Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

On a quiet morning, the whole of America was shocked by a piece of news.

The Texas Legislature convened an emergency special session and passed an independence resolution by an overwhelming majority. The governor gave a radio speech:

"After careful consideration, we have decided to secede from the Union. This is not an impulsive decision, but a forced choice."

Inside the White House, Scott looked at the telegram in disbelief.

"How is it possible?" he muttered, "Everything is getting better, why..."

Just then, a bigger bomb exploded.

The Washington Post front page: "Shocking Hoax: Presidential Assassination Was Self-Directed"

The article details the entire planning process, including testimony from special forces members who participated in the exercise and evidence of financial transactions.

Follow-up report from The New York Times: "False Hero: Scott's Performance Art"

&34;In order to divert attention from the scandal, he even staged a fake assassination...&34;

On Capitol Hill, opposition lawmakers were furious:

"This is a conspirator! He deceived the whole nation with lies!"

&34;It was his behavior that forced Texas to become independent! &34;

The Governor of Texas issued another statement:

"See? This is the true face of the federal government. They rule with lies and cheat with showmanship. We have no choice."

Black Phoenix sat in his office, watching the situation take a turn for the worse. He sent a message to Yan Shuangying:

"The plan succeeds. Texas declares independence, and Scott's fraud is exposed. His prestige will be completely destroyed."

The public mood changed rapidly:

&34;We actually believed this liar!&34;

&34;He treats us all like fools!&34;

&34;No wonder Texas wants independence!&34;

The Pentagon is also wavering:

"Can a president who rose to power through acting still command the army?"

"He even dared to direct and stage his own assassination, so what else can't he do?"

What's worse is that several other large states are also beginning to make moves:

&34;Maybe Texas made the right choice...&34;

&34;Should we also consider independence...&34;

Scott paced back and forth in the Oval Office.

He couldn't understand why the situation he had carefully crafted collapsed overnight.

But what he didn't know was that all this was part of someone's plan.

Black Phoenix received a reply from Yan Shuangying:

"Great. The first domino has fallen. Next, the domino effect will begin."

The sky in Washington was overcast.

A storm that could change the fate of America is brewing.

In a secret room at the Democratic Party headquarters, senior party officials are holding an emergency meeting.

"Ladies and gentlemen," said Democratic leader Williams, standing in front of the long table, looking solemn, "If Scott's plan succeeds, he will most likely be re-elected."

"Is that a possibility?" a senior senator asked.

"Of course," Williams sneered, "Look at his performance in the past month. He has been touring the country, buying off the military, and winning over the people. If he is given another two years, he will become the second Roosevelt."

"But supporting secession..." another MP hesitated, "Isn't that too extreme?"

Williams slammed the table: "Extreme? If Scott remains in power, our party will be completely relegated to a supporting role! Do you want to live forever in the shadow of the Republican Party?"

The conference room was silent.

"Now that Texas is independent," Williams continued, "Louisiana, Florida are watching. If we push it properly ... "

&34;But this could lead to civil war! &34; exclaimed one moderate delegate.

"Civil war?" Williams smiled coldly. "I would rather see division than let Scott establish a dictatorship. At least the states can still maintain their autonomy."

"We have already been in contact with the top leaders in California," said Thompson, the second-ranking official in the party, adding, "They are also very interested in independence. After all, California's economy can fully support itself."

&34;But the price...&34;

"No price is too high!" Williams said decisively, "This is a life-and-death political war. Either we overthrow Scott's rule, or we will always be relegated to supporting roles."

&34;What is the specific plan? &34; someone asked.

"The first step is to continue to expose Scott's scandals. Not only the assassination scam, but also his secret dealings with military-industrial enterprises."

&34;The second step is to send people to secretly contact other states with independence tendencies and provide necessary support. &34;

"The third step is to create divisions within the military. We have found that many generals are dissatisfied with Scott's approach."

An old congressman stood up and said, "Williams, you are playing with fire. Once the situation gets out of control..."

"Then let it get out of control!" Williams' eyes lit up. "Sometimes, only by breaking the old order can a new order be established."

&34;But...&34;

"No buts!" Williams looked around at everyone, "There are only two options now: either we take the initiative or wait for Scott to completely marginalize us. Everyone, the choice is in your hands."

There was a long silence in the conference room.

In the end, the radical plan was passed by a narrow margin.

When the meeting was over, an old congressman stopped Williams and said, "Have you really thought it through? This could divide America."

Williams looked out the window at the night view of Washington: "Sometimes, for a greater goal, a price must be paid."

What he didn't know was where this political gamble would ultimately push America.

After the meeting, Williams and Dex went to a hidden tavern.

"Do you think my decision today was too radical?" Williams poured himself a glass of whiskey.

Dex was silent for a moment: "Sir, I have to be honest. This road is very dangerous."

&34;Tell me about it.&34;

"First of all," Dex lowered his voice, "even if Scott's reputation is damaged now, the Republicans will not give up on him easily. The military-industrial complex and the financial forces on Wall Street have invested too much in the interests of the people."

Williams nodded. "Go on."

&34;Secondly, once Texas independence is supported, the military will inevitably take action. Scott is a veteran and his influence in the Pentagon is still there.&34;

&34;You mean...&34;

"Yes," Dex said solemnly, "Civil war is almost inevitable. The Republicans will not watch the Union split apart. They would rather start a war than maintain unity."

Williams took a sip of his drink. "So you think we should back off?"

"No, I mean we need to be more prepared." Dex pulled out a document, "This is the intelligence I just received. The Republicans are already secretly mobilizing the army."

&34;So fast?&34;

"They are well prepared. Even though Scott is now in disgrace, they will defend him to the end. Because once he falls, the entire Republican Party's ruling foundation will be shaken."

Williams fell into deep thought: "So this will be a life-and-death battle."

"That's right," Dex said. "Besides, once the war starts, the situation will not be under our control. The army may be divided, the states may fight each other, and even..."

&34;Even what?&34;

"Even foreign powers may intervene," Dex said meaningfully.

Williams suddenly laughed: "You know what? Maybe this is exactly what we need."

&34;Sir?&34;

"Sometimes," Williams' eyes sharpened, "only complete chaos can rebuild a new order. Let this storm come more violently."

&34;But the price...&34;

"Dex," Williams interrupted, "in politics, opportunities are fleeting. Now that Scott has revealed his weakness, it is the best time for us to turn the tables. As for the price..."

He raised his head and drank the wine in his glass: "This country should have come to an end long ago. The conflicts after the Civil War were just temporarily suppressed."