World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

"President Chen, welcome." Müller spoke fluent Chinese with a German accent. "The weather in Keelung is much worse than in Dubai."

"But the talks went very smoothly." Chen Feng sat down opposite him, took the cigar Muller offered, but didn't light it. "Saionji Kinmochi has basically agreed. The rest are just the details."

Muller's eyes lit up: "Excellent! His Majesty William will be overjoyed to hear this news. The Eastern Front is under immense pressure. Although the Russians are poorly equipped, they have too many men, like a tidal wave. We need fresh troops."

"The Japanese army proved itself in the Russo-Japanese War," Chen Feng said. "They were familiar with Russian tactics, could endure hardship, and were not afraid to die. Although their equipment might be somewhat outdated, Germany could provide it."

"Of course," Muller nodded. "We will provide the latest rifles, machine guns, and artillery."

He paused, then asked the most crucial question: "And the price? How much does it cost in Japan?"

Chen Feng took a document from his briefcase and pushed it in front of Muller: "This is the preliminary plan. Four divisions, 100,000 men. Monthly wages: 500,000 marks for infantry divisions, 600,000 marks for reinforced artillery divisions. A total of 2.2 million marks per month, 26.4 million per year. The contract will be for two years initially."

Müller quickly calculated. Twenty-six million marks, equivalent to more than one hundred million yen, was not a small sum for Germany, but it was not unaffordable either—after all, the cost of war far exceeded that.

"The price is acceptable," he said, "but there are several conditions. First, the Japanese army must be completely under German command and cannot have any selfish motives. Second, the soldiers must meet the required standards; the old, weak, sick, and disabled will not be accepted. Third, if there is a large-scale surrender or mutiny, the cost will be reduced."

"These are all negotiable," Chen Feng said. "The Japanese side also has conditions. First, soldiers' salaries must be paid on time and in full, directly deposited into the Japanese government's designated account. Second, there must be clear standards for casualty compensation: 1,000 marks for each person killed in action, 500 for seriously wounded, and 100 for slightly wounded. Third, Japanese officers must participate in command and decision-making, and cannot be completely puppets."

Müller frowned: "Officers involved in command... this could conflict with German commanders."

"Therefore, command authority needs to be clearly defined." Chen Feng was prepared. "Strategic decisions will be made by the German army, while tactical decisions can be given some autonomy to Japanese officers. After all, they know their soldiers better."

The two talked for another half hour, discussing the contract details one by one. They drank glass after glass of red wine, and the cigar ashtray was soon full.

Finally, Muller asked a sensitive question: "Commander-in-Chief Chen, what personal benefit do you gain from this?"

Chen Feng smiled. He liked the Germans' directness.

"First, Lanfang, acting as an intermediary, will receive 10% of the total commission as a fee. Second, the transportation of the Sakura Kingdom's army will primarily be handled by Lanfang's merchant fleet, with freight costs calculated separately. Third, some of the Sakura Kingdom's army's equipment and supplies can be purchased from Lanfang—of course, at a discounted price."

He paused, then added, "And fourth, and most importantly—with the power of Japan diverted to Europe, they've become more subdued in Asia. Lanfang can develop with peace of mind, without worrying about trouble in its own backyard."

Muller smiled knowingly: "I understand. Well then, cheers to our cooperation."

The two clinked glasses. The red wine swirled in the glass, like blood.

"There's another problem," Muller put down his glass, "What about Britain? The British won't be happy that Japan is fighting for Germany."

"Britain is currently preoccupied with its own problems," Chen Feng said. "Moreover, Japan is fighting Russia, not Britain. Although Britain and Russia are allies, their relationship is delicate. Britain is more worried about Germany than Japan. As long as Japan doesn't directly attack British colonies, Britain will turn a blind eye."

He smiled and said, "Perhaps Britain is secretly pleased—Japan's weakening of Germany and Russia is not a bad thing for Britain."

Muller nodded: "That makes sense. So, the next step is the formal signing. When do you think would be a suitable time?"

"Once Saionji returns to Japan, we'll coordinate internally," Chen Feng said. "It should take about a week. The signing location... could be Dubai or Berlin, depending on His Majesty Wilhelm's decision."

"In Berlin," Müller said. "His Majesty wishes to meet with the representatives of the Sakura Kingdom in person. This would also be an honor for the Sakura Kingdom."

It was called an honor, but it was actually a display of Germany's strength. Chen Feng knew this perfectly well, but he didn't say it out loud.

"Okay, Berlin it is. I'll let you know once the specific time is set."

After the meeting, Mueller escorted Chen Feng to the door. The rain was still falling; the night in Keelung was damp and chilly.

"Commander Chen," Muller suddenly said, "aren't you worried that if the Sakura Kingdom becomes powerful in the future, it will retaliate against Lanfang?"

Chen Feng stood under the eaves, looking at the rain outside: "That's why I'm sending them to Europe. It'll be at least two years before they return after the war. In those two years, Lanfang will become even stronger. And..." (He apologized for saying he'd keep sending people over; that would be too cunning.)

He turned to look at Muller: "Having been tempered on the battlefields of Europe, the soldiers of Japan will see the vastness of the world and realize that there is a larger stage beyond Asia. At that time, their sights will not be limited to Lanfang."

Muller said thoughtfully, "You are truly... far-sighted."

"Likewise," Chen Feng smiled. "Well then, farewell."

He stepped into the rain, and his bodyguard immediately opened an umbrella. A black sedan pulled up, and the door opened.

Before getting into the car, Chen Feng took one last look at the hotel window. Muller was still standing behind the window, holding a wine glass, as if deep in thought.

The rain was getting heavier. The lights of Keelung Harbor blurred into patches of light through the rain.