Munitions Empire

"The factories I'm building here aren't just any random things," Pan Yiping leaned closer to the Lord of Winterless City and lowered his voice, "Military industries! Military application-level radar... and electronic communication equipment."

"Hiss..." The Lord of Winterless City genuinely didn't realize this. The merchant from Dahua in front of him could have such a wild approach. He took a sharp breath, and his gaze towards Pan Yiping changed.

Nowadays, merchants who can get their hands on electronic technology and radar technology are not ordinary people. Could this Pan Yiping in front of him have connections with the Great Tang Empire?

Pan Yiping smiled and continued to explain the source of his technology, "Isn't my son-in-law involved in related industries? He snuck out some technology... Opening a factory in the Great Tang would be courting death, wouldn't it? So, I came here."

The Lord of Winterless City nodded, that's right, the power of the Great Tang Empire in Dorne, or rather in Dorne and Gobur, is indeed not that strong. Secretly starting a factory here is a pretty good way to make money.

Frankly, the Dorne Empire has always been stealing various technologies, some from the Great Tang Empire, some from Shireck, in short... all kinds of technologies can be used, right?

Since Pan Yiping's son-in-law has the ability to get advanced electronic technology, of course, he's willing to give some support to the other party.

Nowadays, everyone has their roots, their background, and as for this Pan Yiping in front of him, he... doesn't seem to have a mark yet.

"Mr. Pan, rest assured, in this small area of Winterless City, this City Lord of mine does have some say." He offered an olive branch, hoping the other party would nod and agree to a cooperation.

Pan Yiping chuckled softly, a few years of experience had already shown him too many such nobility lords. To get him to bring out the real stuff, such a small role... might still not be enough.

"Sir, it's not that I don't trust you... Just that so many advanced technologies involve too many aspects... The military side will definitely have some thoughts, those above will also have ideas about such a big cake... I'm truly afraid, if you and I are tied together, it would also mean a dead end for both of us." After saying this, he stopped speaking and cast a sidelong glance at the Lord beside him.

The Lord of Winterless City was taken aback. He wasn't too clear about how much the military desired radar technology, but he certainly knew that even the most basic civilian radar technology was quite a huge cake in Dorne.

Indeed, as Pan Yiping said, such a big cake, as a small Lord, he really couldn't swallow! If he really provoked those above, replacing a Lord could be just a matter of minutes.

However, as the Lord of Winterless City, he indeed had more background than he appeared: This is Winterless City, after all! This is the most affluent and grandest port of Dorne, a place that the Tang Group once operated!

Such a prosperous port, if he didn't have some strength, how could he possibly be the one to become the Lord?

So, the Lord of Winterless City smiled and leaned in to Pan Yiping's ear, saying, "It's good that you understand the rules... To be frank, I walk the path of General Powell. If you indeed have the technology, I will take a share, General Powell will take two shares... and Your Majesty will also take a share... Only in this way will it be stable."

He wasn't bluffing, he really secured the Lord position of Winterless City through the support and recommendation of General Powell, and indeed belonged to General Powell's faction.

And this Powell, now a major figure in the military of the Dorne Empire, has been a trusted general of His Majesty The Emperor of the Dorne Empire since the day 'Dorne's Two Talents' "ran away from home".

Powell, indeed, has some capability. He controls the military and has heavily supported the development of various military technical equipment, although no less corrupt, the job performance generally kept His Majesty The Emperor satisfied.

Good heavens! The factory just started breaking ground, and here they are already claiming 40% of the profit, Pan Yiping suddenly felt that the Great Tang Empire can honestly be said to be the most favorable nation for merchants in this world.

He rubbed his brow, purposefully putting on a thoughtful look, though in his heart, he had already made plans long ago: Joking, the fear is that you guys don't want it... I'm here to send money, just worried about not finding an avenue to do so, and here you are finding one for me, I must thank your ancestors!

"Sir... only giving one-tenth to His Majesty. If something slips up later, wouldn't it be difficult to explain to General Powell?" After a brief moment of silence, Pan Yiping extended three fingers, "I am willing to concede two more tenths of the profit! You take one-tenth, the General two-tenths, and His Majesty... three-tenths! Only in this way, is it deemed secure."

On the right track! This is someone who can accomplish great things! No wonder he can steal technology from the Great Tang Empire and run a business! With such vision, with such courage... Damn, it's people like this who should make a fortune!

After silently admiring for a moment, the Lord of Winterless City contentedly settled back into his seat, unable to hide the smile spreading across his face.

He was incredibly satisfied with this merchant named Pan Yiping. Compared to the foolish locals, this man had projects capable of making big money and the boldness to make it happen—truly the perfect middleman.

With such a person aiding him in amassing wealth in the business world, he and his cadre of officials seemed poised to reap even greater benefits... General Powell would also be more satisfied with their supporters.

"Since Mr. Pan is so understanding... things will be much easier. In this domain of Winterless City, you will face no trouble in the future." The Lord of the City decided to win over this far-traveled merchant, while also flexing his strength: "As for any trouble Mr. Pan might cause, you'll find... those so-called troubles are no troubles at all."

"I also believe that, with your assistance, Lord of the City, nothing bothersome will come knocking on my door in Winterless City. Hahaha." Pan Yiping laughed heartily, pulling out a check from his chest and pressing it to the table, sliding it toward the Lord of the City.

As the saying goes, money makes the world go round. The Great Tang Empire's intelligence agency doesn't have particularly advanced tricks; it's merely a matter of using wealth to pave the way.

But this method is exceptionally effective; in this world, there are few tough people immune to it. Thus, the Great Tang Empire's intelligence agency is successful wherever it goes, winning in a single stroke.

The City Lord glanced at the thin check, initially filled with disdain. Those who brought gifts to him were never without stacked piles nor crates of goods. When had he ever seen such a meager offering?

But when he read the numbers written on the Great Tang Bank check, he nearly slipped off his seat onto the floor.

To be honest, he'd occupied such a lucrative position in Winterless City for five years and had never once seen so much money.

"Sir, being new here, my daughter and I must trouble you to look after us. A small token of respect, I hope you won't find it too little." Pan Yiping knew well this wasn't a small sum; he had calculated it carefully within the Great Tang Empire's intelligence agency to ensure it could definitely move the other party.

Too little? I'm just worried it's too hot to handle! The City Lord of Winterless City internally retorted, worried about whether taking so much money would be discovered and whether some would need to be shared with General Powell.

A few seconds later, he was already considering whether to ruthlessly extort this generous patron.

But he quickly dismissed this idea: truly intimidating was Pan Yiping's financial power and that mysterious son-in-law backing him!

If he entertained any crooked thoughts, the Great Tang Empire would intervene, demanding the person be handed over, and he wouldn't dare refuse. Stirring up trouble could mean a deadly outcome for him.

From another perspective, genuinely angering the opponent can't lead to killing, but once released, with their substantial wealth, if truly bent on revenge, he wouldn't have a good ending either.

Taking everything into account, mutually supporting each other in a cooperative manner, giving face to each other, seemed more prudent. The substantial offering from the other party, in a sense, was also a warning and an intimidation.

With seasoned experience and cunning, things seemed easier to handle. The City Lord of Winterless City picked up the check with his hand, flicking it with his finger before pocketing it: "From now on, sir, you will be my close friend. If there is anything, you and your niece can directly contact me."

"The Lord of the City is indeed a straightforward person! We merchants, after all, love making friends; the more friends we have... the broader our paths become." Pan Yiping exchanged some pleasantries before throwing out bait: "My son-in-law has some connections in the Great Tang Empire. If you're interested, cars, fine wines, cigarettes, fashion, watches, handbags... all have channels."

Upon hearing these, the City Lord of Winterless City felt his heartbeat quicken. The import of these items is strictly controlled; Dorne Empire's limited foreign exchange reserves are mostly spent on purchasing advanced technology and military equipment, critical instruments, and such—certainly not on importing luxury goods... at least, mostly not for luxury goods.

So how do the wealthy procure luxury items that signify status? The grey industry arises: smuggling!

Previously, the business was dominated by the Prime Minister's people; these civil officials are inherently devious, completely disregarding the military. Each is pretentious, viewing military officials as crude and vulgar.

It's simply because the other party controls the luxury goods smuggling channels, mostly facilitating internally, completely refusing sales to the military faction? Even if sold, it's outdated, inferior, leaving the military folks itching and helpless.