Chapter 75: The Hans High Command's Resolution!
Inside the office of the Imperial General Secretariat of Weldwire, the atmosphere was tense and solemn. Four chief administrators, along with other high-ranking officials, sat together, their faces marked with seriousness and anticipation. This modest room had become the epicenter of the debate over the dynasty’s future fate.
Their purpose for gathering was to engage in a thorough discussion regarding the telegram sent by Feng En from Chengyun. After a period of silence, the General Secretary finally broke the quiet, his tone calm yet authoritative as he spoke slowly, “Gentlemen, you have all carefully read the telegram from Feng En, haven’t you?”
He glanced around, his gaze sweeping over everyone present. “In that case, what do you think our next course of action should be?”
No sooner had his words fallen than the Foreign Minister, Shiman, stood up. His brows were tightly knit, his face etched with obvious concern and dissent. With the gravity and determination of one seasoned in diplomacy, he immediately captured everyone’s attention: “Mr. General Secretary, I must firmly oppose this action!” His voice was resolute and powerful, leaving no room for doubt.
“Setting aside the fact that the distant Xin Dynasty is already in a state of extreme decline, they haven’t achieved any victories in foreign wars for decades!” Shiman continued, his tone infused with distrust and disdain for the Xin Dynasty’s military capabilities. “Thus, allow me to question the remnants of their military strength.”
He took a deep breath, emphasizing, “If we truly collaborate with them, then to the outside world, we will be perceived as allies!”
His gaze grew more intense, as if the weight of his words could be felt in the room. “At that point, our actions may not only fail to revive the dynasty’s economy, but could also be seen by the West as a resurgence of our dangerous ambitions.”
Shiman’s worries were plainly visible on his face; such an outcome, he believed, would severely damage their international reputation. During his tenure as Foreign Minister, Shiman’s diplomatic strategy was his pride and Weldwire’s invaluable asset. His success lay not only in dissolving the military alliance between Ying Dynasty and Tower Dynasty, but also in deftly securing Weldwire’s place on the world stage.
Even after his passing, his love for Weldwire and his spirit of consideration for the dynasty echoed in the hearts of all present.
When his words concluded, the room once again fell into silence. Each person weighed Shiman’s words, pondering every possible consequence behind this monumental decision. At this critical moment, Weldwire’s future seemed to hang by a thread.
The tension in the General Secretariat’s meeting room remained unbroken.
Weldwire was facing a period of economic hardship, and the proposal to provide massive aid to the Chengyun faction filled Strezer with deep anxiety.
He sat, leaning forward slightly, his expression grave and his brows furrowed, clearly reflecting deeply on the matter. To him, this would undoubtedly further strain Weldwire’s already fragile economy and might also undermine its image on the international stage.
At that moment, a slender yet resolute chief administrator stood up, breaking the silence.
His voice was clear and forceful, brimming with undeniable confidence: “Foreign Minister, I hold a different opinion!” His gaze swept the meeting room, seeking understanding and support.
“Though the Xin Dynasty currently lags behind the West in many respects, their economic growth rate is remarkable!”
He continued, his tone revealing firm belief in the Xin Dynasty’s development potential. “If you’ve ever visited their Fragrant Harbor, you’d be astonished by its prosperity!” His eyes gleamed with optimism for the future of that land.
“In terms of prosperity, it is nearly on par with our own imperial capital.”
His words captivated everyone present, drawing them into his vision.
“Even amid civil strife, they managed to establish an advanced, modernized army.” His voice carried admiration for the Xin Dynasty’s military strength.
“If war breaks out, they possess sufficient population resources to supply ample military force!”
His remarks prompted the others to reconsider the strategic value of the distant Xin Dynasty.
“In my view, such a dynasty with enormous potential—given enough time—will surely rise from its current low point.” His tone was filled with hope for the future.
Of course, his support was not entirely due to a genuine recognition of the Chengyun faction’s potential, but rather because he saw the proposal’s importance in winning support from military leaders and domestic capitalists.
His impassioned speech was aimed not only at persuading those present, but also at gaining more backing through political maneuvering.
As expected, his words earned widespread approval and praise from the military and capitalist representatives in attendance.
Seeing this outcome, he was filled with satisfaction and pride. This debate was not just about the dynasty’s strategy—it was a contest of power and influence.
In this pivotal moment, everyone’s position and choice would affect Weldwire’s future direction.
The tense atmosphere in the General Secretariat’s meeting room eased slightly, as the chief administrator spoke with increasing passion. His eyes burned with fire, as if to incinerate every doubt among those seated.
“Mr. General Secretary, for our great Weldwire, we cannot always rely on the charity of others to survive!” He stood even straighter, his voice powerful and persuasive.
His hands waved as he spoke with fervor: “Therefore, we do need a strong friend on the international stage!” His words were filled with hope for the future and deep concern for the dynasty’s fate.
He continued, “As Ambassador Feng En said, if the Xin Dynasty can build a complete military-industrial system and possess a formidable modern army,”
His voice carried a sense of foresight for potential future conflicts.
“Then, whether they confront the Bear Dynasty, attack the Black Elephant Xin Dynasty, or the colonial territories of Tower Dynasty, this would be a heavy blow to both Tower and Great Ying Dynasties!”
His eyes flashed with strategic insight, as if already envisioning the scene should this plan succeed.
The atmosphere in the meeting room shifted with his words; some began to nod, seemingly persuaded by his passion and argument. However, the Navy Minister’s silence weighed like a heavy stone, reminding everyone that implementing this plan would not be without challenges.
The General Secretary furrowed his brow deeply, appearing troubled. He felt it was time to intervene and restore order to the chaotic situation.