Imperial warlords: Cannons are the only truth

“If international financial groups are concerned about our repayment ability, we can finalize the loan through mortgage loans.”

"For example, leasing land, railway operating rights, mining rights, etc."

"These can all be used as collateral for loans."

"One thing is certain—if we can achieve our goal, all our partners who have helped us will receive long-term benefits far exceeding their investment!"

Xie Kangnian unleashed his trump card.

Because he knew that the promises he had just made were quite tempting to countries like Georgia.

Moreover, Xie Kangnian has always believed that only interests can create the most reliable alliances and cooperative relationships.

The ideal cooperation is one where both parties get what they need.

Talking about cooperation without considering interests sounds unbelievable...

Xie Kangnian intended to use these tempting conditions, which the greedy powers could not refuse, to gain their most reliable and powerful comprehensive support!

Only in this way can Xie Kangnian be confident enough to realize his grand ambitions!

Xie Kangnian is almost sixty years old, and what he is most eager to do now is to see if he can take another step forward while he is still alive.

If I could experience being an emperor for a lifetime, I would have no regrets!

To say he was fighting for future generations was less accurate than saying he was fighting for Xie Kangnian himself...

Xie Kangnian harbored a deep-seated ambition to become emperor.

In order to realize his dream of becoming emperor, Xie Kangnian was willing to sacrifice anything.

He wasn't afraid of being called a foreign lackey or a traitor to the Great Qian Dynasty!

Besides, ceding territory and transferring profits to foreigners wasn't Xie Kangnian's exclusive business.

Even before Xie Kangnian, the Daqian Dynasty had already allowed various foreign powers to reap considerable benefits through the "leasing" method.

Now that this precedent has been set, there's no need to worry about "lending" out a few more plots of land.

As for reputation, that's not something Xie Kangnian cares about too much.

Xie Kangnian is a pragmatist; what is reputation worth?

Winning people over with virtue? That's even more absurd!

Will other warlords in the Great Qian Dynasty submit to you and acknowledge you as their leader simply because of your good reputation or because they admire your character?

Give me a break!

That's because your gun is stronger than theirs, that's why they give you face and say they're convinced!

Otherwise, why would they let you stand there and boss people around?

Xie Kangnian has been able to remain in his current position for more than a decade for two main reasons: firstly, he has received strong support from countries such as Georgian Union; and secondly, he has a firm grip on the Royal Guard and the armed forces of the twelve Xie faction warlords surrounding him.

Over the years, in order to maintain the support of various powers, Xie Kangnian reciprocated by giving them a lot of benefits in return.

On this issue, Xie Kangnian remained absolutely clear-headed—self-interest is always the most effective way to maintain relationships, bar none!

Now, the Gelian people are proactively approaching Xie Kangnian to help him realize his dream of becoming emperor, driven by self-interest.

If this war were to break out in the Great Qian Dynasty, it would be less a war between the Xie and Zhuo warlord factions and more a struggle for interests between the countries of Gelian, Dunli, and Lanxi and the countries of Shaluo and Yi in Qian!

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"I believe that once the situation in Daqian stabilizes, our cooperation will be even smoother."

“I know very well that Shaluo and the Yi Kingdom are by no means friends of the Great Qian.”

“Bringing the Salo people and the Yi people here is tantamount to inviting wolves into the house.”

"This is determined by the geographical location."

On this point, Xie Kangnian bluntly stated in front of Hope Miles: "The Great Qian will definitely lose more if it cooperates with the Salo people and the Yi people."

"Therefore, I have always advocated that maintaining a good cooperative relationship with you is the way to ensure the security of the Great Qian Dynasty."

"Your Excellency has absolutely no need to worry about this issue."

Hope Miles nodded in agreement: "In fact, we have already made a decision—once the Great Qian achieves true unification, we will formally sign a defensive alliance agreement with the Great Qian."

"On this issue, the United States, Dunley, and Lansey have all reached a consensus."

"If the Sharo people and the Yi people dare to take military action against the Great Qian, it will be tantamount to declaring war on the Gelian, Dunli, and Lanxi at the same time!"

“I think the Salo people and the Yi people should understand what this means.”

"If they remain clear-headed and rational enough, they certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to resort to force to intervene in the disputes within the Great Qian Kingdom."

"It seems you've considered all the issues thoroughly." Xie Kangnian smiled. "Then, the only key issue now is money."

“There shouldn’t be any problem with the loan,” Hope Miles immediately assured him. “We will take the Prime Minister’s message back with us.”

"If there are no objections, I think we will reach a concrete consensus and agreement with the Prime Minister as soon as possible."

"Once this matter is finalized, the weapons, equipment, and loans needed by the Chief Minister will be secured as soon as possible."

"After all, we've had enough of the terrible business environment in Daqian right now!"

"Creating a safe and stable business environment as soon as possible is our common goal."

Hope Miles sighed, his tone tinged with resignation: "We should have taken the Prime Minister's advice sooner..."

"If that were the case, the Salo people and the Yi people wouldn't have made the situation so bad!"

"Fortunately, it's not too late yet," Xie Kangnian said with a smile. "Although the process will definitely be more troublesome, and we'll encounter more resistance and difficulties..."

"However, I believe that as long as we can cooperate deeply and comprehensively, our chances of winning are still very high."

"Of course! We absolutely believe that the Chief Minister is capable of stabilizing the situation in Daqian."

"I believe our collaboration will continue to be as pleasant as ever!"

With that, Hope Miles stood up: "Your Excellency, since you are willing to accept our suggestion, I will take my leave now."

"I must immediately convey the Prime Minister's message..."

"We don't want to delay this matter for even a minute longer!"

"I will visit the Prime Minister again as soon as I have any news."

“In that case, I won’t keep Mr. Miles for dinner.”

Xie Kangnian, seeing Hope Miles in such a hurry to leave, didn't try to stop him. He simply stood up and shook hands with him, saying, "I suppose Mr. Miles is too preoccupied with eating right now..."

"Then I'll await Mr. Miles's good news!"