Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 223: You Fight Your Own Wars
Fortunately, things turned out well. In the end, Ge Zhengfeng agreed that after the forty-nine-day mourning period for the former emperor of the Great Xia Kingdom, he would head to Anyang. With this settled, Li Xian leisurely took a plane back.
For Li Xian, Ge Zhengfeng’s slightly diminished status was actually a good thing, as it would make him easier to control in the future.
Of course, before leaving, Li Xian left behind two planes under the supervision of Tang Junfeng. This served two purposes: first, to subtly tell Ge Zhengfeng, “Don’t even think about running away,” and second, as a kind of special treatment—after all, having a personal aircraft was quite the privilege. It would also facilitate communication if necessary. The flight from the imperial mausoleum to Anyang took only an hour and a half, making it incredibly convenient.
While Li Xian returned from the imperial mausoleum with great success, Yan Ze’an had also arrived in Songzhou County, where he met with the county governor, Gao Bin.
To be precise, Yan Ze’an also traveled by plane, flying directly to Songzhou County. However, there was a common issue among the first-generation pilots—many of them struggled with navigation in the air. Yan Ze’an’s pilot even caused a bit of a joke by flying over a merchant caravan and asking for directions.
When a plane appeared over the administrative office of Songzhou County, Gao Bin was immediately alerted. Aircraft had long since become a signature of Anyang.
Seeing that there were only two planes in the sky, Gao Bin let out a sigh of relief. No matter what, two planes alone were not enough to start a war—at least for now, his assumption was correct.
Eventually, under Yan Ze’an’s command, the two planes slowly landed in an open space in front of the Songzhou government office. Only after landing did Yan Ze’an step out to meet Gao Bin.
“I am Yan Ze’an, the Administrative Minister of Anyang County, here to pay my respects.”
Officially, Yan Ze’an referred to himself as “Administrative Minister” rather than “Prime Minister.”
Gao Bin, watching from atop the city wall, saw that Yan Ze’an had followed proper etiquette by submitting a formal visiting card (though he wasn’t sure what kind of etiquette it was to fly straight to someone’s doorstep). Seeing this, he welcomed Yan Ze’an inside.
Before even taking a seat, Yan Ze’an began with praise: “Congratulations, Lord Gao! You now hold the position of governor for both Songzhou and Ningzhou counties. Your esteemed reputation has even reached the ears of those in Anyang!”
Gao Bin was overjoyed. “Not at all, not at all. This is just a small accomplishment, hardly comparable to the achievements of the Anyang Governor (Li Xian)!”
“Lord Gao, you mustn’t be so modest. Right now, in Anyang, people are singing your praises. Look at this.”
As he spoke, Yan Ze’an handed over several newspapers. “These are from Anyang. Please take a look—your achievements are being celebrated in print!”
Gao Bin took the newspapers and examined them. Sure enough, they featured extensive reports on his strategic brilliance, highlighting how he seized control of Ningzhou County before other ambitious figures could react. The reports even detailed how he managed to directly subdue the former governor of Ningzhou.
To be honest, it was indeed a masterful maneuver, and Gao Bin was quite proud of it. Now, seeing his achievements praised in Anyang’s newspapers and hearing such admiration from someone like Yan Ze’an, his pride swelled even further.
Thus, he asked, “Prime Minister Yan, how do you think I compare to the Anyang Governor, Li Xian?”
Yan Ze’an responded with a serious expression, “My lord, your wisdom lies in governance, while Li Xian’s vision is rooted in commerce. These two cannot be directly compared. But in my view, your strategic insight is on a higher level.”
“Hahaha…” Gao Bin laughed heartily, his voice so powerful that it made the table tremble slightly. “Prime Minister Yan, do you have any interest in joining me in Songzhou?”
Yan Ze’an maintained his solemn demeanor. “I sincerely appreciate Lord Gao’s offer. However, Anyang has shown great kindness to my Yan family, even saving our lives. As the saying goes, ‘A drop of water received should be repaid with a gushing spring.’ I must regretfully decline your kind invitation.”
Gao Bin was merely speaking casually, but upon hearing Yan Ze’an’s response, he naturally shifted the topic: “Prime Minister Yan, what brings you here today?”
“To be honest, as I mentioned earlier, our young master is not interested in competing for supremacy over the world but rather in developing industry and commerce. This visit is also related to commerce and industry.
We want to purchase a city in both Songzhou County and Ningzhou County to serve as Anyang’s commercial strongholds. Here, we will sell various goods from Anyang.
Not just ordinary goods, but even cannons, airplanes, gunpowder, bearings, internal combustion engines, bicycles, locomotives, trains, industrial wires (made from fungal mycelium), sea silk, weapons, armor, crossbows, and more will be openly sold. The pricing will maintain the consistent fair-pricing policy of the Brilliant Star Group.”
“Oh…” Gao Bin, having reached the position of governor and secretly controlling Ningzhou County, was certainly no fool. Upon hearing Yan Ze’an’s words, he hesitated. “It sounds good, but what’s in it for you?”
Yes, what benefit is there for you? Don’t even try to say it’s for the greater good—that’s nonsense. No need to embarrass yourself with such claims. Besides, if you’re buying a city here, are you planning to set up a military base? Then, when the time is right, will you just annex me in one move?
Seeing Gao Bin’s doubts, Yan Ze’an answered without hesitation: “As everyone knows, our young master’s goal is to establish a nominal commercial empire. This is the first step in building that empire. We aim to establish one or even multiple commercial strongholds in every county and every country. Eventually, through these commercial strongholds, we will create a commercial empire.”
“You plan to buy one or more commercial strongholds in every county and country? Do you have that much money? Even if you do, why insist on commercial strongholds? Your agency model works just fine!”
Gao Bin was no fool. Letting others buy a city within his territory? What if that city suddenly rebelled?
Yan Ze’an smiled naturally. “That would, of course, require detailed negotiations. My visit today is merely to express our intent, nothing more. If you agree, we can discuss further; if not, then forget it.”
‘If not, then forget it.’ In light of what was said earlier, this was nothing less than an outright threat. If they had commercial strongholds, they would do business. Without them, even a single screw wouldn’t be available for purchase in the future!
This was Li Xian’s confidence. It was precisely why he had waited until now to implement his “Commercial Empire” plan.
At present, in the Great Xia Kingdom, who would dare to openly declare: “I don’t want Anyang’s goods!” Even the strongest forces on the surface—Baofeng County, the Crown Prince, and Xiao Liming—wouldn’t dare say such a thing!
Gao Bin, of course, caught the implication and immediately narrowed his eyes at Yan Ze’an.
Yan Ze’an remained calm and composed; he held the upper hand, so he had nothing to fear. If this place refused, they would go to another county. However, deadlock was not a productive negotiation stance, so after a brief pause, Yan Ze’an continued: “We can swear that this commercial stronghold will be a genuine business operation, never a military base for conquest. Of course, if we are attacked, that’s a different story.”
Gao Bin tapped the table and pondered for a long time before suddenly asking: “What is Anyang’s view on the current situation in the Great Xia Kingdom?”
Yan Ze’an solemnly replied: “You fight your wars; we only do business.”
“Really?”