Empire Conquest
Chapter 213 - 209: The Emotional Card

Chapter 213: Chapter 209: The Emotional Card

Back at the hotel, Bai Zhizhan tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep. Finally, in the middle of the night, with no sleep in sight, he simply returned to the Navy Command.

It was not a time of war, and even during peacetime, the Navy Command never closed.

He had been busy all night, mainly making several long-distance calls and sending a few telegrams, in addition to reviewing some relevant documents.

The next morning, before dawn had even broken, Bai Zhizhan, with the materials he had prepared overnight, went to the Commander-in-chief’s office.

However, it was too early, and Liu Changxun had not yet arrived.

Bai Zhizhan didn’t leave but waited outside the office.

The on-duty secretary had no way of dealing with him; after all, Bai Zhizhan was the Major General Commander of the Special Mixed Fleet and a well-known figure in the Navy. Delaying or mishandling military affairs was a capital offense that could cost one their head.

"The Grand Secretary also wants... General Bai, so early?"

Clearly, Liu Changxun did not expect Bai Zhizhan to be waiting for him. As he walked over, he continued to instruct his confidential secretary on work matters.

"General Bai, good morning. Commander, if there’s nothing else, shall I go make the arrangements?"

"Go ahead and make the arrangements. If there are any changes, I’ll call you."

The confidential secretary who came with Liu Changxun was also tactful. After greeting Bai Zhizhan, he took his leave and even took the briefcase with him.

"Have you had breakfast?"

"I had a late-night snack before dawn; I’m not hungry yet."

Liu Changxun’s eyebrows twitched a few times, and after Bai Zhizhan entered, he closed the door then took off his coat to hang it on the coat rack by the door.

Bai Zhizhan, free of such hassles, proceeded directly into the office.

"Would you like something to drink?"

"No need to trouble yourself."

"What is this..."

Without mincing words, Bai Zhizhan handed over a folder as Liu Changxun approached. "I found this out last night and have confirmed it—the ’Heng River’ is still at Chengjiang Port, and the only dry dock there is already occupied by a battleship, making it unavailable for repairing the ’Heng River.’ Although I believe this to be an oversight due to the chaos, such a mistake really shouldn’t have happened."

"Do you need me to call Liu Xiangdong?"

"I already asked, but it truly cannot be arranged. Before the ’Heng River’ returned to Chengjiang Port, the Southern Fleet had already started repairing the bombed battleship. To make adjustments now would mean at least a ten-day delay, displeasing both ends, so it’s better to make other arrangements."

"There are other arrangements?"

"Third page."

Upon Bai Zhizhan’s reminder, Liu Changxun opened the folder and turned to the third page.

"I have already inquired and confirmed that Puzhou Harbor can make space available, and the dry dock originally at Mast Harbor is also scheduled for routine maintenance early next year. Sending it over now would just be a few months ahead of schedule, and time can be efficiently managed to complete the repair work."

"You’re suggesting that we send the ’Heng River’ to Puzhou for repairs?" It was at this point that Liu Changxun grasped Bai Zhizhan’s intention.

"This is the best arrangement."

Liu Changxun pondered for a while before saying, "You’re right. I’ll contact Puzhou Shipyard later and have the Domestic Fleet dispatch the dry dock. But the personnel..."

"If there’s no issue, I can go to Puzhou Shipyard."

"You?!"

Liu Changxun seemed to think he had heard wrong, clearly very surprised.

Obviously, he had only thought that Bai Zhizhan was eyeing the "Heng Jiang" carrier, planning to take advantage of the maintenance opportunity to grab hold of it.

Where could he have imagined that Bai Zhizhan was actually planning to take the chance to leave the Imperial Capital?

Liu Changxun immediately associated it with yesterday’s events and felt that Bai Zhizhan was looking for an excuse to make his getaway.

"Commander-in-chief, I am the supervisor of ’Longjiang.’ The modification work for the ’Heng Jiang’ was carried out alongside ’Longjiang,’ and there are hardly any differences in all aspects. If anything, only General Liu Xiangzhen knows this carrier better than I do."

Now, Liu Changxun was left even more speechless.

What Bai Zhizhan meant was, if it was impossible to send Liu Xiangzhen to Puzhou, then let him go.

"The key point is," Bai Zhizhan paused slightly, "according to my guess, Lan Yun will soon lead the remnants of the Mobile Fleet’s battleships to Tuk Fortress, plus the fourth Cruiser Corps. If the main battle ships and large warships haven’t been severely damaged, or to put it another way, if the damage isn’t serious and they can be repaired at Tuk Fortress, then we have to consider the threat coming from the south."

"That being said, you’ve already made up your mind to go?"

"To Puzhou? Commander-in-chief, we navy men are navy men no matter where we go. Besides, whatever the task, I follow arrangements and orders."

"You’re right, we definitely need to be wary of Tuk Fortress." Liu Changxun rubbed his forehead vigorously and let out a sigh, appearing deep in thought.

It was clear that Bai Zhizhan was speaking evasively, leaving Liu Changxun with no leverage.

Bai Zhizhan didn’t press him either. He had said what needed to be said, and his intentions were quite clear. It was now up to Liu Changxun to decide whether to let him go or not.

Truth be told, if Liu Changxun refused to let him go, Bai Zhizhan couldn’t leave either.

Of course, when Bai Zhizhan was determined to leave, keeping him forcibly would just cause trouble for Liu Changxun without any benefit.

As the saying goes, a twisted melon never tastes sweet.

Liu Changxun, as the Navy Commander, could issue Bai Zhizhan a deadly order, but he couldn’t command Bai Zhizhan to be his confidant.

Moreover, Bai Zhizhan was no mere nobody, and Liu Changxun would have to tread carefully even if he wanted to deal with him.

For instance, if he pushed Bai Zhizhan too hard, causing him to side with the He Family, then Liu Changxun’s position as the Navy Commander would undoubtedly become unstable.

War had already broken out, and it was a time to utilize every available person, while a war general like Bai Zhizhan was hard to come by.

There are plenty of soldiers easy to find, but a true general is hard to come by.

It was impossible for Liu Changxun to not know the value of a capable general.

After pondering for quite a while, Liu Changxun finally said, "You’ve been back for a few days now but haven’t visited the Principal, have you?"

Bai Zhizhan was startled, then said, "I’ve been busy with the fleet and headquarters matters and haven’t had a chance to get away. Didn’t the Principal go to recuperate? When did he return?"

Due to his age, Zhu Shijian had retired to the south, where it was usually expected he would return to the Imperial Capital after winter.

In the Empire’s south, there are several sanatoriums specifically for the use of senior generals.

"Only a few days ago. Make some time to visit the Principal." He continued, "Out of all his students, the Principal values you the most, trusts you the most, and is most proud of you. Yesterday, when discussing reforms, the Principal specifically inquired about your recent situation. Hearing about your great victories in West East Ocean, he said ’good’ three times."

Bai Zhizhan couldn’t help but sigh. Liu Changxun was playing the emotional card, even bringing up Zhu Shijian. What else could he say?

"I will seriously consider what you’ve mentioned and will give you a definite answer by tomorrow morning at the latest," Liu Changxun obviously looked a bit weary. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to the hotel for some sleep. In the afternoon or evening, I’ll make some time to see the Principal. You know, when people get older, the happiest thing for them is to have young people around. If you visit, the Principal would certainly be delighted."

"Alright, I’ll head back to the hotel now."

After leaving the Commander-in-chief’s office, Bai Zhizhan finally took a deep breath.

Liu Changxun had agreed to consider the matter and would give him an answer by tomorrow morning; clearly, there wasn’t much of a problem. After all, the words of the Commander-in-chief were not to be taken lightly.

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