Seven Seas Beacon Fire

"What did they say?"

"The gist of it is... they apologized for their previous betrayal of the Ming Empire, but they are willing to pledge their loyalty to the Tang Dynasty in the future..."

What was your answer to them?

“I sent them back. I told them that the Tang Dynasty and the Ming Dynasty are two sides of the same coin. Their betrayal of the Ming Dynasty was equivalent to their betrayal of the Tang Dynasty.” Li Renchi said, “After all, our country ultimately originates from that saying—He who bears the disgrace of the country is called the master of the state; he who bears the misfortune of the country is called the king of the world.”

“That’s right. We’ve taken the blame for so many problems for the Ming Dynasty and cleaned up such a huge mess, all for this.” Li Zongdi nodded, then shook his head. “But if that’s the case, Yingzhou won’t be a problem that can be solved in a short time…”

For a moment, both father and son fell silent. They both knew very well what this seemingly casual remark meant. This "short time" did not refer to a few months, or even three to five years.

This could take a whole generation or two to come, and whether the country can seize the opportunity then is another unknown.

“Father, Mr. Fifth is still very confident about the future,” Li Renchi said. “Before he set off, Mr. Fifth had a long talk with me and said that the future belongs to us.”

“Mr. Fifth also mentioned this to me,” Li Zongdi said. “Every time he talked to me about these issues, I always felt that he was more like a mathematician than a politician.”

"Mr. Fifth was indeed an engineer, so he also liked to use mathematical thinking to solve problems. What he talked about most often was the 1/3 theory, which is that if our country's urbanization rate can accommodate 1/3 of the national population, then our industrial population can be equivalent to the total population of the Federation. We will have an unparalleled advantage in industrial production, and industry is the future."

"He also mentioned it to me, and even promoted his theory of planned economy." Li Zongdi shook his head as he said this, but it seems that all the economics scholars in China disagree with his theory, considering it to be completely heretical.

"I think the planned economy that Mr. Fifth proposed is very good. At the beginning of the war, we had already experimented with some planned economy practices in the areas of the garrisons we controlled. A country's development in a short period of time will inevitably have a focus, and as for which aspect to focus on, that is exactly what we need to plan. In fact, small-scale pilot programs have already begun in some places and certain industries."

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"What kind of Frankenstein's monster is this?"

As Zhu Miaoyun read the newspaper at home, our princess felt that the knowledge she had gained in another world was being subjected to a huge shock from reality.

An empire is now actually preparing to implement a planned economy? This isn't imperialism at all! Shouldn't imperialism be liberalism? Shouldn't it be all about "opening the door! Free trade"?

But what are you doing now?

Even if I know that your empire has a very special faction called the Great Harmony Faction, and even if I know that this is a special time during wartime, it still feels a bit strange, as if Hayek's large hand has turned into xxx's jade foot.

Whether it's large hands or jade feet, these things don't really concern Zhu Miaoyun for the time being. Our princess has indeed been looking a bit restless lately.

P.S.: Speaking of which, a friend sent me his alternate universe creation today and asked me to critique it. To be honest, my skills are still pretty basic. If anyone in the group has any alternate universe creations or related content, feel free to share them in the group for discussion. There are some real experts in the group.

Given that Xiling's skill level is often utterly crushed by other group members, it's really best not to have too many expectations. Also, I would like to give special thanks to the reader who compiled statistics on warships and wrote a long review discussing naval treaties in the book review section.

You are truly a high-quality reader of this book; thank you for your contribution.

Chapter 208 Yes, Your Highness! (1)

"Your Highness, everyone has arrived."

The maid called softly at Zhu Miaoyun's door. Inside the room, Zhu Miaoyun, who felt as if she were covered in grass, brightened up. She then dropped the newspaper in her hand and, with an eager expression, was about to push open the door and go out.

The maid at the door quickly stopped the impetuous princess: "Your Highness, you haven't changed your clothes yet..."

"No need."

Zhu Miaoyun waved her hand. At this moment, she was dressed in casual clothes, and her waist-length hair was casually tied into a high ponytail. The ponytail bounced with the princess's steps, so lively that it seemed to have a life of its own.

Although she was a princess of the previous dynasty, Zhu Miaoyun still held a special position in the current Li Tang royal family. She received all the treatment due to a princess, and compared to the other members of the relatively simple Li Tang royal family, only Zhu Miaoyun's food, clothing and daily necessities were provided entirely according to the standards of a former Ming princess.

Zhu Miaoyun was initially quite amazed by the gorgeous dresses and exquisite jewelry. In her previous life, she could only see those gorgeous gold hairpins and ornaments in movies and TV dramas, but here they were sold by the box. It can be said that she did play a real-life version of Love Nikki for a while.

However, Zhu Miaoyun's personality has never been satisfied by such simple material enjoyment. After the initial novelty wore off, the "torture" of spending several hours just getting dressed and doing her makeup made our princess quickly lose interest in these gorgeous dresses and accessories.

If Zhu Miaoyun had been a girl who indulged in material pleasures in her previous life, she wouldn't have gone to Gaza to treat disaster victims.

Especially after seeing that Li Che now devotes most of his energy to military affairs and reading the various stories from the front lines reported in the newspapers, Zhu Miaoyun couldn't help but recall her previous experience in Vladivostok.

Looking back, that impulsive act was the happiest time she had ever experienced since her transmigration. So Zhu Miaoyun thought about what she could do for her country, which was still in the midst of war.

All of what Her Highness is preparing now stems from a private conversation she had with Li Che – to show the Colombians the power of 21st-century propaganda!

Although our princess majored in finance in college, Zhu Miaoyun obviously didn't grasp the secrets of Hayek's "Masterful Hands," and naturally couldn't use her "Jade Feet" in this world. However, her extensive further education and work experience after graduation gave Zhu Miaoyun the ability to become an excellent journalist. In the present world, she could easily be called a master of journalism.

What? You're saying that even people who aren't journalism majors can master this? Is journalism such an inconvenient thing? Why doesn't Zhang Xuefeng recommend that you study journalism? That's naturally because most journalism professors don't have a journalism background.

At the Crown Prince's residence, Li Renchi spends most of his time handling government affairs in the palace. After all, he is the current Executive Vice Emperor and is so busy that he is rarely home. Li Che is even more "busy with many things to do and focuses his main energy on military affairs," so he is even less inclined to concern himself with matters in the residence. Therefore, the Crown Prince's residence was usually managed by the Crown Princess. However, the Crown Princess seems to be increasingly unwilling to manage affairs recently, and without realizing it, many people have started to consult the Princess, who still lives in the Crown Prince's residence, on many matters.

In this situation, from His Majesty the Emperor to His Highness the Crown Prince, then to the Crown Princess, and then to the Crown Prince's grandson... in short, no one had any objections. So when Zhu Miaoyun found that the power and resources at her disposal seemed to be growing, she began to use the power of the Crown Prince's residence to do some things.

In a normal political drama, it would indeed be quite laughable if a former princess lacked political sensitivity like this. The current royal family's magnanimity does not mean you don't need to be careful with your words and actions. Even if you are not a man, you should still be more discreet. But Zhu Miaoyun clearly acted with impunity.

During this period, Princess's movements have been observed by many outsiders. Some want to see this former dynasty princess make a fool of herself and incur divine wrath, while others still care about the former dynasty and are worried about her but cannot get close enough to tell her. In short, many people are watching this former Ming dynasty member who is now the most special in Yingtian Prefecture with different thoughts.

However, many bolder individuals, hoping to make a fortune from this, also actively sought to curry favor with the princess when she prepared to intervene in the outside world.

Today, in the largest business reception room of Tingyunxuan, the top-tier restaurant closest to the Crown Prince's residence, the people gathered here are mostly of this type. Most of them previously thought they were among the few who dared to seek wealth and fortune through risk, but after being invited here by Her Highness the Princess, they discovered that there were actually so many people with the same idea.

And most importantly.........

Most of them were actually in the same industry.

Some run newspapers, some run publishing houses, some run printing plants, some run folk literary associations, and some run art studios...

Besides these things related to calligraphy and painting, there are also some new things that have emerged in recent years—such as radio stations—and some traditional things—such as several opera troupes.

Everyone who arrived here was quite puzzled. Why did Her Highness invite so many people from all walks of life here? Especially the opera troupes over there. The troupe leaders were all huddled in a corner. Even now, most opera singers are still considered to be of low social standing. They felt even more ashamed when they saw those from the literary association. Even the most popular actors of the moment were still inferior to scholars.

In the meeting room, people who know each other gather together to exchange information. Those who are not talking will often carefully move closer to the circle of people talking and prick up their ears to see if they can hear any valuable information.

This somewhat chaotic situation continued until two agents in military intelligence uniforms pushed open the door to the reception room, and a plainly dressed but exquisitely beautiful young woman walked in. Some people were still wondering what was going on. Whose young lady had such a grand entrance that military intelligence personnel would open the door for her? After all, the current military intelligence bureau was formerly the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Whose daughter in the military could have the Embroidered Uniform Guard serving her so attentively?

"your Highness!"

Some sharp-eyed people recognized Zhu Miaoyun and called out her name before more people realized who she was. When they met Princess Yongning before, the princess was dressed in luxurious clothes. Now, facing Zhu Miaoyun, who was dressed and made up in a style that was closer to the 21st century, many people didn't realize who she was at first.

Women's makeup, although it often goes through cycles of several decades, is quite different between the early 20th and early 21st centuries. Zhu Miaoyun's look, which was called a typical "white moonlight" look on the internet in the 21st century, was quite eye-catching. It's news when a normal person suddenly becomes a nouveau riche, dressed in luxurious clothes, wearing designer brands and watches, and it's also news when someone who was already in a high position suddenly dresses in an unusually approachable way.

Zhu Miaoyun went straight to the podium in the hall where the microphones were set up. She looked at the leaders from all walks of life whom she had invited. In her previous life, she would never have had the opportunity to speak to such a group of "big shots" in such a manner. At that time, she was one of the service staff serving tea and water during her university studies.

Now, in this world, she is the real big shot in front of these people. Zhu Miaoyun can probably understand why men are so obsessed with and pursue power. It is indeed something that can make people forget themselves.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the reason I've gathered you all here today is because I want to lead you all in a business deal: to profit from war and national calamity."

The first half of Zhu Miaoyun's speech had everyone excited, but the second half immediately dampened their spirits. Many people now had thoughts like, "Your Highness, please don't talk nonsense. Don't let my blood get splattered on me."

You could say it's profiting from war, that's at least a neutral description, but you're saying it's profiting from national disaster?

Your Highness, the world now belongs to the Li family, not the Zhu family! And even if the world now belongs to the Zhu family, you cannot speak like this.

Zhu Miaoyun noticed the different expressions on the faces of the people below after hearing her words: "After hearing what I just said, you may think I am a crazy woman. Please forgive me for joking with you. To be more precise, we want to profit from the Federation's war and also from the Federation's national crisis."

Ladies and gentlemen, those who can profit from war are not only those in the arms, steel, food, and chemical industries—sectors directly related to war. Many unseen forces can also play a vital role in war and should naturally benefit from it as well…”

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"This is the princess that my nephew has taken a fancy to?"

On the second floor of the hotel, Li Renxu was wearing headphones, listening to a microphone connected directly to the reception room below... no, strictly speaking, it wasn't a bugging device, but a microphone that was being transmitted up to him in sync with the sounds coming from below. Li Renxu listened with a smile to the female voice coming from the microphone: "My nephew has good taste. This girl is truly a gem."

Across from Li Renxu, the newly appointed deputy director of the Military Intelligence Bureau revealed a somewhat helpless smile: "I think this is just Her Highness playing house. However, His Highness the Crown Prince instructed us before he left, so we can only play along with Her Highness's antics here."

“I don’t think this is a joke.” Li Renxu shook his head and held up a finger in front of the deputy director of the Military Intelligence Bureau: “My future niece-in-law is playing a big game right now. Didn’t you notice the people the young lady invited today?”

"We have certainly noticed that. Her Highness probably wanted to use the news to spread some information from the front lines. Before this, Her Highness had mentioned to us that if the hype and manipulation of public opinion were done properly, it could influence the other side's national policy. However, we think Her Highness might be having some wishful thinking."

“It’s normal for young people to think big and optimistic.” Li Renxu smiled and shook his head. “I think Princess Yongning’s ideas are quite feasible. You think the girl is being fanciful because you think that media hype can’t influence the policies of a major country like a puppet.”

"Yes, the decisions made by a normal major power should be based on national interests or at least national likes and dislikes. During this world war, all countries conducted various forms of propaganda, but one type of propaganda had the lowest effectiveness: propaganda against the enemy's people. Because during wartime, the two sides are already hostile, no matter what you say, let alone slander, sometimes even if you tell the truth, the people on the other side will not believe it."

The deputy director of the Military Intelligence Bureau had clearly put in a lot of effort in this regard: "Can we really influence the political situation of the Federation by publishing some articles and cartoons in our own newspapers? Excuse my bluntness, but we are at war, not playing house."

“I already told you, you misunderstood her,” Li Renxu said. “Sometimes, influencing a country's political situation doesn't require manipulating the other side like a puppet. Sometimes, influencing someone's situation is simply about placing a stool for them when they're about to step down, or stabbing them in the back when they're about to die…”

Li Renxu saw through Zhu Miaoyun's plans. One point she emphasized in her speech was "disguise." In those days, there was no internet or VPN, but many things were interconnected in the realm of new literature.

For example, the credibility of a statement can vary depending on the person speaking it or the time the same person is speaking it.

People are naturally more inclined to believe and more inclined to doubt. For example, on the Chinese internet in the 21st century, you often see news reports that say "according to a certain unofficial news agency." For instance, if two different media outlets report the same news about the Russia-Ukraine war, but their descriptions differ, do you believe the one from Russia or Zimbabwe, or the one from China?

Similarly, even if the media on the Tang Dynasty shout themselves hoarse about many situations on the battlefield, the people of Colombia in North America will hardly hear a word, and even if they do, few will believe it.

But... what if you were to transform into a "British media"?

Chapter 209 Yes, Your Highness! (2)

Li Renxu, who had just returned to Beijing, was in a rather depressed mood. Unlike his father, he was in a different situation. If nothing unexpected happened, he would definitely be able to lead the main force across the sea to the island and join General Wu Yushan in dealing with the Colombian army that was besieged in northern Borneo.

For someone who has always regarded his father as a role model and wanted to surpass him, Li Renxu naturally hoped that he could achieve great things like sealing the wolf's lair and inscribing the Yanran Mountain.

Although he performed well on the Silla battlefield, and successfully led his troops to wipe out the Colombian army on the Silla Peninsula after his father returned to the country to quell the rebellion, fighting all the way from the Battle of Wonsan to Busan, he felt that such achievements were far from enough.

Because the pivotal battle that broke out in the Silla capital was personally planned and commanded by Yi Jong-di, and the key to breaking the deadlock in the Battle of Wonsan was also at sea, everyone's attention was focused on his eldest nephew.

In comparison, the headquarters of the Federal Expeditionary Force on Borneo was more representative.

Unfortunately, the strange epidemic that suddenly broke out on the island has ruined all his original plans. Now, even his father can no longer come to the island, let alone him. After all, disease is not like bullets. Bullets cannot hit the commander sitting in the back and directing the operation, but viruses are truly ubiquitous.

Li Renxu originally came back to the capital this time hoping to ask his elder brother for another job. Li Renxu's idea was actually very simple: what he wanted was fame. If Borneo was not allowed to go there again due to the pandemic, then he would find another place to make a name for himself.

Moreover, he had even decided that the location would be Ryukyu. Although Ryukyu was not a large place, if he could restore Ryukyu, it would be equivalent to restoring a vassal state, which would be a very representative achievement. Although it certainly could not compare to personally taking over the headquarters of the Federation Expeditionary Force, it could still be considered a "national annihilation achievement".

When people mention Su Dingfang from the Tang Dynasty, they always say that he destroyed three kingdoms and captured three rulers, but most people can't say which three kingdoms he destroyed. Li Renxu was not the kind of person who was stubborn. His goal was very simple: to make a name for himself in history. As for how much of that was marketing, that's not important.

Unexpectedly, when he returned, he didn't see his elder brother, but his future daughter-in-law had come up with something quite interesting. At first, he only saw the military intelligence agents sent by Zhu Miaoyun. After following them quietly and revealing his identity, he witnessed this rare spectacle.

Before this world war, people were largely unaware that public opinion could be used as a weapon. Even during the war, the role of propaganda in various countries remained superficial.

What his future niece-in-law is currently doing is far more than just scratching the surface; this girl has actually come up with a complete and systematic set of propaganda and public opinion warfare tactics.

Fortunately, this girl is a woman. Emperor Yongning probably never imagined that his daughter would have such abilities. If this girl were a prince, and if Emperor Yongning had entrusted him with the work of propaganda, he might have been able to patch things up and cover up for that tyrannical emperor. I really can't imagine what would have happened if the country were still in that tyrannical emperor's hands.

Li Renxu saw through part of Zhu Miaoyun's plan, but he also knew very well that this kind of behavior of using pseudonyms to wage a propaganda war seemed simple, but it was actually not easy at all. After all, the biggest difference between the East and the West is race. If you want to control those media outlets that are nominally British newspapers by using pseudonyms, then the person you show your face in public must at least be a Westerner, right?

Or you must look like a Westerner, right?

Given the vast territory of the Tang Dynasty, finding someone with such an appearance was not difficult. However, the problem lay in finding someone knowledgeable, capable of handling such work independently, and competent in a short period of time.

At this point, some of the attendees also realized this: "Your Highness, what you just said has indeed given us a lot of inspiration, but please forgive my bluntness, who is responsible for handling all of this overseas?"

This seems to be about who should take responsibility for the overseas propaganda war and who should lead the main responsibility. In fact, it involves many things, the most important of which is money. All businessmen in the world are driven by profit. If these businessmen don't want money, what else can they want?

Are you attracted to your young age? Or are you attracted to your good looks?

If Zhu Miaoyun were an ordinary girl, someone might really be after her, but nowadays, even if they had 800 times the courage, they wouldn't dare.

"This is none of your concern. We have professionals to handle this." Zhu Miaoyun said, clapping her hands. Then, a middle-aged man in a major's uniform came up behind her after receiving a hint from the princess. Only then did the crowd below notice that this guy had blond hair and a foreign face.

Li Renxu couldn't see the screen, but the former Imperial Guard agent opposite him seemed to be very familiar with the foreigner and took the initiative to introduce him to Li Renxu: "Count Reinstein von Wardsonia, Chinese name Pu Guanshui. Your Highness should have heard some rumors about him."

Upon hearing the name, Li Renxu paused briefly to recall before slowly nodding. This Leitanian man, now dressed in Ming Dynasty military uniform, was somewhat well-known. Originally from the Kingdom of Leitania, his father was a military attaché in China. Born and raised there in 880, he returned home at age 12 to attend officer training school, officially enlisted as an officer candidate at 18, rose to second lieutenant at 19, and first lieutenant at 26, before being selected for the Berlin Military Academy. He graduated at 32 and was promoted to captain, then transferred to the General Staff Department.

His resume also shows that he was not highly regarded in the Leitanian army, and it could even be said that he was somewhat sidelined, only being promoted to captain in his thirties.

As for the reason, it was naturally because of this guy's rather strange personality, and he was somewhat sarcastic and often made outrageous remarks. He was not very respectful to Weiwei Yixiao. If that were all, he could have been given a position where the Emperor would not see him.

As a result, before the outbreak of war, while working in the General Staff, he was expelled from the General Staff and transferred to the Ming Dynasty to serve as a military officer because he strongly opposed the Schlieffen Plan and advocated a strategy of defending the west and attacking the east.

After the war began, he led a battlefield observation group to the front lines and joined Li Zongdi's youth army. His eccentric personality was more acceptable in the East than in China, so he often offered unconventional opinions in military affairs, earning him the nickname "the resourceful foreigner".

During the war, he wanted to return to his homeland to serve several times, but his request was never approved. Therefore, he remained in the East until after Letania surrendered. Due to his despair about the situation in his homeland, he was persuaded by his friends to join the Ming Dynasty after the Jingnan Rebellion. He retained the rank of major and worked in the General Staff Department, but he did not have a fixed position and worked in several different posts. He jokingly called himself a professional strategist.

Until recently, he received a new transfer order—to report to Princess Zhu Miaoyun.

From a soldier's perspective, Rinstein von Waldsenia was not a particularly outstanding professional, but he did have a very flexible mind. In fact, he didn't seem like a stereotypical Leitanian, which was quite different from the stereotypical image of Leitanians in that era.

After learning of this guy's existence, Li Che even tried to test him to see if he was another transmigrator. After all, he had read a novel called "The Great Ming Maritime Power" in another world, which featured a Victorian second male lead.

However, as it turns out, a novel is just a novel and doesn't really have much to do with the real world. Rinstein von Waldsenia was undoubtedly a native of this world, just with a slightly eccentric personality. So Li Che had someone transfer this guy to Zhu Miaoyun to assist the princess.

The things Zhu Miaoyun is planning now require a brain full of brilliant ideas.

"This Letanian guy was recommended by my nephew?" Li Renxu could remember who Ryanstein von Wardsenia was, but he didn't know much about the guy. "Looks like he really is a talent?"

"Whether he's a talent or not is unknown, but what's certain is that if this guy doesn't stand on the same side as us, then he'll definitely become a menace."

The intelligence officer shrugged: "Your Highness, do you know? This guy recently offered advice to His Highness the Crown Prince, and after reading his advice, the Crown Prince jokingly said that this guy's Chinese name shouldn't be Pu Guanshui, but Pu Xu."

Li Renxu chuckled upon hearing this: "To be compared to Jia Xu, I don't even know if my nephew is praising him or insulting him."

"Perhaps it's a combination of both."

"Letting a guy like this take charge of the propaganda war against the Federation..." Li Renxu stroked his short beard. "I really don't know if my nephew's move was brilliant or a disaster."

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"Gentlemen," Pu Guanshui said in accented Chinese, "our propaganda offensive against the Federation is divided into three phases. So far, we're in the first phase, the most basic phase. Next, we need to change our tactics. We now have two main targets: the grassroots people of the Federation and members of the Federation Congress. The strategies for these two targets are completely different..."