Pretending to be a genius starts with the civilization advancement assessment.

Chapter 139 Garrison? I think it's inappropriate.
"The General Staff should first share their preliminary assessment."

Zhou Donglai spoke solemnly: "Commander, comrades. The General Staff has repeatedly assessed the request for troop deployment. First of all, our country has long adhered to the principle of peaceful coexistence and has publicly declared that it will not seek hegemony or station troops abroad."

"Although times have changed dramatically, this shift in fundamental policy orientation needs to be approached with extreme caution, as it could trigger unnecessary international suspicion and long-term geopolitical repercussions."

He paused, then pointed out a more practical difficulty: "Secondly, from a military logistics perspective, maintaining a well-organized overseas force over long distances presents a huge challenge."

"The supply of ammunition and equipment for conventional troops relies heavily on long-distance transportation within the country. Given the current transportation difficulties and the threat of abyssal beasts, this is both costly and extremely risky."

"Therefore, if we are to send troops, the only feasible option is the Yuanwu Army, which has relatively low logistical requirements but strong combat capabilities."

At this point, Zhou Donglai changed the subject and pointed out the core contradiction: "However, Yuanwu Army is a new strategic force that we have just started. It is still in the construction and accumulation stage, and core talents are particularly scarce."

“Sending a large number of valuable source energy warriors overseas for a long period of time will directly affect our local power development and defense strength, which is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse.”

He concluded, "Therefore, the General Staff believes that directly agreeing to the stationing of troops presents numerous difficulties and potential risks. However, outright rejection could dampen the enthusiasm of allies and make us appear irresponsible. It is a dilemma."

"I think, given that Comrade Lin Yi is the direct person in charge of the Yuanwu Army and has the deepest understanding of the use of Yuan energy, we would like to hear his opinion first."

All eyes immediately turned to Lin Yi.

Li Zhenguo looked at Lin Yi and said calmly, "Comrade Lin Yi, you've heard the General Staff's analysis. What's your opinion on the request to station troops?"

Lin Yi did not answer immediately. He pondered for a moment, as if organizing his thoughts.

The meeting room fell silent as everyone awaited his speech.

"Commander, comrades," Lin Yi said after a moment's thought, raising his head and calmly scanning the crowd. "I believe that directly dispatching entire units to be stationed permanently in other countries does indeed present the problems that Minister Zhou mentioned, and is not the best policy."

He first acknowledged the General Staff's concerns, and then slowly presented his own thoughts: "I think the reason why these countries are so eager to request our troops to be stationed here is because they are extremely anxious about the current security environment and crave reliable security guarantees."

"But this fear-based dependence is time-limited. Once external pressure eases or their internal strength recovers, the garrison is likely to change from a 'protector' to a 'sensitive presence,' and how to handle the withdrawal issue will be very passive at that time."

"Our country has always acted with integrity and honesty. If others bring it up, we really can't refuse, but the initial investment and risks may go down the drain."

Many people in the room nodded slightly, as Lin Yi's words pointed out their deeper concerns.

It's easy to station troops but difficult to withdraw them. If not handled properly, it can become a losing proposition and easily lead to trouble.

“Since their core need is ‘security’,” Lin Yi changed the subject and proposed a completely new idea.

"Then why don't we try a different approach and provide them with a more sustainable 'sense of security' that is also in line with our interests and image?"

Lin Yi paused for a moment before offering his suggestion.

“I propose that instead of sending troops, we establish branch campuses of the Dongfeng Military Academy, or ‘Dongfeng Energy Training Centers’, in these countries where there is a need.”

This proposal caught the attention of many in the room, who then put their heads into thought. Lin Yi continued to explain its advantages: "Establishing a branch campus has several benefits: First, it is an educational and training institution, which is different in nature from a military base. It is less politically sensitive, more easily accepted, and also aligns with our advocacy of peaceful development and common progress."

"Secondly, we only need to send a small team of instructors to impart knowledge of energy and defense technology to help these countries cultivate their own energy defense capabilities. This is equivalent to 'teaching a man to fish' rather than simply 'giving him a fish,' which can fundamentally improve their self-defense capabilities. This is the long-term solution."

"Third, the branch campus itself can serve as a regional security stronghold. Our instructors and outstanding students possess considerable combat capabilities and can assist in responding to sudden crises, but their existence is in the form of cooperation and teaching, rather than military occupation, and their posture is more friendly."

"Fourth, this will help us promote the source energy cultivation system and standards globally, facilitate technological exchanges, and allow us to select outstanding talents from a wider range in the future, which is in line with the overall interests of the 'Blue Star Community'."

"Of course. In addition, there is the most crucial point."

Lin Yi smiled and stated his most important consideration.

“By establishing branch campuses and providing systematic and long-term training, we can significantly enhance these countries’ cultural identification with us.”

He explained in detail: "I'm thinking that, in order to make it easier for the instructors to teach and to help them learn and understand the essence of the energy system more deeply, we can make the Xia language a compulsory course in the curriculum of the branch school. At the same time, we can offer traditional Xia culture, history, philosophy, and strategic thinking as important elective courses."

Lin Yi's gaze swept across the entire room, finally landing on Li Zhenguo, who seemed lost in thought, his tone solemn.

"I believe that force can win temporary respect, but only culture can win lasting recognition and following."

"Within the Dongfeng Military Academy's educational system, these future generations of national leaders and their elites learn our language, understand our culture, and identify with our core values ​​of 'universal harmony,' 'self-reliance,' and 'mutual support' from a young age."

"When they truly identify themselves as 'Dongfeng people' from the bottom of their hearts, and identify with the human civilization values ​​that we jointly defend, these countries will not only no longer need us to send troops to protect them, but they can even grow into steadfast members of the 'Blue Star Community' and become a powerful ally for us in maintaining order and fighting against the abyss."

Lin Yi concluded, “By establishing branch campuses, we have not only addressed the security concerns of our allies, but also elevated our interaction model from simple military protection to a higher level of common development and talent cultivation.”

"I think this might be a solution that better balances the interests of all parties and takes a long-term view."

After Lin Yi finished speaking, the conference room fell into a brief silence as everyone digested this insightful proposal.

Compared to directly stationing troops, establishing branch campuses is clearly a more ambitious, less resistant, and more forward-looking approach.

Li Zhenguo's eyes showed approval. He realized that Lin Yi had indeed brought a different perspective and solution.

Wang Lu, the head of the publicity department, looked at Lin Yi with a very complicated expression.

He couldn't help but adjust his glasses and lean forward slightly.

"Principal Lin, your concept of 'cultural identity,' if I may be so bold, sounds like it's more than just simple cultural transmission and exchange."

"I feel that what you're describing doesn't sound like 'cultural identity,' but rather 'humanistic assimilation,' right?"

(End of this chapter)