World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

Wilson looked out the window at Washington, D.C. The city was about to witness a historic decision—Mercedes-Benz would abandon isolationism and move to the center of the world stage. But the price would be being drawn into the bloodiest war in human history.

He recalled his academic career, his years teaching at Princeton University. Back then, he believed in reason, in dialogue, and in the ability of humanity to resolve differences through wisdom and goodwill.

Now he knows that some differences are too deep, some interests too great, and some hatred too long-standing, to the point that reason and goodwill seem pale and powerless.

"Amend the message," he finally said, his voice regaining the president's decisiveness. "Add a paragraph: The purpose of Merika's entry into the war is not conquest, not revenge, but a just and lasting peace. We must make it clear that the goal of the war is to bring Germany back to the negotiating table, not to completely destroy Germany."

"Congress might not agree..." Baker cautioned.

"Then convince them," Wilson said. "If we're going to shed blood, at least let it be for a worthwhile cause: a Europe of lasting peace, not one nourished by revenge."

He picked up a pen and made marks on the draft of the message.

"Furthermore, inform General Rodman to strengthen the Pacific Fleet. If the war does escalate, we will need sufficient forces there as well. But for now, do not provoke Lanfang and keep communication channels open."

"Do you really think Lanfang will become our enemy?" Lansing asked.

"I don't want that to happen," Wilson said. "But if they do choose that path... we need to be prepared. But at the same time, we also need to give them a reason not to choose that path."

He put down his pen, walked to the window, and looked out at the South Lawn of the White House. Winter was not yet over; the grass was withered and yellow, and the trees were bare, but upon closer inspection, tiny buds had already sprouted on some branches.

Spring will always come, no matter how cold the winter. Peace will eventually come, no matter how cruel the war.

The question is, how many lives will perish before spring arrives? How much blood will be shed before peace comes?

"Prepare your speech," Wilson concluded. "The day after tomorrow, I will face Congress and the people of Maryland. I will tell them the truth: war is hell, but sometimes we must cross hell to reach the other side."

After Lansing and Baker left, Wilson stood alone in his office. He took a photograph from his drawer—a family portrait taken in front of the White House in 1912 after he was elected president. His wife, Edith, was smiling, and their three daughters, still young girls, were radiant and full of hope, their futures seemingly limitless.

Five years have passed, and the world has been transformed. And now, he is about to lead this country into a storm.

"God," he prayed softly, "give me strength, give me wisdom, and most importantly, give me a moral compass to keep me from losing my way. Let me remember why we fight, and what we are fighting for."

The sunlight shifted, illuminating the open Bible on the desk. The page was Matthew chapter 5: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

It brings peace to people. How ironic that a man about to declare war is reading scriptures about peace.

But perhaps it's not ironic. Perhaps it is precisely for true, lasting peace that war is sometimes necessary.

Wilson closed his Bible and picked up the phone: "Get in touch with the speechwriting team. I have some ideas now."

Outside the window, a new day begins in Washington. Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, dawn has not yet broken, and darkness continues.

But no matter how long the darkness lasts, dawn will eventually come.

The only question is, what kind of world will dawn illuminate?

Dubai, the underground command center of the Presidential Palace, "Leopard Room".

Inside the enormous oval-shaped operations room, more than twenty screens lit up simultaneously, displaying different information: troop deployments on a world map, industrial production data, naval vessel positions, and air force training progress. In the center, a holographic sand table presented the topography of the Pacific and Indian Oceans in three dimensions, densely marked with the movements of various national fleets.

Chen Feng stood in front of the sand table, holding a laser pointer. Behind him, core members including Liu Yongfu, Li Te, and Zhou Tieshan were all present. Wang Wenwu stood at the control panel to the side, ready to take notes.

"Everyone is aware of the situation." Chen Feng's voice echoed in the quiet operations room. "Merica's entry into the war is a foregone conclusion, and the world war will expand from Europe to the entire globe. Lanfang stands at a crossroads and must make a choice."

The red dot of the laser pointer moved around on the sand table.

"Our choice is not 'whether to participate in the war,' but 'how to protect our interests without participating in the war,'" Chen Feng continued. "To achieve this, three things are needed: first, sufficient strength so that no one dares to easily take action against us; second, flexible diplomacy to maintain a balance among all parties; and third, clear bottom lines so that everyone knows the cost of crossing them."

He turned to Liu Yongfu: "Regarding industry, what is the progress of the second phase of the 'Mount Tai Plan'?"

Liu Yongfu walked to the control panel and pulled up a set of data: "Military production capacity has increased to 70% of total capacity. The construction progress of the six aircraft carriers is two weeks ahead of schedule, and the 'first ship' is expected to be able to conduct sea trials in late March. The monthly production of tanks has reached 120 vehicles, and the monthly production of aircraft is 80 aircraft. However, the problem is that raw materials are starting to become scarce, especially special steel and rare metals."

"What about the import channels from the Ottomans and Persia?"

"It's still operational, but Britain has increased its surveillance of the Persian Gulf. Naval escorts may need to be arranged."

Chen Feng nodded: "Li Te, what about the navy?"

Li Te stepped forward: "The main force of the ocean-going fleet has completed its assembly and is ready to carry out ocean-going missions at any time. However, if we really want to operate in the Indian Ocean or Southeast Asia, we need to solve the supply problem. Our bases in Borneo and Sumatra are still under construction and are expected to be fully operational in three months."

"Accelerate. At all costs," Chen Feng said. "In addition, deploy the submarine force forward. Do not launch an attack, but demonstrate presence. Let the British know that the Lanfang Navy has the capability to threaten their shipping lanes."

"Yes."

"Zhou Tieshan, domestic security and intelligence?"

The Minister of Security walked to the sand table: "Domestic public opinion is well controlled, and public support is high. However, we need to be wary that as the economy shifts to a wartime track, living standards may decline, and discontent may accumulate. The Arab division's loyalty monitoring system is functioning normally, but its expansion is too rapid, posing a potential risk."

"Strengthen political education and improve their treatment, but also strengthen surveillance," Chen Feng instructed. "In addition, shift the focus of intelligence to the Pacific. I need to know every move of the Victorian Pacific Fleet and every troop movement of the British Far East Fleet."

"It's already being done."