755: Chapter 421: Fengshan Ceremony at Tepeya Mountain?
755: Chapter 421: Fengshan Ceremony at Tepeya Mountain?
The Pentagon.
In the evening, the moon hung tiredly overhead, gazing down at the teeming masses below.
Donald Rumsfeld held a report on U.S.
military procurent in his hand.
The more he read, the more invigorated he beca—the more he read, the more extraordinary his expression grew.
His face went through a kaleidoscope of hues—red, green, blue, purple—it was a spectacle in itself.
At over sixty years old, he was exhausting himself over the U.S.
military.
The soldiers’ training often failed to et standards, there were violations in weapon procurents, and the costs of building overseas bases were exorbitant…
“Damn it, a tal bushing actually cost 50,000 US Dollars, while it’s under 100 US Dollars at a regular hardware store.”
In the Gulf War, it had been revealed that the United States Air Force had procured coffee mugs at 1,280 US Dollars each and office chairs at 9,341 US Dollars apiece.
Faced with public pressure questioning the coffee mugs’ price, the U.S.
Military even issued an explanation, claiming that these mugs could automatically infuse caffeine into beverages, acting like several cans of Red Bull—allegedly having a “miraculous effect” on boosting individual combat capability, making them an “essential need.”
And then there was the case where shipping an 8.75 US Dollar curved pipe cost 445,640 US Dollars; shipping a machine-threaded plug valued at 10.99 US Dollars cost an astonishing 492,096 US Dollars; and airlifting six machine screws, worth a total of 59.94 US Dollars, incurred a fee of 403,436 US Dollars.
Donald Rumsfeld’s hand trembled.
He opened a drawer and took out a nitroglycerin pill to “brace” himself, his chest aching.
Any more reading, and he might just keel over.
The last ti he held office as Defense Secretary was from 1975 to 1977 under the Ford administration.
In just 16 years since then, it had turned into a complete ss.
During his tenure, the U.S.
military had already been undergoing reforms.
After he stepped down, many military analysts had remarked: Had it not been for Donald Rumsfeld’s reforms, the U.S.
military would have been completely overtaken by the Soviet Union during the 1980s!
When he returned to office, he had anticipated the military might be in bad shape but never imagined it could be this rotten.
“What a headache.”
His face soured.
The U.S.
military had now beco thoroughly entangled with the “Military Industrial Complex.” Donald didn’t dare make a move against them—he knew full well how terrifying this monster was.
He himself had been propped up by those very people.
He couldn’t afford to ruin their business; otherwise, he might very well end up dead in the street by tomorrow.
Prestige?
Status?
To those capitalists, they were utterly worthless!
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Old Donald stood up, rubbing his aching back.
Age had caught up with him, and he was feeling the effects of kidney deficiency.
“Co in.”
The bespectacled secretary entered, carrying a stack of docunts.
“Sir, these are the spending lists from the past two years.”
“Just leave them here.”
Donald gestured at his desk.
The secretary nodded, watching his boss stretch his calves and sighing inwardly.
The old man was really pushing himself.
“By the way, has everyone in the xican Independence Day delegation been notified?”
“Yes, sir.
Deputy Defense Minister General Mason Leonard will lead the team to xico City tomorrow.”
After all, this was the first ti they would officially represent the governnt at the Independence Day event.
Victor had invited other nations.
At the ti, apart from Japan, South Korea, and Spain explicitly declining, other countries had responded vaguely.
When the Pentagon announced it would send delegates, so European and Arican countries imdiately followed suit.
Though they didn’t quite understand what had happened in U.S.-xico relations to ease tensions,
they knew that North Arica’s situation had stabilized.
When the Pentagon agreed, the folks from the Lone Star State vehently opposed it.
After all, the 4th xican Marine Division had crushed the National Guard and “invaded” more than a dozen kiloters deep.
They were still protesting to this day.
They even went as far as to threaten Donald, claiming that if he didn’t completely sever ties with xico, Texas would no longer respect the White House’s directives!
And then…
They were ignored.
What, a little shrimp like you gets upset after a tongue-lashing?
Texas declares independence?
The Pentagon could deploy troops by tomorrow!
Donald was unfazed by threats or appeasents.
Hearing the secretary’s report, he nodded slightly.
Seeing that the secretary appeared to have more to say but hesitated, he waved dismissively.
“Go get so rest.”
“Sir, you should rest early too.
It’s already 1 a.m.”
Donald adjusted his glasses.
“I’ll sleep when I’m done.”
As the secretary left, he glanced back through the gap in the doorway.
Seeing the white streaks in Donald’s hair more prominent than ever, he sighed deeply and gently closed the door.
…
At Tepeya Mountain, just outside xico City!
It wasn’t known for spectacular scenery or remarkable height, yet it held extraordinary significance and an irreplaceable place in the hearts of xicans.
Legend had it that this was where xico’s patron saint, the Guadalupe Virgin, had appeared.
On the eve of Independence Day in the past, the governnt would co here to pay homage.
It was ant as a plea for blessings over xico—for favorable weather and peaceful tis.
At 8 a.m.,
thousands of people had already gathered below.
A red carpet stretched from the foot of the mountain to its peak, with steps even carved into the hillside!
There were 170 steps in total, symbolizing the 170 years since 1821.
Solemn soldiers stood on both sides, holding their guns with stately poise.
Overhead, a helicopter belonging to “xican National News” hovered, broadcasting the entire event live.
Other reporters could only stand at the base of the stairs.
Victor, anwhile, ascended the mountain with Casare, Cuauhtémoc, Horatio Herbert Kitchener, Zolf Sherman, and local governors.
He wore a suit today, accentuating his tall, poised figure.
Bang!
Bang!
The ceremonial cannons fired 170 rounds in total.
The entire setting exuded dignity and gravity.
Millions of viewers watching on television saw the group making their way up.
When they reached the 50th step, feudal officials who had co to the capital from various states halted and went no further.
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