World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

Chen Feng smiled. It was a faint smile, but it was full of meaning.

"Your Majesty, I am merely a businessman, an arms manufacturer. Politics and diplomacy are not my forte," he said humbly. But then he changed the subject, "I believe that any effective guidance requires three prerequisites: first, the guide must have sufficient influence; second, the guided must be willing to accept guidance; and third, there must be a common goal that both parties can accept."

He picked up his water glass and took a small sip: "Currently, the first prerequisite is met by the British Empire. The second prerequisite... Japan will soon meet it as well. As for the third prerequisite—"

He put down his glass, his gaze becoming profound: "—That requires both sides to sit down and have an honest conversation at the appropriate time. Not now, in an atmosphere of anger and accusation."

Sir Grey astutely grasped the key information: "'Sooner to be available'? What does His Excellency the President mean?"

"The war won't last forever," Chen Feng said calmly. "No matter the outcome, Japan's situation will only be worse after the war ends. If Germany is defeated, they won't get the promised technology transfer. If Germany wins... a strong Germany needs obedient vassals, not 'partners' with their own ideas. In either case, Japan will face even more severe survival pressures."

He paused, then added, "At that point, 'hunger' will become 'near death.' And those who are near death will either perish in despair or... grasp at any straw offered to them as a lifeline."

After these words were spoken, a long silence fell over the hall. Only the faint crackling of the candlelight and the distant, indistinct sound of steam horns drifting from the Nile River could be heard.

King George V seemed to understand Chen Feng's subtext. This Easterner was not only explaining the current situation, but also laying the groundwork for the future. He was hinting at how to handle the situation in Japan, how to handle the situation in Germany, and how to handle the situation in Europe!

And when that time comes, who will offer that "lifeline"?

Britain is an option. But Lanfang... seems to want to as well.

"Your Excellency," the King finally spoke, his tone regaining its monarchical solemnity, "thank you for providing...a unique perspective. It has indeed given us much to ponder. But please forgive my directness—what role does Lanfang play in this game? Is he an observer? A mediator? Or...another potential guide?"

This is a very pointed question, hitting the nail on the head.

Chen Feng met the king's gaze without flinching.

"Your Majesty, Lanfang's role is simple: a nation that hopes to do business in a stable and prosperous Asia." His answer seemed simple, but every word was carefully chosen. "We do not want a desperate and dangerous neighbor on our doorstep, nor do we want turmoil in the Far East to affect our trade routes. Therefore, we welcome any efforts that can restore stability to East Asia—whether led by Britain or other countries."

He stood up. This action surprised the members of the British delegation—the dinner was not yet officially over.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty," Chen Feng bowed slightly, "The long voyage has left me somewhat weary. If permitted, I would like to take my leave now to prepare for tomorrow's journey."

King George V also stood up. According to protocol, he could have continued the conversation, but the King astutely realized that Chen Feng had already said everything he wanted to say that evening. Any further would be superfluous.

"Of course. Thank you for your frank conversation tonight." The king extended his hand.

Their hands clasped together. This handshake lasted longer and was firmer than the one at the start of the dinner.

"Your Majesty," Chen Feng said in a voice only the two of them could hear before releasing his grip, "history is often written by those who can transcend present anger and see the long-term benefits. I believe you are such a monarch."

King George V's pupils contracted slightly. This statement was a compliment, a reminder, and even... a test.

He didn't answer, but simply nodded slightly.

Chen Feng led the Lanfang delegation out of the hall. Li Te and Wang Wenwu followed closely behind, with the rest of the delegation following in turn. Their footsteps echoed in the empty corridor, gradually fading into the distance.

The British delegation remained where they were, and no one spoke for a moment.

Finally, Sir Grey sighed, "He said everything, but promised nothing."

"No." King George V walked to the window, watching the taillights of the Lanfang caravan drive away in the courtyard. "He promised something—a possibility. A possibility that the problem of the Sakura Kingdom could be resolved without war."

The admiral approached, his face still grim: "Your Majesty, do you believe him? That story about 'hunger'?"

"I believe his account of the facts—the Sakura Kingdom is indeed in a difficult situation." The king turned, the candlelight casting a deep shadow on his face. "But I don't believe his motives are pure. Chen Feng is playing a very long game, and the Sakura Kingdom is just a pawn on that board. And we... may be too."

Sir McMahon cautiously asked, "So how should we respond?"

King George V pondered for a long time before slowly saying, "First, fulfill the ship trade agreement with Lanfang. We need those warships, we need anti-submarine technology. Second, continue to exert diplomatic pressure on Japan, but leave room for maneuver and don't completely close the channels of dialogue. Third—"

He paused, his voice growing even lower: "—Closely monitor Chen Feng's movements. I heard his next stop is Istanbul. I need to know what new cards he'll play there, and what deals he'll make with the Germans and Ottomans."

Sir Grey nodded: "I will arrange it."

The king walked to the table and looked at the seat Chen Feng had just been sitting in. The plates were almost untouched, and the champagne in the glasses was still more than half full. This Easterner had been talking, explaining, and negotiating all evening, but had hardly eaten or drunk anything.

This restraint made George V feel a deep unease.

"Grey," he said suddenly.

"His Majesty?"

"Send a secret telegram to Tokyo. In my personal capacity, invite Prime Minister Saionji Kinmochi... to an informal meeting at an 'appropriate time.' The location could be Singapore or Hong Kong."

Sir Grey's eyes widened in surprise: "Your Majesty, this..."

"Do as I say." King George V interrupted him. "Chen Feng is right, punishment won't solve the problem. Perhaps... it's time to consider other options."

He glanced out the window one last time. In the night, the Nile, like a black ribbon, meandered through Cairo. This city, which had witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires—Pharaohs, Rome, Arabia, and the Ottomans—was tonight witnessing a dialogue that could potentially shape the future of the world.

History always takes unexpected turns.