The Shogunate was in turmoil.
The shock this fleet brought was no less than that of the Black Ships incident fifty years ago.
In some ways, it was even more absurd.
The leader of the Black Ships fleet, at least, had the title of Commander of the White Eagle East India Company Fleet, and everyone knew he came from a country on the other side of the Pacific.
Their proposed agreement wasn't too outrageous either; they merely demanded open trade ports, allowed the establishment of consulates, and received most-favored-nation treatment.
This fleet from another world, however, did not belong to any nation on Earth; their technology was entirely beyond anything known.
If Lu Chen didn't have a head and two legs, the Shogunate would have suspected him of being an alien.
The proposed treaty was even more harsh.
“Acknowledge the Alliance's suzerainty status, all production, economic and trade activities are to be unified by the Alliance…”
“A certain proportion of resources will need to be paid annually as tribute, and on this basis, the Alliance will not interfere too much in the internal affairs of the tributary states…”
After the Shogun read the contents.
The court officials looked at each other.
Brutal, too brutal.
This is telling you to kneel down and be a dog.
They didn't even bother with opening trade ports or ceding harbors, they directly wanted the whole nation to pay tribute.
They could have traded, but they had to take it by force, I'm going to cry.
Signing the treaty would mean this place would become a resource production base under the Alliance, losing any autonomy in its development.
“Surrendering without fighting, directly signing this treaty, will bring nationwide condemnation.”
A member of the military said.
“For the sake of our military spirit, we should also put up some resistance.”
“Then who among you will go?”
Thinking of the aircraft carrier bigger than a city, the Shogun felt a bit of a chill.
“The Army?”
“Is there any chance of launching a surprise attack on that fleet while it's docked at the port and capturing the ship?”
“Let the Naval fools go! That's not our concern!”
The Army general said, “It's none of my business.”
“Tokyo Bay is the Army fools' defense zone! Go, you!”
The Naval fools roared back at the Army cowards.
“Army fools!”
“Naval fools!!!”
“…”
Both sides frantically insulted each other's family trees.
It's a joke, their two ships have more tonnage than the entire Combined Fleet, their weapons and carrier-based aircraft are unheard of and unseen.
Launching a torpedo boat boarding attack on an aircraft carrier is too Showa.
Maybe twenty years later, they'll have decided, but the military of the Taisho era didn't have such avant-garde ideas.
The atmosphere couldn't get any more Showa.
“…”
“If a forceful approach is not feasible, we might try to win over that fleet commander.”
The Shogun pondered for a moment.
“Try talking to him again, maybe there is room for negotiation on the treaty terms.”
…
Early the next morning.
Lu Chen yawned, walking out of the bedroom on the Richelieu.
Not far away, on the shore, a cacophony of gongs and drums echoed.
A military band in uniform was playing music below.
An official-looking man with two squads of attendants was waiting respectfully at the port.
“Commander, the Shogunate's diplomatic staff is requesting an audience.”
“They say they have important matters to discuss.”
The communication from Belfast came through.
“Oh?”
Lu Chen perked up slightly, receiving the group in the reception room.
“General, this is a small token of appreciation from the Shogunate.”
The diplomat clapped his hands, and attendants brought in several chests.
They were filled with gold and jewels.
It was clear the Shogunate had amassed some wealth over the years.
“Hmm.”
Lu Chen didn't say he wanted them or didn't want them, simply nodded.
“In addition, General, you have traveled a long way, and the Shogunate has failed to welcome you with a banquet, we deeply apologize.”
“If you don't mind, how about we take you on a tour of the city tonight and then hold a feast in your honor?”
“Iban Street is quite popular among both locals and foreigners, would you be interested?”
The diplomat sent by the Shogunate was courteous, with the characteristic humility of the islanders.
“What's Iban Street?”
Richelieu, Belfast, Kaga, and the others were all a bit puzzled.
“Kabukicho.”
Taiho blurted out the words.
She looked at Lu Chen with malicious intent, nudged him, and asked in a low voice:
“Commander, you wouldn't go to a place like that, would you? You have Taiho after all…”
“I'm not interested.”
Lu Chen rejected the offer directly.
He wasn't Cao Gong; when he arrived in a city, he didn't have to ask, “Is there a brothel in this city?”
“I'm not interested in your diplomatic rituals, high officials, or local customs. You just need to answer, accept or reject.”
“Don't overthink it, don't do anything unnecessary, it's pointless.”
“Please leave. Go back and let the Shogunate consider carefully.”
“!!!”
The diplomat was stunned; all the prepared speeches he had were suddenly stuck in his throat.
From beginning to end, the other party was resolute, with no intention of negotiating.
He swallowed a few times before asking in a hoarse voice:
“Why… would you choose us?”
“The island nation's resources are not abundant, even as a tributary state, the annual tribute you can provide is very limited. If you want an overseas market, other countries should be more suitable…”
“You're close, so you're first.”
Lu Chen stood up, signaling for them to leave.
“All the other countries on this Earth, none of them will escape. Whether it's the Empire of the Sun Never Sets or the natives on the African savanna, they will all become tributaries of the Alliance in the future.”
“Those who should mine, mine, those who should farm, farm, those who should fish, fish, you all have a bright future ahead of you.”