Chapter 267: You

"President Chen, welcome." Muller's Chinese was fluent, with a German accent, "The weather in Keelung is far worse than Dubai."

"But the talks are going smoothly." Chen Feng sat opposite, took the cigar Muller handed over, but did not light it, "Xi Yuan Si Gongwang has basically agreed. The remaining issue is the details."

Muller's eyes lit up: "Excellent! Your Majesty William will be very pleased to hear this. The Eastern front is under great pressure now; the Russians are poorly equipped, but they have too many people, like a tide. We need fresh troops."

"The Sakura Nation's army proved itself in the Russo-Japanese War," Chen Feng said, "They are familiar with Russian tactics, can endure hardship, and are not afraid to die. Their equipment may be a bit behind, but Deguo can supply it."

"Of course." Muller nodded, "We will provide the latest rifles, machine guns, and artillery."

He paused, then asked the crucial question: "What about the price? How much does the Sakura Nation want?"

Chen Feng took a document from his briefcase and pushed it toward Muller: "This is the preliminary plan. Four divisions, 100,000 men. Monthly hire cost: infantry division 500,000 marks, reinforced artillery division 600,000 marks. Total 2,200,000 marks per month, 26,400,000 per year. The contract is for an initial two years."

Muller calculated quickly. 26 million marks is over 100 million yen, not a small sum for Deguo, but not unaffordable—after all, war expenditures are far greater.

"The price is acceptable," he said, "but there are several conditions. First, the Sakura Nation's troops must obey Degjun command completely, with no independent calculations. Second, soldier quality must meet standards; no elderly, weak, sick, or crippled. Third, if large‑scale surrender or mutiny occurs, the fee will be reduced."

"All of those are negotiable," Chen Feng said, "The Sakura Nation also has conditions. First, soldiers' pay must be paid in full and on time, transferred directly to the account designated by the Sakura Nation government. Second, casualty compensation must have clear standards: one thousand marks for a combat death, five hundred for a serious wound, one hundred for a light wound. Third, Sakura Nation officers must take part in command decisions; they cannot be mere puppets."

Muller frowned: "Officer participation in command… that could conflict with Degjun commanders."

"Therefore the chain of command must be clarified," Chen Feng, who had prepared, said, "Strategic decisions are made by Degjun, while tactical decisions can grant Sakura Nation officers some autonomy. After all, they know their own soldiers better."

The two talked for another half hour, discussing each contract clause. They drank glass after glass of red wine, and the cigar ashtray filled quickly.

Finally, Muller asked a sensitive question: "President Chen, what personal benefit do you get from this…?"

Chen Feng smiled. He liked the Germans' directness.

"First, Lanfang, as the intermediary, takes 10% of the total hire fee as commission. Second, transportation of the Sakura Nation's troops is mainly handled by Lanfang's merchant fleet, with freight charged separately. Third, some of the Sakura Nation's equipment and supplies can be purchased from Lanfang—of course, at favorable prices."

He paused, then added: "And a fourth, the most important—by directing the Sakura Nation's strength to Europe, they will be docile in Asia. Lanfang can develop peacefully without worrying about a fire in the backyard."

Muller smiled knowingly: "Understood. Then, a toast to our cooperation."

The two clinked glasses. The red wine swirled in the cup like blood.

"One more question," Muller set down his glass, "What about Yingguo? The Sakura Nation helping Deguo fight, the British won't be pleased."

"Yingguo is currently preoccupied with its own affairs," Chen Feng said, "And the Sakura Nation is fighting Russia, not Britain. Though Yingguo and Russia are allies, their relationship is delicate. Yingguo worries more about Deguo than about the Sakura Nation. As long as the Sakura Nation doesn't directly attack Yingguo's colonies, Yingguo will turn a blind eye."

He chuckled: "Perhaps Yingguo is secretly pleased—the Sakura Nation draining Deguo and Russia's forces isn't a bad thing for Yingguo."

Muller nodded: "Makes sense. Then the formal signing follows. When do you think is appropriate?"

"After Xi Yuan Si returns home and we finish internal coordination," Chen Feng said, "We expect about a week. The signing venue… could be Dubai or Berlin, depending on Your Majesty William's preference."

"Berlin then," Muller said, "Your Majesty wishes to meet the Sakura Nation's representative in person. For the Sakura Nation, that's also a… honor."

Calling it an honor was really a display of Deguo's strength. Chen Feng understood, but said nothing.

"Fine, then Berlin. Once the exact time is set, I will inform you."

The talks ended, Muller escorted Chen Feng to the door. The rain kept falling, and Keelung's night was damp and chilly.

"President Chen," Muller suddenly said, "Aren't you worried that a stronger Sakura Nation will later retaliate against Lanfang?"

Chen Feng stood under the eave, watching the rain curtain outside: "That's why I'm sending them to Europe. After they finish the war and come back, it will be at least two years later. In two years, Lanfang will become stronger. And also…" (Sorry for saying they'd keep sending heads over; that would be too ruthless.)

He turned to Muller: "Through baptism on the European battlefields, Sakura Nation soldiers will see the vast world and realize there is a larger stage beyond Asia. Then their focus won't be solely on Lanfang."

Muller, thoughtful, said, "You truly are… far‑sighted."

"Likewise," Chen Feng smiled, "Then, farewell."

He walked into the rain, and his bodyguard immediately opened an umbrella. A black sedan drove up, and the door opened.

Before getting in, Chen Feng took one last look at the hotel window. Muller still stood behind the window, holding a glass, as if pondering something.

The rain grew heavier. The lights of Keelung Harbor blurred into halos in the downpour.