World War: Battleship Arms Dealers

"Yes."

Half an hour later, in the reception room.

Howard and DuPont sat side by side on the sofa, their postures almost identical: leaning slightly forward, hands on their knees, serious expressions. But there were subtle differences—Howard's tie was tied meticulously, while DuPont's cuffs were rolled up slightly; Howard's eyes were fixed on the patterns on the coffee table, while DuPont's gaze wandered around the room, as if assessing the value of a decoration.

When Chen Feng walked in, the two of them stood up at the same time.

"Please sit down." Chen Feng sat down in the main seat, Zhou Tieshan sat in the corner with his notebook, and Wang Wenwu sat to Chen Feng's left.

The waiter served tea, this year's new tea, with a fragrant aroma. But no one touched it.

"Consuls, what brings you here today?" Chen Feng asked, getting straight to the point.

Howard spoke first, his voice lower than usual: "Mr. Chen, we have received urgent instructions from London and Paris that we must have the 'most serious communication' with you regarding the Borneo issue."

"Please speak."

"Over the past four months, the military operations of the Lanfang army in Borneo have far exceeded the scope of 'protecting overseas Chinese.'" Howard took a document out of his briefcase. "According to the intelligence we have obtained, you are systematically eliminating the Dutch administrative institutions, establishing your own system of governance, collecting taxes, and recruiting troops. This is a de facto annexation."

Chen Feng nodded: "So?"

"So this violates international law and relevant treaties!" DuPont couldn't help but interject. "The Dutch government has filed a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing Lanfang of aggression. As the guarantor states of the court, Britain and France have an obligation to uphold international order."

"The court?" Chen Feng laughed. "Mr. DuPont, where was the court when the Dutch blasted open the gates of Pontianak with cannons in 1876? Where was the court when Dutch soldiers were shooting unarmed civilians? Now that we're taking back our land, the court has suddenly appeared?"

He picked up the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, and did so slowly and deliberately.

"If you two have come today to discuss international law, I suggest we go to the library. They have a complete collection of works on international law, from Grotius to Oppenheim; I can send someone to help you study them at your own pace. But if we're talking about practical matters…"

He put down the teapot, and the teacup clinked against the saucer with a crisp sound.

"The reality is that Borneo is now Lanfang's territory. We have a complete administrative system there, 80,000 troops stationed there, and the support of the majority of the population. The Dutch? They either withdrew or surrendered. That's a fait accompli."

"A fait accompli is not a basis for legitimacy!" Howard's voice rose. "Mr. Chen, you must understand that London and Paris have limited patience. If Lanfang continues to act unilaterally, it may face...serious consequences."

"for example?"

"For example, economic sanctions," DuPont continued. "French banks might freeze Lanfang's accounts and cancel all outstanding loans. For example, diplomatic isolation—no country will recognize your occupation of Borneo. For example… military pressure."

The last four words were spoken softly, yet with great weight.

The room was quiet for a few seconds. Then the hum of the air conditioner suddenly became clear.

Chen Feng picked up his teacup, blew on it to cool it down, and took a sip.

“Mr. Howard,” he put down his teacup, “last July, when we signed the loan agreement, you said something that stuck with me. You said, ‘This loan reflects Britain’s confidence in Lanfang’s development.’ Now, you’re saying you’re going to sanction us?”

Howard's face flushed slightly.

"Mr. DuPont," Chen Feng turned to the French consul, "you also said back then that you hoped Lanfang would become 'France's reliable partner in the East.' Now, is the partner going to become the enemy?"

DuPont remained silent.

"Let me tell you both a fact." Chen Feng leaned forward, placing his hands crossed on the table. "Last year, Lanfang exported eight million pounds worth of oil to Britain and five million pounds worth of rubber and tin to France. A large portion of these materials were used on your warships, aircraft, and automobiles."

He paused:

"If sanctions are imposed, who will suffer greater losses? Lanfang can find new buyers—Germans, Americans, even Japanese—all would be happy to take it over. But the British Royal Navy suddenly runs out of oil, and the French factories suddenly run out of rubber. Have you two calculated these losses?"

Howard and DuPont exchanged a glance. This was what they feared most—economic interdependence.

"Furthermore," Chen Feng continued, "do you two really believe that the current situation in Europe allows Britain and France to open a second front in the Far East?"

This problem is like a heavy punch.

Howard's hand trembled. DuPont's breathing became heavy.

"What...what do you mean?" Howard asked.

"What I mean is," Chen Feng leaned back in his chair, "the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince is currently on an inspection tour in Serrajevo. The German General Staff is updating its operational plans. The French conscription period has been extended to three years. Europe is like a pile of dry tinder; a single spark could ignite it."

He looked at the two consuls:

"At a time like this, would London and Paris really go to war with a nation that has four world-class battleships over a few Dutch colonies in the East Indies? Would they risk damaging their Far East fleet and impacting the main battlefields in Europe? I don't believe your politicians are that stupid."

That's very clear.

Howard's face went from red to white. DuPont's fingers clenched tightly on his knees.

"Mr. Chen," Howard finally spoke, his voice hoarse, "you're gambling. Gambling that a major war will break out in Europe, gambling that Britain and France will be too busy to look eastward."

"No," Chen Feng shook his head, "I'm stating the facts. I don't know if Europe will go to war. But I do know that if war breaks out, Britain and France will absolutely not have the extra energy to deal with Borneo. And if war doesn't break out..."

He smiled:

"Then let's talk slowly. Let's talk about trade, cooperation, and the oil development rights in Borneo—I can give British and French companies priority. The premise is that you accept reality."

Carrots and sticks. Demonstrate strength first, then offer benefits.

Howard took a deep breath: "I need to report to London."

"I also need to report to Paris," DuPont said.

"Please proceed." Chen Feng gestured for them to proceed. "But please convey to your government that Lanfang is willing to negotiate and cooperate, but its bottom line is: the sovereignty of Borneo is not open to discussion. This is our homeland, and we will defend it by all means."

He stood up, indicating that the conversation was over.

Howard and DuPont also stood up, but their movements were somewhat stiff. As they reached the door, Howard turned back:

"Mr. Chen, one last question. If... I mean, if a major war were to break out in Europe, which side would Lanfang stand on?"

Chen Feng looked at him and calmly replied:

"Lanfang stands by her side. But we will remember who our friends and enemies were in times of difficulty."

Howard gave him a deep look, then turned and left.

DuPont followed behind, whispering to Howard in French, "He knows. He knows everything."

"A terrible person," Howard replied in fluent French.

"What's even scarier is that he might be right."

The sound of their footsteps disappeared at the end of the corridor.