The Empire will continue to win

Shen Moqing was slightly lost in thought, and the blood and fire of the Busan battlefield surged into his mind once again.

"According to the Empress Dowager, on the second day of the seventh month of the sixth year of Xuanwu, some Dongsang residents caused trouble while drunk in Busan City. Several of them were killed and more than ten were arrested by the garrison patrol team that rushed to the scene."

"On the seventh day of the seventh month, more than a hundred naval warships of the Eastern Sang Empire suddenly appeared outside Busan Port and launched an attack without declaration."

"On the eighth day of the seventh month, a large number of enemy troop transport ships arrived at sea, covering the sky and blocking out the sun."

"On the ninth day of the seventh month, after eight hours of fierce fighting, a grain depot and an ammunition depot in the city caught fire and exploded."

"On the tenth day of the seventh month, the enemy transported two heavy artillery pieces with a caliber of at least 250 mm to the city."

"On July 11, the Busan city wall was bombarded and collapsed by heavy artillery. Wu Changqing, the garrison commander, issued a breakout order to the entire army."

~

"The enemy outnumbered us, they were prepared while we were unprepared, and they had heavy artillery while we did not. Therefore, although the garrison was defeated in this battle, it was still a glorious victory."

At this point, Shen Moqing looked up at the Empress Dowager Cixi, but saw no anger on her face, so he continued his story.

"Preparations for cross-sea operations are lengthy, so I judge that the Eastern Sang Empire began preparations at least three years ago. This shows that our intelligence personnel stationed in the Eastern Sang Empire were seriously negligent before the war."

"Could there be other reasons why Busan was captured in just five days?"

"Your Majesty is wise. The situation on the peninsula has been peaceful for a long time, and the garrison troops have long been short of ammunition, especially large-caliber artillery shells. The artillery has not been updated either, and most of them are still old-fashioned muzzle-loading cannons with weak firepower."

Empress Dowager Cixi nodded slightly.

"Furthermore, although the soldiers of Dongsang are short in stature, they are fearless and valiant, just like—" Shen Moqing paused, "as if they still have a life left at home."

Empress Dowager Cixi's expression showed a hint of unease.

Women are most afraid of war, especially when their own positions are unstable; they avoid war like the plague.

Shen Moqing: "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, the principle of the war against the Eastern Barbarians should be summed up in six words: lots of noise, little action."

What does it mean to make a lot of noise but accomplish little?

"Domestically, we spread propaganda that our army was advancing triumphantly and achieving one victory after another. This served three purposes: to unite the people, to suppress the local forces, and to sell war bonds."

"Continue."

"The Dong Sang Empire has been planning this war for a long time, and its dispatched army is full of vigor. On land, our army should take advantage of the natural defenses of the mountains and rivers in northern Goryeo to build layers of defenses and construct more strong fortifications. Under no circumstances can Uiju be lost, and the war must be contained within the Goryeo Peninsula."

A hint of worry flashed across the Empress Dowager's eyes.

Shen Moqing keenly noticed this, pondered for a moment, and continued, "Your Majesty, no matter how hard the Eastern Sang Empire tries, victory will ultimately belong to the United Empire."

"Um?"

As expected, it successfully piqued the Empress Dowager's interest.

"Your small country is militaristic and warlike, but it is weak and lacks the potential for war. Therefore, I judge that the Eastern Sang army will fight a war only once, then weaken, and finally be exhausted."

"What you say makes some sense, but we can't afford to be complacent. Ruthless armies are often formidable fighters, and we must be on guard."

The fact that she could say such things shows that this woman is not stupid, just purely evil.

"Your Majesty is wise, and I, your humble servant, dare to presume to offer my strategic advice."

Empress Dowager Cixi couldn't help but laugh, thinking to herself, "You've been bold enough. Putting aside your memorial to the throne, you actually dared to look me in the eye during a court audience. If it were any other ugly minister, he would have been dragged out and beheaded long ago."

"Speak, and I will pardon you."

"The specific strategy is—naval offensive and economic blockade." Shen Moqing seemed to be possessed by a military genius. "While the enemy's army is advancing north, our two main fleets from the north and south will merge to cut off their maritime logistics routes. The peninsula is poor and has no industry. Without logistical support, the East Sang army will be in a desperate situation with no artillery shells or bullets available."

"Okay~"

Empress Dowager Cixi was somewhat agitated.

"Furthermore, I believe that East Asia is a typical example of impoverished imperialism. Thirty million poor people are tightening their belts to engage in large-scale military spending. If they cannot quickly turn their losses around, how can this last?"

"speak!"

"Textile exports and remittances from overseas Chinese are important economic pillars of this country. The court can take the following three countermeasures: First, order the Liangjiang region to prohibit the import of any textiles from Dong Sang. Second, order the Keelung naval base and the Luzon garrison to cut off the Dong Sang-Southern Seas shipping route, with half of the goods plundered from enemy merchant ships going to the soldiers and half to the court. Third, suspend remittances between the two countries."

"Remittances from overseas Chinese?" West Pacific looked puzzled.

"Yes, the Empress Dowager has long been in the imperial court and is unaware of the sordid affairs of the common people. It is like this: I estimate that at least 100,000 women from Dongsang work in brothels and theaters in major cities of the United Empire, earning money through prostitution, most of which is remitted back to their homeland."

The atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward.

Xi Tai picked up the teacup to moisten his throat, thinking to himself, "The lives of ordinary people are truly rich and colorful."

Shen Moqing, seemingly channeling an honest man, continued to praise, "The Empress Dowager's early announcement of the great victory over Goryeo shows that she has seen through the true nature of the poor imperialists! This war is not urgent at all; it can be fought slowly for ten years, thus securing internal stability and repelling external threats."

It is often said that officialdom is like a stage, and every word is praise.

The associate professor who has studied political science for 25 years certainly knows this, doesn't he? It's just that he was arrogant and couldn't find a suitable platform in the past.

Having been given a second chance at life, one is forced to bow one's head. Just like Qi Jiguang, who even had to humbly offer bribes to fight against Japanese pirates.

"Shen Qing."

"Your subordinate is here." Shen Moqing quickly sprang to his feet and stood at the standard military posture.

"I see that you are exceptionally talented, skilled in both literature and martial arts, and I would very much like to give you an important position, but... you are too young."

The Empress Dowager Cixi was telling the truth.

You can't possibly appoint a 17-year-old naval officer cadet like yourself to lead this war, can you? Even if you were my own brother, it wouldn't be convincing.

"Your Majesty, my position is not insignificant."

.........

puff~

This statement is ambiguous.

Empress Dowager Cixi, who had theoretically been widowed for six years, couldn't help but smile upon hearing this. She was momentarily flustered, but then realized she had lost her composure in front of her ministers, so she gracefully turned around and walked slowly to the window.

A bright yellow silk skirt, cinched with a green ribbon, accentuated her slender waist.

Light shines through, making the outline indistinct.

Nice back view~

Suddenly, she turned around.

Their eyes met!

Shen Moqing quickly withdrew his admiring gaze, appearing quite honest.

The sense of proportion was handled very well.

The difference between being greasy and being charming, between disgust and attraction, is only a hair's breadth.

As expected~

Instead of being angry or embarrassed, Empress Dowager Cixi felt a little pleased, which was hard to explain as a woman's complex thoughts.

26 years old!

In the prime of youth, there is less reserve and more composure.

"Shen Qing."

"Your humble servant is here."

"The imperial court has its own laws, and I have my own considerations. If I were to give you an opportunity to serve the court, where would you begin?"

Empress Dowager Cixi finally regained her composure as a strong woman.

Whether it's a mule or a horse, we'll find out after taking it through the officialdom.

Shen Moqing was overjoyed, but he pretended to think seriously for a moment before saying, "This humble officer is willing to serve as the captain of a naval armored cruiser, to harass the enemy's sea transport lines, to share the burdens of the Empress Dowager and the court."

"No, I'll choose a job that doesn't require me to go to the front lines."