"And leaves everyone else standing," Fang Ming finished.
For a moment, silence filled the room. Patrick finally lit his cigar, the flickering flame a harbinger of the storm to come soon.
"Very well," Patrick said, exhaling smoke. "Let's see if your strings can hold."
The tension in the room was palpable as Patrick lit his cigar, his face unreadable.
Across from him, Fang Ming spoke with calculated precision, his words carrying both weight and purpose.
"And if the two nations refuse to fight?" Patrick asked, narrowing his eyes.
"If their naval forces are immobilized, they'll be forced to march through Joseon and fight on foot.
Do you truly think Japan will accept such terms?"
Fang Ming's response was immediate, laced with subtle confidence. "You forget, General. Transport ships remain exempt.
During the Philippine War, even the Americans anchored their supply ships at New Lei without issue."
