As the archon of Athens, the largest country ever, Cleisthenes' statement was not much different from surrender.
Hearing this, everyone in Stoby laughed. They all looked at Xia Zhe, wondering how harsh the conditions would be.
On the contrary, Cleisthenes' heart was bleeding.
Whether or not he could save his own life was secondary to Cleisthenes's opinion.
What’s important is that what King Stobi is about to propose is very likely to be a condition that will humiliate the country.
Unlike most city-states, Athens had an electoral system. The citizens' assembly had considerable power, and it was not possible for the archons to exercise absolute control.
If the conditions proposed by Stobi were too harsh, the Citizens' Assembly would never be able to authorize them.
After all, Athens has always been one of the most powerful forces in Greece.
Citizens might be able to accept being defeated by a traditional power like Sparta and being taken advantage of.
But what if we cede land and pay compensation to an unknown emerging country like Stobi?
The Citizens' Assembly would certainly reject it immediately and then exile the consul.
In that case, Athens' only chance to avoid destruction would be lost.
For the sake of Athens, Cleisthenes would never want this to happen.
"Well. I heard everything you said. Let me put it this way. I am also sincere. Lord Archon of Athens, I will give you another chance. You can make a new offer. If the offer satisfies me this time, we will make a deal." Xia Zhe said thoughtfully.
What Xia Zhe really cares about is Athens's kingly heart. Other benefits, whether more or less, are not important to Xia Zhe.
Xia Zhe was very satisfied with Cleisthenes' current cowardly state.
He felt that it should not be difficult to get the other party to add some extra money.
As long as Cleisthenes could increase the benefits a little, he could try to persuade his subordinates and make the deal.
In case the negotiations fail, you won’t lose the most important things.
"Okay, okay! I'll mention it again, I'll mention it again!"
After hearing Xia Zhe's answer, Cleisthenes seemed to see a glimmer of hope and quickly agreed.
Then, under the gaze of everyone, Cleisthenes gritted his teeth and directly threw out his bottom line.
The ultimate conditions that can convince the Citizens' Assembly to pass.
"Let's put it this way. Athens will cede all trade on the northern route of the Aegean Sea to Stobi, with the southern tip of the Euboean Islands as the boundary. However, Stobi will need to send its own fleet for protection! As for the land, the areas west and north of Athens will be ceded to Stobi. Both parties will sign a letter of credence to ensure that there will be no regrets."
"Most importantly, the alliance between Athens and Strobe doesn't require Strobe to contribute a single soldier. As long as Strobe remains neutral when Athens goes all out against Sparta, and doesn't attack from behind or interfere with trade routes, Athens can fulfill all the promises made earlier!"
Cleisthenes spoke carefully, laying out all his bottom lines.
In fact, these are indeed the limits of what Cleisthenes, as consul, can decide.
If there were more, the Athenian Assembly would definitely not approve it!
Those citizens who only blindly believed that Athens was the best in the world and were unaware of the changing situation were not insightful enough to realize that Athens was facing a major crisis that could destroy the country!
"This seems to be mainly a blank check!"
"Yeah. It seems a bit sincere, but it's still far from enough!"
"That's right! There's no cession of territory, no indemnity, no tribute. How can you say you're willingly admitting defeat? Do you really think Athens is still number one?"
…
After hearing the new conditions proposed by Cleisthenes, the ministers of Stobi were somewhat tempted, but they still felt that it was far from enough!
Everyone raised questions and ridiculed Cleisthenes for not being able to see the situation clearly even when his death was imminent.
Hearing this, Cleisthenes became furious and his eyes turned red.
It's not that he can't see the situation clearly!
But in Athens’ system, the monarch did not have the final say.
There's really only so much you can decide for yourself.
If King Stobi fails to understand and remains unmoved, this negotiation will fail.
In the end, under the double blow from the north and the south, the demise of Athens was imminent!
"King Stobi, if you are truly wise and intelligent, please listen to me!"
Suddenly, an old voice was heard from the hillside on one side of the military camp.
Following the sound, I saw an old man with white hair and beard standing there proudly.
When they saw who this person was, Cleisthenes and Alexander were both shocked.
"It's you! Aristotle! Why are you here?" Alexander said in a lost voice.
The person who came was the Saint Master Aristotle.
On that day, he organized the Holy Army and cooperated with Alexander to fight against Stobi but failed.
Aristotle had a great enlightenment and crossed the sea alone to live in seclusion in the Euboean Islands.
He originally thought that he would never have any contact with Stoby from the Great North again in this life.
However, it was totally unexpected.
Eubia, who dominated the Euboean Islands, unexpectedly committed suicide by heading north to attack the Great North.
As a result, the country's national strength was exhausted and it was destroyed by Athens.
What is even more bizarre is that Athens, known as the largest country in Greece, was defeated by Stoica and lost the entire Euboean Islands.
In this way, his secluded place was actually within the territory of Stobi.
This fact made Aristotle interested in King Stobi again.
He really wanted to see with his own eyes who this invincible King Stobi was!
I heard that King Stobius and the Archon of Athens will have a meeting at the port of Eretria today.
With the cooperation of the believers everywhere, Aristotle was able to enter the vicinity of the venue and watch the verbal battle between the two sides.
When the people of Stoica heard Cleisthenes' second offer, they did not understand the Athenian archon's difficulties.
Aristotle felt that he should step forward and offer some suggestions.
As for whether King Stobi can understand it, it all depends on his luck.
"Are you the famous Aristotle? I've heard of you. What do you want to say?"
After hearing Alexander's words, Xia Zhe immediately understood and asked.
This old man is quite famous. If he has no intention of going against him, Xia Zhe certainly doesn't want to cause trouble.
Let's listen to what he wants to say first.
Hearing this, Aristotle smiled slightly, and did not speak to Xia Zhe anymore. Instead, he turned around and chatted with Cleisthenes about family matters.
"Cleisthenes. Do you still remember why we three wise men left Athens?" asked Aristotle.
"I know. You always said at that time that the truth is often in the hands of a few people. And what Pericles and I pushed for would allow people with little foresight to interfere with important decisions." Cleisthenes sighed.
"So, today you are in a dilemma. Do you still think you are right?" Aristotle asked again.
"I, I don't know! I really don't know!"
Cleisthenes looked conflicted and shook his head vigorously, without directly answering Aristotle's question.
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