Great Power Reclamation

Chapter 2943 Peace Cannot Be Achieved Through Negotiation

The news that Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were coming to Africa was like a shot in the arm for the core of the Somali alliance.

Ye Rou immediately instructed that the reception be arranged in the highest-level, but absolutely discreet manner. This matter must not be revealed to the outside world.

Yang San was eager to get started. On one hand, he missed and respected his two fathers. On the other hand, he was also determined to show them that the empire he and his friends had built, despite the storms it had weathered, was still firmly established.

A few days later, a medium-sized business jet without any markings landed at a heavily guarded military airport on the outskirts of the capital of Somalia.

As the gangway was lowered, Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong were the first to step down.

Ye Yuze was still thin, wearing a simple cotton and linen shirt. His eyes were gentle yet revealed a profound understanding of the world. His steps were steady, and he did not look like an elderly man, but rather like a scholar on a trip.

Yang Geyong still had that same fierce and energetic spirit. He was dressed in a well-fitting hunting outfit, his back straight. Although his hair was already gray, the fierceness and sharpness between his brows were not diminished at all. As soon as he got off the plane, he habitually scanned his surroundings, assessing the security environment and fortifications.

"Dad! Dad!" Yang San rushed forward, intending to give a standard military salute, but was instead met with a solid bear hug from Yang Geyong.

"You little rascal! You did well, you didn't embarrass your old man!" Yang Geyong patted Yang San's back hard, his voice booming.

Ye Yuze smiled as he looked at Ye Rou and Ye Mei, who were walking side by side, his eyes full of affection and admiration:
"Xiaorou, Xiaomei, you've worked hard." He gently hugged his two daughters, everything was understood without words.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group traveled by car to the heavily guarded royal palace meeting hall located by the sea.

Along the way, Ye Yuze carefully observed the city scenery outside the window. Although he could see some signs of depression caused by the sanctions, such as some construction sites stopping work and some shops closing down on the street.

The overall order was good, the infrastructure was quite large, and although there were worried looks on the faces of pedestrians, there was no panic or despair.

"The foundation is solid." Ye Yuze nodded slightly and said to Ye Rou beside him, "It's not easy to maintain the basics under that kind of pressure."

Ye Rou responded softly, "It's the result of everyone's joint efforts, and it's also thanks to the support of my family (referring to the military reclamation city system)."

Inside the meeting room, a huge map of East Africa was laid out in the center. The core members took their seats: Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong sat at the head of the table, with Ye Rou, Ye Mei, and Yang Da Yang on either side. Also present were the trusted Chief of Staff of the Alliance and the key minister in charge of the economy.

Yang San eagerly reported on the military deployment and the latest developments regarding the Republic of Tajikistan, his tone impassioned:
"...Tajikistan deserves a beating! Just because they've latched onto the US doesn't mean they can stand up to us! My rapid reaction force is already deployed. If they dare to cross the line even a step, I guarantee I'll beat them to a pulp!"

Yang Geyong's eyes lit up as he listened, and he interjected, "That's right! That's the kind of ruthlessness you need in a war! How's the morale at the front? How's the equipment maintenance? How long are the ammunition reserves enough to last?"

The father and son immediately began discussing tactical details, displaying the straightforwardness and fiery spirit of soldiers.

Ye Yuze didn't interrupt them. He waited until they finished speaking before slowly asking Ye Mei:
"Xiaomei, what is EASU's current credit anchor? How long can the alliance's foreign exchange reserves support emergency imports?"

Ye Mei was well-prepared and reported clearly: "Dad, EASU's anchor currently relies mainly on the pledge of the Alliance's future revenue rights from mineral resources, as well as some gold reserves."

"Foreign exchange is being depleted quickly, but we can maintain the operation of key sectors through barter trade, the covert channels built with the help of Sister Shanshan, and the stable supply of goods from the military reclamation supermarket. In the long run, we must accelerate the internal industrial cycle."

Ye Yuze nodded, then looked at Ye Rou: "Xiao Rou, within the Republic of Ta, besides the ruling hardliners, what are the voices of the opposition and the public like? Is it possible to leverage them?"

Ye Rou replied, "Yes. The Republic of Tajikistan has a severe wealth gap, and the lower classes are dissatisfied with the status quo. We have been subtly exerting influence through cultural and educational exchanges, but the ruling party controls the military and the media, making it difficult to shake its foundations in the short term."

After listening to everyone's reports, Ye Yuze pondered for a moment, tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and stated his judgment:

"The current situation is like trying to fight a wolf with a straw – both sides are afraid. The Republic of Tajikistan is afraid that we will continue to grow stronger and completely replace its position."

We fear being drawn into war, which would destroy years of hard work and give outsiders an opportunity to exploit us. The Americans are instigating Tajikistan behind the scenes, hoping to wear us down through a proxy war so they can reap the benefits.

Yang Geyong slammed his fist on the table: "That's exactly right! So we can't fall for it! But if we don't fight, those bastards from Tajikistan will think we're afraid of them!"

Ye Yuze smiled slightly: "Fighting is not the goal. The goal is to make him afraid to fight, and to sit down and talk according to our rules."

He looked at Yang San and said, "Xiao San, your troops need to be in a state of readiness for a decisive battle, but that doesn't mean you have to actually charge in. You need to raise your fists high so that Tajikistan and the people behind it can see clearly that the cost of fighting is something they can't afford."

Then he said to Ye Rou, "Xiao Rou, spread the word through the African Union and other friendly countries."

"We emphasize that the alliance pursues common development, does not seek hegemony, and is willing to coexist peacefully with all neighboring countries, including the Republic of Tajikistan, and can even explore the possibility of economic cooperation. The words should be soft, but the stance should be firm."

Finally, he said to Ye Mei, "Xiao Mei, think of a way to give the ruling class of Tajikistan a little 'sweetness'."

"For example, we could 'inadvertently' allow certain supplies that they urgently need, which are currently blocked through normal channels, to flow to them through a third party."

"Let them do the math themselves: is it more worthwhile to confront the US or to cooperate with us?"

This arrangement combines military deterrence, diplomatic smokescreens, and economic incentives, demonstrating shrewdness and thoroughness.

Yang San listened with great admiration, scratched his head and laughed, "Dad is really amazing. All I could think about was rushing in and doing it."

Yang Geyong snorted: "Learn more! Just charging in recklessly is the mark of a brute! Your father's strategy is an open one, making it clear that he has a plan, so that even if the enemy knows it's a trap, they'll still have to think twice!"

When the two fathers are together, the children are a little confused when they call out to each other. In order to distinguish them, they can only call their biological father "Old Man".

During a break in the meeting, Yang San's elder brother, Yang Da, also arrived. Yang Da and Yang San had very different personalities; Yang Da was more like their mother, calm and reserved. He was mainly responsible for commercial liaison between the alliance and the military reclamation city system, as well as some "gray area" trade. He was a shrewd businessman.

Yang Da greeted the two old men respectfully, then pulled Yang San aside and whispered:
“Third brother, I have some connections with the tribal elders in a few border towns in Tajikistan. They’re complaining that the Tajik army is blocking the border, preventing them from transporting their local products and making life difficult. Do you think it’s possible to… make an exception?”

Yang San glared at him: "Brother! You're still thinking about doing business at this critical juncture? That's aiding the enemy!"

Yang Da remained calm and unhurried: "What do you mean by aiding the enemy? It's just exchanging some daily necessities. First, it can ease tensions on the border; second, it can gather some intelligence; and third... making money isn't shameful. As long as we control the types and quantities, there won't be any major trouble."

After a pause, Yang Da continued, "This is called 'border civilian mutual assistance.' Isn't this a tactic of easing tensions in the strategy of those above (referring to Ye Yuze)?"

Yang San thought about it for a while and felt that it made some sense, but he was not sure, so he went to ask Ye Yuze for instructions.

Ye Yuze smiled after hearing this and gave Yang Da an approving look:
“Yang Dabi, you’re good at thinking. It’s possible, but there have to be bottom lines. Military supplies and sensitive technologies are absolutely out of the question; focus on agricultural products and daily necessities. Tell your subordinates to be more astute; this might become a window for us to understand the dynamics at the grassroots level in Tajikistan.” Thus, on the front lines where the two armies were in a tense standoff, some strange scenes unfolded.

In certain "blind spots" where both sides have a tacit understanding, some sneaky figures can be seen at night.

Soldiers from the Somali alliance traded cigarettes, candy, and cheap digital watches for coffee beans, wood carvings, and even... intelligence brought by soldiers from Tajikistan.

Both parties tacitly agreed not to carry weapons during the transaction, and immediately disappeared after the transaction, as if nothing had happened.

On one occasion, Haji and Leiva also participated in this kind of "underground transaction." Haji traded a pack of cigarettes for a bag of high-quality Tajik coffee beans, and also took the opportunity to extract information:
"Hey bro, what's been going on up there lately? Are they really going to start a war?"

The Tajik soldier opposite him was also a seasoned veteran; he lit a cigarette and mumbled something indistinctly:
"Fight? What are we going to fight with? We can't even pay salaries properly... It's just a way to scare people. But don't go too far, our new chief of staff is a hothead."

What could have been a bloody conflict was quietly resolved through this grassroots, slightly comical interaction.

After in-depth discussions, the overall strategy of the Somali Union in responding to the challenge from the Republic of Tajikistan was determined:

"Use pressure to force peace, use benefits to induce change, focus on defense, and buy time."

The core objective is to avoid a full-scale war, using strong military deterrence, flexible diplomatic maneuvering, and potential economic appeal to force changes within the Republic of Tajikistan and ultimately bring it back to the negotiating table.

Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong did not interfere too much in specific matters; they focused more on setting the tone and direction, providing Ye Rou and others with unwavering support and advice. Their arrival itself was a powerful strategic deterrent.

Before leaving Africa, Ye Yuze said to Ye Rou, Ye Mei, and Yang San, "We must take things one step at a time, and eat one bite at a time. The alliance is doing very well now, but its foundation is still shallow."

"We must be patient with the Republic of Tajikistan, but also have a bottom line. Remember, development is the fundamental principle. As long as we remain stable and our strength continues to grow, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome."

Yang Geyong put his arm around Yang San's shoulder and said, "Kid, you're good at leading troops and fighting battles, but you still need to work on your overall perspective! Listen to your Uncle Ye and Xiao Rou! Contact your family anytime if anything happens, we men will always be your support!"

Although the two elderly men's trip to Africa did not immediately resolve the crisis, it instilled a deeper sense of resolve and a more far-sighted strategic vision in the Somali alliance.

After seeing their two fathers off, Ye Rou, Ye Mei, and Yang San felt a lighter burden on their shoulders, but a heavier sense of responsibility in their hearts.

They knew the road ahead would still be full of challenges, the standoff with Tajikistan could be protracted, and the United States would not accept defeat. But at this moment, they were more united and more confident.

The ambition to dominate East Africa is gradually moving from blueprint to reality amidst trials and tribulations.

Meanwhile, ordinary soldiers Haji and Leiva continue to guard this land full of hope yet fraught with thorns under the scorching sun of the border.

What can they control? Those are matters for the big shots, but they have passion and a patriotic heart, ready to give everything for this country at any time.

After Ye Yuze and Yang Geyong left, the Somali Alliance, following its established strategy, outwardly maintained a delicate balance with the Republic of Tajikistan, but secretly was preparing an operation that could change the situation.

Ye Rou, Ye Mei, and Yang San knew that while forbearance could buy them time, a showdown was inevitable in the face of the relentless pressure from the forces behind Tajikistan.

As time went on, Tajikistan, encouraged by the United States, became increasingly arrogant, constantly creating friction on the border and provoking the bottom line of the Somali alliance.

They thought the Somali alliance would remain patient, unaware that a storm was brewing.

Yang San stayed at the front-line command post every day, keeping a close eye on Tajikistan's every move, and his anger burned ever brighter.

His soldiers were also eager to teach Tajikistan a lesson.

Finally, a perfect opportunity arose. To demonstrate its military might, Tajikistan concentrated most of its advanced weaponry in an area near the border with the Somali-United States for a large-scale military exercise.

Yang San keenly sensed that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and he quickly reported the situation to Ye Rou and her sister.

The two sisters acted decisively, deciding to launch a blitzkrieg to completely destroy Tajikistan's military advantage. The alliance's top leadership quickly convened an emergency meeting and formulated a detailed battle plan.

On the night of the operation, the darkness was as black as ink, and the Somali Union's army moved out silently like ghosts.

Advanced stealth drones took off first, carrying high-precision reconnaissance equipment, and silently infiltrated Tajik airspace, continuously transmitting key information such as the defense deployment and weapon positions of the Tajik military exercise area back to the command center.

Immediately afterwards, the electromagnetic pulse weapon independently developed by the Somali Alliance was activated. The powerful electromagnetic pulse, like an invisible blade, instantly severed the electronic communication and defense systems in the region of Tajikistan.

The Tajik army's radar screens were filled with static, all communication equipment failed, and the entire military exercise area descended into chaos.

At the same time, the missile forces of the Somali alliance launched an attack. Precision-guided missiles streaked across the night sky like meteors, accurately hitting Tajik airstrips, warships docked in ports, and missile launch sites.

In an instant, flames soared into the sky, and the explosions were deafening. The planes that Tajikistan had imported at great expense were reduced to scrap metal before they even took off, and warships were engulfed in flames in the harbor and gradually sank.

The blitzkrieg was carried out with extreme speed and efficiency. Before the Tajik army could recover from the chaos, its proud defense system was completely paralyzed, and most of its advanced weapons were rendered useless.

All of this was cleverly disseminated to the streets and alleys of Tajikistan through the Somali Alliance's carefully arranged propaganda channels.

The Tajik people witnessed the military force, built up by the government at great expense, crumble in an instant, and their discontent with the government erupted like a volcano.

For a long time, Tajikistan has suffered from severe wealth inequality, with the poor living in poverty, while the government has spent large sums of money on purchasing advanced weapons and provoking conflicts with other countries.

Today, these weapons are no match for the Somali coalition's attacks, and public trust in the government has completely collapsed.

Seizing this opportunity, Ye Rou dispatched a publicity team to the border regions of Tajikistan to showcase the development achievements and pro-people policies of the Somali Union to the Tajik people, emphasizing the Union's willingness to bring a better life to the Tajik people.

These propaganda efforts, like a gentle spring breeze, gradually won the recognition and support of the people in the border regions of Tajikistan.

Under the combined effects of military strikes and propaganda offensives, the Tajik government's rule is teetering on the brink of collapse.

The Somali alliance began to gradually encroach on Tajik territory, initially targeting border towns that were friendly to the Somali alliance and enjoyed popular support.

When the Allied forces entered these areas, they were warmly welcomed by the local people.