Time Travel to 1859: The Iron-Blooded Soldier King

The negotiations have been at a stalemate for some time, and the envoys of the four countries are really getting impatient, especially Britain and France. The pressure from their own countries is increasing, and those hawkish figures are rubbing their fists in an attempt to expand the war.

The American Minister John Warren sat on a chair in the post station, looking a little listless. Originally, this matter had nothing to do with America. They just wanted to follow the British and French and pick up some benefits. They didn't expect that although the Qing Dynasty was weak, it still had some backbone and refused to agree no matter what. It was really worrying.

When Hua Ruohan was in a daze, someone outside reported that Prince Gong Yizhen of the Qing Dynasty and Counselor Liu Ye wanted to see him!

Hua Ruohan was stunned and quickly ordered someone to invite the two people in.

After both parties got to know each other, they sat down.

Hua Ruohan asked, "Excuse me, Your Majesty, do you have any advice for me?"

Hua Ruohan had just arrived in China and didn't know much Chinese, so he had to rely on an interpreter to translate for him. But before the interpreter could even open his mouth, Liu Ye, standing by, spoke to Hua Ruohan in his authentic New York accent, "Dear Ambassador Hua Ruohan, our prince, on behalf of himself and our emperor, would like to extend his greetings to President James Cambnam of your country."

Hua Ruohan was filled with surprise. The two young men in front of him were really not ordinary people. Not to mention the older prince, but this young man in his twenties was definitely not simple. Not only did he speak fluent English, but he also cared a lot about international diplomatic etiquette. This was the first time he had met such a young man since he arrived in the Qing Dynasty!

Ruohan Hua was stunned for a moment, then he bowed slightly and said, "I, the American Minister Ruohan Hua, on behalf of our President, extend my greetings to His Majesty the Emperor of your country. Thank you both for your kindness!"

Liu Ye translated Hua Ruohan's words to Yi?, and Prince Gong laughed. He had heard before that these foreigners were difficult to deal with. Now it seems that they are very polite, aren't they?

How could he know that it wasn't the foreigners who didn't know etiquette, but those self-righteous ministers of the Qing Dynasty who didn't know etiquette. They glared at them every day or kept silent. How could they expect others to have a good attitude towards them?

Prince Gong smiled and said, "Minister Hua Ruohan, this time, the prince and Liu Xiangban came to visit us in order to discuss the relationship between our two countries. We hope that your country will withdraw from these negotiations."

Although Prince Gong had a kind attitude, it was too abrupt for him to ask Hua Ruohan to withdraw from the five-nation talks right away.

Liu Ye smiled bitterly inwardly. This job was really not easy to get. These great men in the Celestial Empire were all the same. If you all had the ability of the future Li Hongzhang, you could be so arrogant...

Liu Ye whispered, "Your Highness, please allow me to make all the decisions during this meeting. Otherwise, there will be a language barrier and misunderstandings. If there are any issues that require further consideration, I will discuss them with you!"

Prince Gong nodded. Liu Ye turned around and said to Hua Ruohan, "Mr. Minister, we came here to express our dissatisfaction with your country's current alignment with Britain and France. This is originally a matter between us and Britain and France. Your country's interference is a bit excessive."

Hua Ruohan was stunned and replied, "Master Xiang, it's not that we are in sync with Britain and France right now, but some of your country's practices have made several of us very dissatisfied, so we are making a unanimous request to you."

Liu Ye smiled and said, "Mr. Minister, if your country has any requests, you can raise them with our Qing government. We will naturally give you a satisfactory answer. Moreover, as far as I know, your country is not at peace right now. The legitimate governments in the south and the north are in conflict. Why does your country need to wade into this muddy water at this critical juncture? As the saying goes, more friends mean more paths. If your country is willing to make concessions this time, our Qing government will also fully support your government in the subsequent suppression of the rebellion!"

Hua Ruohan's heart skipped a beat. Who on earth is this young man? He even knows everything about the political situation in the United States!

Hua Ruohan said in a deep voice: "Master Xiangban, I have to admit that I have a new respect for you. I didn't expect that there is such a person in the Qing Dynasty who understands the international situation so well. If you had presided over the negotiations earlier, I believe the situation would never have fallen to the point of war! However, if we choose to withdraw at this time, Britain and France will inevitably put pressure on our government. This..."

It is obvious that Hua Ruohan threw out this excuse just to see what kind of conditions the two young men on the opposite side could offer. There is no gain without pain. If you don't come up with some practical goods, why should we offend the British and the French?

Liu Ye sneered inwardly and replied, "Mr. Hua Ruohan, you must understand that our Great Qing Empire has no hostility towards your country. On the contrary, we hope to further develop cooperation and trade relations with your country. On the contrary, look at the British and French now. Don't tell me you don't know why the slave owners in your southern country are now eager to overthrow the northern government? Isn't it the British and French who are behind the scenes? Under international pressure, they dare not interfere openly in your internal affairs, but it is obvious that they have been supporting you secretly. You must know that they have provided a lot of support to the South, and they have sent a lot of weapons alone. Facing such a country, with all due respect, it is really ridiculous that your country is willing to stand on the same front with them..."

Hua Ruohan's expression changed instantly. How could this guy in front of him know so much about the United States? Where did he get so much information? Indeed, the slave owners and plantation owners in the South were eager to overthrow the Northern government or establish their own regime. The Northern government was working towards the complete abolition of serfdom. The situation was already tense. Most importantly, with the support of Britain and France, the South's momentum for independence was becoming increasingly clear. President Cambounan was quite annoyed by this, but Britain and France were so powerful that even America could not afford to offend them. However, what Liu Ye said now was quite satisfying. Why should I help you after you have tricked me? Am I really that cowardly?

Hua Ruohan smiled and replied, "Prince Gong, Assistant Secretary, let's be frank. If your country can offer us some attractive conditions so that I can explain to our President and Congress, we can withdraw our troops. However, in a word, you need to show your sincerity!"