Sunlight passes through the window and shines into this office, which is far from spacious. Both the left and right walls of this office are integrated bookcases. The bookcases are filled with various books, many of which are from China.

Classics, including Pan-Confucian academic classics, as well as a large number of English books. Apart from two large bookcases, there is only a large desk in the office. The back of the desk faces the window, which is a Western-style floor-to-ceiling window.

There are four chairs placed in a half garden in front of the desk. At this time, four people are sitting on the four chairs. Zhang Yilin, Lu Zhengxiang, Gu Weijun, and Cao Rulin are sitting in front of the desk in turn. One of these four people is the secretary of the Prime Minister's Office.

The first is the Director-General of Foreign Affairs, the second is the Director of Foreign Affairs of the State Council, and the last one is the Undersecretary of Foreign Affairs.

Looking at the four people in front of him, Li Zicheng, who was smoking a cigar, only felt funny for a while, because if he went by the textbook, he was now dealing with "danger to the country", "incompetence", "traitor", "traitor", "compromise"

”, working with diplomats who “surrendered”.

The Beiyang Period began with Yuan Shikai's military training at the small station and ended with the success of the National Revolutionary Army's Northern Expedition and the change of banner in the Northeast. Both parties vigorously attacked the Beiyang Period and described it as the darkest era in Chinese history. With the failure of the Westernization Movement, the Beiyang Navy

They are connected with stereotypes such as the destruction of the country and the betrayal of the Beiyang warlords. Was the Beiyang era a time of warlords fighting and the people living in dire straits?

But after coming to this era, I realized that sometimes textbooks are just textbooks. People always continue to vilify their opponents for their own political interests. In fact, Beiyang is an era and force that has been vilified. At this time, although Yuan Shikai was

Even though there is no president, the situation is still semi-political at the local level, but there are still moral constraints between each other, and they will not kill everyone; there are many factions in Beiyang, and more importantly, this era is an era of diversity, and the social atmosphere

Free and relaxed, with no official ideology, a hundred flowers of ideas blooming, and academic freedom, it is a golden age for intellectuals and education.

In terms of diplomacy, through the transformation of old diplomatic institutions in the late Qing Dynasty, the modernization of diplomatic institutions was completed, and a new group of professional and technical diplomats entered the diplomatic stage. They went abroad through various forms to receive professional training.

Education is the first group in China to open its eyes to the world.

Moreover, diplomats have a high prestige. Diplomacy is not constrained by partisan interests. It can proceed from the actual national interests, and is more capable and sustainable in decision-making than other departments. However, due to the long-term revolutionary diplomatic indoctrination, it is described in the archives of the great powers as

The cunning, excellent, and difficult Beiyang diplomats became "compradors", "lackeys", and "servants" in the textbooks of later generations, and the results of negotiations were wiped out.

The diplomacy of the Beiyang period had merits and demerits, but many people only saw the bad in the past and failed to see the good. They only emphasized today's achievements and past mistakes. If they make concessions, they will take the overall situation into consideration. If others make concessions, they will lose their power and humiliate the country.

That kind of double standard is so ridiculous.

Just like now, just like this, if according to the "standards" of later generations, he is "losing his power and humiliating the country" and "traitoring and compromising"! Holding a cigar between his fingertips, Li Zicheng began to recall the history he had learned in the past.

Since its contact with the world in modern times, China has suffered humiliation and setbacks, and the "unequal treaties" can be called the most obvious scars.

Since the 1920s, patriotic propaganda such as "anti-imperialism and abolition of treaties" and "abolition of unequal treaties" have begun to take root in the hearts of the people. Since then, who has "abolition of unequal treaties" has ended a century of national humiliation, which is closely related to the legitimacy of the regime.

The Nationalist Government benefited from the anti-imperialist and anti-warlord passions after the May 30th, and took power after the Great Revolution. It emphasized that it was always committed to abolition of treaties, and during the Anti-Japanese War, it signed the "Sino-US New Treaty", "Sino-British New Treaty", etc.

·Abolish the "unequal treaties", but belittle the importance of the Axis powers returning their privileges to Wang Jingwei's regime. Later, for political purposes, a certain party belittled the achievements of the Nationalist Government in abolishing the "unequal treaties". Pointing out that there are still many things that have not been taken back

rights, emphasizing that they were the first to propose the abolition of the treaty and fought unremittingly; 49 years later, the power and influence of imperialism were completely wiped out, and the chains of "unequal treaties" that were tied to the Chinese nation were lifted. Finally,

The return of Hong Kong and Macau will truly end a century of national humiliation.

In fact, "unequal treaties" carry a century-old national tragedy and have strong political connotations. The introduction and use of its concept means doubting and challenging the legality and effectiveness of the treaty, and then advocates "abolition" of it, but it is too

It would be contradictory to overemphasize the moral flaws of "unequal treaties" and the moral superiority of "abolition of treaties". The Qing government also enjoyed treaty privileges in foreign countries, such as having special administration in Korea.

There are 3 concessions, and there are also Chinese concessions in the public concessions such as Zengnanpu, and they enjoy consular jurisdiction. Before the Treaty of Shimonoseki, China and Japan shared consular jurisdiction with each other.

It should be said that the main role of "abolition of treaties" is internal and closely related to real politics. The rich and wonderful process and results of "amendment of treaties" have been obscured by the concept of "abolition of treaties", causing the efforts of several generations of diplomats to be forgotten.

, many characteristics and development history of China's diplomacy have been ignored and distorted, and it is impossible to summarize the results and understand the past with peace of mind.

Getting rid of the shackles of treaties is a goal unanimously shared by the whole country. "Amendment" and "abrogation" are both means to achieve the goal. "Amendment" follows legal channels and revise equal treaties in accordance with legal requirements; if the opponent country insists on refusing to amend the old treaty,

Then we can appeal to the revolution and public opinion, take the political route of "abolishing the treaty", and get rid of the shackles of the old covenant, with the goal of still re-writing a new covenant of equality. "Amendment of the treaty" and "abrogation of the treaty" should be complementary to each other, and can depend on the environment and current events.

k and its own environment, make different choices or use them interactively. "Treaties must be observed" is a long-standing Western legal tradition. Treaties can be modified, but modifying treaties should not negate the principle of "treaties must be observed."

However, after the May 30th Massacre in 1q25, the two parties advocated "anti-imperialist abolition of the treaty", emphasizing that abolition and amendment were two completely different things, and defined "amendment of the treaty" as a traitorous act of compromise and surrender with imperialism. They believed that only "abolition of the treaty"

Only by "treaty" can we lift the shackles and get rid of the semi-colonial status. Since then, "amending the treaty" and "abolishing the treaty" have become two clearly irreconcilable routes. Whether to advocate the unconditional "abolition of unequal treaties" is patriotism and counter-revolution.

A bad watershed. "Revising the Treaty" has become deeply ingrained in the minds of Chinese people and has become a negative term.

"I have no other requirements,"

Holding a cigar, Li Zicheng made a gesture.

"From now on, all decisions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be approved by the State Council. At the same time, envoys stationed abroad are strictly ordered not to make any remarks that are contrary to the decisions of the State Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This must be stated to them

.”

After saying that, a smile appeared on the corner of his mouth and he patted his hand gently a few times.

While the Prime Minister was talking, Cao Rulin just kept blowing the match to light his cigarette. I don't know if it was because of nervousness or other emotions that made his fingers tremble slightly, and it was even difficult to light the match.

At this time, with a crisp sound, a gold lighter with flames appeared in front of his eyes. He raised his head in surprise, only to see the Prime Minister lighting a cigarette for him.

"Secretary-General Cao!"

Looking at Cao Rulin with a smile, this famous "pro-Japanese faction" in history, Li Zicheng said loudly.

"Our time is very precious, so I hope we will not waste any time. Now when countries propose to amend the treaty, we will attack and attack again and never stop."

Seeing that Cao Rulin was about to speak, Li Zicheng waved his hand and said:

"Okay, okay. Although you haven't said anything yet, I already understand what you want to say. Let me first talk about the steps of this matter."

After a pause and two puffs of cigar, Li Zicheng glanced at everyone.

"My opinions are very simple, only three points,"

Licking his lips, a smile appeared on Li Zicheng's face.

"The first point is - every staff member must not slow down at work. On the contrary, he must work harder. Needless to say, you are all working very hard and you are all enthusiastic about your work. I am very grateful to you. But still

There is one thing - you must not forget it at all times, and that is the second point I want to say."

He took two more puffs of cigarette, but all that came out of his mouth was hot air. Then he took another puff.

"The second point is: we must understand that this matter is related to the rise and fall of China's national destiny in the next few decades. During the Tsushima Sea War, Marshal Togo once said, "The rise and fall of an empire depends on this battle." Today I think

It is said that the rise and fall of China depends on this battle. It is undeniable that each of us is patriotic, but patriotic enthusiasm is not enough. In this matter, we must make full use of the contradictions of various countries and the interests of various countries.

and points, choose a few suitable targets, and open a few breakthroughs."

Looking at the faces of the four of them, the muscles on Li Zicheng's face twitched - expressing a smile. He continued:

""Amending treaties" and "abolishing treaties" are both means to achieve the goal. "Amending treaties" follows legal channels and revise equality treaties based on legal requirements; if the opponent country insists on refusing to amend the old treaty, it can resort to toughness and public opinion.

Taking the political route of "abolishing the treaty" and getting rid of the shackles of the old covenant, the purpose is still to re-write a new covenant of equality. "Amendment of the treaty" and "abrogation of the treaty" should be complementary to each other. Different actions can be taken depending on the environment, current events and one's own environment.

Select or interact."

After a moment of silence, Li Zicheng added.

"Although those unequal treaties are evil and imposed treaties, none of which we signed voluntarily, but since we are in this era of strong predators, since we have to play this game, unless one day, we

We have the ability to formulate the rules of the game. Otherwise, we must abide by the rules of the game set by the Westerners. "Treaties must be abided by" is a long-standing Western legal tradition. Treaties can be modified, but modifying treaties should not negate the principle of "treaties must be abided by."

in principle."

When talking about "treaties must be abided by," Li Zicheng seemed a little helpless. The principle of "treaties must be abided by" may seem a bit nonsense, but it is the most basic rule of the game. This principle applies to both weak and powerful countries.

It is universally binding.

"You are all experts in diplomacy. You are better at diplomacy than me. I am a layman, so I am very frank. There may be some things I have not considered. You can point them out directly. But on issues of principle,

There is nothing to be polite about, and there is no room for negotiation. I think you will definitely work hard to achieve the goal of "revising the New Testament."

The country will remember you, the people will thank you, and I am also very grateful to you."

Looking at the four people in front of them, they will form a small group that "revises the New Testament". They must take on the task of negotiating with various countries in the future. They must use all diplomatic means to achieve the ultimate goal, but they will not give up.

.

"You work—any questions?"

Seeing that the four of them were just silent, Li asked again.

"If you need anything, just say so. If you need a military exercise, you only need a phone call..."

Li Zicheng had a smile on his face. In his understanding, in later generations, a direct military exercise was often used to express a tough stance. However, in this era, it is unclear whether outsiders can understand it.

Only Lu Zhengxiang, Gu Weijun and Cao Rulin were slightly stunned when the president spoke. After looking at each other, Lu Zhengxiang asked.

"Prime Minister, you said before that when negotiating with countries without treaties, you insist on equality and reciprocity and no longer grant privileges. Even if the negotiations fail and diplomatic relations cannot be established, you cannot accommodate. As for the President..."

Striving for recognition from various countries can be said to be something that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working hard on in recent years. Now, although major countries have recognized China, there are still many countries that have not yet established diplomatic relations, and the president has set a policy of "making friends all over the world"

Obviously, Li Zicheng's decision is contrary to the president's decision.

Holding the cigar in his mouth, he looked directly at Lu Zhengxiang and was silent for a long time:

"Well, well, well. I know, I know. I don't have extra time to talk about this matter. From now on, you don't need to mention this matter anymore. I can tell you clearly that starting from today, if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs signs another

I am afraid that a treaty that is not equal and reciprocal will give any country any privileges..."

He laughed coldly, glanced at the four of them again, and snorted with a nasal tone -

"Although the central government has made a profit of 30 million since last year, the fiscal crisis is still plaguing us. Especially since the country's large-scale industrial construction began this year, the fiscal crisis is just around the corner. This year, the remaining balance of tariffs will reach two

Ten million yuan, if the tariff is raised to 10%, then the customs surplus will exceed ten million yuan. If the tariff power can be taken back, it will not only alleviate the financial crisis, but also enable our country to build a number of large-scale industrial entities with a one-year surplus.

Therefore, striving for tariff autonomy will be the focus and the first step in re-writing the New Treaty!"

Looking at the four of them, Li Zicheng began to set out the work steps. Regardless of the objective urgency or practicality, the recovery of tariff sovereignty should be the first step. Firstly, the government needs to increase tariffs and increase government revenue.

, for industrial construction in the next few years. On the other hand, in the past few years, I have had frequent contacts with people from all walks of life in the United States. At the same time, the Ministry of Security has also used every opportunity possible to learn about the details of the United States.
To be continued...