Go back in time and be a chaebol

Chapter 2745 Emperor Renzong's Heart Was Bitter (Wishing everyone a prosperous New Year)

Saying harsh words comes at a price!

However, no one expected that Tehran would pay the price in this way.

For a moment, the whole world fell silent.

What can you say to someone who's insane?

Even Chang'an was helpless—it seemed as if everything originated from Chang'an.

They said the harsh words, and they killed the people; what does it have to do with me?

This has also provoked dissatisfaction among Americans, who are very unhappy!
Their displeasure stemmed not from the fact that Tehran had committed murder, but from their realization that Carter was all bark and no bite, and that this wasn't just true of Carter, but of Tehran as well.

"Shit! Iranians are so afraid of SEA attacks that they'd rather kill their own people than offend them, but what about us?"

For a time, all American television news programs were filled with satire of the Carter administration. Even the most easygoing Americans were aroused to unprecedented anger by such a satirical contrast.

Is this still America?

"Tehran occupied our embassy and kidnapped our people, but nothing happened. Yet, to avoid conflict with the SEA, they even went so far as to kill militants!"

"My God, America's face is being trampled on and utterly humiliated..."

"No, it's ravaging!"

"Excuse me, does America... have any shame?"

In the BBS forums that have become popular in the last two years, America's first generation of internet users vented their anger and dissatisfaction.

Without comparison, there is no harm. This time, the fragile self-esteem of Americans has suffered an unprecedented blow!
There's no way around it; the contrast is too stark, and the hurt is too profound.

Some Americans were so moved that they shed tears while watching the news, because the hurt they suffered was so profound.

Meanwhile, Reagan, who had already won the party's nomination, naturally delivered a strongly worded speech to the media as the presidential candidate. He not only criticized Carter's weakness and incompetence, but also stated that once he entered the White House, Tehran would only have two choices: release the prisoners or perish.

These strongly worded remarks naturally garnered widespread approval from Americans, and Reagan's tough-guy image was welcomed by various sectors of the United States.

And what about the White House?

At that moment, Carter felt deeply hurt.

"I only sought help from the official residence... I never expected them to actually help me!"

At this moment, Carter finally understood why successive presidents had maintained a very good relationship with Li Yi'an over the years.

Because he really does things when there's something to do.

What did he say in the phone call more than a month ago? "Don't worry, I'll stand by your side!"
Then let's get straight to the intensity!

The detention of Iranian oil tankers is SEA pushing Iran to the brink of destruction.

But Tehran's next move made Carter feel hurt, hurt by Tehran.

"Vans, do you believe it?"

In the Oval Office, Carter's tone still carried a certain uncertainty.

"Tehran, in an effort to stop rioters from seizing oil platforms and thus initiating a war with the SEA, actually killed so many of their own people..."

"Mr. President, this is indeed quite absurd."

Why have they suddenly become so weak?

"Mr. President, because Chang'an has always been very tough!"

Zbigniew Brzezinski, the national security advisor who had initially advocated for a hardline approach, stated bluntly:

"Because they have always been tough, no one dares to question the red lines they have drawn. Therefore, even the most stubborn rogue states will not act like hooligans towards them."

Thugs...only bully the weak!

Brzezinski's words deeply hurt Carter, making him feel like the weaker party. So, Carter tried to salvage the situation by saying:

"Would it be effective if we issued a similarly strong statement?"

In response to the president's question, Secretary of State Vance stated directly:

“Mr. President, if we really go to war with them, Tehran won't believe us.” “Yes, Mr. President, the problem is—even if we talk tough, no one will believe us. Besides…”

After a slight pause, looking at the president, Brzezinski said:

"Mr. President, will you wage war against Tehran?"

Faced with this question, Carter fell silent, feeling hurt once again.

Now, Carter even feels like the most wronged person in all of America.

Following the outbreak of the crisis, news reports about it flooded the media. From day one, the event became the focus of media attention, with hundreds of journalists from around the world gathering at the U.S. Embassy in Tehran to provide firsthand news material with their photography and video equipment.

Those radicals also regard the media as their ally and rely on the media to transmit their information to newsrooms in the United States and around the world.

Some television stations even launched special programs to report on the hostage crisis every day, while at the same time, the hostages' families were frequently interviewed on talk shows and radio programs.

Each of their appearances further inflamed public sentiment. Carter was widely criticized for his indecisiveness and for allowing Shah into the United States. Families of the hostages criticized Carter for not relocating embassy staff before allowing Shah into New York.

"Yes, Mr. President, Tehran will not believe it, nor will the students who occupied the embassy. The students will even kill hostages to convince us that they are not bluffing."

Vance's words made Carter, already feeling frustrated, furrow his brow. He said:
“From now on, stop calling them ‘students.’ I hate to see those bastards who detained us referred to as ‘students.’ They should be called ‘terrorists,’ or some other term that accurately describes their identity.”

Carter, who was thoroughly humiliated by media reports, spoke with a tone full of helplessness.

He looked at Vance and Brzezinski and said:

"What should we do now? After all, everyone has seen that SEA's tough stance is very effective. If we don't respond, it will only make the public more dissatisfied."

In response to the president's question, Vance said:

“Mr. President, we can only demand the release of the hostages using strong language. But… we cannot set a timeframe for them, because that could lead to those terrorists… radicals killing our people!”

Vance then explained:

"Since we can't call them 'students,' we also can't call them 'terrorists,' because that would turn this incident into a terrorist attack, and we can't negotiate with terrorists. Moreover, such wording might provoke a strong reaction from them, which could even threaten the hostages..."

Shit!

Zbigniew Brzezinski cursed in his mind, not at the terrorists, but at Vance, and even the president.

They're such cowards!

So Zbigniew Brzezinski said directly:
“Mr. President, the reason those guys are so aggressive is because of the White House’s weakness. How can we get them to agree to release our people if we can’t show our toughness?”

Vance retorted directly:
"But what if they kill the hostages? The most important thing now is the safety of the hostages. If anything happens to a hostage, the presidential election this year will be over!"

Yes, for the White House, the most important thing right now is this year's election. As for the Iranian hostages... they are important, really very important.

Therefore, they must live!

It must be said that they chose a very good time.

Carter leaned back in his chair with a hint of helplessness and then said:
"I have authorized the military to formulate a rescue plan, and the military is making the necessary preparations. Right now, our weakness is merely a ploy to deceive Tehran!"

At this moment, Carter was completely bearing the humiliation. Although he had learned from the military that the success rate of such a rescue plan was very low, it was the last resort.

If the rescue plan succeeds... then, to the world, Carter will be a hero!

For now, let's endure this humiliation!
Upon hearing the president mention the rescue plan, Brzezinski said:
“Mr. President, I think we should consult with Chang’an on the rescue operation to use their military bases in the Middle East. After all, they have military bases in Iraq and Musandam, from which our planes can take off and are closer to Tehran.”

To maintain secrecy, only President Carter, a few key White House aides, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff were aware of the entire rescue plan. Zbigniew Brzezinski was in charge of the rescue plan, and he worked with the military on behalf of the White House to develop it.

“Didn’t Jones already say that although the SEA’s military base is indeed the closest to Tehran, it is precisely because of this that Iranian spies are keeping a close eye on the SEA’s bases in the Middle East? If we show up from there, it is very likely that the Iranian side will discover us in advance.”

Carter shook his head and said:
"Let's proceed according to the original plan. As for SEA, we'll coordinate with them after the operation begins; they might be able to offer us some assistance."

Carter paused slightly when he said "help," and then added:

"A press conference is about to be held. What should I say to them?"

At this point, Carter was very annoyed, even though he had already decided not to attend the press conference in person and to have his spokesperson answer all the questions.

But God knows that he is being tortured to death. At this moment, he is even a little jealous of Li Yi'an. Why doesn't Tehran dare to provoke him at all?
My God, this is so unfair!
Only Carter himself knows the bitterness in his heart.

　Happy New Year to everyone! Wishing you all a prosperous and lucky year! May everything go well for you! May you make a fortune and have great luck!
　　
　
(End of this chapter)