Chapter 78: A 25 Million Dollar Military Loan!

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The Consortium’s representatives did not care whether the forces behind Jiang Bai could withstand the wrath of the Little Devils, nor what price would be paid in the process. For Jiang Bai, however, this was a rare opportunity.

Well-versed in military history, Jiang Bai understood the Consortium’s intentions, but he was also keenly aware of his own weakness—there was almost no choice for him.

The Chenyun faction’s military strength was simply too feeble.

A fierce resolve surged within him: “I cannot remain this weak. I cannot forever be a pawn on someone else’s chessboard. One day, I must overturn the board itself and rewrite all the rules!”

Once this resolve took root, a new firmness flashed in Jiang Bai’s eyes. He knew this was a pivotal moment to change his fate, and perhaps the fate of the entire war.

He lifted his head, a faint smile blooming on his face, a sharp and determined light in his gaze.

He spoke warmly to Douglas: “Sir Jiang Bai, I am most willing to cooperate with your Chenyun faction.”

Yet his tone shifted to gravity, for he knew he must be clear about his position and needs in any negotiation.

“Of course, let me speak plainly: in the previous battles, though my Seventh Reinforced Division utterly destroyed a force rivaling the Little Devils’ elite,”

A note of pride colored his voice at the memory, but it was soon tempered by self-reflection.

“That was only possible because I had overwhelming firepower and outnumbered the enemy three to one.”

He continued calmly, “If we had fought on equal terms, my troops would not have matched theirs.”

His candor was not just an honest assessment of the current situation, but a direct statement of the problems that must be solved for any future cooperation.

“Unless I can rapidly and significantly enhance our military industrial capacity.” There was urgent expectation in his tone, his gaze locking with Douglas’s as if to convey the intensity of his desire through his eyes.

“Only then can I hope to meet the Little Devils head-on, not just on the frontlines but across all theaters of war.”

In Jiang Bai’s mind, the Consortium was more than a helping hand—it was the key to altering the shape of the conflict.

He was deeply aware of history’s cruelty and the difficulty of change, and the man before him, this envoy of the Consortium, was the very person who could help him break free from his predicament.

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As the proverb goes, “He to whom Heaven grants nothing will bear the blame himself.”

Jiang Bai had long been formulating his own plans. He knew that, to stand undefeated on future battlefields, he must boldly put forth his own conditions. This was the moment to display his wisdom and foresight, to lay the foundation for cooperation.

Douglas noticed the change in Jiang Bai’s eyes. It made him realize that Jiang Bai was not only a resourceful and courageous commander, but also a leader of vision and insight.

This partnership might prove more complex than he had expected, but it was also full of potential.

Jiang Bai continued, “Therefore, I hope your Consortium will support us in technology transfer, equipment supply, and even military training.” Jiang Bai’s direct and honest request struck a chord deep within Douglas.

He understood that such cooperation would increase the Consortium’s influence in the region and, to some extent, alter the regional balance of power. Douglas nodded slightly, expressing both understanding and respect. “Sir Jiang Bai, I will bring your proposal back to the Consortium. I believe we can find a solution satisfactory to both sides.”

“Mr. Douglas, do you truly understand the fundamental difference between us and the Little Devils?” Without waiting for an answer, Jiang Bai provided it himself: “The key is industrial strength. Though the Little Devils are not at the forefront of global industry, their development in certain fields has given them a clear advantage on the battlefield.”

The background was an era of rapid industrialization, with every power in the world competing to enhance their industrial might.

In this context, Jiang Bai understood that, for both his own faction and the Little Devils, ultimate strength depended on industrial foundations and technological progress.

“In the Yazhou region, they are the only power with a complete industrial system.”

A trace of helplessness flickered in Jiang Bai’s eyes.

“That’s why they can achieve relative self-sufficiency in military production with ease.”

His expression grew heavy. “But our New Dynasty, after years of internal strife, has almost no industrial base left.” “Lacking a sound industrial system and powerful military production, we are forced to buy foreign arms just to assemble a barely passable army.” There was a hint of self-mockery in his voice.

Then he looked down, as if gathering his thoughts, and when he raised his eyes again, they were resolute. “But such a force, once a general war erupts and maritime trade is severed, will be as rootless grass scattered by the wind.”

“The Little Devils’ rapid rise is entirely built on the corpse of the previous dynasty, sucking the blood of the New Dynasty and consuming its resources to achieve their current position.” Anger and unwillingness flashed in Jiang Bai’s eyes. His fists clenched involuntarily, and he spoke with rising agitation.

After a moment, he slowed his words, sinking into thought. “If the Little Devils launch another full-scale assault and defeat us again—”

He paused, anxiety for the future clear in his gaze. “Then they will inevitably expand their sphere of influence further. It is even possible they would come into direct conflict with the West.”

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At last, Jiang Bai fixed his eyes on Douglas, his tone becoming graver and more urgent. “So, Mr. Douglas, do you intend to invest merely a pittance now to tie down our enemy, or will you stand by and watch as they grow strong enough to turn on you in the end?” His eyes were full of challenge as he awaited Douglas’s answer.

After listening to Jiang Bai’s words, Douglas’s brows tightened even further as he pondered every word.

His expression was complex, wavering between contemplation and anxiety—clearly, Jiang Bai’s words had struck home.

From an objective standpoint, he could not deny the possibility that Jiang Bai’s prediction might come true.

He had originally hoped the New Dynasty would hamper the Little Devils, sapping their strength and attention.

But now, after Jiang Bai’s analysis, he was reconsidering their position. As for the New Dynasty’s fate, Western leaders did not truly care.

But should the New Dynasty fall again,

The Little Devils’ greed would know no bounds; they would impose harsher terms, continue to drain the New Dynasty’s resources, and further augment their own power.

For the West, already at a disadvantage, this was the last thing they wanted.

If their enemies defeated the New Dynasty again, their influence would inevitably spread throughout the Pacific.

This would unavoidably set the stage for a century-defining war with the West.

Thinking of this, Douglas’s face reflected a long succession of emotions, until at last he made up his mind and spoke to Jiang Bai:

“General, if you need military support, we can provide it in full!”

“To demonstrate our sincerity, we in the West are prepared to offer your dynasty an initial loan of twenty-five million dollars.”

“A loan of twenty-five million dollars?”