Chapter 289: Two Thousand Cannons

Xiao Maoqi immediately questioned: "The Ottomans? They're currently overwhelmed; the British at Garibaldi have beaten them so badly they can't lift their heads."

"It's precisely because they need help that they're willing to cooperate," Chen Feng said, "Lanfang can provide funds and technology to help the Ottomans improve railway and port facilities. In return, we obtain transit rights. Once this route is established, transport time from the Mediterranean to the Eastern Front can be reduced from the current three weeks to ten days."

He continued: "Second, military advisors. We can dispatch experienced officers to help optimize the coordination between the Japanese army and the Degjun. The current problems are not only the Japanese tactics being rigid, but also the command structures being incompatible. Lanfang's officers both understand the characteristics of Eastern armies and are familiar with modern warfare concepts, and can serve as a 'lubricant'."

"Third," Chen Feng paused, "and also the most important— we can provide more and better 'tools'."

He took another document from Wang Wenwu and handed it to William II.

"Besides cannons, Lanfang is also developing other equipment: more reliable light machine guns, mortars better suited for trench warfare, and even…" he lowered his voice, "some special‑purpose weapons for breaking stalemates."

William II skimmed the document quickly, his expression gradually turning serious. The file contained not only weapon specifications but also cost estimates, production schedules, and deployment recommendations.

"These things…" he looked up, "how soon can you provide them?"

"The first batch, within three months. Large‑scale supply, six to nine months," Chen Feng said, "but the condition is that we need Deguo's technical support."

"Technology exchange?" Xiao Maoqi sharply caught the key point.

"Yes." Chen Feng admitted calmly, "Lanfang's industrial base is not as deep as Deguo's; in certain fields—such as optical instruments, special steel, precision machinery—we still have gaps. If Deguo is willing to provide these technologies, Lanfang can produce equipment faster and better, supplying the Eastern Front."

The study fell silent. William II and Xiao Maoqi exchanged a glance.

This is a typical deal: Deguo provides technology, Lanfang provides equipment and optimization services, the Sakura Nation provides troops. A complete cycle.

"Back to the price of the cannons," William II finally said, "if we reach an agreement on technology exchange, how much can you lower the price?"

Chen Feng was already prepared: "If Deguo is willing to transfer the following five technologies: the complete production process for Zeiss optical sights, Krupp's special smelting furnace technology, the high‑pressure fuel injection system for diesel engines, miniaturized radio technology, and …"

He paused: "the submarine's unlimited‑production warfare tactics manual."

The final item left William II and Xiao Maoqi both stunned.

"Submarine tactics?" Xiao Maoqi frowned, "that's highly classified."

"Precisely because it's classified, it has value," Chen Feng said, "Lanfang is an island nation and needs a strong navy. And Deguo's experience in submarine warfare is priceless."

William II stood up, walked to the globe, and gently turned it.

"President Chen, you are a shrewd businessman," he said, turning his back, "what you want are all core technologies of Deguo's industry. Optics, steel, engines, radio, submarines… together, they could be worth over two hundred million marks."

"But what we gain is a fundamental improvement of the Eastern Front situation." Chen Feng also stood, walked to the opposite side of the globe, "Your Majesty, war is not only a front‑line melee, but a contest of industrial strength, organizational ability, and strategic vision. Deguo on the Western Front has already become stalemated; the Eastern Front is the only direction where a decisive breakthrough is possible."

His finger pointed to the location of East Prussia:

"Better cannons, more optimized logistics, a more efficient command system, plus a steady flow of Sakura Nation troops—combined, these could completely crush Russia by the end of 1915. And once Russia exits the war, Deguo can concentrate its forces on the Western Front."

William II turned, his eyes fixed on Chen Feng, "Can you guarantee it? Guarantee that these improvements will achieve a breakthrough on the Eastern Front?"

"I cannot guarantee the war's outcome, Your Majesty," Chen Feng said frankly, "but I can guarantee that with these improvements, the Degjun's combat power will increase by at least thirty percent, and the Japanese army's casualty rate will drop by at least twenty percent. That means the same resources can cause greater damage for a longer period."

Xiao Maoqi was doing calculations. He quickly wrote numbers in his notebook, then looked up: "Your Majesty, if President Chen's figures are credible, then this deal… is cost‑effective from a military standpoint."

"What about from a political standpoint?" William II asked.

"Political angle…" Xiao Maoqi thought, "the deeper our cooperation with Lanfang, the stronger Lanfang's ability to check Yingguo's power in Yazhou. Moreover, if the Sakura Nation gains benefits from this war, it may later become a force that checks Lanfang in Yazhou. It's a kind of… delicate balance."

William II smiled, his smile containing both appreciation and caution: "President Chen, you've counted us all. Deguo, Japan, even Yingguo—are all on your board."

"Your Majesty, that's a heavy statement," Chen Feng bowed slightly, "Lanfang is merely an emerging nation, seeking survival in the cracks between great powers. We provide value, in exchange for development space, and that's all."

"What a 'that's all'." William II walked back to his seat, lifted his glass, "Now, let's discuss the specifics. Two thousand cannons—I want the first batch of five hundred within nine months, and full delivery by this time next year. Price… as you said, 120,000 marks per cannon, but the technology‑exchange portion should be deducted by forty percent."

"Thirty percent." Chen Feng countered.

"Thirty‑five percent."

"Deal."

The two clinked glasses. The brandy swirled in the cups, reflecting the study's fireplace flames.

"One more thing." William II set his glass down, "when can the Sakura Nation's second expeditionary force arrive?"

"The first fleet has already departed, expected to reach Hamburg in early May," Chen Feng said, "four divisions, one hundred thousand troops. This time we've improved the transport plan; each ship is equipped with medical teams and entertainment facilities, reducing non‑combat losses during the voyage."

"Very good." William II nodded, "tell them that when they reach the Eastern Front, a surprise awaits them—your new cannons."

Chen Feng smiled, "They will be grateful to Your Majesty."

The talks continued for another hour, finalizing the specific list of technology transfers, the schedule, and handover methods. Xiao Maoqi recorded everything, occasionally asking questions to ensure every detail was clear and accurate.

When it ended, it was already evening. Outside the Wuyou Palace, Berlin's sky was stained dark red by the sunset, like coagulated blood.

Chen Feng and Wang Wenwu boarded the car returning to the hotel. Outside the window, Berlin's streets were filled with hurried pedestrians; the war's atmosphere had already seeped into every corner of the city—recruitment posters, supply distribution stations, windows draped with black voile (signifying a household with the deceased).

"President, today went smoothly," Wang Wenwu said in the car, "the order for two thousand cannons, plus the technology exchange, is a massive deal."

"But the risk is also great," Chen Feng said, looking out the window, "the Deguo won't hand over core technologies lightly. We must be perfect in delivery and quality to earn their trust and obtain more."

"And Yingguo's side…"

"Take a moment to meet the Yingguo consul," Chen Feng said, "it's time they know that Lanfang is not a European ally's European ally."