The refusal of Annan and the other countries was completely within Ouyang Shuo's expectations. His purpose of sending envoys to Annan and other countries was the same as his resolute counterattack against the Annan Navy, which was to seize the moral high ground.
In the future, when there was a war between nations, Ouyang Shuo could confidently lay his cards on the table.
The fact that five of the nine ASEAN countries were willing to develop trade with Shanhai City was already beyond Ouyang Shuo's expectations. Thus, the third step of his ASEAN strategy was successfully implemented.
Shanhai City's maritime trade was about to usher in a new era.
May 8th, Los Leones.
With the signing of the trade agreement between the five countries, the ASEAN affairs finally came to an end. The "enemies" and "friends" of the ASEAN countries had gradually become clear, clearing the last obstacle for the opening of Star State County to the outside world.
It had been more than ten days since the fall of Star State, and the domestic players had already calmed down from the surprise. As a result, the voices calling for Shanhai City to open Star State County became louder and louder.
It was under this background that Ouyang Shuo invited the leaders of the League of Mountains and Seas – Guild Alliance to Los Leones as guests to discuss important matters.
Blood Romance and the other guild leaders were naturally happy to go. With the precedent set by Cliff Mountain City, they knew that if Star State County was opened to the outside world, as allies, the guilds would enjoy priority.
They were right. This time, Ouyang Shuo was going to make a big move.
"Everyone, please take a look!" In the middle of the hall, there was a map of the ASEAN countries. Holding the Red Night Sword, Ouyang Shuo pointed at the dozens of islands around Star State Harbor and said, "Although these islands are small, they are very close to Java's Jinzhou Island. It's definitely the best place for PK in the national war."
Blood Romance's eyes lit up when he heard this. "Can the Bloodlust Mercenary Group rent an island?"
Xie Siyun and the others looked at each other and smiled. Blood Romance was indeed a PK maniac. With a leader like Blood Romance, it was obvious that the Bloodlust Mercenary Group was a group of warmongers.
Blood Romance wanted to rent an island right off the bat. It seemed that he was prepared for a long war.
Ouyang Shuo glanced at Blood Romance and shook his head. Before Blood Romance could speak, he continued, "These islands are only for sale, not for rent."
"For sale?" Blood Romance almost jumped up. He looked anxious. "Tell me, how much are you selling them?"
"Each island is sold for a hundred thousand gold coins. Once the Guild purchases the island, it will be the equivalent of building a concession within the territory. The Guild will have absolute authority over the island, and Shanhai City will not interfere, "Ouyang Shuo said.
"Are you serious?" Crimson Romance couldn't believe it. The conditions were too generous.
100,000 gold coins to buy a small island that could only build a small village seemed a little expensive, but it was not a loss at all. After all, not a single Guild in the China server possessed a Guild Residence in the wilderness.
Just this alone was enough to make the guild go crazy. Needless to say, the significance of these small islands was extraordinary. Apart from being used as a frontline PK base for Nation Wars, they could also be used as a springboard for adventures in the ocean.
For adventure-type players, this small island was a paradise for adventurers.
If the guild had the slightest bit of economic acumen, they could open up the island to adventure-type players and build a few specialized shops such as potions and repair shops. They would definitely make a fortune.
"Of course. If all of you require it, then Shanhai City can even provide a complete set of construction services from design to construction. How about it? "Ouyang Shuo's smile was filled with the stench of money.
The Lord who loved money as much as his life had returned!
"Brother Wuyi sure is straightforward. I'll buy it!" Crimson Romance no longer hesitated. He felt that Ouyang Shuo's way of doing things suited his temperament. He walked up to the map and prepared to choose an island.
"This one!" Crimson Romance took a liking to the island at the outermost edge of the map. He paid 100,000 gold on the spot. Then, he asked, "How much will the construction cost be?"
"The exact cost will depend on the design. We'll discuss it in detail later. Even if you want to turn this island into an impenetrable fortress, Shanhai City's Construction Department can do it. In addition, if you all need cannons, Shanhai City is willing to sell them for a thousand gold coins each. "Ouyang Shuo said.
"You're even selling cannons?" Crimson Romance was speechless.
"As long as the price is right, there are no weapons or equipment in Shanhai City that are not for sale." Ouyang Shuo didn't look like a Great Lord at all. He was purely a profiteer who only cared about money.
"Hiss ~ ~ ~"
Even Crimson Romance was shocked by Ouyang Shuo's boldness.
Of course, Ouyang Shuo wasn't crazy.
If Shanhai City managed these islands, they would naturally make a fortune. They would definitely earn more than 100,000 gold. The problem was, Shanhai City would have to spend a lot of effort to maintain order on the islands.
It wasn't hard to imagine what kind of players would arrive on such an island. They would either devour and kill, or they would pursue extreme excitement. They would enjoy the thrill of PvP, hovering on the brink of death.
Regardless of which type, they were all arrogant and unruly.
Shanhai City's local guards lacked experience in managing these players. If they weren't careful, they could easily get into trouble. If they tried to suppress these players, it would affect Shanhai City's reputation. It was a thankless task.
However, if they sold the islands to a guild, the situation would be completely different. The islands belonged to the guild. Even without Ouyang Shuo's orders, the guild would do their best to manage them.
When it came to managing adventure-type players, the guild was the true expert. No matter how arrogant a player was, they would have no choice but to obey the guild's orders.
This was a true win-win situation.
As for selling cannons and equipment, apart from making money, they would also increase the island's defenses. Building an impenetrable fortress wasn't just for show.
As long as the islands were as stable as Mount Tai, the Star State Harbor wouldn't be harassed by the Java players.
In other words, the adventure-type players stationed on the islands were the most 'loyal' Iron Blood Guards of Lion City. Not only were these guards free of charge, but they were also very hot-blooded.
Such a good thing couldn't be found even if one had a lantern.
It wasn't that Ouyang Shuo was treacherous, nor was it that he was despicable. He was even using hot-blooded patriots. He was only using the resources reasonably to achieve a win-win situation for all parties.
His calculations couldn't be any more shrewd.
No matter what Ouyang Shuo planned, the guild leaders wouldn't give up such a great opportunity. There were less than 20 islands around Star State County, and there were even fewer that could be used. There were only 15 or 16 of them.
Those with superior geographical locations were even rarer.
The Shanhai Alliance-Guild Alliance had expanded to 12 guilds. Except for [A Thread], which didn't participate, the rest had to be bought. Just like that, 11 islands were removed.
There were only four or five islands left for the other guilds in the China region, and they were of the worst quality. As for the remaining islands, Shanhai City would hold an open auction, and the highest bidder would win.
"Even if it's [Crisscrossing Sword Ki], as long as you're willing to pay a high price, we'll sell it!" Ouyang Shuo made a bold statement, and he really planned to do so.
In the face of a national war, they couldn't be too calculative about internal grudges.
If they excluded the top 10 guilds like [Crisscrossing Sword Ki], [Eighteen Steeds of Swallow and Cloud], and [Embroidered Uniform Guards] just because they didn't belong to the same faction, it would be too petty.
From now on, Ouyang Shuo would slowly create an atmosphere of unity within the country. This way, he would subtly strengthen the role of a leader in the national war.
Of course, when it came to the competition for hegemony within the country, they still had to fight as they should.
"Distinguish between inside and outside!" This was Ouyang Shuo's style of doing things.
According to Ouyang Shuo's preliminary estimates, through the sale of the islands, construction, and weapons, Shanhai City could rake in at least 2 million gold coins.
After a national war, Shanhai City's profit on the surface had already exceeded 7 million gold coins, which was basically the same value as the treasures of the North Bay. Otherwise, why would people say that war was the fastest way to accumulate wealth?
Of course, this was also Shanhai City.
If it were any other territory, without a navy that could dominate the ocean, they wouldn't be able to play such a war game, and they would be drowned by the ASEAN countries in minutes.
After sending off the guild leaders, the affairs of Star State County basically came to an end. A few days ago, Pei Ju had already rushed to Lion City to take up his post, and Ouyang Shuo didn't have to worry about the specific government affairs of Star State County.
On the day Pei Ju took up his post, Ouyang Shuo prepared a big gift for him.
After Secretary Lang Bai Nanpu announced the appointment, and Pei Ju thanked him, Ouyang Shuo took out the divine weapon Starlight Sword and said solemnly, "This sword is called Starlight, and it's a famous weapon of Star State County. The person who holds this sword will represent me in taking charge of Star State County, mediating the ASEAN, and raising the prestige of Shanhai City. Today, I bestow this sword to you, I hope you take good care of it. "
Although Star State County was small, it was the first county in the territory to be isolated overseas. Whether it was symbolically or strategically, it was extraordinary, and it was a huge test for the county governor.
It was precisely because of this that Ouyang Shuo bestowed the sword today.
In ancient times, there was the imperial sword, and today, there was the Starlight Sword.
In ancient times, the imperial sword was a symbol of supremacy. It was originally a weapon used by the emperor, and it was bestowed to the elders and important ministers, granting them the privilege to act first and report later.
'Like I Am Present!' was the most essential summary of the imperial sword.
In a sense, the Starlight Sword played the role of the imperial sword. Star State County was isolated overseas, and there were some matters that couldn't be reported to the Protectorate of the Southern Border in time, so the county governor had to be given the right to make decisions on the spot.
The Starlight Sword was the embodiment of this privilege.
It could be imagined that Ouyang Shuo's act of bestowing the sword would become a legend in the future.
Hearing this, Pei Ju solemnly knelt to express his gratitude, his expression excited. "This humble subject thanks you, and will definitely not disappoint the marquis." As he spoke, he respectfully stepped forward, took the Starlight Sword with both hands, and solemnly strapped it to his waist.
As an old and experienced minister, how could Pei Ju not understand the meaning of this sword? To a minister, such kindness from the marquis was already the highest honor.
Even someone as calm as Pei Ju couldn't help but be overwhelmed with emotions.
Star State County had Pei Ju in literature, and Yan Huo in martial arts. There was nothing to worry about!
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