"The situation on Wheeler is changing daily. You might have a clearer view from space," Valke said. "Warlords are everywhere, and the war has been going on for many years. The major warlord factions now are Rao Cheng Zhou, known as the Arctic King in the north, and Gante in the equatorial region. Near my territory, there are also two larger factions, Harrison and Bradley."
Isabelle nodded, indicating she was aware of these circumstances.
"If we continue to develop like this, peace is hopeless, and the war will likely continue for many more years. This is because the five major powers – Rao Cheng Zhou, Gante, myself, Harrison, and Bradley – are evenly matched, and our relationships are complex and interdependent, creating a balance of power," Valke explained. "The only solution is for some external force to participate in the struggle for Wheeler."
Okashi opened the microphone and interrupted her husband's narrative.
"Does Ms. Isabelle, or perhaps Mr. Jiang Ye, have any thoughts on the future of Wheeler?" Okashi asked, fixing her gaze on Isabelle.
"Jiang Ye hopes for a future of peaceful unification for Wheeler and wishes for Wheeler to join the Galactic Empire," Isabelle replied. "The former is out of humanitarian consideration, while the latter is from a practical standpoint. The planets near Wheeler are all within the Galactic Empire's territory. Wheeler alone would isolate itself from the universe, which is not conducive to long-term development."
"I strongly agree with Mr. Jiang Ye's vision, and I also hope for Wheeler's peaceful unification. As long as it benefits the citizens of Wheeler, joining the Galactic Empire is also acceptable," Okashi stated. "Does Mr. Jiang Ye intend to intervene militarily in Wheeler's unification process, or will he opt for a more moderate approach?"
"That point is not yet clear. Jiang Ye is very cautious about Wheeler's situation and wishes to make a decision after fully understanding it. Therefore, he sent me to meet with the major powers in each region that can influence the outcome, to understand the situations and demands of all parties," Isabelle explained. "What I would like to know now is, as representatives of the armed forces in the temperate region, what are your hopes from us?"
"Our hope is that Mr. Jiang Ye will support us in achieving the unification of Wheeler," Okashi said directly after a moment of silence.
"Are you suggesting a military unification of Wheeler?" Isabelle inquired.
"That can be an option," Okashi replied. "As long as Wheeler can be unified, we are willing to make every effort that does not compromise our principles."
"Then what kind of support do you require from us?" Isabelle asked.
"We do not expect Mr. Jiang Ye to lend us troops, nor do we expect direct armed support. We hope to receive sufficient military supplies, materials, and economic aid. With this assistance, combined with our years of planning, we can complete the unification of Wheeler within two years," Okashi stated with certainty. "After unification, Wheeler will transition to economic development, and we can repay the aid and pay high interest as a token of our gratitude."
"You provide the money, we provide the force. And in the end, we repay the principal and interest," Valke added, opening his microphone. "In the future, we can establish friendly planet relations and maintain good neighborliness for generations."
Isabelle nodded and reached under the table to press a button.
The door to the room was suddenly knocked upon, and then the main door opened, revealing guards standing at attention and saluting.
"Report, Chief. The highest-grade banquet dishes are ready and can be served at any time!"
Isabelle smiled and opened her microphone:
"I propose a temporary adjournment to allow the ambassadors of both sides to converse freely for a while, and to dine and foster goodwill. After the banquet, we will discuss the matters we just raised. Hearing that Ms. Okashi and Mr. Valke were coming for a meeting, Mr. Jiang Ye specifically instructed that the banquet be prepared to the highest standard. We invite you all to grace us with your presence."
"Thank you very much," Valke nodded. "Then we shall not refuse your kind invitation."
Isabelle nodded to the guards at the door, and the waiting food carts from the corridor immediately rolled in, one after another.
Isabelle stood up. "Please, everyone, dine first. I need to go to the restroom and will return shortly."
Isabelle quickly left the meeting room and hurried to the room at the end of the corridor, closing the door behind her.
The room was empty; it was not a restroom at all, but a holographic projection facility.
Jiang Ye's projection sat in a chair, deep in thought.
"Old Jiang?" Isabelle walked over.
"The situation is not as we anticipated," Jiang Ye's projection said, raising his face.
"In what regard?" Isabelle sat down in the chair opposite him.
"The outside world believes Valke is the leader, but I have a feeling that Valke is just a puppet, and the real power lies with his wife, Okashi," Jiang Ye said. "Valke's leadership aura is superficial, enough to fool amateurs, but his demeanor feels like he's walking on quicksand. Okashi is very low-key, but her leadership aura is substantial and very strong."
"I also feel Okashi is very capable, definitely not just a pretty face, but to say she controls her husband, isn't that a bit much?" Isabelle asked, surprised.
Jiang Ye shook his head. "When you were talking with them, your attention was focused on the couple. I watched the holographic projections of the entire venue, and the feeling is very clear. Especially the attitude of their ambassadors; all the ambassadors were paying attention to Okashi's speeches and expressions, but were rather dismissive of Valke."
"Really?" Isabelle blinked. She hadn't noticed the other ambassadors.
"On the surface, they still have to give Valke face, but when discussing critical matters, they can talk directly to Okashi," Jiang Ye said. "Valke's words completely follow his wife's attitude, and he shifts too quickly. Valke's words don't need much attention; he can't even achieve telepathy with his wife, he's so clumsy."
"I understand," Isabelle nodded obediently. "Okashi mentioned aid. How should I respond later?"
"Okashi has grand ideas, but how could that possibly happen?" Jiang Ye sneered. "Give her a lot of aid, help her take over the planet, and then she'll just pay me back and be done with it? And we'll just be friendly planets?"
"Then your intention is..."
"I want military protection for Wheeler, and to establish military bases on Wheeler's land and in its orbital space," Jiang Ye said. "This is the first point."
"I can consider providing her with military and economic aid, but the aid will definitely not be free," Jiang Ye said. "After Wheeler is unified, a certain proportion of the annual tax revenue will be used to repay the aid, and also to cover the military expenses for my protective bases. To ensure this rule is enforced, I will need to send people to audit Wheeler's tax revenue."
"The third point, I want an enclave on Wheeler. The specific location and size can be discussed later," Jiang Ye said, holding up three fingers. "These are the first three points: garrison, tax repayment, and enclave. If they agree, we can discuss the details of the first batch of aid. Whether it's military supplies, materials, or money, I have plenty here. Whatever they want, they will get."