allonlinenovel Chapter 919 Shaking the National Foundation
Chapter 919 Shaking the National Foundation
Deep in the ancient and solemn hall of the Fuso Imperial Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the pale and haggard face of Emperor Ninto.
He was wearing an elaborate dragon robe, but it could not hide his sickly look. His sunken eyes revealed endless fatigue and worry.
The battle reports on his desk piled up like a mountain, and each one was like a heavy stone pressing on his heart, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
All of these battle reports conveyed the breathtaking situation on the front lines - China's iron hooves stepped onto the land of Fuso at an astonishing speed. In just three months, Fuso, which once boasted of being "the number one military power in Asia", had lost more than 70% of its proud million-strong army.
Kyushu and Shikoku, two islands once considered impregnable, have now fallen to the enemy one after another, with flames and smoke of war filling the air and widespread grief.
The most deadly situation is the situation on Honshu Island. This core area carrying the culture and history of Fuso is now caught in the flames of war. Cities are reduced to ruins, villages are turned into scorched earth, people are displaced, and cries and despair are intertwined.
Emperor Jindong's heart felt as if it was being burned by fire, painful and burning.
What shocked and despaired him even more was the large-scale desertion on the front line. Those soldiers who had been deeply brainwashed by militarism and swore to be loyal to the emperor and the country, now chose to escape in the face of life and death. These shocking scenes were like heavy hammers, hitting Emperor Jindong's already fragile heart.
He knew very well that the reason why Fuso was able to rise rapidly in a short period of time and launch invasions everywhere was precisely because of the almost crazy militarism. It was like a double-edged sword, which filled Fuso's army with fighting spirit, but also made them fall into blindness and fanaticism.
However, when faced with the cruel reality of war and the dawn of victory seemed out of reach, this idea quickly burst like a bubble, revealing the fragility and absurdity behind it.
Emperor Jindong closed his eyes. Those soldiers who once swore to defend their country with passion had now become deserters and lonely ghosts abandoned by history. He felt an unprecedented despair, as if the whole world had collapsed in front of him.
The enormous pressure was like an invisible mountain pressing down on his shoulders, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.
In the long history of Fusang, militarism is like an undercurrent, quietly but profoundly affecting every soul on this land.
It is not just a political system or military strategy, but also an ideology that is deeply rooted in the people and brainwashes and indoctrinates them through various channels.
First, the education system became an important battlefield for the spread of militarist ideas. From kindergarten to university, children were indoctrinated with the concepts of "dying for the country" and "being loyal to the emperor." In history textbooks, the glory of the empire was infinitely magnified, while aggression and conquest were glorified as "just" expansion.
Teachers told stories of their ancestors' heroic deeds in an impassioned tone, inspiring students' patriotic enthusiasm and fighting spirit. Young people who grew up in such an environment naturally accepted the values of militarism and regarded dying on the battlefield as the highest honor.
Secondly, the media and propaganda agencies played a key role in the spread of militarism. Newspapers, radio, and other media were strictly controlled and only spread information that was in line with the interests of militarism.
In news reports, wars are portrayed as glorious victories, while defeats and casualties are deliberately concealed or downplayed.
At the same time, a large number of propaganda tools and war-themed films were produced to further stimulate the people's fighting spirit and patriotic feelings by showing the cruelty and bravery of war.
In addition, the creation of a social atmosphere is also an important means of militarist brainwashing. The government creates a strong military atmosphere by organizing various commemorative activities, celebrations, and military exercises.
The streets were filled with military flags and slogans, and the public was encouraged to participate in military training and volunteer services. In such a social environment, militarist ideas were everywhere like air, penetrating into people's daily lives and thoughts.
Ultimately, militarism successfully built a society with "loyalty to the emperor and dedication to the country" as its core value system.
In this system, the value and dignity of an individual are closely linked to the fate of the country, and only by fighting and dying for the country can one obtain the highest honor and respect. Such ideas are like a solid shackle that binds the hearts and freedom of the people of Fuso.
Under the gloomy sky, the news of deserters from the front line hung over Fuso like a haze, forming a sharp contrast with the deep-rooted militarist beliefs, like a silent storm, shaking the foundation of the empire.
Emperor Ninto sat on his solemn and empty throne, gazing into the distance, his eyes full of worry and helplessness about the future.
"Your Majesty," Prime Minister Tojo Takehide's voice broke the silence in the hall. He stepped forward quickly with a solemn look on his face. "The news from the front is really distressing. The emergence of large-scale desertions is undoubtedly a huge blow to our militaristic spirit."
Emperor Jindong sighed softly, with a barely perceptible tremor in his voice: "Yes, Prime Minister Tojo. The militarism we have always been proud of now seems unable to withstand the fear brought by the Chinese Expeditionary Force. Facing death, the shadow of invincibility has overwhelmed the last line of defense in the hearts of young soldiers. This is not only a failure of the army, but also a shaken foundation of our country."
Hearing this, Tojo Takehiko's face became even more serious. He bowed deeply and said firmly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I have realized the seriousness of the problem. In recent days, there have indeed been tabloids spreading negative emotions, questioning the justice of the war, and even advocating pacifism. These remarks are like termites, gradually eroding the will of the empire. I have ordered a comprehensive investigation to find out the masterminds behind the scenes and cut off the spread of this negative thought at the root."
"At the same time," Tojo continued, "we also need to re-examine our education methods and propaganda strategies. Perhaps it is time to adjust our strategy and indoctrinate the people with militarist ideas more frantically."
Emperor Jindong nodded, with a complicated look in his eyes: "Prime Minister Tojo is right. Militarism is our tradition and belief. I hope your efforts can save everything and let our empire stand up again."
The two of them sat in silence, their silence revealing uncertainty and hope for the future.
The wind outside the palace seemed to be getting stronger, as if it was also telling the turmoil and changes of this era. However, in this precarious situation, the rulers of Fusang are trying to find a new direction, trying to find a ray of hope in despair.