Chapter 1179
Peace Negotiations
Chapter 1179 Peace Negotiations
After leaving Hangzhou, the official document from Zhejiang Chief Envoy crossed Shaoxing from Hangzhou to Ningbo at an expedited speed of [-] li. In front of Qu Yutong.After Qu Yutong sent the messenger to rest, he returned to the study with the official document, and discussed the next action steps with Haihan's special envoy Xu Ke.
Strictly speaking, Xu Ke can only be regarded as a non-staff specially hired overseas, because after all, he is from the Xu family in Fujian, and he stayed in Zhejiang to work because he has been hiding in Ningbo all the year round, and he is familiar with the situation here, and he is doing things for Haihan. At the same time, it can also handle the affairs in Zhejiang on behalf of the Xu family.And Haihan also took a fancy to Xu Ke's various local connections, and entrusted him with the task of contacting the prefect Qu Yutong.After Haihan dispatched troops from Zhoushan, Xu Ke entered the magistrate's yamen in the name of a new staff member, and was responsible for passing messages between the two sides.
When the Haihan army first arrived in Zhejiang, Xu Ke played the role of the leading party and personally experienced the whole process of Haihan taking root in the East China Sea, so he is also very clear about Haihan's strength.Like his family in Fujian, Xu Ke had long ago decided to hold on to Haihan's thigh. In addition, his identity was easier to gain Haihan's trust than a local, so he was in chaos for more than a year after Haihan entered Zhejiang. The wind flourished, and he appeared as the spokesperson of Haihan on many occasions, and contacted all parties in Daming on behalf of Haihan.Being sent to Qu Yutong's side this time as a temporary staff member also fully demonstrated the trust of the Dinghai Port Management Committee and local government officials in him.
Qu Yutong also had nothing to hide from Xu Ke, and directly passed the official document from Hangzhou to Xu Ke for review: "Mr. Xu, take a look, is there anything that needs attention?"
Xu Ke took it over and looked at it carefully, nodded slightly and said: "It seems that the time has come, Mr. Qu can pack up and go."
Qu Yutong responded eagerly: "The luggage has already been packed, and I can set off today after I explain the affairs at hand."
The confrontation between Haihan and the Ming army in the city of Hangzhou lasts for one more day, and the situation will become more and more uncontrollable. Once the people above feel that the peace talks can no longer solve the current deadlock, Naqu Yutong may even have the opportunity to appear All will be lost.And he went to great lengths to find Haihan to plan this big drama, the purpose is to stand up and play the role of "loyal minister to save the country" in times of crisis, and use this to keep his lucrative position as prefect of Ningbo.
Of course, Qu Yutong also knew that the Haihan people were willing to help him, but it was just a move to push the boat along with the flow.Since the mysterious disappearance of three high-ranking officials in Hangzhou last year, although the voices against Haihan in the official circles in Zhejiang have been quieter, Haihan still has not obtained official approval for doing business in Zhejiang, and the joints that can be managed in the past six months have been in place. Now, the final resistance is basically concentrated on the senior officials in the Zhejiang Sansi Yamen.These senior officials are more concerned about their political future than short-term personal economic benefits, so it is difficult for them to change some existing rules with money.The only way that can work is probably to use force to create a certain scale of chaos in Zhejiang, and use political prospects to force these officials to submit.
If he hadn't stood in Daming's camp, Qu Yutong would have agreed with Haihan's thinking that the enemy must be saved if he attacked. As long as he identified the weak spots of senior officials and attacked them, it would not be impossible for the Zhejiang government to change their attitude.It's just that, as a member of Daming's officialdom, he also knows that his behavior is actually tantamount to treason and surrender to the enemy. It's just that he has fallen too deep, and he can't get out if he doesn't help Haihan complete this matter, so he might as well fight for his own benefit. last one.
Xu Ke handed the official document back to Comrade Qu Yu and said, "Master Nagqu, please leave as soon as possible. I will arrange someone to notify the Haihan army along the way, so as not to cause misunderstanding."
Qu Yutong said politely, "Mr. Lao is here."
Now that Haihan has blocked the waterway of the Qiantang River, it is impossible for Qu Yutong to go to Hangzhou on a fast horse for a day. He can only go by boat on the water. He was constantly intercepted by patrol boats on the river.And in order to avoid suspicion, it is inconvenient for him to go directly to the Haihan camp, he still has to go to Hangzhou City first, and meet the big shots to get some fresh air.
Xu Ke sent people to release the news that Qu Yutong's journey to Hangzhou was very smooth. Haihan even sent an "expedition-level" warship to escort him all the way to ensure that Qu Yutong would not be out on the way. What's wrong.
Qu Yutong arrived in Hangzhou City smoothly, and was received by Wang Ji immediately after entering the city.In order to move his reinforcements from Ningbo, it took another two days to come and go. The situation in Hangzhou has made Wang Ji really impatient.
In the past two days, the Ming army did not try to launch an unnecessary offensive again. On the contrary, Haihan's camp by the Qiantang River increased by thousands of garrisons at a speed visible to the naked eye.Moreover, according to the report from the horse scouts outside the city, Haihan transported a lot of artillery ashore from a pier downstream, and they were being transported to the front line one after another. This is obviously a precursor to a big battle in Hangzhou City.Although Wang Ji and the others were sure that it would be difficult to occupy too many places with Haihan's troops, if the opponent wanted to break through the city and make a fortune, he would run away. The tall Hangzhou city wall may not really be able to stop Haihan's artillery fire.
Recently, there have been more and more rumors in the city of Hangzhou. I don’t know where it started to spread about the various achievements of the Haihan Army in the South China Sea in the past few years. Zhejiang seems to have never heard of defeat.Although there must be exaggerated parts of it, it is easy for the public to believe these unconfirmed rumors. After all, the Haihan army has been stationed outside the city for many days, and the Ming army obviously cannot come up with any effective countermeasures. This is enough Proof of the strength of the Haihan army.
The Haihan army was not idle outside the city, so they set up artillery positions outside the camp to practice.Fortunately, their goal was not Hangzhou City, but a house outside the city where the owner had fled into the city on purpose, for live ammunition shooting training.The sound of the rumbling cannon blew up the house, and the defenders on the top of the city knew that they were not the target of the attack, but it was still unavoidable to see the solid brick wall turned into piles of rubble under the impact of the shells. Terrified.
Officials in the city thought it was a demonstration by the Haihan army, but no one dared to jump to conclusions whether the Haihan army would suddenly lose patience and turn the demonstration into an attack on Hangzhou City.Moreover, with the number of artillery pieces and combat level currently displayed by the Haihan army, even Liu Feng, the commander of the capital, had to secretly rejoice that he did not send a large army of defenders out of the city to fight Haihan. The casualties that will be caused must be a terrible number.
The sound of artillery from outside the city undoubtedly made the already tense atmosphere in the city even more on the verge of collapse. Although the government has always declared to the public that Hangzhou City is impenetrable, it is absolutely impossible for the Haihan army to break through this fortified city, but outside the city, there are frequent The continuous sound of cannons seemed to hit the official's face heavily.Although the Haihan army did not actually attack the city, many people in the city were already thinking about how to save their lives after the city was broken.
Those businessmen who used to trade with Haihan were originally thorns in the eyes of the government a few days ago, but in recent days they have suddenly become fragrant, and the thresholds of their homes have been stepped down by visitors.
As we all know, the most influential thing about Haihan in Zhejiang is their trade system.Although the government has never recognized Haihan's local trade rights, in fact, many private businessmen have established cooperative relations with Haihan, and there are many merchants who have officials behind them to provide support.And everyone knows that these people have ways to contact Haihan, and even have some common interests. They are probably the ones who can protect themselves after the city is broken. Naturally, many people want to seek safety through these ways—— Even if you can't hug Haihan's thigh, it would be nice if you can borrow a roof to keep out the wind and rain.
The battle has not yet started, but most of the hearts of the people in Hangzhou City have already collapsed. Originally, when the Qing army hit Hangzhou ten years later, the soldiers and civilians here would choose to surrender without a fight. There is no sign, and one or two can be seen from the current attitude towards the Haihan Army.
Of course, the social atmosphere will change to the current situation in just a few days, and it is not just the effect of the Haihan Army demonstrations outside the city. People kept spreading all kinds of opinions in the city, with the negative rhythm of the government, so that the public opinion would quickly slide in the direction of not being optimistic about the results of the battle.And the various yamen in the city are obviously a bit late in their reaction to these public opinion offensives. After they are aware of it, it is too late to clarify it, and there is no way to trace its source.Putting aside the pure military strength, Shanghai Han also has a clear upper hand in the propaganda battlefield.
Under such circumstances, Qu Yutong, who voluntarily represented Daming as the envoy of the peace talks, finally arrived in Hangzhou City. For Wang Ji, who was in a state of hot pot ants, it was no different from life-saving straw.Wang Ji didn't even have time to notify the military personnel to come, so he first met Qu Yutong alone.By the time Liu Feng and the others received the news and came over, the two had already had a lively conversation.
"I have already negotiated with Mr. Qu that Mr. Qu, on behalf of the capital of Zhejiang, go out of the city to discuss the withdrawal of troops with the Haihan people. Do you have any opinions?" Wang Ji waited for everyone to come and announced his decision impatiently.
Liu Feng replied: "Letting Mr. Qu go to the enemy camp alone is a bit dangerous. In my opinion, at least a military officer should be sent to take care of me."
Qu Yutong knew what Liu Feng meant when he heard it. Of course, he was not really worried about his own safety, but because he could not trust himself and wanted to send someone to monitor his words and deeds.But after going to the Haihan camp, there will naturally be someone to take care of him. Qu Yutong is not worried that Liu Feng's people will play any tricks, and immediately said: "Thank you, Mr. Liu, for your concern. The official came in a hurry, and Ningbo's defense is important. , so I didn’t bring a military attache to accompany me, this person will arrange it, but I will follow your lord’s orders.”
Liu Feng Jin Qu and Yu Tong did not object, and agreed immediately, it was inconvenient to object for the sake of objecting, so he could only respond: "Then let the commander, Master Qi Jie, go with you, you have many troubles. Discuss and discuss, don't act arbitrarily and fall into the trap of the Haihan people!"
Qu Yutong responded: "I just heard from Master Wang that a few days ago Master Qi led an army out of the city to fight against the Haihan Army, and this official admires Lord Qi's courage very much!"
Qi Jie was sitting next to him, and his expression was a little strange when he heard this, but he just arched his hands and said: "Master Qu, you are overwhelmed!"
The last time Qi Jie led the army out of the city, he almost messed up his own position before the battle started. After returning to the city, he was also reprimanded by Liu Fenghao, and he was not allowed to participate in the frontline operations after that.Liu Feng didn't even think about dismissing Qi Jie because he had followed him for many years.This time Qu Yutong took the initiative to ask Ying to go to the Haihan people for peace talks, so Liu Feng decided to send a close acquaintance to go with him. Firstly, to monitor Qu Yutong's words and deeds. However, the military will also take half of it, and Qi Jie can also make up for his mistakes and save a little face in the officialdom.Of course, if the negotiation breaks down, let Qi Jie blame Qu Yutong.
For the candidate proposed by Liu Feng, Wang Ji and others did not express any objection.In the current situation, it is indeed better to go with one more person. After all, the conditions proposed by the Haihan people were extremely harsh. It can be predicted that the progress of this negotiation will not be particularly smooth. It is also good to have more brains to think of a way.As for Qi Jie's military quality, Wang Ji could no longer trust him after what happened last time, but it seems that there are not many competent candidates in Hangzhou. Qi Jie is Liu Feng's confidant after all, but he is not loyal There is nothing to criticize, and his political quality may be more reliable than Qu Yutong, who has been secretly dealing with the Haihan people for a long time.
While discussing the negotiation strategy, the officials sent people out of the city to inform Haihan of the decision to negotiate a truce.Wang Tom had been getting a little impatient for the past few days, and finally the real thing came, and he immediately agreed to the envoy's request.
Two hours later, the Wangjiang Gate in the east of Hangzhou city slowly opened, and the mission team headed by Qu Yutong and Qi Jie left the city, heading towards the Haihan Camp.Wang Tom also sent his subordinates out of the camp early to clear out a two-meter-wide passage in the defensive zone outside the camp, allowing the Daming Mission to enter the barracks smoothly.
Wang Tom also went to meet him at the gate of the barracks. Before he went north to Shandong, he met Qu Yutong once in Ningbo, so the two knew each other, but in front of Qi Jie, an "outsider", they naturally wanted to pretend The appearance of meeting for the first time, so as not to show flaws.After the two parties greeted each other, Tom Wang welcomed the two into the big tent, ordered his subordinates to serve tea, and then began formal negotiations.
(End of this chapter)
After leaving Hangzhou, the official document from Zhejiang Chief Envoy crossed Shaoxing from Hangzhou to Ningbo at an expedited speed of [-] li. In front of Qu Yutong.After Qu Yutong sent the messenger to rest, he returned to the study with the official document, and discussed the next action steps with Haihan's special envoy Xu Ke.
Strictly speaking, Xu Ke can only be regarded as a non-staff specially hired overseas, because after all, he is from the Xu family in Fujian, and he stayed in Zhejiang to work because he has been hiding in Ningbo all the year round, and he is familiar with the situation here, and he is doing things for Haihan. At the same time, it can also handle the affairs in Zhejiang on behalf of the Xu family.And Haihan also took a fancy to Xu Ke's various local connections, and entrusted him with the task of contacting the prefect Qu Yutong.After Haihan dispatched troops from Zhoushan, Xu Ke entered the magistrate's yamen in the name of a new staff member, and was responsible for passing messages between the two sides.
When the Haihan army first arrived in Zhejiang, Xu Ke played the role of the leading party and personally experienced the whole process of Haihan taking root in the East China Sea, so he is also very clear about Haihan's strength.Like his family in Fujian, Xu Ke had long ago decided to hold on to Haihan's thigh. In addition, his identity was easier to gain Haihan's trust than a local, so he was in chaos for more than a year after Haihan entered Zhejiang. The wind flourished, and he appeared as the spokesperson of Haihan on many occasions, and contacted all parties in Daming on behalf of Haihan.Being sent to Qu Yutong's side this time as a temporary staff member also fully demonstrated the trust of the Dinghai Port Management Committee and local government officials in him.
Qu Yutong also had nothing to hide from Xu Ke, and directly passed the official document from Hangzhou to Xu Ke for review: "Mr. Xu, take a look, is there anything that needs attention?"
Xu Ke took it over and looked at it carefully, nodded slightly and said: "It seems that the time has come, Mr. Qu can pack up and go."
Qu Yutong responded eagerly: "The luggage has already been packed, and I can set off today after I explain the affairs at hand."
The confrontation between Haihan and the Ming army in the city of Hangzhou lasts for one more day, and the situation will become more and more uncontrollable. Once the people above feel that the peace talks can no longer solve the current deadlock, Naqu Yutong may even have the opportunity to appear All will be lost.And he went to great lengths to find Haihan to plan this big drama, the purpose is to stand up and play the role of "loyal minister to save the country" in times of crisis, and use this to keep his lucrative position as prefect of Ningbo.
Of course, Qu Yutong also knew that the Haihan people were willing to help him, but it was just a move to push the boat along with the flow.Since the mysterious disappearance of three high-ranking officials in Hangzhou last year, although the voices against Haihan in the official circles in Zhejiang have been quieter, Haihan still has not obtained official approval for doing business in Zhejiang, and the joints that can be managed in the past six months have been in place. Now, the final resistance is basically concentrated on the senior officials in the Zhejiang Sansi Yamen.These senior officials are more concerned about their political future than short-term personal economic benefits, so it is difficult for them to change some existing rules with money.The only way that can work is probably to use force to create a certain scale of chaos in Zhejiang, and use political prospects to force these officials to submit.
If he hadn't stood in Daming's camp, Qu Yutong would have agreed with Haihan's thinking that the enemy must be saved if he attacked. As long as he identified the weak spots of senior officials and attacked them, it would not be impossible for the Zhejiang government to change their attitude.It's just that, as a member of Daming's officialdom, he also knows that his behavior is actually tantamount to treason and surrender to the enemy. It's just that he has fallen too deep, and he can't get out if he doesn't help Haihan complete this matter, so he might as well fight for his own benefit. last one.
Xu Ke handed the official document back to Comrade Qu Yu and said, "Master Nagqu, please leave as soon as possible. I will arrange someone to notify the Haihan army along the way, so as not to cause misunderstanding."
Qu Yutong said politely, "Mr. Lao is here."
Now that Haihan has blocked the waterway of the Qiantang River, it is impossible for Qu Yutong to go to Hangzhou on a fast horse for a day. He can only go by boat on the water. He was constantly intercepted by patrol boats on the river.And in order to avoid suspicion, it is inconvenient for him to go directly to the Haihan camp, he still has to go to Hangzhou City first, and meet the big shots to get some fresh air.
Xu Ke sent people to release the news that Qu Yutong's journey to Hangzhou was very smooth. Haihan even sent an "expedition-level" warship to escort him all the way to ensure that Qu Yutong would not be out on the way. What's wrong.
Qu Yutong arrived in Hangzhou City smoothly, and was received by Wang Ji immediately after entering the city.In order to move his reinforcements from Ningbo, it took another two days to come and go. The situation in Hangzhou has made Wang Ji really impatient.
In the past two days, the Ming army did not try to launch an unnecessary offensive again. On the contrary, Haihan's camp by the Qiantang River increased by thousands of garrisons at a speed visible to the naked eye.Moreover, according to the report from the horse scouts outside the city, Haihan transported a lot of artillery ashore from a pier downstream, and they were being transported to the front line one after another. This is obviously a precursor to a big battle in Hangzhou City.Although Wang Ji and the others were sure that it would be difficult to occupy too many places with Haihan's troops, if the opponent wanted to break through the city and make a fortune, he would run away. The tall Hangzhou city wall may not really be able to stop Haihan's artillery fire.
Recently, there have been more and more rumors in the city of Hangzhou. I don’t know where it started to spread about the various achievements of the Haihan Army in the South China Sea in the past few years. Zhejiang seems to have never heard of defeat.Although there must be exaggerated parts of it, it is easy for the public to believe these unconfirmed rumors. After all, the Haihan army has been stationed outside the city for many days, and the Ming army obviously cannot come up with any effective countermeasures. This is enough Proof of the strength of the Haihan army.
The Haihan army was not idle outside the city, so they set up artillery positions outside the camp to practice.Fortunately, their goal was not Hangzhou City, but a house outside the city where the owner had fled into the city on purpose, for live ammunition shooting training.The sound of the rumbling cannon blew up the house, and the defenders on the top of the city knew that they were not the target of the attack, but it was still unavoidable to see the solid brick wall turned into piles of rubble under the impact of the shells. Terrified.
Officials in the city thought it was a demonstration by the Haihan army, but no one dared to jump to conclusions whether the Haihan army would suddenly lose patience and turn the demonstration into an attack on Hangzhou City.Moreover, with the number of artillery pieces and combat level currently displayed by the Haihan army, even Liu Feng, the commander of the capital, had to secretly rejoice that he did not send a large army of defenders out of the city to fight Haihan. The casualties that will be caused must be a terrible number.
The sound of artillery from outside the city undoubtedly made the already tense atmosphere in the city even more on the verge of collapse. Although the government has always declared to the public that Hangzhou City is impenetrable, it is absolutely impossible for the Haihan army to break through this fortified city, but outside the city, there are frequent The continuous sound of cannons seemed to hit the official's face heavily.Although the Haihan army did not actually attack the city, many people in the city were already thinking about how to save their lives after the city was broken.
Those businessmen who used to trade with Haihan were originally thorns in the eyes of the government a few days ago, but in recent days they have suddenly become fragrant, and the thresholds of their homes have been stepped down by visitors.
As we all know, the most influential thing about Haihan in Zhejiang is their trade system.Although the government has never recognized Haihan's local trade rights, in fact, many private businessmen have established cooperative relations with Haihan, and there are many merchants who have officials behind them to provide support.And everyone knows that these people have ways to contact Haihan, and even have some common interests. They are probably the ones who can protect themselves after the city is broken. Naturally, many people want to seek safety through these ways—— Even if you can't hug Haihan's thigh, it would be nice if you can borrow a roof to keep out the wind and rain.
The battle has not yet started, but most of the hearts of the people in Hangzhou City have already collapsed. Originally, when the Qing army hit Hangzhou ten years later, the soldiers and civilians here would choose to surrender without a fight. There is no sign, and one or two can be seen from the current attitude towards the Haihan Army.
Of course, the social atmosphere will change to the current situation in just a few days, and it is not just the effect of the Haihan Army demonstrations outside the city. People kept spreading all kinds of opinions in the city, with the negative rhythm of the government, so that the public opinion would quickly slide in the direction of not being optimistic about the results of the battle.And the various yamen in the city are obviously a bit late in their reaction to these public opinion offensives. After they are aware of it, it is too late to clarify it, and there is no way to trace its source.Putting aside the pure military strength, Shanghai Han also has a clear upper hand in the propaganda battlefield.
Under such circumstances, Qu Yutong, who voluntarily represented Daming as the envoy of the peace talks, finally arrived in Hangzhou City. For Wang Ji, who was in a state of hot pot ants, it was no different from life-saving straw.Wang Ji didn't even have time to notify the military personnel to come, so he first met Qu Yutong alone.By the time Liu Feng and the others received the news and came over, the two had already had a lively conversation.
"I have already negotiated with Mr. Qu that Mr. Qu, on behalf of the capital of Zhejiang, go out of the city to discuss the withdrawal of troops with the Haihan people. Do you have any opinions?" Wang Ji waited for everyone to come and announced his decision impatiently.
Liu Feng replied: "Letting Mr. Qu go to the enemy camp alone is a bit dangerous. In my opinion, at least a military officer should be sent to take care of me."
Qu Yutong knew what Liu Feng meant when he heard it. Of course, he was not really worried about his own safety, but because he could not trust himself and wanted to send someone to monitor his words and deeds.But after going to the Haihan camp, there will naturally be someone to take care of him. Qu Yutong is not worried that Liu Feng's people will play any tricks, and immediately said: "Thank you, Mr. Liu, for your concern. The official came in a hurry, and Ningbo's defense is important. , so I didn’t bring a military attache to accompany me, this person will arrange it, but I will follow your lord’s orders.”
Liu Feng Jin Qu and Yu Tong did not object, and agreed immediately, it was inconvenient to object for the sake of objecting, so he could only respond: "Then let the commander, Master Qi Jie, go with you, you have many troubles. Discuss and discuss, don't act arbitrarily and fall into the trap of the Haihan people!"
Qu Yutong responded: "I just heard from Master Wang that a few days ago Master Qi led an army out of the city to fight against the Haihan Army, and this official admires Lord Qi's courage very much!"
Qi Jie was sitting next to him, and his expression was a little strange when he heard this, but he just arched his hands and said: "Master Qu, you are overwhelmed!"
The last time Qi Jie led the army out of the city, he almost messed up his own position before the battle started. After returning to the city, he was also reprimanded by Liu Fenghao, and he was not allowed to participate in the frontline operations after that.Liu Feng didn't even think about dismissing Qi Jie because he had followed him for many years.This time Qu Yutong took the initiative to ask Ying to go to the Haihan people for peace talks, so Liu Feng decided to send a close acquaintance to go with him. Firstly, to monitor Qu Yutong's words and deeds. However, the military will also take half of it, and Qi Jie can also make up for his mistakes and save a little face in the officialdom.Of course, if the negotiation breaks down, let Qi Jie blame Qu Yutong.
For the candidate proposed by Liu Feng, Wang Ji and others did not express any objection.In the current situation, it is indeed better to go with one more person. After all, the conditions proposed by the Haihan people were extremely harsh. It can be predicted that the progress of this negotiation will not be particularly smooth. It is also good to have more brains to think of a way.As for Qi Jie's military quality, Wang Ji could no longer trust him after what happened last time, but it seems that there are not many competent candidates in Hangzhou. Qi Jie is Liu Feng's confidant after all, but he is not loyal There is nothing to criticize, and his political quality may be more reliable than Qu Yutong, who has been secretly dealing with the Haihan people for a long time.
While discussing the negotiation strategy, the officials sent people out of the city to inform Haihan of the decision to negotiate a truce.Wang Tom had been getting a little impatient for the past few days, and finally the real thing came, and he immediately agreed to the envoy's request.
Two hours later, the Wangjiang Gate in the east of Hangzhou city slowly opened, and the mission team headed by Qu Yutong and Qi Jie left the city, heading towards the Haihan Camp.Wang Tom also sent his subordinates out of the camp early to clear out a two-meter-wide passage in the defensive zone outside the camp, allowing the Daming Mission to enter the barracks smoothly.
Wang Tom also went to meet him at the gate of the barracks. Before he went north to Shandong, he met Qu Yutong once in Ningbo, so the two knew each other, but in front of Qi Jie, an "outsider", they naturally wanted to pretend The appearance of meeting for the first time, so as not to show flaws.After the two parties greeted each other, Tom Wang welcomed the two into the big tent, ordered his subordinates to serve tea, and then began formal negotiations.
(End of this chapter)