Munitions Empire-Chapter 976 - 898 Tang Empire’s Attitude

Chapter 976: 898 Tang Empire’s Attitude Chapter 976: 898 Tang Empire’s Attitude Chu Muzhou’s car was luxurious, but after over a year of use, it no longer looked as new. The Rolls-Royce was provided to him from public funds, one of the privileges of being a Prime Minister.

Accompanying this car was the second highest license plate number in the Dahua Empire, and on the streets of the Imperial Capital, few dared to block its path.

In fact, this car was also bulletproof. The body of the car was very thick and heavy, and the engine was superior, capable of withstanding long-range attacks from rifles.

At this moment, the Rolls-Royce slowly drove into a courtyard flying the blood-red Dragon Banner of the Tang Empire and stopped in front of a beautifully decorated building.

A guard clutching a standard-issue assault rifle from the Tang Empire approached, opened the car door, and Chu Muzhou’s secretary came around to help the aging Prime Minister out of the car.

Glancing up at the grand building before him, Chu Muzhou sighed and ascended the steps, one by one, entering the Tang Empire’s embassy in the Dahua Empire.

According to the treaty signed between the two nations, the land here belonged to the Tang Empire, and everyone within the embassy was under the protection of Tang Empire’s laws.

...

Of course, equivalently, the Dahua Empire also had an embassy in the Tang Empire, which enjoyed the same privileges. At least in this matter, the Tang Empire demonstrated the fairness that was expected.

Passing through the spacious corridor, the secretary of the Tang Empire’s embassy helped push open the door to the ambassador’s office, and Chu Muzhou signaled his secretary and entourage to stay at the door while he entered the large room.

Hanging on the wall was a massive blood-red Dragon Banner, which somewhat dwarfed the man sitting below it.

The ceiling of this office was very high, at least six meters, giving the impression that two floors had been combined to create a sense of grandeur.

“Minister Chu, please, take a seat!” the Tang Empire’s ambassador, who was not very old—looking under 50—remarked, which was a characteristic of the Tang Empire where Tang Mo and his officials tended to be very young.

Sometimes, high-ranking officials in the Tang Empire could be under 30, a phenomenon unique to Tang.

“Mr. Ambassador…” Chu Muzhou made himself comfortable. The two were not strangers, and in some ways, they could even be considered friends.

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He sat down across from the desk, getting straight to the point, “My visit this time, I presume you can guess its purpose. The stance of the Tang Empire is extremely important to us.”

“Minister Chu, let me reiterate our position again. We support His Royal Highness Zhao Yu of your country, who is dedicated to fostering friendly relations between our two nations, upholding trade, and maintaining trade order,” the Tang Empire’s ambassador stated firmly, without giving ground.

“But now, Zhao Yu has a somewhat special status in our country…” Chu Muzhou wanted to emphasize Zhao Yu’s status as a traitor, but since Dahua Empire had not yet finalized its stance on Zhao Yu, he was unable to elaborate further.

After all, if he adamantly labeled Zhao Yu as a rebel at this time, it would mean there was no room for maneuvering, losing some initiative in decision-making.

Actually, up to now, the Dahua Empire was still making its greatest efforts hoping to resolve the issue of Zhao Yu fleeing to Fengjiang at minimum cost.

Chu Muzhou’s purpose in coming here was to discern the intentions of the Tang Empire, and he asked, “So, the military assistance your country provides to Zhao Yu…”

The Tang Empire’s ambassador immediately interrupted Chu Muzhou, emphasizing, “Minister Chu, as far as I am aware, up until this moment as we speak, we have not provided any military arms, weapons, or support to Zhao Yu.”

“…” Hearing such a definitive answer, Chu Muzhou was forced to believe him: indeed, according to the intelligence he held, the Tang Empire had not transported large quantities of military arms, particularly weapons and ammunition, to Fengjiang.

“The most sensitive cargo we sold were Steel Helmets… Prince Zhao Yu ordered 500,000 Steel Helmets from us, considering reducing casualties and being responsible for lives, we accepted the order and provided these helmets,” the Tang Empire’s ambassador revealed openly, explaining the list of materials supplied by the Tang Empire.

“We only sold food, clothing, blankets, and other supplies, most of which were humanitarian aid,” the ambassador from Tang said with a smile: “The situation is quite critical; is there a problem in expressing our support for His Highness Zhao Yu?”

There’s a problem! Of course, there’s a problem! Aside from guns and ammunition, you’ve given Zhao Yu everything else, of course, he’d have the guts to rebel! Chu Muzhou cursed in his mind but dared not shout these words out loud.

Despite being extremely upset, Chu Muzhou had to admit that this candid stance from the Tang Empire actually provided the Dahua Empire with a sound explanation.

This appearance of a businessman reduced many risks of misjudgment for the Dahua Empire, and essentially affirmed the Dahua Empire’s determination to go to war.

In a different manner, Chu Muzhou asked as calmly as possible, “Then, can your country pause its aid and support for Zhao Yu?”

The ambassador of the Great Tang Empire immediately shook his head, “Sorry, we have no reason to betray a past friend. Our cooperation with His Highness Zhao Yu has always been very pleasant. The people of both countries have gained benefits and increased wealth due to such cooperation. Therefore, to protect the interests of both countries, we choose to support His Highness Zhao Yu.”

If the Dahua Empire were stronger, then at this point, Chu Muzhou might have directly warned the other party, “You are provoking a war!”

Unfortunately, the Dahua Empire was the weaker side, and Chu Muzhou didn’t have the courage or ability to threaten the Great Tang Empire. Although the Great Tang Empire was already being excessive in this matter, Chu Muzhou still had to endure and concede.

He continued to ask, “If, I mean if, our country is willing to fully accept Zhao Yu’s propositions, acknowledging all the consensus reached between Zhao Yu and your country… Would your country be willing to stop its aid and support to His Highness Zhao Yu?”

“Sorry, as I have emphasized earlier, our Great Tang Empire is not willing to betray friends. Supporting old friends and making new friends does not conflict,” the ambassador of the Great Tang Empire apologized again.

“If, I mean if, the Dahua Empire is willing to ensure the safety of His Highness Zhao Yu, and appoint His Highness Zhao Yu as the Crown Prince?” Chu Muzhou took a step further and proposed a new hypothetical scenario.

The ambassador promptly absolved himself of responsibility, stating cleanly, “I think, Lord Chu, you are mistaken; this condition should be discussed between your country and His Highness Zhao Yu. I am the ambassador of the Great Tang Empire to the Dahua Empire and cannot represent His Highness Zhao Yu.”

“What if His Highness Zhao Yu agrees?” Chu Muzhou seemed to focus on the key point.

“That would still be your country’s internal affair, irrelevant to the Great Tang Empire,” the ambassador of the Great Tang Empire confidently responded. If Zhao Yu could resolve it by himself, then the intelligence agency and military of the Great Tang Empire might as well have died.

“Thank you, I understand now,” Chu Muzhou acknowledged, feeling a bit naive about his earlier stance; he nodded and then fell silent for a long time.

“Lord, you are too kind. Striving for peace between the two countries has always been my primary task, and that has never changed,” said the ambassador of the Great Tang Empire. After these words, he did not disturb the silent Chu Muzhou. The room remained very quiet for several minutes.

After pondering the issue for a long time without knowing what he was thinking about, Chu Muzhou slowly lifted his head and broke the silence in the room, “Let me ask one more question.”

“Please ask, Lord Chu,” the ambassador made a welcoming gesture.

Chu Muzhou took a moment to carefully phrase his question and slowly said, “Mr. Ambassador… will your country… become involved in this war?”

“I don’t know why Prime Minister would ask this; the Great Tang Empire has already submitted a diplomatic note to your country, clarifying our stance on this matter. We love peace and will not readily become involved in a war,” the ambassador said impeccably.

…

“Has the Great Tang Empire really only provided clothing, food, and Steel Helmets?” Zhao Kai felt this might be the best news he had heard in many days.

He initially judged that the Great Tang Empire, based on moral grounds, would not get involved in the war immediately, and now with the assurance from the Great Tang Empire, he felt a bit more confident.

Although it was just a statement and anyone who believed it was a fool—since even treaties between countries could be torn up—it was the best option Zhao Kai had, and he was forced to believe in such an elusive assurance.

He felt that as long as Zhao Chen’s offensive was fast enough to capture Fengjiang before the Great Tang Empire realized, the Great Tang Empire could only watch helplessly as Zhao Yu was destroyed without any opportunity to intervene.

“It seems that, at least for the short term, the Great Tang Empire really will not get involved in this war. At least, they will not personally send troops to interfere,” Chu Muzhou made his judgment, “However, I still believe that war is not a good choice.”

“I also know war is not a good choice! But can that rebel be easily captured?” Zhao Kai was somewhat impatient with this question, saying, “A quick battle… is our only chance now!”

“Alas…” Chu Muzhou also knew that, generally speaking, there was only this one option left. Zhao Kai wouldn’t compromise, and Zhao Yu had even fewer options… This internal war within the Dahua Empire seemed unavoidable regardless of perspective.

“Don’t worry! If we can’t defeat Tang Country, the elite of Dahua will easily handle a handful of rebels. There will absolutely be no problem!” Consoling his own Prime Minister, Zhao Kai’s face regained some color, and he ordered with a wave of his hand, “Send a telegram to Zhao Chen… Tell him to be prepared and launch the attack soon!”