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

Chapter 1162: Visiting Card from the British Chamber of Commerce

In the evening, on the balcony of a villa on the hillside, Su Zhengyang was holding a cup of tea, looking at the sunset over Victoria Harbour.

"Mr. President," Zhang Luanyu walked quickly to the balcony, holding a gold-stamped visiting card in his hand, "President Williams of the British Chamber of Commerce is handing over a visiting card and wants to visit you."

Su Zhengyang put down the teacup in his hand, and a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth: "These British guys can't sit still?"

"Yes," Zhang Luanyu nodded, "They have been asking about your schedule these days."

"Heh," Su Zhengyang chuckled, "They just want to get some reassurance from me. They have been operating in Hong Kong for nearly a hundred years, and now that they see that the situation is hopeless, they are naturally restless."

The sea breeze blew gently, blowing the corners of Su Zhengyang's clothes. On the warship in the distance, the soldiers were changing shifts, and the sound of neat footsteps could be faintly heard.

"President, do you want to meet them?" Zhang Luanyu asked.

Su Zhengyang pondered for a moment, his eyes looking into the distance: "Yes, why not?"

&34;Where shall we meet?&34;

"Right here in the Governor's Mansion in Gangcheng," Su Zhengyang turned around, his eyes sharp, "Let them know that from now on, this is China's place."

"The president is wise," Zhang Luanyu smiled knowingly, "it's time for these British guys to adapt to their new identities."

"Go and reply to them," Su Zhengyang picked up the teacup again, "and tell them that I will wait for them at the Governor's Mansion the day after tomorrow morning."

"Yes," Zhang Luanyu turned to leave and heard Su Zhengyang say:

"By the way, let Cheng Hu come as well. We should let these British guys see that China is no longer something they can manipulate at will."

In the banquet hall of the Governor's Mansion, the crystal chandelier reflected the morning light. Su Zhengyang sat in the main seat, wearing a straight dark Zhongshan suit, with a steady and majestic look. Cheng Hu and Zhang Luanyu stood on both sides, looking solemn.

"Mr. President," a guard pushed open the door, "The representatives of the British Chamber of Commerce have arrived."

Williams walked in with two Chamber of Commerce representatives. The Chamber of Commerce president, who had been a powerful figure in Hong Kong for decades, seemed particularly cautious at this moment. The three of them were all wearing the most formal morning dresses and were very humble.

"Mr. President," Williams said in stiff but standard Chinese, "thank you very much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to meet with us."

Su Zhengyang nodded slightly: "Please sit down."

The three of them sat down one by one, and Williams noticed that their seats were arranged at the side. This detail fully explained the current status change.

"Mr. President," Williams said carefully, "we represent the Great British Chamber of Commerce..."

"I know what you want to say," Su Zhengyang interrupted him, his voice calm but unquestionable, "You are worried that the interests of the Chamber of Commerce will be affected in the new situation, right?"

Williams was stunned for a moment, then smiled bitterly: "Your Excellency the President is really observant."

"Mr. Williams," Su Zhengyang picked up the teacup, "How many years have you been doing business in Gangcheng?"

&34;Thirty-two years, Mr. President.&34;

"Then you should know very well," Su Zhengyang's eyes became sharp, "how you have obtained privileges over the years."

Williams' forehead was covered with sweat: "Mr. President, I..."

"But all this is in the past," Su Zhengyang put down his teacup, "A new era requires new rules. China welcomes legitimate business dealings, but those unequal privileges must end."

"We understand," Williams said quickly, "We fully understand and respect China's position."

Williams carefully looked at the young president in front of him.

At only 26 years old, he already controls this great oriental country. His deep eyes reveal a calmness and majesty far beyond his age. Williams has been working in the business world for more than 30 years and has seen all kinds of people, but he has never seen such a young leader with such a strong aura.

"Make some coffee for Mr. Williams and the others," Su Zhengyang said to the waiter beside him, "I remember the British like this."

"Thank you, Mr. President." Williams bowed slightly.

After the coffee was served, Su Zhengyang spoke slowly: "Mr. Williams, I'll get straight to the point. I don't want to see any more of the shameful activities that the British Chamber of Commerce has been doing in Hong Kong over the years."

Williams' hands trembled slightly, and he almost knocked over the coffee cup: "Mr. President, we..."

"Don't be nervous," Su Zhengyang waved his hand, "I don't want to pursue the past. But from now on, all business activities must be legal and compliant."

"Yes, yes." Williams nodded repeatedly.

"Also," Su Zhengyang's voice suddenly became serious, "British merchants will no longer enjoy tax exemptions or any legal privileges in Hong Kong. Everyone must abide by the laws of China."

Williams' hand holding the coffee cup trembled again. These privileges were the foundation of the British rule in Hong Kong for nearly a hundred years. Now, the young president in front of him denied them all with just a few words.

"I understand, Mr. President," Williams said calmly, "and that's the right thing to do."

"Very good," Su Zhengyang picked up the teacup, "As long as you abide by the law, China will protect the legitimate rights and interests of all businessmen. You can rest assured about this."

"Thank you, Mr. President, for your understanding." Williams felt relieved.

Seeing the once arrogant British businessman now being cautious, Su Zhengyang smiled secretly. This is the change of the times, and this is the right to speak of strength.

"By the way," Su Zhengyang suddenly said, "I heard that some people in your Chamber of Commerce are very dissatisfied with China's takeover of Hong Kong City?"

Williams broke out in a cold sweat: "Mr. President, those are unreasonable people..."

"Let them understand," Su Zhengyang said calmly, "this is not a hundred years ago. China today is not something that anyone can bully."

Williams looked at the young president in front of him and suddenly realized that things were really going to change in Hong Kong.

As soon as the three of them walked out of the Governor's Mansion, James could no longer bear it.

As soon as the three of them walked out of the Governor's Mansion, James could no longer bear it.

"It's too much!" he said indignantly in English, "A 34-year-old yellow monkey dared to speak to us like this! Williams, did you see his arrogant look?"

"Shut up!" Williams snapped.

"What are you afraid of?" James said disdainfully, "These Orientals are just lucky. Who do they think they are? Do they really take themselves seriously? That Su Zhengyang, a young boy..."

"That's enough!" Williams suddenly turned around, his face livid, "James, are you living too comfortably? Don't you see those warships outside? Don't you see those armored vehicles? This is no longer the era where we can show off our power!"

James sneered: "What? Are you scared by them too?"

At this moment, a uniformed guard appeared behind them.

"Gentlemen," the guard said in perfect English, "I would like to remind you that most people here can understand English."

James' face turned pale instantly.

"Also," the guard continued, "Mr. President led the army to defeat the Fuso Kwantung Army when he was 34 years old, and was subsequently elected president. So, I suggest that you speak... It's better to be careful."

Williams' forehead was covered with sweat: "I'm very sorry, sir. I apologize to you on behalf of my colleagues."

The guard nodded and turned to leave.

"You idiot!" Williams glared at James, "Do you want to kill all of us? He defeated the Kwantung Army at the age of 34. Do you think he did it by luck?"

James wanted to say something else, but was interrupted by Williams: "Shut up! From now on, remember that this is no longer a place where the British can do whatever they want. Adapt to the new rules, or get out of the port city!"

The three of them hurriedly got into the carriage. Through the window, Williams saw the guard standing on the steps of the Governor's Mansion, watching them leave.