At the annual year-end exercises for the three services, pleading poverty to demand more military funding was already a time-honored tradition.
Last year, the navy had brought out Type 053 frigates, along with Type 037 submarines sporting antique twin-barreled 37 mm naval guns.
The army had hauled out Type 59 tanks to plead poverty, while the air force had put J-7s and J-8s on display to do the same.
Some had even made soldiers wear armor and drill with wooden guns, each stunt more outrageous than the last.
The message was obvious:
Mom, look how poor I am! We haven't even rolled out the new equipment across the board yet. How are we supposed to have the combat power to defend the country? Hurry up and give us funding!
This year... could they try a different approach?
For example, make a film called "My Flimsy Warship and Me," specifically to complain about not having enough Zheng Gold?
Just as General Liu's thoughts were drifting increasingly off track, a staff officer suddenly pointed at a corner of the screen, his voice changing pitch.
"General! Look!"
The staff officer's cry interrupted General Liu's thoughts.
He looked up and focused on the enlarged satellite image, only to see a group of soldiers wearing their own navy's training uniforms wrestling with Eagle Country sailors on the deck of the Antietam!
General Liu: "???"
A few seconds later, he slammed his palm against the console with a tremendous bang.
"Outrageous!"
He called it outrageous, but anyone could see the heartfelt satisfaction in the smile on his face.
How could watching his own soldiers beat up the enemy possibly make him angry?
That was only because the fighting had not escalated yet. Otherwise, he would have loved to slaughter the lot!
Mercy toward the enemy was