The negotiations have officially started, but the battle has not ended. Luo Zheng did not directly answer Lan Xue's question, but instead shouted through the earpiece, "Brothers, let's head to the Sam Country base overnight and act according to circumstances after dawn. To deal with tough opponents, we must be tougher than them. Everyone, rally around ."
"Yes!" everyone quickly responded.
After a while, Hook finished talking with the tribe, and the troops all gathered back. Luo Zheng looked at Hook, who nodded and said, "We've discussed it."
"Hmm, what's the situation?" Luo Zheng asked curiously.
"Standard equipnt for a Mountain Division from Sam Country, ten million tons of rice, and ten billion worth of external dicine. Just these three." Hook quickly said.
Equipnt for a Mountain Division is quite a lot. Sam Country's standard configuration is for several tens of thousands of people. Ten million tons of rice can also support many people. Coupled with external dicine, which is a scarce resource, all are urgently needed by the Hook Tribe. Luo Zheng pondered for a mont and then smiled, "If you have no issues, it's fine by ."
"Okay, let's decide on this." Hook casually replied.
Luo Zheng agreed and conveyed the requirents to Lan Xing through the earpiece, signaling Lan Xing to find a way to transfer them to Sam Country, then led the large unit to rush overnight to the base in Sam Country. Negotiations are negotiations; there must not be any slack before results co out. Relaxation will only make one fall into passivity. The large unit understood this reasoning, quickly crossing the canyon, soon disappearing into the dense forest in the vast night without a trace.
┅┅
An hour later, at the Sam Country President's Mansion, a large number of senior advisers gathered in the President's office, everyone with grave expressions, all staring at the electronic screen. On it, Punard was briefing, only hearing Punard solemnly say, "President, the details of the negotiations are as follows. Regarding the opponent, I would like to express my views, if I may."
"Go ahead." The President said with a calm expression, his heart surging with rage.
"Thank you, President. Regarding the opponent, my views are as follows: Hook is a tenacious person and also soone with ambitions, willing to do anything to establish his own country. If we continue to fight, he will respond without hesitation. Although we are not afraid of war, there's one thing not to be ignored. If Hook publicly invites Huaxia Country to mine tantalum, Huaxia Country will seize the opportunity to send more people to the battlefield: one, to train soldiers; two, to secure vested interests; three, to create more trouble for us; and four, to win Hook's trust. This is not favorable to us." Punard said earnestly.
"State your conclusion." The President could also envision these, and waging war with the Hook Tribe was indifferent to him, but with Huaxia Country involved, it was different, presenting many variables that had to be cautiously considered.
"If war breaks out, the biggest beneficiary will be Huaxia Country, and our nation will fall into a mire of war without an end in sight, severely impacting our economy and politics, contrary to national interests. Therefore, I advise against initiating war." Punard quickly said.
"That's treason, disregarding national interests." Imdiately, a senior adviser jumped up, anxiously saying, "President, if we don't fight, it ans admitting defeat. Even if things look good on the surface, it's still a loss, and will discredit us internationally, dealing a fatal blow to our national prestige. I suggest carrying on the fight for national dignity and interests. We cannot fail."
The President glanced at the speaker, one of the representatives of the interest consortium that initiated this war, looked at others, and coldly said, "Everyone, speak up—is it war or peace? There has to be a stance."
"President, I propose continuing the fight. At least it shouldn't be us ending this war, as it implies defeat. We cannot afford to lose, nor is there a need to lose, because we haven't lost yet." A senior adviser promptly said, looking at the President with a resolute gaze.
"What is the military's stance?" The President calmly continued to ask.
The Minister of Defense stood out and said, "We've sacrificed so many people; the troops are awaiting for this grievance. If we admit defeat, the morale may be disturbed."
"Is that so?" The President calmly looked at the Minister of Defense and asked back, eyes flickering with coldness. The Minister of Defense was also one of the representatives of the interest group that started the war, naturally unwilling to give up. The President changed his tone, coldly pursuing, "Minister, if we must fight, how should we fight? Who can serve as the Chief Commander? Can you personally command the battle at the front line?"
"President, I'd be willing to personally command at the front line, but there's much work at the Ministry of Defense requiring my presence, making it difficult to detach. I propose appointing General Punard as the Chief Commander." The Minister of Defense quickly said, extricating himself from the relationship; matters benefiting could be approached, but risking one's life was not sothing the Minister of Defense would foolishly engage.
"President, colleagues, I advocate for peace. Is it appropriate for soone advocating peace to lead this war?" Punard coldly countered, unwilling to ddle in these muddy waters; it wasn't national warfare but for certain interest groups, and Punard wasn't just an ordinary soldier; he naturally wouldn't rashly charge forward.
"Indeed, appointing soone advocating peace to command—would you be reassured?" The President sarcastically asked.
Everyone realized the President had made a decision, anxiously, especially the representatives of the initiating consortiums. A senior adviser quickly stepped forward, saying, "President, can we not select a commander from among so many of us? A mighty military power defeated by a bunch of natives—wouldn't that be a disgrace if word spread? The stakes are high; please deliberate carefully."
"Yes, President, think carefully." Others also quickly stepped out to express positions, faintly showing signs of coercion.
The President frowned slightly, face showing discontent. Though reluctant to thoroughly offend these consortiums, he coldly said, "If things get out of hand, you can replace with a new President to continue protecting your interests. As for ? Aside from impeachnt, there's no other option. I indeed need to deliberate this carefully; if we must fight, present a plan convincing ; otherwise, I'll handle it my way."
Everyone's face changed, stunned by the President's firm stance, exchanged glances among themselves, deep in thought. Fighting for interests was feasible, but thoroughly offending the President could lead to greater losses, compelling earnest consideration. At this mont, Punard urgently said, "President, be it war or peace, we have only twenty-four hours. Hopefully, your decision won't take too long; otherwise, the enemy will certainly act again."
A few words: "Strongest Soldier King" has been out for a year since launch. Old Wolf has been updating continually, five chapters a day, each ten thousand characters long. His body can't handle it anymore; he urgently needs rest. I kindly ask for your understanding to let Old Wolf reduce updates daily. With the New Year's in February, it's like giving Old Wolf a long annual leave. Old Wolf promises three chapters a day, slowly recovering after the New Year. Please continue supporting Old Wolf and "Strongest Soldier King." Thank you all.
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