Chapter 1129 Invitation Letter

At exactly seven o'clock in the morning, an electronic invitation letter with rigorous wording and solemn format was delivered to the highest command centers of the Western Theater Command and the Southern Theater Command almost at the same time through an encrypted communication channel.

Letter Regarding Invitation to Observe the "Pure Night" Military Operation and Participate in Subsequent Important Meetings

When this highly encrypted document, issued in the name of the Central Plains Theater Command, was presented to the desks of General Wei Jingfang, Commander of the Western Theater Command, and General Wu Xianglin, Commander of the Southern Theater Command, the shock it caused was no less than an earthquake.

Western War Zone, Underground Command Center.

Wei Jingfang, commander of the Western Theater Command, held the freshly printed document, his fingers unconsciously tightened, and the edges of the paper wrinkled slightly.

He read the title and core content three times before slowly raising his head and looking at Zhang Shouzheng, Zhou Yifeng, Dong Ping and others who had gathered around him, his face full of disbelief.

"They...are going to open a night market?" Wei Jingfang's voice was a little dry. "And, they're inviting us to watch?"

"Hiss—" Deputy Commander Zhou Yifeng took a breath.

"Recapture the Night Market? That's a massive city with a population of tens of millions! The number of zombies inside is probably in the millions, or even tens of millions!"

"Although the Zhongzhou War Zone is strong, as far as I know, their offensive against Yucheng is still ongoing at this time, right? Are they planning to fight on two fronts?"

This is so against common sense!

In the end times, any military action is full of uncertainty, especially the attack on large cities, which can easily fall into the quagmire of brutal street fighting and the outcome is unpredictable.

Actively inviting other forces to observe would be tantamount to exposing one's own weaknesses and seriously damaging one's own prestige and deterrence if setbacks or heavy casualties occurred.

There is only one explanation for why the Zhongzhou War Zone dares to do this - that is, they are absolutely confident in success!

Confident enough to show the entire offensive process to potential allies and even future opponents without reservation!

"It seems that we have underestimated their strength before." Lieutenant General Dong Ping, Chief of Staff of the Theater Command, said in a deep voice, his eyes sharp:

"Not only are they ahead of us in air force and army equipment, but they've also achieved breakthroughs in tactics and combat capabilities that we can hardly imagine. This observation is both a flex of muscle and a naked declaration of strength."

Wei Jingfang was silent for a moment, his fingers drumming on the table. "The key point is the meeting after the observation. 'Involving the future direction of the Zhou Dynasty'... Such a grand statement! But considering the strength they have demonstrated, I'm afraid it's not an empty promise."

"They might be taking this opportunity to establish some kind of...new order and rules."

"If that's the case, then I'm afraid we'll have to go..."

After guessing a possibility, the members of the Western Theater Command's Standing Committee became even more determined to go.

The reason is simple. Even if we set aside the current cooperation with the Zhongzhou Theater, everything involving the demarcation of new orders and new rules implicitly implies the logic of dividing the pie...

If that were the case, rejecting the invitation from the Zhongzhou War Zone would be like refusing to eat at the table.

Those present were all high-ranking military officials. How could they not understand this simple truth?

So soon, General Wei Jingfang, commander of the Western Theater Command, made up his mind and said to everyone:

"Call the Central Plains Theater immediately. The Western Theater has accepted the invitation. I will personally lead the team to observe!"

As soon as Wei Jingfang finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room stagnated slightly.

Although everyone understood that this matter was of great importance, the risks of having the highest commander of the war zone go to an area where a war was about to break out and was completely controlled by another party were difficult to estimate.

"Commander, we must be cautious about this matter!" The deputy political director in charge of internal security and safety spoke first, his brows furrowed and his tone serious:

"You are the pillar of our theater, responsible for the safety of the entire northwest. Although Operation 'Pure Night' is led by the Central Plains Theater, the battlefield situation is ever-changing, and no one can guarantee absolute safety. We can't afford to have you put yourself in such a dangerous place, just in case... We can't afford the risk!"

His concerns were reasonable and were immediately echoed by the other two more cautious members of the Standing Committee.

"Yes, Commander. While the Zhongzhou Theater has shown sincerity in cooperation, we must remain vigilant. Sending a comrade of sufficient rank and experience with the enemy to observe the operation fully demonstrates our commitment."

One of them said, looking at Zhang Shouzheng, director of the Joint Political Work Department. "Comrade Shouzheng established connections with the top leaders of Zhongzhou during his last visit. He's the most suitable person to lead the team."

Zhang Shouzheng, sensing everyone's gaze, expressed his feelings in a timely and sincere tone, "Commander, I am willing to lead the team. I will definitely fulfill my mission and thoroughly investigate the Zhongzhou theater of operations and the purpose of the meeting, and report back to you and the Standing Committee promptly."

Faced with his subordinates' dissuasion out of considerations of safety and security, Wei Jingfang slowly shook his head, a look of determination appearing on his face.

"I appreciate your kindness and concerns, comrades." His voice was steady, yet carried an undeniable weight.

"But precisely because this matter concerns the future landscape and may even determine the position of our Western Theater in the new order, I must go there in person!"

He stood up, placed his hands on the table, and scanned every member of the Standing Committee present with a sharp gaze:

"First, the level of importance. Sending a deputy or department head versus the commander in person sends a completely different signal and weight. The Central Plains Theater's invitation is of the highest standard. If we don't respond with equal respect, we'll be at a disadvantage in terms of momentum. How can we seize the initiative in subsequent negotiations?"

"Secondly," he said, a hint of curiosity and sharpness flashing in his eyes, "I've had a long-standing acquaintance with Commander Gu Chengyuan of the Zhongzhou War Zone! A commander so young and in command of such a powerful war zone, his abilities, courage, and skill are all worthy of my personal observation and judgment."

"Hearing is believing, seeing is believing. Only face to face can you truly understand the quality of this 'partner' or even 'potential leader'!"

He paused and offered a third, more strategic reason:

"The third and most crucial point is the Southern Theater! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! This is the first time since the apocalypse that the main leaders of our three major theaters have the opportunity to gather together."

"Before the formal meeting, we can fully utilize the time between observations to make preliminary contact with the Southern Theater Command, exchange information, and explore the possibility of cooperation."

"Having one more window to understand the external situation and one more potential strategic cooperation partner is of great significance to our Western Theater Command!"

Wei Jingfang's analysis progresses step by step, from etiquette to personal judgment, and then to macro-strategy, clearly and thoroughly explaining the necessity of going there in person.

The few people who originally held opposing opinions also showed a thoughtful look on their faces.

"But, Commander, your safety..." The deputy political director was still a little worried.

"As for security, since the Zhongzhou Theater dared to issue an invitation, they must bear absolute responsibility. If they can't even guarantee the safety of the observers, how can they even talk about retaking a city with a population of tens of millions?" Wei Jingfang said firmly:

"Besides, our own security forces are not for show. I have made up my mind on this matter. There is no need to discuss it further!"

His decisive words brought the discussion to an end.

"Immediately, officially call the Zhongzhou War Zone in my name!" Wei Jingfang ordered:

"The Western Theater Command has accepted the invitation. I will personally lead a delegation to observe Operation Clean Night and participate in subsequent meetings."

"Yes!" Chief of Staff Dong Ping responded solemnly.

Wei Jingfang looked out the window, as if he had already seen the city that was about to be baptized by war, and the gathering that would determine the fate of countless people.

He knew that once he took this step, there would be no turning back. The Western Theater Command must secure the most advantageous position for itself in this upcoming major change.