Update time: 2012-09-20

"War is not the only way to solve the problem. Even if it is the only way, we don't need to use it when we are not ready." Mi Liujin's words were loud and loud, which finally cooled down the original manic atmosphere in the countermeasures conference room. "We are in a very unfavorable position now. The defense line on the east bank of the Yenisei River is in danger. Although there is sufficient troops on the west bank, once the army is defeated, the collapse situation will be completely irreversible. Therefore, I personally suggest that the most urgent task of the empire should send an important official to the Far East front to supervise the formation as soon as possible to prevent the worst situation from happening."

In fact, the situation that Russia is facing now is still tense, and the situation in the Far East is not mentioned. However, in China, in order to cope with years of war, the construction of Siberian Railway, and the navy's shipbuilding plan, the government's finances are almost bankrupt. With no choice, Alexander III had to raise the tax rate year by year, causing ordinary people to live a miserable life. In addition, bureaucrats and nobles at all levels were working together to fill their pockets, and various natural disasters came from time to time. Ordinary civilians who had no way to survive rose up angrily, and civil unrest would break out in the empire from time to time.

Although Russia began capitalist economic system reform during the period of Alexander II, the entire reform suddenly stagnated due to his sudden death. Alexander III did not inherit his father's will. The strong opposition of the great nobles made the new Tsar who had just succeeded to the throne dare not act rashly. Therefore, although the Russian Empire began the industrialization process at this time, it was essentially an agricultural country.

But the Northeast is the opposite of this. The local industrialization process is smooth, and two new overseas colonies have been opened. Although they do not plunder the colonies like European powers, the Northeast and Africa colonies are rich in resources and are rich in gold, diamonds and other minerals. The grain output of the five Southeast Asian provinces is sufficient to supply the Northeast, and rubber and sugar are even exported to the world. With the technical support of the Northeast, the two have burst out unprecedented vitality. The current industrial structure and fiscal taxation in the Northeast are beyond Russia's expectations, so they can afford the protracted war against the Northeast Autonomous Region, while Russia is showing signs of fatigue every day.

The old Grand Duke Nicholas suddenly said, "Your Majesty, I agree with the opinions of the Army Minister. But now I have sent an imperial envoy... Is it too late to go in terms of time?"

St. Petersburg is basically the westernmost part of the Russian Empire, very far from the Krasnoyarques Krai. Even though most of the journeys are now available for trains, it will take as soon as three to four weeks to reach the front line.

"Mi Liu and Jinqing, the emperor's opinion is very reasonable. What about your opinion?"

"Return to your Majesty, with my understanding of Lord Dragorov, although it seems that there is little chance to completely recover the east bank of the Yenisei River. However, the West Coast Front believes that with his position, there should be no big mistakes. The reason why I hope that Your Majesty will send another important minister to the Far East front is also to stabilize the morale of the army." Seeing Alexander III's slightly suspicious expression, Mi Liujin continued: "Of course, this alone is not enough to alleviate the current crisis. While sending imperial envoys to the front line, we also need to negotiate with the Northeast Autonomous Region."

"Now the northeast has surrounded our army on the east bank of the Yenisei River. If negotiations are carried out now, it seems to be very unfavorable for us." The Tsar's younger brother, Grand Duke Sergei, the future ruling of Moscow, asked at this time.

"The Grand Duke said it well, it is indeed the case." Mi Liujin nodded.

Alexander III frowned and said, "Since that's the case, why do we still have to negotiate with the Northeast?"

"There is a saying that there is no need to make a difference on the battlefield that can be obtained on the negotiating table. Maybe we can get unexpected surprises at the negotiating table, and maybe we may. Of course, based on my understanding of the Northeast Autonomous Region, this nation, which is as greedy and evil as Judah, is relatively unlikely to make such mistakes. However, what we demand is a ceasefire, and it is best to delay negotiations, so that we have enough time to solve our own problems. In the next few years, the empire's primary task is to build the railway to Krasnoyarques as soon as possible. Only in this way can our logistics be guaranteed. As long as the railway is not connected, we will not start a war and we will have to negotiate with the Northeast."

Alexander III clenched his fists with his face very ugly. But everyone could understand that the words of the Army Minister Mi Liujin made sense. But the Tsar also knew what kind of humiliation the empire would suffer when the negotiations in a weak position.

Mi Liujin saw the change of Alexander III's expression, but he seemed to have not seen it, and continued: "In addition to the railway, we must vigorously develop air defense weapons. The breakthrough that Northeast China found on our position in this battle was made through the Northeast Air Force. Of course, if possible, I hope we can also build our own air force."

It took a few years to produce air defense weapons. Russia could still have the possibility of establishing an air force... it is the most optimistic Russian, and it can only adopt the most pessimistic attitude in this regard. The cost of airships is extremely expensive, and the technical requirements are even more stringent. At present, the world's number one air force and the only air force are the Northeast Air Force. Germany and France are building the air force. Because Germany introduced some airship manufacturing technology from the Northeast and also purchased a large amount of helium used for airship airbags from the Northeast, it will also have its own air force in the near future. France is the largest airship power in research and development and manufacturing airships. Before the rise of the Northeast, they were the world's number one airship power. However, at that time, the development of airships was more personal, so the progress was slow. Now the Northeast Air Force has proved the great power of airships in actual combat, so other countries have successively established projects and started their own research.

Relatively speaking, the United Kingdom and the United States are still in the initial stage of research and development. As for Russia, due to the years of war with the Northeast, the airship project was established very early, but due to the low technological level of the country, it has been difficult to make progress.

"We have been developing airships for four or five years, but without the Northeast technology, it is difficult for airships to play too much role in the battlefield except for surveillance." Grand Duke Mikhail Nikolaevich has always been responsible for this matter, so he has a very say.

Alexander III saw Skobelev's expression of wanting to speak but stopping. He actually liked this famous general of the empire very much, otherwise he would not have saved his life.

"Skobelev, just say anything."

Skobelev was slightly stunned, but he was not an ordinary person after all, so he quickly started talking. "Since the empire is difficult to achieve results in airship research in the short term, it is better to work with the French to develop it together. This will not only share the risks, but also learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses."
Chapter completed!