Chapter 169: War on the Little Days Can No Longer Use the Two Characters for Japan

Yes.

Half an hour later, the reception hall.

Howard and Dupont sat side by side on the sofa, their postures almost identical: bodies slightly leaning forward, hands on their knees, expressions solemn. Yet there were subtle differences—Howard's tie was fastened meticulously, Dupont's cuffs were slightly rolled up; Howard's eyes stared at the pattern on the tea table, Dupont's gaze wandered around the room, as if assessing the value of the decorations.

When Chen Feng entered, the two rose simultaneously.

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

The servant served tea, a new blend this year, its fresh fragrance filling the air. Yet no one moved.

"Consuls, what guidance do you have today?" Chen Feng got straight to the point.

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

"Please, go on."

"In the past four months, Lanfang's forces have conducted military actions in Borneo that far exceed the scope of 'protecting overseas Chinese.'" Howard pulled a document from his briefcase. "According to the intelligence we have obtained, you are systematically dismantling Dutch administrative structures, establishing your own governance system, levying taxes, and recruiting troops. This is de facto annexation."

Chen Feng nodded. "So?"

"So this violates international law and relevant treaties!" Dupont interjected. "The Netherlands has filed a lawsuit with the Hague International Court, accusing Lanfang of aggression. Yingguo and Faguo, as guarantor states of the court, are obligated to uphold the international order."

"The court?" Chen Feng laughed. "Mr. Dupont, where was the court in 1876 when the Dutch bombarded the Kun Dian Gate with cannons? Where was it when Dutch soldiers shot defenseless civilians? Now we want to reclaim our land, and the court suddenly appears?"

He lifted the teapot, poured himself a cup of tea, moving deliberately:

"If you two are here to discuss matters of international law, I suggest the library. It has a complete collection of international law works, from Graus to Oppenheim; I can send someone to accompany you in a thorough study. But if you wish to talk about reality…"

He set the teapot down, 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, eighty thousand stationed troops, and the support of most residents. The Dutch? They have either withdrawn or surrendered. This is a fait accompli."

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

"For example?"

"For instance, economic sanctions," Dupont continued. "French banks might freeze Lanfang's accounts and cancel all undisbursed loans. For example, diplomatic isolation—no nation would recognize your occupation of Borneo. For example… military pressure."

The final four words were spoken lightly, yet carried great weight.

The room fell silent for a few seconds. The hum of the air conditioner suddenly became clear.

Chen Feng lifted his teacup, blew on the steam, and took a sip.

"Mr. Howard," he set down his cup, "when we signed the loan agreement last July, you said something that stuck with me. You said, 'This loan reflects Yingguo's confidence in Lanfang's development.' Now you speak of sanctioning us?"

Howard's face flushed slightly.

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

Dupont said nothing.

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

He paused:

"If sanctions are imposed, who loses more? Lanfang can find new buyers—Deguo, the United States, even the Japanese are eager to take over. But if the Royal Navy suddenly lacks oil and French factories suddenly lack rubber, have you two calculated that loss?"

Howard and Dupont exchanged a glance. This was their greatest fear—mutual economic interdependence.

"Moreover," Chen Feng continued, "do you really think the current European situation permits Yingguo and Faguo to open a second front in the Far East?"

The question landed like a heavy punch.

Howard's hand trembled. Dupont's breathing grew coarse.

"You… what do you mean?" Howard asked.

"What I mean is," Chen Feng leaned back, "the heir apparent of the Austro-Hungarian Empire is currently inspecting Sarajevo. Deguo's General Staff is revising its operational plans. Faguo's conscription term has been extended to three years. Europe is like a pile of dry wood; a single spark can set it ablaze."

He looked at the two consuls:

"At a time like this, would London and Paris go to war over a few Dutch colonies in the East Indies with a nation that possesses four world‑class battleships? Would they risk damage to their Far Eastern fleet and affect the main European theater? I don't believe your politicians are that foolish."

His words were laid bare.

Howard's face turned from red to pale. Dupont's fingers clenched on his knee.

"Mr. Chen," Howard finally spoke, his voice hoarse, "you are… gambling. Betting that Europe will erupt into a great war, betting that Yingguo and Faguo will have no capacity to attend to Borneo."

"No," Chen Feng shook his head, "I am stating facts. I don't know whether Europe will go to war. But I do know that if a great war breaks out, Yingguo and Faguo will have no spare energy to manage Borneo. And if no war breaks out…"

He smiled:

"Then we can discuss slowly. Trade, cooperation, the oil development rights in Borneo—I can grant Yingguo and Faguo enterprises priority. The premise is that you acknowledge the reality."

Carrot and stick. First display strength, then offer benefits.

Howard inhaled deeply: "I need to report to London."

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

"Feel free," Chen Feng gestured, "but please tell your governments that Lanfang is willing to negotiate, willing to cooperate, but the bottom line is: Borneo's sovereignty is non‑negotiable. This is our homeland, and we will use every means to defend it."

He stood up, indicating the conversation was over.

Howard and Dupont also rose, though their movements were a bit stiff. As they reached the doorway, Howard turned back:

"Mr. Chen, one final question. If… I mean if Europe truly erupts into a great war, which side will Lanfang stand on?"

Chen Feng looked at him, answering calmly:

"Lanfang stands on its own side. But we will remember, in difficult times, who is friend and who is foe."

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

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

"A terrifying man," Howard replied in colloquial French.

"What's more terrifying is that what he says may be true."

The two footsteps faded at the end of the corridor.