Chapter 72: The Dawn of a New Chapter for Jiang Bai

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As the room fell into silence, the foreign minister, responsible for diplomacy, suddenly spoke up.

“I fully understand your anger, but unfortunately, the current international situation absolutely does not support any military action against Dongya,” he said firmly. “If we proceed, we will surely be isolated by the international community. In that event, not only would we fail to invade another country, but even our own strategic resources would be gravely threatened.”

The military minister, infuriated, retorted, “Foreign minister, don’t forget—if it weren’t for your interference, relying solely on the Japanese forces, we wouldn’t have been able to launch such a reckless military operation. So you, too, must bear responsibility for this outcome!”

The foreign minister, undaunted, replied confidently, “Regarding Kawashima, I have already recalled him and will have him dismissed from office. Is that satisfactory?”

His words left the military minister momentarily speechless.

The debate among the high officials continued, tension mounting in the chamber. At that moment, the Prime Minister, Tianzhong, broke the uneasy silence. He tapped the table, bringing everyone’s attention to him. His tone was calm and resolute, yet his gaze revealed deep concern for the current situation.

“Gentlemen, I share your anxiety over the ever-expanding power of the Chengyun Province faction,” he said. “But the speed of these developments has left us wholly unprepared for a full-scale war. Regarding the Bukawa Brigade—since they wore the uniforms of the Jin faction troops, we can’t prove that the Chengyun Province faction directly defeated our forces. This time, it seems we must swallow this bitter pill in silence.”

“Given the unfavorable international climate and deteriorating economic conditions, I believe it is impossible for us to launch large-scale military operations against Dongya. If there are no further suggestions, let us conclude today’s meeting.”

His concern over the expansion of the Chengyun Province faction, his helplessness at not being ready for all-out war, and his sober assessment of the international situation were all revealed in the slow cadence of his words. Though his voice was composed, it carried the weight of responsibility and loneliness that comes with difficult decisions.

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At that moment, the military minister’s mind was in turmoil. Faced with the Prime Minister’s decision, he felt defeated and dissatisfied. As the Prime Minister argued against war, the minister’s expression grew increasingly complex; he gripped the edge of the table tightly, a flicker of anger and unwillingness in his eyes. Though he longed to protest, with the Prime Minister’s authority prevailing, he could only suppress his emotions, silently vowing to find a chance to change the status quo.

When the meeting was adjourned, the Prime Minister’s figure slowly receded, leaving the military minister with nothing but his departing silhouette and a chamber of stillness.

He stood there for a long time, unable to calm himself. His lips pressed into a thin line. “Such a cowardly and ineffectual cabinet—looks like it’s time to find an opportunity to overthrow them,” he muttered.

Meanwhile, Jiang Bai resolved to vigorously develop weapons manufacturing and, without hesitation, boarded a private jet to Chengyun Province’s Tiancheng.

When the Marshal learned of Jiang Bai’s plan, he immediately convened a secret high-level meeting with all senior officers.

As the participants took their seats, the Marshal sat solemnly at the head of the table, scanning the room with dignity.

His voice was steady and deep, piercing straight to the heart. “Since everyone has gathered here, I assume you’ve all heard of Wangkou’s feats,” he said, his gaze sweeping across every official present, as if to ensure that his words were taken seriously.

“Though you may already have some expectations, I must emphasize—this matter must be kept strictly confidential, never to be revealed even unto death,” he declared. The unwavering tone made clear this was a decision reached after careful consideration.

The Marshal’s insistence on secrecy was not mere repetition, but born from profound anxiety over the situation. Upon hearing of Jiang Bai’s miraculous annihilation of the enemy, his emotions had surged from shock to worry, then to relief. His expression relaxed slightly in recollection, a hint of satisfaction for having a subordinate like Jiang Bai.

Among those present, the reactions varied. Some nodded in agreement, others’ eyes flickered, each with their own calculations. Yet without exception, all showed respect for the Marshal and admiration for Jiang Bai.

“To speak plainly, Commander Jiang’s troops are truly formidable. Since the start of our domestic conflicts, this is the first time I’ve seen us defeat the Japanese head-on!” said Minister Wang, openly praising Jiang Bai. He proposed, “We should promote Commander Jiang’s training methods throughout the entire army. This would greatly enhance the fighting power of Chengyun Province’s forces!”

“I have something to add,” Tang Yu said excitedly. “We should also follow Commander Jiang’s example and bring in more welding instructors to our units, to improve both our officers’ education and combat capability!”

Listening to the chorus of praise and proposals, Jiang Bai found himself caught off guard by the sudden acclaim.

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A wry smile lingered on his face as emotions swirled in his heart. Originally, he had intended to discuss the establishment of a weapons factory, but the meeting had unexpectedly turned into an outpouring of recognition and admiration for his personal abilities.

In this atmosphere, the Marshal deftly steered the conversation back to its intended focus. He tapped the table gently, drawing all eyes to him. He looked around, his gaze exuding an undeniable authority, and spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of gravity: “Gentlemen, the Chaha region is now ours—this is a golden opportunity for development.” As he spoke of building a weapons factory, his eyes flashed with determination, as if already envisioning future glory.

His words caused a ripple of complex expressions among those present. When Jiang Bai was first appointed supreme commander of the Super-Har region, it had already stirred discontent. Now, with the Marshal’s plan to establish an armaments factory in Chaha, was this not further consolidating Jiang Bai’s power?

The high officials exchanged glances, their faces showing surprise, contemplation, and unease. Clearly, the proposal touched upon sensitive nerves, implicating not only military strategy but also the distribution of power, intensifying the tension in the chamber.

Everyone waited for someone to object, but with Jiang Bai’s reputation soaring, none wished to become the target of collective criticism.

In the silence, the Marshal’s gaze sharpened, fixing upon Minister Wang, as if seeing straight through his old comrade.

Feeling the weight of the Marshal’s expectation, Minister Wang stood, a resolute look flashing across his face, his voice filled with confidence: “Marshal, I firmly believe this is the right decision.” His support was not only loyalty to the Marshal but a resolute belief in the future.

Yang Ting then stood as well, a seasoned smile on his face, his eyes revealing deep understanding and anticipation. “Marshal, I also consider this a necessary step. Given the threats facing Chaha, without a capable and valiant general to oversee its defense, preservation would be difficult. Therefore, I support your decision.”

Yang Ting, as a veteran strategist, knew that with the Marshal’s explicit backing of Jiang Bai, any opposition would be futile.

With these key endorsements, the atmosphere eased noticeably, and there was little further dissent. Thus, the plan was unanimously approved within the Chengyun Province faction. The Marshal’s face broke into a satisfied smile as he proclaimed, “It’s settled!”

His words marked the meeting’s conclusion and opened a new chapter for Jiang Bai.