Chapter 387: You Change Your Uniform and I Won

He flipped through the reports, continuing to speak with numbers: "More importantly, our foreign‑exchange reserves are mainly supported by silk exports and labor fees paid by Deguo. If Deguo's payments are cut off, the reserves will be exhausted within six months. By then we will have no foreign‑exchange left even for importing oil, scrap steel, or machinery."

"We could borrow from the United States…" Ben Ye Yilang said.

"The Wilson administration of the United States has made it clear that it will not provide large loans to any country that might join the war," Ruo Zhu shook his head, "Yingguo and Faguo have money, but would they lend to a nation that could turn toward Deguo?"

Reality was like a bucket of cold water poured over everyone's heads.

Xi Yuan Si finally spoke, his voice slow and heavy: "Then, what if Deguo is willing to pay extra? If they provide additional compensation, for example… a lump‑sum of eight million pounds, while keeping the subsequent labor fees unchanged?"

"Eight million!" Da Dao Jianyi's eyes widened, "They're willing to put out that much?"

"Wang Wenwu hinted that the price is negotiable," Xi Yuan Si said, "Moreover, Deguo is now cornered. If Verdun fails to achieve a breakthrough, the entire Western Front strategy will collapse. They are willing to pay a high price for manpower."

Ruo Zhu quickly calculated: "A lump‑sum of eight million equals two months' labor fees paid in advance. If we can secure it, it will ease this year's fiscal pressure. But in the long run, the crucial point remains that the monthly stable income cannot be interrupted."

"But if we offend Yingguo and trade is cut off, no amount of money can buy oil or steel," Navy Minister Shan Ben Quan Bingwei said coldly.

"Therefore we need a balance," Xi Yuan Si said, crossing his hands on the table, "We must obtain Deguo's money without completely antagonizing Yingguo. That's why President Chen Feng would propose the 'uniform swap' scheme—on the surface, Sakura Nation soldiers become Deguo soldiers, so we 'have not violated the contract.' Even if the British protest, there is no concrete evidence."

"Self‑deception!" Da Dao Jianyi sneered, "The whole world will know they are Sakura Nation soldiers! Change their uniforms and think no one will recognize them? Are we treating others as fools?"

"But legally and diplomatically, we have a justification," Foreign Minister Ben Ye Yilang mused, "We can publicly claim that these soldiers individually chose to 'voluntarily join Deguo's foreign legion,' which is unrelated to the Sakura Nation government. It's a stretch, but at least we have a narrative."

"Moreover," Xi Yuan Si added, "Deguo promises that these units will be used only on the Western Front, will not take part in attacks on Yingguo's mainland, nor in naval operations. This way, the provocation toward Yingguo can be minimized."

"What good are verbal promises?" Shan Ben Quan Bingwei questioned, "Once the troops are handed over to Deguo's command, how they are used is no longer under our control."

The conference room fell silent again. Everyone was weighing and calculating risks and rewards.

Da Dao Jianyi suddenly stood and walked to the wall. There hung an East Asian map, with the Sakura Nation's territory painted red, resembling a burning maple leaf.

"Everyone," he said without turning, his voice low, "what we are discussing here is not just money, not just diplomacy. We are discussing the Empire's future, the fate of two hundred thousand Sakura Nation youths."

He turned, bloodshot in his eyes: "I served in the Army for thirty‑seven years, from second lieutenant to general. I have trained soldiers, commanded exercises, and… also fought in wars. I know what a battlefield is like—not the glorious duels of samurai tales, but mud, blood, fear, and death."

He walked back to his seat but did not sit: "Now we are to send two hundred thousand youths to the Western Front, to Verdun's meat grinder. Let them wear foreign uniforms, fight for a foreign nation, in a war that has nothing to do with the Sakura Nation—just because Deguo is willing to pay."

His gaze swept over everyone: "I want to ask: Is money really more important than lives? More important than the dignity of Empire soldiers?"

The question was like a knife, stabbing into each person's heart.

Xi Yuan Si closed his eyes. He knew Da Dao was right, but as Prime Minister he could not consider only morality.

"Da Dao," he began slowly, "last year, at the Army Academy's graduation ceremony, you said, 'A soldier's highest honor is to sacrifice for the nation.' Now, if the sacrifice of these soldiers can bring the country urgently needed funds, industrial technology, Deguo's political support, making the Sakura Nation stronger and better able to protect its people in the future—does such a sacrifice have value?"

Da Dao Jianyi opened his mouth, but could not speak.

"We are all making hard choices," Xi Yuan Si continued, his voice weary yet firm, "The Sakura Nation is a resource‑poor island surrounded by powerful foes. To survive and develop, we must seize every opportunity and use every resource. Sometimes this means doing undignified things, walking the edge of morality."

He stood and walked to Da Dao's side: "I assure you, if we adopt this plan, I will personally supervise to ensure Deguo fulfills its promise: providing the soldiers with the best treatment, ample supplies, and reasonable combat missions. Moreover, all the fallen will be buried according to Empire soldier standards, and their families will receive double compensation."

"As for international pressure," he turned to Foreign Minister, "Ben Ye, you need to prepare a complete statement. Emphasize that these soldiers made a 'personal choice,' that the Sakura Nation government 'respects citizens' autonomy,' and that we 'still maintain a neutral stance.' At the same time, covertly use Lanfang's channels to convey to Yingguo: this is merely a commercial transaction, not altering the Sakura Nation's fundamental diplomatic policy."

"Will the British believe it?" Ben Ye forced a wry smile.

"As long as we have value for them, they'll turn a blind eye," Xi Yuan Si returned to his seat, "Now, vote. Who agrees to the Deguo plan and authorizes me to negotiate the specific terms with the German side, raise your hand."

He was the first to raise his hand.

Finance Minister Ruo Zhu Li Cilang hesitated for a few seconds, then also raised his hand— the fiscal pressure was too great.

Foreign Minister Ben Ye Yilang sighed, then slowly raised his hand. As a diplomat he detested such a scheme, but as a politician he understood its necessity.

Navy Minister Shan Ben Quan Bingwei looked at Xi Yuan Si, then at the others, and finally raised his hand as well. The navy needs oil and technology, and Lanfang can provide both.

Only Army Minister Da Dao Jianyi remained.

Everyone stared at him. The veteran general's hand rested on the table, fingers clenched into a fist, veins bulging. His face, under the chandelier, looked aged and haggard, his eyes filled with struggle, pain, and helplessness.

Time ticked by second after second.

Finally, the fist slowly released, and the arm rose heavily.

The motion passed with five votes.

Xi Yuan Si closed his eyes, inhaled deeply. When he opened them again, his expression had returned to its usual calm.