Iron Dynasty Chapter 1083

“Our Empire utilizes a form of machinery crucial for its industry, and this machinery requires this black oil to operate,” Tang Wenjie stated plainly. He omitted no details. During his time in Qingzhou, the Emperor had indicated that procuring petroleum from Persia and the Ottoman Empire was the most advantageous course, though not the sole option. Should diplomatic efforts falter, resources would be allocated to extract petroleum within Southeast Asia. This foresight granted him significant leverage in the current negotiations. After a brief exchange, Tang Wenjie recognized Kambis as a perceptive individual. Concealing information would be futile, as Kambis would eventually discover the truth, potentially damaging their relationship when the deception was revealed.

“I understand. I had no idea black oil possessed such a vital application,” Kambis expressed, his heart swelling with optimism. At least now, he possessed a tangible item for trade with the Eastern Empire; otherwise, he would have entered this negotiation entirely devoid of bargaining power.

“Precisely. So, what are Your Majesty the King’s thoughts?” Tang Wenjie inquired once more.

Kambis remained silent, his gaze meeting Al-Sassi’s. After a moment of contemplation, he posed his request: “I wish to inspect your steel warships. Would that be permissible?”

“Certainly,” Tang Wenjie’s eyebrows lifted slightly. He finally grasped Kambis’s objective, confirming his assessment of the man’s shrewdness.

The negotiation paused temporarily as Tang Wenjie guided Kambis and the other Persian dignitaries aboard the steel warships anchored in the harbor.

Upon beholding the steel warships, Kambis’s eyes remained fixed on the six formidable vessels, like colossal sea beasts. Following a demonstration of their impressive firepower, Kambis fell into a profound silence. After a considerable interval, he gazed out at the sea and declared, “Persia shall supply you with petroleum, in any quantity you desire. However, we have one condition: you must cease all cooperation with the Ottoman Empire and source your black oil exclusively from us.”

Tang Wenjie offered a wry smile, shaking his head. “Even merchants explore multiple options. If we were to deal solely in your black oil, how would we establish a fair price?”

Kambis was momentarily stumped. Within Persia, black oil was not regarded as a valuable commodity and was thus inexpensive. If he were to propose an exorbitant price now, the Eastern Empire would undoubtedly refuse.

After a period of deliberation, he proposed, “The black oil will be provided at no cost. In return, you must assist us in establishing production lines for firearms and cannons.”

Tang Wenjie exhibited considerable surprise. This was no small undertaking, and he was hesitant to commit immediately. Nevertheless, he recognized the possibility of negotiating this demand down to its most basic form. He stated, “Even if our Emperor consents, you will not receive the production lines for the advanced weaponry you have witnessed. At best, you will acquire production lines comparable to current European standards. Furthermore, the Empire will not divulge proprietary technology; we will exclusively sell you the machinery for production.”

“Even under such terms, we would be exceptionally content,” Kambis replied. He understood that possessing vast quantities of black oil would be meaningless if he could not protect it; it would merely enrich others. The might of the Eastern Empire could certainly be directed towards conquering Persia to seize the black oil, but their current intentions clearly lay elsewhere.

Tang Wenjie nodded in agreement. “Additionally, we wish to acquire the port of Abbas for use as our commercial hub. What are Your Majesty’s thoughts on this matter?”

“No king would relinquish his sovereign territory, but I can offer you a lease,” Abbas responded with slight hesitation. The issue of land was of paramount importance, and ceding it would undoubtedly undermine his authority.

Tang Wenjie expressed mild disappointment but accepted the compromise. “Very well, I shall relay our Emperor’s request to him.” Tang Wenjie offered a respectful bow to Kambis.

Kambis felt a measure of apprehension, uncertain whether the Eastern Empire’s Emperor would accept his proposed terms. In his view, this presented a vital opportunity for the Persian Empire to regain its former strength. The world was undergoing immense changes, and Persia could no longer afford to remain stagnant. Failure to adapt would inevitably lead to their subjugation amidst the escalating rivalry between Eastern and Western powers.

With an accord reached on their respective conditions, Tang Wenjie saw no reason to prolong his stay. After bidding farewell to Kambis, he gave the order for the warships to depart.

“Woo woo…”

Accompanied by a blaring whistle, the six warships commenced their slow journey eastward.

Kambis and the Persian nobles remained at the port, observing until the six vessels, unreliant on wind, vanished completely from their sight.

“Such a formidable nation. I sincerely hope fortune favors us this time, leading to friendship rather than conflict,” Kambis remarked, a mixture of anticipation and apprehension in his tone.

Al-Sassi commented, “It is evident that the Eastern Empire seeks to avoid incurring additional enemies while engaged in their ongoing rivalry with the powerful European nations. Their arrival this time signifies peaceful intentions.”

Kambis’s gaze drifted, lost in thought. He sighed and turned to depart.

…

Qingzhou.

Upon arriving in Dengzhou after a month at sea, Tang Wenjie made his way back aboard a steam locomotive.

Without a moment's delay for rest, Tang Wenjie immediately presented his Persian expedition report to Xiao Ming.

“Establish a manufacturing line for firearms and cannons?”

Xiao Ming's brow furrowed upon hearing Tang Wenjie’s account. Tang Wenjie's entire journey had spanned three months.

During these crucial three months, with his endorsement, the Empire had successfully founded factories dedicated to internal combustion engines, automobiles, industrial machinery, and heavy industry.

The Empire was now poised to ramp up production of internal combustion engines and related machinery. Amidst this pivotal phase, the issue of petroleum supply was escalating into a more complex problem.

“I made it exceedingly clear to the King of Persia, Kambis, that even with His Majesty’s approval, they would only receive a manufacturing line akin to those found in the West for firearms and cannons,” Tang Wenjie stated with caution.

After a brief period of contemplation, Xiao Ming declared, “In that scenario, we shall consent to his proposition. We will assist them in setting up production lines for the Conqueror-style rifle and smoothbore cannons. Both of these lines merely necessitate the utilization of steam engines, and their technology is not particularly cutting-edge.”

“Are we truly agreeing to their terms?” Tang Wenjie still harbored a degree of uncertainty.

“The production lines that the Empire has superseded are now stored in our warehouses, gathering dust. It would be a regrettable waste to let them rust. We might as well transfer them to Persia. Word of our petroleum acquisition from Persia will inevitably reach Europe, igniting their attempts to stir up trouble. We will require Persia to possess the capacity to fend off external threats, thereby securing a stable environment for our endeavors. Simultaneously, this Kambis holds an overly simplistic view of these production lines; once established, they will be compelled to purchase our steel for weapon manufacturing and also procure ammunition. This effectively creates an avenue for us to offload our arms. What is there not to favor in such an arrangement?”

Tang Wenjie pondered this revelation for a moment before suddenly striking his forehead. “Precisely. Through this, Persia will become intrinsically linked to our military apparatus. Your Majesty's wisdom is unparalleled.”

A subtle smile played on Xiao Ming’s lips. This presented an opportunity for him to forge a unique, OPEC-like consortium in this world, a chance he certainly would not let slip away.