Siheyuan: I eat melons while doing scientific research

Chapter 1291 Open and aboveboard, widely publicized (4k)

"Can't do it? Why? Even if they're cowardly, they're still bigger than the Jiaozhi and Lusong people, right?" The American was well aware of the character of the forces he was supporting. Compared to the others, the transport team was indeed much more capable in combat.

Since the Korean War, the Americans probably think they're actually quite capable of fighting.

His deputy said with a wry smile, "General, have you forgotten that you once said that in order to give Lü Song and the Jiaozhi people enough time to act, we have to create some trouble for the people on Peace Island?"

Hmm? It seems like that's true.

"so what?"

"So a few hours ago, a ship sank in the channel at the outlet of the harbor at Heping Island under the pretext of avoiding the typhoon."

"WTF!!! When did our people become so capable of action?" The garrison commander of Lüsong covered his forehead.

He never expected things to take such a miraculous turn.

All the plans made in the early stages now seem like a case of shooting oneself in the foot, or perhaps they didn't, but they almost severed all the shackles binding the Easterners.

Now Easterners can do whatever they want.

They knew very well that, under these circumstances, as long as they did not take action, neither Lü Song nor Jiaozhi posed any threat to the Easterners.

Even if their fleet, whose size was unknown, was small, it was like using a cannon to kill a mosquito when dealing with the naval forces of Lü Song or Jiaozhi.

The behavior of all parties in the past conflicts, both overt and covert, at West Reef and Central Reef has been observed by everyone.

Just then, a staff officer hurriedly walked in with a document in his hand.

"Generals, they have issued a new announcement..."

"What did they say?" the commander asked, sensing something was terribly wrong.

The translated announcement no longer carries our usual tone, but the meaning is still largely accurate.

From the moment we rose from the ruins, we longed to see this beautiful sea, but due to equipment limitations, we were unable to do so. Now, we are finally able to withstand the storms and waves and come to this beautiful sea.

Whether it's the storms of the ocean or any other storms, we now have the ability to withstand them.

When our fleet relayed the news that our operation might be discovered back to the capital, the capital quickly responded.

The previous silence was just to buy more time. Now that we might be discovered, I'm not hiding anymore. I'm laying my cards on the table!
We openly and honestly announced that we were going on a long-distance voyage for training, surveying, and scientific research.

"WTF!!! Another scientific expedition!!!" The commander was furious. At this moment, he could finally understand how his colleagues who had been stationed in other regions felt.

He knew very well that the Easterners had played this move very well. Even the legal basis that the Americans themselves accepted was that these islands and reefs did indeed belong to them. Based on this, they couldn't openly and quickly change their tune.

And it's obvious that even if the Americans changed their tune, the people on the islands wouldn't admit it; they've been guarding these islands perfectly all along. The other side found a perfect opportunity and exploited a brilliant timing gap! They're always so clever!

"Is this a routine inspection?" His deputy shrugged helplessly.

The commander said, "Their meaning is clear: if it goes smoothly, it's just a routine inspection; if it doesn't, then they've brought a fleet with them."

"But how could they have launched their attack at such a convenient time?"

“They’re not fools. They have far too much intelligence that we didn’t have before. This intelligence is enough to support their operation this time.” The commander’s expression was somewhat bitter.

“So, does that mean we… even though we don’t have an aircraft carrier here, our naval power is still stronger than theirs in every way?” his deputy said.

"Let me think about it... Also, sending a telegram to White Hall is not something we can decide."

Just as our fleet immediately sent a telegram to the capital to explain the situation after realizing that it might be discovered, the American soldiers stationed in Lusong could not make many decisions.

At this point, the principle of "restrained action" was clearly becoming somewhat outdated.

Meanwhile, on the sea, our fleet also received instructions from higher command: stop hiding, make a big show of it, and openly and openly set foot on our territory.

"Remove radio usage restrictions! Increase the number of radar sentry ships from one to two. Remove all functional restrictions from electronic reconnaissance ships!" This is the latest order issued by our fleet commander to the entire fleet. Although smaller boats such as guided missile patrol boats are still keeping their radars off, this is because they don't need their radars, not because they are not allowed to use them.

Although the radar was of little use, the radio station suddenly became very lively.

Even the US electronic surveillance units along the coast of Vietnam clearly felt as if there were suddenly many more people in the air. Whether it was communication signals or various radar signals, if they could make sounds, they could almost deafen them.

Our fleet has sailed to this point, and is actually not far from our initial destination. Similarly, it is not far from the coast of Jiaozhi either, about 200 to 300 kilometers away. According to the American plan, the southern Jiaozhi fleet should have been able to set sail by now, but things have changed at this point.

At that moment, in the port where the commander-in-chief of the US garrison was located, the representatives of South Vietnam were arguing fiercely with the US.

"No, impossible, General. We respect your command, but we cannot carry out this mission without any substantial assistance from you." The South Vietnamese man's tone was very insistent.

For them, the transport team was not a threat. After all, the Americans were above them, and they could easily use their power to intimidate others. Moreover, once the matter was settled, with the Americans mediating, things would inevitably descend into a long and drawn-out dispute, which would be to their advantage.

With the support of Citibank, they didn't mind taking a small advantage.

But all of this is without the intervention of the Easterners. After all, no matter how strong the American military is, this isn't their core interest, and given the long distance, it's uncertain how many resources they can actually invest here. However, the Easterners have existed here for thousands of years and will continue to do so. This is an unchangeable objective fact.

Even if Southern Jiaozhi wins the battle with Northern Jiaozhi, they will still have to consider this large neighboring country.

Our open and aboveboard announcement of conducting normal exercises in the South China Sea is both timely and powerful.

Waiting until the Easterners left before going was fine, but asking them to charge head-on into the Easterners' army was something they weren't that foolish about. They hadn't considered the matter of protecting their soldiers; it was purely a losing proposition, and no business operated that way.

The attitude of the South Vietnamese representative greatly upset the Citizens: "Sir, I remember when we launched this operation, you didn't say this at all. You even hoped we could allocate as much territory to you as possible..."

These Jiaozhi people, all they know is how to take advantage.

"Yes, Your Excellency General, but at that time you did not indicate that the Easterners were coming." The representative from South Vietnam was very straightforward. You say we like to take advantage, I accept that; you say we break our promises, I accept that too. In short, I will not go unless you offer more and better terms.

"Then what would it take for you to be willing to carry out this already planned operation?" The Citizens commander emphasized the words "planned," intending to evoke a sense of guilt in the Jiaozhi people.

But the people of Jiaozhi obviously didn't have this. LOL, what guilt? It didn't exist.

"Unless you provide direct escort and promise us that you will participate in conflict operations if necessary." If that's the case, then the benefits would be worth the gamble. At worst, a few people might die, but it's still worth being happy to snatch some benefits from the Easterners.

The Citizens commander's eyes darted around. He recalled the previously established principle of "restrained action." Restrained action did not mean inaction; perhaps it was necessary to give the Cochinchin a little confidence.

He knew very well that if they didn't take this step, the Jiaozhi people would hardly be able to take any action. After all, even they felt immense pressure facing the Easterners, and the pressure would be even more pronounced for the Jiaozhi people.

"Alright, I'll give you what you want. Now, gentlemen, shall we proceed?" Promises mean little to Citizens; they are almost entirely unrestrained.

At this time, because of the territorial disputes with the White Bear, the Citizens were still somewhat concerned about their reputation, but it wouldn't be accurate to say that they were particularly committed to keeping their promises.

“That would be wonderful, as you wish, General.”

"Then let's set off quickly; our distance advantage is almost gone," the Citizens commander urged.

He knew very well that this was a race against time. Once the Easterners got there first, the Jiaozhi people would lose their chance, because the Jiaozhi people wouldn't dare to fight the Easterners head-on under such circumstances, even with their own support.
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At sea, the fleet is racing against time to move forward. It is now only 100 kilometers away from the earliest targets, and everyone is eager to get started.

The fleet commander is verifying the situation of the troops: "How are the comrades on the landing craft? Their conditions are quite poor. Being so far away and in such rough seas is a tough test for them."

"The troops that are going to land in various places are doing better on the destroyers and frigates than on the landing craft, but the comrades are still in high spirits and there are no problems."

"Take care of our comrades' health. After this trip, many of them will inevitably have to stay in these places temporarily and won't be able to leave for a while. Are all the supplies we prepared okay? Have there been any losses?"

"There was no damage; the freshwater, special stainless steel, wooden formwork, solar cells, and other materials were all well protected."

"What about the most delicate materials like quick-drying cement and river sand?"

Once cement and river sand are contaminated by seawater, the former will harden before even leaving the ship, while the latter will cause a sharp decline in the quality of the building after being soaked in seawater. Although it can be replaced in the future according to the plan and outlook, it is better to do it better if possible.

Some islands and reefs originally had barracks facilities that could be used immediately upon arrival, but others did not, and had to be built on the spot.

"Needless to say, these are all well protected and have not suffered any damage. The logistics team has also made excellent arrangements for the more precious drinking water and food." The comrade in charge of this matter knows the details like the back of his hand.

"That's good. Before the situation stabilizes and the main force catches up, these are the comrades' support. They must not have any problems," said the formation commander.

"Report! There's new information!" a communications soldier in the command center reported.

"Say!"

"A Tu-4 airborne special mission has reported that a naval formation has been spotted 140 kilometers to the west. Four of the vessels are destroyers, and the others appear to be transport ships or similar targets. The exact number is unknown, but the initial estimate is more than 10."

Although the news came suddenly, it was not abrupt. The comrades had expected it; the Vietnamese and Americans were likely up to no good, and here it was.

(End of this chapter)