55: Chapter 55 Taking the Initiative

The deterrent effect of the exercise was immediate. Japan had indeed restrained itself a lot, at least on the surface, no longer daring to be as arrogant as before. But Li Ling knew very well that this was only a temporary calm, and the storm would come sooner or later.

"We cannot passively wait," Li Ling said at the military meeting. "We must take the initiative to disrupt the rhythm of Japan."

"Young Master, the previous sabotage operation already delayed Japan's construction plan by eight months. Do we really need to do it again?" someone asked.

"The last time was to destroy their hardware. This time, I want to destroy their software," Li Ling smiled mysteriously.

"Software?"

"Yes," Li Ling said. "I have received intelligence that Japan is importing a set of advanced shipbuilding technologies from Meijian Country, including the latest hull designs and armor technology. If we can get our hands on these technical blueprints, or simply destroy them, Japan's shipbuilding plan will be set back again."

"But those technical blueprints must be hidden in a heavily guarded place. How can we get them?"

"Isn't that our opportunity?" Li Ling looked at the Special Forces commander. "I'll have to trouble you again for this."

The Special Forces commander immediately stood up: "Don't worry, Young Master! We guarantee the mission will be completed!"

"This mission is more dangerous than the last," Li Ling warned. "Last time, you just blew things up. This time, you need to steal things and bring them back alive. So the plan must be meticulous; there cannot be any mistakes."

"Yes!"

The Special Forces began to formulate the operation plan. They used various channels to find out where the blueprints were stored, the guard situation, and the surrounding environment, and then formulated multiple action plans.

A month later, the operation began.

The Special Forces members were divided into three groups, infiltrating Japan separately. One group was responsible for attracting attention, one group for stealing the blueprints, and one group for support and retreat.

On the night of the operation, heavy rain was falling, and visibility was extremely low. For the Special Forces, this was the best cover.

"Group One in position, ready to act."

"Group Two in position, waiting for orders."

"Group Three in position, ready to support at any time."

The Special Forces commander listened to the reports from each group in his headset, took a deep breath, and ordered: "Group One, move!"

Group One immediately began the operation. They set several fires near the guard station, causing chaos. The guards ran to put out the fires, and the blueprint storage area suddenly became much less guarded.

"Group Two, move!"

Group Two seized the opportunity to infiltrate, using pre-prepared tools to open the safe where the blueprints were stored. They quickly photographed several key blueprints, put the originals back in place, and destroyed the traces of the photography.

The whole process took less than ten minutes, clean and efficient.

"Group Two mission complete, preparing for retreat."

"Group Three, support!"

Group Three had already prepared the retreat route and transportation. After Group Two evacuated, they immediately rendezvoused with Group Three, then disguised themselves as ordinary merchants and left Japan on a cargo ship.

The entire operation did not fire a single shot or injure a single person; it was perfect.

Three days later, the Special Forces returned safely with the photographed blueprints. Li Ling took the blueprints, looked at them carefully, and then burst into laughter.

"Good! Very good! Now Japan's shipbuilding plan will be delayed again!"

"Congratulations to the host for completing the theft mission. You have received a small achievement draw."

"Draw!"

"Draw in progress... Congratulations to the host for obtaining 'Advanced Metallurgy Technology'."

"Metallurgy technology? What is the use of that?"

"This technology can significantly improve the quality and yield of steel. When applied to production, it can produce higher-strength special steel at the same cost."

"Good stuff!" Li Ling said excitedly. "This way, our warships can use better armor!"

In the following days, Li Ling digested the technology stolen from Japan while improving his own metallurgical processes. In less than a month, new special steel was produced, and various performance indicators were more than 20% higher than before.

"Good steel must be used on the cutting edge," Li Ling ordered. "These new steels are prioritized for the newly built Dreadnoughts."

But he had a bigger plan in mind.

That night, Li Ling invited Empress Su Wanqing out. The two walked in the garden, moonlight spilling onto the path, making it exceptionally quiet.

"Wanqing, you've worked hard during this time," Li Ling looked at his childhood sweetheart beside him, his tone gentle.

"I'm not tired, it's you who is so busy every day that your feet don't touch the ground," Empress Su Wanqing said softly. "You've lost weight."

"Not at all," Li Ling smiled. "By the way, there is something I want to tell you."

"What is it?"

"After this busy period, I want to formally marry you." Li Ling stopped and looked at her seriously.

Empress Su Wanqing was stunned, her face flushed to the roots of her ears: "You... what did you say?"

"I said, I want to marry you," Li Ling held her hand. "You are one of the most important people in my life, and I don't want to keep you waiting too long."

Empress Su Wanqing's eyes turned red, and her voice choked slightly: "You finally said it... I thought you had forgotten..."

"How could I forget?" Li Ling pulled her into his arms. "It's just that there were too many things before, and I couldn't attend to it. Now that the situation is basically stable, it's time to give you an answer."

Empress Su Wanqing leaned against his chest, listening to his strong heartbeat, feeling warm inside.

"But..." Li Ling changed the subject. "It might take a little longer. Because the royal family is also arranging a political marriage, and I cannot refuse. Do you understand?"

Empress Su Wanqing looked up, some disappointment in her eyes, but she still nodded: "I understand. You are a person who wants to achieve great things; you cannot just care about personal feelings."

"I've wronged you," Li Ling sighed. "But I promise you, no matter how many people I marry in the future, you will always be the most important person to me."

"Having this sentence from you is enough," Empress Su Wanqing smiled through her tears. "I can afford to wait."

The two embraced in the moonlight, enjoying the rare quiet time.

But Li Ling knew clearly that this tranquility would not last long. Japan would not give up, and the powers would not give up on encircling him. He had to seize every minute and every second to strengthen his own power.

The next day, Li Ling gathered all the core generals and held a closed-door meeting.

"Gentlemen, the next year is our critical period," Li Ling pointed to the map. "Although Japan is temporarily frustrated, their reconstruction speed is very fast. Meijian Country is providing blood transfusions behind them, and the powers are also helping in secret. If we cannot form an absolute advantage before they finish rebuilding, we will be in a passive position."

"Young Master, our naval strength is already quite considerable. How else does it need to be strengthened?" someone asked.

"It's not enough," Li Ling shook his head. "Our goal is that in one year, when Japan's new fleet is built, our strength must be at least double theirs."

"Double?" The generals gasped.

"Yes, double," Li Ling said decisively. "So for the next year, our shipyards must run at full capacity. We must not only complete the existing six Dreadnoughts but also start construction on four more. In addition, those three Pre-dreadnoughts must also undergo modernization, installing new fire control systems and anti-aircraft weapons."

"Young Master, this requires a huge amount of capital and resources..."

"Don't worry about the capital; the orders from the German Empire and Meijian Country are enough to support it," Li Ling said. "As for resources, I already have a plan. We must step up mining in the country, and in addition, we need to import a batch of urgently needed rare metals from overseas."

"Yes!"

After the meeting, Li Ling remained in the conference room alone, looking at the map on the wall.

His gaze shifted from Japan to Meijian Country, then to the European powers, and finally fell back to Qingxia Kingdom.

"System, are you saying I'm too anxious?" he asked in his heart.

"The host's development speed is already very fast, but considering the deterioration of the external environment, appropriate acceleration is necessary."

"That's good," Li Ling nodded. "By the way, help me evaluate the aircraft carrier plan, how high is the feasibility?"

"The feasibility is very high. The host currently possesses basic aviation technology and shipbuilding technology; building an experimental aircraft carrier is entirely feasible. It is recommended that the host first build a small aircraft carrier for testing, and then build a large aircraft carrier after accumulating experience."

"Good, that's decided," Li Ling made the final decision. "In addition, the Air Force side must also step up. I plan to form a special aviation unit, equipped with the latest biplanes, to carry out reconnaissance and anti-ship missions."

"The host is indeed farsighted."

"It's not that I am farsighted, it's that I know history," Li Ling smiled. "In this era, whoever masters aviation superiority first masters the future."

Outside the window, the sky was brightening, and a new day had begun.

Li Ling stretched and walked out of the conference room. He knew the road ahead was still long, but every step was moving in the right direction.

And those who stood in his way would either make way or be crushed.

There was no third option.