Empire Conquest

Chapter 524 - 520: Go With the Flow

"Still haven’t figured it out?"

Because he had already eaten some food beforehand, his hunger wasn’t as noticeable, so Bai Zhizhan no longer gobbled his food and resumed his usual refined demeanor.

Regardless, he was still the Imperial Prince Consort, and every move he made was closely watched.

After marrying the Little Eldest Princess, Bai Zhizhan had undergone specialized etiquette training as he would now be appearing in public spaces and couldn’t afford to damage the reputation of the Imperial Family.

Li Mingbo kept quiet, knowing when it was best to remain silent.

"In fact, from Rofuss to Spur, everyone can see that as long as we solve the oil issue, even without any allies, we could challenge the entire Alliance Group. Therefore, strategically, capturing Boss Bay is our bottom line and is a task we must accomplish."

Li Mingbo nodded but didn’t say much.

What Bai Zhizhan had said was common knowledge and undisputed.

"The key point is, this is the least of our worries. After taking control of Sri Lanka and the Maldives, we merely need the Eleventh Special Mixed Fleet to capture Boss Bay. Even from a longer-term perspective, we would only need to capture several military strongholds in the Fanluo region and arrange enough escort ships. The trouble we need to face would just be making the transport fleets sail as close to the coastline as possible, thereby extending the routes and increasing transportation costs. But strategically, the impact on us can be almost entirely disregarded."

"So you’re saying that the Newland Navy is making unnecessary efforts?"

"Isn’t it?"

Li Mingbo furrowed his eyebrows.

"Based on the current situation, the best outcome the Alliance Group could achieve is to force the Tiaoman Empire, Raleigh Kingdom, and Ter Republic to withdraw from the Consortium Group or stop military actions. However, it’s also possible they could defeat the Tiaoman Empire through military means. The key point remains, their efforts have very minimal impact on us, nowhere near enough to turn the tide of the entire war."

"The problem is, the people above won’t see it that way."

"You think the Grand Secretary doesn’t see it?"

"This..."

Bai Zhizhan sighed deeply and said, "Till now, it has always been Liu Changxun contacting us. The Grand Secretary has never put pressure on us, and even if there were instructions, they came through the Navy headquarters, indicating that they didn’t wish for us to adjust our combat plans."

Li Mingbo’s expression became more solemn, though he didn’t object.

Although he was the Fleet Chief of Staff, Li Mingbo only had a limited understanding of the Grand Secretary, so he had little say on the topic.

"As for the Commander-in-chief, it’s the same. He issues orders merely fulfilling his duties."

"If that’s really the case, we’ll have to continue attacking Transfer Island," Li Mingbo said with apparent uncertainty.

"If it were that simple, would we still need to put so much effort and thought into it?"

"So what should we do?"

"My idea is that it would be best to counter a scheme with a scheme, or to say it is not wrong to go with the flow."

As Bai Zhizhan spoke, Li Mingbo was scratching his head, clearly not understanding his meaning.

"Newland Navy’s maneuvers, without exception, are aimed at us ending our operations at Transfer Island and dispatching fleets to the Fan Flame Ocean and Land Heart Sea, alleviating or diminishing the threat to the Howay Islands. Looking more long-term, they aim to force us to advance into the Southwest East Ocean and engage us in battle there, gaining time to complete strategic mobilization and recovery, and to reconstitute our fleet."

"So even more so..."

Bai Zhizhan raised his hand to stop Li Mingbo, continuing, "I’ll bet you that the two fleet carriers have already left the Land Heart Sea, and might be en route to the Wangxi Canal now. Spur’s command of the commerce-raiding fleet is likely also returning to Southwest East Ocean. However, when the two fleet carriers will pass through the Wangxi Canal and when the commerce-raiding fleet returns to Southwest East Ocean still depends on our next moves."

"After we make adjustments?"

Bai Zhizhan nodded and said, "Only after receiving concrete news, knowing that we have abandoned the attack on Transfer Island or at least withdrawn the Special Mixed Fleet, will the Newland Navy take their next steps. If I’m not mistaken, Spur will bring the fleet back to the Howay Islands and attack our landing fleet."

"If that’s the case, we’ll need to quickly end the battle at Transfer Island and, if necessary, even consider withdrawing the Marine Corps."

"This move would be too blatant."

"But..."

"Don’t forget, we have four small carriers."

"They are still no match for the Newland Fleet, so we should even more..."

"Besides guessing, on what basis can we conclude the Newland Fleet will attack Transfer Island? Don’t tell me we abandon a strategically significant assault based on mere speculation."

Li Mingbo was stunned, obviously taken aback.

"Moreover, after all our efforts, the Marine Corps has successfully landed. Are we to abandon all our previous achievements because we fear a sneak attack? No matter how you look at it, it’s not possible to give up at this point. Instead, we should make a final effort to take Transfer Island before the Newland Navy can return."

"It’s not that easy."

"We thought the same when advancing on Lion Spring City."

"That was Lion Spring City, which is..."

"Actually, what I’m most worried about is whether the Wei Jun can handle this on their own."

"Are you planning to leave the 22nd Special Mixed Fleet behind?"

Bai Zhizhan looked at Li Mingbo, but said nothing.

Li Mingbo quickly understood that Bai Zhizhan’s arrangement was the exact opposite of his guess.

"Regardless, Liu Xiangzhen is there as well. Wei Jun has cooperated with Liu Xiangzhen before in the attack on Liuhuang Island, so there shouldn’t be any problems with their coordination."

"That’s not the issue."

With Bai Zhizhan saying that, Li Mingbo tactfully closed his mouth.

Although their relationship hadn’t reached an utterly incompatible state, the principle that "one mountain cannot contain two tigers" was clear to all.

That’s why people usually avoid mentioning Liu Xiangzhen in front of Bai Zhizhan.

Only Li Mingbo dared to speak like this in front of Bai Zhizhan.

For others, even Zhou Yongtao, they wouldn’t dare to be so direct.

But Li Mingbo was very measured.

Being able to speak his mind in front of Bai Zhizhan didn’t mean he could act recklessly.

"The enemy definitely has two Special Mixed Fleets, with a total of five carriers, two large and three small, and their highest commander is Spur. So no matter how you look at it, relying only on the 21st Special Mixed Fleet, the chances of victory are not great. Wei Jun is also a veteran, his ability to grasp the situation isn’t poor. After making this judgment, will he strictly follow the plan? If he thinks adjustments are needed, what kind of impact would that create?"

As Bai Zhizhan spoke these words, Li Mingbo also furrowed his brows.

Clearly, this was a very serious concern.

"Regardless, this is the only way we can proceed," Bai Zhizhan sighed and then said, "Perhaps there are other methods, but this is the most prudent and reliable one I can think of right now. If we must take a risk, then I’d rather bet on this."

"Shall we call a meeting with the staff officers?"

Bai Zhizhan stared at Li Mingbo for a while before slightly nodding.

Li Mingbo didn’t ask further, nor was it necessary to ask.

At this point, having a plan was certainly better than having none!