Chapter 462: Trouble at Yajiang

Ever since the "Changfeng" missile shocked the world, the Long Country should have enjoyed a period of strategic buffer; however, changes in the international situation always arrive caught off guard, like a summer rainstorm, arriving with a roar without any warning.

"Tick, tick"—the wall clock in Li Mingyuan's office moved very slowly, and the misty drizzle outside the window shrouded the 404 Military Base, making this early summer morning seem exceptionally dull. He was lowering his head to study the pressure vessel design of the "Kunpeng" Nuclear Power System when suddenly the telephone ring pierced the silence.

"Chief Engineer Li, emergency meeting, one hour from now in the Military Department conference room, the special plane is already waiting." Minister Zhang's urgent voice came from the other end of the line.

"What happened?" Li Mingyuan asked subconsciously.

"Yajiang..." Minister Zhang's voice was very low, "The situation is not good, the Star-Spangled Country and the White Elephant Country have made a big move."

Li Mingyuan sighed, organized the blueprints, and locked them in the safe, thinking: This White Elephant Country is truly a troublemaker; in his past life's history, this matter also became a huge mess, he didn't expect it to be advanced in this lifetime.

……

Inside the Military Department conference room, the atmosphere was so heavy it could almost be squeezed into water. When Li Mingyuan hurried into the conference room, dozens of leaders were already sitting around the large conference table, their tense faces silently telling of the severity of the situation.

The leader sat in the main seat, his expression as gloomy as water. After Li Mingyuan sat down in his seat, the meeting officially began.

"Comrades," the leader went straight to the point, "The Yajiang Hydropower Station project has been discovered by the White Elephant Country. They have already filed a complaint with the international community, accusing us of 'cutting off water' and threatening their national security. Now, the Star-Spangled Country, the Beijixiong Guo, and some vassal states have all joined the ranks of the crusade."

Minister Chen of the Wajiaobu took over the conversation: "The complaint submitted by the White Elephant Country to the alliance claims that the Long Country is building a large-scale hydropower station on the upper reaches of the Yajiang and has already carried out a closure, causing the water level in the downstream White Elephant territory to drop sharply, farmland to dry up, and people's livelihoods to become difficult. They call this 'ecological aggression' and 'malicious threat'."

"Ridiculous!" Chief Engineer Wang of the Ministry of Water Resources couldn't help but interject, "The planning and construction of the Yajiang Hydropower Station fully comply with international practices, and we have even reserved sufficient ecological flow!"

Minister Chen shook his head with a bitter smile: "The problem is not at the technical level, but from a political angle. The Star-Spangled Country has already united with more than a dozen countries to issue a joint statement, condemning us for 'unilaterally changing regional water resource allocation' and demanding that we immediately stop the project and conduct international arbitration."

A general slammed the table: "What do they think they are? The Yajiang originates in our country and flows through our country; we have complete sovereignty to develop and utilize it!"

"In principle, that is correct," Minister Chen sighed, "but international public opinion has been led astray by them. The Yinghua Guo and the Taiji Tiger Country are adding fuel to the fire, forming an international environment that is extremely unfavorable to us."

Li Mingyuan had been listening quietly until the leader's gaze turned to him.

"Comrade Li Mingyuan, what is your take on this matter?"

The conference room fell silent instantly, and everyone's eyes were focused on Li Mingyuan. Since the success of the "Changfeng" missile, Li Mingyuan had become one of the leaders' most trusted advisors.

Li Mingyuan stood up, looked around, and gently spat out two words: "Conspiracy."

He walked to the world map on the wall and pointed to the Yajiang basin: "This is not just a protest against the hydropower station, but a carefully planned political action, with the target aimed directly at our two major strategic projects—'Kunpeng' and 'Beidou'."

There was an uproar in the conference room.

"I believe," Li Mingyuan's voice was calm and powerful, "that although the Star-Spangled Country and the Beijixiong Guo do not have exact intelligence, they have already sensed that we are advancing certain major military projects. The success of 'Changfeng' has made them terrified, and now they hope to use international public opinion and diplomatic pressure to force us to divert our attention and resources, delaying the progress of these projects."

A flash of approval crossed the leader's eyes: "You mean, the hydropower station is just an excuse?"

"Exactly," Li Mingyuan nodded, "They chose the Yajiang Hydropower Station as a breakthrough point because it involves cross-border water resources and is naturally internationally controversial. Even according to international practice, upstream countries have the right to develop and utilize them, but in the arena of public opinion, they can easily paint us as a 'hegemon' and a 'threat'."

He paused and continued: "More importantly, this gives the Star-Spangled Country and the Beijixiong Guo a reason to join forces; they are trying to rebuild the prestige and control that were severely shaken after the 'Changfeng' incident."

"Then how should we respond?" a high-ranking military official asked.

Just as Li Mingyuan was about to answer, the door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open, and Division Chief Qian from the intelligence department hurried in, holding a stack of reports just received.

"Sorry to interrupt," Division Chief Qian's expression was unusually serious, "The latest intelligence shows that the Star-Spangled Country's leader has already convened an emergency meeting in the Tuoyuanying Bangongshi to discuss a 'comprehensive pressure plan' against the Long Country. They are preparing to propose a sanctions motion at the alliance Security Council."

The atmosphere in the conference room became even heavier.

The leader pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on Li Mingyuan again: "Continue to share your views."

Li Mingyuan took a deep breath: "I believe we must adhere to two principles: first, we must resolutely not abandon the Yajiang Hydropower Station project, as it relates to our national energy security and the development of the southwest region; second, the 'Kunpeng' and 'Beidou' projects must be accelerated and must never be delayed due to external pressure."

His voice became even firmer: "At the same time, we can adopt a three-pronged strategy: diplomatically, adhere to principles while leaving room for maneuver, appropriately increase downstream ecological flow, and demonstrate the image of a responsible major power; technically, accelerate the deployment of the 'Beidou' system to win more space for covert development; domestically, continue to deepen the 'self-reliance' path and prepare for long-term responses to external pressure."

The leader nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the conference room: "Chief Engineer Li's analysis is very insightful. Now, let us discuss the specific response measures..."

Just as the Long Country's top leadership was urgently discussing countermeasures, thousands of kilometers away in the capital of the Star-Spangled Country, a more intense meeting was underway.

……

In Washington City, inside the Tuoyuanying Bangongshi, the Star-Spangled Country's leader was throwing a tantrum.

"Damn it! What the hell are they doing!" The leader was furious, grabbed the folder on the table and smashed it hard against the wall, the papers flying everywhere, "First that goddamn 'Changfeng' missile, and now they're building a hydropower station on the Yajiang! Do these Orientals want to control all of Asia?"

Secretary of State Hopkins said cautiously: "Sir, we did obtain valuable intelligence from the White Elephant Country. According to preliminary analysis, this hydropower station is of astonishing scale, and the power generation capacity may reach—"

"I don't care how much goddamn power it can generate!" The leader interrupted him rudely, "I want to know why they suddenly need so much power! Tell me, Hopkins, what big project are they working on?"

Intelligence Agency Director Foster cleared his throat: "Sir, we have reason to believe that the Long Country is accelerating the advancement of certain large-scale military industrial projects. According to satellite imagery and ground intelligence, there have been abnormal material movements and infrastructure construction in the northwest and southeast coastal areas of the Long Country."

"Is that bastard Li Mingyuan behind this again?" The leader's voice dropped a few degrees dangerously.

"Very likely," Foster nodded, "but we still haven't grasped the exact content of the project. Operation 'Sawtooth' is still advancing, but the Long Country's protection of Li Mingyuan is unusually tight."

The leader stood up, paced to the window, and looked at the skyline of Washington City outside: "I don't want to hear excuses, Foster. Ever since the 'Changfeng' missile test was successful, our allies in Asia have been scared out of their wits. The Yinghua Guo Prime Minister called me yesterday, saying that their cabinet has already had disagreements, and some even suggested cozying up to the Long Country! Can you imagine that?"

Defense Minister Maxwell interjected: "Sir, regarding the Yajiang Hydropower Station, I suggest we fully support the White Elephant Country's protest. This is an excellent opportunity to isolate the Long Country in the international community and break their growing influence in the region."

"Of course we must support it!" The leader slammed the table hard, "Mobilize all diplomatic resources, I want the front page headlines of all major newspapers to be 'Long Country Threatens Regional Water Security'! Contact all allies, I want a massive international condemnation!"

He turned to Foster: "At the same time, Operation 'Sawtooth' must be accelerated. I don't care what means you use, find out what the hell Li Mingyuan is up to! If necessary, bring that guy directly back to the Star-Spangled Country!"

"This... might trigger a serious diplomatic crisis," Secretary of State Hopkins hesitated.

"More of a crisis than the 'Changfeng' missile pointing at our fleet?" The leader sneered, "The Long Country has broken the rules of the game, and we must fight back! Remember, our Star-Spangled Country's dominant position on this planet will never allow any challenge!"

A hysterical tension permeated the conference room; these power elites who once controlled the world felt for the first time the real threat coming from the East.

At the same time, in the capital of the Yinghua Guo, the Prime Minister's residence was brightly lit.

"Gentlemen, the situation is very severe," Prime Minister Inoue Shozo said with a pale face, "The Star-Spangled Country has confirmed that the Long Country is accelerating its military buildup. The 'Changfeng' missile may just be the beginning, and more threats are on the way."

Defense Minister Sato stood up abruptly: "We must immediately request the Star-Spangled Country to increase its stationed troops! We need more security guarantees!"

"But the Star-Spangled Country is withdrawing troops," Foreign Minister Hosokawa whispered, "They are prioritizing Europe and the Middle East..."

Finance Minister Nakamura interrupted: "Rather than relying on the unreliable Star-Spangled Country, it is better to consider improving relations with the Long Country. After all, geography cannot be changed; they will always be our neighbors."

"Traitor!" Sato roared, "Are you trying to make us bow to those Orientals?"

"Enough!" The Prime Minister slammed the table to stop the argument, "We must remain calm. The current priority is to obtain more intelligence. Regarding the Yajiang incident, we will publicly support the positions of the White Elephant Country and the Star-Spangled Country, but privately..."

His gaze swept over everyone in the room: "We must prepare for the worst. If the Star-Spangled Country cannot provide sufficient protection, we need our own backup plan."

The conference room fell into a suffocating silence; this once high-spirited island nation was facing a severe challenge brought about by the drastic changes in the regional landscape.

The situation in the Taiji Tiger Country was even more chaotic. On the streets, people lined up to snap up rice, flour, and daily necessities.

"Have you heard? The Long Country is developing warships that can fly!" a middle-aged woman said mysteriously to her neighbor while waiting in line.

"Nonsense! My cousin works in the intelligence department, and he says Long Country has built a cannon capable of hitting space!" another person retorted.

Rumors flew, and panic spread. Inside the government building, President Pu Kaka was in urgent consultations with the Star-Spangled Country regarding the deployment of additional garrison troops.

"We must reach an agreement as soon as possible," Pu Kaka said to the Special Envoy of the Star-Spangled Country, "Long Country's military expansion poses a direct threat to our country's security!"

The Special Envoy looked troubled: "Mr. President, I understand your concerns, but the Star-Spangled Country's military is currently facing a global redeployment..."

Pu Kaka's face instantly turned livid: "So, is the Star-Spangled Country prepared to abandon us and let Long Country bully us at will?"

The Special Envoy hurriedly placated him: "Absolutely not! We will firmly support the Taiji Tiger country. In fact, the Yajiang incident is the perfect opportunity for us to unite the international community against Long Country..."