England categorized its overseas colonies into levels of importance, developing those of value as territories and ruthlessly exploiting the rest.
Xiangjiang was not only England's trading window to the Qing court but also the West's, occupying an extremely important geographical position.
Since the local residents were all poor fishermen, England could not extract any wealth from this land.
Under various factors, England needed to invest heavily to transform Xiangjiang from a small fishing village into a large metropolis.
Western countries are willing to spend generously on urban construction, unlike the Qing court which allocated all funds towards building palaces and gardens for the Emperor.
After two trade wars, Xiangjiang became extremely prosperous, but its prosperity was built on draining the lifeblood of the entire Qing court.
Wealth cannot increase out of thin air; Xiangjiang's rapid urban construction required substantial capital investment.
