend to visit Admiral Titz of the Hanseatic Navy.”

Wang Chuan was momentarily surprised by Jiang Bai’s sudden request, but soon a look of admiration spread across his face, conveying understanding and support.

That evening, Jiang Bai and Shen Honglie together made their way to Titz’s residence, their visit made all the more significant by Wang Chuan’s prior introduction.

Titz greeted Jiang Bai with unprecedented enthusiasm, his face alive with anticipation for possible future cooperation.

Since the scuttling incident of the Hanseatic Navy, their maritime strength had been reduced to a mere shadow of its former self.

It was likely that Titz had not received guests for quite some time, much less dignitaries from foreign states.

“Commander of the New Dynasty, it is an honor to welcome you to my home,” Titz said.

His residence was simple and warm, a stark contrast to his status as Admiral, prompting Jiang Bai to marvel at the Admiral’s humble lifestyle.

When Jiang Bai presented the carefully chosen gift, his gestures were gentle and respectful, his gaze filled with anticipation and regard.

As Titz opened the box and laid eyes on the flawless blue porcelain, his smile bloomed like spring sunlight.

His eyes sparkled with pure delight and admiration; he reached out, warm and sincere, to receive the gift, his voice brimming with gratitude: “Oh, my God, this is truly an impeccable masterpiece of art. Thank you, Commander, this gift is exquisite beyond words!”

As their conversation deepened, Jiang Bai spoke with heartfelt sincerity, expressing his admiration for the achievements of the Hanseatic Navy.

Titz, hearing such nuanced praise, could not help but smile with satisfaction, even as one accustomed to the stern discipline of military life. After all, these accomplishments were the crowning jewels of his career.

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When Jiang Bai spoke of his own ambitions, Titz’s eyes reflected profound contemplation of the future. He spoke slowly, his voice resonant with gravity: “In truth, your dynasty and ours face remarkably similar challenges.”

There was a note of helplessness in his words, acknowledging the daunting disparity between their navy and the world’s leading maritime powers.

“On one hand, our naval forces are woefully weak, while our adversaries command fleets that are unmatched anywhere in the world!”

“This disparity is truly despairing.”

Jiang Bai continued, “That is why we so desperately hope to possess a powerful navy.”

“With such a force, we could bravely confront our enemies at sea and protect our long coastline!”

His expression was resolute, eyes shining with the desire for naval strength. “That is why I hope you might extend a helping hand to us.”

Faced with Jiang Bai’s candid request, Titz was briefly taken aback, then offered a wry smile, as if lamenting the enormity of the task, yet also expressing appreciation for Jiang Bai’s courage and foresight.

He replied with humor tinged in his tone, “Commander, if not for the blue porcelain you brought, I might have thought you were teasing me.”

“Commander, I understand your grand ideals, but I must tell you, this goal is exceedingly difficult!”

“As the saying goes, ten years for an army, a hundred years for a navy!”

“The cost of maintaining just a single ship is enough to support fifty thousand infantry!”

“Without strong power and industrial backing, such a goal is nearly impossible!”

A faint melancholy shadowed Titz’s face as he spoke of the Hanseatic Navy’s predicament. His brow was furrowed, his voice laden with resignation and heaviness.

He said, “If you were to visit our fleet in person, you’d see that we now lack even the most basic escort ships.”

His gaze turned distant, as if recalling hard days past.

“Domestic opposition to expansion has strictly limited the navy’s budget. I have been unable to pay allowances to naval personnel for three months.”

When he mentioned the restrictions imposed by the Treaty of Versailles, Titz’s eyes betrayed a flash of pain and defeat.

Since the signing of the Versailles Treaty, the Hanseatic Navy had been strictly forbidden to possess submarines, a crippling blow for them.

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Despite this, the Hanseatics understood well the strategic value of submarines; during the First Dynasty War, they had already achieved remarkable success with their use.

Hearing Titz’s revelations about the navy’s internal state, Jiang Bai’s face showed a trace of sympathy.

When Titz recounted the secret cooperation with Arting in 190022 and their attempt to establish a clandestine submarine force, followed by a purge after the secrets leaked, Jiang Bai sighed deeply, feeling the powerlessness and frustration in Titz’s words.

Seeing Titz’s sorrowful yet steadfast demeanor, Jiang Bai spoke gently, “Though we cannot currently form a fleet fit for open waters, it may still be possible to retain a cadre of naval technicians.”

His voice was filled with understanding and respect, seeking to offer the Admiral a glimmer of hope.

Upon hearing this, Titz’s expression flickered with complicated emotion, his eyes revealing a heroic resolve. “Commander, your intention is…? Do you mean to buy us off?”

His tone carried a hint of suspicion, but mostly the firmness of principle.

“Though the East Sea Fleet is destroyed, I remain a member of the Hanseatic Navy. I will never betray my dynasty.”

Jiang Bai, seeing this, hastened to clarify his purpose with even greater sincerity and determination: “Count, you have misunderstood my intentions.”

His gaze met Titz’s directly, hoping his honesty would move the Admiral.

“My main purpose here is to obtain submarine blueprints and manufacturing techniques from you.” His tone was both a request and an optimistic vision for future cooperation.

“If your dynasty could send engineers and technicians to assist us in design and construction, that would be ideal.”

“At the same time, we are willing to pay handsomely to purchase any submarines you have already built in Arting.”

“I also plan to establish a naval submarine base along our coast, with your personnel responsible for training and development.”

“What are your thoughts on my proposal?”

Hearing Jiang Bai’s plan for cooperation, Titz’s breath quickened, his eyes widened in disbelief.

This sudden hope banished the gloom and despair in his heart, replaced instantly by passion and anticipation.