Chapter 79: Even Pawns Can Become Generals!

When Douglas promised military support and loans, Jiang Bai's face broke into an unmistakable smile of satisfaction. Twenty-five million dollars and welding wire were insignificant compared to the vast military loan, yet this was the Westerners’ first step in demonstrating their sincerity—a confirmation of their hope in the rebuilding of the new dynasty.

Jiang Bai took a deep breath to steady his excitement, his tone grave and solemn as he addressed Douglas. “Your Excellency, you have witnessed the current plight of Chengyun Province. To establish a complete industrial system, we require substantial funding and technical support.”

With a negotiating skill almost akin to that of a seasoned merchant, Jiang Bai continued, “Therefore, we hope your dynasty will invest in establishing factories within Chengyun Province, in the form of commercial loans, to assist our industrialization.” His gaze locked onto Douglas, searching for any sign of agreement.

Finally, he offered a suggestion that was both temptation and promise. “Regarding loan repayment, we will grant a portion of mining rights, to be managed entirely by your side.”

“Would your dynasty be willing to accept this proposal?”

For Douglas, this was undoubtedly a tremendous surprise. His expression underwent a series of changes—from initial astonishment to contemplation, finally settling into seriousness.

He had not expected Jiang Bai to be so generous. This generosity was not merely about the transfer of mining rights; it signified trust in their partnership.

A smile of satisfaction and approval quickly appeared on his face, his eyes filled with anticipation for the potential value of this deal.

“We are, of course, extremely pleased with this decision.” His voice brimmed with excitement and praise, as though he could already envision the bright future of their collaboration.

Seeing Douglas so exhilarated, Jiang Bai could not help but let a smug smile tug at his lips.

He knew that the transfer of these mining interests would not only bring Western capital and technical support but might also spark a conflict of interests between the Japanese and the Westerners, thereby granting the new dynasty more room for development.

His thoughts were far-reaching, already laying out a complex chessboard for the future of the dynasty.

As the negotiations drew to a close, Douglas suddenly posed a question to Jiang Bai.

“I have heard the general will soon visit the welding wire company.”

“If your schedule permits, we would also like to invite you to visit our dynasty.”

When Douglas extended the invitation for Jiang Bai to visit the West, Jiang Bai was momentarily surprised, but excitement soon lit up his face.

Over the next three days, Jiang Bai and Douglas toured several sites in Chengyun. During this period, Jiang Bai arranged for Douglas to observe the training of the Seventh Reinforced Division.

Although the division’s combat strength had diminished due to the influx of new recruits, the soldiers, under rigorous instruction from their officers and advanced training techniques, displayed extraordinary diligence and an uplifting attitude.

Douglas, watching the training, nodded in approval repeatedly, clearly impressed by Jiang Bai’s efforts and the professionalism of his troops.

In the unwavering gazes of the soldiers and their indomitable spirit, Douglas saw the symbol of the strength he hoped for in the new nation.

He was deeply moved by this unyielding resolve, his eyes betraying admiration and satisfaction.

He was convinced that a force with such tenacity, once equipped with advanced weaponry, would possess formidable combat power—enough to make any adversary tremble.

This also reinforced Douglas’s determination to push for aid to Chengyun’s forces, believing that only by supporting Jiang Bai’s army could they build a strong defensive line on this land, effectively blocking the Japanese incursion and protecting the dynasty's core interests in the Pacific.

When the journey ended, Douglas acted swiftly, his hands flying across the telegraph keys, sending his views and recommendations back to his homeland. His face was set with the resolve of a man on a mission, as though his telegram might alter the fate of Chengyun Province—or even the world.

Meanwhile, Jiang Bai returned to the Marshal’s residence and reported everything to the old Marshal. The old Marshal circled Jiang Bai several times, his expression complex, eyes filled with surprise and admiration.

“Damn it, Jiang Bai, you really are made for great things—managing to play those shrewd consortium men right into your hands!”

Once he calmed down, the old Marshal’s face grew solemn, voicing his doubts.

“Jiang Bai, do you truly believe the consortium will give us so much military aid? Isn’t there a risk they’ll pull some trickery behind our backs?”

Faced with the Marshal’s question, Jiang Bai paused, his gaze deepening, as though weighing every possible outcome.

“Marshal, the consortium is indeed famous for its cunning, but they are also fiercely protective of their interests. As long as we ensure they see enough benefit in this cooperation, I believe they will act as promised.”

Jiang Bai’s voice carried an undeniable conviction, as if he had considered every possible scenario already.

“Don’t worry, Marshal. The consortium will surely support us to the fullest.”

“They will never stand by and watch the Japanese grow stronger, not if it threatens their own interests.”

Beside them, Tang Yu interjected angrily, his brows furrowed, his tone laden with dissatisfaction and sarcasm toward the consortium’s strategy.

“Damn it, these consortium people have no good intentions!” His gestures were animated, his expression indignant, clearly contemptuous of the consortium’s behavior.

Jiang Bai merely smiled and nodded in agreement, though his demeanor remained composed and profound.

“Indeed, the consortium plans to use us as pawns for now.”

“But once we truly grow strong—strong enough to defeat our enemies—”

“At that point, the consortium will surely regret today’s choice!”

“For then, they will face a foe even more formidable than their current adversaries!”

His words were steeped in the wisdom and foresight of a strategist. When he spoke of a possible future military confrontation with the consortium, his gaze seemed to pierce through time and space, glimpsing the battlefield yet to come.

Even the old Marshal, who had weathered countless storms, was shaken by Jiang Bai’s vision.

He stared at Jiang Bai, his eyes a swirl of complex emotions—astonishment, admiration, and a hint of worry.

The Marshal fell silent for a moment, deeply admiring Jiang Bai’s capability and ambition.

Watching Jiang Bai’s departing figure, the Marshal sighed deeply, his heart filled with both emotion and hope. “If only my son were half as outstanding as Jiang Bai, I could leave this world without regret.”