Chapter 10: The Duel of Cannons (Part 1)

  Just the next day, Tan Xiao reacted to the news brought by Wu De Guang: Notify the military merchants from six countries including England, America, Germany, France, Soviet Union and Italy who came to solicit business. Each person should prepare a list of data including old-fashioned infantry guns, new-style trench guns, 75mm mountain guns and field guns currently in service in various countries, 75mm mountain guns and field guns retired from World War I with existing inventory, 105 howitzers, cannons, 150mm heavy howitzers, cannons and all types of cannons and performance data, as well as documents containing single-door sample prices and batch prices above ten doors including freight. Tan Xiao is preparing to select three houses to buy a full set of samples for reference in the future equipment.

  Sensational! Absolutely sensational! Many arms dealers are even discussing Tan Xiao's official position: Is he the Minister of Military Affairs or the Commander of the Temporary Brigade? Of course, even if he is just a common soldier, as long as he can take out money to buy cannons, he is God!

  There were also people in a hurry: for example, the British Shite and the French agent, Wang Shilin of the Gui Army. The former received an urgent telegram from the Yee Tsoong Tobacco Company within a short period of time, asking him to get a share of the procurement of the 23rd Division's temporary artillery no matter what, with the focus still on those British military large stocks, which were being squeezed out by new-style trench cannons and large-caliber anti-tank guns. The latter was because Tan Xiao had already ordered eight Schneider field guns and wanted to look at other brands, fearing that they would lose a big customer, and even notified the French in Vietnam, complaining that their delivery period was too long, which made Tan Xiao very dissatisfied. When he received the reply that Tan Xiao had not paid the full amount, Wang Shilin revealed the big secret, shouting at the French: "You'd better go check where all the opium in China is going! You bunch of short-sighted guys!" So the French also became anxious!

  After the opium market, Tan Xiao became the hottest celebrity in China's arms market!

  For several days after that, all the arms dealers' representatives vied to find opportunities to talk to Tan Xiao alone. Even after receiving an order that no one was allowed to enter the military training base within a kilometer radius, they sent people to stand next to the kilometer marker pole and wait all day. In contrast, Xie Te, who was familiar with the situation, went to Wu Sheng's home in a roundabout way, spent a lot of money to get Wu Sheng to send someone to invite Tan Xiao back for a family dinner party to discuss matters.

  Tan Xiao, although during the Chinese New Year period, still goes to the military camp and stays with the troops every day for training and talks, rarely returning to the city. Today, as soon as he entered his father-in-law's living room, he saw Xie Te's face, which looked like Peng Dingkang's, and couldn't help but laugh: Who says British people are stiff? This guy is full of wit!

  Although he had lost interest in the British 6-pounder infantry gun at one point, Tan Xiao discovered another reason to use those guns after further training and a better understanding of China's military situation: apart from quality, the quantity of China's military equipment was also a major issue. The total number of artillery pieces in the entire Central Army was less than that of two Japanese divisions! At the current rate of procurement, by the time war broke out in two years, the equipment would still be far behind consumption. That's why he thought of those old guns with existing inventory - as long as they weren't too outdated, they were actually quite useful. The British 6-pounder gun was no exception; although this type of old-fashioned infantry gun had largely been replaced by new-style trench mortars, according to later information, it still proved very useful against the Germans and performed well in its own use - at least as a light cannon for regimental or battalion-level use. More importantly, judging from the British attitude, these leftovers were somewhat eager to be cleared out; if they could be purchased in large quantities at a very low price, why not?

  Xie Te brought a message to Tan Xiao today: if Tan Xiao purchases more than 100 six-pound cannons, the British side will provide a loan to build a munitions factory for Tan Xiao, which can produce shells from 20mm anti-aircraft guns to 150mm howitzers! The total investment is approximately 3 million yuan, and it will be completed and put into production within half a year. The British side will provide all the equipment and technology, guaranteeing to train more than 300 skilled workers and sufficient technical personnel to support production and equipment maintenance. The repayment conditions are that Tan Xiao must purchase training shells from the factory for three years at the current single-cannon training intensity, with all profits going to the British side. Additionally, the materials for making shells should be purchased from Britain at a price not higher than the average price of the United States, France, and Germany.

  "You mean I'm going to use a hundred cannons for training?" Tan Xiao smiled and said, "Do you think I'd train ten thousand gunners? Besides, the price hasn't been set yet!"

  "Uh... the price is negotiable, 20% off the original price, 8,000 yuan per unit, how about it? My friend, I've put in a good word for you at the foreign goods store to get this price..."

  "Plus a three-year interest-free loan to build an ammunition factory, with the stipulation that the shells must be made of copper-plated steel instead of pure copper, at 3,000 yuan per cannon!" Tan Xiao said.

  "You're joking! This isn't funny at all!" The Briton was furious.

  "I want a thousand gates! Cash transaction in silver coins!" Tan Xiao stared into the other's eyes "A thousand gates of your useless scrap iron stored in the warehouse, wasting oil!"

  Xie was drenched in sweat, his mouth agape as he sat frozen on the wooden chair made of acid branches. It took him half a beat to get out any words: "I... I need to ask for instructions, and I'll give you an answer tomorrow. Can this price be raised a bit? What I mean is, what's the highest price that Director Tan can accept? Uh, no, no, no, I'm not trying to probe you, you know, I really hope to close this deal. What I mean is, if the foreign firm can't bear such a low price, and actually the price difference isn't that great...".

  "Each one will be increased by 200, it's a commission for your personal transaction success!" Tan Xiao reported the price again.

  The other side had to consider, it was possible! Tan Xiao suddenly felt that he hadn't gone into business in his past life and it was a loss for China's business world. He knew the current domestic price of self-produced Type 82mm recoilless rifle was 4,800 yuan per piece! If this six-pounder could be sold at 3,000 yuan, he would even be willing to buy 2,000 pieces!

  After seeing off Xie Te, the Wu family's gatekeeper came to report: "There is a German businessman named Gu Z who wants to see Young Master Feng Sheng!"

  Oh, Germans have a keen sense of smell, how did they all become considered old-fashioned by later generations?

  "I wonder if the price of German anti-aircraft guns has come down?" he said to his father-in-law, Wu Sheng, who was completely petrified by the procurement quantity of 1,000 doors next to him.

  Gutz from Germany was indeed not as rigid as most of his compatriots, he was a very flexible businessman. He knew that Shete and Tan Xiao had been in contact for a long time, since he didn't go to the military camp outside, he must have had his own way, so he followed Shete.

  "Hey, if the son-in-law doesn't see him, I mean, if it's up to me to arrange things, maybe I'll even get a box of good German champagne..." Wu Sheng finally regained his ability to speak.

  "Alright, I'll see him tomorrow then!" Tan Xiao said with a nonchalant expression. In fact, he wasn't in a hurry to meet the Germans now. During their previous meeting about the anti-aircraft guns, the Germans had been somewhat arrogant, constantly flaunting their military power by mentioning the orders they received from the Ministry of Military Affairs. Tan Xiao made it clear that his negotiating counterpart was him, not He Yingqin or some other high-ranking military officer.

  After a German gave Wu Sheng a pair of golden watches, on the first morning of the Lunar New Year, he had the opportunity to have breakfast with Tan Xiao.

  "Warlord, a very typical warlord!" This was Gu Zhen's evaluation of Tan Xiao in his heart.

  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Guz. Have you considered the prices of those anti-aircraft guns? Tan smiled and got straight to the point: "I don't know if your country's air defense troops would still want to use the 57mm small ones after trying out the 88mm heavy anti-aircraft gun?"

  "Damn it, how did he know! It must be those military advisers who caused the trouble!" Guz was furious in his heart. The other side had already made it clear that this creative thing had become a useless thing.

  "Uh..." At first, Guz was speechless.

  "Come try some Chinese-style breakfast, this is youtiao, this is bai guo congee, bai guo seems to be called ginkgo in Latin, it contains components that are very beneficial for cerebral blood vessels, and there's these, crystal tea cups, just looking at them makes you want to drink from them, doesn't it?" Tan Xiao waited for the other person's response, he found that now he had a kind of effortless feeling when talking business.

  "Comrade Shuai, the situation with the 57mm anti-aircraft gun is not as bad as you said. Many of our air defense bases are still using them. You know, air defense doesn't just need heavy guns, small-caliber low-altitude anti-aircraft guns are also very important and in high demand. This type of anti-aircraft gun is not a stockpiled item in Germany," Guz said.

  "You've made a mistake! A very serious one!" Tan Xiao sneered with an arrogant smile: "Remember, when talking to a warlord, never correct him, because a warlord is always right! For example, the concept of air defense you mentioned, I know someone who absolutely disagrees with it, his name is Hermann G?ring. He thinks the best air defense weapon is the fighter plane! As for the 57mm anti-aircraft gun, it seems that it's no longer a main equipment in G?ring's air defense unit? Maybe, I can wait a bit longer, until they become inventory and then buy them?"

  Tan smiled, because he knew that the British also had many of these small and medium-sized anti-aircraft guns - not just German anti-aircraft guns could hit tanks! He didn't show Shete this procurement intention, because he didn't want to make it a simple transaction. He wanted to use the anti-aircraft gun procurement as a bargaining chip for the six-pounder gun procurement. So, for Guzzi, he just saw him as an exploitable object, using him to restrain other arms dealers, such as Shete.

  But soon, things took a turn for the better: Guse revealed that they were negotiating with Nanjing to supply military and industrial equipment to China in exchange for goods. And he knew that there were tungsten and manganese mines in places like Lingling and Dong'an that they needed, and smuggling of ore was rampant. The Germans were willing to trade in the same way, as for the price of the ore, it could be negotiated.

  A thought suddenly occurred to Tan Xiao's mind: could he use German funds and technology to build a metal smelting plant in Hunan, producing tungsten steel and other military alloys?

  In the end, no intention was reached on the trade of anti-aircraft guns, but both sides signed a memorandum: including cooperation in the development of tungsten, tin, lead and manganese mines in the Zero Ridge and Dong'an areas; The German side will provide aid to build a metal processing plant - mainly a factory that can produce copper-clad steel. However, on the tungsten industry, the Germans flatly refused to cooperate, which is easy to understand, as the Germans only needed China to provide cheap ore. This was a memorandum that reserved follow-up moves for both sides, and in essence had no practical significance.

  Germany and Britain are destined to be arch-enemies. Gusev had just left, and Shatov came in at once, without being announced, having waited a little while in the ante-room.

  Not all Britons are gentlemen, such as Prime Minister Churchill and arms dealer Shet who received US President Roosevelt while solving the big problem on the toilet.

  "Dear sir, I'm afraid your quotation is still too low, it's hard for the foreign firm to accept..." Xie spread out his hands and shrugged, with a regretful expression.

  "A lousy actor!" Tan Xiao determined. As a guy who was almost determined to make this deal happen, his performance was too easy-going and completely different from before. He should be able to accept my price, just wanting to get some extra benefits, at least not far from my offer. Tan Xiao remained silent, staring at Xie Te, which made Xie Te feel a bit uneasy.

  "It's really a pity to say that I can only offer this price...” Tan Xiao broke the deadlock. "Come on, friend, maybe we can discuss your other inventory item, the 57mm caliber anti-aircraft gun. Hmm, does your anti-aircraft gun have a folding carriage design?"

  Tan Xiao had given up on the six-pounder's swivel, which gave Shete a huge psychological blow. Wouldn't Tan Xiao add even one cent?! "Uh, hmm... Six pounds, uh, no, anti-aircraft guns? Ah, yes! Those anti-aircraft guns are good stuff. You mentioned that folding gun mount design, uh, we have it too. We're not copying the Germans, it's a brand new design from the British Empire... Ah, you're interested in that one? I mean those six-pounders, we put so much effort into them, and now they're all abandoned?" Shete couldn't bear it anymore, he received a reply from the trading company: Try to take advantage of the situation, whether it's price or other trade terms, or even exclusive rights for certain supplies or services. If necessary, make a deal!

  "When all other conditions are met, the only thing left is the price. If the price can't be negotiated, is it necessary to continue? Moreover, many functions of the 6-pounder cannon can be replaced by other products, such as the Type 37 anti-aircraft gun..."

  "Damn it! It must be that German guy!" Xie Te's heart sank heavily.

  "Ah, right, it's indeed like that, but, um, let me try again when I get back and see if we can reach a deal on the six-pounder. Of course, there might be other conditions added, you mentioned anti-aircraft guns earlier? Maybe a good order for anti-aircraft guns could make up for the loss of the six-pounders..."

  "Don't you think it will bring even greater losses? You know, my bids are always very low, I'm stingy!" Tan Xiao shrugged his shoulders, now he was already used to this action that is often seen in Western movies. "You see, these small-caliber anti-aircraft guns have started to become stockpiled in Germany."

  "Huh, no, no, no, the 57mm anti-aircraft gun won't be in stock, will it? Although they won't be the main characters anymore, I think the Germans are misleading you, sir. I think the German stock anti-aircraft guns should be those 40mm ones."

  "Are you talking about the UK?" Tan Xiao loved the gesture of shrugging his shoulders.

  "Yes, but do you think Germany will overtake the British Empire?" Scheer was in a hurry. He revealed an important piece of information: In Britain, 40mm anti-aircraft guns were becoming stockpiled and perhaps would not be phased out after all, since even later on there were still 20mm anti-aircraft guns being widely used, but undoubtedly their importance was decreasing.

  "I'm particularly interested in becoming a stock item, let's talk about this 40mm anti-aircraft gun?" Tan Xiao was indeed very interested in this thing. Of course, they may not be able to deal with tanks beyond 1,500 meters, but as an anti-aircraft gun with a larger caliber than the 37mm war defense cannon, it should still be possible to hit tanks at 1,000 meters. The small-caliber anti-aircraft gun's agile turning, rapid aiming, and nearly two-second firing rate can imagine that if a tank is suddenly attacked by them, maybe the tank crew won't even have time to react before being destroyed! Moreover, it is an anti-aircraft gun itself, shooting down planes is its specialty.

  "Oh, the price of these 40mm anti-aircraft guns won't drop too low, after all they can still be used to deal with low-altitude targets, and the British Empire has many ports that need them." Shete was speaking the truth, he thought that if Tan Xiao's way of directly pressing the price higher than the cost of melting down and transportation was used, the anti-aircraft guns wouldn't sell, so he wasn't very interested. "I think it would be more realistic for me to go back and persuade the foreign trading company to get as close to your asking price as possible on the six-pounder cannons."

  Seeing the Shette always revolve around the six-pounder, Tan Xiao's heart was pleased: "I said it, there are other things that can replace the six-pounder... Okay, maybe two hundred forty-millimeter anti-aircraft guns at a special discount will make me reconsider the six-pounder!"

  The six-pound cannon has thoroughly become a supporting role, an accessory to the transaction! Xie Te's heart is as cold as water!

  "You've beaten your opponent too hard, it's time to let up," Tan Xiao continued. "Old friend, I won't make things difficult for you. How about this: the total order is 2,000 six-pound cannons and 200 40mm anti-aircraft guns? Can your company afford to get rid of that many junk six-pound cannons and still care about the price of anti-aircraft guns?"

  Shute almost jumped up! Two thousand six-pounder guns! Almost swept the country's inventory! Just those who want to sell new-style war defense guns and large-caliber anti-aircraft guns to the military will subsidize enough money to help him make this deal! Shute really wanted to sign this precious contract immediately! However, now he wants to persuade the foreign firm to give in as much as possible on the anti-aircraft guns. But Shute is already fantasizing about sitting in the position of Far East General Manager of Jardine Matheson, creating a British sales legend and breaking all records for arms sales to China!

  Xie hastily bid farewell, he had too many things waiting for him. And at the moment of his farewell, another impatient figure, Wang Shilin of Guijun, brushed past: He brought the French.

  Under the leadership of Wang Shilin, the French saved their tribute to Wu Sheng and got the opportunity to have a face-to-face talk with Tan.

  As for France, a so-called great power that was substantially destroyed by Germany in World War II, Tan Xiao didn't think much of it. Because in the global trend against the opium trade, including the British and American concessions, all started to ban smoking, only the French concession remained unchanged. So Tan Xiao had an additional layer of hatred for the French, although he himself was also an opium dealer.

  However, Tan Xiao thinks that French military equipment is still good: for example, the Schneider cannon, the ancestor of China's Type 20 mortar, the French Brandt M27/31-81mm mortar, and the heavy but powerful 13.2mm caliber Hotchkiss M1930 machine gun are all good things. Moreover, France also has a very good trading platform: Vietnam. Therefore, among the arms dealers that Tan Xiao is going to meet this time, the French actually occupy a relatively high position.

  At the moment when the French delegation came in, Tan Xiao suddenly froze. His eyes stared blankly at the guests, unknowingly revealing a dazed and infatuated expression - as if his mouth was about to drool, Tan Xiao had turned into "Pig Brother"!

  In front of him was an oriental beauty: the two mischievous dimples on her egg-shaped face revealed a sweet smile, while her large eyes had a deep and mysterious aura. Her smooth and delicate skin, as well as her silky hair... "Oh my god, I've traveled back in time to see 20-year-old Xu Qing again?!" Tan Xiao's mind was in disarray. Before he traveled through time, when he was still a small class leader, Xu Da Mei Ren (Big Beauty Xu) was his YY object. After traveling through time, although he already had a sweet and lovely fiancée, in essence, Tan Xiao was still an old bachelor who hadn't even experienced his first love.

  Tan Xiao, who was also breathing heavily, seemed to have realized his own loss of composure and stood up with an unnatural flush on his face, inviting the other party to sit down - this was a treatment that even the British and Germans had never experienced.

  Perhaps this time's negotiation will be at a disadvantage! Tan Xiao's heart was extremely tense.

  (The author: The first time I wrote it, until today I feel a bit like it, looking back at the previous few episodes, they are unbearable to look at...)