SWDnovel Chapter 18 The main drama begins
Chapter 18 The main drama begins
Chen Feng stood on the deck, feeling the sea breeze blowing in his face, his mind racing.
Vinal was more useful than he had imagined.
However, the old man in front of him was a shrewd man. He only mentioned that the person was of high status, but did not show that he was of much significance to the US military.
By setting a price directly, he ended up losing out.
But that's fine too!
I was worried that George Dewey would look down on Chinese people, not give us a chance to communicate, and just give us some supplies to get rid of us.
Chen Feng asked with a smile, "General Dewey, what kind of Luzon does the United States want? Or what kind of Philippine Islands?"
These words clearly surprised George Dewey. A flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes as he asked, "What does this have to do with you?"
Chen Feng added, "I know that the Independent Army is supported by you."
"So what? The Spanish already knew," George Dewey said dismissively.
Chen Feng suddenly raised his voice and asked, "General Dewey, since you support the Independent Army, you must know their political platform, right?"
"Of course I know!" A hint of displeasure flashed in George Dewey's eyes.
Seeing this, Connor urged, "Chen, just tell us what you want, and we'll definitely give you a reasonable price."
Chen Feng, however, was not in a hurry. He pointed to the American soldiers on duty on the deck and said in a long voice, "General Dewey, Colonel Connor, do you think these American lads have crossed the ocean and braved Spanish gunfire just to help the natives of Luzon seek independence? If that's the case, then we'll just hand Vinal over to you."
Upon hearing this, George Dewey's expression instantly turned serious.
In order to get the independence army to willingly serve as cannon fodder, the United States has not yet clearly stated its political objectives.
They spent countless sums of money and traveled thousands of miles, not to do good deeds, but to colonize the Philippine archipelago like the Spanish.
There must be wise people in the Independent Army who see this, but for the sake of funding and weapons support, they are willing to swallow this poison pill first.
"Chen, you're very smart!"
George Dewey nodded approvingly and pointed to the island superstructure: "Let's go to the conference room to talk."
Having said that, he walked towards the island superstructure first.
Connor smiled and turned slightly to the side: "Chen, you are the first Chinese person to enter the commander's office."
"I have to thank you for your help!" Chen Feng said modestly, letting Connor go first.
The three walked into the island superstructure and entered a conference room of about 20 square meters, where they took their seats as host and guest.
George Dewey waved his hand, and his adjutant immediately brought over three cups of coffee.
After taking it, Chen Feng took a small sip but didn't speak immediately.
George Dewey, holding his cup in his right hand, blew on the steam and chuckled, "Freshly ground coffee is always the best!"
Chen Feng couldn't tell whether it was freshly ground or not. Staring at the coffee cup, he said, "I heard that in recent years, someone in Indonesia has discovered a new type of coffee bean with a smooth taste and unique flavor. General, you can ask someone to inquire about it."
He was referring to civet coffee, which became quite famous in later generations. It was made from coffee beans that the civet cat had not fully digested.
"A new coffee variety? I'll have someone buy it." George Dewey's face showed interest.
Chen Feng knew that in negotiations, the one who spoke first often ended up at a disadvantage, so he casually added, "General, I heard the Germans are very unhappy about your actions against the Spanish!"
"hehe!"
George Dewey sneered, leaned back in his chair, and said dismissively, "They don't have the ability."
Connor added, "The German fleet is right outside Manila Bay and doesn't dare to come in."
"You have the upper hand now, so naturally they won't dare to come in." Chen Feng smiled and continued, "If this war drags on, the situation might change."
"What changes?"
Connor shook his head: "All countries have declared their neutrality and will not rashly intervene in this war."
"Is that so? Then how do you explain the German fleet in the open sea?" Chen Feng directly exposed the truth.
Connor looked bitter, but still insisted firmly, "We are capable of meeting any challenge."
Chen Feng laughed and said, "Your fleet is powerful, and the fleets of the major powers in Asia are no match for it. But if you want to take Luzon, you can't rely on the navy alone."
"We have other plans."
Connor didn't say it explicitly, but Chen Feng immediately understood.
The Americans must have formed an army.
However, they probably won't arrive anytime soon, otherwise they wouldn't have sent someone to contact the independence army at this time.
After understanding the situation, Chen Feng felt more confident and said in a deep voice, "I don't know your plan, but I can guess the general outline. It's nothing more than forming an army force for a landing, while using this gap to have the independence army distract the Spanish. But we Chinese have an old saying: 'Delay will inevitably lead to trouble.' As long as you fail to completely take over the Philippine Islands, the countries supporting Spain will not give up. The German fleet dares not enter Manila Bay, but what if the French fleet is added to the mix?"
Connor's lips twitched, but before he could speak, he heard Chen Feng continue loudly, "As far as I know, there are quite a few people in your country who oppose this war with Spain, right? If the war goes smoothly, their attitude is naturally insignificant! But if it drags on for too long, and the anti-war sentiment in the country becomes too strong, then you'll be in trouble."
"Chen, what you say makes a lot of sense!" George Dewey nodded slightly and asked in a deep voice, "But what kind of help can you, or rather your Chinese Free Army, offer us?"
The main event is here!
Chen Feng's heart skipped a beat. While organizing his thoughts, he said in a deep voice, "First, our Chinese Free Army can help you fight the Spanish; second, I can help you contact the large Chinese families in Luzon and help you gain a foothold; third, I can provide precise intelligence support and a logistical supply network for the subsequent landing army!"
"The Independence Army can do all of what you're talking about," George Dewey said, shaking his head.
Chen Feng remained calm and asked directly, "Once you drive the Spanish away, will the independence army still help you? What they want is independence; can you give that?"
This hit a nerve with George Dewey and Connor.
Not only the two of them, but also the top brass of the US military were well aware that if they were to colonize Luzon in the future, they would definitely turn against the independence army.
George Dewey asked coldly, "Will you help us fight the Independence Army in the future?"
"Yes!" Chen Feng answered decisively.
Connor pointed out, "There are also Chinese in the Independence Army."
Chen Feng replied without hesitation, "Fight anyway!"
George Dewey then asked, "How can you guarantee that once you have the strength, you won't seek independence? I don't want to be fighting endlessly in Luzon like a groundhog."
Chen Feng had already prepared a response for this question, explaining, "General, you surely know the identities of the high-ranking officers of the Independence Army. They are basically all locals from Luzon. They are seeking independence with the support of nine million natives, while I am seeking self-reliance. Do you think I can rely on just over two hundred thousand Chinese? I, Chen Feng, guarantee that there will be no natives in the Chinese Free Army in the future. You can send someone to verify this at any time."