Translator: ryangohsff Editor: Nora
Chapter 971 – Horse or Mule Depends on This Battle
Facing the sudden killer move thrown out by Ouyang Shuo, Shantha and the rest were evidently caught off guard. Trading with the western countries was hugely important to their territories. The moment they were blocked, it would be a huge blow to their territory finances.
Ouyang Shuo’s words were really obvious; they could only pass the checkpoint if their cooperate with Great Xia. If not, the ASEAN merchant ships could forget about entering the Mediterranean.
Shantha and the others were really solemn and said, “Xia King, we need to discuss alone for a while.”
“Please!”
Ouyang Shuo was really confident. Since Shantha and the others had enjoyed the huge profits that voyage trading had brought them, they would not be willing to give up on it.
This trading route that the Great Xia had spent so much effort to maintain could be a chip on the negotiation table sometimes.
…
In a guest room next door, the four of them gathered together.
“What now?” Siam Lord Theeradej asked.
The four of them exchanged glances. Before coming, they did not expect Ouyang Shuo’s attitude to be so strong.
Piao country Lord Mo Angyin said, “Why don’t we sign it?”
Out of the nine countries, Piao was located at the northwest corner, and it was quite far away from the ASEAN system. Furthermore, it was right next to the Indian Ocean, so western trade was one of Mo Angyin’s main financial sources.
If trade was stopped, the outcome would be catastrophic.
“That’s right. We have no choice but to lower our head when we are under them.” Theeradej agreed.
Shantha was a little worried, “How are we going to explain things to Uwais?”
“We are only cooperating for trade. We cannot give up on gold because of our face.” Mo Angyin’s attitude was really certain.
Seeing that, Shantha gritted his teeth, “Okay, let’s decide it that way.”
From the start till finish, the three of them did not bother seeking the opinion of Abdul.
In reality, Brunei became one of the richest countries in the world due to Yeo and natural gas reserves. However, in the game, both of them had no place to be used.
Brunei was small, and it also had a small population, so it did not have much power.
…
With their discussions completed, the four of them returned to the negotiation table.
Seeing that, Ouyang Shuo gave a smile that did not really look like a smile and said, “Have you all completed your discussions?” In truth, their conversation there had been spread to his ears.
Shantha and the others nodded, “The Great Xia is magnanimous and is willing to share with us the profits of voyage trading. As a friend, how could we reject? We were just discussing some minor matters.”
“Well said, we are friends.”
Following which, the negotiation proceeded smoothly as they went past point after point before signing the agreement.
As for the specific details, naturally professionals would handle it.
After the signing, Ouyang Shuo smiled, “This is a great matter, and we should share it with more people. Great Xia has invited various media outlets and is ready to hold a news conference.”
“What?”
Shantha and the others were caught off guard once more.
Ouyang Shuo’s face sank, “Why, are you all unwilling?”
“We will go!”
Shantha and the others’ smiles were even worse than crying. They could imagine what would happen if the news spread out.
But since it had come down to this, they had no way out.
During the news conference, seeing Shantha and the others smiled as they answered questions. Ouyang Shuo felt really delighted in his heart. When the news reports were released, they could not deny it even if they wanted to.
************
Settling the agreement, the next morning, the Emperor Squadron set sail once more.
Pretty much at the same time, news of the agreement that Shantha and the others had signed was swiftly spread by the Black Snake Guards to the various ASEAN states.
Java Country, Badong City.
In the City Lord’s Manor, Wuais’s face was really black as he gritted his teeth, “Those jerks really became Great Xia’s dog.”
“Scoff, they are afraid of Great Xia but I’m not.” A blood glow shone across his eyes as he shouted, “Men!”
“Present!”
“Inform the Badong Squadron that they have a mission.”
“Yes!”
…
Going across the straits of Malacca, the Emperor Squadron entered the Indian Ocean.
They passed the ocean region near Java and went down south. On The Emperor, Ouyang Shuo took out a map. Currently, his eyes filled with excitement.
Lemuria Civilization Ruins Exploration Map: using this map, players can trigger relevant scenario quests in the ocean region near the Lemuria Civilization ruins.
If nothing went wrong, Lemuria would be between Java and Australia.
For this, Ouyang Shuo specially instructed the Emperor Squadron Fleet Admiral Gan Ning to spread out the Cima Boats and Mengchong Warships to expand the search area and trigger the scenario quest.
They had travelled like this for four days, but they still had not seen anything.
Seeing that they were just about to reach Australia, Ouyang Shuo could not help but feel disappointed. “That should not be it. My luck stat is so high, so how can I miss it?” Ouyang Shuo was a little depressed.
At this very moment, an alert was sounded from the front.
The Emperor was located at the center of the squadron and was surrounded. As a result, Ouyang Shuo did not know what was going on. Luckily, the communication conches by Atlantis made communication more confident.
Quickly, Gan Ning came over to report.
“What happened?” Ouyang Shuo asked.
“My king, the Cima boats at the front sent out a signal before losing contact.”
Ouyang Shuo’s eyes froze and asked, “Did someone sneak attack us?”
“I’ve already sent out Mengchong warships.” Gan Ning did not give a definite answer.
Ouyang Shuo nodded, “Send out the mimicry flying devices.” Ouyang Shuo’s senses were really sharp. Since entering the Indian Ocean, he could feel that someone was staring at them.
“Yes my king!”
At this very moment, a series of cannon shots were fired, ‘Hong! Hong! Hong!’
There was no need to check; someone had sneak attacked the Emperor Squadron without a doubt.
Ouyang Shuo was really calm and said to Gan Ning, “Go all out. I want to see the results of the training. Whether we are a horse or a mule depends on this battle.”
“Yes my king!”
Gan Ning bowed and turned around.
Ouyang Shuo looked at the ocean region in front, “Is it Java?” The only party with the courage to attack Great Xia’s Emperor Squadron was probably Java.
Ouyang Shuo’s guess was correct, as the ones attacking them were the Badong Squadron sent by Uwais. To remove the effects of the trade agreement, Uwais chose the most direct and effective retaliation.
As long as they crushed the Emperor Squadron, the entire situation would change.
