Chapter 566: The Pearls on the Crown of the British Empire Will All Be Exposed to Threat

Perhaps Chen Feng is right. But politics is not philosophy; it cannot consider only the long term. The public's mood, congressional pressure, the nation's dignity—these are present realities that must be faced.

He glanced at his watch: 4:28.

The Yingguo ambassador should be arriving.

Cecil Spring‑Rice entered the oval office with a suitably weighty expression. The 63‑year‑old veteran diplomat had served in the Yingguo Foreign Ministry for forty years and had weathered countless crises. He knew today's talk would not be pleasant, but also that the hurdle had to be cleared.

"Mr. President, thank you for taking time to meet in this difficult moment," he said, his English carrying an elegant Oxford accent.

"Please sit, Ambassador," Wilson said, not standing, but gesturing toward the sofa opposite the fireplace.

Spring‑Rice sat down and noted that no refreshments were laid out on the coffee table—a subtle signal. In a formal meeting, there is usually at least a pot of coffee.

"First, allow me on behalf of the Yingguo government and people to express our deepest condolences for the victims of the NY-107 Convoy," the ambassador began, sincere in tone, "Such barbaric acts against civilians must be condemned by the whole world."

Wilson looked at him, saying nothing.

The silence lasted about ten seconds. In diplomatic settings, a ten‑second pause feels unsettling.

Spring‑Rice remained composed, but the fingers resting on his knee twitched slightly.

"Ambassador," Wilson finally spoke, his voice even, "I met today with the Army Minister and the Navy Minister. They showed me an analysis report from the Navy Intelligence Department concerning the action trajectories of the destroyers Brave and Vigilant at the time of the incident."

"Here it comes." Spring‑Rice prepared himself mentally.

"The report notes that the two destroyers left the escort formation at times that deviated from standard anti‑submarine procedures," Wilson lifted the thin document from the table but did not hand it to the ambassador, merely holding it, "and the recordings before the so‑called 'suspicious contact' also appear… vague."

"War situations are always complex, Mr. President," Spring‑Rice replied cautiously, "Commanders at sea must judge based on ever‑changing circumstances. Sometimes overly cautious decisions may seem inappropriate in hindsight."

"Overly cautious," Wilson repeated the phrase as if savoring it, "to protect the convoy, they left the convoy. Does that logic hold up for you?"

"I'm not a navy expert…"

"But you are a diplomatic expert," Wilson set the document down, leaning forward, "An expert should know that some actions can be taken but not spoken of. Some lines can be approached but not crossed."

The air in the office solidified.

The firewood in the fireplace crackled, unusually clear.

"Mr. President," Spring‑Rice chose to confront directly, "Are you implying that Yingguo deliberately exposed Meilika merchant ships to danger? Such an accusation is grave and baseless. Yingguo and Meilika are friends, allies; how could we harm Meilika citizens?"

"Friends," Wilson said slowly, "Allies. Yes. So when friends face difficulty, they should be frank, not play petty tricks."

He stood, walked to the world map, back turned to the ambassador.

"I know how great Yingguo's pressure is. I know the Western Front is about to collapse. I know you need Meilika Entry into War, the sooner the better," Wilson's voice came from the map side, eerily calm, "but using Meilika's blood as a bargaining chip to force the Deguo into a position where they must attack—that's short‑sighted, Ambassador. Very short‑sighted."

Spring‑Rice felt cold sweat seep down his back. He hadn't expected Wilson to be so blunt.

"Mr. President, I must lodge a strong protest—"

"Spare me," Wilson turned, eyes icy, "Only the two of us are here. You may continue the performance, but I won't cooperate. Let's discuss terms directly."

The ambassador opened his mouth, then chose silence. It was tacit acceptance.

Wilson walked back to his seat but did not sit, instead standing by the fireplace, hand resting on the marble mantel.

"First, the Meilika Atlantic Fleet will, from today onward, fully assume escort duties on the North America‑to‑Yingguo route. We will establish a 'safe corridor' covered by enough destroyers and cruisers. The Yingguo navy can assist, but command will belong to us."

Spring‑Rice weighed quickly. This meant Meilika was effectively already participating in the naval war, though not formally declared. It was a major development. "London will welcome this decision."

"Second, Meilika ground forces will not be deployed to the European front immediately. We need time to mobilize, train, prepare. That period may be six months, perhaps a year. During that time, Yingguo and Faguo must rely on their own strength to hold the Western Front."

The ambassador's complexion changed: "Mr. President, Faguo's morale is on the brink of collapse. Without a clear Meilika commitment, they may not withstand Deguo's spring offensive this year."

"Then find a way to keep them standing," Wilson said resolutely, "with this pledge: Meilika is on the way. But the road must be taken step by step."

"But—"

"Third," Wilson interrupted, "which is also the most critical point."

He returned to the desk, pulled another document from the drawer. This time he handed it to the ambassador.

Spring‑Rice took it, skimmed quickly. The document was printed, without heading or signature, but its contents made him gasp.

It was a summary assessment of secret military cooperation between Lanfang and the Sakura Nation. It listed fifty Sakura divisions being formed, weaponry supplied by Lanfang, and Chen Feng's warning in Hawaii to Wilson: if Meilika enters the war, Lanfang will also suffer.

"This is…" the ambassador looked up.

"President Chen Feng told me personally," Wilson sat back, "He told me in Hawaii that Lanfang wants the war to continue but not expand. If Meilika enters the war, forcing Lanfang to pick a side, they will protect their own interests—and those interests may conflict with Yingguo's interests in the Far East."

Spring‑Rice's hand began to tremble. Not from fear, but from shock.

Fifty Sakura divisions. Over a million troops. If this force, backed by Lanfang, were to throw itself onto Deguo's side, and if Lanfang's six Bismarck Class battleships appeared in the Indian Ocean…

India, Singapore, Australia—pearls on the crown of the British Empire, will all be exposed to threat.