Chapter 534 536. Negotiating Conditions

"He's really arrogant. Not only do we have to let them go, but we also have to return their belongings." Wu Yichen thought of the ships that had re-entered the sea and immediately shook his head in denial, "That's a nice thought."

Gu Wenheng, "Let the prison boss stay cool."

He Gaofei also shook his head. How dare they put such a bargaining chip on the table? "At this point, these people still haven't realized their situation."

Gu Wenheng, “These people are despicable by nature, how could they realize their mistakes?

Believe it or not, if we give in to them, once their problems are solved, they will immediately come back to us for settlement. We cannot do such a loss-making business."

Prince Zuo in the cell waited for the prison boss to reply. The boss raised his head and said, "Our master said that prisoners have no right to negotiate these terms. As for you, next time your subjects come, our master will write a letter and ask them to come and redeem you.

After all, I have to support you for such a long time, so even if I lose money, I can’t lose too much.”

"You are talking nonsense. We didn't ask you for help. Just let us out immediately. This way, we don't have to interfere with each other."

The prison boss said, "Oh, you have free food and lodging here, and yet you still speak so confidently.

We are so many grown men who help you guard the door, bring you food and drinks, and take care of your defecation and urination. Doesn't all this cost anything?

Just wait! All of these are expenses, and there will always be a time to settle the accounts.”

…

The bandits waited until the others left and immediately started shouting, "What did he mean by this? He wants to settle accounts with us for such a small thing."

"Is this the point? They said that they would wait until we have someone come over next time before passing the news back.

If this is true, then we are really embarrassed.

Not only will we be taken prisoner, but we will also have to ask someone to redeem us."

"Fuck, they locked us up here and blamed us for eating and living for free. Who would want such a shabby place?"

“…”

"Shut up, everyone." Prince Zuo Tengshang was so anxious that his mouth was blistered, but these people were still arguing over some meaningless trivial matters.

"Now is not the time to worry about these things. If you don't leave here quickly, when we go back, do you think you will be able to get away with it?

The new Prince Zuo will allow you old subordinates to jump around in front of him."

“…”

"In the soil, write another letter to this king."

"Your Excellency, didn't they refuse? At this moment, they are not willing at all and will not let us go back."

Putting yourself in his shoes, if Tu Zhong were an official on this side, he would not be willing to let the tiger go back to the mountains.

"Humph, that's because the chips I gave were not enough. I didn't expect that the ruler of this place is still a greedy person."

After receiving several letters in succession and watching the other party's chips increase little by little, Gu Wenheng finally agreed to meet the other party that day.

He sat high up in the prefectural hall, watching Prince Zuo, in shackles, walk forward step by step.

Without looking at the seat or showing any special treatment, he looked down from above and smiled at the prisoners below, "Your Excellency Prince Zuo, we meet again."

Prince Zuo raised his head, held up the shackles in his hands and said, "Is this how you treat guests?"

Gu Wenheng, "Guest? Those who come uninvited are considered bad guests here.

We all know what's going on in our minds, so please stop beating around the bush with me.

Although the conditions you proposed seem very tempting, in my opinion, they are all flashy and impractical.

What’s more, this government does not believe your promises.”

Prince Zuo looked at the people in official uniforms and said, "Have you discussed everything among yourselves? The conditions I offer are already very favorable.

As long as you return our warships, I will give you a generous thank you gift when I return, and everyone present here will get a share."

Gu Wenheng turned his head to glance at He Gaofei and the others, "Master He, what do you think?"

He Gaofei and the others immediately stood up to show their loyalty, "What Master Gu said is what we all agree on."

Gu Wenheng, "That's great, Prince Zuo. The conditions you proposed are just empty promises in my opinion. Besides, you have been learning the culture of our Rong Dynasty, so you should know the phrase 'letting a tiger go back to the mountains'. Do you think I am so stupid?"

Prince Zuo stepped forward and said, "I will sign a document and stamp it with my special seal. I will fulfill all the promises I made to you after I return.

In your words, a gentleman's promise is worth a thousand gold, not to mention that I left a handwritten letter."

Gu Wenheng leaned forward slightly at this moment, and looked at Prince Zuo for a long time. Just before the other party was about to speak, he said sarcastically, "Gentleman? I think you have a misunderstanding of gentleman. In my opinion, you have nothing to do with these two words."

"How dare you! If you continue to belittle me, I will..."

"What will happen? You can't bear it. With such a character, how can I trust you?

Besides, you are so shameless to ask us to return the spoils of war. I guess you don’t know what the word “spoils of war” means?

I summoned you to come up to see you today only because I am tired of your multiple letters a day and want you to give up completely."

Prince Zuo stepped forward and said, "Oh, you think you can rest easy just by arresting me?

When the new Prince Zuo takes office, he will still lead his troops here."

Gu Wenheng, "So what? Anyway, if it really comes to that, you will be the shield in our hands.

I just wonder if the new Prince Zuo will point the knife in his hand at this government or at you?"

Prince Zuo ascended, "..."

"You keep repeating the same thing over and over again. Don't write to me anymore. Reading letters is a waste of my time. Please leave."

Prince Zuo Tengshang had been humiliated repeatedly, and his palms were already sweating. He kept reminding himself that now was not the time to act on impulse.

Waiting for the future...

"Then tell me, what do you want me to do in exchange for letting you go?"

Gu Wenheng, "I am afraid you can't afford the price."

"Just mention it. I am not a stingy person." Even if the other party wants more gold and silver treasures, he can agree now. As for the future...

Gu Wenheng saw through the man's calculations at a glance and said, "I can let you go, but the ship is already our trophy, and the previous damage has been repaired by us.

We can talk to General Zhou and have his soldiers escort you back.

As for the thank you gift, this government hopes that you will sign a document of compensation and ransom to show your sincerity.

I don't think His Excellency Prince Zuo would want to delay any further."

The more Prince Zuo Tengshang listened, the angrier he became. He had to admit that he felt threatened.

If it goes on any longer, he, the Prince Zuo, will have even less deterrent power.

(End of this chapter)