Chapter 1479: Establishing an Empire (Part One)
After the reports from the various organizational heads, Yang Haoran confirmed that all high-level executives under his command were present. Without further delay, he immediately spoke.
"The reason I've gathered everyone here today is to announce a matter of great importance. This is something I've wanted to do for three years now, but the conditions back then weren't ripe. Implementing it would have been difficult, and forcing it through certainly wouldn't have achieved the desired outcome, so I temporarily abandoned it. Now, however, I believe the time is mature, and thus I've decided to proceed with this matter as soon as possible."
Yang Haoran sat atop the main platform. His voice was not loud, yet it resonated throughout the entire conference hall, amplified by his power. The high-level executives present were already wondering why Yang Haoran had convened all of Half-Moon Island's senior officials for a meeting today. Upon hearing his words, their perplexity only deepened.
They knew that anything Yang Haoran deemed "very important" was, without a doubt, extraordinary. Otherwise, he wouldn't treat it with such gravity, nor would he have temporarily abandoned it due to the timing not being ripe. Yet, what exactly this matter was, left them both perplexed and intensely curious.
From his elevated position, Yang Haoran surveyed the expressions of the high-level executives, naturally noticing the bewilderment on their faces and in their eyes.
No one dared to question Yang Haoran. On one hand, it was because no one was audacious enough to do so in such a setting. On the other hand, they knew Yang Haoran would certainly explain the matter next, and then their confusion would naturally resolve itself, rendering any preemptive questions unnecessary.
The crowd maintained a tacit silence. Yang Haoran had no intention of keeping them in suspense. Seeing that all the high-level executives were, without exception, puzzled, he spoke directly and plainly.
"I have decided to establish our Half-Moon Island as a nation, a country belonging to the people of Half-Moon Island! Furthermore, I intend to utilize all means and resources to forge this nation into a super empire!"
In that moment, though the confusion in the executives' hearts had successfully dissipated, and they finally understood why Yang Haoran had suddenly summoned them today, their understanding was instantly replaced by shock. How could they have possibly guessed that Yang Haoran, rushing to gather all of them, would be for *this* matter?
This was indeed a monumental undertaking; for any high-level executive present, it was an astonishingly significant event. However, their fervent reaction, the shattering of the hall's tranquility, wasn't due to shock at the impossibility of the task. Instead, it was born from sheer, involuntary excitement, rising from the depths of their hearts, over Yang Haoran's decision!
Of course, none of the high-level executives present doubted Yang Haoran's ability to found a nation. Even starting from scratch, they believed that as long as Yang Haoran willed it, he would find a way to establish a country. However, once such a nation was built, it would certainly face numerous problems. Whether it could overcome these difficulties, and how long it would take for the nation to achieve stable development, remained uncertain.
However, Half-Moon Island was far from starting from scratch. Thanks to the efforts of Zhu Rong and others, Half-Moon Island had already flourished and successfully embarked on the right path, essentially indistinguishable from an independent nation. To found a nation under such conditions on Half-Moon Island would pose no problem whatsoever; it wouldn't just avoid negatively impacting the island's development, but would even aid it. And as the chief figure of Half-Moon Island, Yang Haoran's decision to establish a nation was a matter of a single word.
Before its establishment as a nation, no matter how much Half-Moon Island resembled a country, it was ultimately just an island, not a nation. The perception, both for its own people and for outsiders, would differ. However, once Half-Moon Island became a nation, its fundamental nature would completely transform.
In the past, if Yang Haoran had a major decision to make, even if he gathered his high-level subordinates, he would discuss it with them, listen to their opinions, and not act unilaterally. This time, however, was an exception. Yang Haoran showed no intention whatsoever of listening to anyone's suggestions; he directly announced his decision to found a nation in public. This clearly demonstrated the magnitude of his resolve on this matter — so great that he absolutely would not permit any opposition.
The vast majority of the high-level executives present were Yang Haoran's trusted confidantes, so even without him explicitly stating it, they could sense the immense depth of his determination regarding this matter. As for those high-level executives who were not his direct confidantes, having ascended to such ranks meant they certainly possessed keen intellect, and could naturally discern his resolve from his tone and phrasing.
All the high-level executives, of course, would not oppose Yang Haoran's decision, for they saw no problems with it. Furthermore, many executives felt that Yang Haoran's decision was absolutely necessary. Given Half-Moon Island's current scale and strength, establishing a nation was only natural; it should not continue as it was. Some executives had even harbored the idea of founding a nation for a long time, but had not found a suitable opportunity to report their thoughts to Yang Haoran. Now that Yang Haoran had made such a decision, it perfectly aligned with their desires.
The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly fervent. Aside from the executives who habitually kept their emotions hidden, the others were visibly excited. Had it not been for the unsuitable setting, some executives might even have shouted in elation, using it as a means to express their inner joy!
The silence in the hall was broken, and the entire conference chamber grew increasingly boisterous. While the clamor didn't reach the level of a bustling market, for a conference hall, such noise was quite excessive. After all, those seated were Half-Moon Island's high-ranking figures, and their incessant chattering and whispering were somewhat unseemly.
Yang Haoran observed the reactions of all the high-level executives. Far from being displeased by their loss of composure, he appeared quite happy, for this was precisely the outcome he desired.
A day later, an explosive piece of news swept across Half-Moon Island. Half-Moon Island was soon to be established as a nation. Under the deliberate promotion of the authorities, both public officials and common citizens learned of this development. The news caused an immense sensation throughout Half-Moon Island, akin to an unprecedented earthquake.
Upon learning the news, the vast majority of Half-Moon Island's populace was genuinely thrilled, for this would be a historical moment, and they, its witnesses. As integral parts of Half-Moon Island, how could they not be excited!
Furthermore, a home only exists with a nation. Only by founding a nation would the people of Half-Moon Island truly have a home in a meaningful sense. This would not only foster a stronger sense of belonging among the people but also ignite a feeling of pride. The stronger the nation, the more intense the pride in its people's hearts.
Currently, throughout Half-Moon Island, while not everyone felt a complete sense of belonging, at least the vast majority had a strong one. And they, naturally, wholeheartedly supported the founding of a nation on Half-Moon Island. As for those who temporarily felt less attached to Half-Moon Island, their attitude towards its establishment as a nation was rather indifferent, for in their eyes, whether Half-Moon Island became a nation or not held little relevance to them.
The time for the grand founding ceremony was set for six months later. The reason for not holding it immediately was the extensive preparatory work required. Holding a grand ceremony without sufficient preparation would indeed be too frivolous, certainly leading to numerous embarrassments. Not only would it fail to achieve the desired effect, but it would also disappoint, and even mortify, the people of Half-Moon Island. This was not the outcome Yang Haoran desired.
Therefore, the preliminary work for the grand founding ceremony had to be meticulously done, without the slightest carelessness. This was precisely why Yang Haoran set the ceremony for six months later: he wanted to give his subordinates ample time to prepare for it!
Yang Haoran's residence was located at the very center of Half-Moon Island. As it was his abode, it was also the most crucial and most heavily guarded area on the entire island. After consulting with his high-level subordinates, Yang Haoran decided to reconstruct this area of his residence into a palace.
Before founding a nation, the existence of a palace was naturally irrelevant. But since a nation was to be established, then a palace belonging to this nation was absolutely necessary. It would be a national emblem, a banner, and simultaneously a spiritual anchor for the people — an indispensable presence.
Such an important location, once war broke out, would inevitably become the enemy's primary target for destruction or occupation. Therefore, to ensure the palace's safety as much as possible, the selection of its site naturally became critically important.
Furthermore, as this palace would serve as the nation's banner, a too-secluded location would certainly not do; it would be too disgraceful. Therefore, after careful consideration and consultation with his subordinates, Yang Haoran ultimately decided to construct this palace in the area of his current residence, requiring only renovation and expansion!
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