Chapter 1304 – Killing Move
"Currently, we are uncertain about the attitude of Great Xia, so we must not act rashly."
Rio was an intelligent person and ordered, "Have the frontline think of a way to delay their retreat."
"Understood!" The prime minister nodded.
"Additionally, send a secret envoy to contact Great Xia to express our kind intentions."
"Do not worry, your majesty, I'll handle it well!"
...
In the blink of an eye, a week had passed.
During this week, Great Xia's North Africa legion corps had arrived under Panama City, and Li Xiucheng's Tiger legion corps had already conquered Bogata.
Due to the Dawson Dynasty adding in 100 thousand more troops, Han Xin ordered the 1st to 3rd legions of the Tiger legion corps to move west. They coordinated with the North Africa legion corps to take down Panama City.
The South America legion corps on the left front were still on their way.
5th month, 24th day, Dawson Dynasty, Free City.
This week had been a tough one for Jack.
First, when Casillas learned that the Dawson Dynasty was prepared to withdraw their troops, he was furious and hurled vulgarities at Jack.
"I trusted you so much, but you played me for a fool!" Casillas was furious.
The Argentina region was an important element in supporting the Spain Dynasty's world position. Thinking about it being lost, Casillas felt as if a hunk of his flesh was hacked off.
Jack had to promise many benefits to slightly appease him. He persuaded Casillas to not lose the big one for just for a small thing.
"Conquering the Ottoman Dynasty is the main priority." Jack reminded him.
Since the Egypt army was being blocked south of Spain, the Ottoman Dynasty was in trouble once more. The situation did not turn for the better, and they had to enlist more troops.
To make matters worse, as a result of the Mediterranean trade route being blocked, the Ottoman Dynasty was lacking certain resources that they needed like iron ore. Manstein was in trouble beyond words.
A dark cloud hung over the European battlefield.
As a result, Azure Badge had no choice but to rush Great Xia every two to three days to settle the logistical supply of the Egypt army and abide by their agreement.
How could they know that the Atlantic Squadron only had two divisions active in the Mediterranean? With so little, how could Ouyang Shuo dare to face the three squadrons head on?
However, since it was a promise, a change would occur soon.
Apart from Casillas's fury, Rio's disobedience also forced Jack onto the back foot.
During these past few days, Jack had urged Rio to help the Dawson army retreat from the frontlines. Rio kept on using the reason of the frontline battle being too intense and them being unable to break away as a reason to reject.
Every time, Rio would reply, "Tomorrow! We will withdraw tomorrow!"
However, day after day passed, and the east battlefield of the Indian Empire became more and more intense. Jack even received intel that Rio was mobilizing an army in his country.
All signs indicated that the mobilized army was not to assist Columbia but to fight on the frontlines.
Their intentions were totally different.
Realizing the significance of this problem, Jack had no choice but to try and scare Rio or try to tempt him. Unfortunately, Rio did not fall for it; nothing worked on him.
This was a huge blow to Jack.
It was then that he realized that the Dawson Dynasty's authority in the world was not as strong as he thought it to be.
Due to this, Jack could only order the Dawson Dynasty army to quickly withdraw from the frontlines even without cover, even if they had to pay a price.
The Columbia battlefield was seriously dangerous.
As for their problems with the Brasilia Dynasty, it would naturally be shelved to the future.
...
5th month, 25th day, Imperial Capital.
Brasilia's ambassador finally came into contact with the Great Xia Honglu Temple and expressed their kind intentions.
In their words, they had the intentions of finding another backer.
Regarding this matter, Ouyang Shuo especially summoned Jiang Shang, Zhang Liang, and Du Ruhui.
"The Brasilia Dynasty acts according to the wind. I think that we should not bother about him and simply stick to the plan. After taking down Columbia, immediately attack Brasilia."
Du Ruhui's attitude was clear. At the same time, he was filled with confidence toward Han Xin's America warzone.
For this matter, Great Xia had made a lot of preparations. They definitely should not change their target so easily simply because the Brasilia Dynasty had expressed friendliness.
"I think we can discuss with them. If we can take over them without fighting, it will be for the best." Jiang Shang leaned toward accepting their friendliness.
It was not that Jiang Shang was afraid of matters occurring. Instead, there were other reasons, "Overseas territories, especially ones with many players, are harder to manage than China. To let players rule players is our basic strategy. From a long-term perspective, recruiting Rio is better than occupying Brasilia through force."
When Ouyang Shuo heard that, he nodded his head in agreement.
Along with the trial lands' removal, Great Xia would unavoidably face the problem of players when they expanded. Nanjiang was still okay, as they belonged to the same cultural circle as China, and the psyche of the players would not be affected that much.
Africa was poor, so it was easier to rule.
However, places like South America, especially the Brasilia dynasty, were totally different from Chinese civilization. To force them to accept Chinese culture would instead cause rejection and give rise to many problems.
The best way was to let their own people lead them.
Ouyang Shuo was also worried that if they forcefully attacked the Brasilia Dynasty, it might chase their players to the Darkness empire.
That would be benefiting them instead.
Thinking about it, Ouyang Shuo decided, "Then talk to them. There are only two conditions. First, the Brasilia Dynasty must submit unconditionally to Great Xia. This is the main premise."
Great Xia did not need puppet states anymore.
"Of course, if they submit, we will give them the autonomy to self-rule. Toward local talents, we will treat them as our own and even prioritize their appointments." Ouyang Shuo once again made the principles clear.
"Secondly, tell Rio to block off the Dawson Dynasty army in Brasilia as a sign of his loyalty. Without this, everything else is void."
"Your majesty is wise!"
When Jiang Shang and the others heard that, their eyes lit up.
This was a masterstroke; they could use this move to test Rio's sincerity.
If Rio agreed, he would become mortal enemies with the Dawson Dynasty. Looking out across the entire world, only by joining Great Xia could he survive.
If Rio did not do that and tried to place his bet on both sides, the Great Xia Army would stick to the plan and take down the Brasilia Dynasty.
They did not need to have Rio to rule the Brasilia Dynasty.
...
Brasilia City.
The next day, Rio received the letter from the Great Xia Honglu Temple.
After reading it, Rio fell silent for a long time. He did not expect Great Xia to be so vicious when they did things.
"To do it or not?"