Chapter 1502: Chapter 1502 Negotiation Breakdown

In the main hall, the messengers from the opposite side sat in a row across the conference table.

They were clearly not used to this kind of meeting environment; previously, they had always sat in two rows below the hall, never having experienced such a strange seating arrangement for a council meeting.

After Long Fei arrived, he went over with Ji Wanrong.

Although Ji Wanrong’s expression had returned to normal, she couldn’t help but blush slightly upon seeing Long Fei.

Those unaware might have thought she was blown by the wind.

After both sides sat down, the official in charge of foreign affairs introduced everyone to each other.

Long Fei glanced around and saw a familiar face in this foreign affairs department, Liuu Qingzhu.

Last time at the Prefecture Princess Mansion, Long Fei had stood up for Liuu Qingzhu, using the opportunity to strike against the South Yangtze Prefecture’s commercial association.

This young man is quite eloquent, making him well-suited for this type of work.

He is currently following behind the foreign affairs officer, holding a minor secretarial position.

There was a young man in the opposite delegation, not very old, yet sitting in the front.

He stared at Long Fei with a cold gaze, even tinged with hatred.

The foreign affairs officer introduced him, “This is Aurelius’s Prince, Jin Wu.”

Long Fei curled his lips slightly, suddenly understanding that it was a vendetta coming, no wonder he looked so displeasing.

This time, the delegation was quite substantial, with the leader being an old rival stationed at the North Shore, General Hu Dequan.

The chief commander of this mission was Commander-in-chief Han Fang, overseeing all generals on the North Shore.

Although Hu Dequan was not a descendant of the old Eight Sects of Military Strategists, he relied on his own skills to climb to this position, and indeed, has some capability.

He handed a treaty to the foreign affairs officer and, with an arrogant demeanor, said to Ji Wanrong, “Commandery Princess, it has been a long time. Our Commander-in-chief sent me here not because we can’t defeat you or because we lack the ability to crush you, but because Commander-in-chief is benevolent, with a breadth of mind that encompasses the world, and doesn’t want civilians to suffer from war; hence he’s taking the initiative to negotiate with you.”

The foreign affairs officer handed the treaty to Ji Wanrong. After reading it, she handed it to Long Fei and said to Hu Dequan, “Lord Hu, I recall when you studied in the Capital City, you were my father’s staff officer for a while?”

Hu Dequan coughed twice and said, “That’s all in the past, why does Commandery Princess bring it up?”

Ignoring his words, Ji Wanrong continued indifferently, “I remember my father specifically mentioned you to me, saying you had great ambitions and your future would be limitless. You are indeed quite capable, sitting as the General of Huaibei at the age of forty. No wonder, now a high official with wealth, you naturally lack respect for a former leader.”

Hu Dequan flushed, glanced at his subordinates nearby, and had no choice but to stand up, clasp his fists, and bow to Ji Wanrong, “Forgive me, Commandery Princess. I’ve been in the military too long, naturally picking up some soldierly airs. If I’ve been disrespectful, please forgive me.”

These civil and military officials from the Academy always cherish their reputation.

Hu Dequan did not want to gain a reputation for ingratitude, so he immediately changed his attitude and looked up to Ji Wanrong.

This woman quietly suppressed his momentum; she is truly of imperial lineage.

The people at the negotiating table noticed this and admired Ji Wanrong.

Only Jin Wu scoffed, “Those who achieve great things need not adhere to these trivial rites. Let’s be straightforward, we came to reclaim the mecha you captured. If you return it to us, we will agree to both occupying the shores peacefully. Otherwise, if our army marches south, we’ll annihilate South Yangtze Prefecture, turning it into ashes, rivers of blood, corpses by the millions.”

Ji Wanrong responded with a gentle smile, “If I didn’t mishear, this gentleman should be a Prince of Aurelius, right? Since when did the Imperial Court in Chang’an let Aurelius take charge?”

The opposing negotiator flushed with embarrassment, and Hu Dequan exchanged looks with Jin Wu, signaling him to close his mouth.

He coughed twice and stated, “Prince Jin Wu also wishes for the matter to be resolved quickly, not wanting the civilian population on both shores to fall into the flames of war again. This Storm Ape Mech Armor originally belonged to Aurelius, and reasonably, you shouldn’t keep it, causing enmity with the external Ancient Clan. Therefore, the most crucial condition for this withdrawal is this item.”

Long Fei put down the treaty and suddenly chuckled twice.

The people opposite frowned at the sound, while Hu Dequan’s face turned sour, “Does Consort Prince think what I said is incorrect?”

Long Fei took a sip of tea and smiled faintly, “This is the first time I’ve heard that captured spoils of war need to be returned. Do you think this war is a child’s play?”

“This…”

Hu Dequan stammered and retorted, “Isn’t that precisely the condition for negotiation? You agree to these conditions, and we withdraw. It’s beneficial for both you and us. Do you wish to let a single mecha incite conflict between both sides again?”

In attendance, no one likely understood the Imperial Court’s bottom line better than Long Fei.

Including Hu Dequan, who might still believe that if the negotiation fails, the Imperial Court would spare no effort in attacking the South Yangtze.

Long Fei pointed to the treaty, “Perhaps you are not aware of the current situation, which is why you propose such absurd conditions. Firstly, you want us to withdraw our ‘Respect the Prince’ slogan and acknowledge the New Emperor’s ascension. Secondly, you want us to disband the New Army, and let the Capital City deploy guards in the South Yangtze Prefecture. Thirdly, you want us to hand over the Storm Ape Mech Armor and compensate Aurelius for its losses. Not even discussing the below terms, just these three — how do you believe we would agree? What qualifications do you have for us to comply?”

Hu Dequan’s face reddened, “Isn’t that exactly what we need to discuss? Negotiation, negotiation, we need analysis to negotiate, why does Consort Prince have to rush?”

Long Fei replied firmly, “Let me tell you the bottom line of our South Yangtze Prefecture. First, the New Emperor’s usurpation is illegitimate. We recognize only Crown Prince Ji Mingli, and until he ascends, we won’t remove this slogan.”

“Is there really no room for negotiation? Regardless of anything, the New Emperor has now ascended and declared himself Emperor. The people desire peace; why do you insist on causing their suffering?”

Hu Dequan fiddled with the teacup, seeing Long Fei unwavering and knowing the second and third conditions couldn’t be discussed either.

Long Fei scoffed, “Is General Hu trying to turn things upside down? Did we initiate this conflict? Whose position did the Crown Prince have stolen from him? Who caused the people’s suffering?”

On the topic of the New Emperor’s throne, Hu Dequan had no refutation.

By ancestral law, the throne was supposed to pass to the Crown Prince.

But the New Emperor used connections everywhere, finally deposing the Crown Prince and stealing the throne.

This matter has left many resentful even in the northern court, though none dare speak openly.

Long Fei didn’t intend to back down, forcing Hu Dequan to play his last card, “Based on Consort Prince’s stance, are none of these conditions negotiable?”

“What do you think, General Hu?”

Long Fei neither confirmed nor denied, knowing if the negotiation broke down, the fault would rest solely with Hu Dequan.

Hu Dequan was surprised at Long Fei’s cunning, swallowed his anger, and said, “If war breaks out, can Consort Prince bear the responsibility?”

Long Fei responded with a slight smile, “Our stance is consistent; as long as the Crown Prince ascends as Emperor, we’re open to discussion. If this isn’t agreed upon, we will stand by the conflict regardless of its duration.”

“You…”

Hu Dequan, at a loss for words, exchanged glances with his colleagues, rose together, and reluctantly bid farewell, “If that’s so, there is nothing left to discuss. When war breaks out again, I wonder how Consort Prince will answer to the civilians of South Yangtze Prefecture!”

After speaking, he departed with his men, while the foreign affairs officer of South Yangtze Prefecture quickly bid farewell to Ji Wanrong and Long Fei, leading his team out to host.

Ji Wanrong watched Long Fei with delight, feeling comforted having a man to shield against storms.

If she were alone, she’d undoubtedly be bullied to death by these people.