The Triangle Business Alliance intended to be formed by the Heixinggen Consortium is actually similar to local supermarkets forming alliances to resist foreign competitors.
To be honest, neither party is necessarily sincere in wanting to cooperate with the Heixinggen Consortium, especially the Jin Merchants. The Heixinggen Bank operates in the North China region, which is already within its sphere of influence. However, the Jin Merchants' stronghold is far away, and their influence over North China officials is weak. Unlike the powerful local clans in Zhuhai, the Jin Merchants are the most traditional "merchants." They might have some say in Shanxi, but it is ineffective in North China.
The willingness of the Heixinggen Consortium to cooperate is definitely beneficial for the Jin Merchants. Qiao Zhiyong was the first to propose, "We can cooperate, but we must first clearly demarcate our respective areas, specifying boundaries that everyone must not cross."
