"Since 1840—over eighty years—Britain has enjoyed numerous special privileges in China. A unified China will inevitably refuse to allow these privileges to continue. Given current British public opinion, regardless of which party controls Downing Street or what kind of politicians they are, anyone who accepts such an outcome will certainly be driven from power. Sir Jordan, do you agree with my assessment?"

Jordan had indeed been somewhat worried that He Rui would make hardline statements driven by nationalist sentiment. If that truly happened, it would prove Jordan had overestimated He Rui—or that even a leader like He Rui had to compromise with nationalist emotions.

Now He Rui's perspective was quite rational. Jordan nodded slightly. "And then?"

"The British government will continuously adjust its demands based on specific circumstances. Right now we've only just taken control of North China. When Britain finds it cannot stop us, it will use separatist forces in southern China to oppose us. Though I'm very displeased about this, Sir Jordan can certainly believe that I understand Britain's decision."

Jordan smiled slightly. This was the He Rui he knew—a statesman with breadth and vision. In European history, such politicians always achieved great things.

Like the French Prime Minister, Cardinal Richelieu. On his deathbed, when a priest asked Richelieu: "Will you forgive your enemies?"

This politician who had made many enemies answered frankly: "Apart from public enemies, I have no enemies."

He Rui's attitude gave Jordan this same impression, and Jordan hoped He Rui could maintain it.

"As long as the British government cannot escape this situation, it can only continue struggling with China politically, commercially, and militarily. The struggle will inevitably become protracted—this is determined by inherent factors. If the Chinese rebels Britain supports cannot prevent Chinese unification, Britain will next impose a trade embargo. If China's navy begins to develop, Britain will organize military alliances targeting Chinese naval power projection—promoting China threat theories to America, uniting with Japan, arming Japan to apply military and diplomatic pressure on China. I believe such a situation won't be permanent, but it will be prolonged."

After He Rui finished, he picked up his teacup and took a sip, giving Jordan an opportunity to speak. Jordan seized this chance to ask: "General, since you're aware of such a future, why aren't you willing to resolve differences through peaceful negotiation? The British Empire is a nation that supports peace. Or do you believe the British Empire cannot understand China's desire and need for national security? Cannot recognize China's reasonable and legitimate demands?"

"I would never doubt Sir Jordan's wisdom. Among the gentlemen on Downing Street, apart from those hopeless imperialists, rational people are like Sir Jordan—able to understand that strength should receive corresponding respect. If unconstrained, you would certainly make wise and commendable decisions based on the current shift in the balance of power. However, things won't develop that way. This is the present reality."

Jordan wasn't misled by He Rui's flattery. Rich experience made Jordan intuitively sense danger. He Rui was a wise scholar, a commander worthy of China's trust. Therefore He Rui was dangerous to the British Empire—this was an obvious fact.

After thinking for a moment, Jordan asked: "Does Your Excellency believe the crux of the current conflict lies in Parliament?"

He Rui didn't answer this question directly, instead asking: "Sir Jordan, do you consider me a civilized person? Is the new government a civilized government?"

Jordan didn't hesitate: "In my view, Your Excellency is not only a civilized person—even in the Western world, scholars who can compare to you are rare. As for your government, I hope that under your leadership, this government can achieve your standards."