Chapter 2

Zhou Guohui was not worried, knowing that Old Zhao had his best interests at heart, pointing out this flaw to him, and Zhou Guohui did not feel embarrassed. He also had a solution, so he confidently stated: "Indeed, that is the case, which is why I mentioned the second point, which is to weaken the opponent's strength during this period. If we can make Japan lose its capacity for war, making it impossible for the Japanese to engage in this war, or even if they choose to fight a protracted war, they will lose it in a very short time, then such concerns would be unnecessary!"

At this moment, the screen has already switched to another chart, and Yan Liang continues to provide explanations

Chairman, I have something to say! Sitting opposite Zhou Guohui, a general stood up from a row behind the conference table. As soon as Zhou Guohui saw him, he stopped speaking, but inwardly he found it amusing, as this person was here to challenge him. After Old Zhao agreed to the man's request to speak, the general said: "If we proceed as General Zhou suggests, aren't we just following the old path of the former Soviet Union? At that point, it would be fortunate if we don't collapse ourselves, let alone liberate Taiwan!"

Old Zhao's words showed no regard for anyone's feelings, and he had no need to do so. Among the generals present, at least half were his former students, which meant that when he reprimanded others, no one dared to retort. Even He Yongxing, who was seated in the chairman's position, appeared somewhat embarrassed. The other generals, who usually boasted and displayed a low style in the army, had already buried their heads and did not dare to meet Old Zhao's gaze. When Old Zhao stopped, he happened to stand behind Zhou Guohui, placing his hand on Zhou Guohui's shoulder, which was a clear indication that he wanted Zhou Guohui to be the first to speak.

Luo Kai sat down somewhat reluctantly, while Zhou Guohui continued, "Of course, doing so carries significant risks. To avoid these dangers, there is a prerequisite: we must control the war within a very short timeframe. Once the war concludes, we need to devote ourselves to economic development, providing the nation with an opportunity for recovery. If we are to prepare for a prolonged war, not only would we be unwilling, but it is likely that no country in the world would be willing to engage in a protracted conflict. After the war ends, we need to fully focus on economic development, giving the nation a chance to recover. If we are to prepare for a long-term war, not only would we be unwilling, but it is likely that no country in the world would be willing to engage in a protracted conflict. The costs associated with a prolonged war are beyond what any country, including the United States, can bear, so we need not worry too much!"

"Oh, General Zhou, please be more specific; your opinion is excellent!" He Yongxing also became interested. As everyone saw that the Chairman had expressed his stance, no one dared to continue the discussion, and they all listened attentively as Zhou Guohui continued to speak.

"Alright, everyone should have a general understanding after listening to General Yan's report, right?" Zhao Baoqiang stood up. This time, he did not remain in place but slowly walked up, speaking as he went: "Everyone probably thinks that I am the best in the world and fear no one, right? Now that we see this, I wonder what thoughts the outstanding members of the military have? If a war were to break out at this moment, I believe whoever among us takes on the role of commander would suffer a complete defeat! Don't talk about relying on the power of the people, and don't mention special warfare to me. As generals, don't you know that war is fought with comprehensive national strength? Strength is paramount; without strength, no matter how good your strategies or tactics are, it is still difficult for a skilled woman to cook without rice. Now that everyone has a baseline, let's all share our opinions!" Strength is paramount; without strength, no matter how good your strategies or tactics are, it is still difficult for a skilled woman to cook without rice. Now that everyone has a baseline, let's all share our opinions!

When Zhou Guohui lifted his head, Yan Liang had already taken her seat. Her expression was not pleasant either, indicating that the report she was about to present made her quite uncomfortable. After all, for someone who loves their country, discovering that it is not as good as imagined, with many flaws, and witnessing fellow citizens exhibiting a kind of blind arrogance, it is hard for anyone to feel good about it. To put it in the words used to describe the Chinese men's football team, it is truly frustrating and infuriating! Zhou Guohui forced a smile at Yan Liang. The two of them had a relatively good relationship due to their frequent collaborations, while others kept their distance from Yan Liang because of her straightforward and unyielding personality. Yan Liang also gave an awkward smile and focused her gaze on Old Zhao, waiting for the more "exciting" content to follow.

What everyone is seeing now is a comparison of the economic strength between us, the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. We use a score of 100 for the United States as the standard. We score 65, Japan scores 30, and Taiwan scores 15. This is calculated based on strategic productivity and the national war potential, and does not represent a country's overall productivity. If calculated based on productivity, Japan would reach a score of 70, while we would have to lower our score to 55. Therefore, we have no advantage in this regard

"General Luo, could you please allow me to finish speaking before you express your opinion?" Zhou Guohui was not angry

Before Zhou Guohui could clearly see the chart on the screen, Yan Liang had already begun to explain the chart in detail

So what method do you intend to use to achieve this goal? After He Yongxing finished speaking, the people below began to whisper among themselves, all the while watching Zhou Guohui to see what clever plan he had.

Just as Zhou Guohui's mind was about to drift away again, Dong Zhenhua gently tapped him from behind, bringing him back to his senses. Following Dong Zhenhua's gaze, he looked at the open plasma screen, which displayed an image and a chart. Yan Liang stood in front of the screen holding a light beam teaching stick, and everyone had already turned their attention to the screen

Everyone be quiet and let General Zhou finish speaking! Zhao Baoqiang deliberately addressed Zhou Guohui by his military rank, which undoubtedly served as a warning to others. Although they were older than Zhou Guohui, their ranks were significantly lower. In the strictly hierarchical military, being one rank lower can lead to severe suppression, which also indicates support for Zhou Guohui

Indeed, your opinion is quite reasonable. However, once both the United States and Japan become involved, even if the United States is willing to withdraw from the war midway, we will inevitably continue the war alongside Japan. At that point, it is likely that the course of the war will not be determined solely by you and me. Old Zhao quickly identified a significant flaw in Zhou Guohui's opinion.

At this moment, the generals below became agitated. Regarding knowledge of the economy, it is feared that apart from the Chairman, no one here understands much. However, every year, some international organizations conduct economic strength statistics on the major countries and regions of the world. Last year, although China's gross national income was only one-fifth of that of the United States, all organizations indicated that if the Chinese government were to raise the exchange rate of the renminbi, relax price controls, and calculate based on national purchasing power, China's strength would at least double, making it the world's second-largest economic entity, second only to the United States. Last year, although China's gross national income was only one-fifth of that of the United States, all organizations indicated that if the Chinese government were to raise the exchange rate of the renminbi, relax price controls, and calculate based on national purchasing power, China's strength would at least double, making it the world's second-largest economic entity, second only to the United States. However, the data provided by Yan Liang now shows a significant discrepancy; it appears that China has surpassed Japan, but the condition is that Japan can only wage war with its own resources, which is clearly impossible, as the Chinese navy does not even have an aircraft carrier, so how could it blockade Japan? Therefore, the reality is that as long as Japan obtains overseas resources, its military strength is even higher than that of China. This made everyone present feel quite uncomfortable. To be honest, this generation of Chinese soldiers has enjoyed the fruits of reform and opening up, and the generals here are no exception; almost everyone harbors animosity towards and looks down on Japan, and now that the facts are laid out before them, naturally, not many can accept it. To be honest, this generation of Chinese soldiers has enjoyed the fruits of reform and opening up, and the generals here are no exception; almost everyone harbors animosity towards and looks down on Japan, and now that the facts are laid out before them, naturally, not many can accept it.

Zhou Guohui did not dare to hesitate, and he indeed had a lot to say. Upon seeing that Lao Zhao had given him the opportunity, he immediately stood up, organized his thoughts, and said: "Based on the current situation, even if the Taiwan government were to announce independence immediately, we cannot initiate hostilities. Engaging in a conflict with Taiwan now would only bring humiliation upon ourselves; we would certainly face defeat without any chance of victory. Therefore, it is better not to engage in combat."

The man is named Luo Kai, and like him, he is a representative of the young and promising faction in the military. Both of them are disciples of Old Zhao, and they both became generals at a young age. However, from the day they met, Zhou Guohui has always been one step ahead, holding a military rank and position that is consistently one level higher than Luo Kai, which has made Luo Kai quite dissatisfied with Zhou Guohui. After both were transferred to the General Staff, Luo Kai requested to move to a local military district after a year, seeking a place where he would not be under Zhou Guohui's pressure and could better showcase his talents. He is currently doing well, having become the Deputy Commander and Political Commissar of the Shenyang Military District, effectively the second-in-command, and it seems he will be promoted to General next year. Although the two have been in a subtle competition, this does not indicate any real conflict between them. Both possess a generous character; they compete openly without resorting to any underhanded tactics. Their private relationship remains quite good, and they have truly become similar in their rivalry, with their bond growing stronger through their competition.

Earlier, I mentioned that the United States is preparing to intervene in North Korea's nuclear tests and is fully preparing for war against North Korea. Japan has begun to expand its military capabilities, attempting to draw us into an arms race. The Taiwan independence advocates will certainly not miss this opportunity. Let us not forget that over fifty years ago, it was precisely because of the Korean War that we lost the best opportunity to unify Taiwan. We cannot make the same mistake again. Yan Liang's expression was very serious, and after everyone heard her words, there was a sense of impending war. Let us not forget that over fifty years ago, it was precisely because of the Korean War that we lost the best opportunity to unify Taiwan. We cannot make the same mistake again. Yan Liang's expression was very serious, and after everyone heard her words, there was a sense of impending war. After sensing that the atmosphere had been stirred up, Yan Liang continued: "Here is a comparison of our military strength with that of Japan, the United States, and Taiwan, along with Russia's military strength in the Far East. From the current situation, if we consider the military strength of the United States to be one hundred points, Japan's military strength can reach fifty points, we are at thirty-eight points, Taiwan is at twenty-five points, and Russia's military strength in the Far East is at fifteen points. Do not be surprised; this is a comprehensive assessment of the entire military system. Although it may be somewhat disheartening, this is the comparison of facts and strength. War only considers actual capabilities, not the wishes of individuals to achieve victory... From the current situation, if we consider the military strength of the United States to be one hundred points, Japan's military strength can reach fifty points, we are at thirty-eight points, Taiwan is at twenty-five points, and Russia's military strength in the Far East is at fifteen points. Do not be surprised; this is a comprehensive assessment of the entire military system. Although it may be somewhat disheartening, this is the comparison of facts and strength. War only considers actual capabilities, not the wishes of individuals to achieve victory..."

As soon as Zhou Guohui's words fell, the atmosphere erupted like a drop of water falling into hot oil. Everyone began to discuss among themselves, whether consciously or unconsciously. Zhou Guohui understood very well that if those words had been spoken in a more private setting and were known to those who were dissatisfied with him, it would certainly have provided an excuse for criticism. However, now that he had spoken them in front of so many people, even if someone wanted to blame him, with Zhao Baoqiang supporting him from behind, he had nothing to fear. Zhou Guohui was very clear that if those words had been spoken in a more private setting and were known to those who were dissatisfied with him, it would certainly have provided an excuse for criticism. However, now that he had spoken them in front of so many people, even if someone wanted to blame him, with Zhao Baoqiang supporting him from behind, he had nothing to fear

As the discussions among everyone had not yet concluded, the chart on the screen changed again. After clearing his throat twice, Old Zhao immediately silenced the crowd, and everyone focused on listening to Yan Liang continue her explanation.

Zhou Guohui also came from Old Zhao's army. His ability to rise to his current position in the military is not only due to his outstanding capabilities but also significantly attributed to Old Zhao's full support and promotion, which has also benefited Wang Yilin considerably. Moreover, the most important aspect is that Old Zhao is deliberately nurturing Zhou Guohui. Firstly, he values Zhou's abilities, and secondly, he hopes to retire soon. However, before retiring, he must find a successor he can trust, and Zhou Guohui is the one he has chosen. Furthermore, it is crucial to emphasize that Old Zhao is intentionally cultivating Zhou Guohui, primarily because he recognizes his capabilities and secondly because he wishes to retire early, but he must find a reliable successor before doing so, and Zhou Guohui has caught his eye.

Seeing the inquiring gaze of Old Zhao, Zhou Guohui smiled confidently and reassured Zhao Baoqiang not to worry about his opening remarks. He continued, "Therefore, we absolutely cannot allow a war in the Taiwan Strait to break out. We must do everything possible to delay the outbreak of war. On one hand, we need to make thorough preparations, and on the other hand, we need time to weaken the enemy's strength and find the best opportunity. If we are to fight, we must win decisively in one battle, leaving the enemy no chance to catch their breath"

My opinion is that now, since we are preparing to unify Taiwan, the most important thing is to make adequate preparations for ourselves, as internal factors are always the most crucial aspect. Domestically, we must begin preparations for war immediately. In terms of industrial production, we should focus on heavy industry that meets wartime needs, and accelerate investments in electronics, communications, computers, chemicals, steel, and special metals. These require time to accumulate, so we must start preparations for war without delay. Furthermore, we cannot afford to relax in education and scientific research; research should shift towards military needs, prioritizing studies that can quickly enhance production efficiency. Only in this way can we accumulate sufficient wartime strength in a short period! Zhou Guohui also feels somewhat conflicted about this. He knows that this does not benefit the long-term development of the country and has many drawbacks. He is very clear about the reasons for the disintegration of the former Soviet Union; if this continues, it would undoubtedly be akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs. However, pressed by the current situation, there is no choice but to proceed in this manner.

This is a comparison of the technological strength of the four parties. Perhaps everyone thinks this is unimportant, but it is well known that technology and talent are crucial to a nation's importance. In times of war, this becomes a force that can influence the course of the conflict. Since the implementation of the '863' program, we have consistently prioritized technological development. Currently, the number of university graduates in our country ranks first in the world, and we have the most universities globally, so in this regard, our gap is not as pronounced. Yan Liang's words invigorated everyone; after enduring so many setbacks, they finally found a sense of superiority, but the reality is not so. After enduring so many setbacks, they finally found a sense of superiority, but the reality is not so. Yan Liang explained: 'If we consider the technological strength of the United States to be one hundred points, then Japan's is seventy-five points, which is very high, while we only have sixty points, and Taiwan has twenty-five points. This is already quite good because according to our calculation method, Europe can only reach eighty points, and Russia is at seventy-eight points. Of course, the main planned indicators are related to the military or those scientific technologies with significant potential that can influence the entire industry.' This is already quite good because according to our calculation method, Europe can only reach eighty points, and Russia is at seventy-eight points. Of course, the main planned indicators are related to the military or those scientific technologies with significant potential that can influence the entire industry.

Zhou Guohui was not surprised; he understood these matters even better than Yan Liang. He had reported this to higher authorities countless times. If a war were to break out at this moment, the mainland would have no capability to unify Taiwan. However, being just one person, his more than ten reports submitted had sunk like a stone into the sea, receiving no response whatsoever. Now, Yan Liang actually had the courage to expose this flaw, and Zhou Guohui admired her bravery while also feeling a bit inferior. A woman dared to act, while so many big men were deliberately avoiding this issue. It was truly embarrassing.