Great Power Reclamation

As the war in East Africa took a turn with "Operation Furnace," shifting from a defensive posture to a brazen expansion, thousands of miles away, in the study of his old house in the military reclamation city, Ye Yuze was waging a silent war against the screens and data streams covering the walls.

This pillar of the Ye family, the invisible helmsman of countless vast industries, looks more like a retired scholar.

But when his fingers traced the curves representing international crude oil futures, rare metal spot prices, stocks of several multinational military-industrial complexes, and several key marine insurance rates, his gaze became as sharp as an eagle's.

The conflict in East Africa is no longer a simple regional conflict. The resilience and aggression displayed by East Africa, along with the looming "bayonet" behind it and the support of the Ye family network, have touched a deeper geopolitical nerve.

The assessment reports of some major powers' intelligence agencies have begun to frequently use terms such as "unpredictable variables" and "risk of regional power imbalance".

In parliament, the debate over whether more direct intervention is needed to secure critical resource routes is intensifying.

What Ye Yuze needs to do is increase the cost of the other party's "intervention" before all of this happens, create obstacles to "intervention", and even pre-plan the reaction path after the "intervention" fails.

"Inform our friends in the north (referring to a resource-rich country) that the long-term supply agreement we negotiated earlier can be signed."

"However, the additional terms stipulate that any supply disruption caused by any 'non-commercial risk' to the signatory of the agreement will result in the payment of an astronomical penalty."

Ye Yuze calmly gave instructions to his assistant, his voice carrying a hint of the gritty quality characteristic of a Northwestern accent.

"In addition, for the second phase of financing of our copper mine project in South America, we can accept investment from those European-backed funds, but their voting rights must be strictly limited. Let them make money, but we can't let them interfere."

He laid layers of soft nails in the financial and trade spheres. Through complex cross-shareholdings and long-term contracts, he subtly tied East Africa and certain key resources controlled by "Bayonet" with the interests of numerous international capital entities.

A direct military strike against East Africa could mean massive losses of capital and severe disruption to supply chains. This is not a threat, but a deterrent resulting from a sober calculation of interests.

At the same time, he activated a special channel that had been dormant for a long time—

In its early years, it established technical exchange channels through military reclamation cities and overseas Chinese networks.

Some "outdated" but extremely important dual-use technologies for East Africa, and "unofficial" alternative designs for certain controlled equipment.

The information initially flowed through a multi-layered encrypted path to Zhou Guihua's technical team and the limited R&D institutions in East Africa.

This is not about creating advanced weapons, but about enhancing the "damage resistance" and "sustainability" of the East African war system, making this war of attrition more "bitter" and "unprofitable" for potential interveners.

"In the end, war is about money, supplies, and the will to persevere."

Ye Yuze stared at the blurry figures of soldiers on the East African front on the screen, amidst the smoke of battle, and murmured to himself.

"The help we can offer is limited, but every bit of it must be used in ways that make them more exhausted and give their opponents more headaches."

At the "Bayonet" headquarters in Africa, the atmosphere was even more intense. Zhou Guihua's son, known as "Iron Hammer," the young master of Bayonet, was in a state of extreme excitement.

He was nearly forty years old, inheriting his father's robust build and his mother's features, but his face had a sharper and more unruly look that belonged to this era than his parents.

He grew up in Bayonet's training camps and global hotspots, and is one of the de facto frontline commanders of Bayonet's African branch. He is also seen by countless mercenaries as the "young boss" who possesses both combat prowess and prestige.

But he had one idol in his heart—Yang San, the commander-in-chief of East Africa.

In his eyes, Yang San's raw yet efficient command skills, which stemmed from his own struggles at the bottom, and his ruthlessness in risking everything to defend every inch of land, were more appealing to him than any military textbook.

Now, the idol's country is engulfed in war, and the idol himself is commanding an amazing counterattack, in which he is fortunate enough to participate.

"Mom, Uncle Yang, the East African advance in the northern river valleys has been stalled. The East African army has a fortified stronghold there with heavy firepower. Commander-in-Chief Yang's heavy firepower can't keep up."

Hammer pointed at the holographic map and spoke quickly, "Let me take the 'Black Stone' squad over there to coordinate with their frontal assault. We'll infiltrate from the flank cliffs and take out their command post and artillery observation post."

Looking at the fighting spirit burning in her son's eyes, Zhou Guihua calmly analyzed the situation:
"The cliff route has a risk factor of 9.2, and the enemy may have sensors. The 'Black Rock' squad is one of our best tactical units, and investing in such a high-risk operation requires a matching return."

"The benefit is to open a gap in the northern front, allowing the armored forces from East Africa to break through!"

Iron Hammer slammed his fist on the table. "Mom, this isn't business, this is... this is the answer! The answer for everyone who thinks they can do whatever they want on this continent with equipment and money! Commander-in-Chief Yang is giving the answer in his own way, and we, 'Bayonets,' will give it to you too!"

Yang Geyong crossed his arms, looked at the hammer, and grinned:
“Like Master’s son! Go. But remember, you are the commander, not a commando. I want most of the ‘Black Rock’ team to come back alive, and the mission to succeed. The ‘Bayonet’ name cannot be ruined in your hands.”

Hammer nodded emphatically, grabbed his tactical helmet, and rushed out.

A few days later, the stronghold on the northern front that had been a headache for the East African attacking forces descended into chaos and fire in the early hours of the morning.

No one saw clearly how the "Black Stone" team climbed the nearly vertical, damp cliff like spiders, or how they silently eliminated the sentries and paralyzed the communication nodes.

As explosions rang out in the core area of ​​the strongpoint, the troops on the East African front heard a young but cold voice coming through the communications channel:
“‘Bayonet’ Hammer to our East African allies: Obstacles cleared, advance is possible. Have a pleasant hunt.”

Immediately afterwards, they saw the tall figure, dressed in a custom-made combat uniform and with his face painted, emerge from the smoke on the flank with several equally fierce team members. Before boarding the waiting helicopter, he even waved his fist in the direction of the East African army's attack.

This battle quickly spread "Iron Hammer's" reputation among the East African troops on the front lines, and also caught Yang San's attention.

When the battle report was delivered to Yang San, he stared at the code name "Iron Hammer" and the few sentences describing the battle situation, and smiled for once: "This guy really came? Interesting."

East Africa’s continued expansion and its unexpected resilience and aggression on the battlefield have finally crossed the threshold of “regional trouble” and begun to truly sting the nerves of the major powers behind the scenes.

In several major countries... the lights in relevant departments stayed on all night.

Satellite images show signs of fortifications being built and air defense systems being deployed in newly controlled areas in East Africa;

The activities of "Bayonet" and its affiliated mercenaries, as well as their control over the region's gray areas, are alarming. The Ye family network's covert operations in the financial and resource sectors are seen as a challenge to the existing order by a "non-state actor."

A joint assessment report marked "Top Secret/Urgent" is circulating within a small circle.

The core conclusion is disturbing: With the support of "Bayonet" and the forces behind it, the E Federation may establish a dominant position in the Horn of Africa, control the flanks of key shipping lanes (such as the Bab el-Mandeb Strait), and leverage its resources to shape a geopolitical landscape on a larger scale that does not conform to the interests of certain major powers.

The report argues that current agents (such as the K Alliance) are no longer able to curb this trend.

"Conventional diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions have limited effectiveness."

During a highly confidential video conference, a deep voice said:
"The network formed by the Ye family and the 'bayonet' is highly flexible and covert. The cohesion that East African regimes have gained in the war is beyond imagination."

"Therefore, only two options remain: accept the emergence of an uncontrolled regional power and bear its long-term impact;"

“Or, take more direct measures to ‘correct the risk’ before the situation gets completely out of control.” Another voice chimed in, calm yet ruthless.

"Risk mitigation" is a euphemism. It may include, but is not limited to, "limited but precise" long-range strikes against critical infrastructure in East Africa, such as power plants and command centers.

Special operations were launched against the "Bayonet" headquarters in Africa and its known key locations; even, under the guise of "counter-terrorism" or "preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction," limited air and sea blockades or no-fly zones were established.

These options are extremely risky, potentially triggering direct and unpredictable conflict with the Ye family and their affiliated forces, or even leading to unexpected confrontations between major powers. However, allowing East Africa to grow stronger is also considered an unacceptable risk.

The logic of war is sliding towards an even more dangerous edge. The fighting in East Africa is no longer just a battle between local armies and mercenaries; its smoke has drifted to the center of the world power chessboard, and in the shadows, giants are beginning to move their fingers, weighing the costs and benefits of making a direct move.

Inside the secret chamber of Qingliang Palace, the encrypted communication lines in front of Ye Mei and Ye Rou were busier than ever before.

They received a warning from Ye Yuze, as well as vague but unsettling signs from Yang Da obtained through special intelligence channels regarding the possibility of direct intervention by a major power.

“Dad reminded us that the most dangerous time may not be yet.” Ye Mei frowned. “Some people can’t afford to lose, so they might flip the table.”

Ye Rou's eyes were icy: "Flip the table? Let's see whose table is harder! Sister, we can't just focus on defense. Yang San's counterattack was well done, but it's not enough."

"If those major powers really want to get involved, we must have 'bargains' that deter them from getting involved, or 'stubs' that make them pay a heavy price if they do get involved!"

The “bargaining chips” and “nails” she refers to are more deterrent asymmetric tactics and arrangements that lead the war into a complex situation that the other side cannot afford.

Meanwhile, in the temporarily calm bunker at the front, Yang San also received a warning forwarded by Yang Da. He stared at the E Federation's new, still fragile border on the map, and the possible directions of attack from those behemoths beyond the border, silently smoking.

"Tell His Majesty Yang Dahe and His Majesty," he finally spoke to the chief of staff, his voice hoarse:

"I will hold the line at the front, and I will not give up an inch of the newly captured territory. But please be prepared... the real battle may have just begun."

"Tell our 'Bayonet' friends, especially 'Hammer,' to be on high alert. We're not afraid of leopards in the jungle, but if a vulture swoops down from the sky... we'll need a spear that can pierce the sky!"

He stepped out of the bunker and gazed at the overcast sky. A storm was brewing, and the air was thick with the smells of sulfur and ozone, as if foreshadowing an even larger release of energy.

The land of East Africa trembled, not only because of the artillery fire on the ground, but also because of the invisible yet even heavier pressure gathering in the sky.

East Africa, a nation forged in the flames of war and expanding through counterattacks, is about to face its greatest test since its founding.

It will no longer be a fight with neighbors, but rather a potential confrontation with the biting cold winds from the roof of the world.

The Ye family's net, the blade of the "bayonet," Yang San's fist, and the millions of souls on this land whose steely wills have been forged by war will all seek their place and answers in the coming storm.

The Capitol dome reflected a cold, hard light in the autumn sun. But inside an unassuming hearing preparation room in the Senate, the atmosphere was fiery and intense.

Ye Feng loosened his tie and took a deep breath. The man in the mirror looked young and vigorous, with sharp eyes, a stark contrast to the old-fashioned politicians' portraits on the wall.

As the backer of the Future Progressive Party, he is about to step into not an ordinary hearing, but the eye of a debate about whether to drag the country into yet another distant war.

The door opened, and his chief strategy advisor, a gray-haired former diplomat, said in a low voice:

"I just received news that the Democratic Party has prepared a whole bunch of satellite images and 'refugee testimonies' to portray East Africa as the next 'regional tyrant' that must be stopped. They will be playing the humanitarian and values ​​card heavily."

Ye Feng straightened his cuffs, a cold smile curving his lips:

"Values? Are they more concerning to voters than gas prices and supermarket bills?"

He picked up his tablet, pulled up a set of data, and said, "Contact those friends at The Wall Street Journal and Fox News, and release the economic impact model we've prepared."

"The point is not how many people have died in East Africa, but whether our U.S. Auto Workers brothers will lose their jobs next year if our shipping costs rise by another 15% because of tensions in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait."

He paused, his gaze deepening: "Also, arrange for me to 'bump into' Senator McCarthy, right before the hearing. His state relies heavily on the African market for agricultural machinery and food exports."

At the hearing, camera flashes went off. Senior Democratic Senator Claire was in high spirits as the large screen displayed blurred images of the war-torn ruins of East Africa, and Yang San's cold, waving figure atop a tank.

"...This is a dangerous sign, ladies and gentlemen! We cannot allow a regime that relies on mercenaries and power to expand, undermine the stability of the Horn of Africa, and threaten the safety of international shipping lanes! Leading the world sometimes means taking on difficult responsibilities!"

When it was his turn to speak, Ye Feng didn't look at the tragic pictures. He opened his own file, his tone calm yet incredibly penetrating:

"Senator Claire spoke of responsibility. I completely agree. But our primary responsibility is to American taxpayers, to our military families, and to our economic future." (End of Chapter)