MMB Chapter 1441 Nations have no size, no strength.
Chapter 1441 Nations have no size, no strength.
The news of the withdrawal of American troops from the base was like a bolt from the blue, instantly shocking the entire Peacock Kingdom and Goguryeo.
The people of both countries seemed to be celebrating a grand festival ahead of schedule, spontaneously and in droves taking to the streets.
Decades of suppressed emotions were released in this moment. Since the end of World War II, those American soldiers had acted like privileged parasites inhabiting their country, running rampant with impunity. Harassing women in the streets, causing disturbances while intoxicated, hit-and-run accidents… such atrocities were commonplace. Even more infuriating was that when their soldiers committed serious crimes such as rape or even murder, the local judicial system was often rendered ineffective, easily evaded by "diplomatic immunity" or simply brushed off with a vague charge of "local disorder."
Protests? Sanctions? In the face of absolute military force and political power, everything seems pale and powerless.
The location of their residence is a law they cannot cross.
Now, these lawless "emperors" have finally been driven away! On the streets, everyone's face beams with relief, a joy and exhilaration at breaking free from invisible shackles. Many shops have put up signs celebrating their "new beginning," offering discounts; and excited citizens have lit firecrackers, the crackling sounds mingling with cheers to create a symphony of victory.
Almost simultaneously, the two governments issued statements announcing that they would comprehensively strengthen defense cooperation with Yan and formally proposed that the base facilities of the former US troops stationed there could be transferred to Yan for use.
When this news reached the United States, the commander-in-chief, who had been closely "monitoring" the withdrawal process, flew into a rage, smashing his beloved coffee cup, but could only watch helplessly in fury on the screen. The deed was done, and they seemed to have no choice but to accept this humiliating outcome.
……
A large military airport in the United States.
As the sun set, the sky was painted with a blood-red sunset, illuminating the massive transport planes taking off and landing on the runway. The cabin doors opened, and squadrons of soldiers, dejected and longing, disembarked. Their faces, devoid of their former arrogance, were etched with frustration, confusion, and resentment, like a pack of stray dogs abandoned by their master, filled with helplessness. This large-scale, involuntary "strategic retreat" was virtually unprecedented in the history of American overseas military deployments.
"Why are we retreating? Are we that afraid of Yan? Damn it, why does this humiliating historical moment have to befall us?" A young soldier couldn't help but complain in a low voice, his fists clenched tightly.
Their commander could only sigh as he listened to these complaints. Who could have imagined that the once arrogant "world police" would one day be so humiliated and nearly flee in disgrace? Moreover, from beginning to end, they didn't even dare to utter a single decent threat.
"The speed of Yan's rise has exceeded everyone's expectations. Their new weapons... appear one after another like ghosts." A mid-level officer analyzed bitterly to his colleagues, "Our industrial system, especially the speed of iteration of advanced equipment, seems to be unable to keep up with their pace. This retreat is probably a helpless choice made by the top leadership to 'retreat in order to advance'."
The commanders whispered among themselves, having roughly guessed the truth, but this only made them feel more frustrated. Accustomed to being high above and enjoying global privileges, the sudden fall to the status of a "fallen dog" needing a "strategic retreat" was a huge psychological blow that was hard to accept.
"No! We haven't lost yet!"
A powerful voice rang out, drowning out the dejected whispers in the room. A general with five stars on his shoulders strode in. He was tall, with his signature pipe dangling from his mouth, and his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's, exuding an imposing aura of someone who had long held a high position. His appearance instantly put the room in control.
"Gentlemen, don't forget, we still have the mysterious 'Fifth District,' with its technological reserves that are ahead of their time; our latest generation of stealth strategic bombers has yet to make an appearance in any conflict!" The general's voice was resounding, attempting to rekindle the flames in the soldiers' eyes. "When it comes to the world's number one military power, it is still us! We must maintain absolute confidence in our nation! Before long, we will definitely be able to turn the tide, surpass Yan, and reclaim everything we have lost today, with interest!"
"The general is right!" someone immediately echoed. "Trust in our country! Trust in our technology! We will surely usher in our own 'New Normandy' moment!"
Amidst a forced and somewhat superficial morale boost, the soldiers began packing their gear, but the bewilderment and frustration deep in their eyes could not be easily erased by a few slogans.
……
Just as the American army was retreating in disgrace, diplomatic planes from Goguryeo and the Peacock Kingdom, carrying diplomatic missions with mixed feelings, flew across the ocean to Yan Kingdom to meet with Chen Jun.
On the one hand, they were sincerely grateful to Yan for its decisive action in helping them drive away the powerful enemy; on the other hand, deep down they also harbored a deep unease and doubt—if they had driven away the greedy jackals, would they be greeted by an even more powerful tiger? What price would Yan offer?
The meeting began in a solemn and slightly reserved atmosphere. The diplomats from both countries first expressed their gratitude, almost to the point of being overflowing, and their words were extremely respectful.
Chen Jun smiled calmly and gestured for them not to be too polite: "We are neighbors that cannot be moved away. Throughout history, Yan has never taken the initiative to invade its neighbors. On the contrary, it has extended a helping hand to its neighbors many times when they were in trouble. This is the foundation of our culture. Of course, the premise is that the neighbors themselves do not make foolish mistakes and do something stupid like 'inviting wolves into the house' and damaging the common interests of the region."
The two diplomats nodded repeatedly, but their smiles were somewhat forced, clearly indicating that their minds were not entirely on the matter.
After a moment's hesitation, the Goguryeo diplomat cautiously probed, "General Chen, regarding... when your country will send personnel to our former bases for troop takeover, how should we cooperate? And what are your considerations regarding... the specific scale of the troop deployment and the framework of authority?"
When he asked the question, his tone was hesitant, his heart filled with conflict. He feared both that the other side would station troops there, compromising his sovereignty; yet he also feared that if the other side didn't station troops, his security would be insecure. This anxiety was clearly written on his face.
Chen Jun was a man of great stature; how could he not see through their intentions? He put down his teacup and looked at the two men with clear and honest eyes.
"Gentlemen, let me make one thing clear: non-interference in each other's internal affairs is an unwavering principle of our diplomacy." His voice was steady and firm. "Based on shared defense needs, we may consider sending a certain number of military advisors or technical cooperation personnel, but the main focus will be on 'cooperation' and 'assistance,' not 'stationing' or 'controlling.' We will not interfere in your internal development path, nor will we establish 'states within states' with extraterritorial rights on your territory. Regardless of size or strength, all nations should enjoy the political freedom and dignity to determine their own destiny."
After these words were spoken, the two diplomats were stunned. They exchanged glances instinctively, both seeing disbelief and shock on each other's faces. They even wondered if they had misheard.
They went to great lengths to help crush a powerful enemy, yet they didn't seek special privileges for stationing troops? They didn't demand exorbitant "protection fees"? This is simply... completely contrary to the logic of power that they've been accustomed to for decades!
Seeing their astonished expressions, Chen Jun's tone became even more earnest: "This is not my personal opinion. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are the foundation of our nation and a valuable diplomatic legacy left by our predecessors. I am merely a loyal executor."
"General Chen...does what you've said...are fully agreed upon by your country's highest levels?" The Peacock Kingdom diplomat couldn't help but ask, his voice trembling slightly. They were afraid that this was merely a personal, albeit unrealistic, promise from Chen Jun, and couldn't represent the ultimate will of that vast nation.
Chen Jun smiled calmly, but his tone was absolutely certain: "This is our basic national policy, and a consensus has long been reached. We will provide necessary security commitments and technical cooperation, but we will never send large-scale, organized combat troops to be permanently stationed on your territory. You can rest assured about this. We are 'different' from some countries; we have never thought of, and will never, consider ourselves, the 'world police'."
He paused slightly, his gaze sweeping over the two of them: "So, do you have any other questions or concerns regarding the basic principles of cooperation?"
Such a sincere, equal, and unconditional response completely shattered the psychological defenses of the two diplomats. Years of resentment from surviving in the cracks between powerful forces, the stifling feeling of being overly cautious, and the yearning for true independence, all mingled with immense gratitude and relief at that moment, overwhelming their emotions. Their eyes instantly reddened, and tears streamed down their faces.
"Thank you... thank you Yan Kingdom!" The Goguryeo diplomat's voice choked with emotion. "Thank you for not only helping us drive out the invaders, but also for giving us the long-lost, true dignity... We have no other questions!"
"We are willing to become Yan's most sincere and longest-lasting friends and partners!" The Peacock Kingdom diplomat wiped away his tears and solemnly promised.
Chen Jun nodded, his expression shifting from gratified to serious: "Regarding specific technical cooperation and assistance, we can provide it. However, some things must be said upfront." His gaze sharpened. "We cherish friendship, but we also abhor betrayal. Historically, among the friends we've helped, there have been 'ungrateful wretches.' If one day in the future your country's policies undergo a fundamental change, engaging in actions that harm our core interests and undermine regional stability, then we will not only immediately terminate all cooperation and withdraw the technology and equipment already provided, but we will also take all necessary measures to safeguard our own security and regional peace. Don't say you weren't warned."
He first laid out the sternest warnings, speaking frankly and bluntly. He was well aware of the realities and cruelty of international politics; today's friends may not be tomorrow's adversaries, especially after changes in the domestic political situation and leadership in the other country.
Ultimately, the agreement was successfully signed on the basis of equality and mutual trust. Yan Guo explicitly rejected the title and role of "world policeman," but through this incident, its image as a "responsible major power" that plays a pivotal role in regional and even global security affairs and whose style of operation is very different from traditional hegemons has been clearly established.
After seeing off the two diplomatic delegations, Chen Jun stood alone by the office window and let out a long sigh. Since the establishment of that so-called "Anti-Yan State Alliance," the pressure on his shoulders as the head of the National Strategic Security Bureau had been immense. From breaking through the blockade of advanced chips to leading the research and development and practical application of new equipment such as "swarm" drones, and now to strategizing and resolving crises in the surrounding region through asymmetric means, providing a safe haven for smaller nations… every step had been fraught with peril, affecting the very pulse of the nation's destiny. And what the highest levels of government had given him was unreserved trust and almost complete authorization.
At this moment, his long-tense nerves could finally relax slightly. A great sense of exhaustion washed over him, and what he needed most right now was a quiet time completely for himself and his family.
"The major matters are settled, and there shouldn't be any troubles that require my personal attention anytime soon..." Chen Jun glanced at the calendar, eager to go home. "It's time to go home."
Without further delay, he boarded a private plane that very night and returned to Donghai City.
It was past midnight when the flight landed. He took a private car back to his apartment complex. All was quiet except for the soft, dim glow of the streetlights. He gently pushed open the door; the house was serene, save for a motion-sensor light in the entryway, casting a faint, warm glow.
His wife, Anran, had already drifted off to sleep with their child. Chen Jun changed into slippers, tiptoed to the bedroom door, and gently pushed it open a crack. In the dim light filtering from the living room, he saw Anran's peaceful sleeping face and the child's carefree sleeping posture in the crib. The room was filled with a familiar, homey atmosphere.
He stood quietly at the doorway, watching for a long time. All the toil and hard work, all the exhaustion, all the risks and pressures, seemed to find their ultimate meaning and purpose at that moment.
The beautiful wife and lovely children before me, this warm and peaceful little haven... this is the simplest yet most precious happiness in the world.
And what he, and countless other guardians like him, fought and protected was the ordinary yet warm light within the windows of thousands of homes.
Chen Jun was not sleepy, so he just quietly watched his wife and children.
a long time.
The child kicked off the blanket and woke Anran up.
Having just settled the child, An Ran saw Chen Jun standing stiffly in front of the bed, and she almost thought he had come back to life.
"It's good that you're back, it's good that you're back. I was afraid you'd come back covered in a box..."
Chen Jun found it amusing, hugged An Ran, and inhaled her familiar scent, feeling completely intoxicated.
"You've really had a hard time while I'm away. Without you, this family would have fallen apart long ago."
Chen Jun had been standing by the bed for an hour, watching how An Ran comforted the child. She kept her eyes closed, which showed that this was how it was day and night. For adults who still had to go to work, this was even more arduous than going to the battlefield, and they simply couldn't get a good night's sleep until dawn.