Courtyard House: I Have Countless Bodyguards

Earl Arthur nodded slowly, acknowledging Liu Jianguo's "observation," but then offered a deeper assessment.

This shows that he was not ignorant of the situation in the Far East, and even had his own intelligence network and geopolitical insights.

"Your observation is accurate; it is indeed consolidating smaller forces, forming a wave that cannot be ignored."

He leaned forward slightly, the glow of his cigar illuminating the shrewd wrinkles on his face, and continued:

"However, Jian Guo, in my humble opinion, if the 'Eight Directions Alliance' is only demonstrating this level of power integration... it is not enough, far from enough."

He looked directly at Liu Jianguo, lowered his voice, and said with a calm, analytical tone, "I'm analyzing the pros and cons."

"Take Zhou Weiguo of Laos for example. He's making great strides, and taking over Central Laos might be possible, but does he really intend to unify the entire territory in one fell swoop?"

The count shook his head and said with certainty:

"The Americans will not stand idly by."

Their strategic layout in Southeast Asia

We will never allow an uncontrolled and powerful regime with unknown backing to unify Laos.

Zhou Weiguo's limit may be in Zhongliao.

These are the rules of geopolitical competition.

Liu Jianguo listened quietly, the cigar between his fingers burning silently.

After the count finished speaking, he slowly opened his mouth, his tone still calm, but he pointed out a key variable:

"Your Excellency's assessment of the situation is very insightful. The attitude of the United States is indeed a key constraint. However,"

He paused for a moment, allowing his next words to carry more weight, before continuing:

"Today, America is clashing with the polar bear in every corner of the world, from the Berlin Wall to the Caribbean, from the African jungle to the heart of Asia. The chessboard they have to take care of is too big."

Is it worthwhile to invest too much in Laos and fight a power that is gaining momentum and may have deep roots behind it?

Will Moscow welcome this outcome, or even take the opportunity to make a fuss in other areas?

There are probably more variables here than what can be predicted on paper.

Instead of directly refuting it, he pointed out that against the backdrop of the current global rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, the limitations of American power and the complexity of strategic choices left a sliver of possibility for the "impossible."

Count Arthur did not dwell on the specific details of the US-Soviet rivalry, nor was that the core purpose of his conversation tonight.

He took a deep drag on his cigar, letting the smoke swirl in his lungs before slowly exhaling, as if he were contemplating a momentous decision.

His gaze sharpened, like an eagle eyeing its prey, locking onto Liu Jianguo.

"Jianguo, let's speak frankly."

The count lowered his voice even further, with an almost gambling-like determination and allure.

"To my knowledge, the tentacles of the 'Eight-Party Alliance' have not yet officially extended into the UK."

Or rather, no sufficiently influential British domestic power has explicitly joined yet, right?

He didn't wait for Liu Jianguo's reply—

He seemed not to need an answer and continued speaking, each word spoken with resounding conviction:

"If... I mean if, the Cavendish family, with us in England, in Europe..."

The remaining influence, connections, and channels within the British Commonwealth in certain regions...

Officially joined the "Eight Directions Alliance".

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle in the cold night air, before continuing:

"So, this matter alone is enough to send an extremely strong signal internationally."

This was not merely a victory for a Southeast Asian warlord.

This represents a new, cross-regional, covert force.

It gained some form of recognition or connection with the old European aristocratic system.

The resulting chain reaction and surge in international attention are enough to complicate the international pressure facing Zhou Weiguo, and may even force some parties to reconsider.

With this momentum, coupled with his own military strength, it's not a pipe dream to quickly conquer the entire territory of Laos.

He leaned forward, the glow of his cigar almost touching Liu Jianguo's face, and said in a seductive and desperately eager voice:

"And once Laos is truly under his complete control..."

Then he would no longer be a warlord who controlled a region.

It is now a country with full sovereignty and a legitimate government!

This implies...

"You should understand the long-term value and nation-building better than I do."

He clearly put the Cavendish family on the negotiating table as a bargaining chip, with the goal of "helping Zhou Weiguo (in reality, helping the Eight-Party Alliance) quickly take over Laos and obtain the long-term potential benefits of a sovereign state."

This is an extremely bold political investment.

James, who was standing to the side, initially tried to keep up with his uncle and Liu Jianguo's conversation about the international situation, the Eight-Party Alliance, Laos, and the US-Soviet rivalry, but he found it unfathomable and full of subtexts that he could not understand.

But when his uncle clearly stated, "If the Cavendish family officially joins the Eight-Way Alliance," he was struck dumb, his eyes widened instantly, his mouth agape, and he almost choked on the smoke from the cigar.

Join the "Eight Directions Alliance"?

That mysterious organization that's linked to the underworld and warlords?

The Cavendish family, a British hereditary noble family with centuries of glorious history, is about to openly associate themselves with that kind of power.

This...this completely overturned his entire understanding of family and aristocratic dignity!

Shock, confusion, and even a hint of fear overwhelmed him instantly.

"uncle!"

James couldn't help but cry out. His youthful impulsiveness made him disregard etiquette, and his voice sounded somewhat abrupt in the quiet courtyard:

"Is it really necessary to gamble so much?"

Leaving aside whether the "Eight Directions Alliance" is willing or dares to accept us,

Even if you join...

He hurriedly organized his thoughts, trying to clarify the risks involved, and continued:

"In case, I mean in case,

This alliance may fail later, or be defeated by a major power.

Our Cavendish family, in British aristocratic circles...

Wouldn't that mean... his reputation would be ruined, and his power would plummet?

That's too risky!

He was thinking about the family’s outward glory, social status, visible businesses and networks of relationships—fragile things that depended on respectability and orthodoxy.

Earl Arthur seemed oblivious to his nephew's exclamations and questions, not even lifting an eyelid.

His entire attention was focused on Liu Jianguo's face. His worldly-wise emerald eyes, illuminated by the night and the glow of his cigar, gleamed with a sharp and urgent light, locking onto Liu Jianguo and not missing a single subtle change in his expression.

He was waiting, waiting for Liu Jianguo's reply.

What James saw was the risk of damage to his family's reputation.

What Earl Arthur is betting at this moment is the real power and living space that his family may gain in the next hundred years, far exceeding their current respectable status!

Isabelle's phrase "to maintain prosperity for a hundred years" was like a curse, coupled with his own deep anxiety about the family's gradual decline, which made him decide to bet heavily.

Even if he loses the gamble, Cavendish's title, ancestral property, and some public connections will still remain, so his foundation won't collapse instantly.

But what if you win the bet...?

His breathing quickened slightly as he waited for Liu Jianguo to reveal his hand, or at least state his price.