Konan and Kanzo had a slightly confused look on their face, and were obviously confused about the conversation between the two. Only Yahiko understood the subtext of Maeda Takashi, so he leaned slightly closer to his head and lowered his voice and replied:
"Mr. Gao Zhi, in next year's general election, on behalf of the people of Yu Province, I would like to support your promotion to the position of prime minister. I believe that the teacher will not raise any objections after learning of your generosity."
After saying that, Yahiko retracted his head with an easy-going and natural expression. Maeda Takashi heard what he wanted, so he took the umbrella to his right hand, took off his left glove, and stretched it out straight, the smile on his fat face became more and more radiant:
"In this way, I am willing to make an upfront capital injection of 2 billion taels for the Yu Province Grand Canal project, and also initiate a congressional proposal to raise more funds for canal excavation, construction, maintenance and other related work."
"This amount of money, at least, should reach about 10 billion taels, which is enough to build the canal from the Rain Province to the Feng Province, and maybe even to the Tu Province? It doesn't feel impossible."
"In short, Representative Yahiko, your sincerity, ideals, ambitions, and benevolence have all moved me. Let us both create a new era together and achieve common prosperity for the people of the empire."
Yahiko reached out his hand without hesitation, bent his back slightly, and tightly grasped Maeda Takashi's fat palm. His mood fluctuated violently, causing him to faintly tremble when he spoke:
"Mr. Gao Zhi, thank you for your support of Yu Province. I, Miyan, can only make one guarantee: including myself, the 200,000 people of Yu Province will not let you down!"
Seeing Yahiko's excitement, Maeda Takashi seemed to be touched. He stepped forward and hugged the young man, patted the young man's back, then stepped away a little, and sincerely encouraged Yahiko.
The negotiations went smoothly and the Grand Canal project was successfully finalized. Whether it was ninjas such as Kanzo Konan or Takashi Maeda's subordinates, everyone couldn't help but cheer and the atmosphere in the venue was joyful for a while.
Subsequently, the two parties agreed on a series of specific matters such as the time for the next negotiation and the matching of personnel. Maeda Takashi took the initiative to leave and planned to return to China as soon as possible to raise funds and convene the National Assembly. Upon seeing this, Yahiko quickly stood up to see him off.
After sending Takashi Maeda and his party into the train station, and watching their figures disappear at the door of the platform, the smile on Yahiko's face did not dissipate. When Konan saw this, he couldn't help but raise the corners of his mouth and said with a joyful smile.
:
"Yahiko, congratulations, you are one step closer to your dream!"
"No, it's our dream." He gently raised his arm and hugged Xiaonan's body. Yahiko's face was calm, his voice was low, but his tone was firm. The couple silently cuddled together, enjoying the joy of success together.
"Lord Yahiko, Yusheng's step-by-step progress to where he is today is really beyond my expectations..." Kanzang didn't want to break Yahiko's gentleness, but his excitement made him couldn't help but praise:
"I probably never dreamed that I would be able to witness the land under my feet go through a great change in my lifetime. Lord Yahiko, you are truly the heart of the people of our Rain Province..."
Sensing the flattery in Kanzang's words, Yahiko quickly waved his hand to stop him and interrupted sternly: "Senior Kanzang, please don't praise me. What Yu Province is today is the result of the joint efforts of all of us.
"
"If it weren't for the support of you and the old rain ninja under your command, how could I, Yahiko Kokutoku, have gained the trust of the people? How could I have made any achievements and attracted the favor of a big capitalist like Mr. Takashi?"
"You should be the first to make the Grand Canal project take shape."
Looking at the current member of the Fire Empire and the ruler of the Rain Province, who has a solemn face and speaks without any reluctance, even a little humble, Kanzang is full of emotions in his heart, deeply aware of the uncertainty of fate and the tricks of fate.
If Hanzo-sama were still alive, he would probably like this young man very much, right? It's a pity, pitiful, pathetic, deplorable... There is a saying that one mistake will lead to eternal hatred, and it will be a hundred years later when you look back.
It's really...a mixed bag of flavors, hard to describe.
Shaking his head, Kanzo dispersed the complicated thoughts in his mind. Thinking of the last exchange between Yahiko and Maeda Takashi, the old man felt a little worried and couldn't help but remind him a little:
"Sir Yahiko, although I am very happy that the Grand Canal project can be finalized, and the people of Rain Province will definitely praise it in the future, the agreement between you and Mr. Takashi... please be careful of those guys at the root."
No matter how many flowers are spread on the surface, no matter how many gorgeous and awe-inspiring words are used, they cannot conceal...the fact that the Grand Canal project is essentially a political transaction.
Maeda Takashi intends to be the next Prime Minister of the Cabinet, and the candidate of the Prime Minister is decided by the citizens of each province in the empire. As a large province, Rain Province has 200,000 votes, which is worth the money and efforts of this big capitalist.
As a high-ranking official of the Rain Province designated by the Congress, Yahiko quickly gained a foothold in the Rain Province due to his success in getting help from Kanzo and other old Rain ninjas, as well as his reputation as a disciple of the Prime Minister. After several years of development, he gained control over the people under his rule.
Very strong.
In this way, it is not surprising for Yahiko and Maeda Takashi to trade the votes of the rain province for the Grand Canal project. However, it is difficult to say whether this kind of political deal will be done well. If the root cause is caught, it is difficult to guarantee that both parties to the transaction will not be in trouble.
"Uchiha Fugaku..." Thinking of the rumored root minister who was not recognized by his relatives, Yahiko's brows tightened slightly unconsciously, but not long after, he slowly relaxed as if he had thought of something.
First, he nodded slightly at Konan, who looked at him worriedly, and gave a calm look in return. Then he looked sideways at Kanzo. Yahiko considered his words and answered cautiously:
"Senior Surveyor, the starting point of the Grand Canal project is good. Even if there are some shady things in it, it is essentially for the sake of the people of Rain Province. Besides, the country has not lost anything. I think Minister Fugaku will understand.
.”
"In addition, I plan to go to Konoha to visit the teacher after a while." When Kanzo said the first sentence, his brows were still furrowed, but by the second sentence, he relaxed and smiled on his face.
meaning.
"As long as Mr. Prime Minister comes forward, it should be fine. Yahiko, you really should visit your teacher more often. You haven't seen each other for several years? Don't forget to bring more gifts."
Speaking of this, Kanzo no longer addressed Yahiko with honorifics, but with a tone of experience, he seriously warned in the tone of an old-timer: "Remember not to act too hastily, and listen to your teacher's opinions more."
.”
"Yeah, I know."
Yahiko nodded slightly, with a look of understanding. Kanzo saw this and said no more. He felt that Yahiko should be able to understand his subtext. This young man looked stupid on the surface, but in fact he had great wisdom. There was no need to say everything.