Chapter 432: Cairo Conference 5

Chen Feng kept a neutral expression: "The handover location can be a third‑country port agreed by both sides, I suggest Singapore or Gibraltar. The Royal Navy may also come to Dubai port—self‑pickup! As for the ship‑borne systems—"

He glanced at Wang Wenwu. Wang Wenwu then produced another document.

"This is the complete technical manual for the Revival class. It includes all operating and maintenance specifications for the fire‑control computer, radar system, and propulsion plant." Chen Feng pushed the document over, "We will not retain core secrets as we did with Deguo. The reason is simple: the deal with Deguo was debt repayment, while the deal with your country... we hope it will be the start of long‑term cooperation."

This remark again surprised the Yingguo side. A full technical handover? That means Lanfang is willing to share the most advanced naval technology? (The Yingguo immediately wanted to build their own Hood, so they took it outright)

The Navy Department admiral was about to nod in agreement immediately. But Sir Gray remained calmer: "Then, the price? Your Majesty, the President will not be so generous without cause."

Chen Feng smiled: "There are indeed conditions, but they are reasonable. First, after the two ships settle the debt, all pre‑war debts between Lanfang and Yingguo will be written off, and your government must issue an official clearance certificate. Second, for the additional technical data and personnel training, a service fee of two million pounds must be paid separately. Third—"

He paused, his gaze sweeping the room: "—Lanfang wishes to establish a long‑term military‑industrial cooperation framework with Yingguo. Over the next five years, if the Royal Navy has new ship construction or refit needs, under equal conditions, Lanfang's quotations and technical proposals will be given priority."

The negotiations entered the core stage. Over the next hour, both sides engaged in a heated yet restrained debate over price, payment method, handover schedule, and technical training details.

Yingguo tried to drive the price down, but Chen Feng gave no ground. Yingguo demanded more training slots; Chen Feng agreed but asked for additional payment. Yingguo wanted an early handover; Chen Feng said three months were needed to complete personnel placement and ship preparation.

At the table, the lamb chops had gone cold, the wine was empty, the candles had burned low. The waiter silently cleared the dishes and brought dessert, but almost no one moved.

Finally, at 10:15 p. m., a provisional preliminary agreement was reached:

Lanfang will use the "Revival" and the "Restoration Ship" to settle all principal and interest owed to Yingguo.

Yingguo will additionally pay a "technology service fee" of 1.5 million pounds.

The handover location is set at Singapore, no later than November 30, 1916.

Both parties sign a five‑year military‑industrial cooperation memorandum of understanding.

But just as Sir Gray was about to have his secretary draft the memorandum, Chen Feng spoke again.

"One more thing." His voice rang especially clear in the quiet hall, "Considering the current shipping‑security situation in the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean, Lanfang is willing, outside this transaction framework, to provide six brand‑new River‑class destroyers. They are specially optimized for anti‑submarine warfare, equipped with new sonar and deep‑water bomb launch systems, making them ideal for escort duties."

King George V narrowed his eyes. Here it comes, the real main event. Yingguo's biggest headache now is submarine warfare; merchant‑ship losses are hitting record highs each month.

"Price?" the king asked, succinctly.

"One ship costs 280,000 pounds. Six ships total 1,680,000 pounds. If purchased in a lump sum, the price can be reduced to 1,600,000 pounds," Chen Feng quoted.

The Navy Department admiral immediately calculated: Yingguo's self‑built destroyer costs about 150,000 pounds, but the construction period is long and anti‑submarine capability is average. Lanfang's quote is nearly double, but…

"Performance data?" he asked.

Wang Wenwu handed over another document. The admiral skimmed it quickly, growing increasingly alarmed: speed 35 knots, range 5,000 nautical miles, equipped with two active sonar systems capable of tracking four underwater targets simultaneously, and deep‑water bomb ammunition stock is three times that of the Yingguo ships of the same type…

"We need ten," King George V said outright, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

Chen Feng shook his head: "Production capacity is limited, at most six. Moreover, delivery must be phased; the first three can be supplied within three months."

"Eight ships. Price 1,800,000 pounds," the king countered.

"Six ships. Price 1,600,000 pounds," Chen Feng insisted.

The air in the hall solidified again. It was a battle of wills; whoever yields first loses the initiative.

Sir Gray tried to ease the tension: "President, eight destroyers are crucial for protecting our shipping lanes. This concerns the lives of tens of thousands of Yingguo people and whether war materiel can be delivered to Faguo in time."

Chen Feng was silent for a few seconds, then slowly said, "I understand. So, six destroyers at 1,550,000 pounds. That is my bottom line."

"Seven ships, 1,650,000 pounds," King George V made the final concession.

Chen Feng looked at the king, at those blue eyes full of fatigue yet still resolute. Two seconds later, he extended his hand:

"Deal. Seven River‑class, total price 1,650,000 pounds. The first four will be delivered within three months, the remaining three within six months."

The two hands clasped. A deal involving tens of millions of pounds that would shift the naval balance of power was sealed on a summer night in Cairo.

The waiter timely brought champagne. Crystal glasses clinked, producing a crisp sound.

"To cooperation," King George V raised his glass.

"To the early arrival of peace," Chen Feng replied.

But both knew that the toast celebrated not peace, but the start of another game.

The crisp clink of champagne glasses echoed through the hall, candlelight refracting a hazy glow on the crystal walls. Waiters silently removed the main‑course plates and replaced them with silver dessert trays bearing Arabian‑style honey‑nut pastries and French macarons. The band in the corner played a soothing string quartet—Dvořák's "American String Quartet"—yet no one in the hall was truly listening.

King George V set down his glass; his deep‑blue admiral's uniform glimmered with a muted sheen in the candlelight. He stared at Chen Feng across the long table, the earlier tension in his gaze having faded, replaced by a deeper scrutiny. The warship‑for‑debt deal was sealed, the champagne had been clinked, but both knew the real negotiations were only just beginning.

"President," the king began, his voice steady and each word measured, "regarding the debt issues between our two nations, we have reached a satisfactory solution. But as you said, this meeting's purpose is not only to resolve historical matters, but also to discuss the 'current international situation concerns.'"

He paused, waiting for the translator to render his words. Chen Feng gave a slight nod and made a "please continue" gesture.

"Then, let us talk about the Far East," King George V's tone grew serious, "Specifically, the Sakura Nation, and those Asian faces in Deguo uniforms who slaughtered Yingguo soldiers on the Somme."

The air in the hall suddenly solidified. The band seemed to sense the shift, and their playing unintentionally softened. Members of the Yingguo delegation—Sir Gray, Sir McMahon, the Navy Department admiral—set down their knives and forks, leaning slightly forward. On Lanfang's side, Li Te and Wang Wenwu exchanged a glance, but Chen Feng's expression remained unchanged.

"Your Majesty is referring to those Sakura Nation units hired by Deguo," Chen Feng said calmly, as if discussing the weather, "To my knowledge, about eight corps, 200,000 men. After eight months on the Eastern Front, they were transferred to the Western Front in early July."