Chapter 246: Building Our New Great Wall
"They're trying to pressure us—using aggressive tactics to force me to compromise."
Li Tang looked up and swept his gaze across the room, his eyes sharp and cold. "From my personal standpoint, I will not accept any compromise!"
Simple words.
But the iron resolve behind them was unmistakable.
Everyone in the room felt a surge of respect.
This young man had backbone.
"But this isn't just about me."
Li Tang was well aware—he could afford to be reckless, to fight back with the spirit of someone who had nothing to lose.
In his mind, everything he had was hard-earned. Even if it was taken from him, he could start over.
But the others around the table… they were different.
They weren't just individuals. They represented massive corporate groups, with multiple layers of management, tens of thousands of employees, and massive responsibilities.
They couldn't think the way he did. Their considerations were far more complex.
Zhongcheng Mining's equity structure gave Li Tang 34% of the shares—along with veto power.
Strictly speaking, he had the final say.
Even if all the shareholders voted in favor of compromise, he could reject the proposal on his own.
But that would be selfish. It would mean ignoring everyone else's investments—and that wasn't acceptable.
After all, each shareholder had put in real money.
It was understandable for some to want to protect their interests and take a step back for long-term gain.
"We do need to respond carefully," said Cheng Muyang, fully aware of how complex the situation was.
Everyone knew—they were now at a difficult crossroads.
"If we agree to their demand, we'll likely have to sell part of the mining rights to foreign capital—to one of the major mining giants."
Li Tang was clear-eyed. "Given current market conditions, the Talego Copper-Gold Mine is extremely valuable. The mining rights alone could easily fetch over a billion U.S. dollars."
Their original investment was 300 million. In a year, they'd turned it into something worth nearly 100 times that.
It would be a huge win on paper.
But to Li Tang, it would be a bitter win.
A humiliating one.
"What happens if we reject their proposal outright?" someone asked.
"Then we likely won't get the mining license anytime soon. Maybe not for five or ten years. We'd have to wait for a shift in Mongolia's political landscape before getting another chance."
That meant their return on investment would be delayed indefinitely.
Just as everyone was weighing the options, Niu Fu raised his hand. His large, commanding presence filled the room.
"Wukuang Group supports Li Tang's decision!"
Everyone looked at him in surprise, then fell silent, deep in thought.
Combined, Li Tang and Wukuang Group held a controlling stake in Zhongcheng Mining.
With the two of them united, no one else's vote really mattered anymore.
Realizing this, Li Xingchao raised his hand as well, still calm and refined, with a gentle smile. "Shenxia Group has always stood firmly behind Li Tang. That's never changed."
Sitting behind him, Li Xinqi's soft face was full of tension, and her nose had started to sweat from nerves.
The atmosphere in the room was stifling.
"Hua Gold Group is with you too," said Cheng Muyang, following his old friend's lead.
One by one, the others raised their hands.
At this point, a few dissenting voices no longer mattered.
Chen Jinghe had been silent all this time, but now he stood up. "Like Li Tang said—this isn't just about him. It's about all of us. And we've all made our choice. Now we must carefully plan our response to the pressure from Mongolia—and possibly from Western capital as well."
"The mineral is on Mongolian land. They control the license process. We can't change that."
"But we're not sheep waiting for slaughter!"
Niu Fu's voice rumbled like thunder. "If they're testing our stance, then let's show them our stance!"
"If we do nothing, they'll think we're cowards. Westerners are bullies—they only respect strength."
"We must respond—clearly and forcefully!"
With consensus reached, the next step was figuring out how to strike back.
"Director Niu, do you have something in mind?" Chen Jinghe asked, seeing Niu scribbling notes in his pad.
"I do."
Niu Fu had just confirmed some figures with his secretary. "Last year, Mongolia exported about 500,000 tons of copper and molybdenum concentrate and 3 million tons of iron ore—mostly via the border city of Elren, their only rail export hub."
"Almost all their exports go to China," added Li Xingchao, who was very familiar with coal and mineral trade. "Their coal also comes through Elren by rail. Their coal production isn't high, and our demand isn't strong. But lately, imports have increased."
Once he finished, Niu Fu resumed: "Of those exports, Wukuang Group accounts for about 30% of all copper, molybdenum, and iron ore transactions."
Wukuang was China's biggest bulk commodity trader. Whether it was overland rail imports or ocean shipping, they were involved in everything.
In this matter, they had the most leverage.
"What do you plan to do with that leverage?" Chen Jinghe asked.
"As Li Tang said—this isn't just his fight. It's all of ours. We stand behind him. And we will act."
Niu Fu's expression hardened. "I will issue orders immediately: suspend all copper and iron ore imports from Mongolia!"
This was a bold move—one that would cost Wukuang dearly.
But it would also cut 30% of Mongolia's mineral exports—an economic body blow.
Given Mongolia's small economy, this would be devastating.
To Wukuang, it wasn't just a trade decision—it was war.
Everyone else was stunned. They admired Niu's courage—and also felt a little ashamed.
Most of their companies didn't trade with Mongolia directly. They couldn't contribute much.
"Wukuang can't do this alone," said Niu. "If other Chinese traders swoop in to fill the gap, all our sacrifice will be in vain."
Chen Jinghe nodded after some thought. "Our copper companies will coordinate with other traders. We'll make informal agreements, asking them not to take your market share."
Given the reputations of firms like Zise Mining, Jiujiang Copper, and Tongdu Nonferrous—all top names in China's copper industry—their influence was enough to make that stick.
"No one would dare ignore their request," said Niu. "Thank you."
Cui Mingyuan, who had been quiet, also spoke up. "To maximize the effect, we should involve the Nonferrous Metals Association and the Mining Industry Association. Get them to support our plan."
"Good idea," Niu agreed.
"This mining right is vital. We must hold on to 100%. If we lose it, we lose the future of China's copper industry. Talego is a game-changer."
"Once it's developed, China will finally have leverage in international copper pricing," said Geng Feiran.
"Exactly. Right now, foreign copper producers dictate the smelting fees—we just have to accept them. But with Talego, we set the price."
Everyone present had fought those one-sided pricing battles with Western firms—and resented them.
This was the chance they'd been waiting for.
Feng Sinian of Jiujiang Copper had always hoped to gain more influence in the project, but they held only a small stake.
Still, he supported the effort wholeheartedly.
Behind him, Li Xingchao heard the chair scrape as his daughter adjusted her seat. Her nervousness melted his heart—he smiled warmly.
Turning back, he raised his hand. "This is a war. And it's not Wukuang's alone."
He had his own plan. "Shenxia Group also trades some coal with Mongolia through Elren. It's not much, but we will suspend that trade until this is resolved."
"Thank you, Director Li," Niu said sincerely.
"Also, I have strong ties with the leadership at China Rail," he added.
His son worked there, after all.
"Mongolia's mineral exports—95%—go to China," said Niu, giving a precise figure.
"The remaining 5% goes to South Korea and Japan. Mongolia's been flirting with them, hoping to break free of their dependence on us."
"They're dreaming," Cheng Muyang quipped, breaking the tension with a smile.
"They do sell at slightly higher prices to Japan and Korea, but the extra margin doesn't cover the cost of long-distance rail shipping. The profits are still smaller than selling to us."
Li Xingchao outlined the background. "Still, they've maintained those exports."
"You have a plan?" Niu asked, already guessing.
"Mongolia's shipments to Korea and Japan also pass through Elren, then through Yanjing, and finally out to port. If I speak with the rail executives, we might be able to create some 'uncontrollable factors'—like delays. The ore won't arrive on time. Mongolia will default."
A clever move.
Between Wukuang's trade halt and China Rail's potential rail block, Mongolia's economy would take a massive hit.
This was a direct strike at their export foundation.
After all, minerals made up nearly all of Mongolia's exports.
If this pressure continued, it would send shockwaves through their entire political system.
"China Rail could face penalties for late deliveries—they have contracts, too," Cheng warned. "But for Mongolia, failing to deliver on time will be even worse."
"If they need support, I'll figure out the financial side," Li Xingchao promised. "Shenxia Group is in a strong position right now. It's worth it—for the long-term future."
"I'll go with you," Cheng said. "Huajin will stand with you."
"This is going to cost Wukuang dearly," Chen Jinghe said quietly.
Thousands of workers. Idle equipment. Ongoing overhead. No revenue.
It was war.
"I've thought it through. If this drags on, we'll adapt. But we'll hold firm," Niu replied.
"You're taking the hits. We can't just stand by," said Lai Xiangrong, draining his tea. "I propose that Zhongcheng Mining set up a fund dedicated to mining license operations. This fund can also help offset losses for Wukuang and Shenxia."
"You take the blows—we'll put up the money," Cui Mingyuan added.
"Does Zhongcheng still have funds available?" Chen asked.
"We've got over 20 million left," Alice replied promptly.
"She's more on top of the numbers than I am," Li Tang admitted with a smile.
"Then that money goes into the mining license fund," Chen declared. "Any objections?"
No one raised a hand.
The shareholders of Zhongcheng Mining had shown remarkable unity.
In the face of pressure from Mongolia—and possibly from unknown Western players—every single company, and every executive at the table, showed fearless resolve and a willingness to sacrifice.
Maybe this is the spirit that runs in the blood of the Chinese people:
To use our flesh and blood to build a new Great Wall.
When faced with oppression, we unite.
Together, we resist.
Get 30% off on my Patreon and enjoy early access to new chapters.
You can also purchase the next 100 chapters of the novel directly from my Patreon page.
Hurry up! The promotion ends on February 2, 2026.
Read 40 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen