In the Name of Empress-Chapter 455 - 311: She Is the Commander in Chief?
Words and deeds can never be viewed in isolation from the historical context.
If Roland were to say such words in his homeland during the age of the internet, he would be immediately branded a traitor and harshly criticized.
But this is the Otherworld, the late eighteenth century, when the industrial age is just beginning.
Such words not only wouldn’t offend, but even convey sincerity.
At least Desmonds accepted his statement.
The stern face of the old prosecutor gradually softened, and a smile began to form.
Whether Roland claimed Jin Yuan was higher than Sussex or Sussex higher than Jin Yuan, it would cause resentment.
However, he cleverly avoided this fatal choice.
As long as he is in Jin Yuan, it is enough to be a Jin Yuan person.
Desmonds didn’t speak, but responded with rhythmic applause.
During Marco’s chaotic governance, he maintained the last dignity of the law under enormous pressure, saving many lives and earning considerable prestige in the Cabinet.
His stance represented the attitude of many neutrals.
They did not care who became Prime Minister or who was the Supreme Leader, as long as they were willing to serve Jin Yuan and could lead Jin Yuan out of its plight.
Some ministers still harbored hostility toward Roland, but under Alina’s powerful authority and the overwhelming trend of public opinion, they could only join in the applause reluctantly.
After Desmonds, other Cabinet ministers also raised some questions.
Most of them were about Roland’s plans for the future of the Jin Yuan Kingdom and how he viewed the relationship between Jin Yuan and Sussex.
Roland, of course, was prepared.
"The Jin Yuan Kingdom is vast and resource-rich, with a large population and abundant talent. As long as it follows the right path, it will inevitably become a powerful nation no less than any other country."
Roland began with lavish praise.
In fact, he was not lying.
Jin Yuan’s foundation is even stronger than that of Sussex.
Historically, they have achieved the feat of warring against two continents, taking on half of Rodinia alone.
Which of the current great powers hasn’t been defeated by Jin Yuan?
Roland’s identity is very subtle; he is both a "local" of Jin Yuan and an outsider from the contemporary strong nation of Sussex.
His reasonable commendation is more easily accepted.
Whether they liked Roland or not, how could they resist such sincere praise?
Applause resounded once more.
Roland gestured for silence, and the applause ceased as he continued his impassioned speech.
"To set Jin Yuan on the right track, enlightened and fair laws and systems are needed, as well as talent, and more importantly, a safe and stable external environment."
"This is why Alina invited me."
Upon hearing Roland’s words, the middle ground and Alina’s supporters frequently nodded.
No one doubted Roland’s ability.
With Sylph, he fled to the Three Overseas Provinces under difficult circumstances and regained power in just two years, showcasing his political acumen.
Moreover, he demonstrated his military prowess through the war with the Oden Kingdom and exhibited his determination and personal strength by expelling Angelina.
The Jin Yuan people are inherently proud.
They can accept walking with the Sussex Empire because they are not the same kind of people.
The bottom line for Jin Yuan people is not allowing anyone on land to challenge their authority.
The ocean is vast, and they can share it with others, but they refuse to share the glory of being the King of the Continent.
Roland’s stance stood right at the edge of their boundary.
The rise of the Vladimir Empire and Sofia primarily threatened not Sussex but the interests and dignity of the Jin Yuan people.
After several late-night talks with Alina, Roland understood their mentality well and naturally knew how to respond.
"Sussex and Jin Yuan have a traditional friendship and shared interests. Their future development paths differ, and no fundamental contradictions exist that cannot be reconciled."
"More importantly, we have a common enemy."
Without hesitation, Roland openly named and praised Sofia.
"The barbaric Rurik people and their cold-blooded Empress are our common enemy."
"We can converse and cooperate, but she only shreds all enemies, leaving those willing to crawl at her feet as slaves."
"Do you wish to be slaves?"
Roland didn’t raise his voice in a grandiose manner but rather issued a gentle and profound soul-searching query.
"No!"
The shout almost lifted the roof of the administrative hall.
This response came as no surprise to Roland.
A country with such a long history as Jin Yuan has never lacked a sense of national pride and belonging.
The Jin Yuan people are inherently stubborn and strive for strength all their lives.
In the heyday of the Magic Empire, while other "barbarian" tribes sought the citizenship of the Magic Empire, only they picked up axes to fight against the Magic Empire.
They kept fighting despite defeats, persisting in their struggle.
The Jin Yuan people’s nature is romantic, filled with a spirit of rebellion, and they have never feared confrontation.
However, under Marco’s ravages, many spirited Jin Yuan people perished, and many also sought to preserve their own lives.
Roland was just reminding them not to fantasize, to pick up arms and prepare for battle.
With a unified direction, the rest will be easier to manage.
Roland laid out short-term plans and long-term development outlines, using the simplest language to draw a grand vision of simultaneous industrial and agricultural progress, and a dual focus on maritime and territorial power for everyone present.
Under the influence of his charismatic and persuasive voice, even those who initially didn’t support him were inspired by his ambition.
More and more ministers recognized Roland’s sincerity and competence.
They were willing to believe that Roland genuinely wanted to work for the Jin Yuan Kingdom and gradually accepted his statement that in Jin Yuan, he was indeed a Jin Yuan person.
