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  "As the President is well aware of the pros and cons, I won't say more. However, during our negotiations, please strictly keep this confidential and do not let outsiders know about it, lest unnecessary troubles arise." Riichi Yoshizawa looked at Yuan Shikai with a threatening tone and said proudly, "Otherwise, the Chinese government may have big trouble."

  "Those who can make concessions can naturally negotiate! But those who cannot make concessions, such as Article 5, do not have the possibility of negotiation at all!" Yuan Shikai seemed to be enraged by Ito's arrogance and said sternly, "Don't bully people too much!"

  "I believe the President will make a wise decision." Yihui smiled coldly, glanced at Yuan Shikai, and stopped talking. He slightly bowed to Yuan Shikai, then turned around and left without looking back.

  Yuan Shikai gazed after the retreating figure of Ri Yueti, his eyes blazing with anger. He took a deep breath, composed himself, glanced at the wall clock, stood up and entered the inner chamber, picking up the telephone on the desk.

  "The Japanese have indeed secretly presented the 'Twenty-One Demands' to the President," newly appointed Foreign Minister Lu Tseng-tsiang put down the phone and said with a gloomy face to Kung Hsiang-hsi, who was sitting beside him, "The President says that the content is exactly the same as what we previously received."

  After hearing Lu Zhengxiang's words, Gu Weijun, who was filled with anger, heavily punched the table.

  "How can they set conditions for the head of state without going through our Ministry of Foreign Affairs?!" Lu Xingxiang was so angry that he puffed out his mustache, "And they even strictly forbade us from leaking any information! This is absolutely outrageous!"

  "They are afraid that if the Western powers learn about this, they will not be willing to let them monopolize our country and will intervene," Gu Weijun immediately understood what was going on when he heard Lu Zengxiang's words. "Only they don't know yet that the ambassadors of England, America, and Russia already know the contents of these 'Twenty-One Demands'."

  "A weak country has no diplomacy. Last time the Grand President told the three envoys about this 'Twenty-One Demands', they all expressed doubts, and thought it was our fabrication. Lu Zengxiang sighed, "Now that the European war is intense, it's exactly when Western countries rely heavily on Japan. This thing really came, but I'm afraid they won't be willing to offend Japan for our country."

  "The Japanese strictly forbade us from leaking the news, which shows that they are also worried about foreign intervention and are guilty," said Gu Weijun. "We should all the more make the news public and strive for help from friendly nations."

  "What if the Japanese use this as an excuse to send troops into our country because of the leaked message?" Cao Rulin sighed, his voice filled with unspeakable sadness and helplessness. "How can we defeat the Japanese tiger-like army?"

  "Now that things have come to this, we can't afford to worry about too much anymore. We can only notify the British and American envoys immediately." Gu Weijun looked at Lu Zengxiang and Cao Rulin and said, "This matter should be done sooner rather than later, otherwise, our country will become even more passive."

  "You and the American minister are familiar, so go ahead and take a trip first, Shaochuan." Lu Zhengxiang thought for a moment, then said to Gu Weijun, "But don't expose your tracks, let the Japanese know that it was us who leaked the information, lest we give them an excuse."

  Gu Weijun nodded calmly and didn't say a word.

  "Afterwards, we must also find a way to inform the British and American envoys about the details of the negotiations." Seeing Lu Zengxiang and Gu Weijun's calm demeanor, Cao Rulin also stabilized from his initial flustered emotions. "The Japanese will definitely restrict the number of people participating in the negotiations, we must also prepare for this in advance."

  "You, Cao Rulin, are a high-achieving student who studied in Japan. It's well-known that you have close ties with the Japanese and they also have a good impression of you. Even if they don't let me, the Premier, participate in the negotiations, they shouldn't refuse to let you join." Lu Zengxiang said to Cao Rulin, "This time, your reputation as being pro-Japanese will definitely come in handy. It's up to you then."

  "Foreigners say I am pro-Japanese, I do not deny it. However, my affection for Japan is due to emotional reasons, not because of power or influence. If it's possible to be close, then I'll be close; if not, then I won't. Therefore, my closeness to Japan is not about flattering them." Cao Rulin said seriously, "At this critical moment when our country is in difficulty, all Chinese people should do their best for the country. Whatever can be done, should be done. Just talking and scolding others, what benefit does it bring to the country or ourselves?"

  After listening to Cao Rulin's confession, Lu Xiang and Gu Weijun were both moved. The three of them discussed it again and then Gu Weijun immediately took action.

  At night, Gu Weijun, who had changed his clothes, appeared in a secret room of the US Embassy in China.

  "I didn't have the slightest doubt about the authenticity of the document you provided me, and since receiving your warning last time, I immediately sent an urgent telegram to Washington, reminding the White House to pay attention to Japan's movements, unfortunately it did not receive enough attention." American Envoy Reinsch said apologetically to Gu Weijun, handing him a cup of hot coffee, "And this time, I am willing to make my best efforts to help the Chinese government and people foil Japan's conspiracy."

  "The harsh terms proposed by the Japanese would also be a great injury to American interests in China," Kung Hsiang-hsi said, taking a sip of his coffee and speaking directly without further polite conversation. "And if Japan's ambitions are realized, China will inevitably fall into Japan's hands, and the Japan that has gained control of China will inevitably become America's most dangerous enemy."

  "The U.S. government would never allow such a situation to arise," said Rheinhardt, "From now on, dear Kuo, I need you to tell me all the details of the negotiations."

  "The Japanese also threatened us, not to leak the news," said Koo Vi Kyuin. "However, I have obtained the authorization of the President and Premier, and will make every effort to keep in touch with you at all times."

  "This is not enough," Reinsch said to Kung, "As this negotiation closely affects the interests of the United States in China and the sovereignty of China, I must be fully informed so that my government may take necessary action under treaties and agreements relating to Chinese independence. We must take the initiative in this matter."

  Rynn's words brought some comfort to Gu Weijun, who looked up at the dark night sky, calmed down and began discussing some details with Rynn.

  At this time, a similar secret meeting was also being held in the Chinese Army Department.

  "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun negotiations with the Japanese, but they actually demand that only two people be allowed to participate, and at most bring one secretary!" a literary official-looking person reported to General Duan Qirui, "Even the number of negotiators is specified by them, it's simply not treating us as human beings!"

  To prevent Japan's military invasion of our country, General Sun once proposed to fully accept the Japanese conditions, and the President was extremely angry and removed General Sun from office, replacing him with General Lu. The people participating in the negotiations now are General Lu and Minister Cao. An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said to Duan Qirui, "The Japanese demanded five talks a week, but General Lu claimed he was busy with affairs and could only meet once a week. The Japanese firmly refused, but after discussion, it was decided to hold three talks a week."

  "He is quite good at thinking of such methods." Upon hearing the official's words, Duan Qirui couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

  "The approach of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actually just one word, 'drag', they hope that after Britain and the US receive the news, they can intervene in this matter." Xutong said with a smile.

  "But we can't delay, we must make good military preparations now," said Tsai Ao somewhat anxiously.

  Duan Qirui looked at the army officials and generals present, stood up and walked to a large map, saying, "In all aspects, our country's strength is not as good as Japan's, but it won't be easy for Japan to swallow us like a snake swallowing an elephant."

  Duan Qirui looked at the map and began issuing orders one by one.

  Jiangxi, Tianyun Mountain, Jiuxi River.

  "Will he drown in the river?" Tang Jiemei, standing on the shore, gazed out at the vast and calm river surface, saying anxiously.

  "Shut up! Ninth sister!" Tang Jing put down the binoculars in his hand, somewhat annoyed, and glared at Tang Jiuniang with a glance. Tang Jiuniang playfully stuck out her tongue and didn't say anything else.

  Tang Jing raised the telescope in his hand again and carefully searched the river surface.

  At this time, the riverbank was crowded with people, not only Tang Jing and his daughter, but also a large number of ordinary people gathered on the shore, looking at the river with curious eyes, as if they were all searching for something.

  "Look over there, Ninth Sister." Madam Tang seemed to have discovered something and smiled as she pointed in a certain direction, saying to Tang Jiemei.

  "Where?" Tangerine Ninth Sister followed Mrs. Tang's pointing direction and suddenly exclaimed with excitement, "Look! It's them! What a big splash!"

  "Where? Where?" Tang Jing hastily asked.

  "Look over there, can you see? It's incredible, it's spouting bubbles!" Madam Tang smiled and walked up to Tang Jing, placing her hands on his shoulders and turning him around.

  At this time, the crowd on the shore seemed to have discovered something and began to appear. Tang Jing's eyes widened as he carefully observed the river surface through binoculars, and indeed saw a spot of continuous foaming waves.

  "They're coming! They're coming!" Tang Jiemei clapped her hands and jumped up and down excitedly.

  Tang Jing stared intently at the river surface, and soon, amidst the huge waves, a black object slowly emerged from the water.

  "It's truly amazing. A ship that can run underwater, I've only heard of it existing in foreign countries, I didn't expect us to be able to build one here," Mrs. Tang saw that Mr. Tang's hand holding the telescope was trembling and smiled as she grasped his other arm, "This Governor is really too incredible."

  At this time, the hatch of the small submarine that had floated to the surface opened, and Tang Jing saw Yang Shuo Ming, dressed in casual clothes, excitedly crawling out of the submarine and slapping hands with a test pilot who had just poked his head out to celebrate.

  "A rare talent that is hard to come by in this world, I am not his equal." Tang Xuan sighed and put down the telescope in his hand.