Imperial warlords: Cannons are the only truth

After Hope Miles left, Jeon Seung-pil, the chief aide to the Prime Minister's Office, came out from a side room.

"My lord, it seems that our strategy of forbearance over the past few years has finally paid off today!"

"Right now, the foreigners are even more anxious than we are about that matter!"

"How can we not be anxious?" Xie Kangnian said disdainfully, "Every day it's either goods being robbed or people being killed, driving these foreign merchants crazy!"

"But—upon investigation, it turned out they were all done by uncontrolled bandits!"

"We will give an explanation and apologize if necessary, but that doesn't prevent the same thing from happening again."

"No matter whose territory it is, they completely shirk their responsibilities."

"Especially in Zhuo Yongwang's territory, many things are done behind the scenes by the Salo people and the Yi people."

"No wonder those guys in the Georgian Union are worried!"

"They only turned around and saw the good I did for them after they had suffered so much."

"They insisted on maintaining this balance, and now it's finally unsustainable..."

"Moreover, the situation on the Western Luo Continent is very tense right now. The Gelian people can only rely on us to help them maintain their interests in Qian. The timing is just right, it's truly heaven's help!"

A glint of madness flashed in Xie Kangnian's eyes: "After so many years of patient planning and scheming, we've finally seen the results—now, everything is the best arrangement......................"

"Sir, now that the foreigners have softened their stance, shouldn't it be time for us to build up our momentum ahead of time?"

Seeing that Xie Kangnian was in a good mood, Tian Chengbi quickly asked, "Shall I fan the flames and ignite the flames for the next couple of days?"

"Yes, this matter needs to be handled as soon as possible." Xie Kangnian nodded: "After all, the foreigners are very anxious."

"I reckon they'll send someone to talk to us about the loan tomorrow."

"They might ask us for the equipment procurement list the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow, we'll probably settle everything at the negotiating table!"

"My lord, if we're in such a rush, won't the time allotted for building public opinion be a bit too short...?"

“That’s no longer important.” Xie Kangnian shook his head: “This time, it was the foreigners who took the initiative to ask me to take that step.”

"They will definitely provide maximum support in this matter."

"Therefore, we will obtain a large number of advanced weapons and war loans in this war."

"With these things, we are more than capable of sweeping across the entire Great Qian!"

"Making a show of force and stirring up public opinion before taking action is already giving them plenty of face."

"When the time comes, I'll kill anyone who dares to oppose me! I want to see whether my knife is harder or their necks are tougher..."

Xie Kangnian said confidently, "Although Zhuo Yongwang's five-province allied forces are known for their excellent equipment, their combat effectiveness is not a concern at all."

"The reason we say we are not entirely confident is just something we say to foreigners."

“Even without the support of foreigners, Zhuo Yongwang’s showy troops would not be a match for the Royal Guard.”

"Otherwise, I wouldn't have been so complacent as to watch Zhuo Yongwang occupy five provinces!"

"His Zhuo-style arsenal was ultimately prepared for us!"

Tian Chengbi chuckled: "Sir, you've been raising Zhuo Yongwang like a fat sheep! And now it's time to skin him and eat him..."

"Have all the major newspapers in the capital publish an editorial immediately."

"Send it out in the name of the Imperial Observatory."

Xie Kangnian casually placed the teacup in his hand on the table: "The main content will focus on reporting the disasters that the Great Qian royal family has brought to the country."

"The reason why the Great Qian Empire has been plagued by internal strife, oppression, and widespread suffering for decades is all due to the lack of virtue of the Jiang royal family!"

"Let the people at the Imperial Astronomical Bureau draft the specific explanation."

"They are the only ones in the entire Great Qian who understand the theory of observing the stars at night. Let them use their knowledge freely, and they will be richly rewarded if they do well."

"If they don't perform well, then let them think twice!"

Xie Kangnian sat there, gently tapping the tea table while pretending to rest with his eyes closed: "I'll throw out a brick to get the jade, and in the end, I must highlight a key point."

"That is—if the world does not change its savior, the Great Qian will face an unimaginable catastrophe."

"At that time, the people of the whole country will suffer the most."

"If we're talking about how to quickly create public opinion, what could be better than this theory of astrology?"

"Understood! Guo Shouhan of the Imperial Observatory is a pragmatic man." Tian Chengbi smiled. "I believe they will not disappoint His Excellency..."

"Furthermore, this time we need to take a two-pronged approach." Xie Kangnian opened his eyes and looked at Tian Chengbi: "Simply relying on astrological observations isn't enough."

"We also need some tangible and visible things as a foundation."

"This will provide better positive support for the military action we will take next."

“In recent years, the Salo people and the Yi people have become increasingly active in Daqian.”

"It is common knowledge that Zhuo Yongwang is backed by the Salo people and the Yi people."

"In comparison, the ambitions of the Salo people and the Yi people towards the Great Qian are far greater than those of other powerful nations."

"We can make good use of astrological theories in this regard."

"How exactly to do it..."

"I don't need to say anything more, do I?"

"My lord, just you wait and see!" Tian Chengbi smiled knowingly, looking as if he knew everything. "You don't need to worry about such things, my lord. I will do my best to share your burden and fulfill my duties as chief staff officer."

After saying this, the two looked at each other and smiled, everything understood without words.

Tian Chengbi had been by Xie Kangnian's side for more than ten years and was Xie Kangnian's most trusted confidant.

The tacit understanding cultivated over a long period of time meant that Tian Chengbi understood everything without Xie Kangnian having to say a word.

“Chengbi, I’ve said it before—you are a minister with the talent of a prime minister who can assist the country.”

"Having worked as a staff officer for so many years—it's a waste of my talent!"

"You flatter me, sir..."

“If it weren’t for your promotion and appointment, Chengbi would not have been able to stay in the capital.”

"There would be no Chengbi today!"

"Therefore, as long as I can share your burdens, Chengbi will have no regrets in this life..."

There's no need for many words between us.

"I'll say it again—I trust you to get things done!"

"The capable should do more work. I've reserved this position of prime minister for you."

Tian Chengbi didn't mince words and said directly, "Thank you for your guidance, sir! No matter what position I hold, Chengbi will never let you down!"