Anti-Qing: Starting from the Jintian Uprising

Chapter 285 Guo Songtao: The Tang Dynasty has you covered!

Of course, the so-called consensus was actually Guo Songtao's excuse.

Britain, France and other countries did not express their views on this matter, nor could they express their support for the Tang Dynasty's seizure of the interests of the Netherlands and Spain in Southeast Asia.

Although the coalition forces are now in name only, Britain and France are still the leaders after all. How could they openly declare that they would abandon their younger brothers?
Have some shame!
There are many things that can be done but cannot be said!

The reason why Guo Songtao threatened the Netherlands and Spain was because he was sure that the Netherlands and Spain would not dare to question Britain, France and other countries about this matter.

As long as they don't ask, it's true.

Of course, if they really went to question it, the answer from Britain and France would definitely be no.

But will they believe it if Britain and France deny it?
Once suspicion arises in people's hearts, it is difficult to eliminate it.

Unless Britain, France and other countries are willing to organize an alliance again and fight the Tang Dynasty to prove their innocence.

However, as the peace talks progressed, the morale of the coalition forces had already dispersed.

It's impossible to organize it again!
Upon hearing this, Lawson and Hudson's faces turned dark.

My heart sank, knowing that I had been sold out by Britain and France.

Hudson said in a deep voice.

"I wonder what kind of compensation the Tang Dynasty wants?"

Guo Songtao said with a smile.

"First, the Netherlands and Spain will each pay the Tang Dynasty a war reparation of two million Tang silver dollars."

"Second, to ensure that you have no ability to start another war, the Dutch and Spanish should disarm the garrisons in Manila and Batavia and disband the fleets."

"Third, the Tang Dynasty must send officials to participate in the management of Manila and Batavia."

"Fourth, the Tang Dynasty will station troops in Manila and Batavia to provide you with security after the disarmament of the army."

"Fifth, when Tang merchants travel to Manila and Batavia to trade, the tariffs must be agreed upon by both parties."

“Sixth, the Tang Dynasty’s overseas merchants, as well as the Chinese in Southeast Asia, should enjoy the same rights and status as the Dutch and Spanish in Manila and Batavia.”

"Seventh, Manila and Batavia must issue a public apology for the war."

"eighth……"

Guo Songtao was about to say something else, but Lawson couldn't bear it any longer.

"Stop!"

"I'm sorry, Director Guo, the request made by the Tang Dynasty is something that our two countries cannot agree to."

Hudson said coldly.

"Director Guo, this peace talk was indeed initiated by our coalition forces, but this does not mean that our coalition forces have really been defeated."

"We will never agree to the conditions proposed by the Tang Dynasty even if we are defeated, let alone now."

"If the Tang Dynasty wants to negotiate, please stop raising these unrealistic conditions."

Guo Songtao certainly knew that the Netherlands and Spain would never agree to these conditions, but he still said with a sneer.

"is it?"

"The coalition forces did not lose the battle, but the Dutch and Spanish were not necessarily defeated."

"As long as the main force of the coalition forces withdraws, our Tang Dynasty can send troops to Southeast Asia at any time to retaliate against the invasion of your two countries."

When they heard this, both of them were startled.

Because that's exactly what they are worried about.

Once the main force of the coalition forces withdrew, the Dutch and Spanish troops in Batavia and Manila would not be enough to resist the retaliation of the Tang army.

Although the two were shocked, they still spoke stubbornly.

"The coalition forces are united and will not allow the Netherlands and Spain to be retaliated by your Tang Kingdom without responding."

Guo Songtao just sneered.

"Haha, do you believe this?" "Why do you think that the great powers such as Britain and France would launch an expedition that is doomed to fail for the benefit of the Netherlands and Spain?"

"If the allied countries really cared about you, they would not have ignored your two countries and signed a peace treaty with our Tang Dynasty in advance."

Guo Songtao’s meaning was very clear: the Tang Dynasty will definitely defeat you!

It’s no use even if Jesus comes, I say!
Britain and France might verbally protest to the Tang Dynasty for the sake of face.

But that's about it.

As for starting a war again?
That is absolutely impossible!

Upon hearing this, Lawson and Hudson remained silent, not knowing how to refute.

After a moment, Hudson asked in a very dry voice.

"What do you, the Tang Dynasty, want?"

Guo Songtao picked up the teacup, took a sip, and then spoke.

"Just those conditions."

Lawson and the other man shook their heads.

"We can't agree to such conditions. We can't pay compensation. Even if we do, we won't pay that much. We can't disarm our army, and we can't allow the Tang Dynasty to send officials and garrisons to Manila and Batavia."

"If the Tang Dynasty really wants to continue to force us, then we can only choose to fight to the death with the Tang Dynasty."

"Our two countries have operated the Manila and Batavia colonies for hundreds of years, so we still have some foundation."

Guo Songtao was not angry when he heard this, but just smiled and said.

"In that case, you can agree to the remaining conditions?"

The two looked at each other and Hudson said.

"Director Guo might as well propose some sincere conditions."

Guo Songtao put down his teacup and put forward the real conditions of the Tang Dynasty.

"First, the Tang Dynasty must lease a concession in Manila and Batavia."

"In the concession, our Tang Dynasty will send officials to manage it, and station a certain number of military police to maintain law and order."

"Second, the tariff agreement. When Tang merchants go to Manila and Batavia to trade, the tariffs must be agreed upon by both parties."

"Third, our Tang Dynasty expatriate merchants, as well as the Chinese in Southeast Asia, must enjoy the same rights and status as the Dutch and Spanish in Manila and Batavia. Crimes must be handed over to our Tang Dynasty for handling, not by you."

"Fourth, the colonies and ports of the Netherlands and Spain around the world must be open to trade and supplies for the Tang merchant fleet."

"Fifth, our Tang Dynasty must open academies in Manila and Batavia to spread Chinese language and Sinology."

"As for these five conditions, if the Netherlands and Spain can agree to them, then peace talks can be held."

"If you don't agree, then expect war!"

The two looked at each other, neither of them dared to agree rashly, they just said.

"We need to send someone to send a message to Manila and Batavia, asking the Governor-General to make the decision."

Guo Songtao did not refuse, but just served tea again.

However, this time serving tea did not mean inviting them to drink tea, but serving tea to see them off.

Lawson and Hudson took their leave and returned to the inn where the Allied delegation was staying with deep thoughts in their hearts.

The banquet is still going on.

Elgin and others were already drunk.

A group of people gathered together, indulged themselves in debauchery, and celebrated the conclusion of the peace talks and the peace.

No one cares about the current plight of the Netherlands and Spain.

……

After finishing this chapter, I still owe one more chapter!
(End of this chapter)