Chapter 83: A Neutral Strategy!

Amidst the tense atmosphere of confrontation, Castle turned to Jiang Bai with an almost pleading gaze, making his final request:

"Respected Commander, we are willing to approve this military loan, but there is a condition—the relevant industrial markets must be opened."

A sly smile flickered across Jiang Bai’s face; he accepted the condition without hesitation. In his heart, he understood that for those industrialized dynasties desperate for capital growth, access to the vast market of the New Dynasty was essential for selling their high-quality, reasonably priced industrial goods.

This was especially true for the Welding Dynasty. Since the first dynastic war, they had actively enhanced domestic industrial production, greatly reducing costs and even surpassing some established industrial powers like the Furnace Dynasty in global competition, severely challenging their market shares.

To protect themselves, these threatened old industrial dynasties were forced to cut off the Welding Dynasty’s access to their colonial markets, resulting in a massive backlog of Welding Dynasty goods and indirectly fueling the outbreak of the second dynastic war.

Jiang Bai felt no burden in agreeing to open the market. His gaze was thoughtful; he knew that after years of conflict, the private industry in Chengyun Province had suffered greatly, with most industrial strength shifting to the relatively stable Shui Fang, a key reason for its prosperity.

At present, the Chengyun market was dominated by products from the Little Devils. Allowing goods from the Welding Dynasty to enter would undoubtedly spark fierce commercial competition, breaking the monopoly held by the Little Devils’ industrial products. For this, Jiang Bai was secretly delighted.

More importantly, Jiang Bai realized that if the Welding Dynasty wished to sell its goods in Chengyun, it would inevitably invest in the region’s infrastructure.

A few years later, when global conflict erupted again, Jiang Bai could seize those assets without hesitation.

By then, Chengyun Province would be far stronger. Behind all these calculations, Jiang Bai’s eyes shone with resolve and hope for the future.

Despite the dissatisfaction and potential military intervention from the great powers, Jiang Bai was brimming with confidence, certain he possessed the strength to repel any challenger.

Castle, throughout the conversation, failed to notice Jiang Bai’s far-reaching plans. His admiration for the young and talented commander only deepened.

Though the economy of the New Dynasty was far from optimistic, its latent potential was immense, especially considering the rapid development of Chengyun Province, which might soon emerge as a key player in the coming unification campaign.

If Jiang Bai could lead Chengyun Province to unify all forces, the Welding Dynasty’s influence and interests in the New Dynasty would undoubtedly soar.

After a brief silence, the Emperor of the Welding Dynasty, who had remained quiet, suddenly spoke. His brow arched, and his gaze was sharp as he asked, "So, Commander, does this mean you will become our friend?"

A meaningful smile appeared on Jiang Bai’s face as he replied, "Regrettably, Your Majesty, I may not be able to fulfill that request at present." His voice was calm and resolute, his eyes meeting the Emperor’s, revealing his determination.

The atmosphere instantly became tense; everyone’s expression grew severe. They had invested enormous resources and manpower in this distant Chengyun region, hoping to gain a steadfast friend here.

Now, after receiving their support, Jiang Bai seemed intent on erasing the memory of their cooperation.

Castle’s demeanor grew solemn. Though a military noble with exceptional self-control, his gaze betrayed disappointment and displeasure.

He struggled to maintain composure, asking with a relaxed tone, "Commander, could you explain your reasoning? Otherwise, it seems our agreement cannot proceed."

"In truth, my decision takes your position into careful consideration."

Jiang Bai maintained his smile, his tone gentle, his eyes shining with profound insight, as if he had already foreseen the path ahead.

"I have a question. When internal conflicts in a region escalate to the point where they cannot be resolved by conventional means, what is the best solution?"

His question rippled through the room, forcing everyone to reconsider his motives and the deeper meaning behind his words.

As soon as Jiang Bai finished, the Emperor of the Welding Dynasty, nearly excited, answered swiftly:

"War! An external war is undoubtedly the most effective method for diverting internal conflict."

Jiang Bai nodded in approval, his gaze thoughtful, and continued to elaborate:

"Due to this year’s global economic crisis, the entirety of Eudi is at the brink of eruption."

His voice was steady and deep, painting the picture of an imminent storm. "If I may use an imperfect analogy, the current dynasties of Eudi are like a group of armed passengers on a train, each aiming their weapon at the others."

"When you intend to draw your gun, you may not realize someone already has theirs trained on you."

Jiang Bai’s expression was grave, his gaze sharp, as if he could see through the dialogue to the possible future conflicts and chaos in Eudi.

He then pointed out the risks of an alliance with the Welding Dynasty, "In such circumstances, if you abandon your neutral policy and choose to befriend us—"

"You will inevitably face fierce retaliation from the Furnace Dynasty and the Ying Dynasty’s military alliance!" His tone carried a stern warning, revealing profound insight into the potential crises ahead.

"Such retaliation may be insignificant for us, but for you, dependent as you are on maritime trade," he spoke slowly, each word heavy with meaning, "if the navies of both dynasties move to cut off your sea routes, could you bear the consequences?"

At these words, everyone in the room was struck with shock and deep contemplation.

They were awed by the breadth of vision and depth of analysis displayed by this young commander of the New Dynasty, gaining a new understanding of future military and diplomatic relations.

Especially Schumann, the long-silent head of the diplomatic institution nearby, whose expression shifted from initial skepticism to profound approval. He addressed Castle directly, his tone full of affirmation and respect:

"Without question, Commander, your insights have enlightened me." His gaze reflected deep admiration for Jiang Bai’s perceptiveness.

"Your Excellency, I believe we should maintain our current neutral policy, strengthening ourselves through a balanced diplomacy between East and West."

"Only when we are powerful enough can we truly stand upon the world stage."