Chapter 145: The Japanese Send Two More Divisions as Reinforcements!

Under such a depressing atmosphere, the members of the institution who usually offered enthusiastic greetings chose to remain silent this time, quietly closing their eyes to rest, which made the tension in the conference room even heavier.

The entry of the Grand Chancellor caused barely any ripples. Without any casual small talk, he directly initiated the emergency meeting, his tone calm and direct:

"Since everyone is here, let us get straight to the agenda."

The Grand Chancellor's gaze fell upon the Chief of the Army General Staff. He spoke slowly, his voice steady yet carrying a hint of expectation:

"Lord Chief of Staff, your attendance at this military meeting is to provide us with a clearer understanding of the situation on the new dynasty's battlefield. Please begin your report."

Encouraged by the encouraging gaze of the Minister of the Army, the Chief of the Army General Staff stood up and began to report in detail on the combat situation in the Chengyun Theater. His voice was firm, but as he recounted the soldiers' sacrifices and the bitter brutality of the fighting, a flash of grief could not help but cross his eyes.

He knew that such candor at this moment might invite more blame, but for the ultimate victory of the dynasty, he was willing to bear it all.

Before long, when his report concluded, the faces of the institution members turned exceptionally grim. The conference room was filled with a heavy atmosphere, and everyone's heart was pondering the severe challenges facing the dynasty.

After a moment of silence, the Grand Chancellor's expression grew as dark as gathering storm clouds, his voice carrying unmistakable anger and disappointment:

"In other words, even after committing nearly hundreds of thousands of troops and consuming astronomical resources, we have not only failed to defeat Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army, nor achieved the massive benefits promised by the Army, but instead suffered heavy losses."

Every single word of his fell like a heavy hammer striking the hearts of everyone present.

Before the Army went to war with Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army, it had confidently guaranteed a swift victory and complete control over the Jiangbai territory. The cruel reality of the outcome shocked everyone.

This was undoubtedly a result that the Grand Chancellor's institution found impossible to accept.

The Grand Chancellor remained silent for a moment, his final words as cold as frost: "Lord Minister of the Army, I believe you should now commit seppuku to atone for your crimes."

These words struck like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone—especially the Minister of the Army. His face instantly turned ashen, and blazing fury erupted in his eyes as he retorted to the Grand Chancellor:

"Baka! I admit our assessment was flawed and that we underestimated the enemy's combat capability."

The Minister's voice was firm and impassioned: "However, our soldiers are still fighting bravely against the enemy's fierce offensive, fighting for the glory and interests of the dynasty!"

A deep respect for the soldiers and a painful self-reproach flickered in his eyes. "And yet you now level such accusations against me!"

His tone was filled with disbelief and rage: "Our army is currently in a crisis. Not only have you failed to provide assistance, but you even seem intent on stabbing us in the back. Is this not a betrayal of the dynasty?"

The Minister's counterattack turned the Grand Chancellor's face pale to the extreme. Rage caused his mustache to tremble slightly, and his usual calm exterior was thoroughly torn apart by anger at that moment.

The other civil officials in the conference room also wore expressions of displeasure, gazing at the Minister of the Army with critical and disapproving eyes. Yet deep within their gazes, anxiety over the current situation and uncertainty about the future were also hidden.

At this moment, the tension in the conference room was almost palpable, highlighting the long-standing, delicate balance between the civil bureaucratic faction and the military on the stage of power politics. Furthermore, the rapid development of the military over the past few decades had shifted the balance of power, allowing them to assume a near-dominant role in this power struggle.

Even the highly revered Grand Chancellor showed a sense of helplessness when faced with the military's firm stance, and a hint of frustration was not hard to detect in his eyes.

Seeing this, the Chief of the Army General Staff hurriedly intervened in a steady tone, though despite his attempt to keep his voice calm, a trace of anxiety leaked from his eyes:

"Lord Chancellor, please calm yourself slightly!"

He continued solemnly: "Although we have encountered headwinds on the battlefield, we are sparing no effort to find a way to break through." His gaze was resolute, revealing a yearning for victory.

"At the same time, this battle has also highlighted the severe threat that Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army poses to us."

He emphasized: "Therefore, we must immediately mobilize all available military strength to completely annihilate Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army!"

His voice carried a trace of agitation. "If we do not seize the opportunity to crush them now, once their strength grows, the threat they pose to the dynasty will be even greater!"

The Grand Chancellor's expression grew even gloomier as he asked a challenging question with obvious dissatisfaction:

"Are you saying we need to reinforce the troops further?"

A hint of skepticism lingered in his gaze. "But from where are we supposed to raise this astronomical funding? Do you think money falls from the sky?"

The Minister of the Army immediately replied, his voice cold and resolute, his expression stern:

"I refuse to believe we cannot even scrape together the funds to deploy two divisions!"

An unquestionable conviction gleamed in his eyes. "We have decided to commit two more Class-A combat divisions to the battlefield!"

Clenching his fists, he demonstrated his determination. "This will dramatically improve the strategic situation and ensure the decisive annihilation of Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army!"

At this moment, facing immense political maneuvering and mortal risk, the Minister of the Army knew well that his choice was fraught with a massive gamble.

His gaze was steadfast, showing that he had prepared himself for any sacrifice.

Faced with the Minister's pressing interrogation, the Grand Chancellor showed no weakness either, his expression growing complex:

"If the reinforced two divisions still fail to turn the tide, what shall we do then?"

His voice was filled with challenge and unease—clearly an outcome he wished to avoid at all costs.

Beside him, the Chief of the Army General Staff wore a resolute look and immediately responded: "Please rest assured, with the combat effectiveness of two divisions, we have ample confidence to cope with this!"

An unquestionable determination flickered in his eyes. "Although we have suffered heavy losses, the enemy's losses are equally not to be underestimated."

He continued with absolute conviction: "I believe these two divisions will become the decisive key to crushing Jiangbai's Seventh Area Army."

Upon hearing the Chief of Staff's confident words, the Grand Chancellor pondered for a moment, a complex expression flashing across his face. Seeming to reach a decision, he nodded toward the Minister of Finance.

The Minister of Finance replied in a cold and solemn tone: "Then, we will provide the funds required for the two divisions."

His gaze was severe, revealing the oppressive pressure of intolerance for failure. "But remember, this will be your last chance."

His words were heavy with warning. "If you fail again, you must face the severe punishment of the dynasty's laws."

Hearing this, a flash of gratitude crossed the Chief of the Army General Staff's eyes as he bowed respectfully in response: "Thank you, Minister of Finance!"

His tone was resolute, expressing confidence in the future. "Please rest assured, the dynasty will never be defeated in this war! Please place your full confidence in our military!"