Dennison Henry was very, very surprised at the start of his meeting with the governor.
He had obtained what he wanted without much sacrifice.
Of course, that doesn't mean there was no cost involved.
Having taken the goods, he had to pay for them using Alliance currency; the governor provided a series of lists, asking him to buy this and that—he glanced through them, some items were difficult to procure, such as wanting Revival City's best textile and sewing machines, importing raw textile materials, desiring thermoelectric generator sets, the thermoelectric material itself, wanting to build cement and brick factories...
Moreover, the governor seemed to have a good grasp of the market, the list he provided was almost equal in value to the goods he was permitted to take this time. By his own estimation, the profit margin was severely compressed. If he wanted to earn more money, he would have to try his best to sell the alloy plastic steel and armored vests at a higher price, and find cheap yet effective supplies for the governor.
Difficult as it may be, Henry was still filled with motivation.
Wasn't this the time to showcase his capabilities?
If everything were easy, would the governor need to bother finding someone like him to take on this task?
However, as the conversation moved to the latter half, he gradually lost his joy.
Primarily because a crucial issue was raised.
Dennison Henry wanted to secure exclusive sales rights for the alloy plastic steel industry.
It was a protection of his own interests; he needed this to ensure the market channels he carved out wouldn't be snatched away by newcomers.
Eliminating competitors to monopolize the market naturally meant more profit.
But Gu Hang wouldn't allow it.
He argued with reason, saying things like "this would allow me to serve the governor better" and "this will help me expand my influence in Rubbish Town, and assist you with more matters in the future."
However, none of these arguments could persuade Gu Hang.
Gu Hang simply responded with two sentences, blocking any counterarguments:
"I can grant you the powers you desire, but I won't give them to you for nothing. You haven't done anything yet, so why should you demand so much from me?"
"Prove your loyalty through your actions."
With the conversation reaching this point, what more could Henry say?
He nodded emphatically, "I will prove myself to you, Governor."
"Also, do one more thing for me."
"Please give your command."
"My camp needs more labor; Revival City has so many refugees living on the outskirts, bring them here."
"No problem, I will definitely bring you healthy and reliable refugees at a very affordable price."
Gu Hang shook his head, clearly unsatisfied: "What is this talk of money? Those refugees, not recognized by Revival City as official residents, but I recognize them. Every human on Rage Owl Star is a subject of the Empire, my subject. I want you to convey my benevolence to them, my policies, my declarations, and have them migrate here. If they face difficulties, you should offer them the necessary help, and if needed, I will personally intervene. Do you understand what I mean?"
Henry was taken aback.
How could he not understand?
Of course, he understood.
Freeloading, right?
You just don't want to spend money but still want the people brought over?
Henry put on a very ashamed expression: "Yes, that's right, I was shallow..."
However, according to the governor, it didn't seem like there was no benefit involved.
Although Revival City was large, the number of jobs and people it could support was limited. Outside the city, there were plenty of refugees who couldn't survive. It wasn't impossible through propaganda to inspire these people to migrate voluntarily.
"But... Your Excellency the Governor, please forgive me. If we proceed this way, we won't be able to ensure the number or the quality of the migrants. Most of the desperate migrants are the old, the weak, the sick, and the disabled; those who are strong and in their prime can still find a job to support themselves."
Gu Hang waved his hand dismissively, saying, "That's your job, to convey my will to the public and to show your loyalty. Don't disappoint me."
Damn, he really wants a free ride!
Dennison Henry could only respond helplessly, "Yes, I understand what needs to be done."
...
After sending away the merchant brimming with ambition, ready to embark on a significant endeavor while also meeting his own reasonable and unreasonable demands, Gu Hang immediately busied himself with another matter.
He had his attendant, Zhang Chao, send another communication to Revival City.
As for the issue of Wohan, the Alliance Councilman being a cult member, Gu Hang needed Revival City to give him an explanation.
Of course, the nature of the explanation was not important.
What Gu Hang needed was an excuse to take action.
This excuse was something he had to work hard to find originally.
Now, there was one ready-made.
An adherent of a Heretic Cult had emerged within the ruling structure of the Alliance, the Alliance Council.
When Wohan resisted, employing Storm Sorcery which Gu Hang identified as definitely not his own spiritual power but originating from a certain source, Gu Hang almost burst into laughter.
After capturing Wohan, the necessary interrogations and the intelligence he had to obtain were almost in his hands.
The man was indeed a follower of the Cult, there was no mistake about that.
Although he was not a devout believer, he did believe in the teachings of the Primal Owlbeast Sect and was willing to use his status as a councilman to provide convenience for cultist activities and to contribute money and resources.
He wasn't a core member; he was just a wealthier believer.
He also received certain things in return, such as being 'blessed by the gods' and mastering Storm Sorcery; he could have cultists do some dirty work that he could not handle directly himself.
Indeed, the very reason he sought to trouble the governor this time was to request the Primordial Wrath Owl Sect's intervention, but they rejected him due to their busy schedule and inability to arrange manpower on short notice.
With these confessions, and with Wohan still alive, Gu Hang had the perfect opportunity to attack.
Upon connecting with Revival City, the person Gu Hang faced was still the Chairman of the Alliance Council, Milian Hodgson.
"Good day to you, Governor," Hodgson began with a greeting.
Gu Hang offered no pleasantries in return, his tone severe, "Mr. Hodgson, I am extremely disappointed in your work."
Upon hearing the Governor's words, Hodgson felt a nerve in his head throb with pain.
The Governor is at it again!
I gave you the massive supplies you wanted; I sold the people you asked me to betray; what more do you want now?
Hodgson replied wearily, "Please instruct me, Governor."
"An Alliance Councilman corrupted by a Heretic Cult? What kind of job have you been doing as Chair of the Council? Is the Alliance's Council still loyal to the Empire? Has Revival City now become the nest of the Primal Owlbeast Sect?"
Gu Hang launched a series of accusations, hitting Hodgson hard and fast.
Hodgson was completely caught off guard by Gu Hang's revelation of such news, the accusation leaving him utterly dumbfounded.
He had no prior knowledge that Wohan was a cult member.
————
Let the investments heat up!~