Rise of the Arms Dealer in the World War-Chapter 31 - The Ripple Effect

On the evening of the Treaty of Jeongyu's signing, the Emperor hosted a grand banquet, extending invitations to ambassadors and allied soldiers.

"Thank you for gracing this humble gathering of mine," the Emperor began, his tone solemn yet welcoming.

The banquet was unlike the traditional feasts of the Qing court. Instead of the expected imperial delicacies, dishes from various nations adorned the tables, while glasses of crimson wine sparkled under the chandelier's glow.

"Though we have endured trials, I firmly believe a brighter future awaits us!" the Emperor declared, raising his glass high. The room erupted in applause, the attendees following his lead and toasting in unison.

Whispers rippled through the crowd.

"He's diverging significantly from the ways of the Empress Dowager."

"Bold—could this be a signal of reform?"

Every move an emperor made carried political weight, and this banquet was no exception. The ambassadors exchanged knowing glances, recognizing this as a deliberate proclamation of the Emperor's intent to reform.

"And what do you think of my dear friend?" the Emperor suddenly asked, his voice cutting through the chatter.

A murmur spread. Friend? The question left the guests puzzled. Who among them could the Emperor consider a friend?

"I speak of Liu Feng, my plenipotentiary. Soon, he will be appointed as the Overseer," the Emperor explained, a smile tugging at his lips.

All eyes turned to Liu Feng. A man of the Emperor's age, his demeanor was both calm and commanding. The notion that he shared such a close relationship with the Emperor was a revelation that sent ripples through the room.

"Liu Feng, a close companion of Your Majesty?" Ambassador Herbert ventured, his tone measured yet tinged with disbelief.

"Indeed! Who could be more trustworthy than Liu Feng?" The Emperor's words left no room for doubt. He raised Liu Feng to the center of attention, solidifying him as the banquet's true guest of honor.

"This honor is far too great for one such as I," Liu Feng replied humbly, bowing deeply. "I am merely a messenger of Your Majesty's will."

"Nonsense!" the Emperor retorted. "Your will is my will. Do not diminish yourself. Who else but you could fill the role of Overseer?"

The Emperor's endorsement of Liu Feng left the ambassadors scrambling to reassess their perceptions. This was no ordinary envoy. As Overseer of the ports, Liu Feng's influence would rival that of the empire's highest ministers. Coupled with the Emperor's unshakable trust, his position became unassailable.

"We cannot underestimate him. Liu Feng is central to the Emperor's vision."

"And what of the friend you mentioned earlier? When will we have the pleasure of meeting them?" the Emperor asked Liu Feng, a curious smile on his lips.

"They remain shy for now, Your Majesty. In time, you will come to know them," Liu Feng replied with a knowing look.

"A gem hidden in plain sight, is it? I look forward to it," the Emperor mused, his tone brimming with intrigue.

Their exchange astonished the crowd. Was this truly a conversation between a sovereign and his subject? The closeness of their rapport defied convention, to the point where some wondered if Liu Feng might secretly be a royal sibling.

Though the banquet celebrated a new beginning, it also cemented Liu Feng's elevated status. None dared dismiss him now.

After the Banquet

As the guests departed, Liu Feng sought out Ming in a quieter corner of the palace.

"Overseer Liu Feng, is it?" Ming teased with a grin.

Liu Feng chuckled. "Why so formal, Ming?"

"Well, I wasn't sure if I could stand before the great Overseer with my head held high."

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"Then bow, if it suits you."

"Not a chance."

Despite Liu Feng's rise to power, their camaraderie remained unchanged. His appointment was never about personal ambition but about playing his part in the Emperor's grand design.

"It seems the Emperor has given you quite the boost. Overseer of the ports—essentially a plenipotentiary with absolute authority," Ming remarked.

"Authority under watchful eyes," Liu Feng countered. "The Emperor's men surround me at every turn. Even the soldiers stationed nearby report my every move."

"But that's irrelevant to us," Ming replied with a shrug. "We're not here to skim profits."

"Exactly. Such stupidity would be beneath us."

Liu Feng's smirk hinted at a shared understanding. His work was done; the stage was set. Now, it was Ming's turn to act.

"My father and the team are already hard at work," Ming assured him. "He's even meeting American businessmen himself."

"Master Yi Shin, personally? That's a bold move."

"It's the smartest choice," Ming confirmed. Long before the treaty was signed, they had prepared for this moment, sending emissaries to Britain, Germany, and France.

"This new concept of yours—contract manufacturing—it's ingenious," Liu Feng said, shaking his head in awe. "I'd love to peek inside that mind of yours."

"Open my head, and I'd die. And it's not a success yet. It could still fail."

"Fail? This? I doubt it. No one else has thought of something so perfectly suited to the times."

The plan was simple yet revolutionary. Foreign companies would share their expertise, and Qing factories would handle the production. The arrangement allowed both sides to benefit with minimal risk.

"Factories will be built in leased port cities. Materials are already stockpiled in warehouses," Ming explained. "With you as Overseer, we won't need to worry about political interference."

"It's flawless," Liu Feng agreed. "In just a year, you've surpassed all my expectations."

Ming's eyes glinted with resolve. "This is only the beginning."

Ming stood atop the half-constructed factory, gazing out at the horizon. The dim light of dawn painted the skyline with a fiery glow, a harbinger of the storm to come. He knew time was slipping through his fingers, and the future demanded more than cautious steps.

"Building these factories one by one won't be enough to prepare for what lies ahead." Ming's resolve hardened. His vision was clear—before the fires of global war consumed the world, his nation must wield production capabilities rivaling the great powers. This, he thought, was their final chance.