When he said those words, everyone around him was involuntarily stunned.
Of the three ports on the western coast, Bruno Port is the largest, located in the middle. To its right, 30 kilometers away, is Foster Port, which is only one-third the size of Bruno Port. To its left, 80 kilometers away, is Joplin Port.
It's an old port, smaller in size, even smaller than Foster Harbor. In addition, its military facilities are outdated. The original plan was to complete the upgrade and renovation of Joplin Harbor this year, but it was delayed because most of the funding was spent on shipbuilding and weapons manufacturing. After all, Bruno Harbor, as the largest port of call, is already large enough to accommodate warships going out to sea.
Now, when Dingle brought up Port Joplin, everyone couldn't help but panic.
Since the enemy forces that control the sea can launch an attack on Foster Harbour, they should be able to go anywhere with impunity and attack any harbor they want, simply by sailing along the coast and relying on their faster warships.
It was only at this moment that everyone realized that they had been in a passive position from the very beginning.
All of this stems from their loss of control over the ocean.
"I...I don't think so..." an officer stammered.
"The enemy forces remaining here number in the hundreds, and they also launched an attack on Foster Harbor at the same time. They shouldn't... they shouldn't have more warships to attack all three of our ports simultaneously, right?"
Dingle pursed his lips and simply shook his head.
Bernhardt was still panting heavily, his eyes darting aimlessly left and right. He said in a trembling voice:
“Joplin Port is too far from us. If it has also been attacked and cannot come to us by sea to ask for help, we have no way of knowing what the situation is like there.”
"But...but Dingle is right, they...may also be attacked."
"We need to support them..."
"We must not allow Port Joplin to fall."
Upon hearing this, Dingle frowned and said in a deep voice:
"No, sir."
"We can no longer send troops out to provide support."
"Sending two divisions to support Foster Harbor is already our limit. If we send more troops, what about here?"
At this point, Dingle pointed to the sea and then said coldly:
“We all thought they were going to launch a full-scale attack on Port Bruno, but now we know that it is Port Foster that is actually being attacked.”
"But if we disperse our forces here to support the other two ports, who can guarantee that the enemy here won't turn the 'feint attack' into a real landing operation?"
"If they stay here, we cannot easily disperse our forces."
"We cannot allow the most important places to fall to the enemy just to plug a gap. What we need to do is to firmly defend the places that we can defend."
Dingle's clear and logical statement calmed the panicked and confused thoughts of many people.
All three ports are vulnerable to attack. While one can defend one port, another cannot. Frantically trying to salvage the situation will only increase the risk of all three ports falling into enemy hands.
It's like a leaky bucket with three holes in the bottom, but only one cork can plug it.
However, the situation remained extremely dire, and Bernhardt was deeply gripped by panic. He said:
"But if the other two ports are captured, then the Yan people will set foot on our land."
Dingle lowered his eyes and said in a deep voice:
"We have no choice but to trust that our troops can defend their respective ports."
"Foster Harbor has been attacked, and reinforcements have been sent out. Hopefully, they can hold out until our reinforcements arrive. As for Joplin Harbor... it would be best if it hadn't been attacked. If it has, we can only hope that they can hold it and send a request for help to the Southwest Military District as soon as they discover any trace of the enemy. There is an army stationed there less than 50 kilometers away."
"Comparatively speaking, Foster Port is more important; the Macedonian military factory is only twenty kilometers away from Foster Port..."
As soon as he finished speaking, Bernhardt's heart tightened, and he murmured:
"Twenty kilometers... that's too close... it's only a little over two hours' journey."
Dingle sighed inwardly, then straightened his expression and said:
"Gentlemen, don't be too discouraged. Have faith in our army. No matter how dire the situation, believe that they will defend the port to the death!"
Dingle's words to boost morale had no effect; the officers were all grim-faced, their minds in turmoil, and they had lost all confidence.
Bernhardt, at this moment, behaved like an ordinary old man who had become confused and dull-witted due to a blow.
He was still muttering to himself:
"How could it have turned out like this... How could it have turned out like this..."
Dingle finally sighed softly and turned to look at the sea.
The Yan Kingdom's fleet is still there, like a pack of wolves about to hunt. It is cunning yet exceptionally fierce. If given a chance, it will surely devour you with its sharp teeth and claws.
——
The night was deep.
The massive and magnificent steam-powered ironclad warship, Dinghai, slowly docked at the shore, and the soldiers methodically laid down wooden ladders leading to the land.
They descended the wooden ladder at a leisurely pace, and upon stepping onto the ground, they immediately formed two columns, standing straight in the cold night wind, awaiting the arrival of their beloved emperor in this foreign land.
This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
