381: Chapter 381: Be Prepared for War at Any Time

“That’s right, I also have a question. If the Red Coat Sect’s goal is to control these countries to gain some political convenience, wouldn’t it be less risky for them to do it secretly? Why publicly announce the formation of a united government?” asked Jing Cheng, the Director of the Culture Department.

“Therefore, their formation of these political entities is absolutely not the goal, but the reason,” Director-General Pang Lejia of the Legal Department inexplicably interjected.

“What do you mean?” Jing Cheng asked.

“It’s simple. The political convenience they want to obtain is not internal, but external. Or rather, the Red Coat Sect’s extensive development and infiltration worldwide over the past year was not to secretly control a certain country, but to achieve some political objective through the form of these political entities,” Director-General Pang Lejia explained.

“You said it, but it’s as good as saying nothing. The problem is, what exactly is their political objective?” Jing Cheng glanced at him.

“Although I don’t know what their objective is, I know that this objective definitely requires a very large political body to achieve,” Director-General Pang Lejia continued.

Although Director-General Pang Lejia didn't say anything particularly useful, he did point out a direction for everyone.

What kind of thing cannot be done by individual small countries and must be done by a large political body?

“I believe there are actually two key points here: one is resources, and the other is territory. Their objective must be related to one or both of these,” said Director Tian Huamao, the Director of the Energy Department.

“Could you elaborate?” Baili Ji asked.

“First, let's talk about resources. These include population, minerals, energy, and ecology; these are all resources. Small countries and large countries have fundamental differences in these areas. Of course, even without forming such super political entities, they can still acquire resources. It’s just that in the process of using these resources, they might need to declare their political stance.”

“This is like a couple getting a marriage certificate and informing relatives and friends. Of course, you can choose not to do these things. However, a secret marriage is unstable on one hand, and lacks legal protection on the other. In such a situation, the rights of both spouses cannot be effectively protected.”

“So, by declaring a political stance and forming a political entity, international affairs become domestic affairs. This is telling everyone that whatever they do from now on is legitimate and doesn’t require others’ interference.”

“Next, let’s talk about territory. Councilor Jiang already mentioned this point. These six super political entities cannot be viewed in isolation; there must be a big hand manipulating them behind the scenes. So why not simply form one massive political entity instead of six? I think the key lies in territorial reasons.”

“Of course, there’s also another possibility: these six political entities are not monolithic but have their own distinct agendas.”

Director Tian Huamao, the Director of the Energy Department, explained his insights.

“Currently, throughout the world, only our Huaguo, Olos Country, and the United States of America remain independent. So, you’re saying this is all for us three countries to see?” Suo Tonghua asked.

“You’re only half right. The political stance is for everyone to see, including other countries and their own citizens,” Yan Zhengping explained to him.

Suo Tonghua nodded and said no more.

“It’s basically clear now. The formation of these six super political entities will inevitably lead to major actions. Over the past year, the Red Coat Sect’s infiltration into our country was unsuccessful. So, in the future, they will definitely try other methods. Given the current complex international and domestic situation, all Military Regions must heighten vigilance and strengthen patrols. At the same time, the Military Political Department must strengthen material production and supply, and be prepared for war at all times,” Baili Ji concluded.

“Yes!”

The councilors replied.

Subsequently, the council proceeded with two more agenda items:

1. It was decided that Huaguo would enter Level 1 combat readiness status immediately.

2. The East, South, West, and North Military Regions would begin conscription immediately, with 200,000 slots for each Military Region. The conditions were relatively relaxed: ages 18 to 40, with priority given to retired soldiers. Additionally, the Central Military Region would expand its forces by 100,000.

After the meeting, the Legal Department drafted the document, and the Military Political Department distributed it to all Settlements.

Council Building, Speaker’s Office.

“Old Yan, have a seat,” Baili Ji greeted warmly.

“Speaker, if there’s something to discuss, let’s discuss it. Otherwise, I’ll head back. The Military Region has a ton of things waiting for me to handle; I don’t have time to chat with you,” Yan Zhengping didn’t sit down, his attitude not very friendly.

“What? Still mad at me? You’re too petty, aren’t you?” Baili Ji wasn’t angry; he joked.

“No,” Yan Zhengping grumbled.

“Still saying no. You used to call me Brother Baili, but now you call me Speaker?” Baili Ji said.