In the past, Liu Kai Xuan's methods would never have allowed for such concessions!
But today, Liu Kai Xuan did not stubbornly push back.
In fact, it was Ouyang Yu's inflexible mindset that led to this perspective.
The actions of "Tu Lang" and his group in Mania Bay were indeed a bit excessive.
They had opened fire, causing casualties to the navy and imperial patrol teams of the Thunder Empire.
Such behavior was tantamount to a declaration of war.
If Leighton had been a bit more hot-headed, he would have immediately launched a fierce counterattack.
That he could suppress his anger and exercise restraint in this situation, sending people to negotiate with Liu Kai Xuan,
Indicated that Leighton genuinely sought peace.
Since others had already shown their stance, and Liu Kai Xuan was not a warmonger, why insist on full-scale war?
Liu Kai Xuan had invested a huge amount of capital in Kai Xuan City. Once war broke out, Kai Xuan City would likely be damaged.
Liu Kai Xuan would also suffer significant losses.
Moreover, if war erupted, the normal production of the oil fields would be difficult to maintain.
The impact on all aspects was too great; it was truly a case where pulling one thread could unravel the whole garment.
…
With Liu Kai Xuan's strict guidelines, Ouyang Yu's execution of tasks became much simpler.
Ouyang Yu also dispatched a negotiation team to engage in a tug-of-war with the Thunder Empire's negotiation team.
Thus, after half a month of negotiations, both sides finally reached an acceptable solution.
Kai Xuan City publicly expressed its apologies for the armed conflict at sea.
Simultaneously, compensation was provided to the 24 fallen individuals.
On the Thunder Empire's side, accountability was pursued against a few staff members of the imperial patrol team who had acted improperly.
At the same time, the Thunder Empire guaranteed that such incidents would not happen again.
In essence, both sides made certain concessions, peacefully resolving the situation.
Kai Xuan City's public apology provided face for the Thunder Empire.
As for the compensation, although symbolic, it was sufficient to preserve Leighton's dignity.
Furthermore, the Thunder Empire acknowledged that its staff's improper conduct had triggered the dispute.
This, in turn, gave Liu Kai Xuan some room to save face.
Both sides found a way to conclude the matter with dignity.
The Royal Palace of the Thunder Empire.
Leighton specifically took time today to sit in front of the television.
He was not in the mood to watch entertainment programs; Leighton was watching the news.
The major media outlets of the Thunder Empire were all focusing on Kai Xuan City's apology.
After much embellishment, they did not forget to praise Leighton's wisdom and might.
Leighton's "great" influence echoed throughout the empire.
Naturally, Leighton's mood was extremely pleasant.
At this moment, a woman in magnificent attire entered from outside.
This woman was named Bo Lai, a royal concubine by Leighton's side.
Moreover, she was one of the few women who received Leighton's prolonged favor.
The reason Leighton remained so fond of her was primarily because Bo Lai was not merely a decorative piece.
Bo Lai not only possessed stunning beauty but also considerable intelligence.
She often offered good strategic advice to Leighton at critical junctures, which was the key to her enduring favor.
Today, Bo Lai had come to see Leighton with a purpose.
Bo Lai told Leighton, "Your Majesty, Liu Kai Xuan's strength is growing day by day!"
"This is not good news for our Thunder Empire!"
"As Liu Kai Xuan's influence grows stronger, the conflicts between us will only increase!"
"When that time comes, and his power far surpasses ours, he may no longer show us any respect!"
Leighton nodded in agreement, "Yes, Bo Lai, that is my greatest concern!"
"When Liu Kai Xuan first came to develop in the bay, he hired our Thunder Empire's royal security team!"
"Who would have thought that the little one who couldn't protect himself a few years ago!"
"In such a short span of a few years, he has grown to this extent!"
"I can confidently assert that behind Liu Kai Xuan, there must be a formidable force supporting his rapid development!"
Bo Lai nodded in agreement, "This point can already be confirmed!"
It could be foreseen that Liu Kai Xuan's growth rate in the future would only accelerate!
"Similarly, the gap between us and him will only widen!"
"I believe this is certainly not the situation Your Majesty wishes to see, is it?"
"Yes!"
Leighton nodded, "This time, fortunately, Liu Kai Xuan gave me face and apologized publicly!"
"If he had refused to apologize and chosen to resist to the end, I truly wouldn't have known what to do!"
"So!"
Bo Lai continued, "We should also find ways to enhance our own strength!"
"Even if we cannot prevent Liu Kai Xuan from eventually surpassing us, we absolutely cannot let the gap widen too much!"
"Otherwise, we will truly have no say at all!"
Leighton replied with a wry smile, "Liu Kai Xuan has the backing of super forces, which is why he has been able to rise so rapidly!"
"Look at our Thunder Empire, where do we have such convenient conditions?"
"Our development must be step-by-step, and rushing will be of no use!"
Bo Lai nodded, "Your Majesty, as the saying goes, if you can't beat them, join them!"
"It's not suitable for our Thunder Empire to join Kai Xuan City, but we can learn!"
"Learn?"
Upon hearing Bo Lai's words, Leighton's eyes lit up.
"You mean, we learn Liu Kai Xuan's technology, and then we develop advanced weapon systems ourselves?"
Bo Lai said solemnly, "I have reviewed some materials during this period!"
"According to the information I have, military research and development requires massive funding!"
"With the scale of our Thunder Empire, we probably cannot support such huge R&D!"
"Our best approach is to cooperate with Liu Kai Xuan and share the mature technologies he possesses!"
"For example, Liu Kai Xuan has established a super shipyard in Kai Xuan City and a large cluster of drone industries."
"If we can obtain these mainstream technologies, our own strength will be greatly enhanced!"
"This..."
Leighton frowned and replied, "Bo Lai, this matter may sound easy, but its execution will be difficult!"