World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

The ceremony was presided over by Wang Wenwu. He walked to the microphone, and his voice, amplified through the loudspeaker, resonated throughout the entire port:

"Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to witness this important moment in the friendly cooperation between the Lanfang Republic and the British Empire. According to the agreement between the two sides, the Lanfang Republic's battlecruisers 'Fuxing' and 'Guangfu' have been formally transferred to the Royal Navy of the British Empire!"

Applause broke out, but it wasn't enthusiastic. The British delegation applauded politely, while the Lanfang officials had mixed expressions.

"Now, please have the representatives of both countries sign the handover documents."

A long table was moved onto the viewing platform. Chen Feng and Asquith walked to the table and signed two documents respectively. Flashbulbs went off—four journalists were allowed to take photos today: two from Reuters and two from Xinhua News Agency.

After signing, the two exchanged documents and shook hands. The photographer quickly snapped a picture—in the shot, Chen Feng smiled, while Asquith's smile was forced.

"Next, the flag-lowering and flag-raising ceremony!"

The military band played the national anthems of both countries. First came the national anthem of Country X—Lanfang still uses this tune as its national anthem. Amidst the majestic melody, the red flag with a golden dragon, already half-lowered, slowly descended from the mainmast of the "Fuxing" high-speed train.

Lin Santai bit his lip hard, refusing to cry. He remembered the scene when this flag was first raised. Back then, watching the flag flutter over the Yellow Sea, he felt the entire ocean belonged to Lanfang. Now…

The flag fell into the hands of the sailors on deck, was carefully folded, and placed in a wooden box.

Next came the British national anthem, "God Save the King." The Union Jack was slowly raised, unfurled at the top of the mast, and fluttered in the wind.

On the reviewing stand, British officials stood at attention. Balfour even hummed a tune softly.

But Asquith didn't. Looking at the flag, he thought: beneath this flag are ships built by the East. And the armies of the East are taking root within the traditional sphere of influence of the British Empire.

The ceremony continued. The handover of command took place between the two ships—the former captain of the Lanfang handed over the ship's keys to the new British captain. Then the new captain boarded the ship and inspected the sailors.

Everything proceeded according to procedure, precisely, systematically, and impeccably.

But everyone could sense the subtle atmosphere: this wasn't a celebration, it was a transaction. It wasn't a testament to friendship, it was an exchange of interests.

The final segment was a gun salute. The main cannons of the "Fuxing" and "Guangfu" bullet trains were slowly raised and pointed to the sky—this is an international custom, where the new owners fire a salute after the handover.

But then, an accident happened.

The No. 2 turret of the "Kuangfu" suddenly jammed while rotating. The machinery emitted a screeching sound, and the gun barrel stopped in mid-air, neither rising nor falling.

The entire room fell silent instantly. The British officers' expressions changed—what did this mean? Was it intentional?

Liu Yongfu's face turned deathly pale, and he immediately grabbed the radio: "What's going on?!"

An anxious reply came from the ship: "Mechanical failure! The transmission gears are jammed! Repairs will take time!"

Maintenance? In this setting? Asquith's face turned ashen.

Chen Feng remained calm. He turned to Asquith and said in a voice loud enough for everyone around to hear, "Prime Minister, I'm sorry. This ship has been in service for six years and has been involved in the fierce battles of the East China Sea. Although it has undergone major repairs, some old damage is unavoidable."

He paused, then added, "But rest assured, the handover agreement includes a warranty clause. Lanfang will be responsible for free repairs for any non-human-caused malfunctions within three months."

These words sounded like an explanation and a guarantee, but those present understood another meaning: Look, our ships have fought in battles and seen blood, unlike those new ships that are just for show in the dock.

Asquith forced a smile: "I understand. War equipment inevitably has some...history."

The malfunction was resolved fifteen minutes later. The cannons finally fired, the sound of twenty-one blank rounds echoing across the bay. But the atmosphere could never be the same again.

After the ceremony, a luncheon was to be hosted. However, Asquith declined the invitation, citing "travel fatigue," and returned directly to the Malaya.

Before parting, he said to Chen Feng, "Your Excellency, regarding your previous proposal... I will seriously consider it. But please understand, this will take time."

"Of course," Chen Feng shook his hand. "I'll wait for your news."

Watching the British delegation's convoy depart, Wang Wenwu walked over to Chen Feng and whispered, "Was the malfunction real?"

Chen Feng watched the departing vehicle: "Does it matter?"

"If it was intentional, wouldn't it be too obvious?"

"Sometimes, it's clearly a good thing." Chen Feng turned and looked at the veterans' viewing area. "Let the British know that although we gave them good ships, they weren't toys that hadn't been used in battle. Let our people know... that the country will not forget their sacrifices, even in this form."

Lin Santai and his comrades were still sitting there, gazing at the two ships flying the Union Jack. Several people were silently shedding tears.

Chen Feng walked over. The veterans immediately stood up, wanting to salute, but he stopped them.

"Sit down." He sat down on the empty chair next to him. "Are you feeling down?"

Lin Santai wiped his eyes: "I'm sorry, Commander-in-Chief, we couldn't help ourselves..."

"I'm the one who should apologize." Chen Feng gazed at the distant warships. "I've handed over the ships that you shed your blood to protect to others."

silence.

After a long silence, Lin Santai spoke up: "Commander-in-Chief, may I ask a question?"

"ask."

Will those two ships... ever come back?

Chen Feng did not answer directly. He stood up and patted Lin Santai on the shoulder—the empty sleeve swayed gently in the wind.

"Old Lin, look over there." He pointed to the shipyard in the port.

There, on the new slipway, a larger keel was being laid. Sparks from welding flashed like fireworks.

"Old ships will leave, new ships will come," Chen Feng said softly. "But most importantly, the shipbuilders are still here, the sailors are still here, and the hearts that protect the ocean are still here."

He turned to face all the veterans: "I assure you: the names of the two ships that depart today—'Fuxing' and 'Guangfu'—will forever remain in the Lanfang Navy's ranks. In the future, new warships will inherit these two names, larger, stronger, and more advanced. And those warships will be piloted by your sons, grandsons, and descendants."

He paused, emphasizing each word: "History doesn't stop here; it only...starts anew from here."

The veterans looked at him, at this leader who was much younger than them. Then, Lin Santai was the first to stand up, raise his only remaining right hand, and salute.

The others also stood up and saluted.

No words were spoken, but everything was conveyed in the military salute.

Chen Feng returned the greeting, then turned and left. Wang Wenwu followed, whispering, "Will the British accept the mercenary proposal?"

"Fifty-fifty," Chen Feng said as they walked. "But they don't have a better option right now. They need a breakthrough at the Somme, they need manpower, they need... hope."

"If that really happens, it'll be Japanese people fighting Japanese people..."

"That's a problem for the Japanese government to consider," Chen Feng said calmly. "We're just... businessmen. We provide goods, charge fees, that's all."

As he walked to the car, he looked back at the port one last time.