39: Chapter 39 The Great Powers Begin to Pay Attention

I. Washington's Conspiracy

The news of Li Ling's consecutive victories over Japan and his deep cooperation with the German Empire finally reached Meijian Country across the ocean.

White House, President McKinley's office.

Secretary of State John Hay handed over a report with a grave expression: "Mr. President, this is the latest intelligence regarding that Li Ling of the Qingxia Kingdom."

McKinley took the report, his brow furrowing tighter as he read.

"Three consecutive total victories in medium-scale naval battles, over twenty Japan vessels sunk, and he even repelled the warships we sent to 'escort'?" He looked up. "What exactly is the background of this Li Ling?"

John Hay shook his head: "Intelligence shows that he is the only son of Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, a high-ranking official of the Qingxia Kingdom, and is only in his early twenties. However, he possesses military technology and strategic vision far beyond his time, and there seems to be a mysterious force supporting him from behind."

"A mysterious force? Are you suggesting... the German Empire?"

"That possibility cannot be ruled out." John Hay analyzed: "Li Ling's arms deals with the German Empire are very frequent, and the German Empire even sent a military delegation to the Qingxia Kingdom. But what's strange is that Li Ling's technology seems to be even more advanced than that of the German Empire; it doesn't make sense."

McKinley pondered for a moment before making a decision: "We cannot allow Li Ling to continue growing. Notify the State Department to immediately formulate a plan to support Japan, providing low-interest loans, selling warships, and dispatching military advisors."

"Mr. President, won't this provoke Li Ling?"

"So what if it provokes him?" McKinley sneered. "A son of a high-ranking official from the Qingxia Kingdom—surely he can't possibly contend with Meijian Country, can he?"

"But..."

"There are no 'buts'." McKinley interrupted him. "Japan is an important pawn for us to contain the Qingxia Kingdom; we cannot lose it. Tell the Japanese government that as long as they continue to oppose Li Ling, Meijian Country will fully support them."

John Hay nodded: "Yes, I will handle it immediately."

II. London's Weighing

Meanwhile, in London, England, Buckingham Palace.

Princess Victoria Louise was advanced in age, but her mind remained sharp. After listening to the report from Foreign Secretary Salisbury, she pondered for a long time.

"What is the relationship between this Li Ling and the German Empire?" the Queen asked.

Salisbury replied: "Very close. They have already signed multiple arms purchase contracts, including Battleships, Cruisers, artillery, and more. Furthermore, there are indications that the German Empire is considering a marriage alliance with him."

Princess Victoria Louise frowned: "The German Empire's influence in the East is expanding too quickly. If Li Ling truly becomes a son-in-law of the German Empire, the entire East Asia will lean toward Berlin."

"Your Majesty, do you mean..."

"Support Japan to contain Li Ling." Princess Victoria Louise said decisively. "But it must not be too obvious, so as not to provoke Li Ling and bring the German Empire in."

"Understood. We will provide intelligence and a small amount of military aid covertly."

"Also." The Queen paused. "Send someone to contact Li Ling and probe his attitude. If we can win him over to our side, even if he only maintains neutrality, it would still be better than letting him lean toward the German Empire."

Salisbury nodded: "Yes, Your Majesty."

III. The Powers' Calculations

The actions of Meijian Country and England naturally could not escape Li Ling's eyes.

Although he did not yet have a global intelligence network, the Radar and signal intelligence collection functions provided by the system still allowed him to capture some clues.

"Sir, our intelligence officers report that Meijian Country has provided a thirty-million-dollar low-interest loan to Japan and has also sold them four second-hand Cruisers." the adjutant reported.

Li Ling sneered: "Thirty million dollars? Meijian Country is truly generous."

"Additionally, England has also sent a military advisory group to Japan to help them train their navy."

"England is getting involved too?" Li Ling frowned. "This is becoming a bit troublesome."

Empress Su Wanqing asked from the side: "Brother Ling, the Great Powers are all helping Japan. What shall we do?"

"What shall we do? We meet force with force." Li Ling stood up and walked to the naval map. "Japan is currently severely weakened; even with the support of the Great Powers, they cannot recover in the short term. And I have Radar, three Dreadnoughts about to be launched, and the backing of the German Empire's orders. Within six months, I fear no opponent."

"And what about after six months?"

"After six months..." A cold light flashed in Li Ling's eyes. "After six months, my six new Dreadnoughts will have started construction. By then, it's hard to say who will fear whom."

[Host, do not be too optimistic. If the Great Powers truly join forces against you, you will not be able to hold out.]

"I know." Li Ling replied in his mind. "That is why I will not let them join forces. Divide and conquer, defeat them one by one—that is my strategy."

[How will you divide them?]

"The German Empire is my pawn, England is my potential pawn, and Meijian Country is my opponent. As long as I can stabilize the German Empire, win over England, and isolate Meijian Country, I will have a chance."

[Easy to say, difficult to do.]

"It is only interesting because it is difficult." Li Ling smiled. "If everything were simple, what would be the point of me being here?"

IV. Emily's Intelligence

That evening, Emily came to find Li Ling, mysteriously handing him a document.

"Li, this was sent by my father from Meijian Country. Inside is the White House's aid plan for Japan."

Li Ling took the file and scanned it quickly, his brow furrowing tighter and tighter.

The Meijian Country's aid plan was very detailed: a thirty-million-dollar loan, four second-hand Cruisers, twelve Torpedo boats, five hundred military advisors, as well as a large amount of grain and military supplies.

"Emily, this intelligence is too important!" Li Ling gripped her hand excitedly. "Thank you!"

Emily blushed: "You're welcome. I am willing to help you."

Li Ling let go of her hand and coughed awkwardly: "Um... Emily, why would your father send this kind of thing to you?"

"My father said he hopes you win." Emily said seriously. "He said some people in the Meijian Country government are too shortsighted, and that cooperating with Japan is like raising a tiger that will eventually turn on you. He also said that if he can establish a long-term cooperative relationship with you, it will be good for the family business."

Li Ling immediately understood. Although Emily's father was a tycoon of a Meijian Country consortium, he did not completely agree with the government's policies. He saw the potential in Li Ling and wanted to win him over through his daughter.

"Emily, thank you your father for me." Li Ling smiled. "Tell him I will not let him down."

Emily smiled sweetly: "Li, I believe in you."

The two looked at each other, and the atmosphere became ambiguous again. Li Ling quickly changed the subject: "Um... Empress Su Wanqing made your favorite braised pork tonight. Shall we go eat?"

Emily giggled: "Okay."

V. The System's New Task

That night, the system suddenly popped up a new task:

[Main Quest: Within six months, raise naval strength to a level sufficient to contend with the United Fleet of the Great Powers. Reward: Super Deluxe Gift Package (contents confidential).]

Li Ling was stunned: "Six months? Contend with the United Fleet of the Great Powers? System, have you gone mad?"

[I have not gone mad; this is a challenge for you.]

"Challenge my foot!" Li Ling jumped up. "I currently have three Pre-dreadnoughts, three Dreadnoughts about to be launched, and six Dreadnoughts that haven't even started construction. That adds up to only twelve capital ships, and the United Fleet of the Great Powers has at least over a hundred. How am I supposed to fight that?"

[That is why you need a smarter strategy, rather than fighting head-on.]

"What strategy?"

[Think for yourself; I am not your military advisor.]

Li Ling gritted his teeth in anger: "You system, you always drop the ball at critical moments!"

[This is called training your abilities.]

"Training my foot!" Li Ling paced back and forth in the room. "Six months... Navy... United Fleet of the Great Powers..."

He suddenly stopped, a light flashing in his eyes: "Right, I don't have to fight the United Fleet; I can fight their ally! As long as I completely cripple Japan, the Great Powers will lose their excuse to intervene."

[That makes some sense; what are the specifics?]

"Concentrate all forces to completely destroy the Japan navy within three months. Then blockade the coast of Japan and force them to sue for peace. Even if the Great Powers want to help, it will be too late."

[The plan is good, but can you build six Dreadnoughts within these three months?]

"No, so those three Dreadnoughts will be put into battle as soon as they are launched, while using Torpedo boats and Submarines for support." Li Ling gritted his teeth. "As long as I win, even a pyrrhic victory will suffice!"

[Fine, I shall wait and see.]

"Just you wait and see!" Li Ling clenched his fists. "I, Li Ling, keep my word!"