Chapter 450: The Argument

The refined manners and speech showed that Count Claire was a genuine noble.

Rhodes acted as translator between the two, conveying Claire’s words to Xiao Ming.

Xiao Ming nodded slightly and gestured for Claire to sit down. He said, “Welcome to the Great Yu Empire, and to Dengzhou.”

Claire sat and glanced over Xiao Ming. To his surprise, this Great Yu prince was so young. He began to understand why this Prince Qi was so tough.

In Claire’s experience, young people usually lacked patience but were passionate and impulsive.

After a moment of silence, Claire spoke first. “Respected Prince Qi, I believe you understand why we came. Regarding Ryukyu, I hope for a negotiation outcome satisfactory to both sides. That is why I am here.”

Between them was a long table. Rhodes and Claire sat opposite Xiao Ming and Yang Chengye, looking like a modern negotiation.

Xiao Ming said, “I also hope to resolve this through negotiation. No one wants to risk their soldiers’ lives.”

“If so, Prince Qi, please allow us to keep Fort Zeelandia. Beyond that, we agree to your other demands,” Claire said seriously.

By saying this, Claire agreed to let Xiao Ming control the East Asian trade routes and restrict Dutch trade to Dengzhou and Ryukyu. But like Rhodes’s last visit to Qingzhou, Claire refused to withdraw Dutch troops from Fort Zeelandia.

Xiao Ming tapped the table, his eyes scanning Claire’s calm face, which showed no emotion. Claire’s tone was firm.

“If you don’t withdraw the troops, you need to give me a reason.” Claire’s personal visit meant this negotiation would end soon.

Xiao Ming had to be cautious. Claire was much steadier than Rhodes—a tough opponent.

“First, without guaranteed security, we cannot be without troops for protection. The Ryukyu fleet not only protects the East Asian trade routes but also prevents privateers from raiding merchant ships. Your Highness, are you familiar with what privateers are?” Claire’s words probed, wanting to know if this Great Yu prince had deep knowledge.

“Privateers?” Xiao Ming frowned.

Privateers were civilian ships authorized by governments to be armed to attack enemy merchant ships—state-supported piracy.

From the 16th to 19th centuries, European powers used all means, including encouraging pirates to attack rival ships, to gain sea dominance.

Though nations publicly condemned pirates, secretly they employed them.

Armed civilian ships were born in this context.

“Do you mean the privateers from England and Spain?” Xiao Ming said lightly. “It is said England rose from a band of pirates; the whole country was one big pirate, with the queen as their leader.”

Claire’s expression changed slightly. He was surprised how closely the prince’s description matched the Dutch view of English and Spanish privateers.

Sighing, Claire said, “Yes. Those privateers from these two countries have seriously threatened our merchants. They’ve even appeared near Manila’s routes.”

“Alright, that’s one reason,” Xiao Ming said. “But how do you explain the soldiers in Fort Zeelandia? Privateers operate at sea; I doubt they’d attack Fort Zeelandia rashly.”

“These soldiers defend against Japan,” Claire’s eyes flickered. “I’m sorry, but the Dutch first started trade in Nagasaki. Some greedy merchants even sold matchlock technology to the Japanese. To us, Japan is now more dangerous than Great Yu. Their matchlock manufacturing is excellent, and with firearm troops, Japan has expansion ambitions. This is very dangerous for us.”

Mentioning Japan, Xiao Ming’s face darkened. “Thanks to you, Japan is planning invasions of Korea and Great Yu. This is your own fault. You know well islanders are no different from pirates. In Europe, they are England; here, Japan. They’re the same—always thinking about robbery and murder.”

“I must say I agree,” Claire suddenly smiled. “But unfortunately, Great Yu has a problem too. This problem stopped us from trading with you earlier.”

“Oh? What problem?” Xiao Ming asked.

“Arrogance,” Claire said bluntly.

Xiao Ming nodded. “I admit that’s a mistake. But there’s no point discussing this now. Let’s return to the negotiation.”

“Isn’t that enough reason to keep our troops?” Claire asked.

“Fine. But you may keep only two thousand soldiers and four warships,” Xiao Ming said with a smile.

Claire was surprised. The real Dutch garrison in Ryukyu was just two thousand troops. This prince was quite cunning, and Claire believed he had already learned all about Fort Zeelandia.

Of Ryukyu’s twelve warships, eight were originally from the Manila colony. To stop Prince Chu’s reckless moves, he had pulled eight more warships from Manila to Ryukyu.

“It seems Your Highness knows everything,” Claire said with a bitter smile.

Xiao Ming sneered. Europeans no longer cared about the lives of native troops and were happy to use them recklessly.

Because of this, he would only allow Claire to keep pure Dutch troops. This way, the Dutch would have to think carefully before risking war to reduce casualties.

“This is my bottom line. I will also send two thousand soldiers to Fort Zeelandia to protect you,” Xiao Ming said with a malicious smile, then looked at Claire, waiting for his response.

Claire furrowed his brow, his gaze wandering. He knew this prince was testing their sincerity.

After a long silence, he hesitated, “Alright, I accept these terms.”

Hearing this, Xiao Ming relaxed. This was his last test. If the Dutch had ill intent, they would not accept his condition about the garrison.