Chapter 1756 - 1360: The Victor Becomes King (Part 4)

"He needs an official title?" Saeed was puzzled.

"Yes." Old Masud nodded. "Song Heping has been operating in the Northwest for years. He has his own sphere of influence, oilfield security contracts, and a network with the militias. But he's always lacked a formal identity. A cooperative ally of the US Army? That's just a temporary façade. But a Defense Advisor to the Kurdish Autonomous Region Government? That makes him a partner. With that title, it will be easier for him to do things, and his words will carry more weight."

He paused, thought for a moment, then added:

"And don't forget, we still have to push the proposal to incorporate the Samir Department's troops at the Illiguo conference. That proposal will require all sides to bargain. If Song Heping is our official advisor, his activities in Baghdad and lobbying all parties will be far more justified and legitimate."

Saeed fully understood.

This wasn't a simple employment contract; it was a political alliance pact.

Old Masud would use money and a formal identity in exchange for Song Heping's armed power and influence. Each side got what it needed.

"When do you want the contract?" Saeed asked.

"Before noon tomorrow." Old Masud said. "Draft it overnight and send it to me before nine in the morning. After I revise it, you go to Hulmatu to find Song Heping. Go in person—no electronic transmission. Paper contract. Talk face-to-face."

"That urgent?"

"It has to be urgent." Old Masud lay back on the pillow, looking tired but resolute. "Right now the news of victory has just spread, and all sides are re-aligning themselves. We need to seize this momentum and turn raw rice into cooked. By the time Barzani's old followers react, by the time they start networking and figuring out how to protect themselves, that great god Song Heping will already have been invited in. By then, who would dare make a move?"

Saeed closed his tablet and stood up. "I understand. I'll go back and start drafting now."

"Wait." Old Masud called him back. "One more thing. Add a clause to the contract: the advisor's office has the right to establish a permanent presence in Elbil, with necessary communications and security facilities. As for the location… pick the old intelligence building next to the President's Mansion. It's empty; with a bit of renovation it will be usable."

This clause was full of implications.

Letting Song Heping's people set up an office next to the President's Mansion was tantamount to declaring to everyone: this man from the East is now the president's most trusted security advisor.

Let's see who still dares risk touching a single finger of the Masoud family?

Classic case of using public funds to keep private troops.

Two birds with one stone!

"All right." Saeed jotted it down. "Anything else?"

Old Masud pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "That's it for now. Remember, the contract terms must be professional and lawful, so no one can find fault. But when it comes to actual implementation…"

He looked at Saeed.

"You know what to do."

Saeed nodded.

Of course he knew what to do.

Within the legal framework, maximize Song Heping's freedom of action and turn this contract into Old Masud's imperial sword for purging the inner ranks and consolidating his power.

It was already one in the morning when he left the ward.

Saeed walked down the quiet hospital corridor, his mind already starting to shape the contract clauses.

As the elevator descended, he looked at himself in the mirror.

Overnight, he seemed to have grown a few more white hairs.

But this is politics. In Illiguo, in Kurdistan, if you want to get things done, you have to know how to leverage others, how to trade, how to dance on the tip of a knife.

Back in the car, Saeed didn't go home. He drove straight to the office.

On the way, he called the legal advisor, telling him to get to the office to work overtime.

Then he contacted the head of the Budget Department at the Ministry of Finance.

Fortunately, that man was also one of Old Masud's trusted followers and agreed to process the special funding approval procedures overnight.

That night, many offices in Elbil were lit up

. The celebration of victory belonged to the civilians, while the restructuring of power unfolded quietly in the stillness of the deep night.

At three in the morning, Saeed completed the first draft of the contract.

He immediately began a clause-by-clause review:

"Defense Advisor Service Contract between the Kurdish Autonomous Region Government and Northwest Defense Company"

Article 1: Scope of Services

Party B shall provide Party A with comprehensive defense consulting and advisory services, including but not limited to: optimization of military organizational structure, reform of military training systems, security risk assessments, defense planning for key areas…

Article 2: Advisor's Authorities

The advisor designated by Party B has the right to attend Party A's Military Committee meetings and express opinions; has the right to access non-classified military documents; has the right to conduct on-site inspection and evaluation of Party A's Security Forces…

Article 3: Special Office

Party A shall provide the advisor from Party B with a permanent office in Elbil and necessary logistical support. Party B may station no more than one hundred staff members…

Article 4: Term of Service

This contract shall take effect as of the date of signing and remain valid for three years…

Article 5: Service Fees

Party A shall pay Party B an annual advisor service fee of twenty million US Dollars, payable quarterly…

Article 6: Security Guarantees

The advisor and staff members of Party B shall enjoy personal safety and legal immunity protections equivalent to diplomatic personnel within areas under Party A's jurisdiction…

…

Saeed repeatedly polished the wording, ensuring each clause was lawful and compliant, while still leaving ample room for practical maneuvering.

For example, the clause "attend meetings and express opinions" sounded mild, but given Song Heping's prestige and strength, everyone was well aware of the weight his "opinions" would carry.

At six in the morning, Saeed sent the draft contract to Old Masud's encrypted email.

At seven, Old Masud called, proposing several revisions, mainly to add to the "Special Office" clause that "the office may be equipped with necessary secure communication equipment directly linked to the president's security office."

This was a critical addition.

It meant that Song Heping's intelligence channels would be directly connected to the president.

At eight thirty, the final version of the contract was settled.

Saeed had the secretary print three copies, seal them with wax, put them into tamper-proof document bags, then called in the secretary, handed him the documents, and ordered him to deliver them to Elbil immediately and give them to Little Masoud.

After all this, a wave of exhaustion washed over Saeed. He couldn't help walking to the window and lifting the curtain.

Outside, daylight was already bright.

A new game had already begun.