Chapter 30 - 30 The Diplomatic War

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Chapter 30: Chapter 30 The Diplomatic War As the meeting resumed, outlining the finer details of the treaty, a sharp voice interrupted. "Wait a moment!" All eyes turned to Japan's representative, Nishi Tokujirō, who had risen from his seat for the first time in weeks. "Why has the Japanese Empire been excluded from these discussions?" he demanded. "We, too, have suffered losses and demand equal rights as these other nations!" The room fell silent, the tension palpable. "Ah, Japan," Liu Feng said, his voice dripping with derision. "I had almost forgotten you were here." Nishi Tokujirō swallowed hard, struggling to maintain composure. "Yes, Japan has suffered greatly!" he pressed. "How many of our soldiers were killed by the Boxer rebels? Over 3,500 in a single day!" It was true. While the allied forces had minimal casualties, Japan had paid a heavy price. But Liu Feng's response was a dagger. "Japan. The dog of the East," Liu Feng said with deliberate cruelty. "A nation that doesn't know when to bow and when to bare its teeth." Nishi Tokujirō's face burned with anger and humiliation. "You—!" Liu Feng cut him off. "Let me make this clear. I'll decide Japan's fate here and now. As of today, Qing severs all diplomatic ties with Japan. Any Japanese citizens remaining in Qing territory beyond one month will be considered illegal immigrants and executed accordingly." The room erupted into chaos, but Liu Feng remained steadfast. The message was clear: Japan had no place at this table. Here's the adapted translation, transformed into a cinematic and epic fantasy style, with a descriptive third-person narrative while preserving the original meaning and tone: The representatives gathered at the negotiation table exchanged skeptical glances. "With what power?" "Didn't they lose to Japan not long ago?" This was an era where naval strength dictated the fate of nations. If the Japanese navy decided to wreak havoc along the Qing Empire's coastline, the consequences would be catastrophic. It would inevitably lead to surrender. Liu Feng's voice broke through the air, calm yet laced with authority. "Taiwan and the Penghu Islands must be returned. Furthermore, all privileges granted to Japan within Qing territory will be revoked. Every prior treaty will be declared null and void."@@@@ Bang! "While Japan is undoubtedly a nation that has advanced by emulating the West," Herbert began, his voice steady, "its current demands are unfounded." He turned to the Japanese delegate, his tone sharp. "Yes, Japan has suffered losses, that much is true. But their actions cannot be excused under the guise of 'victimhood.' They assassinated a regent, the very guardian of Qing's sovereignty!" "That accusation is baseless!" the Japanese delegate snapped. "Enough," Herbert cut him off. "We all know it was your Lieutenant Itō who killed the Empress Dowager. Denying it is futile. If anything, Japan should be paying reparations!" Herbert's decisive stance emboldened the other delegates. "I agree wholeheartedly!" the French ambassador declared. "Would any of us tolerate such actions if they were directed at our nations?" "Absolutely!" chimed the German ambassador. "This wasn't an accident; it was a deliberate act of murder!" Even the Russian ambassador, who had been waiting for his moment, joined the fray. "Let us not forget—they attempted to assassinate our Tsarevich as well!" The room fell silent as all eyes turned to the Russian ambassador, who coughed awkwardly and averted his gaze. The collective sentiment was clear: the allied nations would not side with Japan. Dividing the spoils among seven powers was already a delicate balance; allowing Japan—a neighboring nation—to claim a share would only diminish their portions further. Liu Feng turned to Nishi Tokujirō, Japan's representative, with a faint, mocking smile. "Justice prevails in the court of international diplomacy, does it not, Ambassador Nishi?" Nishi Tokujirō glared back but said nothing. "As for the details," Liu Feng continued, "we'll notify your government through official channels. Since this agreement does not concern Japan, I must ask you to leave." The words stung like a whip. Until now, Nishi Tokujirō had at least had the dignity of sitting quietly in the corner, sipping tea. Now, he was being expelled outright, with no room for protest. The justification—Japan's assassination of the regent—was ironclad. "Damn it," Nishi fumed. "Shouldn't they be thanking us for dealing with the Empress Dowager?" He could do nothing but leave, humiliated and alone. As Nishi Tokujirō exited, Liu Feng and the remaining delegates returned to their discussions. What unfolded was no longer a simple matter of reparations or forced concessions. It had evolved into a reimagining of Qing's future. On July 1897, the 23rd year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign, the Treaty of Prosperity was signed—a stark departure from the punitive treaties of history. It was a moment that would reshape the balance of power in the East, paving the way for a future far removed from the shadows of subjugation.

Chapter 30 - 30 The Diplomatic War

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