Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 658: Remain Neutral and Wait for a Price

Su Zhengyang was not moved or complacent by Joachim's words. His face remained extremely calm, without a trace of disturbance.

"Mr. Joachim, I am very grateful that you compared me to the great leader of your Bird Empire, Chancellor Hiedler. But at least so far, there are still obvious differences between China and the Bird Empire. I also hope that both sides can maintain a friendly relationship and become each other's most reliable friends in the future."

The atmosphere in the President's Office at the Government Affairs Center was solemn yet cordial. Su Zhengyang sat at his desk, next to Fang Dihu, who looked worried, and his calm father-in-law, Yang Jiakai, the old President of Northern Xinjiang. The three of them sat together and had an in-depth discussion on the current international situation and China's position.

Fang Dihu was the first to break the silence. He said to Su Zhengyang with a firm gaze, "President, I feel that in this exchange with various countries, the Bird Empire's respect for us is more sincere than that of the anti-aggression allies such as England. If China has to make a choice in the future and join a certain force, then the Bird Empire is undoubtedly a better choice."

Su Zhengyang nodded slightly, but did not express his opinion immediately. Instead, he turned to Yang Jiakai and asked for his opinion. Yang Jiakai stroked his beard lightly, and his voice was steady and powerful: "Fang Dihu, your opinion makes sense, but we must also be vigilant. These foreign devils have oppressed and exploited our country in the past hundred years. Now that they suddenly show respect to China, it is just because they see that we are gradually becoming stronger and want to use our strength."

He paused and continued, "We must remember history and not forget the humiliation of the past because of a brief moment of respect. We must always be vigilant against these ambitious foreigners and not be easily fooled by their sweet words."

Su Zhengyang nodded in agreement and said, "My father-in-law is right. We in China cannot easily take a clear stand, but need to constantly maneuver between the forces on both sides to strive for the greatest benefit. Whether it is the Anti-Aggression Alliance or the Bird Empire, they all hope to get our support, and we can take this opportunity to gain enough benefits to provide nutrients for the development of China."

He looked at the two ministers with a firm gaze and continued, "No matter when and where, China must adhere to its principles, that is, national interests are paramount. As long as we are strong enough, no one will dare to look down on us. Therefore, our top priority now is to develop our national strength and enhance our international status."

Finally, Su Zhengyang concluded: "So, my point of view is to remain neutral and wait for the right price. We should maintain friendly relations with all countries without affecting national interests, but we should also be prepared to deal with various emergencies at any time. Only in this way can we remain invincible in this complex and changing international environment."

Yang Jiakai and Fang Dihu nodded in agreement. They knew that Su Zhengyang's decision was the result of careful consideration and the most responsible choice for the country's future. At this critical moment, China needs a visionary, wise, and responsible leader, and Su Zhengyang is undoubtedly the best candidate.

The atmosphere in the President's Office at the Government Affairs Center became more solemn when Yang Jiakai mentioned Fuso. He turned his head and looked at Su Zhengyang with a sharp gaze, and said with a little excitement in his voice: "Stinky boy, since we have officially declared war on Fuso, then shouldn't we also start making arrangements to trample Fuso and deal with those little devils?"

Su Zhengyang immediately stood up straight and answered seriously: "Yes, father-in-law. The Chinese troops are preparing for war intensively. We will not give Fuso any chance to breathe. Please rest assured that a series of actions will be launched soon."

After hearing this, Yang Jiakai nodded with satisfaction, a hint of barely perceptible relief flashed across his face. He closed his eyes slightly, as if lost in memories: "Thinking back then, the heinous crimes committed by the Fuso Kwantung Army in the Northeast, I still can't forget them. Those innocent people were brutally killed by them, their homes were destroyed, their families were separated..." His voice gradually became low and angry.

"We must not tolerate these ambitious Fuso people!" Yang Jiakai opened his eyes suddenly, his eyes flashing with determination, "We must let them know that the Chinese people are not easy to bully! We must make them die, only then can we wash away the humiliation and hatred of our country!"

Su Zhengyang felt the same way when he heard this. He said in a deep voice: "Father-in-law is right. We must make the Japanese pay the price they deserve. When the war officially begins, I believe that many old people in the northern border, such as Jiang Dapao and Yan Baoguo, will go to the battlefield in person to fulfill their lifelong wish."

After hearing this, Yang Jiakai's eyes flashed with admiration: "That's right! Our warriors in the northern border are all strong men! They are willing to pay any price for the dignity of the country and the nation. I believe that under their leadership, our army will be able to defeat the Fuso people and win this war!"

Su Zhengyang took a deep breath and said firmly: "Now everything is ready, only the east wind is missing. Before we officially attack Fuso, I think we need to do one more thing to further demonstrate our China's military strength and international status."

He looked around to make sure that Yang Jiakai and Fang Dihu were listening attentively, and then continued: "I plan to hold an unprecedented, large-scale military parade in half a month. We will invite senior officials from major Western powers to visit, so that they can witness the military strength of our country with their own eyes and let them deeply appreciate how powerful China is today."

Su Zhengyang's tone was full of confidence and pride. He continued, "Only when China's status in the international community is further improved and everyone is wary or even afraid of it, can we really let go and deal with those little devils."

Hearing this, Yang Jiakai slapped the table excitedly, stood up and said, "That's right! Zhengyang, your idea is correct. We must not only let the Fuso people see our determination, but also let other powers see our strength. Although the Bird Empire says on the surface that it will not interfere in the dispute between us and Fuso, in fact, we must always be on guard against them."

He added: "Two years ago, you gave the Japanese people the words on the plaque - 'Next September 8, we will ride horses to Tokyo to enjoy the cherry blossoms' - now is the time to fulfill your promise. Let them see that our Chinese leaders can never go back on their words!"

Fang Dihu also stood up and echoed, "Yes! We want the whole world to know that China is no longer a weak country that is bullied by others, but a country with strong military strength and tenacious will!"

The three of them smiled at each other. This military parade was not only to intimidate the great powers, but also to boost the morale of the Chinese people, making them more united and sweeping away the humiliation and haze of the past century.