"Negotiation? Federation Parliament Speaker's speech made it very clear. There is no room for discussion or bargaining. What are you talking about? Trading your territory for peace?"
"At least it's better than risking soldiers' lives to fill the defense line."
The debate in Council Chamber began to heat up. Several Civilian Official and Noble who supported Old Noble's position spoke out one after another, advocating that diplomatic channels should be launched as soon as possible. Their reasons focused on Federation's military superiority and Heaven Dou Empire's defense shortcomings, as well as the long-term consumption that the war may bring. A Noble from the Southern Empire put it more directly. "Our army cannot defeat Federation. This is a fact. Instead of surrendering after being defeated, it is better to take the initiative to fight for conditions now."
War Faction sitting on the other side immediately refuted. The core of War Faction is Military Noble and part of Imperial Family Member in the northern part of the empire. Their stance is more radical than Minister of Military Affairs, advocating uniting Star Luo Empire for a full-scale resistance war. A young Imperial General stood up and spoke, "Although Federation Fleet is powerful, they have to go on an expedition and have a long supply line. As long as we hold the key nodes of West Coast and delay their landing operations, and Star Luo Empire launches an attack from the flanks, Federation's expeditionary force will be trapped in a two-front battle. At that time, the initiative will be in our hands."
"Star Luo Empire?" Old Noble sneered, "Are you sure they will send troops? Federation Fleet took the southern route and went straight to the Heaven Dou Continent. Star Luo Continent To the north, Northern Fleet and Western Legion of Federation are deployed in front of the Star Luo Empire. Star Luo Empire is too busy to take care of itself, so what can it do to support us?"
Imperial General's expression changed, but he quickly retorted, "Although Star Luo Empire's military strength is not as good as Federation's, they have the advantage of geographical location. As long as Star Luo Empire is willing to send troops to contain Federation's Northern Legion, our pressure will be reduced a lot. Moreover, Star Luo Empire and Tiandou Empire have Mutual Defense Agreement, and they will not sit back and watch us be eliminated."
"Mutual Defense Agreement?" Minister of Finance interjected, "That agreement was last updated thirty years ago. Star Luo Empire There have been two emperors, and the terms in the agreement have not been reconfirmed yet. Do you think they would bet their national destiny on a piece of paper written thirty years ago?"
The debate in Council Chamber has changed from two factions to three factions. Surrender Faction advocates immediate negotiation to recognize the suzerainty of Federation in exchange for peace. War Faction advocates uniting with the Star Luo Empire to carry out a comprehensive war of resistance and taking advantage of the geographical location and the supply difficulties of the expeditionary force to hold back Federation Fleet. The third faction is based on General Staff Headquarters Moderate Faction, with and some Civilian Official as the core, advocated "fight and talk" - carrying out limited resistance in West Coast, demonstrating Heaven Dou Empire's military strength, and at the same time contacting Federation through diplomatic channels, striving to obtain better conditions on the negotiation table than unconditional surrender.
The representative of Moderate Faction is Chief of the General Staff. He spoke during a break in the debate between the two factions, "Your Majesty, I believe that both total surrender and all-out war of resistance are undesirable. Total surrender means that we will lose all bargaining chips, and Federation can arrange it however we want. All-out war of resistance means that we have to bear the consequences of an all-out war with Federation, and our military strength is not enough to support a long-term war."
"Then what is your plan?" Xue Yuntian asked.
"Limited resistance, simultaneous negotiation." Chief of the General Staff said, "Deploy existing Garrison Force at West Coast for the first round of defense, slow down Federation Fleet's landing speed, and mobilize at the same time Eastern Fleet and Central Military Region troops are reinforcing. The purpose of the resistance is to demonstrate our defensive capabilities and determination and gain bargaining chips for negotiations. At the same time, contact Federation through third-party channels to test their bottom line on the Heaven Dou Empire's surrender conditions."
"What if Federation doesn't accept the negotiation?" Minister of Military Affairs asked.
"Then we will continue to resist until we can no longer fight." Chief of the General Staff said, "But at least we have bought time, and maybe there will be changes on the Star Luo Empire's side."
"Maybe?" Minister of Military Affairs sneered, but did not continue to refute.
The debate in Council Chamber lasted for nearly three hours. The three factions had their own opinions, and no one could convince anyone. Surrender Faction accused War Faction of gambling with the lives of soldiers on an uncertain Star Luo Empire reinforcements, War Faction accused Surrender Faction of betraying the country and seeking glory, while Moderate Faction was accused by both factions of being vacillating. Xue Yuntian sat in the main seat and did not express his position from beginning to end, just listening.
The argument gradually subsided towards the evening. When Xue Yuntian finally spoke, everyone in Council Chamber looked at him.
"Transmit the order." Xue Yuntian said, "West Coast Garrison Force has entered the first level of combat readiness and carried out the first round of defense deployment according to General Staff Headquarters's plan. Eastern Fleet will leave for West Coast to provide reinforcements from now on. The diplomatic department will submit credentials to Federation through neutral channels, expressing Heaven Dou Empire's willingness to engage in dialogue on bilateral relations."
He paused and then added, "At the same time, send Secret Envoy to the Star Luo Empire to confirm the effectiveness of Mutual Defense Agreement. If Star Luo Empire is willing to send troops, Tiandou Empire will coordinate a joint defense plan with it."
The representatives of the three factions each breathed a sigh of relief. Surrender Faction was satisfied with the launch of the diplomatic channel, War Faction was satisfied with the upgrade of the defense deployment, and Moderate Faction got the plan he wanted. But Everyone knows that Xue Yuntian's statement is only a compromise and does not solve the fundamental problem. Federation Fleet is still sailing, and the preparation time of the Heaven Dou Empire is decreasing day by day.
Council Chamber After the meeting, Xue Yuntian stayed alone in the hall. He walked to the window and looked at the Imperial Capital street scene outside the window. There were fewer pedestrians on the street than usual, some shops were closed, and someone was posting recruitment notices on the street corners. The atmosphere at Imperial Capital had obviously changed compared to a few days ago. He looked at it for a while, turned around and left Council Chamber.
On the same night, small-scale chaos began to occur in various places in the Heaven Dou Empire. Long queues formed in front of Imperial Capital's grain stores, and some Noble began to move their families and property to the mainland. Several port cities in West Coast experienced spontaneous evacuation of residents, and the docks were crowded with civilians waiting to board the ship. The local garrison received an order to reinforce West Coast, but some soldiers fled before departure.
The empire official released a brief announcement through news channels, confirming that "external forces are conducting military activities in the Western Waters of the Empire", but did not mention the specific scale and goals of Federation Fleet. The announcement called on the public to remain calm and not to listen to rumors. However, the effect of the announcement was limited, and panic was still spreading.
Three days later, Star Luo Empire replied to Secret Envoy from the Heaven Dou Empire. The reply was brief: Star Luo Empire is assessing the situation and is temporarily unable to discuss joint defense measures. When Secret Envoy returned to the Tiandou Empire Imperial Capital with this reply, Federation Fleet had already advanced several hundred nautical miles to the west.