A new conspiracy carefully orchestrated by overseas powers erupted on the international stage like a heavy bomb, kicking up monstrous waves. In the energy sector, leveraging their formidable political influence and the lure of economic benefits, they used silver-tongued rhetoric to persuade certain oil-producing countries to join an oil embargo against Great Qing. As soon as this news broke, it swept through the international crude oil markets like a storm, causing oil prices to fluctuate violently in an instant. Domestic oil supplies in Great Qing immediately plunged into severe distress. The transportation industry was like an engine losing its power, with some long-distance transport routes forced to be curtailed; industrial production also suffered a heavy blow, and numerous oil-dependent factories had no choice but to reduce production, the roaring of machinery on assembly lines gradually fading. Meanwhile, logistics costs soared wildly like a runaway horse, placing a heavy burden on the entire economic system.
In the border regions, anti-Qing forces backed by overseas powers became increasingly emboldened and utterly arrogant. They frequently manufactured multiple small-scale conflicts in border areas, acting like a pack of rabid dogs wantonly disrupting local public order, turning the lives of border residents upside down, and severely threatening the safety of the people's lives and property. Even more frighteningly, these forces colluded in secret with international…
Chapter 179