Chapter 315: Covering Eyes and Ears_1
Jiang Yu's words, like a heavy hammer, struck at everyone's hearts.
Sophon appeared as if it had suddenly crashed, pausing for a second or two before speaking again:
"'Dark Forest Law' is different from nuclear deterrence; one is a large-scale deterrence of the universe, the other is just deterrence between nations.
"'Dark Forest Law' involves third-party strike forces, while Earth's previous nuclear deterrence was just mutual deterrence, and besides, you are of the same species, you would exercise the utmost restraint, so the effects are definitely different!"
Jiang Yu smiled and said, "It seems the Trisolarans have produced talent in sophistry."
Then, Jiang Yu spoke seriously, "Don't confuse the issue. What I just mentioned was important, the 'Dark Forest' is a system of mutual deterrence.
"Even if the effects of the two deterrences are different, the modes are different, but the deterrence we have established is mutual, and my emphasis is on 'mutual'!
"Earthlings can use deterrence to force an end to your aggression, and if Earthlings threaten you, you can also use deterrence to compel Earthlings to stop dangerous actions. Only then is there a balance of deterrence.
"Both sides exercise restraint, and both engage in covert and overt struggles.
"However, you have been instilling in Earthlings the idea that this deterrence can turn you, a ferocious tiger, into a house cat, you are undermining the concept of mutual deterrence."
Sophon spread her hands and said, "What's wrong with that? By doing so, Earthlings stand to gain the most!"
"Doing so because you are preparing a cultural offensive!" Jiang Yu continued, "This is where humanity's problem lies: culture is our pearl, but at the same time, it's our Achilles' heel.
"Often, sturdy ships and powerful guns can't subdue us, but an influx and integration of values and culture can fundamentally make us willingly change."
Sophon smiled softly and said, "We have no such offensive!"
The white porcelain kettle had already boiled over, but she seemed oblivious, revealing her current state of mind.
"Then open up the Trisolaran World, let me monitor you at any time!" Jiang Yu became increasingly composed:
"I demand to speak with each of your leaders, the Governors, one by one, to discuss the current situation between humanity and the Trisolaran World!"
Sophon paused for a few seconds before saying, "Sorry, we cannot agree to such conditions."
Jiang Yu laughed and said, "Isn't deterrence supposed to make you bow and scrape? You can't even agree to this simple request?"
"We can't!"
"Still saying you don't lie!" Jiang Yu sneered, "Didn't you previously say that you didn't want to scare Earthlings and didn't want to contaminate Earth's culture, so that's why you didn't let us learn the details of your civilization?
"Why aren't you saying that now?"
Without waiting for Sophon to answer, Jiang Yu went on to answer his own question: "Because you dare not say so!
"If you said so, you probably already guessed what I'm about to say: I stand upright and have integrity; I will not be swayed by some ugly truths!
"No amount of sweet talk will be able to fool me! You can only bluntly refuse again, then making everyone realize, you're not bowed and scared by the 'Dark Forest Law!'"
Jiang Yu stood up and said, "You could even serve to prove that you are now acting like King Goujian of Yue, secretly scheming to once again take the initiative in this interstellar dispute, just waiting for the right moment to 'annihilate' us!
"But with me here, you can forget about succeeding!
"For the next half-century, it will be my Wallfacing process! With me here, the Solar System won't be destroyed, and humanity won't perish! This is my Wallfacing against you!"
Having said that, Jiang Yu got up and walked outside.
Sophon knelt there as if lost in thought, and only when Jiang Yu was about to leave the living room did Sophon suddenly stand up and ask, "Wallfacer Jiang Yu, what exactly is your plan?"
Jiang Yu turned around and gestured invitingly, "Please come and break the wall!"
In the midst of laughter, Jiang Yu strode away.
After Jiang Yu's wall-breaking process was live streamed, it caused an uproar in the Solar System State!
It was only then that people realized even with the deterrence of the "Dark Forest Law," humanity was still in danger and did not feel much safer because of the emergence of the deterrence system.
At PDC and Fleet International, their official websites and television channels did not broadcast Jiang Yu's wall-breaking process, but the upper echelons of these two political institutions all watched the recording of Jiang Yu breaking the wall.
After watching the recording, some were silent, finding it impossible not to ponder over it.
Most were complaining that Jiang Yu should not have spoken openly, actually failing to realize the Trisolarans' scheme—simply feeling that Jiang Yu was too inept, saying too much. What if the Trisolarans were unwilling to share technology with Earthlings anymore?
What if the Trisolarans were enraged?
In their opinion, even if they were aware of such matters, they should act ignorant and take advantage of the situation first.
Then there was a small group who believed that this was Jiang Yu's act of sowing discord, aiming to alienate PDC and Fleet International from the Trisolarans to ultimately serve an unmentionable secret of Jiang Yu or the Solar System State.
Essentially, this was a routine vilification of Jiang Yu—these people weren't foolish; they were vilifying Jiang Yu for the sake of it.
As for what the facts were, they knew very well in their hearts.
Ultimately, PDC and Fleet International unified their stance, claiming this wall-breaking event was definitely a ruse by Jiang Yu! Or, it was a display of his stupidity.
However, they were clear in their minds that they needed to be cautious around the Trisolarans from now on. But compared to an enemy four light-years away, they took Jiang Yu, the immediate adversary, more seriously.
Jiang Yu naturally had no time for these nonsensical matters. After the wall-breaking event, he returned to the Desert North Farm and requested to meet with Luo Ji from PDC.
Despite the smear campaign, PDC would still not refuse a request like Jiang Yu's, but they scheduled the meeting five days later.
Now, as the presence of Desert North Farm on Earth grew increasingly strong, PDC could only assert their power through such means.
Whether he met him sooner or later, Jiang Yu had no objection—it was a good opportunity to take a look around Desert North Farm in the meantime.
After taking a short rest, Jiang Yu first took the gifts he had prepared to visit Zhuang Yan and her daughter.
Zhuang Yan had lost that air of a young girl, her hairstyle and clothes had matured a lot.
Regarding Logic's departure, she wasn't overly sad, "He's a hero, naturally he has to do what a hero does. I support his decision. The moment he left, I felt how great his figure from behind was!"
Jiang Yu nodded, "It's just that you and your daughter will have to live in anonymity from now on, your existence could hinder Teacher Luo Ji's deterrence capability."
"I know, I've thought of that long ago," Zhuang Yan smiled, "Living a normal life is our hope."
"And your daughter?" Jiang Yu glanced at the well-behaved girl sitting on the side, her eyebrows and eyes very much resembling her father's. She seemed a bit indifferent, but her eyes were lively.
Jiang Yu said, "Does she also wish to lead an ordinary life?"
Zhuang Yan sighed, "We can't help but impose that on her!"
Jiang Yu shook his head, "There should be no grievances! Let her study and live normally, and later, depending on her choice, if she wants to go to space to see for herself, then let her go—I'll discuss it with the people from PDC."
"Okay." Zhuang Yan's gaze at her daughter held a trace of worry; she always took her father as a role model and would not allow herself to lead an unremarkable life.
But this was exactly what Zhuang Yan was worried about because while heroes are indeed great, most do not end up with good outcomes.