Fangzhou Xier, starting with failing the art exam

[In the second quarter after your ascension to the throne, Drummond's Materials Research Institute achieved a historic breakthrough.]

A composite armor plate made from a mixture of various rare metals has been successfully developed and named "Drummond I Alloy".

This lays the most solid foundation for your armored torrent plan.

[In the third quarter after your ascension to the throne, Wright's team from Columbia successfully overcame the core challenge of miniaturizing Originium engines.]

The first experimental engine, only the size of a suitcase, was started under strict protection, yet it could reliably output the power to drive a heavy truck.

While issues like overheating and Originium contamination still exist, they are not major problems.

You visited the research institute multiple times, engaging in discussions with scientists throughout the night.

[You have transformed fragments of Earth's memory into a blueprint for this world: you have described an armored vehicle with sloped armor, powerful cannons, and high-speed tracks.]

[You also described an aerial artillery turret with steel wings, capable of emitting a piercing whistle and accurately dropping bombs, which would become a persistent nightmare for infantry.]

[Lenia's tax department immediately increased the budget.]

She established an auditing system to ensure that every Imperial Mark was spent wisely, and at the same time, in the name of the Empire, promulgated Terra's first "Technology Patent and Intellectual Property Protection Act."

The bill explicitly stipulates that any researcher who makes outstanding contributions to the Empire will enjoy a portion of the benefits derived from their technological achievements.

You personally participated in the concept design meetings for the first generation of armored vehicles.

You rejected the engineers' proposal to add too many ornate decorations and complex Originium Arts matrices to the vehicle body.

You repeatedly emphasized three core elements: protection, firepower, and mobility.

The seeds of technology have been sown; they await sprouting.

But you know all too well that even the most powerful weapon requires an equally powerful nation to support it.

……

Imperial Central Cabinet Meeting Room.

"Everyone."

Lacey's voice made everyone straighten their backs.

"I'm sure everyone has seen the report from the Institute of Technology."

"Our spear has taken initial shape; now it's time to forge a robust physique worthy of it."

He walked up to the map, which was covered with dense symbols marked in red and blue pencils.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our country still faces serious challenges."

"First, there is a huge unemployed population. The disintegration of the old aristocratic manors has released a large amount of labor, and they need to work."

"Secondly, there is the issue of food security and yield. Agricultural production efficiency in major regions is low, and the consequences would be unimaginable if a natural disaster were to occur."

"Third, and most importantly, our industrial base, especially our military industry base, remains weak."

"Therefore, I hereby announce the launch of the 'People's Infrastructure Plan'."

Upon hearing this, everyone's gaze turned fervent.

"Its core objectives are four."

"First, we will use work-for-relief programs to comprehensively address the unemployment problem."

"Second, we will build water conservancy projects, introduce agricultural technology from Yan State, establish modern agricultural production modules, and ensure food self-sufficiency."

"Third, build transportation networks within major mobile cities to unblock economic lifelines."

"Fourth, build new industrial centers in major regions to lay a solid foundation for the future of the empire."

"Money! Your Majesty! How much money is this?!"

Mecklen Nehm practically jumped out of his chair.

What he saw was countless orders, flowing goods, and engineering contracts of astronomical scale.

"This is simply..."

He rubbed his hands together, his face contorted with a mixture of ecstasy and agony.

"This business is so big, it keeps me up at night!"

Lenia pushed up her glasses and calmly poured cold water on the situation: "Minister Mecklen, before you start dreaming, I need to remind you that the Imperial Treasury's surplus from last quarter may only be enough to complete one of these tasks."

Mecklen's smile froze on his face. He turned to Lenia and put on a fawning expression: "Minister Lenia, my dear minister, we can discuss the money!"

"Look, we can issue national construction bonds, and set the interest rate higher. We can call it 'Patriotic Dividend'!"

“We can also attract foreign investment! Those merchants in Kazimir have tons of gold coins they don’t know what to do with. If we open up even a little bit of the market, they’ll beg and plead to send us their money!”

“I object,” Lenia immediately retorted.

"Opening up the infrastructure market to foreign capital on a large scale is tantamount to handing over the country's economic lifeline to others."

"As for high-yield bonds, do you want the empire to be burdened with a debt that it can never repay in twenty years?"

"Oh dear, that's something for twenty years from now. Twenty years from now, we'll be long gone..."

Mecklen was halfway through his sentence when he saw Lacey's gaze and immediately swallowed the rest of his words.

He chuckled dryly and said, "I mean, we should look at things from a developmental perspective."

“There’s no need for you two to argue,” Lacey said, stopping them.

"Regarding the funding, Minister Mecklen, I authorize you to raise funds in any way that does not 'harm national sovereignty'."

"As for how to supervise these funds, Minister Lenia, your tax department needs to establish a special audit committee to ensure that every coin is used effectively."

He added, "At the same time, a nationwide employment policy of work-for-relief was implemented."

"All infrastructure projects will prioritize hiring unemployed workers and veterans."

"I not only want to build a strong country, but also to ensure that everyone who contributes to it can share in the fruits of victory."

"I need to let the people see that every penny they have is being transformed into the roads beneath their feet, the roofs above their heads, and the Great Wall of Steel for our motherland."

The conference room fell silent.

Gertrude sat in the corner and spoke softly: "Your Majesty, such a massive project will inevitably affect the interests of many established powers."

"Moreover, if foreign capital is introduced, the intelligence agencies of Victoria and Kasimir will certainly take advantage of the situation."

"We need to be wary of their infiltration and sabotage."

“This is exactly what you’re doing, Gertrude,” Lacey said, looking at her.

"I need your intelligence department to do this: any parasites and spies that try to hinder the Empire's progress must be eliminated before they cause damage."

Gertrude's lips curled into a smile as she confidently said, "As you wish, Your Majesty."

End of the meeting.

Mecklen Neham practically left humming a tune.

Lenia followed behind him, shaking her head helplessly at his greedy appearance.

My job for the next few years will be to follow this guy who spends money like water, desperately checking accounts and plugging holes.

……

Holy Leitanian Empire: Chapter Ninety-Three: Investment from the Kazimir Business Federation

The arrival of the Casimir Business Federation's overseas investment assessment team caused quite a stir in Trinitylme.

The group of more than 30 people arrived in the capital in the most luxurious land-based carriages in Qasimir.

They were dressed in well-tailored, expensive suits, their shoes were polished to a shine, and each of them wore a professional smile.

Leading the group was a middle-aged man named Mishko Tsky, a senior director of the Business Federation.

Misko has a head of neatly combed short brown hair and sharp eyes.

Rumor has it that he can smell the profits just by looking at a balance sheet.

He came here with only one purpose: to represent the capital of Kasimir and tear off the fattest piece of meat from this land that has just undergone revolution.

They were received by Mecklen Neham.

The newly appointed Minister of Economy wore a custom-made Victorian gown today, with a neatly folded silk handkerchief in his breast pocket and hair wax on, making him look radiant.

"Mr. Mishko! Welcome to the new student Triinttelme!"

Mecklen opened his arms and gave Mishko a warm hug, as if he had seen a long-lost brother.

“Minister Meklen, I’ve heard so much about you.” Mishko’s smile was impeccable.

"Your business miracles in Keprania are widely known even in Kazimierz."

The two started exchanging compliments as soon as they met.

For the next few days, Mecklen accompanied her throughout.

He led the evaluation team on a tour of the bustling construction site and showed them the astonishing technological models in the Imperial Academy of Sciences.

They even arranged a small-scale military exercise, allowing them to see firsthand the new armored vehicles equipped with "Drummond I Alloy" armor plates.

Mecklen's strategy was clear: showcase Letania's full potential and strength, drive up the price, and attract these sharks to bid.

Mishko and his team were very polite, constantly praising and taking notes, but deep in Mishko's eyes there was always a scrutinizing gaze.

Finally, after a week-long inspection, formal negotiations began.

The negotiations were held in a small conference room.

On Letania's side, Mechren was in charge, with Lenia attending as a financial advisor.

On Kazimir's side, there was only Mishko and his two assistants.

"Minister Mecklen, after careful evaluation, we are extremely interested in your country's 'People's Infrastructure Plan'."

Mishko got straight to the point, taking a document from his assistant and pushing it to the center of the table.

"The Business Federation is willing to provide an interest-free loan of 500 million Imperial Marks as the first phase of investment."

Mecklen's eyes lit up instantly.

Five hundred million!

Still no interest!

This is quite a large undertaking.

“Of course.” Mishko changed the subject, a shrewd smile appearing on his face. “We also have a few small conditions.”

"Please speak," Mecklen said, trying to remain calm.

"First, to ensure the safety of funds and the smooth progress of the project, we hope to obtain priority development rights for land in the Rupercan and St. Petersburg regions for the next thirty years."

Mecklen's heart sank.

"Secondly, we hope that Letania can fully open its mining market and grant Kazimir companies a 15 percent tax break."

Mishko ignored Meklen's changing expression and continued speaking.

"Finally, regarding technological cooperation, we are willing to fund the joint laboratory with the Imperial Academy of Sciences, but the intellectual property rights of all research results must be shared by both parties."

The conference room fell silent.

The smile on Mecklen's face had completely vanished.

He felt humiliated.

He thought it was an equal business negotiation, but he didn't expect the other party to treat him as a defeated country and make demands.

“Mr. Mishko,” Mecklen’s voice was a little hoarse, “are you joking?”

“No, Minister Mecklen, I’m very serious.” Mishko leaned back in his chair, his fingers interlaced.

"The essence of business is the exchange of interests."

“We have provided you with the funds you urgently need, so naturally you should receive a corresponding return. This is a fair transaction.”

“Fair?” Lenia, who had been silent all along, suddenly sneered.

“Mr. Mishko, according to your plan, in thirty years, Kazimir will not only be able to recover all his principal, but also earn at least five billion marks in profit from Letania through land and mineral development.”

"And we will not only be burdened with heavy debt, but also have to sell out the country's sovereignty and future."

"If this is what you call fairness, then I suggest you go and do business with Victoria's dead W phosphorus abandoned Emu Dam z Temple Yueyi bandits. They might have more in common."