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

Chapter 629: Formal Negotiations: The Sharp Sword Revealed

After a brief silence, Su Zhengyang cleared his throat and spoke to ease the tense atmosphere: "Ambassadors, our time is precious, so there is no need to waste it. Now, we will officially enter the substantive stage of the negotiations."

He looked around with an unquestionable firmness in his eyes, and then went straight to the point: "I want to know whether you have received a clear response from your government on the issue of returning the concession. Our country's position is very clear. The concession must be returned unconditionally. This is an unchangeable principle."

Su Zhengyang's words revealed a strong sense of oppression, which made the ambassadors of various countries feel more pressured. They looked at each other, knowing that the current situation was not optimistic for them. Except for the Bird Empire, other countries were still trying to mediate with Su Zhengyang through diplomatic means, trying to maintain control over the concession.

After hearing Su Zhengyang's request, the ambassadors of various countries realized that they could no longer remain silent. The first to speak was the American ambassador Johnson. He tried to remain calm, but his tone revealed a bit of helplessness: "Mr. Su, we understand your firm stance on the concession issue. But you also know that this is not just a simple territorial issue. It involves the resettlement of our country's overseas Chinese, economic interests, and domestic politics. Therefore, we do need more time to resolve these issues."

British Ambassador Charles Wilson spoke next. His tone was relatively mild, and he tried to ease the tense atmosphere through diplomatic rhetoric: "Mr. Su, our British government has always adhered to a peaceful and friendly foreign policy. Regarding the concession issue, we are also actively communicating with the country, hoping to find a solution acceptable to both sides. But please understand that this takes time and requires the joint efforts of both sides."

French Ambassador François Dubois followed closely and expressed the same concern: "Yes, Mr. Su. Our French government attaches great importance to friendly relations with China, but the concession issue is indeed a complicated issue. We need time to properly resettle the expatriates and deal with various reactions at home. We hope to get your understanding and support and work together to find a suitable solution."

Ambassadors from various countries expressed their opinions one after another, and their words revealed a common message: they need time, and they hope that China can stop its tough measures and give them more time to deal with this issue.

However, Su Zhengyang was not shaken by their words. He interrupted them coldly, his tone full of disappointment and dissatisfaction: "Ambassadors, I have given you seven days to communicate with the country. This is the greatest patience I can give. But until now, your attitude is still to delay and you are unwilling to give a satisfactory answer. This makes me very disappointed."

He paused, and scanned the ambassadors present with a sharp gaze: "I need to remind you that the concession issue is not only about China's territorial integrity and dignity, but also a serious issue concerning the interests and sovereignty of every Chinese citizen. If you continue to delay, then I will have to take more decisive measures to safeguard our country's interests."

Su Zhengyang's words made the ambassadors present feel unprecedented pressure. They knew that the Chinese leader's determination and will were firm, and they could not continue to delay. But they also understood that this issue did involve many complex factors and would take time to properly resolve.

At least judging from the reactions and decisions of the current leaders of various countries, they are unwilling to give up the fat piece of meat of concessions.

The meeting room fell silent again, but this time the silence was full of tension and uneasiness. Ambassadors from various countries were thinking about how to deal with this thorny issue, while Su Zhengyang quietly waited for their responses.

Facing Su Zhengyang's tough stance, Johnson tried to change the negotiation strategy. He adjusted his sitting position, looked up at Su Zhengyang, and said in a slightly sincere tone: "Mr. Su, we do need time to carefully consider the issue of the concession. But before that, we are willing to be tolerant of the losses caused by China in the concession and will not pursue it."

As if receiving some kind of signal, ambassadors from various countries joined in the serious melee. British Ambassador Charles Wilson also interrupted and said, "Mr. Su, we understand your insistence on territorial integrity, but you must also admit that the brutal behavior of Chinese soldiers poses a great threat to the safety of our expatriates. This is an undeniable fact."

French Ambassador François Dubois expressed her concerns directly: "Not only that, your actions have even caused a serious blow to the troops maintaining law and order in our concession. How can we make decisions easily?"

Ambassadors from various countries spoke at once, as if they were jointly weaving a dense web of words, attempting to use these accusations to offset China's tough attitude.

"President Su," Italian Ambassador Marco Imperato said, "our countries have shown great sincerity and will no longer pursue China's losses in the concession. This is a recognition of our friendship and a great honor for you. I hope China can reciprocate, understand our current predicament, and give us more time and space."

The words of the ambassadors from various countries were like a string of cannonballs, constantly exerting pressure on Su Zhengyang. They tried to divert the topic by emphasizing China's previous behavior, so as to gain more bargaining chips for themselves. However, Su Zhengyang remained unmoved. He listened quietly to these accusations and requests, but he already had his own plans in mind.

Su Zhengyang heard the remarks of the ambassadors from various countries, and a trace of impatience flashed in his eyes. He stood up suddenly, his eyes like torches, as if he wanted to burn the entire conference room. His voice was firm and cold, like the north wind in the cold winter, piercing and resolute.

"Ambassadors," Su Zhengyang's voice echoed throughout the conference room, "I have given you enough patience and time, but I don't feel any sincerity from your words. You are still trying to drag on the issue of the concession ownership endlessly, which is not only a great insult to me, but also to the dignity of China."

His words were like a sharp sword, piercing the hearts of ambassadors from various countries. There was a cold light in his eyes, as if he had already prepared for the worst.

"I'm telling you," Su Zhengyang's voice became even louder, "Tonight, the Chinese army will take tough measures to turn your concession into a scorched earth and a living hell under the artillery fire. I'm not trying to scare you, but I'm telling you a fact."

Every word he said hit the hearts of the ambassadors like a heavy hammer, making them feel unprecedented pressure. Their faces turned pale, and their eyes were filled with fear and anxiety.

Su Zhengyang was unmoved. He continued, "I know you may think I am exaggerating, but I want to tell you that I, Su Zhengyang, never speak empty words. If you want to continue to delay, then you will bear the consequences yourself."

His voice was firm and powerful, like an unshakable mountain. Ambassadors from all countries were intimidated by his momentum and dared not make any more sounds. The entire conference room fell into a dead silence, with only Su Zhengyang's voice echoing.