Chapter 86: The Enthusiastic Welcome from the Consortiums!

When the discussion turned to the prospect of a grueling war of attrition, it was clear that the enemy’s financial resources would not suffice to sustain long-term conflict. In such moments, the air was thick with tension and gravity, every face etched with solemnity. Faced with this situation, the enemy would inevitably be forced to choose between retreating or drastically slashing their naval expenditures.

“On this basis, we have every reason to support the forces led by Jiang Bai,” declared the head of the defense bureau after a thorough analysis. The leader of the Meipu regime nodded in earnest agreement, his eyes reflective and contemplative, as if weighing every syllable. “Gentlemen, the pressing question now is: how do we support the troops of Chengyun Province at the lowest possible cost, while ensuring the greatest benefit to ourselves?”

Nock, head of the finance bureau, immediately put forth a suggestion, his voice resolute and unwavering. “Sir, according to our intelligence personnel in Europe, Jiang Bai has secured extensive military aid during his journey to Hanshi. Especially in the realm of industry, they have obtained a comprehensive package of investment and industrial production support.”

A slight smile played on his lips, as if he was confident in the proposal he was about to present. “Evidently, Jiang Bai’s primary objective is to establish a mature and complete industrial chain in Chengyun Province. In this respect, our involvement will be relatively straightforward. By catering to their needs, we can resolve Jiang Bai’s immediate challenges while also providing profitable opportunities for our domestic capitalists.”

This assertion was met with unanimous approval throughout the conference room; eyes glimmered with anticipation and calculation. As politicians selected by the magnates, their duty was to safeguard the dynasty’s interests while also securing benefits for the consortiums backing them. Particularly now, in the midst of an economic crisis, many industrialists faced the predicament of idle factories.

If, at this juncture, they could present these industrialists with new investment opportunities, they themselves would also accrue considerable political capital—an asset vital to their careers. The finance bureau chief continued, “Given the vast population base of the Xin Dynasty, their untapped market potential could make them the ideal consumer of our industrial goods. Thus, forging good relations with the Xin Dynasty’s warlords is of paramount importance.”

After listening to the analyses of these influential figures, the Meipu leader fell silent for a moment before voicing his own opinion, his expression growing even more resolute. “So our primary task going forward is to assist Chengyun Province—or more precisely, Jiang Bai—in developing their industrial chain, is that correct? Such a feat might prove daunting for other dynasties, but for an industrial powerhouse like ours, it’s a trivial matter.”

A deep confidence resonated in the Meipu leader’s words, his eyes shining with determination and the corners of his mouth curled in a smile, revealing his optimistic expectations for the future.

At this point, the finance bureau chief added, a hint of urgency in his tone as if racing against time, “Indeed, sir, the bankers on Flower Street are strongly urging us to expand the scope and scale of military loans to the Chengyun faction. If we limit the second phase to only twenty million Daler, it might arouse dissatisfaction among the banking sector.”

His brow was furrowed in concern, clearly aware of the sensitivity and significance of the matter. In the western world, capitalists were extremely cautious about lending to the Chengyun faction, worried that, should they ultimately lose to the enemy, the loans would go unpaid.

Yet, for those avaricious industrialists of the Consortium Dynasty, almost anything could be turned into an investment, especially these military loans proffered in the dynasty’s name—an area in which they were particularly enthusiastic. Should the Chengyun faction fail to repay its debts or fall to the enemy, these bankers would surely leverage their influence to push the Consortium Dynasty toward direct military intervention.

By the time Jiang Bai arrived in the Consortium Dynasty, it was already the latter half of November. The region had entered the depths of winter, snowflakes drifting gently down to create a tranquil and harmonious scene. Despite the biting cold, the warmth of the Consortium people’s welcome brought comfort to Jiang Bai’s heart.

The moment he stepped off the plane, Jiang Bai was greeted with great enthusiasm. Not only did the resident ambassador personally welcome him at the port, but the Consortium Dynasty had even dispatched a deputy official to receive him, a gesture of utmost courtesy.

This unexpected honor left Jiang Bai both surprised and delighted; he instinctively sensed that this trip would bring immense benefit. After exchanging greetings, Jiang Bai and his entourage traveled by special car directly to the imperial capital of the Consortium Dynasty.

Within the vehicle, the air was charged with excitement and curiosity. Suddenly, Ambassador Wang Yang could not help but exclaim, his tone filled with amazement and emotion, “To be honest, General, I never expected the Consortium people to receive us with such warmth! Since I became ambassador, this is the first time I’ve experienced such high-level hospitality!” His eyes sparkled with surprise, as if he were seeing the dynasty anew.

Jiang Bai nodded slightly, a smile on his lips, but his gaze was deep, as though analyzing every detail. “Their enthusiasm is because they hope to achieve their goals through us.”

Jiang Bai’s words were calm and steady, his demeanor unhurried and composed. “If we held no value for them, we’d be lucky to have anyone meet us, let alone be provided a special car.” His assessment was both pragmatic and incisive, leaving Wang Yang lost in thought.

Wang Yang felt a mingling of surprise and helplessness; his gaze was complicated, reflecting both admiration for Jiang Bai’s keen insight and a sense of powerlessness in the face of international intrigue. “General, your understanding is truly perceptive. As diplomats abroad, we know all too well: when a dynasty is weak, diplomacy is powerless.” His voice carried a note of heaviness, as though weighed down by deep reflection.

Jiang Bai looked at him with an encouraging smile, giving Wang Yang a gentle pat on the shoulder, his manner radiating confidence and resolve. “Don’t worry, Ambassador Wang. One day, I will see to it that you can stand proudly on this land.”

Hope and determination brimmed in his words, like a warm light igniting in the freezing air.

“I will wait patiently for that day,” Wang Yang replied with a faint but heartfelt smile, expressing his deep trust and support for Jiang Bai.

Upon arrival in the imperial capital, Jiang Bai was accommodated in a luxurious hotel near the palace. The moment he stepped inside, he could not help but marvel at the opulence and meticulous service.

That evening, Deputy Official Nock hosted a grand welcome banquet for him at a lavish manor in the capital—a mark of honor and respect that left Jiang Bai somewhat overwhelmed. Representatives from across the business world attended in person, infusing the occasion with an inexpressible aura of luxury and grandeur.