Him and their stars.

Chapter 2072 Battle of Canchuan?

Of course, he had just finished nodding when he realized something seemed off, and couldn't help but smile wryly, "So, what does this have to do with Pudding... and the orange cat?"

"The Imperial's official military reports state that Orange Cat is leading the fleet back home and has just left the Terra sector. But in reality, our intelligence department in Gibraltar has already sent a message that her Dawn Angel has arrived at Southgate and is undergoing repairs and resupply in Gibraltar."

At this point, Feifei added with a hint of doubt, "She's really in a hurry. Why is she in such a rush?"

"I also have the latest intelligence, which says that the emperor has appointed her as the Grand Seal Keeper of the Privy Council."

"You heard it from a snake? Then its credibility can still be guaranteed."

Feifei hesitated for a moment, then said, "But even now, Orange Cat is still serving as the Grand Marshal of the Terra Army. Whether it's Marshal Farrell or King Shazamen who succeeds her, they need to have a phased understanding of the work at hand."

None of them considered the possibility of Marshal Ikenloga and King Soreen.

The former was, after all, quite old, and had other important duties—mainly overseeing the distant coastal countries that had been burned to ashes by a certain general.

Countries like Bakvi, Anmengs, Letalin, and Emb, all staunch allies of the Galactic Empire, have also suffered all sorts of unbearable hardships in this war.

Now everyone is exhausted and in poor health, and it has indeed come to the point of post-war reconstruction.

To be fair, the vast and powerful Galactic Empire is far more generous to its loyal allies than a certain beautiful country that takes in dogs but makes them buy their own dog food. It is quite willing to provide these miserable coastal nations with large amounts of low-interest loans and food supplies.

However, allocating funds and resources, coordinating personnel relations among various countries, and continuing conscription while rebuilding—all these were far from simple matters. It was less a matter of coordination and more like appointing a de facto ruler to whip the demoralized coastal nations into action.

It is indeed necessary to have a highly respected and mature person in charge.

Given Marshal Ikenloga's high reputation among the coastal nations, he was the obvious choice.

As for the young King Sorein, he was only a young man in his early twenties. No one would think he was a genius of Brunhilde's caliber, nor would anyone think he could really take on the military and political affairs of the entire community's occupied territories.

Being able to serve as a good deputy to one's clan uncle is already quite an achievement.

Therefore, the only two people who could take over Brunhilde's position nearby were Marshal Farrell and King Shazamen.

However, just as Fei Fei said, everyone needs to bring their "work" to a close. Even if you can't write a full stop, you should at least put a semicolon.

"Marshal Farrell's direct offensive against the Cold Pool Fortress in the High Seas, and King Shazamen's offensive against Juyong Pass—whoever launches the direct offensive is likely to be the successor," Yu Lian pondered. "However, it's more likely that either will happen. Besides us, the only mobile forces left on Earth are Marshal Bonaparte and Teacher Yang."

...In fact, purely in terms of the number of warships, the remaining fleet can hardly be considered a "mobile force"; it is simply a bunch of scattered soldiers wandering around the universe.

"The General Staff is assessing this possibility," Fei Fei said. "With the Silent Terminal, we will be much more efficient when conducting simulated warfare, and the results will be closer to reality."

The team was as reliable as ever, but Yu Lian couldn't help but smile. "We were just talking about the alliance entering the fray. Is this the classic case of good news and bad news always coming together?"

“It’s not necessarily bad news,” Fei Fei said. “I know you’re immersed in the mysteries of the occult, but the bridge really needs your guidance.”

Actually, the bridge doesn't really need me that much. Everyone has already formulated the next marching plan, and even the measures and tactics to be taken if we encounter the enemy. As long as one or two hundred enemy ships don't suddenly appear, with the abilities and initiative of my comrades, even if Yu Lian doesn't take action, we can still have a peaceful and uneventful journey.

However, given that many significant events had occurred far away, even out of basic social intelligence and political morality, everyone still needed Commander Yu Lian to be present on the bridge.

When he appeared on the bridge of the Silent Ship, the professional officers on the control panel on the third floor were still talking in hushed tones and working non-stop.

This looks very professional, and Yu Lian said he was very satisfied.

He walked toward his command room, returning the salute to Captain Nemo and Deng Zhengqing, who were saluting him, and also to Eleanor and Wayne on the floating screen.

Feifei stood beside the command seat, setting out tea and snacks for the Commander-in-Chief. In every respect, she was a perfect adjutant (wife) and a good sister (mother).

"Details," Yu Lian said succinctly.

Eleanor Bonaparte reported: "From the perspective of New Shenzhou, the forward reconnaissance department of Yang Fleet can confirm that the Empire is concentrating all arsenal ships and guard fleets stationed in New Shuntian and Said towards Juyongguan."

"Oh, so this is also a way to make use of waste," Yu Lian scoffed.

After the Battle of Said, these two types of warships were essentially obsolete, and even many second-tier countries cancelled their construction plans.

However, while arsenal ships and frigates may no longer be suitable for mobile battlefields, they can still play a role in fortress assaults.

The narrow mountain and sea routes offer no room for maneuver, making them ideal for a battle where only the brave prevail in a close encounter. Perhaps this is also where these warships will have their final purpose.

“This is a signal that the Empire is preparing to launch a proactive offensive against the New Divine Land,” Yu Lian said.

Deng Zhengqing produced the latest briefing compiled by the intelligence department from the Empire's internal network: "There is also a certain element of political warfare involved. The Imperial Grand Marshal's Office has determined that there is a stargate leading to the Dawn Starfield within the New Divine Continent."

They started having suspicions six months ago. It's quite meticulous of them to finally reach a conclusion now, isn't it? Yu Lian thought.

“Compared to searching like looking for a needle in a haystack in the vast Dawn Starfield, it would be better to break through the mountain and sea routes and search from the New Divine Continent,” Wayne said. “If I were an Imperial soldier, I would consider the same thing.”

Okay, that's definitely a possible idea.

"Furthermore, this is clearly putting pressure on you." Deng Zhengqing looked at Yu Lian, his eyes now showing a hint of worry, a stark contrast to his usual unwavering resolve.
"The imperial clusters on the distant shores will never be able to return to the Empire, but they might be able to achieve a breakthrough on their own front lines. Once the New Divine Land falls, we..."

At this point, he fell silent, concealing all his ominous thoughts.

“Even if we conquer the Heavenly Realm, we’ll still become wandering ghosts,” Yu Lian added directly. Of course, he was the only one present who could speak such blunt truths without restraint.

Everyone looked at each other.

However, before the low morale could build up, Captain Nemo laughed and said, "Gentlemen, what an honor this is! The Imperial devils are forced to launch a rather unwise offensive just to harass us from the side. Doesn't this prove that the Empire has run out of options?"

That's how the Balat wins—regardless of whether it holds true or not, the emotional value is so strong that morale remains high and fiery.

More importantly, logically speaking, the captain's winning strategy is indeed valid.

"Currently, the Imperial fleet that has struck the Shanhai Passage is only twice the size of Yang's fleet," Yu Lian said matter-of-factly. He did indeed have great confidence in Teacher Yang, even more so than in himself, and always felt that unless the Imperial devils concentrated five or six times their strength, they would not gain any advantage.

"Even if the Privy Council and the Grand Marshal's Office have any illusions about them, King Shazamen, who is on the front lines, will understand. This battle is not a wise choice. If I were Commander Yang, I would definitely use this as a counter-strategy to teach the Imperial devils a lesson."

"So, how should we turn the tables on them?" Fei Fei asked.

“I don’t know, I wasn’t there either.” Yu Lian remained nonchalant: “But he can definitely do it. I have that confidence.”

His demeanor seemed to say, "I've already made my demands; how to implement them is up to you," emphasizing a "rule by doing nothing" approach.

Fortunately, Yu Lian is not yet the supreme leader of Earth, otherwise, when he gives orders to the front-line generals, he would be exactly the worst kind of client.

Compared to the Empire's hesitation in the mountain and sea routes, its expansion in the high seas seemed like a natural progression.

"On the high seas, the Qingchun City Autonomous Committee announced that it has signed a one-year joint defense contract with the Empire. And just now, the Imperial fleet led by Lieutenant General Baion has withdrawn from Tuhan Star Gorge and arrived in Qingchun for repairs."

As is well known, Qingchun City is the largest autonomous star system city-state in the Great High Seas Starfield. It has always earned tolls and maintenance fees from various parties. Its space facilities are very large and complete, enough to provide maintenance and repair services for dreadnought-class ships.

“If the city-states in the high seas provide logistical support for the Imperial fleet, their attacks on the Frosthorst Gorge and the outer ring fleet will be even more intense,” Eleanor Bonaparte said.

In fact, even without these supply bases, Marshal Farrell's forces maintained constant pressure on the Cold King Fortress. He had an absolute advantage in both manpower and supplies.

The Imperial High Command had already given a clear battle report, confirming in December of last year that the flagship of the Outer Fleet, the dreadnought Republic, had been severely damaged.

Fortunately, the warship, though severely damaged, did not sink, and the loss of personnel was kept under control.

But who can guarantee that luck will come again next time?

Marshal Joseph Bonaparte, the commander of the outer fleet, was nearly thirty years older than his senior and played essentially the role of a father in her life.

Yu Lian looked at Eleanor Bonaparte behind the screen, but saw no sign of wavering on her face.

"Marshal Bonaparte believes that although the outer fleet has lost the ability to recapture Nantianmen, it still has the confidence to defend Hanwangxing Gorge. Since the alliance has already clashed with the empire in Canchuan, the alliance's attitude will soften. They will definitely increase their aid to Hanwang Fortress, and if they really can't hold on, they can also withdraw to the alliance's territory."

In short, everything depends on the alliance's attitude.

This is not a fun experience.

Fortunately, the league seems to have actually reacted in a way that benefits them.

As Yu Lian pondered, his gaze fell upon the spiral cross nebula on the main screen.

Now, the Canchuan Galaxy, located in the middle of the shipping lane, has been marked in red, which is obviously a sign of conflict.

It's been a long time! The last time we fought here was during Operation Slay the Serpent.

Under Yu Lian's watchful gaze, Deng Zhengqing stepped forward and began his report in a slightly faster but still clearer tone than usual: "About three hours and forty-five minutes ago, the Third and Ninth Fast Fleets under the Alliance Spiral Nebula Military Region arrived at the Spiral Channel G-47 system, adjacent to the Canchuan system, under the guise of 'routine patrol,' and are now on standby in the crystalline dust belt of that system. Sensor performance in this area is extremely low."

He then waved his hand to bring up the star map details and the identification signals of the ships from both sides: "At the same time, the 117th Patrol Fleet, belonging to the Empire's Femo Nebula cluster, also entered Canchuan, citing the reason as tracking 'suspicious hyperspace signals' and 'suspected escaped Primal Rebels.' The Empire hopes that the Canchuan direction can cooperate with it to seal off the border."

Look at that smug, condescending tone! Are these imperial devils treating the Alliance like their own satellite state? Who gave them such audacity?

What? It's because of the alliance that's been pretending to be a coward for over a year? It's the alliance that the Empire suffered heavy losses and defeats in Sai, yet still cowers in fear?
That's no problem.

“But the Empire has only ever operated along the Spiral Crossroads before; this is the first time they’ve entered Canchuan. Isn’t this already an infringement on the Alliance’s sovereignty?” Captain Nemo pondered.

“It can only be considered as half sovereignty. Strictly speaking, Femor cannot be considered the territory of the Alliance, but rather a city-state autonomous territory backed by the Alliance’s credit,” Deng Zhengqing said.

“However, the unspoken rule has always been that the Alliance and the Empire demarcate their spheres of influence using the Femo Starfield as the boundary. Now, the Alliance has retreated to the middle of the Spiral Nebula. Although Canchuan is a star system city-state, everyone knows that it is an exclave of the Alliance, and also a node where they control important star system routes,” Wayne said.

“Indeed, most of the industries in Canchuan City belong to the Rainbow Rose Foundation. Even the funds for repairs and expansions after Operation Snake Slaying were provided by the Starsea Credit Vault.” Eleanor said, glancing at Yu Lian discreetly, as if she were chuckling.

So what does this have to do with me? Why are you being so sarcastic? Yu Lian had no doubt that if he weren't her superior, his senior sister probably wouldn't even bother to hide her true feelings.

"Actually, they are just large estates that the thirteen families have built for themselves outside the core territory of the alliance. The thirteen families still have to put on a show and act like ordinary citizens in the alliance's homeland, but they can act like tyrants in the overseas city-states." It was Gongsun Qing who said these words.

She had always felt that she knew nothing about military and national affairs, and when she participated in military councils, she had only listened and pretended to be an ornament. This was truly the first time she had taken the initiative to speak.

"When I was a guerrilla fighter, I went on several missions to these satellite cities, so I'm quite familiar with this area."

Of course, Canchuan is different from most "manors". After all, it is located on a very important trade route and has a complete legal and management system.

"Infringement on national interests can be tolerated, but infringement on one's own property is simply intolerable. This is the meaning of the inviolability of private property." Fei Fei laughed, seemingly without a hint of sarcasm in her tone.