World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

Moltke the Younger immediately questioned, "The Ottomans? They're too busy taking care of themselves right now; the British are beating them so badly in Garibaldi they can't even lift their heads."

"They are willing to cooperate precisely because they need help," Chen Feng said. "Lanfang can provide funds and technology to help the Ottomans improve their railway and port facilities. In return, we will obtain transit rights. Once this line is established, the transport time from the Mediterranean to the eastern route can be shortened from the current three weeks to ten days."

He continued, "Secondly, military advisors. We can send experienced officers to help optimize the coordinated operations between the Japanese and German armies. The current problem is not only the rigidity of Japanese tactics, but also the incompatibility of their command systems. Lanfang's officers understand the characteristics of Eastern armies and are familiar with modern warfare concepts, so they can act as a 'lubricant'."

"Third," Chen Feng paused, "and most importantly—we can provide more and better 'tools'."

He took another document from Wang Wenwu and handed it to Wilhelm II.

"Besides artillery, Lanfang is also developing other equipment: more reliable light machine guns, mortars more suitable for trench warfare, and even..." He lowered his voice, "some special-purpose weapons to break the stalemate."

Wilhelm II quickly scanned the documents, his expression gradually turning serious. The documents contained not only weapon specifications but also cost estimates, production schedules, and deployment recommendations.

"These things..." he looked up, "How long will it take you to provide them?"

"The first batch will be available within three months. Large-scale supply will take six to nine months," Chen Feng said. "But the prerequisite is that we need technical support from Germany."

"Technology exchange?" Moltke keenly grasped the key point.

"Yes," Chen Feng readily admitted. "Lanfang's industrial base is not as strong as Germany's, and there is still a gap in some areas—such as optical instruments, special steel, and precision machinery. If Germany is willing to provide these technologies, Lanfang can produce equipment faster and better to supply the eastern front."

The study fell silent. Wilhelm II and Moltke the Younger exchanged a glance.

This is a typical deal: Germany provides the technology, Lanfang provides the equipment and optimization services, and Japan provides the troops. A complete cycle.

"Let's get back to the price of the artillery," Wilhelm II finally said. "If we reach an agreement on technology exchange, how much can you lower the price?"

Chen Feng was prepared: "If Germany is willing to transfer the following five technologies: the complete production process of Zeiss optical sights, Krupp special smelting furnace technology, high-pressure fuel injection system for diesel engines, radio miniaturization technology, and..."

He paused for a moment: "The submarine's unrestricted combat tactics manual."

The last item stunned both Wilhelm II and Moltke the Younger.

"Submarine tactics?" Moltke frowned. "That's top secret."

"It's precisely because it's classified that it has value," Chen Feng said. "Lanfang is an island nation that needs a strong navy. And Germany's experience in submarine warfare is invaluable."

Wilhelm II stood up, walked to the globe, and gently turned it.

"Commander-in-Chief Chen, you're a shrewd businessman," he said with his back to him. "What you want are the core technologies of German industry: optics, steel, engines, radio, submarines... all of these combined could be worth more than two hundred million marks."

"But what we gained was a fundamental improvement in the situation on the Eastern Front." Chen Feng also stood up and walked to the other side of the globe. "Your Majesty, war is not only about fighting on the front lines, but also a contest of industrial strength, organizational capabilities, and strategic vision. Germany is already at a stalemate on the Western Front, and the Eastern Front is the only direction from which a decisive breakthrough is possible."

His finger pointed to the location of East Prussia:

"Better artillery, better supplies, a more efficient command system, and a continuous influx of Japanese troops—combined, these could potentially lead to the complete defeat of Russia by the end of 1915. And once Russia withdrew from the war, Germany could concentrate its forces on the Western Front."

Wilhelm II turned around and looked directly into Chen Feng's eyes: "Can you guarantee that these improvements will lead to a breakthrough on the Eastern Front?"

"I cannot guarantee the outcome of the war, Your Majesty," Chen Feng said frankly, "but I can guarantee that with these improvements, the German army's combat effectiveness will increase by at least 30 percent, while the Japanese army's casualty rate will decrease by at least 20 percent. This means that the same resources can inflict greater damage and last for a longer period."

Moltke was doing calculations. He quickly wrote down numbers in his notebook, then looked up: "Your Majesty, if Commander Chen's data is reliable, then this deal... is worthwhile from a military perspective."

"What about from a political perspective?" Wilhelm II asked.

"From a political perspective..." Moltke pondered, "The deeper our cooperation with Lanfang, the stronger Lanfang's power to restrain Britain in Asia will become. Moreover, if Japan gains from this war, it may also become a force to restrain Lanfang in Asia in the future. It's a... delicate balance."

Wilhelm II smiled, a smile that held both admiration and wariness: "Commander Chen, you've included us all. Germany, Japan, even Britain—they're all on your chessboard."

"Your Majesty flatters me." Chen Feng bowed slightly. "Lanfang is merely a newly emerging nation, struggling to survive amidst the powerful nations. We provide value in exchange for space to develop, nothing more."

"That's all," Wilhelm II said, returning to his seat and picking up his glass. "Well then, let's discuss the specifics. I want the first batch of 500 cannons within nine months, with the rest delivered by this time next year. The price... as you said, 120,000 marks per cannon, but the technology exchange portion will be deducted by 40 percent."

"Thirty percent," Chen Feng bargained.

Thirty-five percent.

"make a deal."

The two men clinked glasses. The brandy swirled in the glass, reflecting the firelight from the study fireplace.

"There's one more thing," Wilhelm II put down his wine glass, "When will the second batch of troops from Japan arrive?"

"The first convoy has already set sail and is expected to arrive in Hamburg in early May," Chen Feng said. "Four divisions, 100,000 men. This time we have improved the transportation plan, equipping each ship with a medical team and recreational facilities to reduce non-combat casualties during the voyage."

"Very good." Wilhelm II nodded. "Tell them that there's a surprise waiting for them on the Eastern Front—your new artillery."

Chen Feng smiled: "They will be grateful to His Majesty."

The meeting lasted another hour, finalizing the specific list, timetable, and handover method for the technology transfer. Moltke the Younger took notes throughout, asking questions from time to time to ensure that every detail was clear and accurate.

By the time it ended, it was already evening. Outside Sanssouci Palace, the Berlin sky was dyed a dark red by the sunset, like congealed blood.

Chen Feng and Wang Wenwu got into the car to return to the hotel. Outside the car window, pedestrians hurried along the streets of Berlin, and the atmosphere of war had permeated every corner of the city—recruitment posters, supply stations, and windows with black veils hanging (representing that there were fallen soldiers in the family).

"President, today went very smoothly," Wang Wenwu said in the car. "An order for two thousand artillery pieces, plus the technology exchange, is a huge deal."

"But the risks are also huge." Chen Feng looked out the window. "The Germans won't easily hand over their core technologies. We must achieve perfection in delivery and quality to win their trust and gain more in return."

"What about in Britain...?"

"Let's go see the British consul," Chen Feng said. "It's time to let them know that Lanfang is not a one-sided ally of Germany."