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

Chapter 968 Harsh Conditions

"Third," Su Zhengyang's voice became more resolute, "all decisions of the Mitsui family must be approved by China. They are no longer a free family, but subjects under our supervision. They can only make any decision with our permission."

Having said that, Su Zhengyang paused and scanned everyone present with a sharp gaze.

He knew very well how harsh these conditions were for the Mitsui family, but he also understood that only such conditions could ensure that China's interests would not be harmed.

"Convey my decision word for word to Xiong Chang," Su Zhengyang ordered in a deep voice, "and have him tell the Mitsui family that this is their only way out. If they do not accept these conditions, then what awaits them will be complete destruction."

The correspondent stood at attention and saluted, his voice firm and powerful: "Yes, President! I will do it immediately!"

Under the dim light of the telegraph room, Xiong Chang paced back and forth anxiously, glancing at the telegraph machine from time to time, expecting a call back from the frontline headquarters. He knew the importance of this telegram, which not only concerned the fate of the Mitsui family, but also might affect the development of the entire war situation.

Finally, the telegraph operator's voice broke the silence in the telegraph room: "Report to Director Xiong, a telegram from the headquarters has arrived!"

Xiong Chang was shocked and quickly took the telegram and read it carefully. His eyes quickly shuttled between the lines, trying to capture every key information. However, as he read deeper, his brows gradually furrowed.

"These conditions... are indeed a bit too harsh for the Mitsui family." Xiong Chang murmured to himself, with a bit of helplessness and worry in his tone.

The deputy director noticed Xiong Chang's abnormality, took the telegram curiously and read it carefully. His face became more and more solemn as he read more, and finally he couldn't help but take a breath.

"Such harsh conditions are likely to make the Mitsui family dissatisfied, leading to the breakdown of negotiations," the deputy director said worriedly.

Xiong Chang sighed and shook his head helplessly: "This is what the president wants, and I can only try my best to complete it. Although these conditions are indeed very harsh, we must also consider the interests of the country and long-term development. If we can get the Mitsui family to accept these conditions, then it will undoubtedly be a huge victory for us."

The deputy director was silent for a while, then said: "But, Director Xiong, you also know the temper and character of the Mitsui family. They have always been the powerful class in Fuso, enjoying extremely high status and treatment. Now asking them to accept such conditions, I am afraid it will be difficult for them to swallow this breath."

Xiong Chang nodded in agreement: "You are right. However, this is a war, a life-and-death contest between us and Fuso. In this war, there are no eternal friends or eternal enemies. Only interests are the most real. We must do everything we can to make the Mitsui family accept these conditions and use them for our benefit."

At this point, Xiong Chang's eyes became fierce. He turned around and gave an order to the telegraph operator: "Invite Mitsui Kazuki to meet immediately. I want to talk to him in person and see if I can convince him to accept these conditions."

The telegraph operator acted quickly and began to contact Mitsui Kazuki, while Xiong Chang sat in a corner of the telegraph room, silently thinking about how to negotiate with Mitsui Kazuki.

In the spacious and elegant reception room of the Hetian Chamber of Commerce headquarters, Xiong Chang had been waiting for a long time. He was wearing a neat suit, smiling, and his eyes revealed a calm temperament. In the center of the reception room was a simple and elegant eight-immortal table, on which were placed exquisite tea sets and snacks, exuding a faint fragrance, creating a warm and solemn atmosphere.

Soon, Mitsui Kazuki, accompanied by two guards, slowly walked into the reception room. He was dressed in a traditional kimono, with steady steps and a solemn expression. Behind him, followed a tall, thin, and handsome young man. That was the young talent of the Mitsui family - Mitsui Hisashi.

"Director Xiong, long time no see." Mitsui Kazuki greeted Xiong Chang with a smile, his voice gentle but powerful.

"Mr. Mitsui, welcome." Xiong Chang stood up to greet him and shook hands with Mitsui Kazuki enthusiastically. His eyes then fell on Mitsui Hisashi and he said with a smile, "This must be the outstanding talent of the Mitsui family - Mr. Mitsui Hisashi, right?"

Mitsui Kazuki smiled and nodded, introducing his son to Xiong Chang: "It's my son. Shou'er, this is Director Xiong Chang of the Chinese Special Operations Department."

Mitsui Shou politely nodded to Xiong Chang and said, "Director Xiong, I have heard of your name for a long time."

Xiong Chang responded with a smile: "Mr. Sanyi Shou is indeed worthy of his reputation. I heard that you manage the family business in an orderly manner. It is really admirable."

Mitsui Shou smiled modestly: "Director Xiong, you are too kind. However, I have a small question. Since we are in Fuso, why don't we use tatami and low tables?" He glanced at the round table and a hint of doubt flashed in his eyes.

Xiong Chang smiled and said calmly, "Mr. Sanjing, you don't know that the so-called culture of Fusang is just a copy of others. Since the heyday of the Tang Dynasty, China no longer sits on the ground, but uses more comfortable tables and chairs. This Eight Immortals Table is one of the symbols of our traditional Chinese culture."

Mitsui Shou's face changed slightly when he heard this, and he was obviously a little dissatisfied with Xiong Chang's words. He looked at Xiong Chang with a hint of vigilance and hostility.

However, Xiong Chang remained calm and smiling, as he knew that it was crucial to remain calm and rational in this negotiation.

Seeing this, Mitsui Kazuki quickly tried to smooth things over: "Director Xiong is right. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Since we are in China, we should respect the culture and customs here."

He gave his son a reproachful look, signaling him not to be too impulsive. Seeing this, Mitsui Shou had no choice but to put away his dissatisfaction and forced a smile.

After both parties sat down, the atmosphere in the reception room became subtle and tense. Mitsui looked at Xiong Chang impatiently, his eyes flashing with anticipation and eagerness. He asked, "Does Director Xiong's sudden invitation mean that my last request has been responded to?"

Xiong Chang smiled and nodded, but did not rush to answer directly. Instead, he slowly stood up, picked up the teapot himself, and poured tea for Mitsui and his son. While pouring the tea, he said, "Mr. Mitsui, this is the unique Dahongpao tea of ​​China. It has a strong fragrance and a long tea flavor. Please taste it."

Mitsui Kazuki was slightly startled, obviously not expecting Xiong Chang to mention tea culture at this moment. He took the teacup, took a sip, and then exclaimed: "What a good tea! The fragrance of the tea is overflowing, and the aftertaste is endless. Director Xiong really has a unique taste, and he can taste such precious tea."

Xiong Chang responded with a smile: "Mr. Sanjing, you are too kind. Tea culture has a long history and profound heritage in China. Tea tasting is not only to taste the flavor of tea, but also to appreciate the culture and charm of it. Just like our negotiation this time, it is not only to reach an agreement, but also to seek a solution acceptable to both parties."