In the Name of Empress-Chapter 456 - 311: She’s the Commander in Chief? (Part 2)
He may certainly be a high official of the Sussex, but he is also our Prime Minister and Count Leon.
Some people secretly rejoice, fortunately, Miss Alina has tied Roland’s legs, allowing him to stay in Jin Yuan, hence not missing out.
A few ministers unwilling to accept Roland feel even worse.
The better Roland performs, the fewer opportunities they have to seize power.
After Roland brought out long-term planning, they became even more despairing.
Through legitimate means, they can no longer deal with Roland; they can only think of outside moves.
After arousing the desires of the ministers present, Roland began to dash their hopes.
"All of you are experienced and capable ministers, even if you don’t follow my plan, as long as you can develop steadily, the future may not be worse than my plan."
"Unfortunately, while we want peace, some may not be willing."
This is what Roland most wants to say today.
He needs to gain the support of the pro-war faction and the centrists.
In a major country like Jin Yuan, having internal factions is normal; being uniformly solid would be an anomaly.
Beyond the pro-war faction and centrists, there is also the compromise faction.
The thinking of the compromise faction largely aligns with the appeasement policy rhetoric.
The Vladimir Empire and Jin Yuan Kingdom are the farthest apart, with the longest supply line; even if they wanted to, they could not annex Jin Yuan.
Historically, Jin Yuan Kingdom once achieved the brilliant feat of attacking Saint Rurik Palace, but it was soon shattered by the long supply line and General Dong’s combined efforts.
The Jin Yuan People couldn’t get past, and the Rurik People naturally couldn’t come over either.
This is the entrenched perception of many people.
After Roland proposed the rhetoric of fully preparing for war, the compromise faction could no longer hold back and jumped out.
"Prime Minister, are you really standing from Jin Yuan’s perspective?"
"Of course. General Vichy, do you have any questions?"
Roland’s face remained calm.
The change in the address denotes acknowledgment, and the questioning signifies partial recognition.
Changing the entrenched perception of the Jin Yuan People is not easy.
Looking at the old general dressed in an Army General uniform, Roland couldn’t help but furrow his brow slightly.
He could accept the existence of the compromise faction, but the presence of the dove faction in the military made it hard for him to accept.
The military is the last place where the dove faction should exist. If the military wants to compromise, what future does the nation have?
But he didn’t directly refute; instead, he waited for the other’s high opinion.
Old General Vichy walked to the center of the hall, not directly presenting his argument but rather pointing at the floor tiles beneath his feet, descending into silence.
After a moment, he slowly said, "Right here, four Army Generals, eleven Lieutenant Generals, and even more Vice Admirals were declared sentenced and executed by the traitor Marco."
"Marco executed a large number of senior officers to ensure absolute control over the military and replaced them with his own people. After Miss Alina set things right, in order to restore order, she also..."
"Adding the losses from the previous civil war, our nation lost over a hundred outstanding generals in the past three years."
"I don’t want to blame anyone, but I must point out that our nation’s military system is severely damaged. Without these battle-hardened brilliant leaders, even more troops will be a scattered mob."
"Furthermore, the proportion of veterans in our military is very low, with a large number of newly-enlisted recruits, the overall combat power of the army is highly questionable."
"May I ask, how can these issues be resolved?"
The old General straightened his stance and looked at Roland without arrogance or humility.
Though the truth is hard to hear, it is an unavoidable reality.
Roland can ask the Jin Yuan People to fight, but sending an unformed combat force into battle is unacceptable.
All the ministers turned their gaze to Roland, waiting for his answer.
This question is not easy to answer.
If Roland responds with empty words without proposing practical solutions, he will lose the support of the military.
Therefore, he must present something real.
Facing General Vichy’s gentle tone yet sharp content of inquiry, Roland did not rush to answer but presented another question.
"Let’s look from another angle; if Jin Yuan Kingdom remains neutral, or uses other nations as a shield to buy itself time, what would the outcome be."
Vichy hadn’t expected Roland to use this perspective for analysis, hesitated for a moment but then bravely replied:
"With Wende Empire and Sussex Empire standing in front, our nation has at least three to five years to regroup and prepare for war, at which time we will have the capability to aid them."
"There’s not that much time; if Jin Yuan Kingdom is not proactive, the Vladimir Empire’s army will be at the doorstep in no more than six months." Roland mercilessly dashed Vichy’s hopes with cold reality.
"How is that possible, they are two empires!" Vichy widened his eyes.
"According to reliable information, the most outstanding military general of Wende Empire has already died in battle, and their veteran losses have also exceeded 30%, with the army’s combat power rapidly declining."
Roland calmly said, "Their Imperial Family must either choose to surrender or flee overseas, or else face liquidation. Even in the most optimistic view, the Wende Empire can’t make it past spring."
Vichy was obviously taken aback by the deteriorating situation to such an extent, somewhat dazed, but still stood firm.
"Even if Wende Empire is incompetent, surely Sussex Empire won’t fall within a few months."
Roland chuckled lightly, his lips curving into a slight derisive smirk, "The Sussex Empire is an ocean nation; even if they exert all efforts, they cannot defeat the Vladimir Empire on land alone."
"Moreover, the Three Overseas Provinces have no natural defenses; whether willing or not, the optimal solution is to resist briefly and withdraw from the continent. At that time, Jin Yuan will face the great northern bear that has annexed most of Rodinia alone."
"May I ask if General Vichy has confidence in convincing Sofia to provide you with three years to prepare for war?"
