[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-shadow-empire":3,"chapter-the-shadow-empire-the-shadow-empire-chapter-993":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Shadow Empire",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2268613,4428,"Chapter 993: Ragtag Crew and Acquisition","the-shadow-empire-chapter-993",993,"\u003Cp>Early the next morning, Diego woke up early.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he awoke, the butler entered the room with the maids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some maids pulled back the curtains; others helped Diego into the golden bathroom to wash and groom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was too fat—he couldn’t reach his own anus, hadn’t seen his own member in a long time, and worse, couldn’t touch anything below his navel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he were an ordinary man, he’d just have to live with it; no one would help him—not even his parents, wife, or children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he was the president of this country, so he enjoyed everything an ordinary person could only dream of.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stood under the shower as water cascaded down; he didn’t need to do anything, just stood there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four maids began brushing him to handle his personal hygiene; as president, he had to remain clean, odorless, and immaculate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After twenty minutes of cleaning, with the maids’ help, he changed into fresh clothes and waddled to the dining room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Breakfast was the most important meal of the day—he took it seriously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, he was president; life needed some ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most important meal of the day, the simplest yet most refined meal, the most lavish meal, and the day’s summary—midnight snack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The table held everything he liked to eat, including a large glass of chilled juice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he sat down, shoving a toast smeared with sweet-sour paste into his mouth, he asked casually, “Found the grain yet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ate with his head down, as if asking offhand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The butler didn’t answer casually—he bowed slightly. “Found it. But much of the grain was lost, and everyone on the train was killed.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“All killed?” Diego’s face broke into a thoughtful smile. “Who did it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unknown. But all died from close-range gunshots.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, the crime scene team reported the grain wasn’t taken by the train attackers—much remained at the site, and grain traces spread outward, suggesting locals picked up some, and the attackers took some.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Diego ate two slices of toast covered in sweet-sour paste, then placed a steak on his plate. “Then investigate. Find out which little rats stole our goods.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have a feeling this isn’t as simple as it looks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Diego then summoned his cabinet ministers—he didn’t want to admit this loss—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Put plainly, he felt this loss shouldn’t be blamed on him; it was the Jede Republic’s fault for failing to deliver the grain to him. Losses during transit shouldn’t fall on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a classic self-serving thought. Whether they could negotiate with the Jede Republic on this issue might require several polite phone calls.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How they planned to handle the aftermath, Lans didn’t know—he was busy closing deals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Backhorse Silver Mine has been intermittently mined for over a decade. Experts I know say it can still be mined for at least twenty more years.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If we use the Federation’s advanced mining tech, the lifespan might shorten slightly, but total reserves won’t change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans glanced at some reports, then handed them to his aide—a team leader from the Federation’s geological survey unit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since last year, the Federation government has sent numerous scientific survey teams into Yalan to conduct a full resource survey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Officially, the Federation claims it’s for studying nature, but everyone knows the real purpose—this is one reason the Jede Republic strongly opposes Federation troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their intent to invade is too obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Federation troops actually station in Yalan, expelling them will be nearly impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with military deterrence, smaller nations might defect, creating a messy situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So better to unite everyone first—perhaps there’s still a chance to grow in this chaotic era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After receiving the documents, Gomes fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He flipped through them briefly, then returned them to Gomes. “Actually, we surveyed here last year. This report’s reserve estimate for Backhorse Silver Mine doesn’t meet scientific standards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In other words, we find this report’s credibility unreasonable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Based on our preliminary surveys, its reserves are likely higher than reported.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To determine exact reserves, we need more detailed exploration.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But from current data, expanding scale with scientific methods and equipment could yield at least fifty tons of silver annually.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The survey team leader smiled faintly. “Though it could be more—after all, this is Yalan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, it’s Yalan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“In the Federation, silver mining costs about eighty cents per ounce. Here, it might be only twenty to thirty cents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Due to war, silver prices have risen. Before I came to Lapa, the international price hit one dollar and ten cents per ounce.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After deducting storage, transport, taxes, and other costs, profit per ounce is forty to forty-five cents.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans frowned slightly. “Sounds like low profit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The team leader froze. He quickly explained: “Mr. Lans, our estimate of Backhorse’s true reserves exceeds their survey. With our advanced tech, large-scale mining and smelting—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We could produce seventy to eighty tons of silver annually, netting one million per year!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s not a small sum!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Watching the leader’s earnest, wide-eyed correction, Lans smiled. “I make over ten dollars profit per bottle of liquor.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I sell seventy to eighty thousand bottles daily.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his worldview, mining precious metals had always been a hyper-profitable industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether in the Federation or elsewhere—in Yalan, with its cheap labor, even more so!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One million annual profit already made many Federation mine owners weep!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They mined the same silver, yet earned only tens of thousands yearly—Federation labor was too expensive!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why, even fifty years after slavery was officially abolished, the Federation’s resource industry still relies heavily on slaves!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without slaves, mine owners couldn’t make enough profit. And as slave numbers dwindle, many small mines are shutting down.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not because they don’t make money—just not enough to grow rich.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One million a year was the leader’s upper limit of “profit.” Anything higher exceeded his understanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew some conglomerates hoarded obscene wealth—thirty years ago, someone nearly became “Federation’s richest man” with ten billion Federation Sols. Nearly!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t understand how such profits were made or how those assets operated—he only knew how money was made in his own industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet even this “hyper-profitable” business, Lans dismissed—and his reason left the leader speechless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing a private liquor business earning hundreds of thousands daily, he had no complaints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent, making one final effort.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Lans, the liquor business—I don’t understand it. But it can’t stay this profitable forever. It’ll end someday.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Maybe competition intensifies, or laws change—it can’t last.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“But this silver mine? It can give you stable income for over a decade. It can’t be destroyed. It generates profit endlessly. And here’s the key point!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He emphasized his words, aiming to capture Lans’s full attention—and succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans listened, eyebrows slightly raised, then licked his lips. “It can also elevate your status.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I shouldn’t say this. Liquor is illegal. But this? Legal. And once you control this mine, it grants you recognition and authority in the global silver market.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“When world silver prices are set, you’ll have a seat. They’ll need to respect your opinion!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans nodded slightly. “Actually, I only thought the profit was low—not that I won’t invest in the mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just this mine. I’ll buy all mineral resources within Lapa.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader’s face showed fresh shock—he knew Lapa had other silver mines, gold mines, gemstone deposits, all kinds of ores.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Individually, they didn’t match Lans’s liquor profits. Even combined, they still fell short. But these weren’t just about profit or money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They meant industry influence, status in precious metals and gems, and control over the region!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he mined all of them—including sealed, unplanned ones—he’d need to hire hundreds of thousands.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he controlled the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands, and the lives of millions behind them—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he weren’t president or an official, his influence in Lapa would surpass the president’s!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All he’d need to do is shut down every mine, and millions would starve—free markets would collapse instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader was a top graduate of the Alliance University. Had he had the right connections, he could’ve joined the Ark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood exactly what Lans was planning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His emotions flared—he saw a rare opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Gomes remained stunned by Lans’s terrifying profitability, the leader volunteered his future plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Lans, I want to work for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans smiled faintly. “Aren’t you already working for me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The leader hesitated—should he flatter or maintain independence?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could decide, Lans clapped his shoulder and laughed. “After you finish this assignment, come find me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needed people who understood this industry. But to earn his trust, the leader must prove his value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the mine’s profit was barely acceptable—and respectable in its field—Lans told Gomes to contact the mine owner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The owner of Backhorse Silver Mine was, in fact, a shell company.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The purpose? To keep the asset under Diego’s control without making it state property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds complicated. It’s simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s Diego’s personal property—not the nation’s.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it were state property, profits would go to the treasury. Though to Diego, treasury money was nearly his own, there were still subtle differences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those differences made things messy, unseemly. He had little dignity but craved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Backhorse Silver Mine was registered under a private company—its annual profits flowed straight into his pocket.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could criticize him for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The current “owner” of Backhorse Silver Mine knew Gomes well—they were, in a sense, the same kind of people: tools for Diego and the ruling elite, turning national assets into private property.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before last year, Gomez still had some “market value”; his sister was still in favor, and she likely had her own unique methods for shelling peas and pleasing them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was on good terms with many people because he could provide certain value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, the nominal owner of Backhorse Silver Mountain was invited to the place Gomez had arranged; he didn’t need to worry about managing the mine—just signing a few papers each month was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The mine was run entirely by Diego’s people; he was nothing but a puppet.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But being a puppet wasn’t so bad—he earned five thousand Para per month without ever having to go to the mine, and he had no complaints.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not everyone enjoyed such comfort as he did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Five thousand Para, if he didn’t squander it recklessly, was more than enough for his indulgences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the man pushed open the door and saw Gomez’s smile, before he could even shake his hand, he noticed the others in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans sat on the sofa, legs crossed, smoking a cigarette; beside him, another man was showing him a map and speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the corner of the room, several young men stood apart, their eyes sharp as eagles in the sky!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at Gomez in confusion, and suddenly understood: today’s invitation had nothing to do with Gomez himself—it was because of these people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gomez walked over willingly, took his hand, and shook it firmly. “Long time no see! Let me introduce you!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without further ado, he pulled the nominal owner of Backhorse Silver Mountain over to the sofa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans raised his hand; the team leader fell silent. He glanced at the man once, then stood up smiling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is Mr. Lans White, a big shot from the Federation!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Didn’t you keep asking me about things in the Federation?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perfect—we’ve met you now, so let you get to know Mr. Lans.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gomez turned quickly to introduce to Lans: “This is Vargas, general manager of Backhorse Silver Mountain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans extended his right hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t extended far—more like a slight lift than a true extension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Vargas didn’t fully understand the situation, as a “respectable man,” he quickly reached out warmly, gripped Lans’s hand, and shook it twice firmly: “Pleased to meet you, Mr. White.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans smiled in return: “Likewise. Please sit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vargas then looked at Gomez with confusion and sat down on a separate sofa to Lans’s left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t know how to begin, but he didn’t need to worry—after sitting down, Lans asked: “I heard Backhorse Silver Mountain is registered under your name.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not familiar with La Pa’s business affairs. When you register companies or assets, do you have any legal documents?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vargas glanced again at Gomez, who replied bluntly: “Yes, we have a property document—but it’s not formatted like the Federation’s.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Issued by local government, mostly handwritten, signed and stamped by the local administrator, applicant, and witnesses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans listened, intrigued: “Doesn’t that make forgery easy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gomez’s face broke into a knowing smile: “In La Pa, no one dares forge. At least, not until now.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans instantly understood—or rather, it clicked: the entire country was Diego and the ruling clique’s private property. These mines, these resources—even the fish in the river—were all their private assets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary people could never own such assets unless granted permission; thus, forgery or authenticity meant nothing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not even mentioning forgery—even if you produced something genuine, if the ruling clique wanted it, your item became fake!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When all resources belong to the ruling clique, forgery is impossible—you’re real or fake, don’t you think I already know?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans couldn’t help laughing—a massive sham operation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He turned to Vargas: “You must be wondering why Mr. Gomez invited you here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Vargas nodded: “A bit.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lans leaned back: “Because I’m buying your Backhorse Silver Mine.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2208,"2026-06-19T21:10:31.886Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4684b2e15e4d5b0a7273758f94a4a9d6c5016c3a43040e73a6e28299fd01fde2","the-shadow-empire-chapter-994","the-shadow-empire-chapter-992",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-shadow-empire-cover.jpg"]