Anti-Qing: Starting from the Jintian Uprising

Chapter 435 Negotiation and Surrender (6k)

Amidst the shouts, the medical personnel of the Tang army rushed up and began to rescue the wounded who had fallen to the ground.

"quick!"

"Tourniquet! Where's the tourniquet?"

"Where's the stretcher? Hurry up and carry the person down! Be careful not to let him fall!"

"..."

While the medical staff was rescuing the wounded, the Tang army continued its offensive.

However, just as the Tang army was attacking and charging fiercely, a burst of gunfire was heard from a building on the street.

Several Tang army soldiers were caught off guard and were knocked to the ground.

This is what street fighting is like. The enemy may appear from nowhere and pose a threat to your side.

"Be careful of the enemies in the building!"

"Grenade ready!"

Amid shouts, several grenades were thrown into the building through the windows.

The explosion was heard and the building collapsed instantly, killing the Dutch soldiers hiding inside on the spot.

The Tang army continued to launch an offensive!

Although still advancing towards the Governor's Palace and City Hall, the speed of advancement was visibly slowing down.

This is still not a good thing for the Dutch.

Because the news of the Dutch being defeated one after another, the Tang army advancing and their defeat coming in continuously, put even greater psychological pressure on the Dutch.

Simon kept mobilizing troops to set up defenses and fill positions, but he found that his mobilization of troops was obviously slow and not as smooth as before.

After experiencing layer upon layer of blows, the people under them began to give up, delaying as much as possible and not going if possible. No one wanted to fight the Tang army.

……

"Your Excellency the Governor, we can't stop it!"

"The Tang army's vanguard is only two blocks away from the Governor's Mansion."

"According to the Tang army's current offensive rhythm, the Tang army will be able to reach the Governor's Mansion in half an hour at most..."

Simon found Governor Alfonso with a dejected look on his face and reported the depressing news to him.

Alfonso opened his mouth, wanting to scold, but in the end nothing came out.

"Now that things have come to this, what does General Simon think we should do?"

Simon took a deep breath.

"The war has reached this point, and there is no hope of victory. There is no point in continuing the stalemate."

"It's better to negotiate with the Tang army!"

"While we still have strength, we can get good conditions if we negotiate..."

There was one thing Simon didn't say, which was that once the Tang army reached the Governor's Mansion, even if the Dutch wanted to surrender, there would probably be no room for surrender.

Alfonso took a deep breath and said with a somewhat dejected expression.

"All right!"

"It seems that this is the only way now."

Suddenly, as if remembering something, Alfonso said to Simon.

"By the way, doesn't Congressman Dave have a good relationship with the Tang Kingdom?"

"Let Councillor Dave preside over this peace talk."

Simon hesitated for a moment, then continued.

"It may not be appropriate for Councillor Dave to do it alone. I'm afraid that Dave will be too weak when facing the Tang people and won't be able to negotiate good terms."

"Why not let Director Oliver go too!"

"Oliver is a hardliner. If he and Simon work together, they can play a better role in the peace talks and strive for better conditions."

After hearing this, Alfonso thought for a while and nodded in agreement.

Soon, he sent someone to talk to Dave and Oliver.

At the same time, he also deliberately instructed Simon to command the army to stop the offensive of the Tang army.

Because only if Simon blocks the offensive of the Tang army will the peace talks make sense.

Otherwise, the peace talks are just a joke!
……

boom! Boom boom!

The shelling continued.

Dave, Oliver and others crossed the battle line and came to the Tang Concession.

He also met Song Qingzheng, the chief officer of the Tang Concession, in the government office of the development zone.

Song Qing was sitting on the sofa, leaning back with an obviously relaxed posture.

The reason for this is very simple.

Because now he has the confidence to relax!
The Tang army now had an overall advantage on the battlefield, the Dutch army was losing ground, and this time it was the Dutch who took the initiative to negotiate.

As he was in the dominant position, he was naturally relaxed.

On the contrary, the Dutch on the opposite side were obviously nervous.

Dave was fine, as he had already made a deal with Datang in advance and had some confidence.

But Oliver was another story. He sat there, obviously at a loss, with fear visible on his face.

At this time, he had even prepared himself to be left in the Tang Concession and never be able to return.

Looking at Song Qingzheng who was calm and composed, and then looking at Dave who was standing beside him without changing his expression, Oliver was impressed.

God, Councilman Dave's psychological quality is really outstanding!

He remained calm in front of the Tang officials. I am really far inferior to them!
Finally, Song Qingzheng spoke.

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

"Right now, my Tang Dynasty is at war with the Netherlands, and the soldiers are fighting fiercely on the front line. I wonder what is your purpose in coming to my place?"

Dave took a deep breath and said in a pretentious manner.

"Your Excellency, District Governor, I believe this war is a complete mistake."

"Now, both you and I have sacrificed so many soldiers. If we continue fighting, there will probably be more casualties."

"I think it's time for peace talks!"

"Let us use negotiation to end this wrong war that should never have happened!"

Song Qingzheng showed no emotion when he heard this, and he just continued speaking expressionlessly.

"You Dutch people started the war."

"Now that you can't win the fight, you want to cease fire?"

"Why, do you Dutch have the final say in this war? If you want to fight, then fight. If you can't win, then stop?"

"You guys are so shameless!"

Dave heard this and took a deep breath.

"We, the Dutch authorities in Batavia, are willing to pay a certain price for the rare peace."

Song Qingzheng shook his head and said.

"This is not enough!"

"What the Tang Dynasty wants is unconditional surrender, otherwise there is no need to talk!"

Dave heard this and immediately spoke.

"Your Excellency, District Chief, the war has reached this point, and both you and I have suffered considerable casualties."

"Although we Dutch are in a passive position, we are not powerless to fight back. If we resist with all our strength, even if you can finally take Batavia, you will definitely have to pay a heavy price."

"What's more, our fleet is still at sea and can be deployed at any time. We are not powerless to fight back!"

"Unconditional surrender is impossible!"

Song Qingzheng continued.

"Then keep fighting!"

"I believe it won't be long before our Tang soldiers advance to the Governor's Mansion!"

"Either you surrender unconditionally or continue fighting!"

Hearing this, Dave seemed to have made a difficult decision, gritted his teeth and continued.

"We can surrender our army and even change our fleet, but we need to be responsible for the Dutch living in Batavia."

"I hope that the Tang Dynasty can make a guarantee to ensure the safety of life and property of the Dutch living in Batavia."

Seeing that the show was almost over, Dave changed the subject and talked about surrender.

Oliver on the side opened his mouth, but in the end he dared not say anything and did not dare to raise any objections.

It was quite ironic that he was sent to play the bad guy in the negotiations, but he never dared to speak.

Song Qingzheng pretended to think for a while, then said.

"can!"

"The Tang Dynasty is civilized and polite, and will never kill innocent people indiscriminately."

"As long as you Dutch are willing to surrender to the Tang Dynasty, I can guarantee that I will not deliberately target you Dutch."

“The safety of Dutch lives and property remains guaranteed!”

"I can even set up a maintenance council in Batavia and invite the Dutch to serve in the council to help the Tang Dynasty manage the Dutch in Batavia..."

Well, this was something that Datang had discussed with Dave in advance.

The purpose of setting up a maintenance association is very simple.

Because the population structure of Batavia is mainly Dutch, followed by Chinese and indigenous people.

Among them, the Dutch occupied an absolute dominant position.

If the Tang Dynasty wanted to properly govern Batavia, it should turn Batavia into a source of revenue and tax revenue that could pay taxes and replenish the Tang Dynasty's finances, rather than a blood-sucking quagmire of war.

Properly dealing with the Dutch in Batavia is an issue that the Tang Dynasty must consider.

Even the most important question!
It would certainly not be appropriate to kill them all. In this case, it would be very important to use the Dutch traitors as guides to manage the Dutch in Batavia.

It is definitely the most rational choice to use this maintenance meeting method to gradually deprive the Dutch of their power in Batavia and successfully complete the power transition in Batavia at the lowest cost.

Dave heard this and said immediately.

"Please be more considerate, Mr. District Mayor."

Seeing this, Song Qingzheng said meaningfully.

"I think Councillor Dave is a very suitable person to be the chairman of this maintenance association."

When Dave heard this, although he was very happy, he still spoke politely.

"No, no, no, such a big task cannot be given to me, but should be given to His Excellency the Governor..."

Upon hearing this, Song Qingzheng spoke very firmly.

"No, I think Councillor Dave is perfect for this."

"Except for you, I, the Tang Dynasty, will not recognize anyone else!"

Soon, the peace talks ended.

The Dutch flag was lowered over Batavia.

Even the Dutch fleet in the port of Batavia surrendered to the Tang Dynasty.

Over Batavia, the flag of the Tang Dynasty was flying high.

Announce to everyone that Batavia has changed hands from now on!
From now on, Datang will be the master of this land!

At the same time, the maintenance association began to be established.

Dave was successfully nominated as the first president of the maintenance association.

……

Beijing!

Spanish Embassy.

A declaration of war with Li Yi's seal was handed over to the Spanish Minister Cotero.

Wang Zhong stood in front of Kotero with an indifferent expression and disdain in his eyes as he announced the decree.

"My emperor has ordered!"

"The Spanish nation has committed treason and invaded our Tang vassal states, causing wanton killings. This crime is unforgivable!"

"Order the Military Affairs Council to publicize war, send out a large army to conquer them, comfort the people and punish the criminals. This is my decree!"

After saying this, Wang Zhong said expressionlessly.

"Minister Cotero, what are you standing there for?" "Accept my order!"

Wang Zhong is a Korean. Although he now serves Li Yi, this does not prevent him from identifying himself as a Korean.

Therefore, after being arranged by Li Yi to declare war on the Spaniards, Wang Zhong was in a very good mood.

North Korea was beaten by Spain, so it sought justice from its father, the Tang Dynasty.

Then, Daddy Tang not only declared war on Spain, but was also prepared to seek justice for North Korea.

They even sent him, a Korean, to declare war on Spain.

This emotional value is really enough!

No vassal state can refuse a lord father who gives so much emotional value!
When Kotro heard this, the expression on his face stiffened.

"Has it really come to this point where it is irreversible?"

Although Kotero was mentally prepared for this matter.

But when it really comes, it's still hard to accept.

Wang Zhong said with a sneer.

"Korea is a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty and has always been respectful to the Celestial Empire."

"Now that North Korea has been invaded, how can our Celestial Empire sit idly by and watch?"

"When you, the Western Barbarians, invaded Korea, you should have expected this day to come!"

After saying this, Wang Zhong flicked his sleeves, turned around and left.

Although he was a eunuch, he was quite manly at this time.

At the same time, the order to mobilize troops against Manila was also sent to the South China Sea Fleet stationed in Guangzhou via telegram.

Upon receiving the order, the South China Sea Fleet immediately set out from Guangzhou and headed towards Manila.

It is obvious that the Tang Dynasty is preparing to launch a surprise attack this time to catch Manila off guard!
In fact, what Datang did this time was a bit unkind!
Although the Tang Dynasty had declared war on the Spaniards before officially launching its military operations.

However, this edict was addressed to the Spanish ambassador.

After receiving the imperial edict, it took time for the Spanish Minister Cotero to convey the news of the outbreak of war to Manila.

But the Tang Dynasty obviously is not prepared to give him this time!
It is estimated that by the time Cotero passed the news of Tang's declaration of war to Manila, the war in Manila should have been almost over.

……

The horn sounds!
Several columns of smoke shot straight into the sky.

The Tang Dynasty's South China Sea Fleet sailed out of the port and, led by several steam-powered ironclad ships, headed towards Manila in a mighty manner.

Behind a few leading steam ironclad ships were densely packed sailing boats.

The fleet set off from Guangzhou on the third day of the Lunar New Year.

By the eighth day of the Lunar New Year, they had successfully reached the waters off Manila.

Fleet Commander Fang Haiyang stood on the deck of the ship, looking at the distant coastline with a sad look in his eyes.

"Commander, the latest news from Batavia."

"Our troops stationed in the Batavia Concession went to war with the Dutch, who were defeated and surrendered. Now, our army has successfully controlled the entire Batavia."

"Even the Dutch fleet stationed in Batavia surrendered to the Tang Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Haiyang frowned and asked.

"In other words, the Spanish have no reinforcements for this battle?"

The adjutant nodded upon hearing this.

"The commander is right, it is indeed so!"

"England and France had already stated before the war that they would sever ties with Spain, and although the Netherlands was determined to collude with Spain, it has now been defeated and is no longer a threat."

"As a result, the Spanish in Manila are now truly isolated and helpless!"

"Once my army arrives, Manila will definitely change hands and become the territory of the Tang Dynasty!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Haiyang nodded with approval.

Then he said.

"Pass the order down, order our fleet to speed up and reach Manila as soon as possible!"

Upon hearing this, the adjutant immediately clasped his fists in response.

As Fang Haiyang's military order was issued, the Tang army fleet's advance speed increased significantly, and they rushed towards Manila with great momentum.

……

Manila City, Spanish Governor's Palace!
"Governor, this is what happened!"

"The Dutch in Batavia have surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. We have lost our only source of support."

A Spanish officer came to Governor Pedro and reported the bad news in a very depressed manner.

Pedro sat upright in a chair, puffing on his cigar, white smoke coming out of his nose. The room was filled with smoke, making it impossible to see his face.

Finally, Pedro put out the cigar in his hand, exhaled slowly, and then spoke.

“Although this is sad news, it also reminds us that we need to be careful and vigilant against the Tang Concession in Manila.”

The Tang Dynasty not only had troops stationed in the Tang Concession in Batavia, but also in Manila.

Although the number is not as large as that of Batavia, it is just a reorganized regiment into a police force, but it should not be underestimated.

"Governor, what should we do next?"

Officer Cyril asked, his expression serious.

Pedro chuckled and said.

"General Cyril, don't panic. We can stop the enemy with our troops and block the water with our earth."

"I believe that God will definitely bless us, the most faithful believers!"

Britain and France refused to intervene, the Dutch were defeated, and there was nothing Pedro could do now.

Now the only thing he can do is pray to God and ask for God's blessing.

Although it may not be useful, it can at least give you peace of mind!

Seeing this, Cyril gritted his teeth and suggested.

"Governor, I think we can make use of the power of the natives."

"Borrow troops from those natives to deal with the invasion of the Tang army."

Unlike the Dutch, who had already offended the natives before the war, they could not borrow troops from the natives to deal with the Tang Dynasty.

The relationship between the Spanish and the natives of Manila was actually quite good.

They are able to borrow troops from the natives!
Hearing this, Pedro nodded slightly.

"Well, you can give it a try."

"Make a promise to those natives in my name."

"Tell them that as long as they can help the Governor-General's Office repel the invasion of the Tang army, all the wealth in the Tang Concession will belong to them."

"Besides that, my Governor's Office can also give them a certain amount of compensation!"

Pedro really gave it his all this time.

Of course, he doesn't have more choices now.

Either you give it a try, or you sit back and wait for death!

But at this moment, a Spanish soldier rushed in from outside.

"Governor, General, something terrible has happened!"

"Tang Army, the Tang Army fleet is coming!"

So the Spanish soldier pointed his finger towards the sea, his face full of shock and fear.

Cyril almost jumped up when he heard this.

"what?!"

"The Tang Dynasty hasn't declared war yet, so how could the Tang fleet suddenly appear?"

"This is impossible!"

On the contrary, Governor Pedro was relatively calm and spoke with a serious expression.

"Perhaps, war has been declared, but we don't know it..."

It wouldn't take long for the Tang Dynasty to send orders directly from the capital to Guangzhou via telegram.

However, the Spaniards might not be able to use the Tang Dynasty's telegraph network to convey messages.

The Spanish envoy stationed in the capital may have already received the declaration of war, but the news has not yet arrived, so they don't know about it yet.

Taking a deep breath and forcing himself to calm down, Pedro spoke.

"Cyril, go gather the troops and prepare for battle immediately!"

Cyril nodded after hearing this.

"Don't worry, Governor. I understand!"

Seeing this, Pedro became a little worried and gave instructions.

"In this battle, our fleet must try to avoid leaving the port to fight with the Tang fleet!"

"The main force of the Tang army's fleet is steam ironclad ships. If our sailing battleships were to engage in a naval battle with them, I'm afraid we would not be able to defeat them."

"It may be the best option to keep the fleet in the port and use the fort as a fixed turret for cover."

Hearing this, Cyril gritted his teeth and said sternly.

"If it doesn't work, I will remove the artillery and replenish the firepower of the artillery, and then sink the fleet in the port to prevent the Tang army from landing!"

When facing an enemy with naval superiority, sinking the fleet in the harbor and using it as a fixed artillery position is actually a good choice.

Well, that’s what Tsarist Russia did during the Crimean War.

Knowing that his own Black Sea Fleet was no match for the Anglo-French Allied Forces, he had no intention of engaging in a naval battle with the Anglo-French Allied Fleet.

Instead, at the beginning of the war, the fleet was seen sitting in the harbor, either unloading artillery to replenish the batteries, or simply using the warships as fixed batteries.

It turns out that the effect is really good.

During the attack and defense of Sevastopol, the Russian artillery did cause them considerable obstacles.

Pedro nodded after hearing this.

"That's fine, let's do it this way!"

"May God bless us and may God bless Spain..."

……

Finally, the Tang army fleet advanced to the outside of the Manila port.

Fang Haiyang stood in front of a table with a hydrographic map of the waters near Manila.

The lookouts on the mast kept reporting intelligence, and the officers of the staff group wrote and drew on the hydrological maps.

Fang Haiyang stood with his hands behind his back, listening to everyone's stories with a thoughtful expression.

Suddenly, he asked.

"By the way, how is the situation in the concession in Manila?"

The Spanish could not remain indifferent when the Tang fleet attacked.

Since the Spaniards were unable to do anything to the Tang army's fleet, they might resort to using the concessions to threaten the Tang army.

Upon hearing this, the officer began to report back.

"Commander, according to the information our army currently has, the concession should be in a standoff with the Spanish."

"A battle may not break out in the short term!"

Fang Haiyang heard this and nodded.

"As long as the concession is alright!"

"Haha, if something happens in the concession, we won't be able to explain it to the court!"

Just then, a lookout came to report.

"Report, Commander, there are unusual movements of the Spanish in the port."

"They seem to be sinking the fleet..."

Fang Haiyang's expression changed noticeably when he heard this.

Once the Spanish sank their fleet and blocked the waterway, it would not be easy for the Tang army to attack Manila and control the port.

……

PS: The average subscription has dropped drastically recently, so I’ll post longer chapters in the future.

Well, this chapter is six thousand words.

(End of this chapter)