ebookland Chapter 1269: Invitation from Song Yi's Family
Chapter 1269: Invitation from Song Yi's Family
The morning sun shines through the curtains into the room, and Chen Tong has finished his morning exercise. This VIP suite in the presidential palace is luxurious and comfortable, but he knows that this is just a microcosm of the complex politics of South Asia.
As soon as we arrived at the Chinese Army's base, a young staff officer came over quickly and said, "General, this has just been delivered."
Chen Tong took the gold-stamped invitation letter and felt it warm to the touch. On the envelope was printed an ancient family emblem - a golden eagle with its wings spread hovering above a coconut tree. This was the symbol of the Song Yi family, a large family with deep roots in the Indonesian archipelago.
"Song Yi family..." Chen Tong whispered the name, with a hint of thought in his eyes.
Chief of Staff Wang Chengan, who was standing nearby, added softly: "General, this family's influence in Indonesia is extremely astonishing. They not only control the largest shipping company in the archipelago, but also several banks, plantations and mining companies. In the political world, at least twenty members of Congress are related to them."
"Interesting," Chen Tong opened the invitation letter, "They sent us the invitation on the first day we arrived. It seems they have been paying attention to our movements."
The invitation letter was written in an elegant font: General Chen is sincerely invited to visit Song Yi Manor tomorrow afternoon for afternoon tea.
"General, do you want to accept it?" Wang Cheng'an asked, "After all, we have just arrived..."
Chen Tong smiled and said, "Why not? This family has been able to run the islands for generations, so they are obviously not ordinary people. They chose this time to send out the invitation, which must have a deep meaning."
He walked to the window and looked at the busy port in the distance, where several large cargo ships with the Song Yi Shipping logo were anchored.
"You know what?" Chen Tong said thoughtfully. "During the most difficult period of the Fuso War, the Songyi family neither defected to Fuso nor fled abroad. They chose to stay and silently support the resistance movement. Such a family deserves our attention."
"But the generals," Wang Chengan reminded, "don't seem to have a good relationship with Sukarno."
"This is where it gets interesting," Chen Tong turned around, a glimmer of wisdom in his eyes, "A family that can call the shots in the archipelago keeps its distance from the current leader. What does this mean?"
Wang Chengan suddenly realized: "It means they have their own plans."
"That's right," Chen Tong nodded, "In this complex land, the army alone is not enough. We need to understand every important political force."
He looked at the invitation in his hand and continued: "Notify the guard company to accompany me to Song Yi Manor tomorrow. In addition, let the intelligence team collect detailed information about Song Yi's family as soon as possible."
&34;Yes!&34;
After Wang Chengan left, Chen Tong looked towards the port again. Under the sun, the cargo ship of Song Yi's family was slowly sailing out of the port and heading towards the vast ocean.
What role will this mysterious and powerful family play in his South Asian chess game? Tomorrow's afternoon tea may provide some answers.
The next afternoon, a fleet of black luxury cars slowly drove into the Chinese Army's base. A young man in a white linen suit got out of the first car, his gestures revealing elegance and calmness.
"General Chen," he smiled and held out his hand, "I am Song Yilinsha, and it is an honor to come and greet you in person."
Chen Tong shook hands with him. The heir of the Songyi family looked to be in his early thirties, with clear and wise eyes, and his manners were both reserved like the Chinese and elegant like the Indonesian nobility.
"I am flattered that Mr. Lin Sha came to pick me up personally," Chen Tong said.
"General, you are too polite," Lin Sha said with a smile, "It is an honor for our Song Yi family to welcome the hero from China. I have heard about your deeds on the battlefield in Fuso."
Along the way, Lin Sha showed great enthusiasm and introduced the scenery along the way to Chen Tong from time to time. His conversation was neither humble nor arrogant, showing his high level of education.
When the motorcade drove into Song Yi Manor, Chen Tong could not help but secretly marvel. This manor, covering hundreds of acres, perfectly blended the architectural styles of the East and the West, and everywhere showed the owner's taste and financial resources.
"My father has been waiting in the reception room for a long time," Lin Sha said, "He is old and rarely sees outsiders, but he is particularly looking forward to seeing you, General."
Passing through the corridor with carved beams and painted buildings, Chen Tong was led into an antique reception room. Sunlight poured in through the stained glass windows, illuminating the precious antiques in the room.
An old man in traditional clothes was sitting on a throne. His face was thin but dignified, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and his gestures exuded a powerful aura.
"General Chen," the old man stood up with a kind smile on his face, "I am Song Yimingde. Welcome to my humble home."
"Mr. Song Yi, you are too polite," Chen Tong bowed slightly, "It is my honor to receive your invitation."
"Come, please take a seat." The old man motioned Chen Tong to take a seat, "Lin Sha, ask them to serve tea."
Lin Sha withdrew respectfully. Soon, the servants brought exquisite refreshments.
"This is our special oolong tea," the old man poured tea for Chen Tong himself, "The general is leading a large army at such a young age, which reminds me of my younger self."
Chen Tong took the teacup and noticed that although the old man was over 60 years old, he was still vigorous and his eyes were bright. This business tycoon who had been calling the shots in Indonesia for decades obviously still had a sharp mind.
"General," the old man took a sip of tea, his eyes deep, "Do you think that Indonesia is now like an eagle about to take off, or a canary trapped in a cage?"
This seemingly casual question actually contained a lot of meaning. Chen Tong knew that the formal conversation had just begun.
Chen Tong gently put down his teacup and looked at an old banyan tree outside the window. The banyan tree was lush and leafy, with tangled aerial roots, and it had become more vigorous despite the wind and rain.
"Mr. Song Yi," Chen Tong said with a smile, "I think that Indonesia today is more like this banyan tree."
The old man's eyes flashed with interest: "Oh? Please tell me about it."
"Look," Chen Tong pointed out the window, "this banyan tree has taken root here and has experienced countless storms. Its roots go deep into the ground, and its branches extend in all directions. It will not be easily uprooted, nor will it be broken by a temporary storm."
He continued: "Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, just like the roots of this banyan tree, seemingly scattered but actually connected. The people of each island and the culture of each ethnic group are the foundation of this land."
Song Yimingde nodded thoughtfully.
"As for the eagle and the canary you mentioned," Chen Tong said softly, "one is too radical, and the other is too conservative. What Indonesia needs is steady growth like the banyan tree. It needs to climb upwards and pursue progress, while also taking root in the land and maintaining stability."
The old man's eyes sparkled: "General, your metaphor is very interesting. In your opinion, does Indonesia also need a timely rain to nourish this banyan tree?"
Chen Tong understood the old man's hidden meaning, but he remained calm: "For any life to thrive, it needs sunshine and rain. But the key is that the amount of rain must be appropriate. Too much will drown the roots, and too little will not quench the thirst."
"Well said!" The old man slapped his hands on the table and said, "The general is a veteran of many battles. His words are absolutely flawless."
Lin Sha on the side also showed an appreciative look.
"These are just some superficial opinions," Chen Tong said modestly, "I hope Mr. Song Yi will give me some advice."
The old man stroked his beard and smiled: "General, you have such insight. No wonder President Su sent you here. This cup of tea is for you."