At the emperor's request, Zhu Jingyuan continued to "talk loudly":
"Sun Chen believes that our bottom line is the battle line. There is no land lost on the battlefield, and we cannot give it up at the negotiation table unless we exchange land of equal value with our opponents.
“As for the goal, on the basis of obtaining the areas where all the fronts are located, we can take back the border lands we once occupied, such as the central area on the east coast of Mozhou.
“It would be best to connect the coastline occupation area on the east coast of Mozhou into one, or connect the land next to the Persian Gulf and the West Sea Peninsula into one.
“We can claim that this peace negotiation is for permanent peace, so various international rules should be determined.
“Including rules on the ownership of territories and waters, rules on the development and occupation of unowned land, rules on indigenous rights, etc.
“We should strive for all major countries to recognize military presence and actual control as the criteria for determining the fate of unclaimed land.
“Strive to continue to slowly and steadily expand the living space in Mozhou (Africa), Yinzhou (America), Dashi (West Asia), Anxi (Central Asia) and other places based on the actual control standards of the garrison.
"There is no need to discuss matters related to money and interests. This is a peace negotiation between the two parties. It is impossible for both parties to pay compensation to the other party."
"That's all I can think of right now."
After Zhu Jingyuan finished speaking, others did not comment, but most people nodded silently, thinking that what Zhu Jingyuan said was okay.
For example, those ideas about formulating international rules, as a fifteen-year-old child, it is already amazing to think of these.
But the old emperor, who had become much better in spirit, chuckled and said:
"Jingyuan, you are too conservative. I think your expected goals should be the bottom line for our Ming Dynasty negotiations.
"After all, the royal family has paid huge practical benefits, which will make our Ming Dynasty more powerful.
"And the power of the empire is your backing at the negotiating table, so be bold!"
There was a sound of surprise at the scene. Apparently, they felt that what the old emperor said was a bit outrageous, but after the surprise, they felt that what the old emperor said seemed reasonable.
If all the reforms decided today can really be implemented, the empire will soon be out of danger, and those who cannot hold on by then may be the enemy.
Zhu Jingyuan opened his mouth, you always regard my expected goal as the bottom line, then what is your expected goal?
Zhu Jingyuan was speechless at the old emperor's arrogance, but he still suppressed his complaints in his heart and asked the old emperor seriously what his expected goal was.
So the old emperor continued to explain with a smile:
“The expected goal is for Central Xianbei (Central Siberia) to be owned by the Ming Dynasty, and the area from Western Xianbei to the Caspian Sea to be designated as a demilitarized zone, and the Lucians cannot station troops here.
“The great plains on both sides of the Honey River (Mississippi River) in central Yinzhou (America) and the jungle areas on both sides of the Yajiang River (Amazon River) are all designated as neutral areas to be developed.
"In the future, both parties can develop, construct and relocate on their own, and the land will belong to the country that actually occupies and constructs it."
Zhu Jingyuan subconsciously wanted to say that this was impossible. Not to mention losing ground in many places, Ming's team had never reached them.
But being stared at by the old emperor's chaotic eyes, Zhu Jingyuan instinctively changed his statement:
"Then it depends on how much support you can give. If the court, navy, army, and consortium all cooperate with me, I may not be able to negotiate in another five or six years.
"It's just that by then, we may not need an armistice agreement. It may be time for the other party to seek peace..."
The old emperor immediately waved his hand and said:
"Any support can be given, but the negotiation time is at most the end of the year, and I will abdicate before the end of the year.
"Before I abdicate, you must sign the agreement with me. You must first negotiate from the bottom line upward, and negotiate as much as possible.
"Whether or how to fight in the future is a matter for the younger generation, and I don't care.
"Specifically speaking of the country, Lucia is the real enemy of the Ming Dynasty. She is a strong-willed person but can collapse at any time, so don't give up even a step.
“Britain is Ming Dynasty’s maritime competitor, they can actually harm Ming Dynasty’s interests, and Ming Dynasty can also make the other side very uncomfortable.
"However, it is difficult for both of us to directly inflict serious damage on the other side's homeland, so we can secretly exchange interests with him.
“For example, the Ming Dynasty gave up its claim to the southern half of the Tianzhu Peninsula, recognized their occupation of that part of the land, and also asked the other party to no longer interfere with the Ming Dynasty’s unification of the Dashi Peninsula.
“France’s navy is not as good as ours, and the conflicts between us are concentrated in Beiyinzhou, inducing it to shift its attention to the mainland of the West and let it pay attention to the threat of Prussia.
"The Prussian army is good, but the navy is basically non-existent. Apart from the competition to develop colonies in a few areas of Africa, there is no actual conflict of interest between us.
“Moreover, we can actually cooperate, because with Lucia between us, we can mention it to them privately. The situation in Austria is similar.
“As for other countries, they only need to appease them with small gains, such as giving them some territory in Africa (Africa), but there is no need for large-scale compromise.
"Countries like Grape Country, Spain, and the Netherlands have been fighting on and off with our Ming Dynasty for a hundred years, and they have not affected the development of our Ming Dynasty."
Zhu Jingyuan complained in his heart, you have finished talking, what else can I say, I can only express sincerely:
"Sun Chen knows."
Regarding the bottom line and goals of this negotiation, the old emperor directly gave the highest instructions.
Since it far exceeded everyone's expectations, the other princes and ministers had nothing to say.
Everyone instinctively believes that this time we can only negotiate based on the lowest standard, and there is no need to consider the highest goal at all.
Regarding the details and direction of the negotiations, Emperor Zhu Zhongliang mentioned a few words himself, and then asked other ministers to add some, and it was basically finalized.
Finally, considering that Zhu Jingyuan was young and inexperienced, one person from each of the military aircraft, cabinet, foreign court, clan, and consortium was selected as a deputy envoy to accompany him.
The deputy envoy is Zhu Jingyuan's staff officer. He is also responsible for connecting with the original department, conveying the news and needs of both parties, and promoting the cooperation of all parties in the negotiation.
And when Zhu Jingyuan needs and permits, cooperate or directly participate in actual negotiations.
As for ordinary staff such as communications, documents, and translators, Zhu Jianyan was asked to directly transfer them from Honglu Temple, and everything was ready-made.
Zhu Jianyan accompanied him as a representative of the clan, assisting and guiding Zhu Jingyuan in handling various situations.
Everyone understands that Zhu Jianyan is the de facto person in charge of the peace talks, but he must be hidden under his son's name.
After the peace talks came to an end, everyone began to discuss support for the peace talks, that is, the reforms proposed by Zhu Jingyuan.
In fact, everyone understands that the war is basically over, and the reforms confirmed today are the real big deal.
Although the reform is nominally to support the peace talks, it is actually more important than the peace talks themselves.
