C28 The Unequal Agreement

In the span of a breath, Gao Shaoyi's fortune swelled by a million imperial silver coins.

Yet, these two were at a loss for words. Moments before, Shaoyi had mimed a pistol with his hand, complete with the sound effects from his lips.

It was a harmless gesture, but it carried an immense threat.

Shaoyi was right; the four million imperial silver coins weren't compensation—they were ransom for their lives.

"Do you still think my asking price is steep? If so, weigh it against your lives and see if they're worth the sum."

Shaoyi settled back into his seat and casually propped his feet up on the table. The two men across from him were too preoccupied to take issue with his demeanor.

They had been inclined to quibble, but the weight of the four million imperial silver coins had stripped them of that luxury. Their immediate concern was surviving this predicament.

"The amount is excessive. We lack the authority to make such a payout."

Ryoji Otomo fell silent for a long minute.

"Six million imperial coins."

That was Shaoyi's retort.

"Don't push us too far. We're prepared to go down fighting if necessary."

Shabarov also thought Shaoyi was overstepping. Even in diplomatic negotiations, one didn't conduct business this way. They had already let him bump up the sum by a million imperial coins in one fell swoop. Did he think imperial coins grew on trees?

"If one more word escapes your lips, it'll cost you a million imperial coins. If you don't care about the consequences, then leave now without paying a dime. But I'm certain you understand the value of the commercial district in the Embassy Area far better than I do."

Shaoyi's gaze drifted to the distant commercial district. Thanks to the superior technology and business acumen of the foreign powers, they had swiftly claimed the top spot in the Qian Empire's commercial hierarchy, reaping untold riches each year. If Shaoyi were to plunder the entire district, the loss would be in the tens of millions of imperial silver coins.

"Do you realize the consequences of your actions? It's highly likely that nations will declare war on you. Can you handle that?"

As Shabarov uttered these words, Ryoji Otomo closed his eyes, knowing full well they were futile. He had used the same threat against this young upstart at Lee Mingshan's doorstep. Any other citizen of the Qian Empire would have been on their knees begging for mercy by now. But was this kid in front of him made of softer stuff?

"Eight million imperial silver coins, not one less. Have it ready by nightfall, or you'll witness what I'm capable of. Even if the allied forces of six nations march on this land again, you'll never live to see the day."

Gao Shaoyi burst into hearty laughter, while Shabarov seethed with rage, powerless in the face of the truth Gao Shaoyi spoke.

What did it matter how your empire sought revenge? By then, you'd be dead, and even if the Qian Empire fell, you'd only be spectators from the afterlife.

"We agree to three million imperial coins," Ryoji Otomo declared as he rose to his feet. He was under the impression that Gao Shaoyi was open to negotiation. The initial three million imperial silver coins were probably the real target; the rest was likely just padding.

"Are your ears clogged with donkey wool? Eight million imperial coins, not a penny less, and delivered before the sun sets. I won't repeat myself. If I were you, I'd take a good look at the other demands. And heed my words carefully: these are demands, not points for negotiation."

Gao Shaoyi rapped on the table, reminding them that the payment was just the first of several demands.

The second was for Gao Shaoyi to assume control of security in the Embassy Area. The security arrangements for this district would need to be discussed with the ambassadors of the various nations, who would have no enforcement authority.

There was no room for debate on this point. After such a conflict, they were in no position to secure anything.

The third stipulation was the reinstatement of Gao Shaoyi's authority over tax collection in the commercial sector of the Embassy Area. Moreover, it was incumbent upon the ambassadors to promote the Qian Empire's tax policies to their respective nations' merchants.

The fourth point involved an increase in the tax rate from the original 5% to 14%, aligning with the standard for other merchants within the Qian Empire.

The fifth point established that once the law was applied equitably, Gao Shaoyi would have the authority to punish any foreigners who committed crimes within the Embassy Area, in accordance with Qian Empire's laws.

"You've lost your mind. You're inviting the wrath of war," Shabarov exclaimed as he crumpled the document into a ball.

Though he was aware that Gao Shaoyi's demands were excessive, Shabarov hadn't anticipated such an extreme proposal. The man's ideas were utterly fantastical.

"Pick up that paper, take it back, and consult with the envoys from the other nations. That's your responsibility. And remember this—if you don't return by nightfall, there won't be a blade of grass left standing here. Don't dismiss my words as a mere jest. If you doubt my seriousness, I suggest you tally the bodies over there," Gao Shaoyi commanded, buttoning his shirt and departing without a backward glance.

Two hours remained until dusk—ample time for discussion and fundraising. If the talks proved fruitful, the issue would be resolved. But should there be reluctance, the night could turn into a bloodbath.

"This maniac thinks he can just trample over us? Does he see us as mere pushovers?" protested the Rakshasa Empire's ambassador, the first to voice his impatience.

Yet the other Lord Ministers remained silent, their attention not on the agreement but on the multitude of corpses and the cries of the wounded soldiers.

"We cannot tolerate such an agreement. Its existence would be a nightmare for us," declared the Galru Empire's Envoy, equally resistant.

Aside from these two, no one else offered a dissenting view; instead, they were lost in contemplation. This was particularly true for Ryoji Otomo.

Having previously been outmaneuvered by Gao Shaoyi, Otomo was all too familiar with his tactics. While many considered Gao Shaoyi's threats to be baseless, Otomo was convinced that failing to meet his demands could indeed lead to a massacre in the foreign settlement.

"I agree to his terms..." Amidst the astonishment of those present, Ryoji Otomo spoke his decision.

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