It's broken, and was picked up by a femme fatale

In April, Ning Great Wall was conquered in ten days.

In May, the Qila New Army swept across Putuo and Dingjia in half a month, and its impressive military achievements were astonishing.

In early June, Shanyang and Beizha knew they were no match for the opponent, so they took the initiative to surrender and accepted the punishment.
Their thoughts were straightforward. Seeing the changing situation in the Far East, they hoped to get a piece of the pie under the rule of the "Eight Directors Association".

There are nine counties in Jidong County, and the Qila New Army has already taken control of six.

Moreover, the number of troops has increased by more than 30,000, and the number of various weapons has further increased.
Especially after two months of fighting,
Whether it is marching in the field or siege fighting,
The veteran troops have received different degrees of training and accumulated valuable experience.

The special attack team played the entire game.
It can definitely be described as "wind, forest, mountain and fire", and has received unanimous praise from all parties, including opponents.

This made Lu Yuan, the founder of this army, inevitably feel a little proud in secret.

The new Qira army suddenly appeared, and the situation in Far East County changed suddenly.

Beizha State fell into the hands of the new Qila army, and was separated from the county seat by a river.
The county governor urgently ordered 8,000 county soldiers to deploy along the river, dig deep trenches and build high fortifications to defend the area with all their might.

The county governor was unwilling to give up power.
On the one hand, he sought help from the imperial court, and on the other hand, he offered generous conditions to the foreigners from the nine countries.

Not only did he hire foreign riflemen, he even hoped for ironclad ships to help in the war.

For unknown reasons, this time, the great powers issued a public statement:

We will not get involved in the internal disputes of Far East County, but we hope that both sides can negotiate amicably and resolve them peacefully.

Zhu Yingjun frowned: "Chairman, what do you mean by foreigners?"

Lu Yuan smiled gently:
"Justice does not lie in people's hearts, right and wrong lies in strength...

I think they are probably waiting for the dust to settle!"

Wang Laowu was overjoyed: "So, we can go all out and do it?"

Lu Yuan laughed and said:

"Actually, I think what the foreigners said is quite good, friendly negotiation and peaceful resolution..."

Zhu Yingjun said indifferently:

"That old man sold everything he had and gathered several thousand people.

They are not enough for us to fight, why should we be polite to them? "

Lu Yuan shook his head and said slowly:

"The county soldiers are well-trained, equipped with cannons and rotary machine guns.
There are also small steamers. It is difficult for us to completely encircle the county town now...

The county city is three meters high. If you attack the city by force, you can’t take it down without killing thousands of people…”

Wang Laowu patted his chest and said:

"Chairman, how about leaving the siege to me?
Just give me the mortars and grenade launchers. If you can't get them within three days, I'll kill you!"

Zhu Yingjun chuckled and said, "Three more days? I only need two days!"

Wang Laowu glared at Zhu Yingjun and quickly said:

"Then I'll take two days..."

Lu Yuan said, "We haven't even started yet, why are you in such a hurry? If you have anything to say, let's talk about it at the meeting!"

Suddenly, a sentry came to report:

"Report! Representatives from nine merchant groups are here to visit Chairman Shen!"

Oh!
Foreigners are very quick!

"Well, invite them to the big tent."

Lu Yuan, Zhu Yingjun and Wang Laowu looked at each other and guessed the purpose of the foreign merchant group's visit.

As Lu Yuan walked, he asked:
"What do you think they will say when they meet later?"

Zhu Yingjun smiled and said, "I'm afraid you are not here to test the waters by throwing a stone?"

Wang Laowu said: "I think I have to rely on Director Shen.

Protecting their interests... is like treating you as the Lord of the Far East!"

Lu Yuan looked at Wang Laowu in surprise.

"Oh, you also know 'protecting interests'?"

Wang Laowu smiled innocently and said:
"What's so strange about this? I used to carry bags at the dock.
Foreigners and traitors keep talking about "profits"... I'm tired of hearing it..."

Lu Yuan nodded and said with a smile:

"You're right, the world is bustling with people, all for profit!
Let's go, let's meet today, foreign devil representative!"

Three representatives from the Nine-Nation Merchants Group arrived.
Elizabeth, the Kingdom of Yingjisha
Golden Horde, Barov,

Izu Island, Ximen Ubei,

Lu Yuan nodded. 3V3, very fair and just.

After the greetings, let's get down to business.
The people of Yingjisha are quite straightforward, and Elizabeth is even more outspoken:

"At present, there is an armed standoff in the Far East. In order to avoid harming innocent people,
The nine-nation merchant group unanimously hopes that you will exercise restraint and not provoke conflict! "

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and said frankly:

"Ms. Elizabeth, your request,

This seems inconsistent with your previous statement. How do you explain it? "

Elizabeth said slyly:
"The world is dynamic, things are changing all the time, we must keep pace with the times..."

Zhu Yingjun pointed to the other side of the river and said:
"Can I understand that you choose to stand on the opposite side?"

Elizabeth shook her head in denial.

"NO! We remain neutral.
However, the Nine Nations Merchants Group has great interests in the Far East County City, and we are just trying to prevent the situation from getting out of control."

Zhu Yingjun then asked:
"But your so-called prevention has seriously interfered with our actions..."

Barov raised his eyebrows and said vaguely:
"Anything that harms the interests of the Nine Nations Merchant Group will be considered a hostile act!"

Wang Laowu chuckled:
"We can do whatever we want on our own land.
If you don’t like it, go ahead!”

Ximen Youbingwei smiled sinisterly:
"Everything must follow the rules. Now, the rules of Far East County City are
Half of it was agreed upon by the Nine-Nation Merchant Group. Are you sure you want to be the one who breaks the rules?"

Lu Yuan smiled and said lightly:

"Don't you realize,
Now that we are here, shouldn't the rules of Far East County also keep up with the times?"

Zhu Yingjun's eyes lit up.
Use your own spear to attack your own shield, get it!

Barov and Ximen Youbingwei looked at Lu Yuan, as if trying to judge the meaning of this sentence.
Elizabeth responded more quickly:

“At least for now, we haven’t found any areas that need improvement…

However, if Chairman Shen has any good suggestions, please share them for our reference."

The Kingdom of Tifa was forced to open its doors, open its markets, establish foreign borders and station troops.
The administrative and judicial systems of the foreign areas, that is, the areas where foreigners live, are independent and not subject to the control of local government offices.

Even more serious is the economic policy.
For example, the Far East Customs was completely controlled by foreigners, and 5% of the tariff was used as war reparations.

However, currently, the general tariff rate in all countries of the world is 10%.

In this way, not only will the tax collected be less,
The great powers' wanton dumping of large quantities of industrialized goods dealt a heavy blow to Tifa's weak national emerging industries.

Therefore, Tifa, a man of insight, has been calling out loudly:
"Abolish the foreign territory, withdraw the garrison troops, and take back the customs authority!"

Lu Yuan did not hide it and raised a finger.
"If we take control of Far East County, the Diyang Boundary can be put to rest..."

Barov immediately blew his beard and glared.

He immediately thought that Shen Beixuan was a radical nationalist.
"Absolutely impossible! The Ocean Realm is a treaty signed with your king, not a single word of it can be changed!"

Lu Yuan was not angry at all, but asked:

"Mr. Barov, according to civilized society, interrupting others is not gentlemanly!" Barov never expected that he, a noble, would be mocked by the uncivilized Tifa people.

"You were the first to challenge the Nine-Power Treaty!"

Lu Yuan shrugged and said slowly:

"You have always preached liberty, equality, and fraternity,
So, I want to ask, among the nine countries, are there any ocean boundaries of other countries?"

"How can it be the same?"

"Why is it different?"

Lu Yuan quickly responded:
"Is it true that in your subconscious mind,
Have you already determined that the Tifa people, and even the Sith people, are barbaric, ignorant and backward?"

As a great power, when facing Tifa,

Inevitably, one will adopt a condescending and superior attitude.

That is, the arrogance of civilization!
Although Barov would not give people a chance to criticize him,
However, the fact that he deliberately showed a half-smile on his face spoke for itself.

It’s like asking, “Isn’t this the truth?”

However, at this moment, Ximen Youbei's expression became unnatural.

Because, Izu Island also belongs to the Sith Continent,
The Izu people had a small territory and could not resist the invasion of the great powers.

So, the ironclad ships sailed to the coastline,
Izu knelt down quickly from top to bottom.

Then it was all about westernization and belt tightening.

After ten years of the Westernization Movement, we can now barely hang a table corner.

Although Izu is a follower of the great powers, or a little carrot head...

In short, it's not worth mentioning.
But, to the Tifa Kingdom, Izu is a powerful country armed to the teeth!

There is no doubt that Lu Yuan did it on purpose.
Because the Golden Horde, with its vast territory and sparse population, was just a showpiece, a "countryside hustle" of the great powers.
The most interesting thing is that the Golden Horde and Izu Island are across the sea from each other.
Throughout history, fishermen from the two countries have fought many times over fishing grounds, often resulting in casualties. It is no exaggeration to call it a "lifelong feud."

However, Ximen Youbei did not dare to openly oppose Barov.
Because a weak country has no diplomacy.

Even this fat, vulgar, and low-class "country bumpkin" is someone Izu can't afford to offend.

Of course, Ximen Youbingwei was not stupid either. He could tell what Shen Beixuan meant by "provoking" him.
However, he couldn't accuse Lu Yuan of being wrong.

After all, he is also a member of the Hiss continent and has a sense of collective honor.

Elizabeth smiled,
"Chairman Shen has misunderstood. We believe in equality for all, not the kind of thinking you are talking about...

However, I can understand your thoughts, but the foreign world is of great importance.

It won’t be resolved overnight, so let’s first talk about the current situation.”

Lu Yuan laughed and said cheerfully:
"Actually, it's not as complicated as you think.
You set up foreign boundaries simply because you are worried that the local government will not be able to handle disputes fairly and impartially.

In fact, for us, this problem does not exist!"

Elizabeth asked with interest, "What do you mean by 'non-existent'?"

Lu Yuan said: "The Qila Board of Directors and the Qila New Army,
It will not interfere with local administration, justice or commerce. Everything is decided by the election of people's representatives...

If Ms. Elizabeth is interested, she can go to Qilabang and take a look, and she will get the answer. "

Ok?
The three foreign merchants were very surprised.
Ximen Youbei asked: "You mean,

Under your rule, the original management model of the Tifa Kingdom was not implemented?"

"Of course!"

Lu Yuan said loudly:

"The Qila board of directors is also elected by recommendation.

My term as chairman is not a lifetime position. According to the rules, I must step down after serving for a maximum of two years.”

The eyes of the three foreign representatives widened.
Wow!

For monarchs who have not been overthrown, life tenure is the most common.
However, Chairman Shen seems to be taking a different path...

Barov obviously didn't believe it and secretly complained:

Once you have tasted power, you will know how ridiculous you are!
Ximen Youbingwei looked at Lu Yuan carefully, his eyes showing admiration.
Elizabeth nodded and smiled:

"It's great to be invited by Chairman Shen!

I will visit Qilabang as soon as I return.”

Lu Yuan nodded and continued:

"Also, you don't have to worry about the risks of the 'anti-foreign' movement.

Currently, the Red Gate Society and Zoroastrianism have undergone reforms and coexist harmoniously in Qilabang.
Therefore, the safety of the foreigners is protected by us, and there is no need for garrisoning troops. "

This made the three foreign businessmen even more shocked.

They had personally witnessed the Red Fist Society attacking the foreign world;
Looking at the overwhelming number of fanatical believers,

Charging forward under the intensive rain of bullets is really terrifying!
Elizabeth made the sign of the cross on her chest:
"Oh my God! Thank God... If this is true, Chairman Shen will do great good!"

At this time, Barov took the initiative and asked:
"Chairman Shen, are we going to discuss the customs tariff issue?"

Lu Yuan laughed and gave a thumbs up:

"Mr. Barov is amazing. He guessed it right at once!"

Actually, the Golden Horde was also the target of bullying by the developed powers.
Because they have almost no decent industrial products except for raw materials such as wood, grain, and crude oil.

Therefore, it is also a "dumping victim country"
However, they could not defeat the old powers and could only swallow their anger.
Fortunately, the Tifa Kingdom was weaker, and they could barely make up some of the losses here.

If Tifa raises tariffs, it would be like cutting off the Golden Horde's branch blood vessels. Although it wouldn't kill them, it would be very painful.

Needless to say, the same is true for Izu.
After being plundered by foreign powers for more than a decade, we have finally recovered.
It's time to show off your skills and "strike at Tifa from a lower dimension". How could it be so easy for you to get away with it?
Therefore, the two third-rate powers made up their minds:

We must not raise Tifa’s tariffs!
On the contrary, Elizabeth thought that the wool came from the sheep.
If what Shen Beixuan said was true,

The Qila board of directors is really practicing enlightened politics, and they will consider a one or two point reduction in tariffs as a reward.

Anyway, the Kingdom of Ingjisha has colonies all over the world, so these few things don't matter.

However, Lu Yuan's words made the three of them's eyes and jaws drop to the ground.
"Regarding customs duties, I mean, they are exempted.
Simply put, goods from all countries do not have to pay a penny when entering customs.”

Ah! What did you say?
No way, does this guy understand customs?

Holy Mary, am I hallucinating?
In the final analysis, three people asked the same question,
"Chairman Shen is not kidding, right?
We would like to remind you that tariffs are an important legal right of a country..."

Lu Yuan nodded and said:
"I understand! This is my true feelings, not a joke.

However, although tariffs are waived, sales tax and personal income tax are still required.”

When it comes to trade, Ximen Uebe is very interested.

"I don't know what exactly Chairman Shen is referring to when he says 'sales tax and personal profit tax'?"

“Well, it’s the goods on the market.
Once sold, a five percent transaction tax is required.

Personal income tax refers to the annual income of each person.

When a certain amount is reached, a profit tax of 2% to 5% will be paid.
We will set appropriate exemption amounts to ensure that the burden on the lower-class people and workers is not increased.”

At this time, Barov asked:

"Chairman Shen's idea is refreshing.
But how can you pay the war reparations if you don't have any tariffs?"

Everyone then remembered that the tariffs were compensation to the nine countries.

Shen Beixuan let it go with just one word, but what about the compensation?
This is indeed a problem...

Under the spotlight of everyone, Lu Yuan said calmly:

"Well, what I mean is..." (End of this chapter)