Steam Era: The Lord of 'Puluo'

Chapter 1008 542: Puluo State's Capital (Requesting Monthly Ticket)

In dealing with unexpected situations, everyone in Puluo State is outstanding; a handful of sand thrown into the enemy's eyes can make them uncomfortable for a long while.

But what if you're well-prepared and a war breaks out?

The Inner State at least has an army, what does Puluo State have?

...

The next morning, Shen Jingye called Chuuni to the office and delivered a stern criticism.

Chuuni went to stake out at the Ruirong Textile Factory, which was spotted by the surveillance system surrounding the factory district. This matter needed an explanation, and Shen Jingye's wording was harsh, requiring Chuuni to write a self-reflection.

But the final punishment for Chuuni was just to write a self-reflection.

There were two reasons why the punishment was so mild.

First, the battle was won.

Second, Shen Jingye was about to be promoted.

Of course, he was not the only one getting a promotion; a series of higher-ups including Director Du were as well.

But this had to assume one prerequisite: that the war could be quelled soon.

The Inner State is unlike other countries; they refuse any form of communication with the Outside Provinces, which means some key post-war issues are difficult to get definitive answers on, and it's even unclear if we are in a post-war stage right now.

If the Inner State started another war tomorrow, then the issue of promotions would have to be postponed.

"Director Li, this matter still requires your effort; at least we have to get a word from the Inner State. We think it would be best if this war doesn't continue."

Shen Jingye maintained a very upright attitude toward work involving key issues like promotions.

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "I'll go to the Inner State to ask about this."

Shen Jingye smiled, "Then I'll trouble Director Li."

"No need to be polite!" Li Banfeng saw him off with a cup of tea, but Shen Jingye didn't hurry to leave.

"Director Li, when approximately do you plan to depart? I need to arrange things with Chief Envoy Liao over there."

"Depart?" Li Banfeng was startled, "Go where?"

Shen Jingye licked his lips, "Didn't we just discuss that you would communicate with the Inner State and clarify the direction for both sides?"

"That's considered settled?" Li Banfeng was quite surprised, "You talked to the Cone yesterday, saying he still had a lot of potential for advancement; was that considered settled?"

Shen Jingye's cheeks twitched; how did Li Qi know everything? Who told him about my conversation with the Cone?

"The Cone has shown excellent work performance recently, and in the near future, he's bound to have opportunities for advancement."

Li Banfeng nodded and said, "We've demonstrated formidable combat power to the Inner State; I believe they won't entertain the idea of using force against us in the short term."

Shen Jingye frowned and said, "Short term, that concept is a bit too vague."

Li Banfeng smiled and said, "Do you think the concept of the near future is very clear?"

Shen Jingye said, "The purpose of my words to the Cone was to boost the morale of the front-line personnel."

Li Banfeng nodded, "The purpose of my words to you is to calm your mood before the promotion.

Shen Jingye expressed embarrassment, "That's not what I mean..."

"Still want to continue this nonsense, right?" Li Banfeng laughed, "Then let's take our time with it, I'm not in a hurry to be promoted."

Shen Jingye understood what Li Banfeng meant, talking in circles ends up being just nonsense.

Identifying the enemy's start point of the war was Li Qi's merit.

Li Qi was not seeking a promotion, and so far had not received any reward. At such a time, there's no way he would cooperate on the next step.

"Then let's not beat around the bush," Shen Jingye ordered to shut down all monitoring and listening devices in the room, "Director Li, just state your terms."

"Little Shen, you need to straighten out your attitude; it's not about my terms, everything I do is to fulfill the duties of a Balancer, everything I sacrifice is for the development and stability of all parties,

I silently bear a lot for my responsibilities, but some things I can't shoulder alone. The Inner State just suffered a defeat, and to make up for their losses, they might target Puluo State. Before continuing negotiations with the Inner State, I have to find a way to ensure the safety of Puluo State."

Upon hearing this, Shen Jingye quickly contacted Du Wenming, as Shen Jingye would absolutely not rashly interfere in the matters concerning Puluo State.

Du Wenming proactively came to the Dark Star Bureau, more anxious than Shen Jingye.

After previous interactions, Du Wenming had a general understanding of Li Qi's habits; he went straight to the point: "Protecting the safety of Puluo State has always been our important duty, and it's the original intention for establishing the Defense Agency.

We can increase the combat power of Defense Agency branches in various places, but this will also increase our economic pressure. We're not aiming to gain more profit in Puluo State, but at least we need to maintain our basic expenditures, so there will be a degree of increase in transportation costs..."

Li Qi interrupted Du Wenming: "Director Du, you misunderstood me. I never intended for you to protect Puluo State; it is I who will protect Puluo State, and I need my own technologies and strength."

Du Wenming still wanted to extend his approach: "Our approaches might be different, but the goal is actually the same. We're all here for the safety of Puluo State, and starting from the Defense Agency is currently the optimal solution to various issues..."

"That's your optimal solution," Li Banfeng laughed, "Having reaped such benefits on the battlefield, don't expect to find more in Puluo State. Where in the world are so many benefits left for you? Now it's time for you to put up the stakes."