Chapter 69: The Eastern People's Condemnation

Night deepened, Security Command Headquarters.

"Commander!" Li Mingze hurried into the office, "We've received another telegram from the Eastern Empire!"

Qin Dong Zhi was deep in thought; upon hearing this, he took the telegram, his expression growing ever gloomier.

【To Shen City Security Command Headquarters:】

Your department has allowed rioters to bloodily cleanse our Eastern Concession, killing our consul and over three thousand expatriates. Such atrocities are outrageous! The Eastern Empire strongly condemns your dereliction of duty!

The murder of our consulate in Shen City and over three thousand expatriates is of an extremely heinous nature. This incident has provoked great outrage throughout our nation. If your department cannot provide a reasonable explanation and apprehend the culprits, the Eastern Empire will reserve all rights to pursue accountability!

Hereby notice:

The Ninth Division has received orders and will depart for Shen City as of today. We hope your department will severely punish the perpetrators to appease the public. Otherwise, the Eastern Empire will take all necessary measures to protect our expatriates' rights and national dignity!

Eastern Empire's Diplomatic Office】

"Hmph!" Qin Dong Zhi sneered, "These Eastern dogs only show off when they lose."

"Commander," Li Mingze said anxiously, "The Ninth Division is no joke. I hear this unit is well‑equipped and extremely combat‑effective."

"I know," Qin Dong Zhi nodded, "but the problem now is..."

He stood up and walked to the window: "What should we do about Lin Yu's side?"

"Should we..." Li Mingze lowered his voice, "tell him about this telegram?"

"Of course we must tell him," a spark flashed in Qin Dong Zhi's eyes, "this is a good opportunity."

"What does the Commander mean?"

"Since he is the court's Inspector," Qin Dong Zhi turned, a cold smile at his lips, "we must inform him immediately of any act that threatens national dignity. At the same time, let him see the might of the Eastern people."

"I understand!" Li Mingze's eyes lit up, "This both shows our goodwill and can..."

"Exactly," a hint of malice flashed in Qin Dong Zhi's eyes, "let them dogs fight each other. When both are wounded, that's when we strike!"

"Commander, brilliant!"

Qin Dong Zhi sat back down in his chair.

Lin Yu, you arrogant, reckless heretic who knows no limits, you will first have a good fight with the Eastern Empire's division. When the time comes, whether you win or lose, this Shen City will ultimately be Qin Dong Zhi's realm!

"Li Mingze," Qin Dong Zhi murmured after a pause, "Tomorrow you will go to the Fourth Bureau yourself."

"Yes, Commander."

"Remember," a glint flashed in Qin Dong Zhi's eyes, "the tone must be sincere. Say that after receiving the Eastern people's telegram we immediately thought to inform him. After all, he is now the court's Inspector; we cannot hide such a matter that threatens national dignity."

"Understood."

"Additionally," Qin Dong Zhi added, "give a suitable hint about the Ninth Division. This unit is indeed hard to deal with, so he will have some idea of what he's facing."

Li Mingze thought for a moment, "The Commander wants..."

"Let them fight," Qin Dong Zhi said lightly, "we will reap the fisherman's profit."

"Understood, subordinate."

After sending Li Mingze away, Qin Dong Zhi immediately ordered preparations for a reply telegram to the Eastern side.

He himself took up the pen, weighing each character carefully:

【To the Eastern Empire's Diplomatic Office:】

Regarding the murder of your consulate and expatriates, our department expresses deep regret. The incident is indeed of a vile nature, but it was an accidental disaster.

The perpetrator, Lin Yu, now serves as Shen City Fourth Action Bureau Director. He is arrogant, disregards law, repeatedly ignores our orders. Regarding this incident, our department had warned him, but Lin Yu acted on his own, causing the calamity.

Our department is willing to mediate, facilitating peaceful dialogue between both sides. If the Ninth Division comes to Shen City, it will inevitably spark unnecessary bloodshed. To prevent further deterioration, we ask you to consider carefully.

Our department is ready to act as an intermediary, assisting both sides in a peaceful resolution. We hope you will grant us the opportunity.

Shen City Security Command Headquarters】

"How is it?" Qin Dong Zhi handed the telegram to the secretary.

"Brilliant!" the secretary praised, "This both clears our relationship and shows goodwill. It makes the Eastern people think we are a cooperative partner."

"Exactly," Qin Dong Zhi nodded, "Now it depends on Lin Yu's side."

"The Commander thinks he will..."

"Given his temperament," Qin Dong Zhi sneered, "knowing the Eastern people will dispatch a division, he will inevitably take action. Then we will sit back and enjoy the spectacle."

"And the Eastern side..."

"They certainly won't settle peacefully," a cold glint flashed in Qin Dong Zhi's eyes, "the Ninth Division will definitely come. Then let them resolve it themselves."

"Regardless of who wins," he stood up and walked to the window, "the ultimate winner will surely be us!"

In the night, Qin Dong Zhi's smile appeared especially solemn.

He has already planned every move of this game.

Now we wait to see if Lin Yu can hold his end.

Late at night, the Security Command Headquarters received another telegram from the Eastern side.

【To Shen City Security Command Headquarters:】

Acknowledged your telegram.

The murder of over three thousand of our expatriates and consul has sparked nationwide outrage in our country. Such atrocities, if not severely punished, would disgrace the Eastern Empire.

Lin Yu must pay the price! The Eastern Empire will not tolerate any provocation!

As for your proposal of negotiations, we can accept. Our special envoy will arrive in Shen City in two days. We hope your department will act as intermediary and summon Lin Yu for a face‑to‑face confrontation.

Furthermore, this is no longer a simple local dispute. The Eastern Empire demands that the Great Dry Dynasty present a reasonable stance and compensation. Otherwise, war will be inevitable!

Our Ninth Division is already on the way; we hope your department recognizes the situation and does not bring about its own ruin.

Eastern Empire's Diplomatic Office】

"These Eastern dogs!" Li Mingze exclaimed after reading the telegram, his anger uncontainable, "Such brazen words!"

Qin Dong Zhi smiled, "Isn't that perfect?"

"What the Commander means is..."

"Look at this telegram," Qin Dong Zhi sneered, "In between the lines, they simply don't put us in their eyes. In their view, we are merely messengers."

"Indeed," Li Mingze nodded, "They say they want the Great Dry Dynasty to give an attitude, give compensation, completely ignoring the existence of our Security Command Headquarters."

"That's right," Qin Dong Zhi's eyes flashed with sharp light, "When Lin Yu sees this telegram, what do you think he'll feel?"

Li Mingze suddenly realized: "The Commander means..."

"When we go see Lin Yu tomorrow," Qin Dong Zhi said lightly, "Let him see both telegrams. Let him know how arrogant the Westerners are."

"Understood!"

Early morning, Fourth Action Bureau.

"Report!" a police officer hurried into Lin Yu's office, "The secretary of the Security Command Headquarters has come to visit."

Lin Yu was sipping tea; hearing this, his eyebrows slightly rose.

I just saw Qin Dong Zhi at the Grand Triple Harmony last night, and today at dawn he sent his secretary over? This old fox, what medicine is he selling in his gourd?

"Let him in."

Not long after, Li Mingze walked into the office.

"Director Lin," he said with a slight bow, "Sorry to bother you."

"Secretary Li, what brings you here in person?" Lin Yu set down his teacup and gestured for him to sit.

"It's like this," Li Mingze took two telegrams from his briefcase, "Last night we received a telegram from the Western side; the Commander deemed it of great importance and had me notify Director Lin immediately."

Lin Yu took the telegram, his eyes scanning the paper.

Gradually, his gaze grew colder and colder.