<strong>Capítulo 1789: Chapter 1790: Eight Commanders Discuss National Affairs</strong>


    The situation is urgent, Ailock must first deal with the rebel forces.


    The secretary quickly conveyed Ailock’s orders.


    At this time, Commander Five was secretly gathering his subordinates in his office.


    He wanted to do something significant with Rff, but first he needed to understand his subordinates’ positions. If someone sabotaged him, it would be all for nothing.


    To his relief, the officers below him were all supportive, eager to follow him.


    “Leader, when do we make our move?” one of them asked impatiently.


    After all, this was a once-in-a-century event. If they seeded, they would all be heroes.


    “Go back and prepare. I’ll notify you immediately if anything happens,” Commander Five said seriously.


    While they were discussing their ns, a guard suddenly knocked on the door and entered.


    “Report to the leader, Number One urgently summons you. Be there within twenty minutes,” the guard said hastily.


    “What?” Commander Five’s face changed at once. His first thought was that his n had been discovered by Number One?


    If that were the case, they would surely face dire consequences.


    “Is he calling only me?” Commander Five quickly asked.


    “I heard he’s called all eightmanders,” the guard dutifully replied.


    “Understood, dismissed,” Commander Five ordered.


    “Leader, what if Number One is suspicious? If that’s the case, we might as well rebel now,” one officer suggested.


    “It shouldn’t be. Not many people know about it,” Commander Five said with a determined look.


    “I think we shouldn’t go. Better safe than sorry,” another chimed in.


    The group remained silent until Commander Five suddenly pped the table: “We must go. Not going will definitely raise suspicion.”


    He dressed himself, tidied his military uniform, and told everyone, “Go back now and prepare thoroughly. No action without my orders.”


    “Yes!” Everyone stood and shouted in unison.


    Commander Five, with his guard toon, quickly headed to the meeting ce with Number One.


    By the time he arrived, the othermanders were already there, specting about the reason for their summons.


    “Commander Five, do you know what’s going on?” a few asked upon seeing him.


    “I don’t know. I thought you would know,” Commander Five replied, taking his seat.


    “We don’t know either.”


    Just then, Number One hurriedly strode over, his secretary cing a cup on the table behind him.


    “Please leave. No one is to enter without my order,” Number Onemanded sternly.


    The secretary nodded and exited, closing the door behind.


    Just then, the secretary’s phone rang again. He nced at it, eyes gleaming.


    He answered the call, holding it to his ear but did not speak immediately.


    The call was from Rff, unsure who was on the other end, tentatively asked, “Commander Cao asked me to call.”


    “Leader, it’s me,” the secretary whispered after checking around.


    Rff didn’t recognize the voice at first but was shocked after the secretary exined.


    The fact that Number One’s secretary was nted by Commander Cao’s group made him break into a cold sweat.


    Ailock gathered all eightmanders and directly stated, “The southern rebel forces areunching a massive attack on our base. Any suggestions?”


    Themanders exchanged nces. No wonder the leader had summoned them so urgently—it was about this.


    Commander Five secretly breathed a sigh of relief as long as it wasn’t rted to Rff.


    “Leader, a battle with the rebels is inevitable. I suggest deploying our troops full force topletely suppress them,” Commander One said indignantly.


    “I agree,” Commander Three chimed in. “The rebels have troubled our peace and stability for years. It’s time for a direct confrontation. The war is unavoidable, and the longer we dy, the worse it gets. I suggest immediate deployment.”


    The others expressed simr views, typical of military men advocating for engagement.


    Commander Five remained silent, contemting other matters.


    “Commander Five, what are you thinking about?” Ailock inquired, noticing his distracted state.


    “I, I…” Commander Five hesitated, then quickly said, “I’m thinking of other ways to resolve this.”


    “Do you have a better approach?” Ailock asked.


    “I suggest negotiating. The rebels have existed in our country for so long withoutplete elimination, implying their domestic influence isn’t simple. Eradicating them firmly isn’t easy and would deplete resources. War would bring devastation to our citizens.”


    “Are you suggesting negotiation?” Ailock frowned.


    “Yes, first understand their demands, stabilize the situation, then gradually weaken them,” Commander Five replied.


    “What’s there to negotiate? They’re already attacking our base—negotiation would only boost their morale,” Commander Three said anxiously.


    “That’s strategy, not capittion,” Commander Five argued.


    The two quarreled, others joining in the heated discussion.


    “Alright, stop arguing. I asked you here to discuss solutions, not to quarrel,” Ailock said, frowning in frustration.


    The room quieted. All eyes on Ailock, hoping for a decisive n.


    “You all make valid points. The rebels have grown too boldtely. We must eradicate thempletely, but if we rush troops in, they may evade us,” Ailock reasoned.


    After a pause, he continued, “We’ll negotiate first to stabilize them, then seize an opportunity to eliminate them.”


    The othermanders nodded in agreement.


    “Then who should negotiate with them?” Ailock nced at the eight.


    All eyes fell on Commander Five—having proposed it, assigning him the task seemed natural.


    “No, I can’t,” Commander Five said anxiously to Ailock. “Leader, I must confess. I was recently diagnosed with severe heart disease. I’m not afraid of death but dying there would disgrace us.”


    Though he spoke nobly, the othermanders eyed him with disdain…