Chapter 580: If Lanfang Wins, the Sakura Nation Wins

Foreign Minister Jiateng Gaoming also spoke: "From a diplomatic standpoint, this agreement gives the Sakura Nation a renewed strategic foothold. Through Lanfang we can maintain contact with Deguo; by dispatching divisions we can establish ties with Europe. After the war, whichever side wins, the Sakura Nation will still have room to maneuver."

The civil officials' attitude gradually clarified. They saw the agreement's value—not only military, but also industrial, diplomatic, and strategic.

Gangshi Zhushou felt a chill. He realized he was fighting alone.

"But the command authority…" he made his final protest.

"The command authority issue can be renegotiated," Xiyuan Si offered a compromise, "We can request that Lanfang grant the Sakura Nation sufficient seats in the joint command, retain veto power over major decisions, and ensure Sakura officers' tactical command authority. All of these are negotiable."

"Can we still negotiate a contract that's already signed?"

"A supplemental agreement," Xiyuan Si said, "I can go to Borneo again, or invite Chen Feng to Japan, to hold additional talks on the command details."

This is already the biggest concession.

Gangshi Zhushou stared at Xiyuan Si, at this shrewd veteran politician. He knew Xiyuan Si had already considered everything—from contract clauses to countering objections, from strategic ideals to practical compromises.

And he, besides anger and worry, could produce no better plan.

"I need time to consider," he finally said, his voice weary.

"Fine," Xiyuan Si nodded, "but time is short. Lanfang is awaiting an answer, and the European war situation changes daily. No later than the day after tomorrow, the cabinet must make a final decision."

The meeting ended under a suppressed atmosphere.

Gangshi Zhushou was the first to leave the conference room, the door slamming shut behind him. Shanben watched his back, wanted to say something, but ultimately remained silent.

Xiyuan Si sat in his original seat, and after everyone had left, he said to the secretary:

"Make arrangements; I wish to have an audience with Tianhuang."

The next morning, Tokyo, Imperial Palace.

Xiyuan Si Gongwang and Shanben Quanbingwei knelt on the tatami of the outer room of the Phoenix Hall, awaiting Tianhuang's summons. Both wore formal kimono and looked solemn. The corridor was so quiet one could hear one's own heartbeat, with only faint distant court musicians practicing gagaku.

The door opened, and the chief attendant stepped out, bowing deeply: "Your Majesty summons you."

The two rose, adjusted their attire, and followed the chief attendant into the inner chamber.

Dazheng Tianhuang sat on the throne. He wore a traditional yellow lacquered imperial robe, his face thin, eyes sharp and deep. Though his health was poor, he still retained imperial dignity. (The editor omitted further details about his condition.)

"We, Xiyuan Si Gongwang and Shanben Quanbingwei, humbly request an audience with Your Majesty," the two knelt.

"Rise," Tianhuang's voice was gentle yet firm, "I hear you have just returned from Borneo."

"Yes," Xiyuan Si rose, still keeping the bowing posture, "We met with President Lanfang, Chen Feng, and reached a military cooperation agreement. I have come to report the details to Your Majesty."

He recounted the agreement's contents in detail, with no omissions or embellishments: the warships' specifications, the technology's value, the commitment of fifty divisions, the transfer of command authority, and the cabinet's disputes.

Tianhuang listened silently, without interrupting. When Xiyuan Si finished, he slowly spoke:

"Shanben, you are a navy expert. In your view, can these four warships truly revive the United Fleet?"

Shanben stepped forward, bowing deeply: "Answering Your Majesty, yes. The Ise‑class battleship design has reached world‑class level. More importantly, the technology transfer will enable the Sakura Nation to master core modern shipbuilding capabilities. Given time, the Sakura navy can not only rebuild but surpass."

"What about the cost?"

"The army's command authority, and… the lives of the young," Shanben's voice lowered.

Tianhuang remained silent for a long time. In the Phoenix Hall, only a faint blue smoke from the incense burner drifted slowly through the air.

"Xiyuan Si," Tianhuang finally spoke, "Do you think this agreement is more beneficial than harmful to the Sakura Nation, or the reverse?"

Xiyuan Si lifted his head, meeting Tianhuang's gaze—a rare occurrence—but he knew honesty was required now:

"Your Majesty, I believe that in the short term the harms outweigh the benefits. We must pay a huge price and bear heavy risk. But in the long term the benefits exceed the harms, because this is the Sakura Nation's only chance to survive in the new era."

"New era?"

"Yes." Xiyuan Si's voice grew firm, "Your Majesty, the world is undergoing a transformation unseen in a millennium. Old empires decline, new powers rise. Technological advances have completely altered the nature of war and expanded national competition from land to sea and sky. If the Sakura Nation cannot keep pace, it will be eliminated."

He paused, then continued:

"This agreement, on the surface a military transaction, is in fact the Sakura Nation's ticket into the new era. Through Lanfang we obtain technology; through the European war we gain experience; through this global upheaval we strive for a century of national fortune. Moreover, as I understand, Meilika has decided to declare war on Deguo, and Lanfang will also intervene. In terms of current naval strength, Lanfang is the world's top navy—if… if Lanfang wins, the Empire wins!"

Tianhuang's gaze grew distant. He looked at the pine trees in the Imperial Palace courtyard outside the window, trees that have stood for centuries, bearing witness to the rise and fall of the Tokugawa shogunate and the tumult of the Meiji Restoration.

Now, they will witness another turning point.

"The army opposes; what is your view?" Tianhuang asked.

"Minister Gang's concerns are reasonable," Xiyuan Si replied, "but as national leaders we cannot see only sacrifice and miss opportunity; we cannot see only cost and miss the future. I earnestly request Your Majesty… to make a divine judgment."

Another prolonged silence.

Tianhuang's fingers tapped lightly on the throne's armrest—once, twice, three times.

Then he stood.

Xiyuan Si and Shanben immediately knelt.

"I understand," the Emperor waved his hand, "Remember, your decision today will affect the Sakura Nation's destiny for a hundred years. I hope… be prudent, and be even more prudent."

"I will obey the decree!" the two replied in unison.

"Proceed," the Emperor waved his hand, "Remember, your decision today will shape the Sakura Nation's fate for a hundred years. I urge you… to be cautious, and even more cautious."

Leaving the Phoenix Hall and walking along the Imperial Palace's long corridor, Xiyuan Si and Shanben said nothing. Sunlight slanted through the corridor windows, casting dappled shadows on the floor.

Not until they passed through the Imperial Palace gates and boarded the carriage did Shanben let out a long sigh:

"Your Majesty… supports us."

"But the pressure is greater as well," Xiyuan Si said, looking out the window, "Your Majesty's trust is the greatest support and the heaviest responsibility. From now on, the success or failure of this agreement rests entirely on us."