World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

"Minister Wang," Thomson said, trying to remain polite, "your suggestion... is very unrealistic. The transfer and resettlement of 150,000 laborers would require enormous costs and complex organization. Moreover, Britain and France urgently need these people, and the Western Front cannot afford to wait."

"Europe can't afford to wait for war, but it can afford to lose 150,000 lives?" Wang Wenwu retorted.

Zhou Xiaoru finally recovered his composure and said in a trembling voice, "Minister Wang, this matter... this matter has already been announced to the world, and all countries know about it. If we change course midway, what will become of the international credibility of the Republic of China? What will become of the President's dignity?"

Looking at him, Wang Wenwu suddenly felt sorry for the old man with the queue. His mind was still preoccupied with "face" and "reputation," not with the 150,000 compatriots who might die.

"Representative Zhou," Wang Wenwu said softly, "You can earn back your reputation if you lose it, and you can regain your dignity if you lose it. But once a person is dead, they can never be brought back."

Zhou Xiaoru opened his mouth, but no words came out.

Thomson stood up: "Minister Wang, I will report today's conversation to London truthfully. But I must remind you that this matter involves the agreement between Britain, France, and China, and Lanfang's unilateral opposition will probably not change anything."

DuPont also stood up: "The French government will not accept unilateral changes either. Soldiers on the Western Front are bleeding and sacrificing their lives; we need every available manpower."

Wang Wenwu nodded: "I understand. Then, I will formally inform the three of you: the two battleships of the Lanfang Navy will depart for Europe tomorrow. In addition to normal trade missions, they have a special mission—to bring back Chinese laborers who wish to leave the European war zone."

"What?!" Thomson exclaimed. "You're sending warships to Europe to pick them up?"

"Yes," Wang Wenwu said. "This is not a military operation, but a humanitarian one. We will release information through public channels to inform all Chinese laborers in Europe or about to travel to Europe that Lanfang is willing to provide them with asylum and a new life. Our ships are there as long as they are willing."

DuPont was so angry his beard was trembling: "This is a blatant breach of the agreement! It's a provocation!"

"This is about saving lives," Wang Wenwu corrected. "Furthermore, I want to remind the three of you—if any Chinese laborer dies unnaturally in the war zone due to the obstruction of Britain and France, Lanfang will consider this an injury to all Chinese people and reserves the right to take all necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of our compatriots."

He paused, then added, "This includes, but is not limited to, a comprehensive reassessment of relations with the relevant countries, and even... considering further actions."

This is a blatant threat.

Thomson's face turned ashen: "Minister Wang, do you know what these words mean?"

"I understand," Wang Wenwu said, "but some things must be said, and some things must be done. The three of you can go back and report now. Goodbye."

He made a gesture to send the guest away.

Thomson, DuPont, and Zhou Xiaoru stumbled out of the reception room. After the door closed, Wang Wenwu slumped into a chair, only then realizing that his back was soaked with cold sweat.

His tough stance just now was half performance and half genuine anger. But it achieved its effect—the message has been sent out, and the next steps depend on how London, Paris, and Beijing choose to react.

The secretary gently pushed the door open and entered: "Minister Wang, are you alright?"

Wang Wenwu waved his hand: "I'm fine. How's the Commander-in-Chief?"

"The president is in another meeting about specific plans for labor resettlement," the secretary said. "He asked me to tell you that you've done a good job. You have to be firm when necessary."

Wang Wenwu smiled wryly. The situation had become tough, but the pressure he would face next might exceed everyone's expectations.

He walked to the window and looked out at Dubai Harbour. On the dock, the Huaihe and Zhujiang were undergoing final replenishment. The two giant ships gleamed with a cold, metallic sheen in the setting sun, their main guns pointing skyward, as if making a declaration.

Tomorrow, they will set sail.

With a mission that seemed almost impossible to accomplish, and with the determination of a nation, they sailed towards that burning land thousands of miles away.

Go and bring back their compatriots.

No matter the cost.

May 8, 1916, early morning, Borneo naval base.

The morning mist on the sea surface flowed slowly like a layer of milky white gauze. Inside the port area, two steel behemoths were quietly moored beside the deep-water pier—the Bismarck-class battleships "Huaihe" and "Zhujiang." Behind them, six 10,000-ton merchant ships had been loaded, with cargo containers covered with waterproof tarpaulins neatly stacked on their decks.

On the dock, Rear Admiral Li Te stood before the gangway, giving the final check of the document list in his hand. The naval admiral was of medium build, his face sculpted by the sea winds, with deep crow's feet at the corners of his eyes. He wore the dark blue service uniform of the Lanfang Navy, the two silver stars on his epaulets gleaming faintly in the morning light.

"Ammunition resupply complete, fresh water tanks full, fuel tanks full." Deputy Captain Colonel Chen Shaoming handed over the final confirmation slip. "All 824 officers and men are present."

Li nodded and signed his name on the document. His handwriting was strong and powerful, just like him.

The sound of car engines could be heard in the distance. Three black sedans drove into the dock and stopped in front of the police line. Chen Feng got out of the first car, followed by Wang Wenwu and Zhou Tieshan.

Li Te immediately stepped forward, stood at attention, and saluted: "Commander-in-Chief!"

Chen Feng returned the greeting, his gaze sweeping over the two giant ships: "Is everything ready?"

"Everything is ready. We'll set sail precisely at seven o'clock," Li Te replied. "As planned, we'll first escort the merchant fleet to Port Wilhelmshaven, and after delivering the goods, we'll immediately transit through Calais, France. If all goes well, we should arrive at the French coast in twenty-five days."

"What if... things don't go smoothly?" Chen Feng looked into his eyes.

Li Te paused for a few seconds: "President, from the South China Sea to Germany, it's a total of 12,000 nautical miles. We'll be passing through the Strait of Malacca, the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, the Suez Canal, the Mediterranean Sea, the Strait of Gibraltar, and finally entering the North Sea. Along this route, the British Navy has at least six major bases, which could intercept us at any time."

He paused for a moment, then said, "But I assure you, as long as I have a breath left, I will sail the ship to France and bring my compatriots back."

Chen Feng patted him on the shoulder: "I don't want you to risk your life, I want you to complete the mission. Remember, you're not going to fight a war, you're going to pick up people. But if anyone stops you from picking up people..."

He stopped and turned to look at the massive 380mm main gun of the "Huaihe". The gun barrel gleamed with a cold metallic luster in the morning mist.

"...Then we need to let them know that Lanfang's navy is not just for show."

Wang Wenwu stepped forward and handed Li Te a sealed brown paper bag: "This is the authorization document from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with copies of the official notes to the British, French, and German authorities. You can show it if questioned. But remember—showing it is a procedure, not a request for permission."

Zhou Tieshan then handed over a smaller envelope: "This is a special authorization from the Navy. You may use force in self-defense in the following three situations: First, the other side fires first; second, the other side attempts to forcibly board the ship for inspection; third, the other side uses force to prevent you from transporting laborers."