Lord Li Feng rubbed his temples, deciding to temporarily set aside the issue of "Aeldari-Human Hybrids" raised by Lelith, directly deferring it to the Ministry of the Interior and the prophets for discussion.
After all, this matter involved philosophy and biology, but with too few samples currently, no one knew what the ultimate unified form of Aeldari hybrids would be.
However, the true difficulties of the cooperation terms were far from over; the millennia-long conflict between humans and Aeldari could not be resolved by a single clause, as the ice was not formed in a single day.
Especially when the topic gradually shifted to the "piracy issue," the entire venue once again became charged with tension.
Malys spoke first, her attitude arrogant but with a hint of dangerous amusement: "Mr. Li Feng, 'pirates' are criminals to you humans, but to us in Commorragh, they are part of our economic lifeblood. Without them, our society cannot function. You ask us to abandon 'privateering,' which is tantamount to directly collapsing Commorragh."
Victor nodded, adding coldly: "Indeed. Commorragh has always been a city built on plunder from the very beginning. Regardless of your Imperium's moral standards, this is our way of survival. If you want to prohibit piracy, you are asking us to cut off our own livelihood."
Li Feng did not immediately refute, but gently tapped the table with his fingers, then said after a moment of contemplation: "Then, can you consider not plundering human homes and lives and property?"
"Do you think we haven't considered it? Human souls are the best food..." Malys smiled faintly, her tone mocking, but she choked up after only a few words.
Because countless pairs of murderous eyes came from behind Li Feng, belonging to numerous Astra Militarum officers and Space Marine Chapter Masters.
However, Victor took over at this point: "But even so, we still have to plunder. If we don't plunder, what do we eat? What do we drink? Rely on your human benevolence?"
"Benevolence? No, no, no." Li Feng waved his hand, then pulled out a thick document from his Huai and threw it on the table. The cover of the file clearly read "Imperium Controllable Economy Plan." He pointed to the document and continued:
"We can solve this problem in a different way. I propose establishing 'Licensed Trade Zones,' allowing Commorragh's merchant ships to enter the Imperium's fringe star systems for legitimate trade. The scope of these trades includes minerals, xenos medicinal materials, rare technologies, and even some... specific entertainment services."
He paused here, glancing at Malys, "Of course, not including human trafficking."
The smile on Malys's face instantly froze: "Mr. Li Feng, are you serious? Without the slave trade, Commorragh's economic system would have a huge void. We need enjoyment to prevent ourselves from being taken by The Thirsting Lady, and slaves are our way of redeeming our souls."
However, just as both sides failed to reach a unified consensus on the issue of "abducting human slaves," the "one-eyed red-skinned Ogryn" in the wheelchair once again demonstrated his "world-shattering wisdom."
At this moment, Magnus slowly pushed his wheelchair from the observer's area towards the conference table and said:
"Gentlemen, none of us here are saints. We all know that the operating principle of this universe is the naked law of the jungle. Since you xenos cannot abandon plunder, and humanity cannot tolerate its homeworlds being wantonly disturbed... why not make this game more interesting?"
He paused, looking directly at Malys and Victor, his tone slightly teasing: "Since plunder is your Drukhari way of survival, then the Imperium can also 'return the favor' legitimately. While allowing Drukhari plunder, we humans will also allow official privateer fleets to enter Commorragh and its surrounding areas for 'punitive expeditions,' of course, a systematic plunder, based on clearly defined areas of operation and rules established by both sides."
The conference room immediately erupted in an uproar, and the representatives of the Imperial Navy instantly clapped their hands with joy, thinking it was time to grab some Aeldari women for fun.
Malys's mouth twitched, barely suppressing her displeasure: "Human raiding fleets? That sounds more like a joke. Are you planning to turn all of this into a chaotic battlefield?"
"Precisely because we don't want it to completely spiral out of control, rules are especially important." Magnus's voice was as calm as ever. This seemingly insane agreement actually had his own considerations.
And Magnus also noticed that Li Feng seemed to be genuinely considering his suggestion.
"In my vision, we can establish a 'Plunder Treaty.' Official privateer fleets of the Drukhari and humans must register beforehand, clarifying their respective spheres of influence and targets. At the same time, every raiding vessel of the Imperium must pay a certain percentage of 'plunder tax' to a neutral organization after an operation, as part of a tithe, for the joint governance and development of Commorragh and the Imperium."
Upon hearing this, the entire room once again fell into contemplation. Victor and Malys frowned; they thought this had potential. Although Commorragh was the most prosperous city of the Drukhari / Dark Aeldari, Victor was merely a "runner." If he could make all those pirates pay taxes, perhaps they could make Commorragh bigger and stronger, and then directly confront humanity.
At this moment, Li Feng beckoned, and an official from the Ministry of the Interior walked over. The official immediately leaned in to Li Feng's side, and Li Feng was heard saying:
"Contact the Von Valancius Family of Rogue Traders, have them take the lead in contacting several major Rogue Trader dynasties of the Imperium, and then organize an 'Imperium-Affiliated Eastern Galaxy Company.' I will directly approve the paperwork and procedures, and the taxes will then be directly handed over to the Imperial government agencies."
Seeing that everyone had no objections, Li Feng slowly stood up, his gaze sweeping over the seated negotiators, and said:
"Since both sides have the intention to cooperate, this long negotiation should come to an end. We can draw up a memorandum, clarifying all terms to ensure the interests of both parties are protected. But please remember, this is only the beginning of cooperation; the road ahead is still long."
Upon hearing this, Malys snorted. Although she still felt unwilling, she knew that Commorragh's current situation did not allow for further futile entanglement.
She nodded, indicating her tacit agreement. Victor's expression was complex, but he quickly regained his composure, saying in a low voice:
"Since it is a trial phase, we in Commorragh will cooperate. However, whether the future of this agreement can remain stable will depend on the Imperium's sincerity, and that you... humans do not interfere with our way of life."
Li Feng smiled slightly, then winked at the official from the Ministry of the Interior, signaling to put the "Eastern Galaxy Company" plan, just discussed, on the agenda.
He changed the subject, his gaze falling on Lelith, "Of course, there's one last thing that needs confirmation."
Lelith was startled, and before she could speak, Li Feng directly stated:
"To further solidify the relationship between humanity and the Drukhari / Dark Aeldari, the Imperium proposes strengthening ties through political marriage. And the best choice..." He paused, a smile playing on his lips, "is naturally the engagement between Lelith, the Queen of the Arena, and the Fifth Imperial Prince, Jaghatai Khan."
As soon as these words were spoken, the conference room instantly became so quiet that a pin drop could be heard. Lelith, who had been leaning back in her chair, suddenly stiffened, her red hair seemingly trembling slightly with her emotions.
She slowly stood up, looking at Li Feng with a complex gaze: "But I don't want to get married yet... Also... what is marriage?"
Khan immediately darted to Li Feng's side, a look of difficulty on his face: "Uncle Li, I don't want to either... I'm still young, I want to play for tens of thousands more years..."
At this moment, Yvraine began to explain "human marriage" to her best friend. Upon hearing her friend's explanation, Lelith clapped her hands, disregarding the reactions of those around her, and said:
"Isn't it just fixed... Mmm mmm mmm..." Her words were cut short as Yvraine covered her mouth.
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