Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 630: Threatened out of Angry Humiliation

After Su Zhengyang's tough statement, the air in the conference room seemed to freeze. After a brief silence, American Ambassador Johnson took the lead in breaking the deadlock. He stood up, straightened his clothes, and looked directly at Su Zhengyang. Although his tone was calm, it was full of threats that should not be underestimated.

"Mr. Su," Johnson said in a clear and powerful voice, "I must emphasize that the United States, as a world superpower, is not afraid of any challenge. We have a strong military force, advanced industrial level, and a lofty status in the international community. We respect the independence and sovereignty of every country, but we will never tolerate any form of threat."

He paused, his eyes swept between the ambassadors of various countries, as if looking for resonance. Then, he continued to say to Su Zhengyang: "We hope that you can think carefully before making a decision. China is a great country with a long history and splendid culture. We don't want to see irreparable damage to the relationship between the two countries due to a momentary impulse. I hope you can solve the problem with reason and dialogue like a true gentleman, instead of threatening us with the safety of the concession like a madman without any manners."

Although Johnson's words were calm, the threat behind them was self-evident. He tried to force Su Zhengyang to retract his previous tough words by emphasizing the strength and status of the United States.

As US Ambassador Johnson finished speaking, the two ambassadors from England and France followed suit, expressing their support for Johnson and joining the ranks of threatening Su Zhengyang.

British Ambassador Charles Wilson stood up and said in his unique aristocratic tone: "Mr. Su, our Kingdom of England has always been a symbol of civilization and gentlemanliness. But in the face of unreasonable threats and provocations, we will never back down. We hope you can realize that any improper behavior towards the concession will cause a strong response from us and our allies."

Soon after, French Ambassador François Dubois expressed a similar position: "France is a symbol of freedom. We cherish peace, but we will not allow anyone to infringe on our interests. Mr. Su, your behavior has exceeded our bottom line. We hope you can take back your decision and have a rational dialogue with us."

While the two ambassadors were speaking, Johnson kept looking at the Byrd Empire ambassador Sekt. He noticed that Sekt didn't seem to be very interested in the matter. He sat quietly aside, sipping tea calmly, as if it had nothing to do with him.

Johnson couldn't help but feel a little anxious. He knew that as the hegemon of Europe, the position of the Bird Empire would have a decisive influence on the outcome of the negotiations. He hoped to get Seckt's support and put more pressure on Su Zhengyang.

So Johnson took the initiative to walk to Seckt and whispered, "Mr. Seckt, I hope you can understand the severity of the current situation. China's actions have threatened our common interests. I hope you can join us and put pressure on Su Zhengyang together."

However, Sekt did not respond directly to Johnson's request. He put down his teacup, glanced at Johnson calmly, and then said, "Mr. Johnson, I understand what you mean. But the Bird Empire has always adhered to the principles of neutrality and impartiality. We will not join any party at will. We prefer to solve the problem through dialogue and consultation, rather than through threats and pressure."

Johnson sneered at Seckt's attitude, frowning and feeling disdainful. In Johnson's view, Hidler, the head of the Bird Empire, was famous for his crazy war ambitions, but Seckt was so peaceful and neutral at this moment, which was simply ironic to him.

"This old man keeps talking about peace, but he forgets how the head of state behind him started wars everywhere." Johnson secretly mocked in his heart. He knew very well that the international influence of the Bird Empire should not be underestimated. If he could get their support, the pressure on Su Zhengyang would double.

However, Sekt's attitude at this moment made Johnson realize that the Bird Empire might have reached some kind of tacit understanding or consensus with China in private. This tacit understanding made them choose to remain neutral instead of standing on their side.

At the other end of the conference table, Su Zhengyang sat quietly, sipping tea while listening to the threats of ambassadors from various countries. There was no ripple on his face, as if all this was within his expectations. He sneered in his heart, he had long seen through the tricks of these Western powers, which were nothing more than delaying, threatening, and forcing.

Su Zhengyang put down the cold teacup in his hand, raised his head, and swept his cold eyes across the faces of each ambassador. He leaned forward slightly, and his voice was low but full of power, as if it could freeze the entire conference room.

"Everyone," Su Zhengyang said slowly, "Now, I hope to hear a clear answer from you. Are you ready to go to war with China?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the conference room instantly became tense. Ambassadors from various countries had different expressions, some were shocked by Su Zhengyang's outspokenness, while others were nervously thinking about countermeasures.

U.S. Ambassador Johnson was the first to break the silence. He looked at Su Zhengyang firmly, trying to suppress him with his momentum: "Mr. Su, we certainly don't want a war. But if you insist on using threats to solve the problem, then we have to consider all possible consequences."

The British and French ambassadors also expressed their willingness to resolve the dispute peacefully, but would never accept any form of threats. Although their voices were calm, the firmness revealed in their words should not be underestimated.

However, when everyone was ready to express their opinions, the Bird Empire Ambassador Sekt remained silent. He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if thinking about something. The Italian ambassador also wanted to join the ranks of other countries, but when he saw Sekt's unfathomable eyes, he couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart, and finally chose to remain silent.

"I know some of you may think I'm bluffing." Su Zhengyang's voice sounded again, his eyes sharper, "But I want to tell you that China has made all preparations. If you choose war, then we will fight to the end."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire conference room fell into deathly silence.

Johnson took a deep breath, his eyes fixed on Su Zhengyang, stood up, and began to express his position calmly and forcefully.

"President Su," Johnson's voice echoed in the conference room, "I must remind you. Although European countries are caught in the flames of war, we in the United States remain strong. We have the ability and confidence to fight a protracted war with China."

He paused for a moment, as if giving Su Zhengyang time to digest the information, and then continued, "You may not know that our core leadership has already made adequate preparations for various possible situations. From strategic deployment to logistical support, from weapons and equipment to soldier training, we have carefully planned and prepared every aspect."

Johnson's tone was full of confidence, as if he had already seen the winner of this war. "The United States has strong economic strength and technological advantages, which are the key to our victory in the war. Although China has developed rapidly in recent years, it still cannot compete with the United States in terms of overall strength."

Although his words were calm, every word was full of threats. He tried to force Su Zhengyang to give up his tough attitude and accept their conditions by emphasizing the strength and preparation of the United States.

However, Su Zhengyang remained unmoved. He listened to Johnson's speech quietly, with a hint of subtle mockery in his eyes.