Empire Conquest
Chapter 212 - 208: The Wang Next Door

Chapter 212: Chapter 208: The Wang Next Door

Bai Zhizhan did not agree on the spot, only saying he would consider it. Liu Changxun did not pressure him either.

Actually, there was nothing much to consider.

Finally, as evening approached and Bai Zhizhan was preparing to leave work, Zheng Jiangming came to him, mentioning that an old friend had returned to the Imperial Capital and they had arranged to have dinner together.

As for who it was, Zheng Jiangming did not say, simply telling Bai Zhizhan he would find out when he arrived.

Bai Zhizhan was quite frustrated, but he could not refuse.

Besides, other than returning to the hotel, he really did not know where else to go in the evening.

They did not go anywhere else but to the restaurant across from the hotel, where they had reserved a private room. Zheng Jiangming had made the arrangements beforehand, even taking care of the food and drinks.

Later, Bai Zhizhan found out that the "old friend" was Wang Kaiyuan.

Furthermore, Wang Kaiyuan was now the Director of the Sixth Bureau’s Liaison Office and Zheng Jiangming’s immediate superior. It was because of Bai Zhizhan that Wang Kaiyuan had recruited Zheng Jiangming in the first place.

"Brother Bai, these past two days since you’ve been back, things haven’t been too comfortable, have they?" Wang Kaiyuan was clearly well-connected.

Besides, he was two years younger than Bai Zhizhan, so calling him "Brother Bai" was quite fitting.

"Let’s not talk about it, everywhere is problematic," Bai Zhizhan did not put on airs, because in front of Wang Kaiyuan, there really were no secrets.

"It’s normal. As the saying goes, ’Only through hardship can one become a superior person.’ If you can’t endure this bit of hardship, then you cannot achieve great things."

Bai Zhizhan was speechless, feeling that this guy was taking pleasure in his misfortune.

However, the way Wang Kaiyuan spoke in Yuzhou dialect was quite lively.

Those who didn’t know better might think he was from Yuzhou.

In fact, it had only been a little over ten days since they had last seen each other, but Wang Kaiyuan seemed like a changed man, not only energetic but also in the mood for jokes.

In the past, he was not one to indulge in laughter and jest.

After a few drinks, Bai Zhizhan talked about the Navy reform.

Although his relationship with Wang Kaiyuan was not very close, Bai Zhizhan knew this man never engaged in actions that were harmful to others and not beneficial to himself. The Navy reform had nothing to do with him, no loss or gain, yet helping Bai Zhizhan could earn him a favor that might be useful in the future.

"So, it’s already settled then."

Wang Kaiyuan said this as he glanced at Zheng Jiangming.

Zheng Jiangming didn’t say anything, only nodded.

"You must know that the Newland President is planning to run for a third term and has secured the support within his party. Just yesterday, he had the Secretary of State issue a statement, announcing their response to the Prime Minister’s proposal at last year’s United Nations conference, willing to collaborate with the Empire to create a peaceful and prosperous era."

Bai Zhizhan nodded, indicating he knew about these matters.

Actually, he had heard about it from Zheng Jiangming.

Yesterday, Bai Zhizhan had accepted Liu Changxun’s arrangements in the meeting after learning this news, without competing with Liu Xiangzhen for the credit.

The statement by the Newland Secretary of State was precisely targeted, its impact not to be underestimated.

Last year, when Xue Yuanzheng issued this proposal at the United Nations conference, the international situation had not yet become uncontrollable. Xue Yuanzheng’s intention was to maintain a peaceful and stable situation by allying with other Great Powers, thus preventing the international situation from devolving into a major war.

To put it plainly, it was truly in the interest of peace.

But now?

The statement from the Newland Secretary of State sounded like they were planning to collaborate with the Liangxia Empire to split the world!

Such motives were condemnable!

Of course, this was not considered a conspiracy but rather an overt plot.

The subtle intentions of Rofuss were not hard to guess – it was to promote the "Threat Theory of the Liangxia Empire," schisming the Great Powers like Bulan Kingdom to view the Liangxia Empire with greater hostility. It was still inciting discord, causing countries like the Luosha Federation, which had good relations with the Empire, to harbor suspicions and thereby distancing themselves from the Empire.

The problem was, such an overt plot was the hardest to debunk.

No matter what arguments were presented, it was impossible to prove that the Empire wouldn’t join forces with the Newland Federation to govern the world, for explanations were merely attempts to conceal the truth.

In simple terms, it was a mess that had landed right in your lap.

Looking at it from another perspective, this was exactly why it was crucial to quickly defeat the Saiyi Imperial Kingdom.

"You needn’t worry about what you mentioned."

"What?"

"Liu Changxun didn’t ask you to step forward. According to him, he only hoped that when the time came, you would declare your stance and set an example for the people of the Domestic Fleet."

Bai Zhizhan furrowed his brow.

"On the contrary, do you think that a matter this important would be entrusted to you? Brother Bai, even though you’ve won battles and are amongst the most valued disciples of Principal Zhu, in the eyes of the Liu Family, you are still just a sprout, easy to handle even if it reaches the skies. As for Liu Changxun, think of him in the best possible way. How wise is Principal Zhu who personally chose his successor, and how could that choice be poor?"

Hearing Wang Kaiyuan put it this way, Bai Zhizhan couldn’t help but give a bitter smile.

Actually, Wang Kaiyuan was already being quite polite.

To put it bluntly, don’t think too highly of yourself. You are merely a junior major general without an official title. What are you really worth?

That was indeed a bit crushing, but Bai Zhizhan knew Wang Kaiyuan wasn’t just talking recklessly.

Not to mention having a capable person like Liu Xiangzhen; even without him, the Liu Family would never rely on someone like Bai Zhizhan who didn’t follow orders.

The Liu Family didn’t lack war generals.

Without Liu Xiangzhen, there was still Liu Xiangdong, stationed with the Southern Fleet.

Moreover, who could claim that among the many descendants of the Liu Family, there wouldn’t emerge one or two war generals of the caliber of Liu Xiangzhen or Bai Zhizhan?

What the Liu Family lacked were actually the necessary sacrifices in the struggle of power.

And wasn’t the He Family the same?

This was exactly why Bai Zhizhan was reluctant to align with the He Family; with his status, even if he was capable, he was just an outsider expendable at any moment.

Not to look far, Zhou Kuande, the Navy Commander and Marshal of the Empire, ultimately became the scapegoat despite his high rank.

Although Wang Kaiyuan’s words were harsh, every sentence was a wake-up call.

"Director Wang, the food is getting cold, maybe we should—"

Zheng Jiangming stopped talking immediately after receiving a stern glance from Wang Kaiyuan.

"Brother Bai, I didn’t come here to discourage you. After all, you are temporarily confused. I came here to offer you a significant opportunity."

"Then I thank you in advance." Bai Zhizhan sighed, and his emotions gradually settled down.

"Whether you thank me or not depends on whether you can seize it."

Bai Zhizhan nodded, waiting for Wang Kaiyuan to continue.

"I just received intelligence that Lan Yun has already traveled south to Nanzhu Country, and is expected to lead the remaining warships to Tuк Fortress by January 3rd. The Fourth Cruiser Corps has not returned to the homeland and is also expected to arrive at Tuk Fortress on the 3rd. Yesterday, a fleet of five cargo ships left Guan Island, four tankers among them, and the fifth carrying equipment and materials for warship repairs. We believe their destination is Tuk Fortress."

"Are you saying—"

"I only handle intelligence, not strategies," Wang Kaiyuan smiled and said, "One more reminder, the ’Heng Jiang’ carrier is still at Chengjiang Port waiting for repairs."

"How is that possible? It’s been days already, are you saying—" Bai Zhizhan suddenly became anxious.

It was a Fleet carrier, and right now, carriers were what the Imperial Navy was most lacking!

"It’s getting late, I have an important meeting tonight, so I will take my leave now. Next time, I’ll treat you to a fine drink."

"Director Wang, let me walk you out," Zheng Jiangming instantly got up to open the door.

After the two departed, Bai Zhizhan couldn’t help but give a bitter smile again.

Eating?

The spread of rich dishes and drinks on the table was barely touched. Besides, with news like that, who could still have an appetite?