When two 770 limousines parked outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the flashlights immediately lit up. Dozens of reporters who got the news asked Rui Enshi and his entourage who had just got out of the car, especially the Chinese reporters.

There is always a hint of joy on the face. Today is a big day for Chinese diplomacy.//www.//..

After the State Department proposed a "new treaty" and established a "Special Diplomatic Committee" to specialize in new treaty negotiations, and stopped all "non-reciprocal negotiations" with countries that have not established diplomatic relations, although the United States gave a positive response, its

A positive response only makes people fall into another trouble after the initial excitement.

“All countries agree!”

On the China issue, there is such an unavoidable hurdle. This is a diplomatic principle formulated by various countries before and after the Gengzi Incident in order to maintain their own interests in China and to mediate their conflicts.

Group, coordinate the interests of all countries in China, conduct diplomatic negotiations with China on the premise of consistent interests, and on the basis of shared interests.

For China, this is extremely unfavorable. Although all countries will contact China in private and even conduct secret negotiations, in fact, this consensus among countries has directly led to the "ruling foreigners with foreigners" since the late Qing Dynasty.

In fact, they were mutual restraints, and this strategy suffered a heavy setback.

In particular, the unified "action" of the mission has made China have to negotiate with the mission when it comes to diplomatic matters involving its own national rights and interests. Although this is just a "cover-up", China will not abide by it, and other countries will not abide by it, but

When it comes to the interests of other countries in China, the great powers will use this "cover-up method", which naturally has practical significance!

After the State Council proposed the "new treaty", after intense discussions and finally at Zhu Erdian's insistence, the mission voted to "not have any diplomatic contact with China on the "new treaty" issue."

It was decided that even if other countries intend to conduct separate negotiations with China, the binding nature of this clause will most likely cause the failure of separate negotiations.

It can be said that if this clause is not broken, it is impossible for diplomatic negotiations to make progress. For a time, domestic legal scholars have studied international law to find loopholes in this clause.

Just when everyone thought it was impossible to make real progress in "renewing the New Treaty", good news finally came. The United States would hold direct negotiations with China on the issue of "renewing the Old Treaty." But only an hour before the negotiations were held, Beijing

Journalists from various countries were notified that "the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will have big news." And it was not until ten minutes ago that they learned that the so-called big news was the news of this separate negotiation.

"Minister Rui, the United States is directly negotiating a new treaty with the Special Foreign Affairs Committee. Does this mean that the United States will no longer recognize the so-called consensus among all countries?"

"Mr. Rui, is the United States ready to give up..."

For those questions, Rui Enshi, who was smiling, did not answer, he did not even say a word. He would only reveal the results of the negotiation after the negotiation was over. As for the rest, let them guess!

stunned!

When Zhu Erdian in the legation learned that Rui Enshi was holding separate negotiations with the Chinese side, the first thing he felt was a sense of astonishment. After a moment of daze, he immediately shouted outside the door.

"Bruce, hurry up, prepare the car immediately, I'm going to the State Department to see Li Zhiyuan!"

Just half a month ago, the reason why he had little reaction to the resolution passed by the U.S. Congress was that he even confidently told London that there was no need to take the U.S. attitude too seriously.

"The changes in the United States are unlikely to have any positive impact on China. What we must see is that in China, thanks to the foresight made many years ago, ministers from various countries do not have "absolute autonomy" on issues related to China.

Although no one needs to abide by it, agreement must be reached on matters involving the interests of all countries, otherwise countries may not recognize any treaty that "violates the agreement."

But now, not only did the Americans fail to retreat as he imagined, Ruienshi even quietly started negotiations with the Special Foreign Affairs Committee. This was really beyond Zhu Erdian's awareness. As that "diplomatic agreement"

The instigator of the "agreement", Zhu Erdian, naturally knew how fragile that so-called "agreement" was, so he knew that he must seize the opportunity, otherwise Britain would have to

After entering the State Council, Zhu Erdian only felt humiliated while waiting for the interview. In the past, he did not need to wait at all to enter and leave the presidential palace, but now, he not only had to wait, but also had to wait for the "prime minister" to finish meeting the guests.

We can meet later.

What's even more annoying is that no one here seems to take him seriously. Although he is a little annoyed in his heart, Zhu Erdian must stay here. He needs to have direct talks with Li Zicheng to remind him that "the treaty must be

Of course, if it were not for the fact that the "Special Diplomatic Committee" was directly managed by the State Council, he would be more willing to deal with Yuan Shikai. Even in his opinion, he would rather talk about any issue with Yuan Shikai than fight with Li Zicheng.

Although he knew that Li Zicheng would not sell him any "face", Zhu Erdian still had to deal with that person.

Ten minutes later, as soon as he entered Li Zicheng's office, Zhu Erdian nodded gently and then said immediately.

"Mr. Prime Minister, on behalf of the British government, I lodge the most serious protest with your country!"

"oh?"

Li Zicheng, who deliberately ignored Zhu Erdian for almost twenty minutes, feigned surprise and glanced at the minister, and then said with confusion on his face.

"I don't know what the minister is protesting about. Is it that the missionaries there were beaten, or that the British goods were set on fire? Or that the ship was hit?"

There were several questions in succession, none of them good words, and Zhu Erdian felt uncomfortable for a while. Looking at the concerned look on the Prime Minister's face, if he didn't understand him well, Zhu Erdian would have thought that he cared about "British interests."

"Your Excellency, Prime Minister, please stop beating around the bush. What I mean is that your country's separate diplomatic negotiations with the United States have seriously violated your country's declared commitment to respect the validity of the treaty. For this reason, on behalf of the United Kingdom, I am making the final submission.

While we have serious negotiations, we also convey the views of the United Kingdom to your country!"

At this time, Zhu Erdian raised his chin slightly and said proudly.

"As the head of the diplomatic missions of various countries in Beijing, in view of the fact that the United States has violated the unanimous commitment of the mission to China and China has violated its endorsement of diplomatic agreements with various countries, the United Kingdom will not recognize any attempt to unilaterally amend treaties related to the interests of various countries. If China wants to

Modification of the Old Testament can only be negotiated after reaching an agreement with the mission and directly negotiating with the mission! And the independent contact that your country is currently trying has seriously damaged your country's diplomatic credibility!"

When Zhu Erdian conveyed his protest, Li Zicheng just listened to him with a smile. It was not until Zhu Erdian finished speaking that he looked at him and said.

"Your Excellency, Minister,"

While talking, Li Zicheng picked up an official document from the table and read it loudly.

"His Excellency Li Zicheng, Prime Minister of the Republic of China..."

This time, Li Zicheng did not read in Chinese but spoke in English. What he read was an official document submitted by the British Embassy to the State Council three days ago, and he also had discussions with Zhu Erdian and Gudayev about this official document.

Although no consensus was reached during the talks, it was a "direct diplomatic contact."

As soon as he heard the official document Li Zicheng was reading, Zhu Erdian realized that he had made a mistake and immediately understood one thing. He fell into a well-designed trap.

After finally reading the last sentence, he glanced at Zhu Erhuang, who looked very unnatural. Li Zicheng was still smiling.

"There is a saying in China that I think the minister must have heard!"

After a pause, Li Zicheng said again word by word.

"Only the state officials are allowed to set fires, but the people are not allowed to light lamps!"

The words became louder and louder with each byte, and Li Zicheng seemed to have no patience, so he spoke loudly.

"Is the UK only allowed to have unilateral contacts and diplomatic negotiations with China for the sake of British interests, but the United States is not allowed to hold direct talks with China?"

As soon as Li Zicheng finished his question, Zhu Erdian answered confidently.

"This is different. This official letter is not only from the United Kingdom but also Russia. It is a diplomatic meeting proposed by the two countries to China. Even if it is not discussed and agreed by the mission, please note that this official letter only means a very important meeting.

Ordinary diplomatic meeting with no results!”

"Does that mean that the UK no longer has any objections to China's changes to its tariff depository?"

Li Zicheng immediately changed the topic, but his change made Zhu Erdian's heart tighten and he spoke quickly as if he was afraid it was a trap.

"Because the interests of British banks are involved, as the British minister, I have the right to object to protect the interests of British companies!"

"Well, objections cannot change the State Council's decision!"

While speaking, Li Zicheng had already picked up the phone.

"Go to the Office of the General Taxation Department!"

While making the phone call, Li Zicheng looked directly at Zhu Erdian. At this time, he looked like he was being picky.

"Is it the Taxation Department of General Mei? I am currently meeting with Minister Zhu Erdian. Regarding the tariff transfer, Minister Zhu Erdian only has objections. Oh, I think so too. I think the minister's objections do not mean opposition. Oh,

Yes, okay, I’m waiting for your good news!”

After hanging up the phone, Li Zicheng stared at Zhu Erdian again, with the corners of his lips raised slightly.

"Am I right? Minister Zhu Erdian!"

For a moment, the office fell into a stalemate. Zhu Erdian never expected that Li Zicheng in front of him would be rude, or simply like a gangster. He had no regard for diplomatic etiquette. No, he didn't seem to have violated anything.

but……

"Now!"

Standing up, Li Zicheng held his desk with both hands.

"What I can answer to the minister is that while we are talking, tariffs have begun to be transferred from HSBC to Bank of China!"

Faced with Li Zicheng's pickiness, Zhu Erdian, after a moment of panic, secretly laughed in his heart and said with a smile.

"Mr. Prime Minister, I personally appreciate your flexibility. Well, I can accept your misinterpretation!"

Zhu Erdian, who understood that he could no longer stop the transfer of tariffs, once again smiled and regained the confidence of a veteran diplomat.

"But your flexibility cannot change the reality. Out of respect and commitment to the international principle that "treaties must be observed," the United Kingdom will announce that it will not recognize the "New Sino-US Treaty" after your country concludes its negotiations with the United States.

At the same time, he will lodge a protest with the U.S. State Department as the head of the mission in Beijing."

Amidst Zhu Erdian's confident words, Li Zicheng sat down, but his face did not contain the frustration, disappointment, or anger that Zhu Erdian had expected. Instead, he was just calm. Yes, it was calm!

calm!

Facing Zhu Erdian's denial, Li Zicheng found that his heart was extremely calm. He looked at this Chinese who claimed to be a master of China and clapped his hands. When the crisp applause sounded in the office, Zhu Erdian was

Looking at this Chinese man in surprise, Li Zicheng, who seemed calm at first, actually smiled!

And he smiled brightly!

Why is he laughing?

Facing Li Zicheng's applause and smile, Zhu Erdian was stunned. He didn't even know that he should face all this. Is this the so-called "praise from his opponent?", no, it is not that simple. If not,

If he was wrong, Li Zicheng was thanking him or reminding him.
To be continued...