Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1172: The Perfidious Bastard

Washington, White House.

The emergency meeting convened by President Koster was held again, and the atmosphere in the meeting room was more tense than before. Su Zhengyang's call made everyone realize that China's attitude on the Far East issue was more resolute than expected.

"Everyone," Koster said, "We just received a call from Chinese President Su Zhengyang. He made it clear that China will definitely take back the Far East and warned that any country that interferes in this matter will be regarded as an enemy."

Defense Secretary Stimson frowned and spoke first: "Mr. President, although Tsarist Russia is our ally in the Anti-Will Alliance, the price to pay for offending the now prosperous China is too high."

"I agree," Finance Minister Morgenthau nodded, "We have already invested a lot of resources in the European battlefield. I am afraid it will be beyond our ability to open a new front in the Far East."

Foreign Minister Ericsson seemed particularly worried: "Mr. President, we just finished our last meeting and China received the news. This shows that their intelligence network is very efficient. If we provide any form of assistance, it may completely infuriate this Oriental lion."

"So, how do we respond?" Koster asked, his eyes sweeping across everyone's faces.

"I suggest remaining neutral," Senator Adams said. "We can continue to provide indirect support, such as intelligence and economic assistance, but avoid direct military involvement."

"This is indeed a feasible plan," Stimson nodded in agreement, "We can use diplomatic channels to urge Tsarist Russia and China to negotiate and try to avoid escalation of the conflict."

"But we can't completely abandon Tsarist Russia," Alex reminded, "They are our allies after all, and we need to give them appropriate support without angering China."

After some discussion, everyone finally reached a consensus.

"Then," Koster finally said, "we will politely reject the direct assistance request from the Tsarist Russia, while continuing to communicate with China to avoid misunderstandings and conflicts."

"Yes, Mr. President," Alex nodded in response.

Washington, D.C., Department of State.

Foreign Minister Ericsson sat behind a large desk, holding the phone in his hand, with a focused look on his face. He was having a difficult conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei.

"Minister Sergei," Erics said politely, "we attach great importance to our alliance with Tsarist Russia, but under the current circumstances, we are unable to provide direct military assistance."

On the other end of the phone, Sergey's voice sounded a little anxious: "Alex, we are allies! What I need is substantial help, not empty promises."

"I understand your position," Alex said, trying to remain calm, "but there's really nothing we can do."

Sergei continued unwillingly: "The Far East is of vital importance to us. If Tsarist Russia and China go to war, the battle between our allies and the Bird Empire on the Eastern Front will be deadlocked."

Alex was silent for a moment, then said: "China's goal is to take back the Far East. Perhaps you can resolve the issue through negotiations and consider returning the Far East to China."

There was a hint of anger in Sergey's voice: "Negotiation? Return? This is unacceptable to us!"

The talks between the two sides reached a deadlock, and Sergei was obviously disappointed and angry with America's attitude.

&34;I'm sorry we couldn't reach an agreement,&34; Alex said helplessly.

"Regret?" Sergei sneered, "You will regret this."

After saying that, Sergei hung up the phone angrily, leaving Alex sitting alone in the office with mixed feelings.

He knew that the failure of this dialogue meant that the situation of Tsarist Russia in the Far East would become more difficult.

Moscow, Winter Palace.

Sergei stood in the large reception room, lowering his head to report America's response to the Tsar. Under the gorgeous crystal chandelier, the Tsar's face became increasingly ugly.

"What?" the Tsar jumped up from his chair. "America also refused?"

"Yes, Your Majesty," Sergei replied cautiously, "They said there was nothing they could do and even suggested that we..."

"What do you suggest?" the Tsar asked sharply.

&34;Suggest that we...consider returning the Far East to China.&34;

"Assholes!" The Tsar grabbed the crystal glass on the table and smashed it to the ground, making a sharp sound of breaking. "What a bunch of treacherous bastards!"

He paced back and forth in the reception room, his face livid: "England, France, America, what the hell are they! Scared by a bunch of yellow monkeys? Have they forgotten who helped them win the war?"

Sergei stood there, not daring to say a word.

"And you!" The Tsar suddenly turned to Sergei, "You are a loser! As the foreign minister, you can't even get a little help!"

&34;Your Majesty, I...&34;

"Shut up!" the Tsar roared, "Do you know what the Far East means to us? It is our gateway to the Pacific Ocean! It is the lifeblood of our empire!"

Sergei lowered his head and cold sweat ran down his forehead.

&34；现在好了，&34；沙皇冷笑道，&34；我们的&39；盟友&39；们全都躲起来了，留下我们独自面对华国那个疯子！&34；

&34;Your Majesty, perhaps we could...&34;

"Get out!" the Tsar roared again, "Send the chief of staff to see me! Since they won't help, let China see the power of the Russian Empire!"

Sergei bowed and left quickly. He heard the sound of the Tsar throwing things behind him. He knew that a big battle was inevitable.

Palace of Westminster, secret meeting room.

Foreign Minister Eden stood up and reported to the cabinet members present: "Prime Minister, the Tsarist Russia has asked us for assistance and hopes that we can support them on the Far East issue."

Hearing this, Qiu Jian sneered: "These stupid white bears are just daydreaming. Portugal and we have already surrendered Hong Kong and Macau, and the damn Tsar Nicholas III is still trying to keep the land in East Siberia that originally belonged to China."

Aiden nodded in agreement: "That's why I rejected their request for assistance."

"You did it wisely," Qiu Jian said approvingly, "We don't need to offend China for the sake of Tsarist Russia."

He paused and continued: "However, the Tsarist Russia may be dissatisfied with us because of this. Eden, you need to do a good job of diplomatic appeasement and try to ease their emotions."

"Understood, Prime Minister," Eden replied, "I will arrange a meeting with the Russian ambassador to explain our position and do my best to appease their dissatisfaction."

Qiu Jian nodded, and the atmosphere in the conference room eased a little, but everyone knew that the situation in the Far East was still full of uncertainty.