Chapter 96: A Pivotal Battle!

Jiang Bai nodded, aware that although the Ghost-class submarines boasted outstanding performance, in an era of rapid technological advancement, only constant progress could maintain a technical edge over the enemy. Otherwise, once the enemy developed countermeasures, their advantage would vanish.

Shen Honglie, who had been listening quietly, suddenly asked, “Commander, when do we plan to begin construction of surface combat submarines?”

Though deeply interested in submarines, he still harbored expectations for surface combat vessels, influenced by traditional naval thinking.

After a moment of contemplation, Jiang Bai revealed his vision to Shen Honglie: “After the war, we will expand the fleet, including the construction of destroyers, cruisers, and even larger ships.”

He did not dwell much on the future of battleships, believing that with the advent of the aircraft carrier era, the golden age of battleships was nearing its end. “Blindly increasing battleship numbers during this transitional period not only wastes resources but leads us down the path of obsolescence.”

Jiang Bai knew well that to forge a world-class naval force, submarine superiority alone would not suffice; a powerful surface fleet was essential.

Submarines and surface vessels played entirely different roles: submarines disrupted enemy targets and supply lines, while surface fleets determined control of the seas.

“Rest assured, Commander, I will fulfill my duties!” Shen Honglie replied, his face radiant with indescribable joy, looking forward to the future, especially imagining the enemy’s fear and helplessness when confronted by his own main battle fleet.

On January 14th, 190029, Jiang Bai convened a crucial military meeting at the Seventh Army Headquarters, inviting all senior commanders and logistics officers of subordinate units.

According to Jiang Bai’s assessment, the outbreak of war was imminent; within months, the Seventh Army would face the enemy head-on. For the Seventh Army, not yet a year old, this would be a stern test.

If victorious, the Seventh Army would gain renown, able to contend with the world’s great powers; if defeated, not only would the army be destroyed, but the entire carrier would fall into crisis.

Thus, Jiang Bai would not permit failure, determined to exert every effort to secure complete victory.

Sweeping his gaze across the assembly, Jiang Bai spoke slowly:

“Gentlemen, the situation in Europe is now extremely tense.”

“I had thought they would need at least seven or eight years before hostilities flared again.”

“Yet according to the latest intelligence, it seems they will wage war this very year.”

Even Jiang Bai found the current developments hard to grasp.

After hearing Jiang Bai’s analysis, the officers of the Seventh Army grew solemn, feeling an unprecedented sense of importance and urgency regarding expansion and preparation.

Once conflict erupted, the Seventh Army would be thrust into direct battle, facing the enemy’s full challenge.

This was not merely a local skirmish, but a genuine, all-encompassing war.

Despite the Seventh Army undergoing rigorous training and achieving substantial strength with first-class equipment, victory against an equally formidable adversary remained uncertain.

Only those veterans who had survived the early battles alongside Jiang Bai held absolute faith in victory. In those days, with only a few tens of thousands, they dared face the enemy head-on. Now, with the support of 150,000 regular troops and 100,000 paramilitary forces, defeat seemed unimaginable.

Breaking the silence, Li Jian was the first to ask Jiang Bai, “Commander, is this prediction accurate? Are we truly about to face war?”

Jiang Bai replied with certainty, “If my assessment is correct, war is indeed imminent.”

He once again surveyed the room, rallying morale: “We have prepared for this moment for a long time. The entire Seventh Army is ready for battle. With such a massive equipment advantage, do any of you doubt our victory?”

Inspired by Jiang Bai’s words, all military officers shouted in unison, “Commander, we will be invincible!”

Jiang Bai nodded with satisfaction, believing that even if the enemy committed fully, they would only field five or six divisions.

If the war ended swiftly, their homeland would surely devote all its support; but if it dragged on, it would further worsen their already troubled economy.

Jiang Bai understood that an all-out war would displease the allies as well. After deep cooperation, the allies had invested heavily in Jiang Bai’s territory; a full-scale conflict would render these investments worthless.

“From now on, the Seventh Army is in emergency combat readiness, awaiting operational orders and prepared to enter battle immediately!” Jiang Bai commanded sternly.

Li Jian replied resolutely, “Commander, rest assured! I will ensure your orders are relayed!”

He knew this battle was of utmost importance, determining the Seventh Army’s future and honor.

Victory would bring everlasting glory; defeat would spell the end of everything.

Jiang Bai turned to another officer, “Wang Xiao, what is the current status of our ammunition reserves?”

He then addressed Wang Jinshan, expecting a detailed report on the Seventh Army’s material preparations.

Once the flames of war were ignited, the Seventh Army would have to plunge into fierce combat against the enemy, facing a thorough and comprehensive battle.

Even with the Seventh Army’s strict training and enhanced strength, and their top-tier equipment, victory against a formidable adversary remained uncertain.

Only those seasoned warriors who had survived the early bitter struggles were confident about the impending fight.

Back then, with far fewer numbers than today, they had faced the enemy directly.

Now, with 150,000 regulars and 100,000 paramilitary troops, victory seemed all but assured in everyone’s mind.

As the assembly waited in silence, Li Jian took the initiative to ask, seeking confirmation:

“Commander, is our prediction truly accurate? Will the battle really break out?”

Jiang Bai confirmed the forecast and inspired his people: “We have prepared well for this moment; the entire Seventh Army is always ready for battle. With such a vast advantage in equipment, we should be full of confidence.”

His words stirred the blood of all officers: “Commander, we will be unstoppable!”

Jiang Bai was satisfied and entrusted Wang Xiao with outlining the specific operational plan.

Wang Xiao explained the battle arrangements in detail:

“According to our plan, the battlefield will be mainly distributed in two key areas—Blue Island and the Chengyun River region.”

“Blue Island’s strategic importance is self-evident. Once we control it, we can completely lock the Bo Bay for the carrier and further advance inland.”

It was anticipated that the enemy would attempt a strong assault or collaborate with local forces, so elite troops would be deployed to defend critical locations and prepare for a comprehensive counterattack.

Aside from keeping a force as a dynamic reserve, all other units would be committed to the front lines, ready for decisive battle against the enemy.

Wang Xiao’s deployment was clear, and the commanders understood their assignments.

“This time, we must not only retake Blue Island but completely eradicate the enemy, bringing the entire region under our control.”

“To miss this opportunity would make it difficult to find another so favorable.”

Everyone understood that the significance of this battle far exceeded ordinary conflicts—it was a pivotal fight for the future.