Chapter 434: Cairo Conference 7

Chen Feng smiled. The smile was faint, yet full of meaning.

"Your Majesty, I am merely a merchant, an arms manufacturer. Politics and diplomacy are not my forte," he said modestly, then shifted his tone, "but I believe any effective guidance requires three premises: first, the guide must possess sufficient influence; second, the guided must be in a state willing to accept guidance; third, there must be a common goal acceptable to both sides."

He lifted his cup and took a small sip: "At present, the first premise is met by the British Empire. The second premise... the Sakura Nation will soon be more so. As for the third premise—"

He set the cup down, his gaze deepening: "—that requires both sides to sit down, at the right moment, for an earnest dialogue. Not now, amid anger and accusations."

Sir Gray keenly caught the key information: "'will soon be more so'? What does Your Excellency the President mean?"

"War will not last forever," Chen Feng said calmly, "regardless of the outcome, after the war ends the Sakura Nation's situation will only worsen. If Deguo is defeated, they will not receive the promised technology transfer. If Deguo wins... a powerful Deguo wants obedient vassals, not 'partners' with their own ideas. In either case, the Sakura Nation will face even harsher survival pressure."

He paused, then added, "By then, 'hunger' will become 'near death.' And the near-dead will either be destroyed in despair, or... will seize any lifeline offered."

When he finished, the hall fell into a prolonged silence. Only the faint crackle of candle flames and a distant steam whistle faintly echoing from the Nile River could be heard.

George V seemed to grasp Chen Feng's subtext. The Eastern man was not only explaining the current situation but also laying groundwork for the future. He was hinting: how to handle the Sakura Nation, how to handle Deguo, how to handle Europe!

And when the time comes, who can hand out that lifeline?

Yingguo can. But Lanfang... seems to want as well.

"Your Excellency the President," the king finally spoke, his tone regaining regal solemnity, "thank you for the... unique perspective you provided. It indeed gave us much material to contemplate. But forgive my bluntness—what role does Lanfang play in this game? A bystander? A mediator? Or... another potential guide?"

The question was sharp, straight to the core.

Chen Feng met the king's gaze, without any avoidance.

"Your Majesty, Lanfang's role is simple: a nation that wishes to do business in a stable, prosperous Yazhou." His answer seemed simple, yet every word was weighed, "We do not want a desperate and dangerous neighbor at our doorstep, nor do we want Far East turmoil to affect our trade routes. Therefore, we welcome any effort that can restore East Asian stability—whether led by Yingguo or by other nations."

He stood up. The move surprised members of the Yingguo delegation—the dinner had not formally ended.

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty," Chen Feng bowed slightly, "the long voyage has left me a bit weary. If permitted, I would like to take my leave early to prepare for tomorrow's itinerary."

George V also rose. By protocol he could have continued the conversation, but the king keenly realized Chen Feng had said all he wished for tonight. Any more would be redundant.

"Of course. Thank you for tonight's candid exchange," the king extended his hand.

The two hands clasped. This handshake lasted longer and with greater force than at the start of the dinner.

"Your Majesty," Chen Feng said in a voice only the two could hear before releasing his grip, "history is often written by those who can rise above present anger and see long‑term benefit. I believe you are such a monarch."

George V's pupils narrowed. The remark was flattery, a reminder, and also... a certain test.

He gave no reply, only a slight nod.

Chen Feng led the Lanfang delegation out of the hall. Li Te and Wang Wenwu followed closely, with the rest trailing in order. Their footsteps echoed through the spacious corridor, fading as they went.

The Yingguo delegation remained in place, silent for a moment.

At last, Sir Gray let out a long sigh: "He said everything, yet promised nothing."

"No." George V walked to the window, watching the taillights of Lanfang's convoy disappear in the courtyard, "He promised one thing—possibility. A possibility of solving the Sakura Nation's problem without war."

The Navy admiral approached, his complexion still grim: "Your Majesty, do you believe him? The story about 'hunger'?"

"I believe his description of the facts—the Sakura Nation is indeed in a difficult situation," the king turned, candlelight casting deep shadows on his face, "but I do not believe his motives are pure. Chen Feng is playing a very large game; the Sakura Nation is merely a piece on the board. And we... may be as well."

Sir McMahon asked cautiously: "Then how should we respond?"

George V pondered for a long while, then said slowly, "First, fulfill the ship‑trade agreement with Lanfang. We need those warships, we need anti‑submarine technology. Second, continue to exert diplomatic pressure on the Sakura Nation, but leave room, not completely shut down dialogue channels. Third—"

He paused, his voice deepening further: "—closely monitor Chen Feng's movements. I hear his next stop is Istanbul. I want to know what new card he will play there, and what deals he will strike with the Deguo and the Ottoman."

Sir Gray nodded: "I will arrange it."

The king walked to the dining table, looking at the seat Chen Feng had just vacated. The plates were barely moved, the champagne in the glass still more than half full. The Eastern man had spoken, explained, negotiated all evening, yet had scarcely eaten or drunk.

This restraint gave George V a deep sense of unease.

"Gray," he said suddenly.

"Your Majesty?"

"Send a secret telegram to Tokyo. In my private capacity, invite Prime Minister Xiyuan Si Gongwang... at an 'appropriate time' for an informal meeting. The location can be in Singapore, or Fragrant River."

Sir Gray's eyes widened in surprise: "Your Majesty, this..."

"Do it." George V cut him off, "Chen Feng is right; punishment cannot solve the problem. Perhaps... it's time to consider other options."

He cast one last glance out the window. In the night, the Nile River resembled a black ribbon winding through Cairo. This city, which has witnessed the rise and fall of countless empires—from Pharaohs to Rome, Arab caliphates to the Ottomans—tonight bore witness to a dialogue that could shape the future world order.

History always turns when least expected.