Empire Conquest
Chapter 216 - 212: The Style of Great Country Maker

Chapter 216: Chapter 212: The Style of Great Country Maker

Upon arriving in Puzhou, it was only afternoon when Bai Zhizhan first went to the Navy’s office at the shipyard to complete the travel procedures, then headed to the shipyard’s guesthouse to check into his room.

Since the arrangements had been made only that day, and Bai Zhizhan had come directly, it was not until he settled into the guesthouse that the shipyard’s leaders received the news.

As a result, while Bai Zhizhan was still hesitating whether to visit Zhao Yu for a meal or not, the shipyard director, Yang Hanlin, along with a group of senior managers, arrived at the guesthouse. They all knew Bai Zhizhan not only because he was already a Navy Major General but also because twenty years ago, Bai Zhizhan had served as the supervisor of the "Longjiang" and lived there for several years. Many of these senior managers had participated in the renovation works of "Longjiang" or "Mo River" and had worked under Bai Zhizhan. In Yang Hanlin’s words, the shipyard was like Bai Zhizhan’s second home.

In fact, Yang Hanlin had been promoted step by step to the position of director due to his participation in the renovation of the "Mo River."

Of course, Yang Hanlin’s enthusiasm was also driven by his wish to curry favor.

As for the reason, does it even need to be said?

Without saying anything about living a long life, as long as Bai Zhizhan didn’t die wrapped in horsehide, then within ten years at most, he would be one of the strongest contenders for the throne of Imperial Navy Commander-in-chief. Even if he ultimately didn’t secure that position, his status within the Imperial Navy would not be jeopardized.

For the shipyard, the future Navy Commander was a deity that must be respectfully treated.

It might be even more apt to describe him as the God of Wealth.

One could say that they were all sharp-minded.

What they valued was truly Bai Zhizhan’s influence in the Navy headquarters, and Bai Zhizhan himself was a firmly committed proponent of the carrier faction.

Like Yang Hanlin said, even if Bai Zhizhan farted, it would still be thunderously loud.

At the Puzhou Shipyard’s docks, two large carriers had already entered the final stage of construction, with plans to launch them on the La Ba Festival. As the construction followed wartime procedures, the outfitting time for these carriers was reduced to about half of the usual duration. Barring any mishaps, the carriers were expected to be completed by October of this year, the New Calendar Year 100, and be delivered to the Navy by year-end.

Of course, the key was before the La Ba Festival.

Once the carriers were launched, the docks would be vacant, and the Navy headquarters had not yet determined the construction standards for the second batch.

Generally, these were divided into technical standards and quality standards.

The technical standards had already been set; the key was the quality standards, as these directly determined the construction process and the acceptance criteria after completion.

The contract had already been signed, but before construction began, the quality standards had to be clarified by the Navy headquarters.

If the shipyard started construction before this, any mishaps, especially changes in acceptance criteria, would have to be addressed by the shipyard. Speaking gravely, not only could the shipyard busily end up accomplishing nothing, but they might also have to bear the corresponding liability for compensation. Even if the situation wasn’t that severe, they would still suffer losses due to breach of contract.

If Bai Zhizhan spoke a few good words on their behalf, perhaps all these issues could be easily resolved.

Clearly, the director had every reason to be enthusiastic.

Fortunately, these people understood that Bai Zhizhan, having traveled extensively, must be very tired. Thus, after expressing their concern and leaving the gifts they had brought, they took their leave.

In truth, the whole ordeal took a bit over an hour.

One must admit, the shipyard’s public relations manager definitely did his homework, knowing that Bai Zhizhan’s greatest hobby was tasting various branded coffees—more specifically, coffees from all over the world. So, among the gifts brought, there were over a dozen different cans of coffee.

Speaking of precious gifts, there was also a coffee cup from the former Ter Empire.

That was no ordinary utensil but an antique, made of gold and embedded with hundreds of diamonds and jewels. The description mentioned that this coffee cup had once belonged to the Emperor of the Ter Empire and had fallen out of the palace when the Empire collapsed, passing through several hands before reaching Yang Hanlin.

Bai Zhizhan was speechless.

While he indeed loved drinking coffee, he did not appreciate a coffee cup that could not be used for drinking coffee.

That item was too valuable, far beyond the scope of a personal gift.

Moreover, an empire that had already perished, an emperor that died in a palace coup, was really inauspicious. One could only wonder what Yang Hanlin was thinking.

Exactly because of that, Bai Zhizhan decided to put the coffee cup used by the Ter Empire’s emperor back as it was, preparing to return it to Yang Hanlin the next time they met.

As for the coffee, Bai Zhizhan took it all.

After dealing with the gifts, it was already evening. When Bai Zhizhan came out of the room, ready to go to the restaurant to eat dinner, he discovered Zhao Yu had already arrived.

He too had hurried over after hearing the news.

Fortunately, the Ship Design Institute was very close to the shipyard, and they were essentially one family. Even walking over would only take about ten minutes.

It was already dinner time so the two didn’t fuss over choices and went straight to the restaurant.

With the grand display earlier in the afternoon, and Zhao Yu being a celebrity here, the restaurant’s staff quickly arranged a private room for them.

Bai Zhizhan didn’t need to do anything; Zhao Yu ordered several dishes according to his taste.

After confirming that Bai Zhizhan had no official duties that evening, Zhao Yu also ordered a bottle of wine, meant to entertain Bai Zhizhan since Zhao Yu was allergic to alcohol.

When the waiter had brought all the dishes and wine, Bai Zhizhan finally initiated the conversation, explaining the reasons behind his visit.

"So, you mean to say you’re here seeking refuge with me?"

"With me?" Bai Zhizhan laughed bitterly and shook his head. Zhao Yu’s tone was indeed not modest, having a bit of a Great Country Maker’s charisma. "Suppose so. Otherwise, I’d be just a mouse in a bellows in the Imperial Capital."

"Do remember what I initially said? You, my lad, deliberately chose not to take the easy path but instead, you chose the hardest one."

"Old Brother Zhao..."

"Calling me ’old brother’ is the same, even if you end up worse off, I still have to say it."

Bai Zhizhan sighed inwardly.

In front of Zhao Yu, he couldn’t get angry at all.

Partly out of respect, and partly because he was worried. With Zhao Yu’s head, that had been through hardships, rebuking him might just trigger a fit.

Initially, after listening to Zhu Shijian’s advice and deciding to stay, Zhao Yu had told him the path he chose was incredibly difficult. Regrettably, at that time, Bai Zhizhan was too young and impulsive—accurately speaking, not having suffered enough—so he didn’t take Zhao Yu’s words to heart.

Of course, even if he had listened, what could have been done differently?

Indeed, Zhao Yu had merely given advice; afterward, he continued to support Bai Zhizhan from behind the scenes. He didn’t abandon Bai Zhizhan just because he hadn’t followed his advice.

That was just Zhao Yu.

He might act a bit effeminately, but inside, he was soft-hearted, though he scolded frequently, his heart was warm.

"This issue, you can avoid it temporarily but not forever," Zhao Yu said with a sigh. "Since you are here now, stay peacefully for a while. Get familiar with the surroundings. It’s too late today, I’ll come early tomorrow, and take you around to open your eyes. As for long-term plans, you need to be thoughtful about that."

"Don’t come too early tomorrow, let me sleep until I wake naturally."

"Still planning on sleeping in?"

"Brother, since the end of the war, I have not had a good rest. Now that I’m in your territory, I can finally sleep peacefully."

Zhao Yu was speechless, but he didn’t say much more.

Indeed, he had long realized Bai Zhizhan was nearly worn out, sustaining himself merely on willpower, unlikely to last much longer.